Between our hands

Chapter 26: Under the Stars, the Promise of a New Beginning.

As night draped its veil over the palace, a golden dusk enveloped the imposing stone walls, turning every architectural detail into a fleeting masterpiece. The last rays of the setting sun reflected off the stained-glass windows, casting colorful glimmers of light on the marble floors. The palace gardens, bathed in this soft light, seemed to transform into a living painting, with the shadows of trees gracefully stretching over the paved paths.

In the grand dining hall, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Silver chandeliers, adorned with candles, cast a soft light that danced on the richly decorated walls. A white silk tablecloth draped over the mahogany table, highlighted by the refined dishes and gleaming silverware. Each plate, each glass, was a work of art in itself, meticulously prepared. Fresh flowers in crystal vases added a vibrant touch of color, pleasantly contrasting with the dim lighting.

The king, this time, had set aside the usual formalities, embracing a more relaxed and almost familial atmosphere. His posture, less rigid than usual, and his genuine smile brought an unexpected lightness to the event. He moved with natural ease, engaging his guests in lively conversations and warm exchanges. His sparkling eyes, full of sincere curiosity, never left his interlocutors. Every word he spoke seemed measured, thoughtful, and most of all, filled with a true desire to know his guests.

Maëlle, seated next to Victor, discreetly admired the king. The powerful man who had previously seemed distant and formal was revealing a new side, showing a more accessible and human aspect. His bursts of laughter echoed through the hall, and he shared personal stories with a surprising ease. The contrast between his royal stature and the conviviality of the moment was striking. The anecdotes he recounted, tinged with humor and wisdom, seemed to create a bridge between worlds that had until now seemed so far apart.

Maëlle, Sacha, and Daniel mingled in the discussions with visible joy. Sacha, passionate about law, shared his reflections with a quiet erudition. He spoke of the legal principles he had studied, illustrating his points with examples from his education. Daniel, always lively, recounted humorous anecdotes about his athletic adventures with contagious energy. Laughter and enthusiastic exclamations mingled with the conversations, creating a symphony of joy and camaraderie around the table.

The king, far from being distant, listened attentively, showing genuine interest in the stories and passions of his guests. His attentive and engaging gaze reflected a desire to understand and appreciate every aspect of their lives. He asked insightful questions, deepening the discussions with an intellectual curiosity that fostered authentic exchange. The atmosphere around the table grew increasingly relaxed, and the boundaries between royalty and guests seemed to blur.

When dinner concluded, the group retreated to their quarters to prepare for the evening. Victor, tired from the day's emotions and the deep conversations with the king, withdrew to his suite for a well-deserved moment of calm. His room, adorned with rich velvet fabrics and carved dark wood furniture, offered a tranquil space for reflection. The soft hum of the ventilation, mixed with the golden light from the wall lamps, created a soothing ambiance. Victor settled into a leather chair, contemplating the day's events. His thoughts drifted between the pride of having his military past recognized by the king during their conversation and the new responsibilities that might follow.

Maëlle, on the other hand, sought a moment of solitude. She stepped out onto the balcony of her room, a private space offering a spectacular view of the gardens illuminated by the silvery light of the moon. The vast gardens below were bathed in a soft, almost ethereal glow. Sculpted fountains murmured quietly, their jets of water shimmering under the moon's rays. The trees, stirred by a light breeze, released intoxicating scents of night-blooming flowers and fresh foliage.

The sky, dotted with sparkling stars, formed a dazzling celestial carpet. Maëlle closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself be enveloped by the serene beauty of the moment. The whisper of the wind through the trees, the distant song of nocturnal birds, and the silvery light of the moon formed a gentle and soothing melody. The tranquility of the night offered Maëlle a deep connection to the universe. Each star seemed to reflect her thoughts and feelings, bringing a sense of clarity and serenity.

The moonlight reflected on the garden’s shimmering surfaces, creating ephemeral and luminous patterns. The soft rustling of leaves under the night breeze added a melodious touch to the atmosphere. Maëlle felt a strange peace, despite the uncertainties of the future. The gentle breeze, laden with the scents of nocturnal flowers, brought unexpected comfort. The surrounding calm, far from the tumult of the day, offered her a much-needed respite.

Inside her room, the curtains, slightly drawn, allowed a beam of silver light to dance on the ancient parquet floor. This soft, soothing glow transformed the room into an intimate refuge. Maëlle observed the details of her room with a sense of calm: the thick curtains, the fresh sheets giving off a slight lavender scent, and the warm, simple furniture. Everything seemed in perfect harmony with the peaceful ambiance she sought.

Ely, the dalmatian, her faithful lifelong companion, had settled in, finding his own comfort on the thick rug near the bed. His steady breathing, like a soft soothing breeze, could be heard in the night’s silence. His spotted coat, gleaming under the moonlight, added a comforting sense of calm. Maëlle gently stroked his head, finding in this simple gesture a welcome stability. Ely barely lifted his head, his sleepy eyes gazing at her with silent affection before drifting back to sleep, reassured by Maëlle’s presence.

Rising slowly, Maëlle took a deep breath, letting the warm, fragrant night air fill her lungs. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she moved toward her bed. Her steps, muted by the plush carpet and polished parquet, echoed lightly in the surrounding calm, like an echo of the thoughts still swirling in her mind. The room she was in felt like a haven of peace, a soothing contrast to the vastness of the palace.

She lay down gently, appreciating the feel of the soft linens against her skin, and let out a sigh of relief, a welcome release after such an emotion-filled day. The bed, enveloping and comfortable, called her to a well-deserved rest. Maëlle closed her eyes, letting herself be carried away by the approaching sleep’s softness. The memories of past days mingled with hopes for those to come, forming a serene in-between.

The whispers of the night and the faint sounds from the gardens contributed to creating an atmosphere of deep calm. The king's protection, her family's unwavering support, and these moments of simplicity were the pillars she could rely on. Even though the road ahead promised to be complex and full of challenges, she felt ready to face it. The courage she drew from her connection with her loved ones and with herself would help her overcome any trials.

Slowly, she let herself be carried off to sleep, her thoughts blending into the night’s softness. Ely’s steady breathing was the last thing she heard before silence and darkness completely enveloped her, gently taking her into the realm of dreams. In this moment of absolute calm, Maëlle knew she was ready for whatever tomorrow might bring.