Page 153 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Morning Light

Caspian woke slowly, the dream of the ball still lingering at the edges of his consciousness.

He'd watched her pursue Percival that night, eyes bright with longing for another man. Had felt that hollow ache as she looked past him to find someone else.

And now...

Caspian turned his head slightly, and his chest filled with warmth.

Now she was here. In his bed. Her honey-blonde hair spread across his pillow, her face peaceful in sleep, one hand resting on the small swell of her belly where their child grew.

She'd chosen him.

Not because of a spell. Not because of obligation or family pressure or political necessity.

She'd chosen him.

The difference between that memory and this moment was everything.

Caspian propped himself up on one elbow, content to simply watch her sleep. The morning light streaming through the windows caught the gold in her hair, made her skin seem to glow.

Beautiful.

His wife.

His choice.

Caroline stirred, her nose wrinkling slightly. Then her amber eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep.

"Caspian?" she murmured.

"Good morning," he said softly.

A slow smile spread across her face. "Good morning."

She stretched languidly, the sheet slipping slightly, and Caspian found his mouth going dry at the sight.

"How long have you been awake?" Caroline asked.

"Not long," Caspian said. "I was... thinking."

"About what?"

"About how different this is," Caspian said honestly. "From what I expected. From what it was."

Caroline's expression softened. She reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing along his jaw. "Better or worse?"

"Infinitely better," Caspian said, catching her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm.

Caroline's smile widened. "I agree."

Caspian's hand moved to her belly, spreading across the gentle curve. Their child. Growing stronger every day.

"We never really talked about the baby," he said quietly. "Before. You were always... distant. And I didn't want to push."

"I was terrible," Caroline said, covering his hand with hers. "I'm sorry for that. For all of it."

"We're past that now," Caspian said. "But I'd like to talk about it now. About them. Our child."