Between our hands

Chapter 50: The Looks That Speak.

As the laughter began to fade, a sudden dull thud echoed, interrupting the lighthearted conversation. The smiles gradually disappeared, and faces darkened with curiosity. A sharp, firm knock at the door was heard. All eyes turned toward the entrance just as one of the guards stationed outside knocked and entered with a quick and respectful salute.

"Excuse me," he said, bowing slightly, "the king wishes to gather the entire family. It’s time to discuss governmental matters and prepare for his address."

The announcement seemed to linger in the air for a moment, as each of the grandchildren, cousins, and relatives present in the room straightened up, their brows slightly furrowed. The carefree and lighthearted atmosphere vanished instantly, replaced by a palpable gravity. It wasn’t often that the king requested the entire family for such discussions, let alone before a public address.

Maëlle was the first to move, standing gracefully, followed quickly by her siblings. The serious atmosphere imposed a solemn silence in the room. Without a word, they exited the suite one by one, their faces showing a hint of nervousness.

The bodyguards, lined up behind them, took their usual positions, maintaining their protective stance. Among them was Samy, alert to everything around him, walking at a respectful distance from Maëlle. Yet, despite his professionalism, he felt a slight tension building within him. His heart beat a little faster with every step, as if anticipating something. Every time Maëlle’s gaze met his, it seemed to strengthen the invisible bond between them, a fragile yet unbreakable thread.

Meanwhile, his colleagues, always teasing, couldn’t resist making a few discreet jabs. With a smirk on his lips, one of the guards, a close friend of Samy, murmured, stifling a laugh:

“So, lover boy, ready for another kissing session at the slightest opportunity?”

Another, walking just behind Samy, added in a low voice, almost whispering: “Careful, at this rate, people are going to think you're climbing the ranks at lightning speed, especially with that connection you have with the princess.”

Samy felt his cheeks flush slightly, a reaction he couldn’t quite control in the face of their jokes. But despite his embarrassment, a smile formed on his lips. He knew his colleagues were joking kindly, and he appreciated the camaraderie, even though their remarks only made his true feelings more obvious.

It must be said that the budding relationship between him and Maëlle didn’t escape anyone’s notice. Even in the palace, where eyes were discreet, some whispers circulated, and everyone seemed to sense the gentle yet persistent tension between them. Every gesture, every smile exchanged fueled suspicions, and Samy knew he had to be more careful. But could he really suppress his feelings?

Throughout the walk to the meeting room, Maëlle kept glancing discreetly over her shoulder, checking for Samy's presence. Every time their eyes met, a spark passed between them—silent, but full of meaning. It was like a secret language, a mute dialogue that only they understood. With each exchange, Samy’s heart raced faster, and an involuntary smile appeared on his lips. This game of glances didn’t go unnoticed, though. The other guards, always vigilant, didn’t miss this silent interaction. They exchanged stifled laughs and knowing looks among themselves, as if witnessing a private spectacle.

Maëlle’s cousins, equally observant, discreetly watched the scene. Nahïa, walking not far from her sister, leaned toward Sacha and whispered:

“Do you think they’ll finally admit what we all already know?”

Sacha replied with a mischievous smile: “I give it two days before everyone knows.”

A soft ripple of laughter passed through the group, softened by the solemn mood that still prevailed. They allowed themselves a few moments of levity before the important meeting ahead. Yet, each of them knew the day to come would be filled with challenges and crucial decisions.

A few meters from the meeting room, Maëlle deliberately slowed her pace, letting a small gap form between her and the rest of the group. She glanced around quickly, making sure no one was paying too much attention, before subtly slipping back to Samy's side.

Samy sensed her presence before he even saw her. When he turned his head, Maëlle was already there, smiling, her eyes sparkling with playful tenderness. Without a word, she stepped even closer and, with quiet confidence, placed a light but meaningful kiss on his cheek. Her radiant smile betrayed the affection she felt, and despite the serious situation, this small gesture illuminated their world, if only for a moment.

The cousins and bodyguards, who had slowed their steps and were discreetly watching the scene, exchanged amused glances. One of the guards, never very good at keeping a straight face, couldn’t help but quip:

“Well, no need to be discreet anymore, it seems!”

Another, in the same teasing tone, added, stifling a laugh: “Looks like there’s no hiding it now! At this rate, we might have to assign guards just for your little moments alone.”

Maëlle, unfazed, responded with a confident smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief: “You all know anyway. Why hide?”

Her cousins, initially surprised by this sudden frankness, exchanged knowing looks before bursting into laughter. Sacha, never one to miss a chance to joke, replied with a shake of his head:

“Well, if you say so. But be careful—with Samy around, you never know where you might end up!”

The bursts of laughter spread through the group, even among the guards, who were usually more discreet. Samy, for his part, blushed even more but couldn’t help smiling at the general good mood. He felt both touched and slightly embarrassed by all the attention, but the lighthearted and warm atmosphere comforted him.

Maëlle, still by his side, placed her hand on his arm and whispered softly: “Don’t worry, Samy. They like you—that’s why they joke so much.”

He nodded, grateful for her reassuring words. Despite everything, the moment shared with Maëlle, witnessed by all, felt perfect. There was an intimacy in this exchange, even under the watchful eyes of their surroundings.

As they approached the grand doors of the meeting room, Maëlle quickened her pace slightly to rejoin her siblings. Samy stayed behind, his colleagues still by his side, but with a new light of confidence in his gaze. The day promised to be intense, but he felt ready, surrounded by a family that was slowly but surely beginning to fully accept him.