Chapter 44
Let Them Have Their Destiny, I Have Shopping
The capital's shopping district was everything Carol had hoped for and more.
Merchant stands lined the wide cobblestone streets, their colorful awnings creating a patchwork of shade. Boutiques with elegant storefronts displayed their finest wares in sparkling windows. The air was filled with the calls of vendors, the chime of shop bells, and the excited chatter of shoppers.
Carol walked arm-in-arm with Beatrice, both of them practically vibrating with excitement. Caspian followed a step behind, looking vaguely amused, while eight guards trailed after them—already beginning to accumulate packages.
"Where should we start?" Beatrice asked, her eyes wide as she tried to take in everything at once.
"Everywhere," Carol said decisively. "We start everywhere."
Caspian made a sound that might have been a laugh. "I believe my purse is about to suffer."
"You're a duke," Carol said. "Your purse will survive."
"Will it?" Caspian asked dryly, but he was smiling.
They dove into the shopping district with enthusiasm.
The fabric merchant's stall was first—bolts of silk, velvet, and fine wool in every color imaginable. Carol selected several for new gowns, Beatrice helping her choose complementary shades. The merchant assured them the fabrics would be delivered to their townhouse by evening.
The jewelry quarter was next. Glittering displays of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches caught the sunlight. Carol found a beautiful set of pearl earrings for her mother and an elegant tie pin for her father.
"What about this?" Beatrice asked, holding up a delicate silver bracelet.
"Perfect for you," Carol said. "Consider it a gift from your sister."
"Carol, you don't have to—"
"I want to," Carol insisted. "You're going to be an aunt in a few months. Let me spoil you a little."
Beatrice hugged her tightly. "Thank you."
They moved on to a specialty shop that sold goods for pets—or rather, for noble's exotic companions.
Carol found sturdy leather collars enchanted to grow with the wearer (perfect for Shadow's rapid growth), climbing toys for Mochi, and a cushioned perch for Sunny.
She also purchased a warming blanket for Snowball's egg.
"Our pets are going to be more spoiled than most nobles," Caspian observed.
"They deserve it," Carol said. "They're very good babies."
"Shadow is the size of a small horse."
"He's still a baby," Carol insisted.
The apothecary's shop was a treasure trove. Neat rows of bottles and jars lined the shelves, each labeled with precise script. Carol found high-quality calming draughts and soothing herbal blends—the kind that would help ease tension after long campaigns or difficult battles.
"For you," she told Caspian, adding them to their growing pile of purchases. "For when you come back from the border and need to relax."
Something warm flickered in Caspian's eyes. "Thank you."
But Carol's most important purchase came from a master craftsman's workshop tucked away on a quieter street.
The shop specialized in magical items—practical enchantments for everyday use. Carol found exactly what she was looking for: a comprehensive maintenance kit for weapons and armor. The enchantments would keep metal pristine, prevent rust, maintain sharp edges, and even repair minor damage over time.
"This is perfect," Carol said, examining the elegant wooden case that held the various oils, cloths, and tools. "He'll love it."
"The Duke will appreciate the practicality," the craftsman agreed. "Many warriors prefer enchanted maintenance over constant manual upkeep."
Carol added one more item to her purchase—a pocket watch from the jeweler next door. It was beautiful, crafted from silver with intricate engravings, and it opened to reveal space for a small portrait.
"I'll need to have a portrait painted," Carol said, turning the watch over in her hands.
"There's an excellent portrait artist in the arts quarter," Beatrice said. "We could schedule a sitting later this week?"
"Perfect," Carol said. She glanced at Caspian. "Actually, we should have a portrait done together. Our first official portrait as a married couple."
"I'd like that," Caspian said quietly.
Carol's heart warmed. She tucked the pocket watch carefully into her bag—this would be presented to Caspian with her portrait inside. Something for him to carry when they were apart.
They continued through the district. Beatrice found gifts for their parents. Carol selected books from a well-stocked bookseller. Caspian purchased a stunning bracelet for Carol—delicate gold with small emeralds—and a set of ornate hairpins that matched.
"You're spoiling me," Carol protested as Caspian fastened the bracelet around her wrist.
"That's my prerogative as your husband," Caspian said.
The guards were now heavily laden with packages, boxes, and wrapped bundles. They'd need to make a trip back to the townhouse soon just to unload everything.
"I think we've conquered the shopping district," Beatrice said, laughing. "Should we find somewhere for lunch?"
"Please," Carol said. "I'm starving."
"You're always starving lately," Caspian observed.
"I'm growing a whole person," Carol pointed out. "That takes energy. And food. Lots of food."
They found a well-appointed restaurant in the merchant quarter—the kind of establishment that catered to wealthy shoppers who needed a respite from their purchasing adventures.
The guards stationed themselves outside with the packages while Carol, Caspian, and Beatrice were shown to a private table near the windows.
Caspian caught the restaurant manager's eye and gestured toward the guards outside—a silent instruction to ensure his men were fed.
