Page 182 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

A week after Caspian's return, Carol sat at the breakfast table feeling more content than she had in weeks.

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, warming the dining room. A spread of fresh bread, honey, preserved fruits, cheese, and cold meats was arranged beautifully on the table.

And best of all, Caspian sat across from her, home and safe and here.

In the side area of the dining room, three feeding bowls had been set out for their growing pet collection.

Shadow—now massive, easily the size of a small pony—was enthusiastically devouring his portion of raw meat and specially prepared kibble. His tail wagged so hard it kept hitting the wall.

Mochi, stretched out to his full four feet of Dreamweaver length, was delicately eating fish and cream from his bowl, purring between bites.

Sunny, the baby griffin, had his own smaller bowl filled with chopped meat and grain. He kept hopping excitedly between bites, his downy feathers fluffed up.

And in the corner, Snowball's egg rested in its warming nest—still unhatched, but Carol checked it obsessively to make sure it was the right temperature.

"More tea?" Caspian offered, holding the pot.

"Please," Carol said, pushing her cup toward him.

As he poured, Shadow abandoned his bowl and padded over to the table, his massive head appearing beside Carol's chair. His golden eyes fixed on her plate with intense interest.

"No," Carol said firmly. "You have your own food."

Shadow whined softly, his tail wagging hopefully.

Mochi finished his breakfast and immediately jumped onto the table—completely ignoring propriety—and sat directly beside Carol's plate, staring at her with wide, innocent eyes.

"Mochi, down," Carol said half-heartedly.

The Dreamweaver just purred louder.

Sunny, not wanting to be left out, spread his tiny wings and managed an awkward hop-flight up onto Carol's lap. He chirped plaintively, his beak opening hopefully.

Carol looked at the three pairs of eyes staring at her with shameless begging.

"Oh, fine," she sighed, tearing off a small piece of her ham and giving it to Shadow. Then a bit of fish to Mochi. And finally, a tiny piece of meat to Sunny.

All three consumed their treats immediately and went right back to staring at her expectantly.

"You're spoiling them," Caspian observed, amusement clear in his voice.

"I am not," Carol protested, even as she gave Shadow another piece.

"They know you're the weakest link," Caspian said. "They don't even bother begging from me anymore. They go straight to you."

"That's because you're mean and don't share," Carol said.

"I'm not mean. I'm teaching them discipline."

"They're babies."

"Shadow weighs more than you do."

"He's still a baby," Carol insisted, scratching behind the shadow wolf's ears. Shadow's tail wagged even harder, nearly knocking over a chair.

Caspian shook his head, but he was smiling. "You're impossible."

"You love it."