Page 25 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"It would explain the sudden personality change," Edwin mused. "Practice run. See if you notice."

Caspian had considered that. He'd spent half of dinner analyzing Caroline's behavior for any sign of magical manipulation, any hint of compulsion or influence.

He'd found none.

But that didn't mean it wasn't there. She was supposed to be skilled, even if she'd wasted most of her potential chasing after Percival Sinclair instead of actually training.

"There's another possibility," Sterling said carefully. "One that might be worth considering."

"Which is?"

"That she's telling the truth."

Edwin snorted. "Come on, Sterling. You don't actually believe—"

"I believe that people can change when properly motivated," Sterling interrupted. "And the Duchess has been quite miserable since arriving here. Perhaps she genuinely has decided to make the best of things."

"Or perhaps," Caspian said, "she's realized that being openly hostile to me isn't working and has decided to try a different approach to achieve whatever her actual goals are."

"That's certainly possible," Sterling conceded. "Which is why I recommend caution and observation. But Your Grace—" He met Caspian's eyes. "You have an heir on the way. A child who will need both parents, preferably ones who aren't actively trying to murder each other. If there's any chance the Duchess is sincere in wanting to improve things, it might be worth... allowing that possibility."

Caspian was quiet for a moment. He thought about the child Caroline carried—his child, conceived in an accident of magic but his nonetheless. He'd been trying not to think about it too much, about the fact that in six months he would be a father.

He thought about Caroline sitting across from him at dinner, her cheeks flushed pink every time she looked at him. She'd blushed constantly throughout the meal, which had been... odd. And somewhat distracting.

He still didn't know why she'd been blushing.

"I need you both to keep close watch on her," Caspian said finally. "Edwin, have your men report any unusual activity. Where she goes, who she speaks to, any suspicious behavior."

"Already on it," Edwin confirmed. "Though I have to say, the most suspicious thing so far is her apologizing to half the household staff."

"Sterling, I want reports on any letters she sends or receives. Any requests for materials or supplies that seem unusual."

"Of course, Your Grace."

"And if she shows any signs of using her Mind affinity for manipulation..." Caspian's voice hardened. "I want to know immediately."

Both men nodded seriously.

"In the meantime," Caspian continued, "I'll continue to dine with her. Observe her behavior. See what she's planning."

"Of course," Edwin said, his grin returning. "Very tactical. Nothing to do with the fact that she was watching you train like you were the most interesting thing she'd ever seen."

"That's not—" Caspian stopped. "How do you know how she was looking at me?"

"I was on the training grounds too, Your Grace. I saw when you noticed her. And I saw her face before she fled." Edwin's grin widened. "She was blushing too. Quite prettily, actually."

Caspian picked up another report and pretended to read it. "I didn't notice."

"You noticed," Edwin said confidently. "You notice everything on a battlefield. She was practically glowing red."

"The sun was bright. She probably got overheated."

"In the shade. Behind the hedge. That she chose specifically for concealment."

"Edwin," Sterling said mildly. "I believe you're enjoying this too much."

"I'm enjoying this exactly the right amount," Edwin countered. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for something to shake up His Grace's extremely boring personal life? This is better than theatre."