Aleksandr kept his composure. He was surprised Tear was leaving them. Was she really leaving them, alone? He tucked his hands in his pocket, not wanting to start what he had in the garden. He was skeptical, and still thinking uneasily about how he was acting. He normally wanted nothing to do with the girl, afraid to let his [i]favorite[/i] secret seep through the seams of his mind or. . heart.

"Yes, Nadia, as you wish," his voice was stoic, trying to hold back the sheepish boy in him, and maybe even a grin. He had never baked before as he was a male, a potential heir to royalty--what need was he to cook? He could read books, however, and follow instructions. He found comfort in his knowledge of literature. Baking should not be so hard, should it? Perhaps on his skin, but so was combat. . he was a man, his hands could handle holding Nadia's, they should be well able to bake.