Page 119 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

LADY GENEVRA ASHENMERE - SECRET ADMIRER STATUS: ACTIVE

LADY OCTAVIA WINTERMERE - SECRET ADMIRER STATUS: ACTIVE

LADY MILLICENT IRONWOOD - SECRET ADMIRER STATUS: ACTIVE

LADY ELSPETH RAVENHILL - SECRET ADMIRER STATUS: ACTIVE

Carol's eye twitched. Four? Four ladies were secretly crushing on her husband?

She glanced at Caspian, who was surveying the hall with his usual composed expression, completely oblivious to the admiring looks being directed his way.

Of course he was.

Carol dismissed the interface before she could start laughing inappropriately. She'd figure out which one was the wine-thrower later.

For now, she had a waltz to open.

◆◆◆

The musicians began playing, and Caspian rose, offering his hand.

"Shall we?" he asked.

Carol took his hand and let him lead her to the center of the hall.

The music swelled—a traditional waltz, elegant and romantic.

Caspian's hand found her waist. Carol's hand rested on his shoulder. And they began to move.

All those evenings of practice paid off immediately. They moved together flawlessly, each step perfectly timed, each turn executed with grace.

Carol was acutely aware of everyone watching them. But as Caspian pulled her slightly closer, as his green eyes met hers, the rest of the room seemed to fade away.

"You're doing beautifully," he murmured.

"So are you," Carol said. "Very handsome. Very ducal."

His lips twitched. "Ducal?"

"It's a word now. I've decided."

"Of course you have."

They turned together, and Carol caught glimpses of the watching nobles. Some looked surprised. Others looked thoughtful. A few were even smiling.

Let them watch, Carol thought. Let them see that we're a real partnership.

The waltz came to an end, and Caspian bowed while Carol curtsied. The hall erupted in polite applause.

Other couples joined them on the floor for the next dance. Carol and Caspian returned to the head table as the first course was being served.

◆◆◆

Dinner was an elaborate affair.

The first course was a delicate soup—roasted parsnip with herbs and cream, served in fine porcelain bowls. Carol tasted it and made a small sound of appreciation.

Caspian glanced at her, amusement flickering in his eyes.