Between our hands

Chapter 83 : An Intimate Lunch

The morning awoke with a rare gentleness, the sun's rays filtering through the lace curtains of Maëlle's room, spreading a golden light across the walls. Birds chirped joyfully outside, creating a melody that invited serenity. Maëlle, freshly awakened, felt the morning's energy fill her. She rose with an idea in mind: she wanted to prepare a special surprise for Samy, to show him just how much she appreciated everything he had done for her.

She quickly dressed, choosing a light, almost ethereal pink dress that gracefully fell to her knees. The soft fabric delicately hugged her curves, while small embroidered flowers added a touch of freshness. Maëlle looked at herself in the mirror, ensuring that her radiant smile reflected her joy. She felt like spring itself, exuding an innocent and joyful aura.

Before heading to see Samy, she went down to the palace kitchen and asked the staff to prepare a picnic lunch. She imagined an idyllic setting, surrounded by farm animals, where they could enjoy their meal enveloped by nature's beauty. The staff, delighted by the request, got to work immediately, preparing delicious dishes and refreshing drinks.

Once the lunch was organized, Maëlle ran up the stairs, her heart beating with excitement. She entered the room where Samy was still peacefully sleeping. Seeing him like this, a wave of tenderness washed over her. She lay down gently beside him, leaning closer to his face, and let her hand softly glide over his cheek. Samy's faint stubble tickled her palm, bringing a playful smile to her lips.

Gradually, Samy began to wake, rubbing his eyes slowly as he realized Maëlle was by his side. Without even opening his eyes, a smile spread across his face. "Why are you so smiley this morning?" he asked, his voice still sleepy.

Maëlle chuckled lightly, continuing to caress his chin. "Maybe it's time to shave; you're starting to get prickly…"

Samy finally opened his eyes, a mischievous sparkle in his gaze. "Oh really? You don't like it?" he retorted, pretending to be offended.

Before she could reply, he sat up slightly and began showering her face and neck with quick kisses. Maëlle's laughter rang out in the room, filling the air with a sparkling lightness. "Samy, stop!" she pleaded between laughs, her voice a mix of joy and surprise.

Samy finally stopped, a satisfied grin on his lips, then glanced down at the delicateness of her dress. With a mock-suspicious look, he asked, "So, tell me… who are you planning to impress dressed so prettily today?"

Maëlle burst into laughter, her cheeks flushing a soft shade of pink. Before she could respond, she kissed him tenderly, sealing the moment of complicity before inviting him to follow her. Hand in hand, they left the room, crossing the palace courtyard under the soft morning sun.

As they approached the farm, the fresh scent of hay and the birds' singing surrounded them. There, a space had been carefully prepared: hay bales arranged around a small rustic table, adorned with beautifully presented dishes, a testament to the palace staff's efforts.

Maëlle gently urged Samy to sit on a hay bale before leaning in to kiss him again, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "All of this is to thank you for everything you do for me," she explained, her heart overflowing with gratitude.

Samy looked at her, moved by her thoughtfulness. He pulled her gently against him, his arms wrapping her in a warm embrace. They spent that special moment surrounded by the simple beauty of the place, savoring the intimate joy, away from the turmoil and outside worries. The landscape was serene, with cows grazing nearby, adding a bucolic touch to their lunch.

As they enjoyed their meal, the tranquility was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sacha and Daniel, who had been visiting the animals. Seeing the improvised lunch, their faces lit up.

"Well, look at what we have here!" Sacha exclaimed, sitting on a hay bale with a mischievous air. "We came to see the animals and stumbled upon a royal picnic!"

Daniel settled next to Sacha with a playful grin. "Ah, what a perfect rustic setting for some good teasing."

Although Maëlle was disappointed to see her special moment with Samy interrupted, she tried to keep smiling. Yet, she felt a bit annoyed by her brothers' unexpected intrusion. Their humor, though good-natured, tended to turn the atmosphere into a whirlwind of teasing.

"You've settled here like you're at a movie screening. Does this rustic decor suit you?" Sacha joked with a teasing smile.

Daniel chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Yeah, it almost looks like you're about to announce some big news, like a surprise wedding!"

Maëlle tried to keep her composure, but frustration bubbled up inside her. She had simply wanted to create a moment of gratitude and closeness, and it seemed to be turning into a farce. Maintaining her smile, she discreetly sent a message to Victor, hoping he could help salvage what remained of her surprise.

"Victor, Sacha and Daniel crashed the moment and are turning it into a teasing session. I just wanted a special time with Samy. Could you come and help us out? Thanks!"

Victor, quickly receiving the message, understood the situation. Without wasting time, he made his way over, his steps quick and determined. Entering the field, he headed straight for Maëlle and Samy, a knowing smile on his lips. He kissed Maëlle's forehead, a comforting gesture, before turning to Sacha and Daniel.

"Hey, guys! You've stirred up enough fun here. We need you elsewhere!" Victor said, gently pulling at Sacha and Daniel's shirts, firmly leading them away.

The two brothers exchanged surprised looks. "Oh, don't pull us away like that; we were just having fun!" Sacha protested, laughing.

Victor remained unfazed. In no time, he had escorted the two jokers out of the field, throwing friendly remarks at them. "Come on, come on, you can't just leave these lovebirds alone, right?" he said, laughing.

Once the two brothers were gone, Maëlle and Samy were finally alone again. She turned to him, relieved to find peace restored. "Thank you, Victor. You saved the day," she whispered, a sincere smile lighting up her face.

Victor gave her a playful wink before walking away, leaving Maëlle and Samy in the cherished intimacy they had been longing for. They settled back comfortably on the hay bales, savoring their time together, free from distractions and teasing.

Maëlle rested her head on Samy's shoulder, and he held her close, their hearts beating in unison. They stayed like that for a long time, enjoying the warmth of the sun on their skin, the gentle sounds of nature all around them, and the scent of fresh hay enveloping them.

They eagerly enjoyed the meal, sharing anecdotes and laughter. Each bite was a promise of shared happiness, a bubble of lightness distancing them from the world's worries. The atmosphere was full of tenderness, and every look they exchanged deepened their bond.

Together, they made plans for the day ahead, dreaming of little adventures to share. Samy took Maëlle's hand, his eyes shining with affection. "You know, I didn't expect a surprise like this. It's one of the most beautiful moments I've ever had."

"Me too," she confessed, squeezing his hand tenderly. "Every moment with you reminds me of how precious it is to live in the here and now."

Their gaze held as a gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of wildflowers. This simple, yet sincere moment anchored them even more to each other. Their hearts beat in unison, each instant resonating as a promise of happiness to come.