Between our hands

Chapter 38: The First Rays of Dawn.

The sun rose with majestic slowness, its first rays filtering through the heavy curtains of Maëlle's room. The golden light bathed the room in a gentle warmth, transforming the walls into a canvas of warm hues. Shadows danced softly across the polished wooden floor, and the soft murmur of the morning breeze barely penetrated the imposing building's interior.

Maëlle, still deeply ensconced in her sheets, gradually woke up. Her eyes opened to the soft light filling the room, and she rubbed her face with a grimace of fatigue mixed with the satisfaction of a restorative sleep. The discreet yet insistent knocks at her bedroom door pulled her out of her drowsy state. She stretched her arms with a yawn and murmured in a still-groggy voice, "Come in."

The door opened slowly, revealing Samy. His silhouette, slightly trembling with hesitation, stood out in the golden halo of the morning. His features bore an expression that was both professional and warm. With a sincere smile, he moved closer to her. "Good morning, Maëlle," he said, his soft, measured voice resonating in the calm air of the room.

Maëlle waved him over to sit beside her on the bed. Her gesture was filled with warmth and friendship. "What's going on?" she asked, trying to chase away the last remnants of sleep from her eyes.

Samy settled next to her, his relaxed demeanor contrasting with the tension of the previous days. He looked more at ease than the day before, as if the rigor of his duties and the weight of responsibilities had slightly lightened. "Your grandfather Samuel has organized a family meeting for today. He wants to discuss everyone’s roles in the new government and the ministries to be assigned. He asked each bodyguard to inform the family members."

Maëlle nodded, reflecting on the significance of this meeting. She rubbed her eyes and got up to go to the bathroom, taking her time to absorb the information. Samy watched her with a certain kindness, aware that this day would mark a turning point in the management of family affairs.

As they were talking, another knock echoed at the door, interrupting their conversation. The two young people exchanged a slightly awkward glance, aware that Samy was in Maëlle's room, a situation that could lead to misunderstandings. Their eyes met briefly, a mutual understanding passing between them.

The door opened again, revealing Victor, whose mischievous smile was barely concealed. He had noticed Samy enter the room and decided to seize the opportunity for a little joke. "Well, I see the princess has already received her morning visit," he remarked, a playful grin on his lips. "I didn’t know the bodyguard service included pajama wake-up calls."

Maëlle blushed slightly, an amused smile playing on her lips. She tried not to laugh, aware of Victor's teasing nature. "Victor, it’s not what you think. Samy just came to inform me about the meeting."

Samy, although more reserved, couldn’t help but smile at Victor’s light-heartedness. "Yes, that’s right. I was just explaining to Maëlle what it was about."

Victor, still joking, sat on the edge of the bed with a thoughtful expression. "Alright, I believe you. But if you need help with your role in the new government, don’t hesitate to ask. I could give you some tips on the best strategies for managing the ministries."

Maëlle and Samy exchanged an amused glance, appreciating Victor’s humor that had succeeded in lightening the mood. Victor, with his teasing demeanor, added as he stood up, "Come on, we can’t waste time. The meeting is approaching. I’ll leave you to get ready."

Victor left the room with a final conspiratorial wink, leaving behind a light note in the atmosphere. Maëlle and Samy found themselves alone, a bit embarrassed by the recent interaction. They stood up to prepare, each lost in their thoughts about the challenges of the day.

About ten minutes later, Maëlle emerged from the bathroom, fresh and ready for the day. She had chosen an elegant yet understated outfit, suitable for the occasion. Her hair, still slightly damp, fell in soft curls around her face. She headed towards the door, closely followed by Samy, who had patiently waited discreetly throughout her preparations.

As they reached the door, Samy approached gently, his expression marked by palpable hesitation. He seemed to weigh each word, searching for the best way to express his feelings. Finally, he leaned slightly and whispered in Maëlle's ear with sincere tenderness, "You light up the room... and my heart like a ray of sunshine, Maëlle."

Samy’s words resonated in Maëlle's mind with an unexpected sweetness. She turned towards him, a radiant smile illuminating her face. Touched by this sincere compliment, she felt a wave of warmth. In response to this affectionate declaration, she gently stepped closer and enveloped him in a warm embrace. The hug, though brief, was filled with sincere feelings and comforting warmth.

Samy stood frozen for a moment, his cheeks slightly flushed from the embrace. He felt the warmth and softness of the contact, a sensation of comfort mixed with deep emotion. Maëlle, on her part, felt at peace, happy to share this moment of intimacy with him. They gradually separated, their eyes meeting with a mutual understanding, and a shy smile brightening their faces.

Together, they stepped out of the room, their steps synchronized, ready to face the day. Their minds were focused on the upcoming challenges, but the growing bond between them added a touch of warmth and comfort to this moment of transition. The day promised to be filled with responsibilities, but the blossoming complicity between Maëlle and Samy offered valuable support and renewed hope for the moments to come.