Bastian
Chapter Side Story 14 - The Flower Blooms

✧The Flower Blooms✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As the night deepened, the fervour of the party only grew. Everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest and plied themselves with as much food and drink as they could. Princess Berg, the guest of honor was no exception. After a sip of champagne, Odette took Bastian’s hand and returned to the dance floor.

Though she was nervous at first, she had gotten a taste for dancing and she refused to stop. Her dress was a dishevelled mess, her hair was wild and her cheeks were blushed a rosy colour.

   Though she appeared more than slightly tipsy, Bastian pretended not to notice, after all, most of the guests were in the same state if not worse.

The sound of feet tapping, hands clapping, and cheerful laughter filled the room along with the lively music. Odette joined the group dance with ease, her movements now more natural and fluid. 

  Bastian danced with her at every opportunity he could. He enjoyed twirling her about the floor and holding her close. When ever their feet tangled, he would simply hold her tight and just spin with her. When ever their eyes met, they would laugh and kiss.

“Do I look perfect now?” Odette asked with a very proud look on her face, her white dress fluttering like wings as she danced gracefully.

   Bastian laughed. He felt like a carefree youth, swept up in the excitement of the party. Something he had never truly experienced in his actual youth. The parties energy was infectious and showed no signed of slowing, but it had to come to an end as the band’s break was fast approaching.

The guests chatted and drank in small groups as Bastian and Odette circulated among them. Shortly before midnight, it was announced that the final item of the party’s program was ready.

   “Could there possibly be any more surprises left?” Odette said as the hall applauded the band as they got up, bowed and left the stage.

   “Well, now that you mentions it,” Bastian replied, ushering Odette toward the exit. The servants were already getting the villagers to gather in the village square.

   “What’s going on?”

   Bastian said nothing as he took his coat from a maid and helped Odette into hers. Everyone filtered out of the hall and took the hot drinks being passed out by the servants at the door. They also warned of an expected loud noise, reminding elderly and children not to be startled.

   The answer seemed obvious, but Odette hesitated. How could such a thing happen here? By the time she thought about it, they arrived at the village square under a starry night sky.

 “Bastian, you don’t mean…”

   Just as Odette spoke, a bell rang out from some where in the night, marking the end of the year and the start of a new. There was a flash and a bang that rattled the ground. The crowd let out a conjoined gasp of surprise, then ooed and ahed at the bright colours painted on the night sky.

Just as the afterglow of the first brilliant firework began to fade, it was quickly replaced by another and then another, creating a continuous display. The once silent night in the quaint country village was now transformed into a dazzling fireworks.

   A laugh escaped from Odette as she looked up at the explosions of colour and light. The pops and whizzes made the crowd cheer and clap.

As she turned her head, she saw Bastian’s blue eyes, full of her reflection. Without words, they continued to silently hold each other’s gaze. Their fingers intertwined, Bastian’s tight grip conveyed all the emotions he couldn’t put into words.

The bright lights of the fireworks enveloped the two, lost in each other’s company.

Bastian leaned in and gently kissed Odette’s forehead. In return, she tiptoed up to placed a tender kiss on his cheek before their lips met once again as the final firework bloomed above them.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The flowers in the garden resembled the fireworks. Odette smiled as she looked down upon them from the balcony. The spring had called up all the brilliant colours of the garden that had never been properly enjoyed before. And beyond its borders, the serene sea glistened like a million diamonds under the scorching midday sun.

   Odette took a deep breath of the sweet airfilled with the fragrance of spring blossoms. She had a busy morning so far, the ledgers filled with documents and forms that required her signature still sat on the desk. She had also picked out this seasons summer dresses and organised the donations for the Navy Wives. It was a busy start to the day, but a rewarding one and now she had the afternoon for her own endeavours.

   She planned on visitingThomas Muller, who was helping her with her foundation. She had learned the basics from Bastian, but the real work needed to be done by someone who knew the details and that person was Thomas Muller. Bastian told Odette that Thomas would be a great teacher and he was right. Müller’s explanations helped Odette understand. He showed the skill of a mentor who had shaped Bastian Klauswitz into a competent businessman.

   First, she had some lessons to attend at the Royal Music Academy. She placed her weighty briefcase on the table before disappearing into the dressing room to change. After a few moments, she was back wearing a pastel green skirt and simple blouse, and she slipped into comfortable flats perfect for a busy afternoon. She added a matching hat and silk scarf, necessary for the convertible ride along the coast.

   Just as Odette was getting ready to head out, a knock came from the door. “Madam, its Dora.”

   “Come in,” Odette said patiently, slinging a bag over her shoulder.

