Page 129 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

She'd spent weeks preparing the spell. Researching ancient texts on love magic, practicing the intricate mind-weaving required to make it work. The spell circle was already drawn in the eastern gardens, hidden in a secluded alcove surrounded by flowering bushes.

All she needed was for Percival to step into it.

"Are you ready?" Lucinda whispered, appearing at her elbow with a sweet smile.

Caroline's cousin looked radiant in her pale pink gown, honey-blonde curls perfectly arranged, the picture of innocence.

"I'm terrified," Caroline admitted. "What if it doesn't work? What if he—"

"It will work," Lucinda said confidently. "You've prepared everything perfectly. The spell circle, the activation trigger, everything. All I need to do is tell Earl Sinclair that Lady Rosalie wants to meet him privately in the eastern gardens, and he'll go. Then the spell does the rest."

"You're sure he'll believe you?" Caroline asked.

"Absolutely," Lucinda said. "Everyone knows he's fond of her. He won't question it."

Caroline felt her stomach flutter with nerves and excitement. After tonight, Percival would finally see her. Would finally love her the way she'd loved him for years.

"I'll go wait in the gardens now," Caroline said. "You know where to find me?"

"The eastern alcove, past the fountain," Lucinda confirmed. "I'll send him in fifteen minutes. Just... try to look romantic when he arrives. Moonlight, flowers, beautiful maiden—you know the image."

Caroline nodded and slipped away from the ballroom, her heart pounding.

The gardens were cool and quiet after the noise of the ball. Caroline made her way to the eastern section, to the secluded alcove she'd chosen specifically for this purpose.

The spell circle was exactly where she'd left it—faint silvery lines drawn with her Mind magic, invisible to anyone who didn't know to look for them. Ancient symbols arranged in precise patterns, designed to activate when the target stepped within the circle's bounds.

A love spell. A seduction spell.

It would make Percival see her as irresistible. Would make him desire her, want her, need her.

And once the spell took hold, once they... consummated it... the magic would fade but the emotional connection would remain. He'd remember the passion, the desire, the intimacy.

He'd finally be hers.

Caroline positioned herself artfully near the circle's edge, arranging her skirts, practicing her smile.

Footsteps approached through the garden.

Caroline's heart leaped. Percival.

But the man who stepped into the moonlit alcove wasn't golden-haired and blue-eyed.

He was tall, silver-haired, with jade-green eyes that caught the moonlight.

Caspian Vanthorn. The Butcher of the North.

Caroline's breath stopped.

No. No, no, no—what is he doing here?

"Lady Caroline," Caspian said, sounding mildly surprised to see her. "I didn't expect to find anyone out here."

"Your Grace," Caroline managed, her mind racing. He can't step into the circle. He can't—

But Caspian was already moving forward, his long strides carrying him directly toward her.

Directly onto the spell circle.