Bastian
Chapter Epilog 2 - In The Highest Sky

✧In The Highest Sky✧

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Bastian Klauswitz’s waltz was still flawless. 

As he gracefully twirled her across the dance floor, she couldn’t help but smile at how far he had come since his leg surgery. It was almost impossible to believe that mere months ago, he had been bedridden and shattered from the war, but now he moved with grace and strength as if nothing could stop him.

From a wheelchair, to crutches, to now dancing with ease- his determination and dedication to his rehabilitation were truly admirable. Despite the agonising pain of his ruptured muscles, he pushed through sleepless nights and never missed a day of training to rebuild his broken body. Now, seeing him dance so effortlessly, it was clear that all his hard work had paid off.

Odette’s tears fell like rain in the darkness of night she cared for him. His body was ravaged by exhaustion and scattered with scars. She longed to share his pain, to take it away from him somehow, but all she could do was hold him close and ease his suffering with painkillers. 

As those nights continued the winter of the Trosa Islands slowly gave way to spring, and each passing day brought new strength and vitality to his once frail frame. Finally, as the first flowers bloomed on the North Sea, Bastian was able to move freely without any inconveniences. Odette treasured the bouquet of wildflowers he had proudly picked on his first walk alone, and she carefully pressed them between the pages of her nursing diary.

As they twirled through the elegant dance, Odette couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. “Everyone’s staring at us,” she whispered to Bastian as they completed their sequence of turns.

He chuckled, his hand still gently resting on her waist. “Well, you are the most beautiful princess in the room,” he teased.

“Stop it, Bastian. Don’t tease me.” Odette chided, as she gently pushed against his chest. “This is exactly why I asked you to keep your distance for now. Our relationship is official, Admiral.”

“It’s what I’ve always wanted,” Bastian replied with a relaxed smile, his eyes now focused on the elaborate crown adorning her head, its glittering facets catching the light from the chandelier above. His eyes roamed over her flawless features, taking in every detail from her long neck to her delicate elegant collar bone that caught the light just right, before pausing at the deep neckline of her dress. The very same dress that had caused him days of scolding from Odette for getting too close to her. But even then, he couldn’t resist playing little pranks by nipping at her nape whenever he got the chance. It was all because of her adorable expression whenever he did it that made it worth it.

When the turn came again, Odette’s dress shimmered and swayed like an ethereal ocean of light with every step. Bastian couldn’t help but admire her, his eyes meeting hers as they sparkled like turquoise gems in the moonlight.

“I’m relieved to see your body has recovered so well,” she whispered in a voice that held a hint of tremble.

“Aren’t you already checking on me every day?” Even as he joked, his lips remained softly curved in a smile.

“You are a very strong person, Bastian. I am so proud of you. And I hope this world realises your worth.” she finally mustered the courage to confess her true feelings, ones that had been hidden in her heart for far too long. Bastian had given her a beautiful world, and in return she wanted to be his dazzling world.

“What must I do, Odette? I fear my decision may not align with your desires.” Bastian turned to her with a serene look in his eyes.

The emperor had announced that he would bestow upon him the title of count- a decision meant to honour both his bravery as a hero of the nation and as the man chosen by the princess. But ever the humble subject, he politely declined it. 

‘I already have a dukedom, Your Majesty. One title is enough for me.’

‘Ah, dukedom,’ exclaimed the emperor with incredulous laughter at his reply. ‘The soldiers of the North Sea Fleet call you the Duke of Trosa, don’t they?’

‘I believe it is a title bestowed by the Empire itself. Therefore, I desire no more.’

He was a representative of the commoners, their pride and their glory. Such epithets had begun to follow his name and sparked courage in the hearts of many. They gave him the support and trust needed to lead as a commander during the war. He wanted to leave the honour of Admiral Klauswitz to them, and preferred to remain true to his root

‘I’ll ask you one last time. Do you really want to decline the title?’

‘It’s enough as is. But if you give me a reward instead, I will gratefully accept it.’ 

Bastian’s alternative proposal left the Emperor in stitches, his laughter echoing through the room. At that moment, it was clear to all that the deal had been sealed.

“Is this a decision made during a private meeting with His Majesty the Emperor?” 

“Yes, he offered me a count title. But I refused.”

“That doesn’t concern my wishes. I don’t want you to be respected in such a way. Titles like that don’t matter to me. I respect your decision, Bastian.”

“If I were just a common man, would you still be satisfied being my wife?”

“Absolutely. It’s something I’ve already done.” 

