Bastian
Chapter 25 - Where the Arrow Is Pointing

✧ Where the Arrow Is Pointing✧ S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NƟvelFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian let out a deep, throaty chuckle that echoed through the entrance hall like a peal of thunder. 

His eyes, as still and peaceful as a mountain lake, locked onto Isabelle’s, and a sly smirk played at the corners of his lips. It was not a friendly expression though, and Isabelle felt herself shrink back, her feet frozen in place like an ice berg. 

She stood before Bastian, just close enough to feel the chill radiating from his piercing gaze. He cast a cursory glance at the bustle of the entrance hall, then, with a single, crisp nod of his head, he summoned the butler, who cowered behind him. The butler, sensing Bastian’s intent, scurried to close the door, and the hall was consumed by a deafening silence, broken only by the sound of Bastian’s amused breathing.

Bastian, with a flick of his wrist, halted the scurrying servants who sought to flee the scene. He advanced towards Isabelle, his steps purposeful and determined. Isabelle’s heart, once filled with excitement, now turned to ice as she met his cold gaze. 

“We’re going to the imperial palace,” Bastian declared, his voice devoid of any warmth or welcome. “Come with me.” The words, spoken with such brutal efficiency, sent a torrent of tears streaming down Isabelle’s cheeks. She was overwhelmed with emotion at this reunion marked by such cruel disregard.

“No, I won’t comply,” Isabelle cried out, her hands shaking as she clutched onto Bastian’s sleeve. “I have escaped that place, and traveled a weary road to reach here. You know nothing of the trials I have endured.”

“Sure, it appears so,” Bastian sneered, his lip curling into a contemptuous smirk.

The confusion that had once graced Isabelle’s features as a disguised princess was now replaced by disdain. Bastian couldn’t fathom what could have possibly driven the princess to embark on such a foolish endeavor, or how she had mustered the resources to make it a reality. He felt a twinge of pity for both the emperor, who would soon be embroiled in this mess, and the crown prince of Belov, who was doomed to marry the mad princess for the sake of his kingdom.

“You are sought after, and the emperor’s arrival is imminent,” Bastian warned, his voice stern. “You must depart before he arrives.”

“Bastian, I beg of you, speak truth to me,” Isabelle pleaded, her voice taking on a stubborn edge. “Do you still see me as a child? I comprehend that I may have appeared thus when we first met, but I assure you, those days are long gone.”

Isabelle tossed her hat with a flourish, and it landed with a dramatic clatter on the marble floor. “Look at me, Bastian,” she declared, her voice ringing with determination. “I am no longer a child, but a woman fully grown. And I am ready to sacrifice my crown for you, without hesitation!”

“Your Highness, what concern is it of mine whether you be a child or a woman?” Bastian gazed upon Isabelle, his eyes shining with innocence. 

“Is it because of your royal station? The disparity in our ranks? Is that why you cannot look within and consider your heart’s desires?” Isabelle asked, her voice laced with frustration.

“Being a princess is a heavy burden, Bastian,” she said, her voice rife with dramatics. “How I yearn to cast off this title, if only I could.” Isabelle indulged in a performance of heart-wrenching grief, playing the role of the tragic heroine.

Isabelle, had always lived a life of privilege, appeared to be unfamiliar with the concept of rejection. She was a zealot, blindly convinced that the world owed her their love and adoration.

The emperor’s daughter appeared to have completely disregarded the honor of her cousin Odette, who was reduced to a state of impoverishment and was desperately fighting to maintain her dignity.

Bastian loosened the knot in his tie, cocked his head, and looked down. He whispered in a whisper that only the princess could hear.

“Allow me, dear Princess, to offer a word of counsel from a place of devotion. It would serve you well to grasp onto that regal headpiece with the utmost ferocity. My demeanor, though tested in this moment, remains patient and considerate due to the reverence I hold for your status as the emperor’s offspring.” Bastain said

“Bastian….?” Isabelle softly spoke his name, searching for answers.

Bastian gazed upon her, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “Your Highness,  had you not been royalty, it would have been unlikely for you to stand before me with such poise and elegance.”