The interior was elegant without being ostentatious. White tablecloths, fresh flowers, soft music playing from somewhere. Other diners filled the space—mostly nobles and wealthy merchants, all dressed well and speaking in refined tones.
Carol settled into her chair with a sigh of relief. Her feet were starting to protest the morning's activities.
"Comfortable?" Caspian asked.
"Very," Carol said. "Though I may need you to carry me back to the townhouse later."
"That can be arranged," Caspian said, and he sounded like he actually meant it.
A server appeared with menus and water. Carol accepted hers gratefully and began perusing the options.
So many choices. Roasted duck with berry sauce. Braised lamb with herbs. Fresh trout from the nearby lakes. Pasta with cream and mushrooms. Vegetable tart with cheese.
Everything sounded delicious.
"I'm getting at least three courses," Carol announced.
"Naturally," Caspian said.
Beatrice was studying her own menu when voices from a nearby table caught their attention.
"—finally happening!" a nobleman was saying excitedly. "The Crown is organizing the expedition."
"About time," his companion replied. "The Blight has been spreading for too long. Someone needed to take action."
Carol's attention sharpened slightly, though she kept her eyes on the menu.
"Earl Sinclair is leading the knights," the first nobleman continued. "Can you imagine? The hero himself, taking the fight directly to the Wasteland."
"And Lady Rosalie Lennox is accompanying them," a woman at the table added. "Her holy powers are supposed to be able to cleanse the corruption. Purify the land."
"The Chosen Ones," someone else said reverently. "Prophecy made manifest."
"They're gathering the kingdom's finest adventurers," the first nobleman said. "Mages, warriors, healers. This is a proper campaign. They're going to end the Blight once and for all."
The table erupted in enthusiastic agreement. Patriotic fervor. Hope for the kingdom's salvation.
Carol turned a page in her menu, considering the dessert options.
"The expedition leaves in two weeks," the woman was saying. "There's going to be a grand ceremony. The King himself will see them off."
"Lord Percival looked so noble when I saw him last night at the ball," another woman sighed. "So brave and righteous."
"And Lady Rosalie is absolutely lovely. So pure and kind. They're perfect together."
Carol's eyes moved to the beverage list. The restaurant offered an impressive selection of fruit cordials and herb-infused waters.
Beside her, Caspian was watching her with barely concealed amusement.
Carol looked up and met his gaze. "What?"
"You're not reacting at all," Caspian observed quietly.
"To what?" Carol asked innocently.
"To the entire table behind us discussing Earl Sinclair's and his heroic expedition."
Carol glanced over her shoulder at the enthusiastic nobles, then back at Caspian. "Should I be reacting?"
"A few months ago, you would have been," Caspian pointed out.
"A few months ago, I was an idiot," Carol said matter-of-factly. She returned her attention to the menu. "Now I'm more interested in whether I should get the duck or the lamb."
Caspian's smile widened. "Both?"
"You know me so well," Carol said.
Beatrice was trying not to laugh. "You really don't care at all, do you? About Sinclair and the expedition?"
"Not even a little bit," Carol said honestly.
The plot is right on track, she thought. Percival and Rosalie going to the Wasteland with the kingdom's forces. They'll fight the Blight, Rosalie will use her holy powers to cleanse the corruption, they'll save the day. It's all very heroic and predictable.
"But seriously," Beatrice pressed. "The expedition. Earl Sinclair. You're really not bothered?"
Carol met her sister's eyes. "Earl Sinclair is a capable knight. Lady Rosalie seems like a lovely person. I'm sure they'll do very well together. But that's their life, not mine." She reached for Caspian's hand. "I have everything I want right here."
The enthusiasm from the nearby table continued.
"—going to be legendary—"
"—save the entire kingdom—"
"—true heroes—"
Carol tuned it out and focused on the much more important question of which appetizer to order.
"You really have changed," Beatrice said softly, looking at her sister with something like wonder.
"For the better, I hope," Carol said.
"Definitely for the better," Beatrice confirmed.
Caspian reached across the table and took Carol's hand, his thumb brushing across the new bracelet he'd given her.
"I'm glad you're here," he said quietly. "Just here. With me."
"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," Carol said honestly.
The server returned to take their orders.
Carol requested the duck and the lamb, plus two appetizers and a promise to look at the dessert menu later.
Beatrice ordered more modestly. Caspian selected something simple, though Carol noticed him ordering an extra side of vegetables that he would inevitably give to her.
The nearby table was still discussing the expedition with breathless excitement.
Carol picked up a piece of bread from the basket the server had left and spread it with butter.
"This honeymoon week is going to be amazing," she said contentedly.
Caspian smiled. "Yes. Yes, it is."
And as the nobles behind them continued to rhapsodize about prophecies and heroes and glorious battles, Carol enjoyed her bread and planned which shops they should visit after lunch.
Let Percival and Rosalie have their grand destiny.
She had Caspian, excellent food, and a week of shopping ahead of her.
She was exactly where she wanted to be.