Page 50 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Different from before, when she'd worn every expensive piece she could find as if trying to prove something.

"I should probably tell you," Caroline said, setting down the teapot. "I apologized to several of the household staff. For my previous behavior."

"I heard."

"You did?"

"The staff reports are very thorough," Caspian said dryly. "Apparently there's a running theory that you've been possessed by a benevolent spirit."

Caroline laughed—actually laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "Oh no, really? A benevolent spirit?"

"Leading the votes at 60%. Changeling replacement is second at 25%."

"What's your theory?" Caroline asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Caspian considered the question. What was his theory?

That she was plotting something elaborate? Possibly, though her behavior seemed too consistent, too genuine.

That she'd finally accepted her situation and was trying to make the best of it? More likely, though it didn't explain the sudden completeness of the change.

That she was exactly what she appeared to be—a woman trying to build a new life, make amends, and adopt every dangerous creature she encountered?

"I'm still observing," Caspian said finally. "Gathering data."

"Very tactical," Caroline said, still smiling. "Should I be concerned that my husband is conducting surveillance on me?"

My husband. There it was again. That casual possessive that made his chest do strange things.

"Only if you're plotting something nefarious," Caspian replied.

"My only plot currently involves determining which dessert to try next," Caroline said, eyeing the table. "I'm thinking the chocolate one. Though the fruit tart also looks tempting."

"A difficult strategic decision," Caspian said, and was rewarded with another smile.

Mochi, apparently satisfied with his pastry intake, curled up in Caroline's lap and began purring loudly.

"He's content," Caroline observed, stroking the cub's fur gently. "This is nice. Just... sitting here. Having tea. Normal."

"Is this not what you expected from marriage?" Caspian asked before he could stop himself.

Caroline was quiet for a moment, her hand stilling on Mochi's head.

"I don't know what I expected," she said softly. "But this—" She looked up at him. "This is better than what I had. Better than being miserable and angry all the time. I'm glad we're trying. Even if you're still suspicious of me."

"I am suspicious," Caspian confirmed.

"That's fair," Caroline said. "I would be suspicious too. But I meant what I said at dinner. I want to make this work. Whatever 'this' becomes."

She met his eyes directly, no guile visible in her expression, just honest sincerity that Caspian wanted to believe despite all logic suggesting he shouldn't.

"We'll see," he said.

"We will," Caroline agreed, selecting the chocolate dessert. She took a bite and made that sound again—that soft, satisfied hum that went straight through Caspian's carefully maintained composure.

He took another long drink of tea.

This was going to be more complicated than he'd anticipated.