The following morning, Eilika woke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the heavy velvet curtains. She felt remarkably refreshed, the lingering heaviness of her fever finally replaced by a sense of calm. Looking down, she couldn't help but smile; Roman was still sound asleep, his small arms wrapped tightly around her waist as if he feared she might vanish if he let go.
Moving with careful precision so as not to disturb him, she untangled herself and slipped out of the duvet. She freshened up first, had a warm water bath, then got dressed with the help of Joanna.
"Your Grace, shall I wake up the Young Master?" Joanna inquired, setting the comb on the dressing table.
"Let him sleep," Eilika replied. Standing up, she smoothed out her gown.
"But the Young Master has his morning tutors, Your Grace. His schedule is quite strict," Joanna replied, glancing toward the closed door.
