Page 53 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

But Carol wasn't Original Caroline.

"Help me change," Carol said suddenly, already reaching for the gown's fastenings. "Something simpler. I need to go downstairs."

Both maids looked surprised but immediately moved to help.

"You're going to see him off?" Lumi said, sounding pleased.

He's riding out to fight monsters, Carol projected to the sprites. Of course I'm going to see him off.

Missy grinned. "Look at you, being a proper concerned wife. I love it."

"I still think you should have picked the Sorceress path," Lumi added. "But this is definitely character growth."

Within minutes, Carol had changed into a simpler day dress and was hurrying through the halls toward the main courtyard. Mochi trotted along beside her, his twin tails swishing as he matched her pace.

The courtyard was organized chaos. Soldiers in light armor were checking weapons and supplies. Horses stamped and snorted, being prepared for the journey. Orders were shouted across the space as the troops assembled with military precision.

And in the center of it all stood Caspian.

He was in full armor now—dark metal that seemed to absorb light, fitted perfectly to his tall frame. His silver hair was tied back, and both Wintersbane and Frostreaver hung at his sides. He was speaking with Edwin, who was also armored and ready, pointing at something on a map spread across a nearby table.

He looked every inch The Butcher of the North. Dangerous. Powerful. Absolutely devastating.

Carol's breath caught.

Several soldiers noticed her arrival and nudged each other, whispered conversations starting. The Duchess never came to see troops off. This was new. This was notable.

Caspian looked up, his eyes finding her immediately. Surprise flickered across his face.

Carol walked forward, Mochi still at her heels, very aware of every eye on her.

"Your Grace," she said when she reached him.

"My lady." He seemed genuinely startled. "I didn't expect—you didn't need to come down."

"I wanted to," Carol said simply. She glanced at the assembled troops, at the organized preparation for departure. "How bad is it?"

"Reports indicate a larger incursion than usual," Caspian said, his tone shifting to something more professional. "Multiple Blightspawn crossing the border in coordinated groups. It requires immediate attention."

"Blightspawn?" Carol's worry increased. Those sounded dangerous.

"Creatures corrupted by The Blight," Edwin supplied, stepping over to join them. "Nasty things. But nothing we haven't handled before." He grinned at Carol. "Don't worry, Your Grace. We'll have your husband back in one piece."

Carol felt her cheeks warm at the casual way Edwin said 'your husband,' but she didn't correct him.

"How long will you be gone?" she asked Caspian.

"Several days minimum," he replied. "Possibly longer depending on what we find. I'm leaving Captain Thorne in command of the estate guard. The estate will be well protected."

"I'm not worried about the estate," Carol said, the words coming out before she could think better of them. "I'm worried about you."

The surprise on Caspian's face deepened. Behind him, Edwin's grin widened knowingly.

"You're... worried about me," Caspian repeated, as if testing the words.

"Of course I am," Carol said. "You're riding out to fight monsters. That's dangerous."

"It's my duty," Caspian said. "I've done this hundreds of times."