Page 162 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

And he couldn't wait to get back to her.

Chapter 34

The Departure

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the dining room, catching on the fine porcelain and casting warm patterns across the table.

Carol picked at her breakfast, her appetite less enthusiastic than usual despite the excellent honey cakes arranged on her plate.

Across from her, Caspian was unusually quiet.

She'd learned to read his silences over these past weeks. This one was heavy with something unspoken.

"What is it?" Carol asked finally, setting down her fork.

Caspian looked up from the report he'd been reading, his green eyes serious. "Border patrol sent word this morning. Blight creatures are closing in on the northern territories again. Larger numbers than usual."

Carol's stomach dropped. "How many?"

"Enough that I need to respond personally," Caspian said. "I'll need to leave within the hour."

"Oh."

The single syllable came out smaller than Carol intended.

Caspian set down the report and reached across the table to take her hand. "I'm sorry. I know we just—"

"No," Carol interrupted, squeezing his fingers. "Don't apologize. This is your duty. Your responsibility. I understand."

"I don't want to leave you," Caspian said quietly.

"I don't want you to go," Carol admitted. "But the northern territories need you. The people need you." She managed a small smile. "I'll be fine. We'll be fine."

Her other hand moved to the gentle swell of her belly—four months along now, visible enough that her gowns needed adjusting.

Caspian's gaze followed the movement, something tender and protective crossing his expression.

"There's something else," Caspian said. "I've been meaning to ask, and now seems as good a time as any."

Carol tilted her head. "What is it?"

"Would you like to move your belongings to my chambers?" Caspian asked. "Permanently?"

Carol's breath caught slightly.

"I have plenty of space in my wing," Caspian continued. "You'd still have your own dressing room, drawing room, lounging room—all the private spaces you need. But we'd share a bedchamber. Wake up together every morning."

A smile spread across Carol's face. "I'd like that. Very much."

Relief and warmth flooded Caspian's expression. "I'll have the staff move everything while I'm gone. It'll be ready when I return. You'll be in our chambers."

"Our chambers," Carol repeated softly, liking the sound of it.

"Our home," Caspian said. "Properly, this time."

Carol stood and crossed to him, settling into his lap despite her growing belly. Caspian's arms came around her immediately.

"Come home safely," she whispered. "To our chambers. To our bed."