Page 52 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

There is no sexual tension, Carol interrupted quickly, very aware of Daisy and Millie in the room. We're just... getting to know each other. Building a friendship.

"A friendship where you blush every time he looks at you," Lumi said.

"And where he gets flustered when you make sounds while enjoying your cake," Missy added.

Carol buried her face in her hands. I was not. Please stop talking.

Both sprites laughed, but mercifully went quiet as Daisy finished pinning up Carol's hair. Millie helped her into the blue gown, which fit perfectly and did indeed bring out the amber in her eyes.

Carol examined herself in the mirror. She looked good. Not trying too hard, but definitely making an effort.

It's just dinner, she told herself. The second dinner in a row. Maybe they were starting to develop a routine. A normal routine. Nothing to be nervous about.

Except she was nervous. Excited-nervous. The good kind of nervous that came from anticipating something pleasant.

She was looking forward to seeing Caspian. To talking with him. To watching those rare almost-smiles when she said something that amused him. To the way his green eyes would focus on her completely when she spoke, like she was the only person in the world.

Oh no, Carol thought. I'm developing actual feelings for my husband.

A knock at the door interrupted her mild panic.

"Enter," Carol called.

Edmund, the butler, stepped inside and bowed. "Your Grace, I apologize for the interruption."

Something in his tone made Carol's stomach drop. "What is it?"

"His Grace sends his regrets for this evening's dinner," Edmund said carefully. "There has been a report of monster activity at the northern border. A significant incursion. His Grace is mobilizing troops and will be departing within the hour."

Carol felt the disappointment hit her like a physical weight. "Oh."

"He asked me to convey his apologies and assure you that the estate guards will remain at full strength during his absence."

"How long will he be gone?" Carol asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"His Grace indicated it would be several days at minimum, Your Grace. The duration will depend on the severity of the incursion."

Several days. No dinners. No afternoon tea on the terrace. No watching him train or seeing those almost-smiles or—

Carol took a breath. "Thank you, Edmund. Please let His Grace know I understand."

Edmund bowed and left.

Carol stood in her beautiful blue gown, suddenly feeling foolish for being so excited about dinner.

"My lady?" Daisy asked quietly. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Carol said automatically. Then, more honestly, "I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to dinner."

"His Grace seemed to enjoy your company at tea this afternoon," Millie offered. "I'm sure he's disappointed as well."

Carol looked at herself in the mirror again. The blue gown suddenly seemed excessive for eating alone in her chambers.

Then a thought struck her.

Within the hour, Edmund had said. Caspian was leaving within the hour.

Original Caroline had never gone to see him off. Had never shown any concern for his safety or his work. Had treated his departures as welcome absences.