Between our hands

Chapitre 36 : Under the Stars of Destiny.

The palace, after the frenzy of the day's meetings, was immersed in a calming serenity. The corridors, lit by oil lamps whose flames flickered gently, created an intimate atmosphere. The bustle had given way to an almost solemn tranquility, allowing everyone to savor this well-deserved moment of rest.

Samy, after completing his usual rounds, was slowly making his way toward Maëlle's suite. Each step echoed faintly in the deserted halls, giving him time to reflect on his action. This wasn’t a gesture he took lightly, and his mind overflowed with questions. "Is this a good idea? Am I crossing a line?" But something deep inside him urged him to move forward. He had spent days watching Maëlle, protecting her, anticipating her needs without her having to ask. Tonight, he wanted to offer more than just vigilance: a moment of respite, a break away from obligations and political tensions.

Arriving in front of Maëlle's suite door, he paused. The silence surrounding him contrasted with the inner turmoil he felt. Samy raised his hand and knocked gently on the door. The sound was barely audible, as if he still hesitated to disturb this peaceful moment.

Inside, Maëlle, exhausted from the day's events, had just relaxed in the lounge of her suite. Her shoulders sagged under the weight of the responsibilities she bore, and she savored the surrounding calm, far from the tensions of the meetings and scrutinizing gazes. The soft knock at the door broke this tranquility, immediately piquing her curiosity.

When she opened the door, she was pleasantly surprised to see Samy. He stood there, motionless, slightly hesitant, but his face was lit by a gentle smile. Maëlle returned his smile, slightly surprised to see him at such a late hour. "Good evening, Samy. I wasn't expecting to see you. How can I help you?"

Samy took a deep breath, searching for his words. "Good evening, miss. I wanted to... propose something. After such a busy day, I thought maybe you'd like a moment to relax, away from it all. There's that café, the one we went to last time. I thought it might be nice to go back, to take a little break."

His words were simple, but his tone revealed much more: a sincere desire to offer her a moment of respite, away from the formal obligations. Maëlle looked at him for a moment, touched by his thoughtfulness. This wasn’t just an invitation. It was a gesture of kindness, an attempt to lighten the burden she carried.

After a brief moment of reflection, Maëlle nodded softly, a genuine smile forming on her lips. "That's a lovely idea, Samy. Give me just a moment to get ready."

Samy nodded, stepping back slightly to give her some space. Meanwhile, Maëlle slipped into the bathroom. She gazed at herself in the mirror for a moment, her reflection showing a tired but determined woman. She quickly changed into a light, casual dress, a deep blue that highlighted the clarity of her eyes. She took a few minutes to let go of the day's tension, relishing this moment of transition between the world of responsibilities and the lighter one she was about to enter with Samy.

When she returned to the entrance, Samy was still there, patient and discreet, his hands crossed behind his back. When he saw her, his gaze softened even more. Maëlle, radiant in her simplicity, stirred a mix of admiration and apprehension in him. "Ready," she said with a light smile.

They left the palace together, walking side by side on the cobblestone streets surrounding the building. The evening air was cool, filled with the scent of night-blooming flowers that perfumed the surrounding gardens. The city, illuminated by lanterns hanging from balconies, seemed to drift slowly to sleep under the soft glow of the moon. Their footsteps echoed faintly on the cobblestones, creating a steady rhythm that accompanied the comfortable silence between them.

As the walk went on, Samy felt increasingly at ease. The weight of his mission seemed to lighten as the minutes passed, replaced by a new sense of companionship. Maëlle, for her part, fully enjoyed this interlude. She felt far from the responsibilities and family expectations, free to savor this moment of tranquility in the company of someone she trusted completely.

They finally arrived at the small café they had visited before. The place, almost deserted at this hour, was lit by small lanterns hanging under a pergola. The walls were covered in colorful mosaics, and climbing plants framed the windows, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. A few wrought-iron tables were arranged on the terrace, offering an unobstructed view of the square. Maëlle and Samy chose a table slightly off to the side, under the pergola, where a light breeze gently stirred the leaves of the climbing plants.

Maëlle placed the order: two coffees, accompanied by local pastries they had enjoyed on their previous visit. As they waited to be served, she took the initiative to start the conversation. "So, today... how did you experience it?"

Samy, more relaxed than usual, smiled slightly before answering. "It was... intense, but at the same time... rewarding. Seeing progress, even if small, in these discussions, it gives a certain satisfaction. But I won’t lie, it was exhausting." He paused, choosing his words. "And you, miss? How did you feel about it all?"

She took a few moments to think before replying. "It was tough, but that’s the price to pay to move forward. There's still so much to do, so many issues to consider. But it's true that moments like this one, away from the hustle of the meetings, are important to gain perspective. It feels good to be here." She looked into Samy's eyes, grateful for his thoughtfulness. "Thank you, really. It was a perfect idea."

The waiter returned with their drinks and pastries, delicately placing the cups and plates on the table before leaving them alone. The coffee steamed softly in the cool night air, and the scent of the pastries added a sweet note to the atmosphere.

They exchanged light anecdotes, sharing reflections on the day but also more personal topics. Samy recounted a funny story from his days in the army, an experience that, despite its seriousness, made Maëlle laugh, her laughter clear and pure. That laughter, spontaneous and sincere, echoed gently in the quiet of the night, and Samy couldn’t help but smile as he heard it.

Time passed, but they didn’t seem to notice. The conversation flowed easily, the silences were comfortable, punctuated by knowing glances and smiles. Maëlle, sitting across from Samy, felt safe, but also light, free from the usual burdens that weighed her down.

As the evening wore on and the café began to empty, Maëlle glanced at the clock on the wall. "It might be time to go back," she said softly, though she didn’t seem truly eager to leave this suspended moment.

Samy nodded, standing up to accompany her. They left the café, their footsteps once again echoing on the cobblestones, this time in an even more intimate silence. The walk back to the palace seemed shorter, likely because their closeness had deepened during the hours they had spent together.

Arriving in front of Maëlle's suite, a slight hesitation settled between them. Samy, usually so confident, seemed to search for something to say, but the words didn’t come. Maëlle, on her side, felt her heart beating a little faster. This new closeness, this budding connection, brought with it a sweet but palpable nervousness.

Finally, without thinking, Maëlle made a spontaneous gesture. She stood on tiptoe and placed a light kiss on Samy’s cheek. "Thank you for tonight, Samy. It was perfect." Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, but filled with sincerity.

Samy stood still for a moment, surprised by the gesture, before a gentle smile spread across his face. "Good night, Maëlle." His words were simple, but hinted at much more than they conveyed.

As he walked away, Maëlle gently closed the door behind her, her heart still racing from the evening’s emotion. She sank into the couch, a smile on her lips. This shared moment, far from responsibilities and political stakes, held deep meaning for her. It might mark the beginning of something new, a relationship that, until now, had been purely professional, but was beginning to take on another dimension.

The silence of the suite gently enveloped her, but Maëlle knew she no longer felt alone.