Page 46 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Caroline settled into one of the chairs on the terrace, placing the small creature carefully in her lap. Even from this distance, Caspian could see her speaking to it softly, stroking its fur.

She looked up, caught his eye, and her cheeks immediately flushed pink.

Then she smiled and gave a small wave.

Caspian found himself nodding back before he could think better of it.

"Oh, you're doomed," Edwin said cheerfully. "Completely doomed."

"Focus on training," Caspian ordered, drawing his practice sword.

"I am focused. Just also entertained."

They began their sparring routine, but Caspian was acutely aware of Caroline's presence on the terrace. He found himself choosing more dynamic moves, the kind that demonstrated skill and power without looking like he was trying too hard.

Which is exactly what I'm doing, Caspian thought with a flash of irritation at himself. I'm showing off.

He executed a complex combination—parry, riposte, spin, and disarm—that left Edwin's practice sword on the ground.

From the terrace, he heard a small sound. When he glanced over, Caroline was leaning forward in her chair, her amber eyes wide and focused entirely on him.

She was riveted.

"Oh, she liked that one," Edwin said quietly, picking up his sword. "Do the spinning move again."

"I'm not—"

"You absolutely are. And she's watching you like you're the most interesting thing she's ever seen."

Edwin wasn't wrong. Caroline's attention was completely fixed on the training ground, her tea apparently forgotten. When Caspian moved through a series of quick strikes and defensive positions, he could see her tracking every movement.

He might have made the moves slightly more elaborate than strictly necessary.

And when he transitioned into a demonstration of his dual-wielding technique—both practice swords moving in perfect synchronization—Caroline actually pressed her hand to her chest.

Even from this distance, he could see the blush spreading across her face.

She's watching me, Caspian realized. Really watching me. The way she watched from behind the hedge yesterday. The way she looks at me during dinner.

The way someone might look at something they found... attractive?

No. That couldn't be right. She was in love with Percival Sinclair. This had to be part of whatever game she was playing.

But she looked genuinely flustered. Her fan was moving rapidly, and she kept shifting in her seat.

"Your Grace," Edwin said, grinning broadly now. "I do believe your wife thinks you're impressive."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"She's blushing from here to the capital. And she hasn't touched her tea in ten minutes because she can't look away from you."

Caspian finished the demonstration with one final flourish—perhaps more dramatic than necessary—and sheathed both practice swords.

"I'm going to join her for tea now," he announced.

"Excellent. Try not to be too charming. We wouldn't want her to faint."

"Edwin—"