Page 100 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Completely serious," Caroline continued, picking up her fork. "I have no interest in traveling to the capital to attend an engagement party for a man I used to be obsessed with. It would be awkward for everyone involved. Earl Sinclair doesn't want me there. Lady Rosalie certainly doesn't want me there. And I have better things to do with my time."

"Such as?" Caspian asked.

"Redecorating your estate. Raising dangerous creatures. Spending your money at markets." Caroline smiled at him, and Caspian felt heat spread through his chest. "Having dinner with my husband."

My husband. The possessive warmth intensified.

"You'd rather stay here," he said, keeping his voice level.

"I'd much rather stay here," Caroline confirmed. "Though we should send our regrets with a generous gift. They were likely socially obligated to invite us, but I'm certain they wouldn't actually want us to attend. A polite decline with a gift maintains courtesy without awkwardness."

Caspian felt impressed by her practical thinking. She understood the social dynamics perfectly. "You've thought this through."

"It's the sensible approach," Caroline said simply.

"What would you suggest as a gift?"

"Something for their household. Silver candlesticks? Exquisite porcelain? Something that says 'congratulations on your engagement, please don't expect us at your party.'"

Caspian's lips twitched again. "I'll have Sterling coordinate something appropriate."

"Perfect." Caroline paused, then added carefully, "Though speaking of celebrations... I was thinking about something."

"Yes?" Caspian asked.

Beatrice leaned forward with interest. Jasper was watching Caroline with curiosity.

"We never had a proper wedding celebration," Caroline said. "We married quickly, with minimal ceremony, and then I made everyone miserable for two months. But now..." She met Caspian's eyes. "Now I would like to make this marriage work. And you're the Duke of Frostmarch. Shouldn't we host some kind of banquet? Let your vassals and nobles meet me properly?"

"You want to host a wedding banquet?" Bea asked, eyes widening with delight.

"I want to be introduced as your Duchess properly," Caroline said to Caspian.

Jasper was nodding slowly. "That's actually a brilliant idea. Give people a chance to meet the new Duchess."

Caspian felt something shift in his chest at the suggestion. A proper wedding banquet. Introducing Caroline—this version of Caroline who actually wanted to be his Duchess—to his vassals and nobles.

"That would involve significant planning," he said carefully. "Guest lists. Preparations. Social obligations."

"I know. But I think it's important." Caroline leaned forward slightly. "Your vassals need to know I'm taking my role seriously. That I'm not just some awful woman you're stuck with. And I..." She hesitated, then continued honestly. "I want them to see us as an actual partnership. Not a disaster."

Caspian was quiet for a long moment, studying her face. She meant it. She genuinely wanted to stand beside him in front of his nobles and vassals, to be scrutinized and judged, all to prove she'd changed.

The possessive warmth in his chest intensified.

"You'd be on display," he said finally. "Scrutinized by every noble in the northern territories. Judged. Compared to your previous behavior."

"I know," Caroline said. "And I'm ready for that. I've apologized to your staff. I've been kind to your people in town. I want your nobles to see that change too."

"They'll talk about you," Caspian warned. "About us. About the circumstances of our marriage."

"Let them talk," Caroline said with more confidence than she probably felt. "As long as they can see I'm genuinely trying to be a good Duchess, that's what matters."

She's willing to face them all, Caspian thought. For this. For us.

"If this is what you want," he said, "then we'll plan it. A proper wedding banquet. Formal introductions. The full ceremony we should have had."

Caroline's face lit up. "Really?"