Between our hands

Chapter 34: A Gentle Morning.

The palace seemed to awaken in an almost otherworldly calm. The heavy curtains, adorned with intricate embroidery, let the first rays of sunlight filter through, bathing the hallways in golden light. That morning, the soft glow gave a sense of peace, a stark contrast to the recent turmoil. The events of the past days had left a heavy mark on everyone’s minds, but at the start of this new day, a kind of serenity had taken hold.

Victor, as was his habit, rose well before the house stirred. The night had not been restful. Lying in his bed, its immaculate sheets crisp against his skin, his thoughts churned. They circled mostly around recent events, but one detail kept coming back: the glances exchanged between Maëlle and Samy. These fleeting moments, barely noticeable to those who weren’t paying close attention, had not escaped Victor. The bond between them seemed to grow stronger each day, and Victor, with his protective instincts, couldn’t ignore what he had seen. This morning, he was determined to learn more.

He walked through the long palace corridors with light steps, his slippers muffling any sound on the thick carpets that lined the floors. The palace was still asleep. The usually bustling staff moved quietly at this hour, and only a few maids could be seen in the dim corners, preparing the house for the day ahead. The filtering light, the gentle warmth of the rising sun—everything contributed to an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

At Maëlle’s suite, he knocked softly, careful not to be too intrusive. Despite his curiosity, he knew not to push his cousin too hard, especially in these troubled times. Yet Victor’s cheerful voice betrayed his intention to pull her out of her gloomy thoughts.

"Hey, princess, wake up!" he called, his tone familiar and filled with affection. 
On the other side of the door, Maëlle opened her eyes, still heavy with sleep. The silk sheets felt pleasantly cool against her skin, and she remained in a sleepy daze. Victor’s voice reached her, and despite her fatigue, a smile formed on her lips. She propped herself up slightly in bed, her disheveled hair falling messily around her face. "Victor? What are you doing here so early?" she asked, her voice still drowsy but tinged with amusement.

Victor entered the room without hesitation, still carrying the confidence that always characterized him. He wore a simple white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and his slightly tousled hair made him look even more relaxed. "I thought it’d do you some good to get some fresh air. Just you and me, like old times." His mischievous smile lit up his face. "Come on, I’m taking you for a walk in the gardens. It’s too beautiful outside to stay cooped up."

Maëlle smiled faintly. Despite her exhaustion, the idea of spending time with Victor outside the palace’s oppressive walls was tempting. "Alright, give me a moment to get dressed." She rose, and within a few minutes, she was ready. She chose a light dress in a pale blue, perfect for the morning’s coolness. Her hair was still slightly tangled, but she quickly tied it back before joining Victor outside.

Stepping out of the palace, the contrast with the stifling atmosphere of the hallways was immediate. The air was fresh, and the morning dew still clung to the impeccably maintained lawns. The sun, barely risen, cast long shadows across the neatly trimmed hedges lining the paths. The palace gardens, a true masterpiece of greenery and flowers, shimmered under the gentle morning light. The fountains sang softly, and a subtle scent of roses hung in the air.

They began walking in silence, savoring the tranquility of the moment. Victor knew Maëlle needed this calm, this space to breathe. In a way, he too found solace in these gardens. The palace’s turmoil seemed distant here, allowing him to recapture the simplicity he cherished in his time spent with Maëlle.

"Do you remember when we were kids, and we’d spend hours hiding in the farm gardens?" Victor asked suddenly, breaking the silence. He turned to Maëlle, a nostalgic smile on his face.

Maëlle nodded, a smile spreading across her face as well. "Yeah... You always found the best hiding spots. I remember Nahïa constantly complaining because she could never keep up with us." The memory of those carefree days brought a bit of lightness to her heart.

They continued sharing childhood memories, their soft laughter echoing through the still-empty gardens. But even as Victor reminisced, he hadn’t forgotten the main reason for this walk. He was just waiting for the right moment to broach the subject that had been on his mind since the day before.

After a few minutes, he finally spoke, his tone more serious but still maintaining his usual lightness. "You know, I’ve noticed you’ve been spending quite a bit of time with your bodyguard," he said, glancing sideways at Maëlle to gauge her reaction.

Maëlle, surprised by the turn of the conversation, felt a flush of warmth rise to her cheeks. She averted her gaze, pretending indifference. "My bodyguard? He’s just doing his job..." she replied, trying to sound detached. But Victor wasn’t fooled.

"Oh, I’m sure he’s very professional," Victor replied with a knowing smirk, his tone laced with amusement. "But there’s something in the way you two look at each other, Maëlle. I may not be a hopeless romantic, but even I can see there’s more going on."

Maëlle remained silent for a moment. She wasn’t sure how to respond. Samy... he was so different from the others. Quiet, attentive, yet always present, with a way of giving her attention without ever overwhelming her. "I don’t know, Victor... It’s complicated. He’s... different."

Victor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Different how? You know you can tell me anything, right?" He looked at her with that natural protective softness of his.

Maëlle sighed softly. "I’m not even sure what I feel. It’s just... complicated." She paused, searching for the right words. "There’s this connection between us, but I don’t know where it could lead. And with everything happening right now, I can’t afford to be distracted."

Victor nodded slowly, understanding her confusion. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You don’t have to make any decisions right away, Maëlle. Take all the time you need. But just know, I’ll always be here, no matter what." His eyes shone with deep sincerity.

Maëlle smiled at him, grateful. "Thank you, Victor. I’m glad you’re here with me."

They resumed their walk in silence, Victor respecting Maëlle’s need for reflection. Gradually, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, and they simply enjoyed the beauty of the garden and the peacefulness of the morning.

When they returned to the palace, the guards, ever vigilant at their posts, respectfully saluted Victor and Maëlle. Among them, Samy stood as tall as ever, but something in his gaze changed when he met Maëlle’s eyes. A silent exchange, almost imperceptible, passed between them. His eyes, filled with gentleness and understanding, seemed to offer her silent comfort.

Maëlle felt a warm reassurance fill her heart. Samy didn’t need to speak for her to know he supported her. It was this quality that made him so unique in her eyes.

Victor, observing the scene from a distance, smiled to himself. "Looks like you’ve found someone special," he murmured quietly before disappearing into the palace corridors, leaving Maëlle and Samy alone for a moment of quiet.

The rest of Maëlle’s day was marked by an endless series of family meetings. After her walk with Victor, she was quickly summoned back to the palace’s demands. Between strategic discussions, updates on family affairs, and tense moments surrounding important decisions, Maëlle barely had time to catch her breath. Though her thoughts often drifted to Samy, she didn’t have a single opportunity to see him throughout the day.