Isabelle blinked, taken aback by his words. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re trying to say…”

“So, cherish the gift of your imperial lineage, Princess. Allow me to impart this wisdom.” Bastian raised his head, imbuing his words with reverence. The princess’s hand, clinging to his sleeve, dropped with a sense of defeat.

“No way! This can’t be the end!” Isabelle panted, her voice ringing out with a desperate plea. It was clear that the towering illusion she had built for herself over the years was unbreakable. “What else would I do for you? I took a chance and left everything behind, all for you. Don’t do this to me, Bastian! Please, have mercy!”

“Your Highness, my heart belongs solely to the imperial family as a loyal soldier. This steadfast devotion has been unyielding and shall remain thus. The truth you so eagerly sought, this is it.” With a collected demeanor, Bastian righted the cufflinks disturbed by the princess, sealing the fate of their relationship with a reserved air.

The sound of the mansion’s doorbell echoed through the halls, jolting Isabelle from her dazed state. She stumbled, as if she had forgotten how to even shed a tear. 

With cool composure, Bastian answered the door to find a group of Imperial Guards disguised as police officers, taken aback at the sight of the princess being supported by the servants.

“Her Royal Highness is here,” Bastian proclaimed, breaking the stunned silence. The guards’ expressions were a mix of shock and confusion at the unexpected appearance of Isabelle.

“I had intended to escort her back to the imperial palace, but now that you’ve arrived, I’ll entrust her to your capable hands.” Bastian declared, gesturing towards the disheveled princess. 

“Captain Klauswitz, accompany us at once.” The senior officer, commanding with authority, commanded, “You are instructed to arrive at the palace as quickly and discretely as possible.”

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“I’m grateful, sister. Thank you a lot! “Tira threw herself at Odette, embracing her, excited and speechless.

They had just set up to go on a weekend picnic together after a full week of pleading and begging.

With a gentle smile gracing her face, Odette laid down the ladle she had been using to stir the bubbling stew. Her sister Tira was an endless font of excitement and energy, her eyes alight with wonder as she recounted out all the marvels she had heard about the new amusement park in the city center. 

Cotton candy and merry-go-rounds, the Electric Palace and horoscope machines, even the towering Ferris wheel – Tira’s voice was overflowing with enthusiasm and eagerness as she recounted all the exciting tales she had heard from her schoolmates. In the face of such youthful excitement, Odette couldn’t help but give in, her heart softening to her sister’s unbridled joy.

“Don’t forget, the date is next Sunday.” Tira chimed in with excitement, extending her pinky finger for emphasis. It was her secret way of securing promises. Odette, with a smile, entwined her finger with Tira’s, assuring her. 

However, deep down she hoped that the man who had been bothering her lately wouldn’t contact her again. If he did, she made a silent vow not to answer his calls.

“It’s a blessing that Father didn’t return, isn’t it?” Tira beamed with a childlike innocence as she took a seat at the dinner table. Though she knew her words were offensive, Odette found herself unable to scold her. After all, her own feelings mirrored Tira’s.

With a dreamy gaze fixed upon the vacant chair that once belonged to their father, Odette proposed an adventure to her sister, “Imagine a world beyond these four walls, just you and I exploring uncharted territories after graduation.”

Contrary to what Odette had hoped, Tira’s face displayed a look of reluctance. “Do we really have to leave?” she questioned. “Can’t we just find a cozy home here and make a life for just the two of us?” 

“The bustling capital city is too hectic, and the cost of living is sky-high. A quaint little town might be just what we need for a peaceful existence,” Odette countered with a gentle smile.

As Tira struggled with her thoughts, a reluctant smile graced her lips. “Uh…I’ll consider it,” she said, before lowering her gaze to focus on the meal before her.

The realization dawned on Odette, like a gentle summer breeze, that Tira was growing up and soon to be an independent adult. She couldn’t force her sister to follow in her footsteps.

Gazing out the window at the bustling city beyond, Odette tightly gripped her glass of water, lost in thought. In due time, Tira would be ready to embark on her own journey. She would have a job, a home, and the freedom to live life on her own terms. And when that day arrived, Odette could set out on her own path, unencumbered by any obligations or expectations.

With wonder in her heart, Odette delved into the world of tutoring, discovering to her delight that it paid far more than she had ever imagined. The added perk of having her housing needs taken care of was a temptation too great to resist. Though she had no prior experience, the staff at the agency lavished her with praise, speaking highly of her skills. 

