Page 49 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

She was rambling. And blushing furiously now.

Caspian found it oddly endearing.

"You're welcome to watch anytime," he heard himself say. "The eastern terrace does provide an excellent vantage point."

"I noticed," Caroline said, her blush deepening. "Thank you for the recommendation. It was very... helpful."

They sat in silence for a moment, both drinking tea. Caroline fed Mochi a small piece of cream pastry, which the cub devoured enthusiastically.

"He's going to grow into a very spoiled apex predator," Caspian observed.

"The best kind," Caroline said. Then, more seriously, "I know having a Dreamweaver on the estate might be concerning. If you'd prefer I find somewhere else for him—"

"No," Caspian interrupted.

Caroline looked up, surprised.

Caspian wasn't entirely sure why he'd said no so quickly. Tactically, it would make sense to relocate the creature before it became dangerous. But looking at Caroline holding the small cub, at the protective way she cradled it, at the genuine affection in her eyes...

"You've bonded with it," he said finally. "Familiar bonds are not easily broken. And from what I understand, Dreamweavers are fiercely loyal to their bonded companions."

"They are," Caroline confirmed.

"Then it would be cruel to separate you. The creature stays." He paused. "With conditions."

"Of course. Anything."

"It needs proper training as it grows. No aggressive behavior toward staff. And when it reaches maturity, it will need appropriate accommodations—something larger than your chambers."

"That's very reasonable," Caroline said, nodding quickly.

"And you're responsible for its care and feeding."

"I understand."

She was looking at him with those wide amber eyes, and Caspian noticed—not for the first time—how they caught the afternoon light.

Then she smiled. Genuinely smiled, bright and delighted and grateful.

"Thank you," she said softly. "Really. Thank you for understanding. I know it probably seems silly to get so attached to a creature that will eventually be dangerous, but—"

"It's not silly," Caspian said. "Loyalty and compassion are valuable traits. Even when applied to future apex predators."

Caroline's smile widened, and Caspian felt that odd shifting sensation in his chest again.

This woman had tried to poison him three weeks ago.

And now she was sitting across from him, feeding cream pastries to a Dreamweaver cub, blushing when she talked about watching him train, calling him 'my husband' with a possessive warmth that made something in him want to believe it was real.

None of it made sense.

But watching her carefully feed another piece of pastry to Mochi, her expression so open and genuine, Caspian found himself thinking that perhaps sense was overrated.

"Would you like more tea?" Caroline asked, already reaching for the pot.

"Please."

As she poured, her sleeve slipped back slightly, and Caspian noticed she wasn't wearing any of the elaborate jewelry he knew she owned. Just a simple bracelet. Understated. Practical.