Page 150 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

She'd just summarized his entire existence—the killing, the fear, the isolation—as practical.

No one had ever done that before.

"Would you like to dance, Lady Caroline?" The words were out before Caspian fully processed the impulse.

He wanted to know more about this strange, honest woman who wasn't afraid of him. Who looked at The Butcher of the North and saw someone doing necessary work rather than a monster to be feared.

"I... yes," Lady Caroline said, looking surprised. "Yes, I would."

She took his offered arm, and Caspian led her toward the dance floor, acutely aware of every eye in the ballroom tracking their movement.

Let them stare. He was used to it.

The music began—a formal waltz. Caspian placed his hand at Lady Caroline's waist, took her hand in his, and began to lead.

She followed perfectly, her movements graceful and practiced.

"They're all staring," she observed.

"They always stare," Caspian said.

"Doesn't it bother you?"

"I've grown accustomed to it."

They moved together across the floor, and Caspian found himself genuinely enjoying the dance. When was the last time he'd enjoyed anything at these tedious events?

"I should probably apologize," Lady Caroline said. "For being so blunt with your parents."

"Don't," Caspian said, and meant it. "It was... refreshing."

"That's what your mother said."

"She's right." His hand tightened slightly at her waist. "Most people can barely look at me without flinching. You looked me in the eye and told me my kill count was probably exaggerated."

"Well, it probably is," Lady Caroline said matter-of-factly. "People are terrible at accurate record-keeping when they're terrified."

Caspian smiled—actually smiled. Small, but genuine.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd smiled at a ball.

"Why aren't you afraid?" he asked quietly.

"Should I be?" she countered.

"Most people think so."

"Most people are idiots," Lady Caroline said. "You guard the northern border. You fight monsters. You protect the kingdom. Why would I fear someone who's literally keeping corrupted creatures from overrunning our lands?"

Because she made it sound so reasonable. So obvious.

As if his entire reputation, all the whispered fears and nervous glances, were simply the result of people not thinking things through properly.

"That's a remarkably practical perspective," Caspian said.

"I'm a remarkably practical person," Lady Caroline replied. "When I'm not being impulsive and speaking without thinking, according to my mother."

"I prefer the unfiltered version."