Page 184 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Caspian was starting to smile now.

"And I'll need new gowns," Carol said, gesturing to her growing belly. "The northern fashion is lovely, but I've heard the capital has completely different styles. More elaborate embroidery. Different cuts to accommodate..." she patted her stomach, "...current circumstances."

"So you want to go," Caspian concluded.

"I think it could be wonderful," Carol said honestly. "How long is the journey?"

"Five days with proper stops at inns along the road," Caspian said. "We'd need to bring our pets, obviously."

"Obviously," Carol agreed, glancing at their four companions. "Can we stay at an estate?"

"We have a townhouse in the capital," Caspian said. "Large enough to accommodate us and our... growing menagerie. It has a private courtyard and gardens for our companions."

"Perfect," Carol said. "How long would we stay?"

"The celebration itself is several days," Caspian said, consulting the invitation. "But we could extend our visit if you wanted."

"A week?" Carol suggested. "That would give us time for the celebration and for sightseeing and shopping."

"A week," Caspian agreed. "I'll send word to have the townhouse prepared."

Carol felt excitement building, pushing aside her earlier hesitation.

Yes, Percival, Rosalie and Lucinda would be there. But so what?

She'd be there with Caspian. Her husband. The man she loved. And they'd have an entire week in the capital together.

"We never had a honeymoon," Carol said suddenly.

Caspian looked up from the letter. "What?"

"A honeymoon," Carol repeated. "We got married, I was awful to you for months, and then we finally became... us. But we never had a honeymoon trip. A journey together as husband and wife."

Understanding dawned on Caspian's face. "You want this to be our honeymoon."

"Why not?" Carol said. "We'll travel together, stay in inns along the way, explore the capital, attend a royal ball, eat amazing food, see beautiful sights..." She smiled. "It sounds perfect."

Caspian stood and came around the table. He pulled Carol to her feet—carefully, mindful of her belly—and kissed her.

"Then that's what it will be," he said. "Our honeymoon. Better late than never."

"Much better late," Carol agreed. "Now we actually like each other."

"I more than like you," Caspian said.

"I love you too," Carol said, kissing him again.

Shadow barked, demanding attention. Mochi meowed. Sunny chirped from where he'd been displaced from Carol's lap.

"And we're bringing the children," Carol added, laughing.

"All of them," Caspian agreed. "Shadow, Mochi, Sunny, and Snowball."

"Even if Snowball is still an egg."

"Especially if Snowball is still an egg," Caspian said. "We'll pack the warming nest. It'll be an adventure."

Carol settled back into her chair, her mind already racing with plans.