Page 173 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Two orphans. Both lost their parents to the corruption.

Both about to gain a very enthusiastic new mother who would probably spoil them mercilessly.

Edwin looked up as Caspian emerged from the cave, then his eyes widened at the baby griffin.

"Your Grace... is that—"

"A baby griffin," Caspian confirmed. "Found it orphaned in the cave. Also found a Frost Serpent egg."

"You're bringing them home for the Duchess," Edwin said, grinning now.

"Yes."

"She's going to love you even more."

"That's the plan," Caspian said, moving to his horse. He carefully arranged the baby griffin in a specially cushioned bag, making sure it could breathe and move but wouldn't fall out during the ride.

The troops had finished their sweep and were reporting back—no other threats in the immediate area. The corrupted dragons had fled far enough that pursuit would be pointless.

"Make camp," Caspian ordered. "We leave at first light."

"It's a two-day ride back to Frostholme," Edwin observed.

"Then the sooner we leave tomorrow, the sooner I'm home," Caspian said.

Camp was established efficiently—his troops had done this countless times. Fires were lit, rations distributed, watch rotations assigned.

Caspian sat by one of the fires, the baby griffin nestled against him. It had calmed down significantly, seeming to sense that it was safe now. Every so often, it would make soft chirping sounds, and Caspian would absently stroke its downy feathers.

"Never thought I'd see the day," one of the soldiers muttered to another. "The Butcher of the North cuddling a baby griffin."

"The Duchess has changed him," the other replied. "For the better, I'd say."

Edwin settled beside Caspian, accepting a cup of something hot from one of the cooks. "You're really eager to get back."

"Five days is too long," Caspian said.

"You've been gone for weeks at a time before."

"That was before," Caspian said simply.

"Before the Duchess."

"Before Caroline," Caspian corrected. "Before I had a reason to come home beyond duty."

Edwin smiled. "She'll be glad to see you. And these little ones."

Caspian looked down at the baby griffin, then at his satchel where the egg rested safely. "I hope the egg survives the journey. Frost Serpents are delicate at this stage."

"We'll be careful," Edwin assured him. "Besides, I'm sure the Duchess will know exactly what to do. She's proven quite adept at caring for unusual creatures."

"She has," Caspian agreed, a small smile crossing his face. "Shadow and Mochi are thriving under her care."

Edwin laughed. "The estate has become quite lively since her arrival. Never thought I'd see the day when a Dreamweaver would be napping in the Duke's study."

"Mochi does seem to think every comfortable surface belongs to him," Caspian said dryly.

"And Shadow's growing fast. Won't be long before he's the size of a horse."