Page 72 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

As his soldiers moved to follow orders, Caspian found a quiet spot on the ridge overlooking the destroyed nest.

Four days since he'd left. Tomorrow evening, they'd be back at Frostholme.

He wondered if Caroline had missed him as much as she'd said she would.

Wondered if she'd come to greet him when they returned, the way she'd come to see him off.

Wondered what she'd think of the fact that he'd fought through an entire Blightspawn incursion in record time, driven by the simple desire to have dinner with her again.

"Pathetic," Caspian muttered to himself.

But he was smiling slightly as he said it.

Tomorrow evening. He'd be home tomorrow evening.

And for the first time in eleven years of defending this border, that thought filled him with something warmer than duty.

Something that felt dangerously close to happiness.

Chapter 15

Yes, Your Wife is Still Alive and Shockingly Well-Behaved

The camp had settled into a quiet routine by the time Caspian retired to his tent. Fires burned at regular intervals around the perimeter, guards rotated on schedule, and the exhausted soldiers who'd fought through the day were finally getting rest.

Caspian sat at his field desk, reviewing tomorrow's route home, when Edwin ducked into the tent followed by two other officers.

"Your Grace," Edwin said. "Thomson just received a message from Frostholme via enchanted carrier."

Thomson stepped forward with a small scroll. "Arrived about ten minutes ago, Your Grace. From Sterling."

Caspian took the scroll, noting the seal was intact. Enchanted birds were expensive to maintain and typically reserved for important communications. Sterling wouldn't have sent one unless there was something significant to report.

He broke the seal and unrolled the message, aware of Edwin, Thomson, and Marcus—his vice commander—watching with varying degrees of curiosity.

Your Grace,

I write to inform you of recent developments at the estate during your absence.

The Duchess continues in good health and spirits. She has been maintaining her studies in estate management with commendable diligence, showing particular interest in the grain storage schedules and household accounts. Staff morale remains high, and the Duchess has continued her pattern of courtesy and consideration toward all members of the household.

The Dreamweaver cub (Mochi) is thriving under her care. No incidents of aggression or concern. The creature appears remarkably well-socialized and follows the Duchess throughout her daily activities.

Caspian felt a small measure of relief. Caroline was well. Mochi was behaving. The estate was running smoothly.

He continued reading.

Two days after your departure, the Duchess received an unannounced visit from her siblings: Viscount Jasper Holloway and Lady Beatrice Holloway. They arrived expressing concern for the Duchess's welfare and have remained as guests at the estate.

Caspian's jaw tightened slightly.

Her siblings. Here. Unannounced.

The Viscount and Lady Beatrice appear to have been pleasantly surprised by the Duchess's demeanor and contentment. I have observed no signs of distress or conflict. On the contrary, the siblings seem relieved by the changes they've witnessed in their sister.

The Duchess has enlisted her siblings' assistance in a project to add warmth and personal touches to the estate's public spaces. To this end, she has commissioned the following items:

● Twelve tapestries from Master Weaver Aldric (commissioned for the great hall and main corridors) - 2,400 gold crowns