Page 83 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"The stories are mostly accurate," Caspian said. "Matter Manipulation allows me to control the terrain, create weapons from surrounding materials, and approach combat strategically."

"Could you demonstrate?" Jasper asked, genuine curiosity replacing suspicion. "Nothing dangerous, just... I've never seen the legendary Vanthorn power in person."

Caspian glanced at Carol, who nodded encouragingly.

He extended his hand toward the center of the table, where a decorative bowl held fruit. The bowl lifted smoothly into the air, rotating slowly, then the metal began to reshape itself—flowing like water but maintaining its solidity. Within seconds, the bowl had become an intricate flower, each petal perfectly formed.

The metal flower settled gently back on the table.

"That's incredible," Bea breathed.

"And you can do this with any matter?" Jasper asked, leaning forward with interest.

"Within certain limitations," Caspian said. "Living matter is more difficult. Complex structures require more concentration. But for combat purposes, yes—stone, metal, earth, all of it can be manipulated."

"No wonder they call you The Butcher," Jasper said, then immediately looked apologetic. "Sorry, that was—"

"Accurate," Caspian finished. "The title isn't unearned. I've killed thousands of Blightspawn over the years."

"To protect the kingdom," Carol said firmly. "That's not something to apologize for."

Caspian's eyes met hers again, and Carol saw something warm flicker in their green depths.

"Your sister is more forgiving than most," Caspian said to Jasper.

"Our sister has changed significantly in the past week," Bea said. "We're still trying to understand why."

"I got tired of being miserable," Carol said. "So I decided to try being happy instead."

"And that included trying to make your marriage work?" Jasper asked.

"Yes," Carol said. "I'm married. I'm pregnant. I can either spend the rest of my life angry about circumstances I can't change, or I can try to build something good here."

"With a man you barely know," Bea pointed out gently.

"That's why we're getting to know each other," Carol said. "We have dinner together. We talk. We... we're trying."

"She watches me train," Caspian added, and was that amusement in his tone?

Carol felt her face flame. "I was not watching—I mean, I was observing—you said the eastern terrace had a good view—"

"I did," Caspian confirmed. "I wasn't complaining."

Jasper looked between them, his expression slowly shifting from protective suspicion to something that might have been reluctant acceptance.

"You like him," he said to Carol.

"I—" Carol stopped. There was no point denying it. "Yes. I like him."

"And you?" Jasper turned to Caspian. "Do you like our sister?"

Caspian was quiet for a moment, considering the question with his usual careful precision.

"I find her company pleasant," he said finally. "She's intelligent, thoughtful, and has been making genuine efforts to improve herself. She cares about the staff and the estate. She shows compassion to orphaned creatures. And she came to see me off when I rode to war, which is more consideration than I expected."

"That's very diplomatic," Bea said. "But it doesn't answer the question."

Caspian met her eyes directly. "I'm not comfortable with my wife. I'm trying to be. She's making that easier than I anticipated."