Page 55 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

As Sterling bowed and departed, Carol remained in the courtyard for a few more minutes, staring at the gates as if Caspian might suddenly reappear.

"You really are worried about him," Lumi said softly, floating near her shoulder.

"I am," Carol admitted. "He's riding into danger. Of course I'm worried."

"You like him," Missy observed. "Like, actually like him. Not just 'he's my survival strategy' like, but real feelings like."

Carol sighed. "Yes. I think I do."

"That's actually kind of sweet," Missy said. "Unexpected, but sweet."

"Is it good or bad?" Carol asked. "Catching feelings for my own husband?"

"Good," Lumi said immediately. "Very good. It means you're not just going through the motions. You're building something real."

"Even if he's still suspicious of me?"

"He's less suspicious than he was," Lumi pointed out. "Did you see his face when you said you'd miss him? He looked like you'd given him a gift."

Carol thought about that expression—the surprise, the wonder, the softness.

"He probably thinks I'm plotting something," she said.

"Maybe," Lumi conceded. "But I think part of him wants to believe you're genuine. And the more you show him genuine care, the more that part will grow."

Mochi meowed at her feet, bumping his head against her leg as if offering comfort.

Carol picked him up, cuddling the cub close. "Well, I guess it's just you and me for dinner tonight, Mochi."

The cub purred in response.

As Carol turned to head back inside, she couldn't help but glance once more at the gates.

Several days. Maybe longer.

She'd have to manage the estate, continue building relationships with the staff, prove that her change was real and lasting.

But mostly, she'd be waiting for him to come home.

When did that happen? Carol wondered. When did this become home? When did he become someone I'd miss?

She didn't have a good answer.

All she knew was that the thought of several days without seeing Caspian—without their dinners, without afternoon tea, without watching him train—made her chest feel tight with something that was definitely more than strategic concern.

"I'm in trouble," Carol muttered to Mochi as she walked back inside.

The cub meowed in agreement.

Behind her, the courtyard was empty, the gates closed, and the man she'd been looking forward to having dinner with was riding toward danger.

All Carol could do was wait.

And hope he'd keep his promise to return.

Chapter 12

The Betting Pool