Between our hands

Chapter 72: Towards New Horizons

After the king’s announcement about the meeting following the meal, the entire family made their way to an adjacent room. The room, spacious and bathed in natural light from large windows, was adorned with frescoes depicting scenes of local life. These illustrations told stories of hard work and joy, reinforcing the bond between royalty and the people. The family members took their seats around a large carved wooden table, the atmosphere a mix of focused attention and warmth, blending anticipation and respect.

Samy, ever attentive, stood near Maëlle, keeping a protective eye on her while immersing himself in his role as a bodyguard. He noticed her focus, but after about an hour of listening, he saw a change in her demeanor. The contours of her face revealed a certain unease, and her cheeks were slightly flushed. She seemed uncomfortable, lost in her thoughts. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, leaning over her, his voice full of concern. "You look a little flushed..."

She gave him a faint smile, but her eyes reflected accumulated fatigue. "Yes, I’m fine... I'm just a little warm," she whispered, trying to hide her discomfort.

Not wanting to disturb the meeting, Samy nodded in understanding and quietly stood up. He left the room, his steps echoing softly on the marble floor. The hallway was lively, with a few of his fellow bodyguards chatting among themselves, sharing laughs and jokes. This relaxed atmosphere was in stark contrast to the gravity of the meeting he had just left.

"Hey, there’s the man of the hour!" one of them called out, a teasing grin lighting up his face. "So, how’s life with the royal couple?" another chimed in, snickering.

Samy, used to their teasing, smiled shyly. The situation, though a bit embarrassing, made him smile. After all, the happiness he felt being by Maëlle’s side outweighed any awkwardness. "You guys are never going to let this go, are you?" he said, feigning playful indignation as he walked towards them. "Oh no, not now that we’ve got photos and an interview! We’re never getting tired of this," joked one of the guards, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And honestly, who would’ve thought our Samy would be in the spotlight with Princess Maëlle!" added another, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Samy laughed along with them, savoring this moment of camaraderie. They had shared so many moments together, and these jokes were a sign of affection. After some light exchanges, he explained why he had left the meeting. "Maëlle’s feeling a bit warm, I’m going to get her some water." "The knight in shining armor is always on duty!" one of the guards quipped, triggering a collective burst of laughter.

Still smiling, Samy headed towards the storage room. As he entered, he was greeted by the cool air, a welcome contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the meeting room. He grabbed a pack of water bottles, thinking of Maëlle and how essential her presence in his life had become. A warm feeling spread through him at the thought of seeing her again, and he began to imagine her radiant smile.

When he discreetly returned to the meeting room, the discussions were still in full swing, voices rising around the table as they talked about the ongoing projects. He started handing out bottles of water to the family members, attentive to every detail, ready to respond to their needs. As he placed a bottle in front of Maëlle, he caught her gaze. She gave him a beaming smile, her eyes glowing with affection, and his heart raced. "Thank you... you’re just perfect," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.

Samy’s heart fluttered at her words. He gave her a knowing look, unable to hide the smile forming on his lips. As he resumed his place beside her, he tried to focus on the discussions around him, but the effect of being close to Maëlle was intoxicating. He could smell her perfume, a delicate floral scent that reminded him of the blooming fields they had crossed during their visit to the village.

The conversations at the table continued, the atmosphere charged with energy and determination. Samy seized a quiet moment to gently place his hand on Maëlle’s arm, a tender gesture he hoped would bring her comfort. She turned to him, surprised but delighted, and their eyes met in a silent exchange. That simple touch made every word spoken around them fade into a distant murmur, and Maëlle let out a soft sigh, as if his presence alone eased her worries.

The meeting finally drew to a close, and King Samuel stood up to make an important announcement. He stood tall, his face serious but tinged with enthusiasm. "In an hour, we will visit one of the first villages to have benefited from running water thanks to our efforts. It’s the same village that Maëlle and Samy visited a few days ago. This visit is crucial to assess the progress made and ensure everything is working as expected."

The king’s words resonated in the room, and Maëlle, who had been listening attentively, exchanged a knowing glance with Samy. The memories of the villagers' smiles they had encountered were still fresh in her mind. She recalled the radiant faces, the warmth of their welcomes, and the hope that had shone in their eyes. "I’m excited to see the improvements," she said to Samy, her enthusiasm palpable, her hands twisting slightly in a gesture of nervous but eager anticipation.

Samy returned her smile, his own excitement blending with hers. "I’m sure it’s going to be very positive," he murmured, his voice sounding like a promise, a breath of encouragement that filled her with determination.

In the hallway leading outside, their hands brushed lightly, a brief but electrifying touch that sent a wave of warmth through each of their hearts. They walked side by side, their steps echoing on the marble floor, as the intensity of the meeting slowly faded behind them.

As they made their way to the village, Samy cast a furtive glance at Maëlle, admiring the way the light played in her hair, creating golden highlights. Her features were delicate, but he also saw the strength that radiated from her. She had a purpose, a mission, and that made her beautiful in Samy’s eyes. He felt lucky to be by her side on this journey.

When they reached the exit, they passed staff members, all visibly excited about the upcoming visit. The servants and guards exchanged smiles, sharing words of encouragement. Every step echoed the royal family’s commitment to the well-being of their people.

Samy took a deep breath, aware that this visit would be more than just an assessment. It would be an opportunity to reconnect, to bring hope, and to see the tangible effects of their efforts. He turned to Maëlle, his gaze filled with admiration. "Ready?" he asked, giving her an encouraging look, his heart racing with anticipation at the thought of sharing this experience with her.

Maëlle nodded, her determination evident. She knew this visit would be significant, both for her and the villagers. They were about to accomplish something meaningful, and she wanted to meet the expectations.

As they headed towards the vehicle that would take them to the village, Samy felt a surge of warmth as he watched Maëlle lean slightly, studying a map that had been given to her. Her focused expression, her brows slightly furrowed, showed her total commitment. She was beautiful in her determination, and Samy couldn’t help but smile.

While listening to her explain the different aspects of the visit, he discreetly slid his hand around her fingers, capturing her attention for a moment. She turned to him, surprised, but a brilliant smile spread across her face. That simple gesture, full of tenderness, was a silent promise of their mutual support, and Maëlle realized that beyond royal projects, a beautiful story was unfolding between them.

The time for the visit was approaching, bringing with it a multitude of hopes. In this emotionally charged atmosphere, they were about to witness the fruits of their efforts, but also to strengthen the bond that had quietly grown between them, like a shining star in the darkness of the night.