Between our hands

Chapter 51: The Official Announcement.

They finally arrived at the grand meeting hall where serious discussions would resume. The young lovers, Maëlle and Samy, had to part ways, each taking their respective roles. Maëlle took her place beside her cousins, while Samy positioned himself at the back with the other bodyguards, watching silently.

The room, richly decorated with tapestries of ancient patterns and large chandeliers, created a solemn atmosphere. The soft light from the candles illuminated the long wooden table, where each member of the royal family sat with gravity. The lighthearted conversations from just a few minutes earlier felt distant.

The atmosphere in the hall was focused. Samuel, the king, a man with features marked by wisdom and experience, opened the meeting by addressing the projects that each family member now had to prepare for the future of the kingdom.

Marie, Maëlle’s mother, was the first to speak. With her natural elegance and calm voice, she proposed to strengthen diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, emphasizing the need to establish cultural and economic exchanges. “We must show our openness to the world while protecting our interests. Trade agreements and strategic alliances are where we must begin,” she declared confidently, her hands delicately resting on the table.

As she spoke, Maëlle, always attentive, glanced at Samy. He stood at the other end of the room, seemingly focused on the meeting, but Maëlle could see a fleeting smile emerge on his lips when he caught her gaze. A slight shiver ran through Maëlle. Even in such a formal setting, this discreet connection between them made her smile inwardly.

Next, it was William, Maëlle’s uncle, who proposed his plan for reforming national education. He passionately explained his desire to modernize school infrastructures and strengthen science and technology programs. “Our children must be prepared for the challenges of the future, whether they are scientific, economic, or social,” he said, punctuating his words with broad gestures.

Maëlle nodded in approval, but her mind wandered, continually returning to Samy. From time to time, she looked in his direction again, and their eyes met. She smiled slightly each time, feeling a gentle warmth spread in her heart. She found herself daydreaming about what they could experience together after these official moments—moonlit walks or intimate conversations away from prying eyes.

Victor then took the floor to present his military reform project. He wanted to modernize the army while establishing reintegration programs for soldiers who had completed their service. “It’s time to think about their future once they finish serving our country. We owe them as much as we owe our borders protection,” he explained with a sincerity that showed how personally this issue affected him. His slightly hoarse voice carried a restrained emotion that Maëlle recognized well.

She listened attentively, knowing how much this topic touched Victor personally. She cast an understanding glance at her cousin, aware of the weight of his words. But once again, her thoughts were drawn back to Samy, whom she caught looking at her with a tenderness that made her heart race a little faster.

When it was Maëlle’s turn to speak, she sat up slightly in her chair, taking a deep breath. “I propose a project aimed at improving living conditions in rural areas. We need to provide more support to farmers and artisans,” she said with conviction, her fingers playing with a pen she held. “Subsidies, assistance to modernize equipment, and also programs to develop local tourism.” Her words were inspired by the afternoon spent at the farm with Samy, where she had seen firsthand the importance of preserving these rural traditions while offering new perspectives.

Her words, though serious and thoughtful, were truly driven by a personal memory. She remembered how Samy had admired the simplicity of farm life and how it had touched her.

As she finished her speech, her eyes met Samy’s once again. But this time, there was no fleeting smile. Samy looked a bit more serious, almost anxious. Maëlle realized it was the moment. She no longer wanted to hide what she felt; she didn’t want to play this game of secret glances in the shadows any longer.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to her family, who were watching her with curiosity. “There is something else I would like to talk to you about,” she said, her voice slightly trembling but tinged with determination. All eyes turned to her, intrigued, some perhaps noticing the faint flush on her cheeks.

“For some time now, I have developed feelings for someone extraordinary, someone who has been by my side during the most important moments…” She cast a quick glance at Samy, whose face suddenly turned crimson. “It is Samy, my bodyguard.”

A murmur swept through the room. All eyes turned to Samy, who appeared increasingly nervous. It was impossible to hide the redness rising to his cheeks. Maëlle felt her heart race, but she stood tall, ready to embrace it.

Seeing this, Maëlle wasted no time. She stood up from her chair, her footsteps echoing lightly in the silent hall. Walking gracefully across the room, she reached Samy, who stood frozen in place. She gently took his hand, a simple gesture but laden with meaning, a declaration of their bond before everyone.

“I wanted to introduce him officially,” she said, her eyes shining with determination. “Samy is much more than a bodyguard to me. He is the person who makes me smile, who inspires me, and whom I love deeply.”

Samy felt his heart race as Maëlle spoke those words. He had never imagined such a declaration in front of the royal family, but he was incredibly touched. Under the family’s gaze, he squeezed Maëlle’s hand a little tighter, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions that flooded him.

Silence reigned for a moment in the hall before Samuel spoke. “Samy, come closer,” he said with a calm but authoritative voice.

Samy took a few steps forward, still holding Maëlle’s hand. The king fixed his gaze on him, his expression unreadable, his eyes seeming to probe the intentions of the man before him.

After a moment of silence, he smiled slightly. “We have all noticed the change in Maëlle—her joy, her determination. If you are the cause of all this, then you are welcome among us. But know that this does not absolve you of your responsibilities. You must continue to watch over her, perhaps even more now.”

Samy nodded with renewed seriousness. “I will do everything to protect her and to live up to this family,” he replied sincerely.

Maëlle smiled upon hearing these words, reassured. She had no more doubts. Their relationship, though new, was strong and genuine.