   Dora came into the room and looked shocked at Odette for carrying her own bag. “Would you let me take you bag please, madam.”

   “Its fine, I want to carry it myself. It makes me feel like a student.”

   Despite the absurdity of it, Dora did not argue. The last few months were a lesson in Odette’s stubbornness and Dora knew it would be pointless to argue. A sigh was all she could do, she just could not fathom how anyone could let the princess do all these menial chores herself. Odette even took to driving herself every where.

After her return, Odette was both familiar and changed. She perfectly fulfilled her role as a dignified and elegant hostess, but also revealed an eccentric and mischievous side. Dora initially supported her plans to study art at the Royal Art Academy, even though it was unusual for high-society ladies. She also accepted Odette’s charity work, knowing it would benefit their family.

But driving was incomprehensible to her. She glared at the keys in Odette’s hand as if they were an enemy.   “Will you be taking the car again today?” Dora asked.

   “Yes. I have driving practice with Hans.” Odette said with a cheerful nod. Dora only could sigh and touched her forehead. Odette wanted to learn to drive after her honeymoon and with the support of her husband.

A princess driving a metal beast!

  Though appalled, there was nothing much that Dora could do. She had hoped it was a fleeting curiosity, but after several lessons with Hans, she got her licence and was eager to express her new found freedom. Despite complaints from more than a few indignant noble women, Bastian remained just as stubborn against stopping Odette’s unladylike behaviour.

   Truly they were a couple resembling of each other.!

   “Bastian acknowledges my driving skills, so don’t worry too much, Dora.” Odette smiled brightly, her tied scarf’s ribbon fluttered.

What has she gotten herself into!

   Dora sighed deeply, resigning herself to despair. Bastian was the one to blame. He not only let his wife drive, but actually taught her. And today, it caused chaos in their peaceful afternoon.

 “There is a gift for you, madam. Leave the keys and let’s go down.” Dora said.

 The damage was done, and it seemed there was no turning back.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

   Dora led Odette downstairs and out the front door, where a bright yellow convertible sat in the driveway. It was a new car, the color slightly paler than the one Odette had been using.

   “A gift from Admiral Klauswitz,” a man said, standing by the drivers door and waiting patiently.

   “My husband got me a new car?” Odette said in disbelief. The man, who was the salesman simply beamed a bright smile.

   “Yes, princess. Precisely, it’s a car purchased for you.”

    “Ah… I see. Thank you. You must have had a long journey.”

   Odette tried her best to behave in a graceful manner, politely taking the keys from the salesman and inspecting every inch of the new car. By the time she was done and satisfied, a black car approached along the mansion’s driveway, Bastian just returned from the Polo Club.

   As he pulled up beside the sparkling new car, Bastian emerged from the back seat, opened by the chauffeur. Odette quickly approached her husband, who had returned home

   “Bastian, what is all this about?” 

 “Well, as you can see, its a new car,” Bastian said nonchalantly, wrapping his arm around her waist.  His lips, meeting hers in a kiss, carried the faint scent of liquor from a day spent out with a driver.

   “Its too soon, I’ve only just got my licence.”

   “I know, but you are driving already, aren’t you?”

   “But I still need Hans’s help.”

   “Then use this car to practice and improve your skills.” Bastian ended the debate by turning to the salesman, who eagerly explained the new car’s features.

   “Well, thank you, but its somewhat embarrassing to get a new car when our garage is already full,” Odette said, still unable to accept the gift. Her cheeks flushed as she accepted the keys.

   “Yes, but you don’t have a car all to yourself in the collection. This is your first car. I ordered it in this colour especially for you, it was your favourite colour, right?” 

Bastian’s serious face made Odette understand his choice, and she laughed in relief.   “Yes, it is. I love it.” She decided to go with a little white lie. She used a yellow car because it wasn’t often used by him. But now, she felt like he would really like that color.

   “Thank you, Bastian, I will practice every day, and become skillful, just as you said.” Odette graciously accepted her husband’s gift and rushed off to avoid being late for her class.  “I should go now, we can talk more when I get back,” Odette said, throwing her bag into the passenger seat of her new car. But suddenly Bastian opened the passenger door.

“Today, I’ll accompany you instead of Hans. Let’s go.”

   Odette looked at her husband seated in the passenger seat with stunned face and wasn’t sure she liked the mischievous grin on his face. He looked like a schoolboy who had set up a prank and was eagerly awaiting the payoff. Resigned, Odette lowered herself into the drivers seat and a pleasant thrill came over her as the car roared into life.

The vibrant yellow car glided gracefully into the warm and radiant spring afternoon, carrying the Klauswitz couple on their journey.

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