Page 57 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Caspian ignored them both and focused on the road ahead.

They rode in silence for a few minutes before Edwin spoke again, his tone more serious.

"She really did seem worried about you, Your Grace. I was watching her face when you left. That wasn't an act."

Caspian thought about Caroline's expression. The way her body had stiffened when he'd confirmed the mission could take several days. The genuine concern in her voice.

"Be careful. Please."

"She's still in love with Sinclair," Caspian said quietly.

"Is she?" Edwin asked. "Because from where I'm standing, the woman who spent two months crying over Earl Sinclair has spent the last two days watching you train, blushing every time you look at her, and telling you she'll miss you. That doesn't sound like a woman pining for someone else."

"People don't change that quickly."

"Maybe they do when properly motivated," Thomson suggested. "The Duchess is pregnant with your child, Your Grace. She's building a life here. Perhaps she's decided to actually invest in it."

"Or perhaps she's realized that being openly hostile wasn't working and has adjusted her strategy," Caspian countered.

"Or," Edwin said, "perhaps you're overthinking this because you're scared she might actually be genuine and you don't know what to do with that."

Caspian gave Edwin a sharp look, but his captain just smiled back innocently.

They rode for another hour before stopping to water the horses at a stream. Caspian dismounted and was checking his gear when he overheard a conversation between several soldiers.

"I'm telling you, two weeks," one of them was saying. "Two weeks maximum before His Grace kisses her."

"You're optimistic," another replied. "I say a month. He's too tactical. He'll want to observe more first."

"What are you talking about?" Caspian demanded.

The soldiers immediately straightened, looking guilty.

"Nothing, Your Grace," the first one said quickly.

"It didn't sound like nothing."

Edwin appeared at Caspian's elbow, grinning broadly. "They're discussing the betting pool, Your Grace."

"The what?"

"The betting pool," Edwin repeated. "On how long it takes before you kiss your wife. It started earlier today after the tea incident."

Caspian stared at him. "The tea incident."

"When you got visibly flustered watching her eat dessert and had to drink an entire cup of tea to compose yourself," Edwin clarified helpfully. "The entire household staff witnessed it. Word spread. Betting began."

"There is a betting pool," Caspian said slowly, "among my soldiers and staff, about my personal life."

"Not just a pool," Thomson added, walking over. "It's quite extensive. We've got categories for first kiss, first public display of affection, when you'll drop the 'Lady' and just call her Caroline in public—"

"When I'll what?"

"You still use 'Lady Caroline' in front of everyone," Edwin explained. "Very proper. Very formal. Everyone's noticed. They're betting on when you'll get comfortable enough to drop it."

Caspian pressed his fingers to his temples. "This is inappropriate."

"This is entertainment," Thomson corrected. "Your Grace, we've been watching you be a tactical genius and emotional brick for years. This is the most interesting thing that's happened since you accidentally complimented Captain Hawkridge's new armor and he thought you were being sarcastic."