Between our hands

Chapter 25: Union in the Softness of Dusk.

The rest of the day was marked by an unusual lightness, as if Sacha and Daniel’s arrival had brought a new energy to the palace. Their laughter echoed in every corner, filling the vast halls with their enthusiasm and giving Maëlle a comforting sense of familiarity. They were together, and that was what mattered most.

The palace, with its monumental dimensions, seemed far less intimidating with them by her side. Sacha and Daniel, explorers at heart, had set out to discover every nook and cranny of this mystical place, their boundless curiosity taking over. Maëlle watched as they lost themselves in the contemplation of frescoes, sculptures, and details she herself had not yet had time to fully appreciate. Every detail seemed like an adventure for her brothers, turning the visit into a true game.

Daniel, in particular, showed an unexpected interest in the stories the servants shared about the palace’s history. These passionately told tales transported Daniel and Sacha to another time, a world where every stone had a glorious past. Maëlle smiled as she listened to them ask a thousand questions, the seriousness on their faces contrasting with their almost childlike enthusiasm.

But it was especially the bond between her brothers that warmed Maëlle’s heart. As triplets, their connection had always been special, almost unbreakable. Even when separated, they had always known they could count on each other. And now, reunited in this foreign environment, that bond became a refuge, an invisible strength that united them against the unknown.

Victor, on the other hand, had naturally taken on the role of guide. His growing ease with the place allowed him to take his cousins to spots he knew well, revealing the secrets he himself had discovered during his stay. He spoke to them about local customs, the layout of the rooms, and the discreet passages he had learned to use to avoid the constant formality of the guards and royal protocol. The triplets followed him, fascinated by this new life unfolding before their eyes.

In the afternoon, the king invited them to a walk in the palace gardens. It was an unexpected moment for Maëlle, who hadn’t anticipated spending so much time with the king. Yet she felt a certain relief at the thought of leaving the imposing interior of the palace to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the surroundings. The sun was already beginning to set, tinting the sky with a soft golden light that reflected off the sparkling fountains and flower-lined paths.

The gardens were both lush and carefully organized, every plant and tree seeming to have been chosen with care to create a perfect balance between nature and architecture. The triplets, marveling, took pleasure in discovering the different plant species, some exotic, brought from all corners of the kingdom. Daniel, ever playful, couldn’t help but make amusing remarks at every new discovery, turning each detail into a source of entertainment for him and Sacha.

Maëlle walked a bit behind, watching the scene with a certain tenderness. Seeing her brothers so happy and playful in such a formal environment touched her deeply. It was as if they had managed to bring a bit of their own world into this imposing palace, breaking through the rigidity of protocol with their mere presence.

The king, too, seemed more relaxed. He walked beside them, engaging in conversation with a kindness Maëlle had not yet witnessed. He took an interest in each of their passions, listening attentively as Sacha spoke about his law studies with a seriousness that contrasted with the lighthearted atmosphere. Daniel, on the other hand, recounted his athletic feats with contagious enthusiasm, prompting many laughs in the group.

Then, unexpectedly, the king turned to Maëlle and spoke to her in a soft, almost intimate voice. "Maëlle," he began, his tone filled with gravity and sincerity, "I’ve been reflecting on our conversation from yesterday. I understand your sensitivity and your desire to respect each individual, regardless of their background or religion. What you’ve experienced here is, unfortunately, not uncommon, but I want you to know that you are under my protection."

These words resonated with Maëlle in an unexpectedly profound way. She hadn’t anticipated such honesty from the king, nor this declaration of support. She nodded silently, touched, yet somewhat unsettled by this moment of shared vulnerability. In the king’s words, there was a form of recognition she had never anticipated, an acceptance of her values despite the cultural distance between them.

The walk continued, punctuated by lighthearted discussions and moments of silent contemplation. The sound of fountains and the song of exotic birds created a soothing backdrop, making each step feel a little more serene. Maëlle, who had felt some apprehension at first, now felt more at ease. The king was no longer just a figure of authority but also a man capable of empathy and understanding. She was beginning to see another side of him, a humanity she had not suspected.

In the late afternoon, the king proposed they take part in a language lesson, an idea that was immediately met with enthusiasm by the triplets. Learning the local language was, for them, a way to integrate even more deeply into this new life, but also an opportunity to better understand the subtleties of their surroundings.

The lesson took place in a room bathed in the golden light of dusk, decorated with colorful cushions and soft rugs. The atmosphere was relaxed, almost intimate, and the teacher, a middle-aged man with a warm smile, made an effort to keep the learning playful and interactive. The exercises were varied, ranging from role-playing to practical pronunciation drills. Daniel, true to form, turned each sentence into a source of comedy, imitating accents with an exaggeration that elicited laughter from his brother and even the teacher.

However, Sacha, more serious, focused intently on each word, repeating the phrases tirelessly to master their nuances. As for Maëlle, though a bit shy at first, she found herself enjoying the exercise. The sounds, initially foreign, became more familiar as she pronounced them, and she felt a certain pride in successfully forming increasingly complex sentences.

Victor, always in the background, watched with a smile. He was proud to see Maëlle relaxing, to see her open to this new culture with a curiosity he knew well. He knew she had within her the ability to adapt, to find strength even in the unknown.

The lesson ended in a lighthearted mood, with the triplets exchanging jokes about their linguistic performances and promising to help each other progress. As they left the room, Maëlle felt a new energy, a sense of satisfaction mixed with excitement for the discoveries to come. It was as if this moment had marked an important step in their integration into this new life.

The day ended with a simple yet comforting dinner, shared in the palace’s grand dining hall. The conversations were lively, each person sharing their impressions of the day, the progress made during the lesson, and plans for the days ahead.