She blinked a few times, taking in the familiar comfort of the bed and the gentle rustling sound coming from the other side of the room. Expecting Marian to appear with her morning tray of tea and toast, she was surprised when a different figure stepped into view.
“Andrei?” she said, her voice still thick with sleep.
Andrei stood by the dresser, a tray balanced carefully in his hands. He wore a simple, casual shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and the usually stern lines of his face seemed softer today, more relaxed. He smiled, a hint of shyness in the gesture that made her heart skip an unexpected beat.
“Good morning,” he said, stepping closer and setting the tray on the side table. It was laden with her favorite breakfast: scrambled eggs with herbs, sliced fruit, and a cup of warm cham
