Aleksandr did as the Princess told him, "Seven years?" He asked. Her hands wee so soft. . 

"I. ." He paused, feeling his cheeks turn red, again. "I think your hands are soft for--" his composure deteriorated. His voice sounded shaky, weak. He took a moment, trying to regain his demeanor. 

"I would not have been able to tell. . Not that," he had not really held another woman's hands. How would he know the difference, he knew he looked like a fool trying to compliment, or console her. "I think the king, Father, was out of line when he told you finding a husband would be hard," his voice was stoic, again, more direct but still concerned. 

He had a hard time believing he just stammered over the situation that happened in the garden. Aleksandr was not one for stammers and pauses, he preferred being direct. . And clear. But with Nadia, everything was hazy and different. .