Page 47 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Enjoy your tea, Your Grace!"

Caspian chose to ignore him and headed for the terrace stairs.

◆◆◆

As he approached, Caroline stood quickly—perhaps too quickly—and the small creature in her lap made a startled meowing sound.

"Your Grace," she said, her voice slightly breathless. Her cheeks were still pink.

"Lady Caroline," Caspian replied, reaching the top of the stairs.

Up close, the Dreamweaver cub was even smaller than the reports had suggested. It couldn't weigh more than fifteen pounds, with soft black-and-white fur and glowing amber eyes that watched him warily. Its twin tails were wrapped protectively around Caroline's wrist.

"I hope you don't mind," Caroline said quickly. "I brought Mochi. I wanted to introduce you properly."

She adjusted her hold on the creature, bringing it closer to Caspian. The cub's ears flattened slightly.

"There's no need to be afraid of my husband," Caroline murmured to the creature, stroking its head gently.

My husband.

Caspian felt something shift in his chest. She'd called him 'my husband,' not 'His Grace' or 'the Duke.' A possessive. An acknowledgment of their connection.

It was such a small thing, but it caught him completely off guard.

"He won't hurt you," Caroline continued, speaking to the cub. "He's actually very kind. Even if he doesn't smile much."

Caspian didn't know what to say to that.

The cub—Mochi—sniffed the air cautiously, then made a small meowing sound that was almost questioning.

"May I?" Caspian asked, extending his hand slowly.

Caroline's eyes widened slightly with surprise, but she nodded. "Of course."

He let the cub sniff his hand. After a moment, the small creature bumped its head against his fingers, and Caspian found himself automatically scratching behind its ears.

Mochi purred.

"He likes you," Caroline said, sounding delighted. "I was worried he'd be too nervous, but you're very gentle with him."

"It's just a cub," Caspian said. "Dreamweavers aren't inherently aggressive at this age."

"But they will be eventually," Caroline said, meeting his eyes. "I know they grow into apex predators. The staff made that very clear."

"And you bonded with it anyway."

"He was alone," Caroline said simply. "Orphaned. And he looked at me with these big eyes and—" She stopped herself, looking slightly embarrassed. "I couldn't help myself. I like animals. Even dangerous ones, apparently."

Caspian studied her. The genuine affection in her voice when she spoke to the creature. The gentle way she held it. The protective set of her shoulders.

"Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the chairs.

They settled into their seats, and Caspian couldn't help but notice the spread of desserts on the table. More variety than he'd seen in months—delicate pastries, fruit tarts, chocolate confections, small cakes with intricate icing.

"I may have requested a few extra desserts," Caroline admitted, following his gaze. "I have... a bit of a sweet tooth."

"I can see that," Caspian said.