Page 66 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Yes. They seemed well-suited when I saw them together."

Carol paused and looked around the parlor. "I'm thinking if we use earth tones or warm colors in here, this room would look very lovely. Maybe some cushions for the settees? They're beautiful but not very comfortable."

Bea's eyes had definitely filled with tears now.

"You don't care," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "About Sinclair. You actually don't care."

"Should I?" Carol asked, genuinely confused.

"You were obsessed with him!" Bea stood up and walked over, grabbing Carol's hands. "You spent years convinced you were in love with him. You cried for three days when you realized you'd trapped the wrong man with that spell. And now he's engaged to someone else and you're talking about decorating cushions?"

"He's happy with someone he loves," Carol said. "I'm trying to build a life with my husband. Why would I be upset?"

Bea pulled Carol into a sudden, fierce hug.

"I have my sister back," she said, her voice muffled against Carol's shoulder. "I didn't think I would, but I do."

Carol hugged her back, feeling emotion swell in her own chest. "I'm sorry I was so awful before."

"You're not anymore," Bea said, pulling back and wiping her eyes. "That's what matters."

Jasper stood up and joined the hug, wrapping both of them in his arms. "I'm still not convinced you're not possessed, but if you are, I like this version better."

Carol laughed, feeling tears prick her own eyes. "I promise I'm me. Just... better."

"Much better," Bea agreed.

They stood like that for a moment before Jasper pulled back.

"So," he said, his tone shifting to protective big brother mode. "This husband of yours. The Butcher of the North. Is he treating you well?"

"Very well," Carol said.

"Because if he's not—"

"Jasper, he literally gave me a Dreamweaver cub as a pet and lets me spend his money decorating the estate. I think he's treating me just fine."

"He gave you Mochi?" Bea asked.

"No, I found Mochi in the gardens and bonded with him myself. But Caspian let me keep him despite the fact that Dreamweavers are dangerous apex predators."

"Caspian," Jasper repeated. "You call him Caspian."

Carol blushed again. "That's his name."

"You're on first-name basis with The Butcher of the North," Jasper said, grinning. "Our terrifying little sister has tamed the most feared man in the kingdom."

"I haven't tamed anyone," Carol protested. "We're just... getting to know each other."

"While blushing every time his name comes up," Bea added, smiling.

"I don't—" Carol gave up. "Fine. Yes. He's very handsome and I enjoy his company and I miss him while he's gone. Are you happy now?"

"Deliriously," Jasper said. "This is the best surprise visit ever. We came to rescue you from a horrible situation and instead found you playing house with a Dreamweaver and smitten with your scary husband."

"He's not scary once you get to know him," Carol said.

"I'm sure," Bea said, still smiling. "We're looking forward to meeting him."