Between our hands

Chapter 44: Under the Stars.

The evening began with a warm family dinner, where laughter and lively discussions filled the grand dining hall of the palace. Maëlle, Victor, and their loved ones gathered around a table adorned with refined dishes and various delicacies. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with familiarity and shared happiness.

Victor, enjoying the convivial atmosphere, extended an invitation to Maëlle. In a cheerful tone, he suggested a walk after dinner. "Why not take advantage of this beautiful evening for a little stroll? The garden is stunning at this hour, and I think it would be nice to get some fresh air. You should join me; it would make me happy."

Amused by the idea and sensing an underlying intention in her cousin's proposal, Maëlle accepted with a smile. "That's a great idea, Victor. A walk in the garden sounds perfect to end the evening beautifully."

After dinner, Maëlle prepared for their stroll. She headed to her bathroom to freshen up, while Samy patiently waited on the sofa in her suite. When she returned, Samy offered a sincere compliment about her outfit. "You look stunning tonight, Maëlle."

Touched by the compliment, Maëlle smiled warmly at him. "Thank you, Samy. You look great too. I'm glad to be able to spend this moment with you tonight."

They made their way together to the meeting point, the main fountain in the garden, where Victor was already waiting for them. The soft light of twilight bathed the garden in a soothing glow, and the cool evening air brought a pleasant relaxation after the hearty meal.

Victor welcomed them with an amused smile. "So, my dear cousin, how was the evening? You both look vibrant, which is a good sign, right?"

Still smiling, Maëlle replied cheerfully, "Yes, everything is going very well, Victor. I really needed this walk. The evening is lovely, and I'm happy to enjoy this moment with you."

Victor turned to Samy with a kindly curious expression. "And you, Samy, what do you think? You seem to be in particularly high spirits tonight. Did something special happen today?"

Samy, slightly surprised but trying to remain composed, carefully searched for the right words. "Well, the day has been filled with unexpected moments, let’s say. Sometimes, the little things have a bigger impact than one might imagine."

Amused by the vague but sincere answer, Victor let out a small laugh. "Ah, the little things, yes. They have a way of turning an ordinary day into something memorable. It's often said that the details make all the difference."

Maëlle, catching the subtext in Victor's remark, added casually, "That's true. And sometimes, those details surprise us at the moments we least expect. That’s what makes each day a bit more interesting."

Victor, seeing that his subtleties had been well perceived, decided to play the card of subtlety to probe further. "You know, I always find it fascinating to see how people react to the little surprises in life. Sometimes, a simple change can lead us to see things in a different light."

Maëlle, realizing that Victor was trying to glean more information indirectly, responded with an enigmatic smile, "It’s true that unexpected changes can reveal aspects of ourselves that we didn’t know. It’s interesting to see how these discoveries influence our perspective."

Victor nodded, savoring the mystery that lingered in the conversation. "One could say that the surprises in life have a certain charm, don’t you think? They often bring a new light to what is important to us."

The trio continued to walk, the garden stretching out before them with its winding paths and quiet corners. The evening progressed, and the tranquil ambiance was punctuated by the gentle murmuring of the fountain and the chirping of crickets. Their conversations flowed with a natural ease, and the exchanges between Victor, Maëlle, and Samy remained imbued with camaraderie and nuance.

Having noticed that his subtleties had been well received, Victor decided to conclude the conversation on a more personal note, yet still shrouded in mystery. "You know, I think each of us finds our own ways to navigate through these moments of surprise. Sometimes, it’s by sharing these experiences with someone special that we truly discover their meaning."

Maëlle, picking up on the hidden meaning in Victor's words, replied with moderate sincerity, "It’s true that sharing certain moments can make experiences more meaningful. We often find that the little things become more significant when we share them with someone who matters to us."

Victor, satisfied with this response and seeing that the moment was right to step back, took a step away with a benevolent smile. "Well, I think it’s the perfect time for you two to fully enjoy the evening. I’ll leave you to explore these moments. Have fun and take care of each other."

With one last knowing smile, Victor turned and headed towards his suite, leaving Maëlle and Samy alone by the fountain. Victor’s gaze was filled with understanding and satisfaction, aware that his cousin and Samy had the chance to draw closer to one another.

Maëlle and Samy found themselves alone in the garden, and the evening coolness felt even more pleasant after their light and subtly charged conversation. They continued toward Maëlle's suite, the air filled with the sweet fragrance of night-blooming flowers.

Walking side by side, their conversations grew more personal, and the closeness of their bodies heightened the sense of the growing bond between them. The space between their hands gradually diminished, and their exchanged glances were laden with understanding and tenderness.

Arriving in front of Maëlle's suite, they paused for a moment, turning toward each other with smiles filled with affection and implicit promises. Maëlle gently placed her hand on Samy’s, feeling a comforting warmth in that simple contact.

The path they had traveled had been a blend of lightness and depth, and the atmosphere of the suite promised to be the perfect setting for their budding closeness.