Page 174 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"He's protective of Caroline," Caspian said. "I'm grateful for that when I'm away."

"As are we all," Edwin said. "The Duchess has brought... warmth to Frostholme. It's good to see."

"It's home now," Caspian said simply. "Not just a fortress. Home."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the fire crackling, the baby griffin sleeping peacefully against Caspian's side.

"Two more days," Edwin said eventually.

"Two more days," Caspian agreed, his eyes on the horizon in the direction of Frostholme.

Two more days until he could hold Caroline again. See her smile. Feel their child move beneath his hand.

Two more days until he was home.

It couldn't come fast enough.

Chapter 37

You're Safe, You're Home

Carol sat at the large desk in Caspian's private study—their study now—carefully reviewing the estate accounts.

Honestly? This was the most comfortable she'd felt doing duchess duties. Numbers she understood. Budgets, expenses, revenue streams—these were familiar territory from her past life as an equity research analyst.

The household expenses, the staff wages, the maintenance costs for the estate and its defenses—all of it made perfect sense to her. She'd even found a few areas where they could optimize spending without cutting services.

She'd been managing it while Caspian was away, and if she was being honest with herself, she was quite good at it.

Shadow lay at her feet, his massive head resting on his paws. He'd grown even more in the past week—easily the size of a large hunting dog now, with paws that promised significantly more growth to come.

Mochi was draped across the back of her chair, purring loudly, occasionally batting at her hair when she leaned back.

"Stop that," Carol said absently, gently pushing the Dreamweaver's paw away. "I'm trying to work."

Mochi meowed and went back to purring.

Carol was just finishing her review of the monthly provisions when there was a sharp knock at the door.

"Enter," she called.

Daisy practically burst into the room, her face flushed with excitement.

"Your Grace!" she gasped. "The Duke! He's been spotted on the road! He and his men are riding back!"

Carol's quill clattered to the desk.

"He's back?" she asked, already standing.

"Yes, Your Grace! They should arrive within the quarter hour!"

Carol didn't need to hear more.

She gathered her skirts and headed for the door, Shadow and Mochi immediately following. The maid stepped aside quickly as the Duchess swept past, her pets flanking her like an honor guard.

Carol made her way through the corridors of Frostholme, her heart racing. Seven days. It had been seven days since she'd seen Caspian, touched him, held him.

Yes, she'd been watching him on the premium viewing service. Had seen every battle, every moment of his journey.