Between our hands

Chapter 43: Awakening of the Senses.

The afternoon stretched lazily, golden light filtering through the hallway windows that Maëlle and Samy were walking through. As the royal family wrapped up their meetings and discussions, Maëlle noticed the red tint in Samy’s cheeks and expressed her concern with a softness that contrasted with the day's serious matters.

“Samy, you look all red. Are you feeling hot?” she asked, her eyes reflecting genuine worry.

Samy, caught off guard by Maëlle’s attention and still processing Victor’s recent teasing, stammered while trying to mask his embarrassment: “Uh, no, not really. It’s just… a bit of fatigue, I suppose.”

Maëlle, noticing Samy’s palpable discomfort, chose not to press. She shifted the subject with a gentleness that eased the atmosphere: “What would you like to do for the rest of the afternoon? If you want, we could go have a coffee or just sit somewhere to chat and relax a bit.”

Her welcoming smile was a sincere invitation to shed their accumulated stress. Samy, seeing this proposal as a perfect way to unwind, eagerly agreed. They decided to head to the farm, a place imbued with calm and simplicity, ideal for a much-needed moment of relaxation.

Upon arriving at the farm, Maëlle led Samy to a quiet corner. Stacks of hay formed a makeshift couch, and the area was bathed in soft light, creating a warm and soothing ambiance. The dogs, Ely and Summer, ever loyal, followed them, lying down nearby and beginning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Maëlle and Samy settled onto the hay bales, the gentle crackling of the animals adding a touch of serenity to their surroundings. Reflecting on the moments shared with the animals, Maëlle remarked with a warm smile, “I think the animals are just as happy to see us here. They love moments like this.”

Samy, allowing himself to be carried away by the relaxed atmosphere, petted the dogs that were nuzzling against him. “I can see why. It’s really nice here,” he replied, his smile conveying his sincere appreciation.

They spent the rest of the afternoon engaged in light conversation, drifting away from the worries and roles that defined them. Their discussions, punctuated by laughter and comforting moments of silence, allowed them to discover more about each other in a new light. Maëlle, watching Samy, noted with pleasure how relaxed and happy he seemed, bringing her a genuine sense of satisfaction.

The sun, now low in the sky, cast golden light through the windows, enveloping the duo in a warm aura. As the waning light painted soft shadows around them, they continued to enjoy their moment of tranquility. The contact of their hands brushing against the hay bales became increasingly familiar and gentle.

Feeling particularly moved, Samy turned to Maëlle with a sincere smile. “Maëlle, I wanted to tell you how much I admire you. Your way of seeing things, your passion for helping others, it’s all really inspiring. And then there’s that softness and kindness in you that makes everything so much nicer.”

Samy’s words touched Maëlle, her eyes lighting up with surprise and emotion. She hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words before responding with equal sincerity: “Samy, that’s very kind of you. But I’d like to tell you something too. I’ve noticed how thoughtful you are, and I can’t help but find your natural kindness really precious. Your shyness has something very charming and sincere about it, and I have to admit that I really appreciate your presence.”

Maëlle’s words warmed Samy’s heart. He looked down, touched by this declaration, as embarrassment mingled with deep gratitude. “Thank you, Maëlle. I… I didn’t know you felt that way.”

Maëlle smiled gently, leaning closer to him. “I’m glad you know it now. It’s important to me.”

Their eyes met, and a moment of silent understanding settled between them. Samy, feeling his heart beat faster, leaned gently toward Maëlle. She, realizing her feelings were mutual, offered him a gaze filled with tenderness. Their gestures became more attentive, and their closeness more pronounced.

In a moment of spontaneity, Samy gently placed his hand over Maëlle’s. The warmth of this simple yet significant contact created a deep connection between them. Maëlle, feeling this gesture, smiled and rested her head on Samy’s shoulder.

The moment was filled with softness and sincerity. The setting sun cast a golden light around them, adding a magical touch to their encounter. The tranquility of the place, the soothing sounds of the dogs, and the warmth of their closeness created an almost timeless atmosphere.

As they rested side by side on the hay bales, Maëlle laid her head on Samy’s chest. The contact of her body against his was both soothing and comforting. Samy felt the steady rhythm of Maëlle’s heart against his, accentuating the intimate connection between them. The warmth and sweet scent of her hair were pleasant and reassuring sensations.

On her side, Maëlle felt safe and fulfilled by Samy’s presence. Being able to rest against him was a relief after the hectic days and intense emotions she had experienced. She cherished every moment, her breathing calm and regular, blending with the soothing rhythm of Samy’s heart.

Their feelings and emotions blended in this tranquil space, far from prying eyes and responsibilities. The tender gestures and exchanged glances, though silent, were laden with meaning. Samy and Maëlle understood each other without needing words, finding mutual comfort in this proximity.

When the moment to part finally arrived, the golden light of the sun was nearly extinguished. Maëlle and Samy reluctantly got up from the hay bales, regretting the end of this serene moment. They headed toward the barn door to prepare for their return to the palace.

At the moment of saying goodbye, Maëlle, taking a deep breath, stood on her tiptoes and placed a tender kiss on Samy’s lips. This unexpected gesture made Samy blush deeply, his cheeks turning a bright shade of red.

Surprised and moved, Samy timidly responded to the kiss, a radiant smile illuminating his face. Maëlle, feeling her heart race, returned his joyful smile and headed toward the dining hall with a lightness and contained joy. Victor, who had been watching the scene from a distance, couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction, understanding easily what had just transpired.

The return to the palace, though burdened with the resumption of obligations, was marked by a new lightness in the gestures and exchanged glances between Maëlle and Samy. The moment shared at the farm had sealed a budding bond, imbued with tenderness and complicity, which only awaited further development.