The way Alexander effortlessly picked Corina up, despite the injury, made the princess flush scarlet. He cradled her in his arms, bridal style, to take her back to his chambers. He didn't want her to see the mess he had left, but he felt allowing her to observe the source of his injury would provide a good icebreaker for initiating the explanation he owed her.
"Alex, you don't need to carry me," she whispered. "I'm very heavy."
"In no way are you heavy," Alexander assured her as he opened the door and stepped inside. "You're very light. You could stand to eat more."
"If it's cake," she smiled, closed her eyes, and rested her head against his shoulder.
Alexander couldn't help but smile at her mention of cake. After their wedding, he would make sure the staff included cake for dessert more often.
