There is one pain, I often feel, which you will never know. It's caused by the absence of you. – Ashleigh Brilliant

 Odettes POV- Picnic part 1

"That should be... it," I took in a deep breath as I admired my work, gazing through the shallow light of the moon I grinned as I noticed the kitten poke its head through the box and take a glimpse around. I can't help but hope that maybe this will cheer Sebastian up, maybe this quint picnic and small fuzzy cat are enough to ignite the happiness I oh so wish I could see.

I mean what am I thinking! After those people spoke so horribly about him how could he possibly come back from that? No matter, I must go to the royal dinner and explain his absence. Then I have to truly challenge myself by attempting to take his stubbornness to the garden for his picnic.

"I guess I shall be off then."

"Wait here kitty I will be back with your new master," I giggled as I checked my pocket watch.

"I must hurry! They are probably placing plates by now!" I dashed to the kingdom and moved elegantly but quickly through the halls. The dining rooms' oak doors came into view. I stood patiently as the royal family slowly entered, though Lady Willaims did catch my eye she seemed distressed and dear I say aroused. What happened to her I wonder? After the family finished seating the head butler began his speech.

"Today you will be feasting on some smoked salmon with a buttery mushroom dressing and some mixed greens and for dessert, we will be having pressed berry pudding," the butlers came in and placed each plate of delectable meals on the golden plates. Damn, my pie and duck don't look half as good as this. I pray his highness finds it satisfactory.

"Odette, where is Sebastian?" the queen asked as she slowly cut through the tender salmon, I froze as the king's sights pressed on me. He had a slight grin on his lips as he awaited my answer.

"I apologize my queen his highness has been quite str-"

"He knows these dinners are important, how dare he miss them," she shouted.

"Yes, indeed Odette, he knows this is tradition, but still can you please explain further?" at the sound of the king's rough voice my head instantly shot in his direction. I began to sweat and shake, I can't be punished for this, it's not my fault. Come on Odette you have to leave now or the food will get cold.

"He sends his apologies but he truly had to miss dinner. He is working very hard on some paperwork and he just couldn't miss it," suddenly the queen slammed her hand on the table and glared daggers in my direction.

"That is no excuse-"

"You may leave Odette, his absence is excused," the king interrupted her highness and managed to send her a look before turning to me.

"Then I guess I will take my leave," I bowed my head and began to speed walk to Sebastian's room. I knocked once or twice before he said to come in.

"Your highness I have your meal prepared," I bowed my head as I took notice of his back turned to me. He seems to be working vigorously, he barely took any notice of my presence.

"Just place it here and leave. I have much work to accomplish," he deadpanned.

"Your highness your meal is elsewhere so please come with me," I bit my lip as he slowly wheeled his chair towards me. Oh dear, he looks furious.

"Odette! Why must I leave my work? I have-"

"Please come with me if you want to eat, sir," I gritted, you have to be blunt if you want him to listen, I learned that bit too late though.

"Fine but this better be worth my while," he stood and began following me out the room. Once we are out of the castle I guide him to the gardens.

"Ok now your highness please close your eyes I have a surprise for you," I giggled.

"Odette please hurry I have no time for-"

"Surprise!" his mouth dropped as he gazed at the picnic blanket the silver trays and whine placed in a nice order. Yet he seemed to gaze at the box longer than what he wanted most food!

"What-what is this?" he questioned as I guided him to his seat, obviously I had to stand so I just awaited his orders. Yet I couldn't help but hold the box ready to place it in his hands, I am aching to see his reaction when he sees this fluffy ball of joy.

"It is your dinner sir, but I do have another surprise waiting for you," I grinned as I held the box out for him to open. He gawked at me as he ripped the lid of the crimson box open revealing the midnight black and bright green eyes of his new gift.

"Odette- Od- how? Why? I honestly don't know what to say," he held the kitten as a father held their child cradled in his arms as he gazed at it lovingly. I couldn't help but smile at the warmth of his words and the affection he shows the kitten.

"Please your highness just enjoy your meal that's all I need,"

"Odette, I- thank you."

"No honestly I just want your happiness sir nothing more," his pale eyes gazed at me as he placed the kitten beside him petting it lovingly.