The prospect of residing in a picturesque town by the tranquil, warm southern sea filled her with a sense of longing. But just as Odette’s dreams were starting to take shape, a familiar name shattered her peaceful thoughts, leaving her once again rooted in reality.

“Sister,” Tira exclaimed, a twinkle in her eye. “Have you heard about mysterious Klauswitz?” Odette’s grip on her glass of water tightened, her calm demeanor faltering as she asked with a hint of unease, 

“Where did you come across that name?”

With a heavy heart, Odette implored the cosmos, her words tumbling out in a desperate plea. Yet, fate once again dealt her a cruel hand, leaving her hopes dashed.

Tira nibbled on her meal, nonchalantly chattering away. “Remember when Father said Klauswitz would handle everything? Well, a visitor stopped by when you were out grocery shopping. It sounded like it had something to do with money, but I don’t know the specifics. I suppose there’s no news if there’s nothing noteworthy, right?” 

The mention of Klauswitz set Odette’s nerves on edge. The fact that her father was familiar with the man could only mean one thing, especially if it involved financial matters.

“Could you tidy up the table, please?” Odette rose from her seat, her legs barely able to support her weight.

“Going out already? So soon? Where to?” Tira asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“I have a meeting I overlooked. I must go,” Odette replied, a hint of urgency in her tone.

“A meeting? At this hour?” Tira asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Yes. I need to return something to a relative of the imperial family,” Odette explained.

“Ah! That sharp-tongued old woman,” Tira said with a knowing nod.

Odette spun a web of deceit with ease, although her thoughts were muddled and confused. Thankfully, Tira readily accepted her fabricated story. With swift movements, Odette made her way out into the dark night. Her purpose was clear: to seek an audience with Bastian Klauswitz. This was the only objective that echoed in her mind.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The suffocating silence was broken by a loud slap. Bastian took a tough stance and allowed the hit to land on his cheek. The empress raised her hand once again as she prepared to strike him with her wrath, trembling with rage.

With a steely resolve, Bastian braved the impending blow as the empress, incensed and trembling with anger, thundered, “How dare you deceive my daughter!” 

Bastian calmly wiped away the crimson droplets from his wounded lips, steeling himself for the next barrage of insults and strikes. He had known the consequences of his actions, yet he never imagined the empress’s wrath would be so formidable, so physically punishing.

“Steady yourselves,” spoke the Emperor, who watched the tumultuous scene unfold from a distance. “In moments like these, it’s important to maintain composure.” With a gentle touch, he gestured for someone to guide the Empress to her bedchamber.

The emperor’s command was met with swift action, as the servants surrounding the empress hastened to carry out his request. With her eyes fixed coldly on Bastian, the empress retreated, her dignity intact despite the circumstances. 

Though her actions were fueled by anger, she was still a better mother than her daughter. In the wake of the empress’s departure, a profound stillness settled over the private residence, casting a shroud of silence over the space. The emperor, his face etched with a complex array of emotions, retrieved a cigarette, his gaze lingering on Bastian for an extended moment before lighting it.

As the dawn broke and news of Isabelle’s escape reached the emperor’s ears, a maelstrom of anger and disappointment swept over him. Bastian Klauswitz, a figure who had brought both fortune and misfortune to the empire, was the target of his fury. 

The echoes of a distant bell signaled the hour, and the emperor snuffed out his half-smoked cigarette. Slowly, he shifted his gaze towards Bastian, his eyes burning with an unspoken question.

“As the first rays of dawn creep over the horizon, Isabelle will be whisked away to foreign lands, banished from Berg’s soil until her wedding day arrives. The official explanation for her hasty departure is to allow her to recuperate, for her delicate health has been shattered by neurosis and she needs time to heal before taking her vows.” The Emperor sat in a leisurely manner on the sofa, his gaze fixed on the unlit fireplace, as he rubbed his tired face.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ll take keep it in mind.” Bastian nodded with the discipline of a dedicated solider.

“We have much to discuss. Please, be seated,” the emperor gestured towards the chair across from him, his demeanor weighted with weariness.

Sᴇarch the N0vᴇlFirᴇ.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.