Page 145 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

They clung together through the aftershocks, trembling, breathless. Caroline collapsed forward onto his chest, and Caspian’s arms wrapped around her immediately, holding her close as their hearts slowly calmed.

The garden was quiet around them, moonlight soft on their joined bodies, the fountain’s gentle murmur the only sound besides their breathing.

Afterwards, they lay together on the bench, Caroline tucked against Caspian's chest, his arms wrapped securely around her. Both were breathing hard, skin flushed, hearts racing.

The fountain continued its gentle splash nearby. The moon still shone overhead. But everything felt different now.

Changed.

Right.

"That was..." Caroline started, then couldn't find words.

"Yes," Caspian agreed, pressing a kiss to her hair.

They stayed like that for several minutes, just holding each other, neither wanting to break the moment.

Finally, Caspian stirred.

"Come with me," he said softly.

"Where?" Caroline asked, though she didn't move from his embrace.

"To my chambers," Caspian said. "To my bed."

Caroline pulled back enough to look at him. "Your bed?"

"We never had a wedding night," Caspian said quietly. "The first time... that wasn't us. That was the spell. Magic and accident and neither of us choosing." He cupped her face gently. "Let me give you a real wedding night, Caroline. Let me take you to my bed and make love to my wife properly."

Caroline felt tears prick her eyes at the tenderness in his voice.

"Yes," she whispered. "Yes, please."

Caspian stood, helping her adjust her nightgown and robe to make her presentable for the walk through the estate. Then, before she could protest, he swept her up into his arms, carrying her bridal-style.

"Caspian!" Caroline laughed, startled. "I can walk!"

"I know," he said, that rare smile crossing his face. "But I want to carry you. Indulge me."

Caroline wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head against his shoulder. "You're ridiculous."

"You like it."

"I do," Caroline admitted.

They walked through the moonlit gardens, Caspian's long strides carrying them steadily toward the main estate.

Behind them, Mochi and Shadow were still exploring the gardens. Mochi had climbed a tree and was batting at leaves, while Shadow was investigating interesting scents near the flower beds. Both seemed content to stay and play.

"Should we bring them?" Caroline asked, glancing back.

"Let them enjoy the night," Caspian said. "They'll find their way back when they're ready."

The estate was quiet as they passed through, only a few guards on duty who carefully looked away when they saw the Duke carrying his wife through the halls in obvious post-intimate dishevelment.

Caspian's chambers were in a different wing from Caroline's—larger, more austere, decorated in dark woods and deep blues and silvers.

Very him.