Page 44 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"No, no," Edwin interrupted. "You're worried about her. About Caroline. About whether she's safe hand-feeding wild creatures in the garden."

"She's carrying my child," Caspian said. "Of course I'm concerned about her safety."

"And you invited her to watch you train."

"To provide her with appropriate—"

"You made a joke about the viewing terrace," Edwin continued. "You, who I have seen give military briefings without smiling once, made a joke to make your wife laugh."

Caspian said nothing.

"And now you're personally planning to address her pet adoption during a private tea instead of just ordering your men to handle it."

"Your point?"

Edwin's grin softened into something more genuine. "My point is that you're actually trying. With her. With this marriage. Despite everything she's done."

Caspian looked out the window again, at the gardens where Caroline had apparently spent her morning bonding with a future apex predator.

"What's the alternative?" he said quietly. "We're married. She's pregnant with my child. I can either spend the next several decades in a hostile stalemate, or I can..." He paused. "See if there's another option."

"Even though you think she's still in love with Percival Sinclair?"

"I don't know what to think about that," Caspian admitted. "She seemed genuine last night. But people don't change overnight. Not this drastically."

"So you're suspicious."

"Extremely."

"But you're still having tea with her."

"I'm gathering intelligence," Caspian said. "Observing patterns. Conducting reconnaissance."

"You're having tea with your pretty wife after she watches you train," Edwin corrected. "And you're going to ask her about her new pet that she named Mochi."

"When you say it like that—"

"It sounds domestic and almost sweet?" Edwin stood, clapping Caspian on the shoulder. "Because it is, Your Grace. Suspicious, yes. Potentially dangerous, sure. But also... kind of sweet."

"Get out," Caspian said, though without any real heat.

"I'll see you on the training grounds at three," Edwin said, heading for the door. "I promise to make you look very impressive for your wife."

"Edwin—"

"Should we do the spinning sword thing? She seemed to like watching that yesterday."

"I'm going to assign you to the eastern border patrol."

"No you won't. You need me here to mock you appropriately." Edwin paused at the door. "Seriously though, Your Grace. Be careful. But also... don't assume the worst. She might actually be trying to change."

After Edwin left, Caspian returned to his desk and the reports he still hadn't finished reading.

But his mind kept drifting.

To Caroline apologizing to servants.

To Caroline hand-feeding a dangerous creature with patience and gentleness.