Between our hands

The Final Chapter

The months that followed were marked by positive changes throughout the kingdom. Maëlle and her family's projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the people had not only borne fruit but exceeded all expectations. Agricultural and educational infrastructures had been modernized, and support programs for the most disadvantaged families were now in place. In the countryside, new farms were rising, equipped with modern irrigation systems, allowing the arid lands to bloom once again. Local markets thrived like never before, and joy could be seen on the faces of farmers and merchants, now masters of a flourishing local economy.

The schools had benefited from new technologies, providing the younger generations with more direct access to knowledge. Children ran through the streets, proudly showing off their notebooks and projects, filled with dreams and hopes for the future.

Meanwhile, in the palace, the atmosphere was equally serene, filled with laughter and tender moments. Maëlle and Samy, inseparable since the dramatic events, shared an ever-deepening and fusion love. Their knowing glances and tender gestures spoke volumes about the strength of their bond. Samy, while maintaining his position, now had an expanded role in the public life of the kingdom alongside Maëlle, offering support and wisdom by her side. Their discussions about the future of the kingdom and their relationship often took place late into the night, in the comfort of their royal suite, where their complicity seemed endless.

On the other side of the palace, Nahïa and Louis had finally found the happiness they deserved. Louis had made a radical yet obvious decision in his eyes: he had left his old life and obligations to move into the palace with Nahïa. Their love, after so many years of distance, had finally come to fruition, and seeing them together radiated joy. They spent their days reinventing a shared future, with Louis now involved in the palace affairs, bringing a new energy he had never known before.

As for Sacha, his love story remained a secret, preserved from the eyes of others. However, he could not hide the tender smile that lingered on his lips when he received a message or exchanged furtive glances. His feelings were growing, slowly but surely, and although he was still reserved about the identity of his love, he seemed more fulfilled than ever. His brothers, always quick to tease, often wondered who could be the chosen one of his heart, but Sacha, true to himself, preferred to let the mystery linger a little longer.

Daniel and Nohé, for their part, continued to enjoy life, attending prestigious parties, laughing, dancing, reveling in the lightness of their youth. For them, the idea of committing seriously to a relationship still seemed far away. They preferred to have fun, live in the moment, without worrying about tomorrow. But deep down, both knew that when the time came, they would find that person who would make their hearts beat faster.

As the kingdom prospered, laughter filled the palace halls, and everyone seemed to find their place, a man, so close to all, sat alone at the foot of his bed.

Victor.

In the calm of his room, illuminated by the soft glow of a lamp, he sat there, silent. His thoughts were elsewhere, far from the laughter and warmth of his family. He was often like this, lost in memories when night fell. His fingers gently brushed the silver bracelets he always wore on his wrist, a gesture that had become instinctive over time.

He spun the jewelry between his fingers, his gaze lost in the void, as if he were searching for something. Or someone. The room suddenly felt far too big, far too quiet, despite the liveliness still reigning in the palace corridors. At that moment, a dull sadness emanated from him, contrasting with the serenity of those around him.

His face, usually so calm and self-assured, gradually fell under the weight of the memories flooding in. His heart, though so strong, seemed to beat more slowly, more painfully. He sighed deeply, lowering his head, and his eyes closed for a moment, as if to better face the image that had just surged in his mind.

In that heavy silence, a single thought, two names passed his lips, barely a whisper, yet laden with all the pain and love he had carried within him for so many years.

“Hannah, Julien.”