No, it's Carol who is fully unaware of any interest. It's not that she's uninterested in romance, it's more that she hasn't had the time. When she was in the First Army it was simply just a few flings here and there for stress relief. Then there was everything with the Darkling. Now she supposes she has the time indulge in such things, but she would rather focus on the Second Army. It was easier.

She nearly smacks him at his comment, which he will be able to tell in the smirk she gives him. The first time that Genya told her the rumor about her and Nikolai sleeping together, she nearly stormed over to the Grand Palace to demand he put an end to it. But instead she slept on it and forgot about it. The next time she did have an audience with Nikolai, though, she found the various advisors and dignitaries treat her with more respect than before. Apparently being the Sun Summoner and tearing down the Fold didn't mean automatic respect. But being the Sun Summoner, tearing down the Fold, and sleeping with the King did. As a result, she didn't do anything to encourage it—Nikolai did that enough for both of them—but she didn't dispel it either.

There would be time to shut it down whenever he decided it was time for him to get married.

Carol waits until the other Grisha are out of earshot before continuing with, "You know I'll always keep up with the formalities around the Second Army, Nikolai." She gestures towards the lake where they often take their walks together. "I like that coat on you." He did always look good in blue. Then again, whether it was a privateer coat or his dress uniform, he always looked good.

"What can I do for you?" she asks, tucking a strand of flyaway hair behind her ear. "You don't really get out here for social calls much."