Page 62 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Bea walked closer, studying Carol with those sharp grey eyes that had always been able to see through any deception.

"You're different," she said finally. "Not just happier. You're... fundamentally different. The way you're standing. The way you're talking. Even the way you're looking at us."

Carol felt a flash of panic. She'd been so focused on changing Original Caroline's behavior with the staff and Caspian that she hadn't considered how her family would react.

"I decided to change," Carol said carefully. "To be better. To stop being angry and miserable all the time."

"Why?" Jasper asked, and there was genuine confusion in his voice. "Caroline, you've been writing us desperate letters. Begging us to get you out of this marriage. Talking about how much you hate it here. And now you're... holding a baby monster and talking about making the best of things?"

"I realized being miserable wasn't helping anyone," Carol said. "Especially not me."

Bea stepped even closer, her eyes searching Carol's face. "What happened?"

"Nothing happened. I just—" Carol paused. "I woke up one morning and decided I was tired of being angry. Tired of hating my life. So I decided to try something different."

"Try what, exactly?" Jasper asked.

"Being kind to people. Apologizing for my behavior. Getting to know my husband instead of treating him like the enemy." Carol shifted Mochi in her arms. "Making an effort."

"Your husband," Bea said slowly. "The Butcher of the North. The man you've been calling a monster in your letters."

"He's not a monster," Carol said, and felt her cheeks warming. "He's actually very kind. And patient. And he let me keep Mochi even though Dreamweavers are dangerous."

Jasper and Bea exchanged another loaded glance.

"She's blushing," Bea observed.

"I noticed," Jasper said.

"I am not blushing," Carol protested, knowing full well her face was probably bright red.

"You're definitely blushing," Bea said, a small smile starting to form. "About your husband."

"Where is the Duke?" Jasper asked, looking around as if expecting Caspian to appear. "We should probably apologize for showing up unannounced. That was rude of us."

"He's not here," Carol said. "There was a monster incursion at the border. He left two days ago with his troops."

"He left you here alone?" Jasper's protective instincts immediately activated. "After only two months of marriage?"

"He left most of the guard here for protection," Carol said. "And it's his duty. He defends the northern border. I can't exactly ask him not to do his job."

"The Caroline we know would have demanded exactly that," Bea pointed out.

"Well, I'm trying to be more reasonable," Carol said. "Can we sit? I can have tea brought in. Are you hungry? How long are you staying?"

Both siblings just stared at her again.

"What?" Carol asked.

"You offered us tea," Jasper said faintly. "And asked if we were hungry."

"You're being... hospitable," Bea added, sounding equally stunned.

"I'm being a good host!"

"You've never been a good host in your life," Jasper said. "You once told Aunt Claire that if she didn't like the temperature in your rooms, she could leave."

Carol winced. "That was... not my finest moment."