Between our hands

Chapter 69: The Echo of Laughter in the Night

The return to the castle, after a long day filled with obligations, brought a breath of relief. The grand hall resonated with the familiar voices of the royal family, the laughter and lively conversations softening the formal atmosphere that had dominated earlier. The family members, now relaxed, shared anecdotes from the day, and Maëlle and Samy were warmly welcomed as they entered the dining room.

Maëlle took a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly fade away. Beside her, Samy gave her a knowing look, a smile spreading across his lips. She responded with a gentle glance before taking her seat at the table.

Daniel, always ready with a humorous remark, raised his glass toward Maëlle with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "So, star of the day, you made quite an impression with your interview! The journalists couldn’t stop talking about you." He winked at his sister, his playful smile barely concealing his pride.

Maëlle rolled her eyes, slightly embarrassed, but couldn’t help but smile. "Oh, stop. They were just doing their job. It was just another interview." She knew that these media moments always attracted attention, but she preferred to downplay the significance of her own visibility.

Sacha, sitting across the table, laughed and added, "Well, I wasn’t as lucky. I got caught in their camera trap. I think they photographed every inch of my face in every possible light."

Laughter echoed around the table, and Sacha theatrically raised his glass. "To the glory of impromptu interviews and unwanted photos!" he proclaimed before taking a sip.

Maëlle shook her head, still amused. "It’s good if they’re talking about us. It’s a great opportunity to highlight our projects and show what we’re doing for the country." Her voice, though light, hinted at a sense of pride. She was aware of the impact her role could have, and she hoped to use this visibility wisely.

Samy, sitting beside her, quietly observed everything. He wasn’t used to such large gatherings or the public life, but he admired the way Maëlle navigated this world with ease. He leaned toward her slightly, hesitating for a moment before whispering, "You were really perfect."

Maëlle turned to him, surprised by the softness in his voice. In a playful tone, she replied, "Thank you, Samy. It means a lot that you noticed." A tender smile formed on her lips, and, discreetly, she placed her hand on Samy's thigh under the table. That brief and hidden touch meant so much to her.

Victor, on the other hand, hadn’t missed their exchange, although his attention seemed focused on a conversation at the other end of the table. A faint amused smile crossed his lips. He could see that something deeper was developing between Maëlle and Samy, but he said nothing. This growing bond between them hadn’t escaped him, and he simply watched with quiet approval.

After dinner, as the evening wore on, the guests began to disperse through the castle’s corridors. Maëlle stood up and, after one last glance at Samy, approached him. "I need some fresh air. Would you like to take a walk to the farm with me?" she asked softly.

Samy smiled, happy at the thought of escaping for a moment with her. "Of course, I could use that too."

They left the dining room in silence, their footsteps echoing through the peaceful corridors of the castle. Outside, the air was fresh and pleasant, a gentle breeze brushing their faces. The night sky, dotted with stars, gave the evening an almost magical aura. Maëlle nestled closer to Samy, seeking his warmth. He slid his arm around her shoulders, pulling her gently closer.

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked, looking at her, his eyes searching for signs of fatigue or stress on her face.

"Yes," she replied with a soft smile. "It’s just that these moments with you, away from everything, make me feel so good."

Their steps quickly brought them to the farm, a place filled with precious memories for Maëlle. As soon as they arrived, Ely and Summer ran towards them, barking joyfully, their tails wagging enthusiastically. Maëlle immediately crouched down to greet them, petting them with affection. "My little loves, did we let you out?"

Samy watched the scene with a fond smile. He loved seeing her like this, surrounded by her animals, so natural and radiant. Beside her, Maëlle shone with a soft, calming light, far removed from the public image of a princess.

They then walked over to the horse enclosures, where the animals came to meet them, their muzzles searching for treats. Maëlle smiled, pulling out a few pieces of apples from her pocket to feed them. "Always so greedy, my darlings," she murmured, stroking one of their heads.

Samy approached and gently wrapped an arm around her waist, resting his head against hers. "You’re so beautiful," he whispered, his lips brushing gently against her ear.

Maëlle turned her head toward him, a spark of surprise in her eyes. "And you’re so sweet." She smiled at him, her fingers softly brushing his cheek before planting a light kiss on his lips.

They continued walking around the enclosures, exchanging sweet words and teasing each other gently. At one point, with a mischievous look, Maëlle quietly approached Samy and pushed him into a pile of hay. He fell backward with a surprised cry but burst into laughter almost immediately.

"You’re going to regret that, princess," he declared, getting back up with a playful grin.

Before she could react, he scooped her up into his arms, carrying her like a sack of potatoes. "Samy, no! Not the water trough!" she screamed, laughing as she tried to wriggle free.

Samy pretended to throw her into the water but gently set her down on a pile of hay instead. Breathless from laughter, Maëlle fell back, her eyes gazing up at the starry sky. Samy lay down beside her, softly placing his hand on hers.

They stayed like that for a while, in silence, simply enveloped by the quiet beauty of the night. Their fingers intertwined, they watched the stars, feeling like the only two people in the world in that suspended moment. Maëlle finally turned her head toward him, a dreamy smile on her lips. "I wish this could last forever."

Samy turned toward her as well, his eyes shining under the starlight. "Me too. With you, everything feels easier, more beautiful."

They exchanged a knowing look, one of those looks that didn’t need words to express what they felt for each other. Maëlle leaned in to kiss him gently, savoring the sweetness of this stolen moment from their responsibilities.

But as they thought they were alone, shadowy figures moved in the darkness. Paparazzi, drawn by rumors of a secret romance, were capturing photos of their tender connection, unbeknownst to the couple.

When Maëlle and Samy finally decided to return to the castle, they left the farm hand in hand, their silhouettes framed by the starlight. Back in their suite, tired but happy, they fell asleep in each other’s arms, savoring that fleeting tranquility before reality caught up with them again.