Between our hands

Chapter 79 : The Whispers of the Night

The palace’s reception hall continued to resonate with the festive sounds that filled the air: laughter, animated conversations, and the clinking of cutlery against finely decorated plates. Chandeliers sparkled above richly set tables, illuminating the space with a soft golden light that reflected on crystal glasses and guests' jewelry. King Samuel, seated at the main table, presided over this evening of gratitude, organized to honor and thank all who contributed to the life of the palace: guards, servants, cooks, gardeners, and all the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. For once, they were not in their usual roles but were guests in their own right.

Maëlle, in her midnight-blue gown, looked almost ethereal. The fluidity of the fabric followed each of her movements, and the shimmering pearls embroidered on the bodice caught every glimmer of light, highlighting the grace of her gestures. She moved among her family, smiling, engaging in conversations with ease. Around her, her brothers Sacha and Daniel exchanged jokes with Victor, while Nohé, more reserved, seemed captivated by a discussion on recent political developments with a dignitary. Yet, despite the joyful ambiance surrounding her, part of her mind was elsewhere.

Across the room, Samy, sitting with the other bodyguards, tried to remain calm. His gaze frequently drifted toward Maëlle, and each time their eyes met, an almost imperceptible shiver ran through him. It was as if, despite the physical distance, they were connected by an invisible thread. He could read in her smile the same impatience, the same longing to be closer, but here, in this crowded room, under the gaze of all, they had to be content with these silent exchanges.

The meal was in full swing. Sumptuous dishes, local specialties, and delicacies from afar circulated among the tables, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas. The conversations around Maëlle blended into the festive atmosphere, but she only paid partial attention. Every burst of laughter, every gesture toward a glass of wine or a delicate bite, seemed to remind her she was waiting for something else this evening. She wanted to be near Samy, to feel his presence beside her, even in this official setting.

Finally, she decided to break convention. The temptation was too strong, and the evening's atmosphere lent itself to it. While her family continued their exchanges, not noticing her departure, Maëlle quietly rose and left the table, her movement almost imperceptible amid the general bustle. Her light, determined steps guided her through the grand hall toward the bodyguards' table. The ambient noise, laughter, and conversations covered her movements, and only a few curious glances followed her graceful walk.

As she approached the guards' table, Maëlle felt her heart quicken slightly. Samy, who had seen her coming, instinctively straightened up, a mix of surprise and anticipation in his gaze. She stopped a few steps from him, a mischievous smile on her lips. Before anyone could fully grasp what was happening, she settled unhesitatingly on Samy's lap, wrapping an arm around his neck with effortless ease.

The other guards, initially frozen in surprise, exchanged glances, then, little by little, smiles spread across their faces. This gesture, intimate yet natural for Maëlle, seemed as if she quietly defied social norms to savor a moment of closeness.

“So,” she began with a playful smile, gently caressing the back of Samy's neck, “how is your evening going?”

Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, as if she didn’t really want to disrupt the relaxed atmosphere around the table but instead blend into it. Samy, though surprised, smiled back. He leaned slightly toward her to reply:

“It’s... different, I’d say.” His voice held a hint of humor, but his eyes shone with genuine affection.

The other guards, initially intimidated by the princess's presence, gradually began to relax. A guard, seated to Samy’s left, spoke up with a shy smile:

“It’s a pleasant evening, Princess. We rarely have the chance to enjoy moments like this.”

Maëlle nodded, her fingers still resting delicately on Samy's shoulder. She listened to them speak about their lives in the palace, their sometimes monotonous routines, and she felt touched by their sincerity. As the conversation progressed, Samy and she exchanged discreet glances, savoring this closeness in such an unexpected setting.

After spending a moment chatting with the guards, Maëlle rose gracefully. Before returning to her place, she leaned down and placed a tender kiss on Samy’s forehead, a gesture filled with warmth and affection that brought a smile to his lips. This simple gesture did not escape the other guards, who, while remaining professional, couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

Back at her table, Maëlle still felt the warmth of Samy against her, and it was enough to make her heart beat a little faster. The rest of the meal continued, punctuated by laughter, joyful discussions, and moments of complicity between the members of the royal family and the palace staff. The evening unfolded with perfect harmony, each moment strengthening the bonds among those who made up the palace's life.

When the last courses were served and conversations began to calm, Maëlle took advantage of the lull to slip away quietly from the hall. She needed air, some peace, away from the party’s clamor. Her steps instinctively led her to one of the balconies overlooking the palace gardens. The coolness of the night greeted her, and she breathed in deeply, savoring the fresh air that pleasantly contrasted with the warmth of the grand hall.

The balcony, bathed in soft light, offered a breathtaking view of the gardens illuminated by small lanterns. Trees and flowerbeds exhaled their nocturnal scents, creating a peaceful, almost magical ambiance. Maëlle leaned against the balustrade, lost in thought. She closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying this calm after the evening’s excitement.

She didn’t have to wait long. A few minutes later, she heard light footsteps behind her. A smile formed on her lips even before she turned around. Samy was approaching, with the same quietness that always characterized him. He had come to join her, just as she had hoped.

Without a word, he stood beside her, gazing out over the gardens stretching beneath them. The silence between them wasn’t awkward; rather, it was filled with everything they didn’t need to say. Samy gently slipped his hand into Maëlle’s, and that simple contact was enough to silence all uncertainties.

She turned slightly toward him, looking at him tenderly. “I was waiting for you,” she murmured.

Samy smiled, his eyes locked on hers. “I couldn’t leave you alone for too long.”

They stood there, hand in hand, enveloped by the whisper of the wind and the softness of the night. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only this bubble of calm and closeness. Maëlle leaned closer to Samy, resting her head on his shoulder, and he held her gently, savoring this peaceful moment they shared.

“It’s time to go back,” Maëlle finally murmured, though reluctance was evident in her voice.

Samy nodded, but before leaving, he placed a light kiss on her hair, sealing this moment of tenderness before returning to the reality of the palace and its duties.

That night, after a full day and a festive dinner, Maëlle and Samy returned to their suite, eager to enjoy a moment just for themselves. Their reunion was filled with a deep intimacy, allowing them to express all the warmth and affection they had accumulated throughout the day.

Maëlle nestled against Samy, her fingers tracing delicate paths on his skin as he held her in his arms with endless gentleness. Their whispers and caresses grew increasingly passionate, each gesture and glance reflecting the love they shared.

Under the covers, their tender moments turned into passionate embraces. They lost themselves in ardent kisses, their breaths synchronizing with their heartbeats. Their bodies drew even closer, seeking to meld into one another.

Time seemed to stand still as they gave in to increasingly intimate gestures, finding in this night a refuge where they could fully be themselves. The long hours spent beneath the sheets were marked by silent exchanges of tenderness and desire, creating a cocoon of love that enveloped them entirely.

In the starlight filtering through the curtains, Maëlle and Samy finally drifted to sleep, exhausted yet content, their love sealed by this night of closeness and passion.