Page 178 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Shadow was curled up on a thick cushioned mat, already asleep despite it being early evening. The shadow wolf's sides rose and fell with deep, steady breaths. He'd grown even more in the week Caspian had been gone.

Mochi was draped across a elevated perch, his Dreamweaver body arranged in that boneless way cats managed, purring softly in his sleep.

And in a specially prepared nest lined with warming stones and soft blankets, the Frost Serpent egg rested safely. Beside it, in a smaller nest, Sunny the baby griffin slept peacefully, his downy feathers fluffed up.

Caroline had worked quickly to get them all settled. She'd fussed over the temperature of Snowball's warming stones, adjusted Sunny's blankets three times, and made sure Shadow and Mochi approved of the new additions before leaving them to rest.

Satisfied that all four creatures were comfortable, Caspian quietly closed the door.

He made his way through their chambers—past the drawing room, the lounging area, the dressing rooms—to the bathing chamber.

The room was spacious and luxurious, dominated by a medium-sized bathing pool that was more like a small indoor pool than a standard bath. Steam rose from the warm water, filling the air with moisture and heat.

Caspian stripped off his travel-stained clothes with relief. Seven days on the road, fighting corrupted creatures, sleeping on the ground—he desperately needed this.

He stepped into the warm water and sank down with a groan of pure pleasure.

The heat immediately began working on his sore muscles. He'd pushed himself hard on this campaign, driven by his desire to finish quickly and return home.

To Caroline.

Caspian leaned back against the edge of the pool, closing his eyes, letting the warmth seep into his bones.

Home. He was finally home.

He stayed like that for several minutes, simply enjoying the peace and quiet and cleanliness after days in the field.

Then he heard the door open.

Caspian's eyes opened to find Caroline standing in the doorway, wearing only a thin robe that left very little to the imagination.

She had a small smile on her face, her amber eyes warm as they traveled over him.

"Is there room for one more?" she asked, her tone teasing.

Caspian felt his mouth go dry despite being surrounded by water. "Always."

Caroline's smile widened. She reached for the tie of her robe, slowly pulling it loose.

The fabric fell open, revealing the curves of her body—more pronounced now with her pregnancy, the gentle swell of her belly where their son grew.

She let the robe slip from her shoulders and pool on the floor.

Caspian couldn't look away.

She was beautiful. Had always been beautiful. But something about seeing her now, in their bathing chamber, choosing to join him, choosing him—it made his chest tight with emotion.

Caroline walked to the edge of the pool and gracefully stepped in, the warm water rising around her as she descended the steps.

She moved through the water toward him with purpose, and Caspian stayed perfectly still, watching her approach.

When she reached him, she didn't hesitate. She straddled his lap, settling herself against him with a satisfied sound.

"Hello," she said softly.

"Hello," Caspian replied, his hands automatically coming to rest on her hips.

"I missed you," Caroline said, her fingers trailing through his wet hair. "So much."