Miguel was halfway through his breakfast when he heard footsteps descending the stairs. He didn’t have to look up to know it was Elizabeth. She appeared a few seconds later, looking perfectly composed, if a little distant.
Eva, their cook, glanced up from where she was setting down a fresh pot of coffee and said brightly, "Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. Your breakfast is ready."
Elizabeth smiled politely, sparing Eva a brief nod before turning her attention to Miguel. "Good morning," she greeted him smoothly.
"Morning," Miguel replied, setting down his tea cup.
Then, without missing a beat, Elizabeth added, "Eva, could you please take my breakfast up to my room?"
Eva hesitated for a moment, glancing between the two siblings as if sensing the tension but wisely said nothing. She simply
