Page 110 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Better," Caspian murmured, his hand warm at her waist.

Carol felt her heart race. They were close enough that she could see the jade-green flecks in his eyes, the way his silver hair caught the candlelight.

"We should practice the opening sequence again," she said, though her voice came out breathier than intended.

"Should we?" Caspian asked.

"The guests will be watching," Carol said. "We need to be perfect."

"We're already perfect," Caspian said quietly.

Carol's breath caught. The way he was looking at her—warm and intent and something that made her knees weak.

"Caspian—"

"Again," he said, stepping back with visible reluctance. "From the beginning."

They practiced until Carol was breathless and smiling, until the candles burned low and the night grew late.

Each evening followed a similar pattern. Dancing. Quiet conversation. Moments of closeness that left Carol wanting more.

But Caspian seemed content to take things slowly, and Carol... Carol was falling more in love with him every day.

By the time the day before the banquet arrived, Carol felt simultaneously prepared and terrified.

The great hall was transformed. The menu was finalized. Her gown was ready. The guests were arriving tomorrow.

All that remained was one final preparation.

◆◆◆

Evening fell, and Carol made her way to Caspian's private study. She'd sent word earlier asking if she could speak with him, and he'd agreed immediately.

She found him at his desk, reviewing what appeared to be security arrangements for the banquet. He looked up when she entered, setting aside the documents.

"Caroline," he said, standing. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes," Carol said, closing the door behind her. "I just... I have something for you. Before tomorrow."

Curiosity flickered across his expression. "Oh?"

Carol reached into her pocket and withdrew a small velvet box. Her hands trembled slightly as she approached his desk.

"I wanted to give you this privately," she said. "Before we face everyone tomorrow."

Caspian took the box carefully, his eyes never leaving her face. When he opened it, Carol watched his expression shift from curiosity to surprise.

The mythril pendant gleamed in the lamplight, the emerald catching the flame and seeming to glow from within.

"Caroline," Caspian said softly. "This is..."

"I had it enchanted," Carol said quickly. "By High Priestess Thea. The strongest protection magic she could provide. Physical protection, mental protection, healing enhancement."

Caspian lifted the pendant from the box, the mythril chain sliding smoothly between his fingers. The emerald caught the light again, and Carol could see the faint shimmer of magic woven into the metal.

"Why?" he asked quietly.

"Because you fight monsters at the border," Carol said. "Because you put yourself in danger constantly. Because..." She paused, meeting his eyes. "Because I want you to come home safely. Every time."