Page 93 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"They are," Jasper confirmed. "I had some last time I passed through the region. Very good."

Caspian set down his fork, considering. "The market is quite active in the afternoons. It would be crowded."

"I don't mind crowds," Carol said. "Please? I promise not to spend too much." She paused. "Actually, that's a lie. I'll probably spend quite a bit. But I'd really like to see the town."

Something shifted in Caspian's expression—that almost-smile that Carol was learning to recognize.

"Very well," he said. "After lunch, I'll arrange an escort."

"An escort?" Carol asked.

"Standard procedure when the Duke and Duchess visit the town," Caspian explained. "A small guard detail for security."

"Can Mochi and Shadow come?" Carol asked hopefully.

"You want to bring the apex predators to the market," Caspian said, though it wasn't quite a question.

"They need socialization," Carol said. "And fresh air. And I don't want to leave them alone."

"They'll terrify the merchants," Jasper pointed out.

"They're adorable," Carol countered. "Look at them."

Both creatures were indeed being exceptionally cute at the moment—Mochi was dozing in a sunbeam, and Shadow was attempting to chase his own tail.

"Fine," Caspian said. "The creatures can come. But you're responsible for them."

"Deal!"

◆◆◆

Two hours later, Carol found herself walking through the gates of Frostmarch town with quite the entourage.

Caspian walked beside her, dressed in formal but practical attire—a dark coat over a white shirt, his silver hair tied back. Jasper and Bea followed just behind, looking around with interest. Mochi trotted at Carol's feet, his twin tails swishing, while Shadow padded along on a leash that Carol held (though she suspected the puppy could break it easily if he wanted to).

Four guards accompanied them at a respectful distance, led by a stern-looking officer named Captain Thorne who'd been left in command of the estate guard during Caspian’s campaign.

The town of Frostmarch was larger than Carol had expected. Stone buildings lined cobblestone streets, with shops displaying their wares in windows and on outdoor tables. The market square bustled with activity—merchants calling out prices, customers haggling, children running between stalls.

And every single person stopped what they were doing when they noticed the Duke's party approaching.

The silence spread like a wave through the market.

Carol felt suddenly very visible.

"They're staring," she whispered to Caspian.

"You're the Duchess," Caspian said quietly. "And this is your first public appearance. Of course they're staring."

"Right. No pressure."

People began bowing as they passed. Carol tried to smile and nod politely at everyone, though she could hear whispers starting up behind them.

"That's her?"

"The Duchess?"

"I heard she was terrible—"