Aleksandr caught up to Nadia and Tear. He stammered a bit, hesitating before making any real reply, "I -- I just wanted to make sure you are okay," he smiled down at the small, pretty girl. She was too young and naive to have such a harsh punishment, "I know Tear is here, and this may be stepping out of line with Father, but..." He paused, letting out a deep breath. His inflated ego was falling as he spoke to Nadia like this, tenderly, sweet heartedly, "I do not think you will have trouble finding your hand in marriage."

His face was rosy from speaking to her in such a manner. Part of him wanted to lean down and give her a kiss or go on and continue in some buffoonery of praise, so folly he began to think, [i]I would not mind having you as a wife... as rambunctious as you are...[/i]. He would not say that aloud. How dare he...

"I still would like to join you, if you would like."