Page 175 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

But watching wasn't the same as being with him.

She reached the courtyard just as the gates were opening.

The afternoon sun was bright, casting long shadows across the stone. Carol positioned herself near the center of the courtyard, Shadow sitting protectively at her side, Mochi winding between her legs.

And then she heard it—the sound of hoofbeats.

The column of riders appeared through the gates, dusty from travel but clearly triumphant. The troops looked tired but satisfied, weapons cleaned and secured, armor bearing the marks of recent combat.

And at the front, riding tall on his black stallion, was Caspian.

Their eyes met across the courtyard.

Carol's breath caught.

He looked tired. There were shadows under his eyes, dust in his silver hair, his armor still bearing traces of the road.

But he was home.

He was safe.

Caspian dismounted before his horse had fully stopped, his movements fluid despite the long journey. His green eyes never left Carol's face.

Carol walked toward him as quickly as her pregnant body would allow—not quite running, but definitely faster than was probably dignified for a duchess.

She didn't care.

They met in the middle of the courtyard.

Caspian's arms came around her immediately, pulling her close despite his armor. Carol wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him as much as her belly would allow.

"You're home," she breathed. "You're safe. You're home."

"I'm home," Caspian confirmed, his voice rough with emotion. One hand came up to cradle the back of her head. "I missed you. So much."

"I missed you too," Carol said, pulling back just enough to look at his face. "Seven days is too long."

"Far too long," Caspian agreed.

Then he kissed her.

It wasn't gentle or chaste or appropriate for public viewing. It was deep and desperate and full of seven days of separation and longing.

Carol melted into it, her fingers threading through his dusty hair, not caring about anything except the fact that her husband was finally home.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Carol became aware of the troops watching with varying degrees of amusement.

Edwin was grinning broadly. "Welcome home, Your Grace," he called to Caspian. "Though it seems you're otherwise occupied at the moment."

"Shut up, Edwin," Caspian said without heat, though he didn't let go of Carol.

Carol laughed, her face flushed. "Welcome home, Captain. Thank you for bringing my husband back safely."

"My pleasure, Your Grace," Edwin said, still grinning. "Though I think he would have fought his way through an army to get back to you."

"Probably," Caspian agreed, finally—reluctantly—releasing Carol enough to step back slightly. His hand immediately moved to her belly. "How are you? How's our son?"

"We're fine," Carol assured him. "Perfectly healthy. I've been eating well, resting, taking care of myself."