"Please, eat with me," he asked, I flushed as I took in his request.

"I mean its the least I can do to thank you," he spoke calmly yet there is an underlying emotion in those words which I can't describe.

"Oh If you say so sir," as I was going to sit across from him I suddenly felt a tight grip on my wrist. I turned to see Sabastains eyes bleeding with emotions. What is he thinking?

"Sit next to me, Odette," he ordered, I stepped through the crunchy grass setting myself beside him. He is just taking pity on me, I know it.

"Thank you, your-"

"You will call me by my name, I assume you know it," he turned his head to his food, the aroma of the roasted duck and sweet wine filled my senses, almost making me moan.

"Yes, Sebastian-"

"I said for you to eat with me I know you're hungry," he chuckled. There was an awkward silence that fell upon us as he placed a hefty slice of duck on my plate. I gazed at him perplexed by his sudden kindness, it's as if he is a completely different person.

"Would you like some wine?" he quizzed, petting the kitten as quite purrs left its throat.

"Sebastian there is only one glass," I replied, he finally stopped chewing his duck and turned towards maneuvering himself to face me. I blushed as his gaze finally fell upon me, my heart is doing flips and twirls as his gaze leaves a heated trail on my skin.

"Then we shall share this one," his lips moved into a subtle curve as he poured some wine into our now partnered glass. He placed it near my lips, the pungent smell of the sweet wine tickling my nostrils.

"Will I be holding the glass-"

"Drink," he spoke plainly.

"But-but I don't wish to be a b-"

"I said drink," his grin grew wide and lustful as he helped me down the wine, each sip so sweet as if my mouth held honey. My body was warm from our closeness and my face red from his touch. I managed to finish some of the wine leaving only a bit at the bottom. He brought to his lips the exact place where mine once were.

"Odette why are you doing this?" he quizzed as he sipped my leftover wine.

"It is my duty to help you Sabastian."

"Don't give me that duty crap, I let you eat and drink from my food I expect a truthful answer," he bit. By now the moonlight had shone on the petals of the garden and the duck had been eaten. The pie stayed under the silver cover and the kitten lay sleepy on his maroon lap.

"Well, I just..." I took in a deep breath building my confidence with the cool and crisp night air.

"I just want your happiness, I saw how saddened you were when those people said those falsehoods about you and I couldn't let myself sleep without making sure you smiled at least once tonight," I blushed instantly as I finished my sentence immediately shutting my eyes from embarrassment. I shivered as I felt his hands warmth on my cheek turning my face to face his, I wish I could cling to his warmth and cling to every second we have.

"Why? Why does my happiness matter so much to you? I have been nothing but cruel to you since I came! How do I deserve this kindness from you," his thumb stroked the apples of my cheekbones as his gaze fiercely pierced me. The paleness of his eyes, scary yet enchanting.

"I can't get myself to be cruel to you, we did grow up together and I do believe we were friends for some time," I spoke breathlessly. His hand slowly moved from my cheek to my lips, his thumb wiping the wine residue.

"Mhm, are you cold?" he asked, I shivered a bit as he pulled away, his gruff voice bringing me back to reality.

"It is quite cold I-" before I could finish my answer I felt a heavy velvety coat on my shoulders shielding me from the harshness of the cold. My cheeks became a bright fuchsia as he began to slice some cream pie.

"You can keep it, it's probably the greatest thing you have worn," he spoke as if he had nothing else to say as if he expects something from me. Why must he tarnish the mood with such cruel words?

"Have I angered you Sabastian?" I asked my voice bearing no emotion. He bit into a large piece of the sweet dessert chewing with sweet bliss.

"Mmm, your cooking is quite good," he smirked.

"I asked if I angered you, Sebastian," I asked again regarding his tightening fist.

"Yes, maybe you have, Hah, I should have you 'killed' for what you have done tonight," he spoke sarcastically as he finished the rest of his pie. I stood making my way for the gate, is he really trying to humiliate me after I showed such kindness to him. Damn prick! I will not stand for it.

"Odette! I never said you may leave, I plan on spending a bit of time here so please come back and take your seat beside me,"

To be continued...

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