Her musical voice floated above the waltz melody filling their ears as they twirled around the grand banquet hall, lost in each other’s embrace. He looked out the open window towards the palace gardens outside, where even from this distance, he could see the Ferris wheel light up the sky of Ratz.

“Let’s go out, Odette,” he whispered.

“Now? Where to?” 

As the dance came to an end, Odette couldn’t help but steal glances at Bastian as they stood face to face once again just like during the opening waltz. Her eyes wandered from the beautiful frescoed ceiling to the elegant crystal chandelier, before settling on Bastian’s calm face. With a graceful curtsy, she lifted the hem of her dress and bent her knees.In response, Bastian politely bowed his head. Odette couldn’t believe that this was where her mother’s tragedy began. She had broken free from the fate that her mother had inherited, and now the rest of her life would be entirely her own.

 She looked at Bastian with a newfound sense of freedom. Straightening his neck, Bastian gestured towards the entrance of the grand banquet hall. When he gestured to the exit, she couldn’t believe it – the protagonist of the day was leaving his own banquet! Wasn’t this a banquet hosted by the emperor for him? But he gave no room for anyone to dissuade him and quietly left the banquet hall after finishing their first dance.

Odette waited for the right time and soon followed him. With calculated steps, she trailed after him through the lavish halls of the imperial palace, “Bastian….”  As she turned a corner and gazed out at the serene park below, a strong hand snatched her wrist. “Oh GOD, BASTIAN!”

 Her heart raced with both frustration and relief when Bastian emerged from behind a nearby pillar.

He flashed a mischievous grin as he casually placed the officer’s hat on his head. He already brought her shawl and handbag with him. Without waiting for her approval, he took long confident strides down the corridor, adorned in all military regalia. The dazzling brilliance of his own medal and Odette’s shimmering water-coloured dress faded into the distance like stars in the night sky.

The admiral and princess disappeared together during the extravagant banquet. Rumours quickly spread like wildfire, leaving tongues wagging in their wake throughout the imperial palace. 

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Their car cruised down Préve Boulevard, it came to a halt at the entrance of Ratz Park – a bustling amusement park. Odette couldn’t help but feel self-conscious in her outfit, “Are we really going in there dressed like this?” but Bastian remained unfazed as he stepped out of the car and gallantly held the door open for her. “Bastian, my home is near; we should change our clothes. This is too…”

“There’s no need to wait; I plan to stay at the princess’s home tonight. You can go back and rest.” Bastian silenced Odette’s protests with a few quick words to the driver, and took her by the arm towards the amusement park.

 She reluctantly followed, as they neared the entrance, all eyes turned to them, a curious crowd already forming- he in his crisp military uniform, and she a regal princess adorned in a flowing gown and sparkling crown. Their presence alone demanded attention, even if they were to change their attire now, it was clear they would still stand out amongst the sea of ordinary visitor 

The amusement park was bursting with energy, the excited chatter of tourists and the alluring scents of sugary treats, eager to partake in the victory celebration festival.  The air was filled with the shouts of touts beckoning customers and the aroma of sweet treats from vibrant stalls. 

As daylight faded, the vibrant lights of the park came to life, transforming it into a magical wonderland. Hand in hand, they strolled through a fairytale world brought to life. The occasional glances from passers-by who recognized them were a small price to pay for the overwhelming joy of finally experiencing a dream come true.

Her  eyes suddenly lit up at the sight of a cotton candy stand – ‘Fairy Thread’ just like the one she had seen at the amusement park in Carlsbar. The line for this sweet treat was long, so Bastian led her to a nearby bench to rest.

“Princess, please wait here.” Bastian smiled as he eagerly made his way towards the colourful stall, not bothering to wait for her response. Odette couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him standing in line, to purchase her favourite treat – fluffy clouds of cotton candy.

“Mommy! Look! It’s a princess!” 

 A little girl holding a fluffy pink cloud of cotton candy spotted her and gasped in awe. Odette blushed, she returned the child’s enthusiastic wave, and a joyful giggle escaped the little one’s lips. Soon, a group of curious kids who saw them gathered around, and she had to play along, greeting them like a princess doll. Bastian returned with cotton candy just in time, as a street vendor dressed as a clown and selling balloons began casting hostile glances their way.

Odette accepted the cloud-like cotton candy from Bastian’s hand, its sweet scent wafted up to her nose, bringing tears to her eyes. Not from sadness, but from pure joy. A moment so blissful that she couldn’t help but smile, she reflected on the happiness of this moment, and when something fluffy and sweet touched her lips. It was a tuft of cotton candy, Bastian had put it on her mouth. Odette took it without thinking and savoured its sweetness.

