Page 194 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"You're eating for two," Caspian said reasonably. "And you looked happy. I wanted to keep you happy."

"You're perfect," Carol said, immediately reaching for the strawberry cake. She cut off a generous bite and tasted it.

The flavor exploded on her tongue—sweet, fresh, with real strawberries layered between the cake.

"Oh," Carol breathed. "Oh, this one is amazing. Here, try it."

She cut off another piece and held the fork out to Caspian.

Her husband looked at the dessert with mild skepticism. "I'm not particularly fond of sweets."

"Please?" Carol asked. "For me?"

Caspian's expression softened further. He leaned forward and accepted the bite she offered.

Carol watched his face as he chewed, looking for his reaction.

"Well?" she asked.

"It's... good," Caspian admitted. "Sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. The strawberries are fresh."

"Right?" Carol said enthusiastically. She cut another piece for herself, then offered him the caramel cake. "Now try this one."

"Caroline—"

"Just one bite," Carol insisted.

Caspian accepted the second bite, and Carol was delighted to see his eyebrows raise slightly.

"That one is better," he said. "The caramel isn't too sweet."

"You have good taste," Carol said approvingly. She took her own bite of the caramel cake and sighed happily. "This is wonderful. All of it is wonderful."

She reached for the lemon cake next, trying a small piece. The tartness made her eyes widen with pleasure.

"Oh, you have to try this one," Carol said, immediately preparing another fork for Caspian.

"I'm noticing a pattern," Caspian observed, but he was smiling now—a genuine, warm smile that made him look younger and softer.

"The pattern is that I like sharing good things with you," Carol said, offering him the lemon cake.

Caspian accepted it, his eyes never leaving hers. "The lemon is quite good."

"Isn't it?" Carol said. She set down her fork and leaned closer to him. "Thank you. For the cakes. For chasing off Percival. For being here."

"Always," Caspian said simply.

He leaned in and kissed her cheek, his lips warm against her skin.

Carol giggled, her heart full of contentment and cake and love.

"People are staring," she whispered.

"Let them," Caspian said. He kissed her temple, then her forehead, then finally her lips—a brief but tender kiss that made her forget entirely about the watching nobles.

When he pulled back, his smile had widened slightly.

"Now," he said, gesturing to the array of cakes on the table. "Which one should we try next?"