Page 197 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Love does that," Alex said. "Changes people for the better." He grinned. "Though I have to admit, watching you chase off Earl Sinclair from your table earlier was highly entertaining. Half the ballroom was watching."

Caspian raised an eyebrow. "You saw that?"

"Everyone saw that," Alex said, laughing. "The look on Sinclair's face when you appeared beside him? Priceless. I thought he might actually faint."

"He was bothering my wife," Caspian said flatly.

"And you dealt with it perfectly," Alex agreed. "No violence, no scene. Just your presence and that look you get. Masterful."

Caroline turned back to them at that moment, having finished admiring a nearby tapestry. "What are you two talking about?"

"Your husband's intimidation tactics," Alex said cheerfully.

"Oh, those," Caroline said, smiling up at Caspian. "They're very effective. Though he's much less intimidating once you get to know him."

"Is he now?" Alex asked, clearly delighted.

"Very gentle, actually," Caroline continued. "Brings me cake without being asked. Tolerates my growing collection of unusual pets. Even sits through shopping trips without complaining."

"Shopping trips?" Alex looked at Caspian with mock horror. "She’s completely domesticated you."

"Happily," Caspian said without shame.

Alex laughed again. "This is wonderful. Truly wonderful." His expression softened. "Caspian, I meant what I said. I'm happy for you. Seeing you like this—happy, at peace, with someone who clearly adores you—it's everything I could have hoped for my battle brother."

Caspian felt his throat tighten slightly with unexpected emotion. Alex was one of the few people who knew what those years on the border had cost. What it meant to be called "The Butcher" when all you were doing was protecting your home.

"Thank you," Caspian said quietly. "That means a great deal."

"You've earned this happiness," Alex said firmly. "Don't ever forget that. You've given years of your life to protect this kingdom. You deserve every moment of joy you can find."

Caroline's hand slipped into Caspian's, squeezing gently.

"I won't forget," Caspian promised.

Alex smiled. "Good. Now, I should return to my other guests before my mother gives me that look. But we should speak more later. I want to hear about your northern estates, the border situation—and I definitely want more stories about how the Duchess tamed the legendary Butcher of the North."

"There are no such stories," Caspian said.

"Liar," Alex said cheerfully. "I'll get them out of the Duchess instead."

Caroline laughed. "I have plenty of stories, Your Highness."

"Excellent!" Alex bowed to them both. "Enjoy the celebration. And Duchess Caroline—welcome to court. I have a feeling we're going to be great friends."

He returned to the dais, already greeting the next group of nobles with that same warm charisma.

Caspian and Caroline stood together, watching him go.

"I like him," Caroline said softly. "He's kind. Genuine."

"He is," Caspian agreed. "He's a good man. He'll be a good king someday."

"And he's your friend," Caroline observed.

"One of my few," Caspian admitted. "We fought together on the border campaigns for years. He's seen me at my worst and never flinched."

Caroline squeezed his hand again. "He sees what I see. A good man doing what needs to be done."