It was so sweet.  The cotton candy melted on her tongue was truly as sweet as a lie. As she blinked her glassy eyes, Bastian slipped another bite of cotton candy into her mouth, causing her cheeks to flush under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

“Let’s go now.”  Odette’s earlobes were flushed with embarrassment as she sprang up from the bench, pulling Bastian along with her. 

They strolled hand in hand through a dazzling amusement park, filled with dreamy lights that seemed to dance around them. She couldn’t resist sinking her teeth into the fluffy white cotton candy in her hand and marvelled at the enchanting sight around her. Bastian accepted his share when Odette offered it to him even though he wasn’t much of a fan of sweets.

The sweet, airy taste of cotton candy would be a fond memory that she will never forget. She could easily buy it again and eat it anytime, but it would never have that same nostalgic taste as it did today.

After passing the whimsical carousel and heart-stopping trapeze, Bastian led Odette to the gleaming Ferris wheel. The beautiful light she had dreamed of for a long time welcomed them with open arms. 

“Luckily the line isn’t that long.” 

 With a gracious smile, the Ferris wheel manager waved Bastian over. “Admiral Klauswitz!”As he approached, the entire line of people waiting for the ride turned their heads and soon the whole line erupted in cheers and applause, chanting the hero’s name with admiration and praise. 

“How are you two here on a day like today?” 

“I came to ride the Ferris wheel. It was what I wanted to do most today.” 

“Oh my. The honor of a lifetime, Admiral!”  The manager delivered a lively salute, Bastian couldn’t help but chuckle, joining in with a brief salute of his own   

“Now, please come this way.” Guided by the manager, Odette and Bastian made their way to the boarding gate. Together, they stepped onto the Ferris wheel, ready for a romantic ride high above the city. After they settled into their seats, the doors closed behind them. With a slow creak, the Ferris wheel began its ascent, carrying only two passengers through the bustling carnival grounds below.

“This is my gift for the hero. Have a great time, Admiral!” 

“Thank you for this wonderful luxury!”

Grinning, Odette finally relaxed and leaned back in her seat.

The giant wheel climbed higher and reached the sky, offering a bird’s eye view of the bustling amusement park below.

With wide-eyed wonder, Odette gazed out the Ferris wheel’s window. The feeling of climbing up into the sky was beyond her wildest imagination. “Bastian, look! There’s our house!” she exclaimed, pointing with childlike glee. “And there, over there…” as she turned her head, she was momentarily speechless. “Bastian… … .” 

Bastian knelt on the floor of the Ferris wheel, gazing up at her with eyes as blue as a summer sky. The warm June sky mirrored his smile as he slowly opened a small velvet box from his uniform pocket. 

Her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the ring inside – the very same one Bastian had bought for her on the day she made a foolish mistake, now presented again in a new light.

He called her name, the way each syllable rolled off his tongue with such grace. “Odette Theresia Marie-Laurie Charlotte von Dyssen.” he breathed, “I love you. Will you marry me?” 

With a heart full of love, Bastian poured out his heart in the most sincere confession and her quiet eyes began to shine with a pure and sparkling light. The Ferris wheel soared high into the sky, giving them a spectacular view of the imperial palace at the end of Boulevard Préve. In that magical moment, as tears threatened to fall from her eyes, Odette nodded in acceptance. 

Bastian’s smile lit up the night sky as he slipped the ring onto her finger, completing its long-awaited journey to its rightful owner. The blue diamond flower on her hand was a symbol of their love, blooming beautifully against her delicate white skin. 

Bastian raised to his feet, her face was dazzlingly beautiful in her teary smile. He leaned in for a kiss, but Odette pulled back her head. “Not yet!”

He frowned.

Her hand, adorned with a sparkling ring, tightly gripping his. “Please, love me deeply,” she pleaded, the shadow of her long lashes fluttering over her reddened eyes. “I promise to love you just as much.” 

“I will.” He promised. 

The Ferris wheel then reached the top, the night sky greeted them with a shimmering blanket of stars, while the world below dazzled in a kaleidoscope of lights. Odette looked through the window of the Ferris wheel and urged him with an overwhelming smile. 

“Now is the time, Bastian.”

Without a word, he knew exactly what she wanted. With a gentle lean, he kissed her, sealing their promise of eternal love highest in the sky, a perfect moment frozen in time.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

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