Chapter 22
Event Planning: Duchess Edition
Carol arrived at the study mid-morning, her mind still pleasantly distracted by memories of the previous evening. The garden. The moonlight. Caspian's arms around her.
She shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus. There was work to be done.
Bea was already there when Carol entered, examining fabric swatches spread across the large oak table. Sterling stood nearby, a leather-bound ledger in hand, his expression as composed as ever.
"Good morning," Carol said, taking her seat.
"Good morning," Bea replied with a knowing smile. "You're glowing."
Carol felt her face heat. "I am not."
"You absolutely are," Bea said. "It's very becoming."
"Shall we discuss the banquet preparations?" Sterling interjected smoothly.
"Yes, please," Carol said gratefully.
Sterling opened his ledger. "I've taken the liberty of drafting a preliminary guest list based on His Grace's northern holdings and political relationships. With your permission, I'd like to review it."
"Of course," Carol said.
Sterling began reading. "Marquis Henrik Stormhold. Earl Magnus Ironwood. Earl Tobias Coldwater. Earl Oswald Greymoor. Earl Brennan Wolfstone. Baron Thaddeus Icevale. Baron Tobias Snowridge..."
He continued through several more names—northern nobles and their families, vassals who served under Caspian's authority, key military officers, and a few select merchants who'd contributed significantly to Frostmarch's economy.
"Approximately eighty guests total," Sterling concluded. "A substantial gathering, but appropriate for a ducal wedding banquet."
"Eighty people," Carol repeated quietly. All of them watching her. Judging whether she'd truly changed.
"You'll be wonderful," Bea said, squeezing her hand under the table.
Carol took a breath. "The invitations should go out today. We only have a week."
"I've already prepared them," Sterling said. "They await only your approval before dispatch via fast messenger. Given the short notice, some may be unable to attend, but most should manage the journey."
"Excellent," Carol said. "What about the menu?"
"The head cook requests your input," Sterling said. "She's prepared several options for your consideration."
They spent the next hour reviewing proposed dishes—roasted meats, elaborate pastries, seasonal vegetables prepared in the northern style, imported wines, and an impressive array of desserts.
"This all sounds excellent," Carol said. "The cook has my full approval. And please tell her to include extra desserts. Particularly those honey cakes."
"The ones you purchased six of at the market?" Sterling asked, the faintest hint of amusement in his tone.
"They're very good," Carol said. "The guests will appreciate them."
"Indeed, my lady."
Bea examined the decoration plans spread across the table. "We should continue the warm aesthetic you've been establishing. Rich colors, comfortable seating, good lighting. Make the hall feel welcoming rather than austere."
"I agree," Carol said. "This is meant to show that Frostholme is a home, not just a fortress."
"Exactly," Bea said. "Table arrangements here..." She pointed to the diagram. "Music positioned to fill the space without overwhelming conversation. Dancing in the center, of course. You and Caspian will open the ball."
Carol felt a flutter of nervousness. "We'll need to practice."
"I'm sure he won't mind," Bea said with a meaningful smile.
They discussed seating protocols—who should be placed near the head table, which nobles might have conflicts that required careful separation, how to honor the various ranks without causing offense.
Sterling proved invaluable, his knowledge of northern noble relationships and hierarchies preventing several potential diplomatic incidents before they could occur.
"What will you wear?" Bea asked.
"I have several appropriate gowns," Carol said. "The deep blue one with the silver embroidery would work well."
"The one that makes you look like a winter queen?" Bea asked. "Perfect. Elegant and refined without being ostentatious. It fits beautifully."
They finalized the remaining details—wine selections, entertainment between courses, the formal presentation order, security arrangements.
"I believe we have everything in order," Sterling said finally. "The invitations will go out this afternoon. The cook will begin preparations. The decorations will be arranged throughout the week."
"One week," Carol said softly. "This is really happening."
"You're ready for this," Bea said firmly. "You've changed, Caroline. Everyone can see it. In one week, you'll prove it to the northern nobility."
"I hope so," Carol said.
Bea stood, gathering her notes. "I should let you rest. You look exhausted."
"I'm fine," Carol protested.
"You're carrying a child and planning a major social event," Bea said. "Rest. That's an order from your older sister."
Carol smiled. "Yes, ma'am."
Bea squeezed her shoulder affectionately, then left the study.
Carol remained seated, suddenly alone with Sterling.
The senior advisor began organizing his papers, but Carol cleared her throat.
"Sterling? There's one more thing. Something... private."
He looked up, his expression attentive. "Of course, my lady. How may I assist you?"
Carol reached into her pocket and pulled out a small cloth-wrapped bundle. She unwrapped it carefully, revealing the pendant she'd purchased at the market.
The mythril chain gleamed softly in the afternoon light. The emerald caught the sun, its deep green depths seeming to glow with inner fire.
"I purchased this for Caspian," Carol said quietly. "As a gift. But I want it enchanted before I give it to him."
Sterling leaned forward slightly, examining the piece. "It's well-crafted. What manner of enchantment did you have in mind, my lady?"
"The strongest protection magic available," Carol said. "Physical protection, mental protection, healing enhancement if possible. Whatever High Priestess Thea can provide."
Sterling's eyebrows rose slightly. "That would be quite powerful. And quite expensive."
"I don't care about the cost," Carol said. "He fights monsters at the border. He puts himself in danger constantly to protect the kingdom. If I can give him even a small advantage, even a little more protection..." She paused. "I want to do that."
Sterling studied her face for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was gentler than usual. "His Grace is fortunate to have you, my lady."
"I'm fortunate to have him," Carol corrected softly. "Can you arrange it? Discretely?"
"Of course," Sterling said. "I'll have a messenger deliver it to High Priestess Thea this afternoon with instructions for the strongest enchantments she can provide.
Given the urgency and the... generous compensation I'll offer on your behalf, she should be able to complete the work within the week. "
"I want to give it to him before the banquet," Carol said. "A private moment, before we face everyone."
"It will be ready," Sterling promised. He paused, then added, "If I may say so, my lady, this is a very thoughtful gift. It shows great care."
"He deserves to be cared for," Carol said simply. "He's spent so long being feared and isolated. Someone should show him that he matters. That his safety matters."
"Indeed," Sterling said quietly. "I believe he's beginning to understand that, thanks to you."
Carol felt warmth bloom in her chest. "Thank you, Sterling. For everything. For your help, your discretion, your patience with me."
"It is my honor to serve, my lady," Sterling said with a slight bow. "And if I may be candid—it has been a privilege to witness your transformation. You have become everything this estate needed."
Carol blinked back sudden tears. "That's very kind of you to say."
"It's merely the truth," Sterling said. "Now, you should rest as your sister suggested. The week ahead will be demanding, and you'll need your strength."
Carol nodded, standing. "You'll let me know when the pendant is ready?"
"The moment it returns from High Priestess Thea," Sterling confirmed. "I'll ensure it's delivered to your chambers discretely."
"Thank you," Carol said again.
She left the study feeling lighter despite the weight of the coming week. The banquet was planned. The pendant would be ready. All she had to do now was get through the next seven days without panicking.
One week until she proved to the northern nobility that she'd changed.
One week until she stood beside Caspian as his true partner.
She could do this.
She had to.