Page 101 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Really." Caspian felt his lips curve into an almost-smile. "Though I should warn you—planning a ducal banquet is more complex than planning a market visit."

"I can manage it," Caroline said confidently.

"I'll help!" Beatrice said enthusiastically. "I've organized dozens of events. This will be wonderful!"

"We'll need to coordinate with Sterling," Caspian said. "Guest lists, protocols, timing..."

"Bea and I can work with Sterling tomorrow," Caroline said. "Start making preliminary plans."

They spent the rest of dinner discussing potential dates and the general scope of the event. Caspian found himself drawn into the planning despite himself, watching Caroline's enthusiasm as she and Beatrice traded ideas.

She was excited. Genuinely excited to be introduced as his Duchess.

The possessive warmth had settled into something deeper now. Something that felt dangerously like contentment.

As dessert was being cleared, Beatrice stretched and stifled a yawn.

"I think I'm going to retire early," she said. "All that market walking tired me out more than I expected."

"Same," Jasper agreed, though Caspian caught the knowing look he exchanged with his sister. "We'll leave you two to your evening."

After the siblings departed with barely concealed smiles, Caroline looked at Caspian.

"They're not subtle," she said.

"No, they're not," Caspian agreed. He stood and offered his arm. "Walk with me?"

Caroline accepted, and Caspian led her through the estate corridors. The evening was beautiful—the sun had set, but the gardens were lit with soft lanterns that created pools of warm light.

Her hand rested in the crook of his arm, light but present. Natural.

"Where are we going?" Caroline asked.

"The gardens," Caspian said. "You mentioned wanting fresh air earlier."

"I did?"

"You said Shadow needed evening exercise."

Caroline laughed, and the sound made something warm unfurl in Caspian's chest. "I think that was an excuse to avoid reviewing household accounts with Sterling."

"Nevertheless, the gardens are pleasant in the evening."

They walked in comfortable silence. Caspian was acutely aware of Caroline's presence beside him—the scent of her perfume, the warmth of her hand on his arm, the way she fit naturally at his side.

She'd dismissed Percival's engagement without a second thought. Had suggested a wedding banquet to be introduced as his Duchess. Had said she wanted to make their marriage work.

She's choosing this, Caspian thought. Choosing me.

The warmth in his chest settled into something deeper. Satisfaction. Perhaps even contentment.

"Thank you," Caroline said quietly.

"For what?"

"For agreeing to the banquet. For not questioning my decision about Earl Sinclair's invitation. For..." She paused. "For giving me a chance to prove I'm different."

"You've been proving it every day," Caspian said. "The banquet is just making it official."