Between our hands

Chapter 47: The Morning Laughter.

Samy gently pulled away from Maëlle, his heart still resonating with the tender moments they had just shared. The hallway leading to the guards' quarters seemed to stretch endlessly, reflecting the transition from the warm cocoon he had left to the reality of everyday life that awaited him. The first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows, casting long golden shadows on the walls, as if the day itself was teasing the innocence of the night they had spent.

As he walked down the hallway, Samy found himself face-to-face with one of his colleagues, a guard whose smile betrayed that he had already heard about Samy's nocturnal escape. The guard, his eyes sparkling with mischief, greeted him with a knowing nod. "So, Samy, how was your night?" he asked, his voice filled with barely concealed teasing.

Samy, caught off guard and already blushing with embarrassment, tried to mask his unease with a relaxed smile. "Oh, you know, the usual routine. Have you already started talking about my absence?"

The guard nodded with amusement. "Oh, you have no idea how much it stirred up conversation. Everyone’s deep into speculation. They're convinced your night was full of... events, and you know how it goes around here—rumors spread fast."

Samy, aware that rumors could quickly spiral out of control, felt a twinge of apprehension. "Really? And what have you heard?"

The guard leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice but keeping his mischievous grin. "Well, there have been bets on everything, from deep discussions about the kingdom’s future to... more intimate moments. Some have even made up stories about you becoming the romantic hero of the night."

Samy sighed, trying to stay composed. "You can't imagine how embarrassing this is for me. Please, keep it to yourself. Maëlle and I would prefer this stay our little secret."

The guard, touched by Samy's sincerity, nodded in understanding. "No problem, I'll keep it quiet. But you have to admit, the other guards are getting a little too creative with their guesses. They look at you like you're some kind of romantic mystery."

Samy thanked him with a grateful smile and continued his way to the dining hall, the sound of laughter and animated conversation growing louder as he got closer. The hallway opened into a large, bright room, where the morning sun bathed the space in a golden light, and the echoes of joyful laughter filled the air.

No sooner had Samy stepped into the dining hall than the eyes of everyone turned toward him, followed by a collective burst of laughter. The guards were already gathered around the large wooden table, their faces lit up with amusement and curiosity. Samy felt his embarrassment deepen as he noticed the mischievous smiles spreading across their faces.

“Well, Samy, how was the night?” asked one guard with a knowing smile, his eyes gleaming with teasing delight.

Samy, red with embarrassment, tried to keep his composure as he smiled. "You're going to harass me about this all day, aren't you?"

Another guard, pretending to think deeply, shrugged with a playful grin. “Oh, you know it's all in good fun. But seriously, have you been taking lessons in cuddle therapy?”

The other guards burst out laughing at the remark. Despite his growing discomfort, Samy forced a smile, trying to maintain a relaxed attitude. "Very funny, but there's really nothing to tell."

One guard, playing the role of an imaginary journalist, asked in an exaggerated tone, “So, Samy, what are your impressions of your thrilling night? How was it spending so much time with the princess?”

The questions kept coming, each guard adding their own personal touch. Another leaned in closer and said, "Any juicy details to share? We heard you had quite the extraordinary evening."

A third guard, pretending to take notes with an imaginary quill, made a show of writing in a notebook. “Maybe you could write a book about what happened. ‘The Nightly Adventures of Samy and Maëlle’—it could be a bestseller!”

The teasing continued with even more exaggerated comments. One of the guards, with a mock-serious expression but still a hint of humor, asked, “So, Samy, did she show you any secret strategies for the kingdom, or was it more personal?”

Samy tried to keep his cool, his cheeks turning redder with each joke. He shook his head, smiling despite the palpable embarrassment. “You guys are unbearable. You know I’m not going to tell you anything.”

Another guard, with a more serious look but still a teasing edge, said, “Come on, you could at least tell us if everything went well. We heard the princess was very... attentive to you.”

Samy smiled, appreciating the humor despite his discomfort. "Yes, everything went well. But I’m asking you again, keep this to yourselves."

The guard who had caught the kiss in the hallway approached and whispered, still laughing, “Don’t worry, we won’t say a thing.”

Samy burst out laughing despite himself. “You’re terrible. Okay, enough talk. You’re going to make me blush before I can even sit down.”

The laughter and teasing continued as the guards gently poked fun at Samy. He joined them with a sincere smile, grateful for the camaraderie and humor that lightened the mood. Samy responded to each comment with patience and humor, all while trying to steer the conversation back to more neutral topics.

As the conversation carried on, the guards shared amusing anecdotes and captivating stories. The laughter and loud voices echoed through the hall, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Despite his embarrassment, Samy was thankful for the warmth and camaraderie of his colleagues. The lightheartedness of the morning and the sense of unity among the guards provided a pleasant contrast to the more serious moments of the previous night.

As breakfast unfolded, the teasing gradually gave way to lighter conversations and friendly exchanges. The guards continued to joke, but with less intensity, allowing Samy to relax a bit more. He took the time to savor the meal, enjoying the delicious food and the company of his colleagues.

The morning continued in a joyful atmosphere, and Samy felt eager to start the day with the same lighthearted spirit and camaraderie that had marked his interactions with Maëlle. The laughter and jokes among the guards were a welcome reminder of the support and companionship surrounding him, and Samy felt ready to face the challenges ahead with a positive attitude.