Page 54 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"That doesn't make it less dangerous."

They stared at each other for a moment. Carol could see Caspian processing this, trying to reconcile her concern with whatever his expectations had been.

"You've never come to see me off before," he said quietly.

"I should have," Carol said. "That was wrong of me. I'm sorry."

Another flash of surprise crossed his face. Then something else—something warmer.

"Your Grace!" A soldier called from across the courtyard. "Troops are assembled and ready."

Caspian nodded, then looked back at Carol. "I should go."

"Be careful," Carol said, meeting his green eyes. "Please."

"I will," Caspian said, and it sounded like a promise. He hesitated, as if wanting to say something more, then seemed to think better of it. "Take care of yourself. And the estate. And..." His gaze dropped to Mochi, who was sitting at Carol's feet. "Your apex predator."

"He'll miss you," Carol said. Then, more softly, "So will I."

She saw the impact of those words in the way Caspian's expression shifted—surprise giving way to something that looked almost like wonder.

"I'll return as soon as I can," he said.

"I know."

Edwin clapped Caspian on the shoulder. "Come on, Your Grace. The monsters won't kill themselves. Well, actually they might fight each other, but we should probably handle it anyway."

Caspian nodded, but his eyes lingered on Carol for another moment before he turned toward his horse—a massive black destrier that looked as dangerous as its rider.

Carol watched as he mounted in one smooth motion, settling into the saddle with practiced ease. Edwin mounted his own horse nearby, and the assembled troops fell into formation.

"Move out!" Caspian's voice carried across the courtyard with clear authority.

The gates opened, and the troops began to move.

Carol stood there, Mochi at her feet, watching as Caspian rode past. He looked down at her as he passed, and she raised her hand in a small wave.

He nodded back, something in his expression softer than she'd ever seen it.

Then he was through the gates, his troops following in organized rows, and Carol was left standing in the courtyard as the sounds of hoofbeats faded into the distance.

"That was very sweet, my lady," a voice said beside her.

Carol turned to find Sterling, Caspian's senior aide, watching her with an expression of approval.

"I was just—" Carol started.

"Showing concern for your husband's safety," Sterling finished. "As any good wife would. His Grace was clearly touched by the gesture."

"He seemed surprised," Carol said.

"He was," Sterling confirmed. "The Duchess—that is, you previously—showed no interest in His Grace's departures or returns. This is a marked change."

Carol looked back at the gates. "I'm trying to be better."

"You're succeeding, Your Grace," Sterling said gently. "Would you like me to have dinner sent to your chambers?"

"Yes, thank you," Carol said, though the thought of eating alone now felt even more disappointing than before.