Page 177 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Edwin rode up beside them. "The Duchess appears pleased with your gifts, Your Grace."

"She always is," Caspian said. "She has a weakness for orphaned creatures."

"I have a weakness for things that need love and care," Carol corrected. "And these babies definitely need both." She looked up at Caspian. "Thank you. For bringing them to me. For thinking of me while you were out there fighting."

"I'm always thinking of you," Caspian said quietly.

Their eyes met, and the air between them charged with unspoken promises.

Edwin cleared his throat. "Perhaps I should see to the troops and give you two some privacy."

"Good idea," Caspian said, not looking away from Carol.

But then he seemed to remember his duties. "Actually, I need to stable my horse and debrief with Edwin about the campaign. It won't take long."

Carol tried not to look disappointed. "Of course. You have responsibilities."

"An hour at most," Caspian promised. He leaned down and kissed her again, this one gentler but no less full of promise. "Then I'm all yours. For the rest of the day. The night. However long you want me."

"Forever," Carol said. "I want you forever."

"Then forever you'll have," Caspian said.

He stroked Sunny's downy head gently, then carefully touched the Frost Serpent egg. "Take good care of them. I'll see you in our chambers soon."

"I'll be waiting," Carol said.

She watched as Caspian led his horse toward the stables, Edwin and several soldiers following. The rest of the troops dispersed, heading to their own quarters and duties.

Carol stood in the courtyard, holding a baby griffin, with a Frost Serpent egg in Caspian's satchel at her feet, Shadow and Mochi flanking her.

"Well," she said to Sunny. "Let's get you settled. And we need to find the perfect place for your egg-sibling to hatch."

Sunny chirped happily.

Carol headed back into the estate, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

Caspian was home.

Safe.

And soon, very soon, they'd be together in their chambers with no battles or duties or distance between them.

Just husband and wife.

Choosing each other, again and again.

Carol smiled and kissed the top of Sunny's downy head.

"Welcome to the family, little ones," she whispered. "You're going to love it here."

Chapter 38

Quiet Confessions

Caspian stood outside the pets' room, watching through the partially open door.

The room had been designated specifically for their growing collection of creatures—large enough to accommodate Shadow's expanding size, with various perches and comfortable spaces for the others.