Ingrid found she did not like the idea of being separated from Alexei, even for a short time. However, she stifled that feeling, knowing that this was the first of many times in their future that they would be apart...indeed, should any battles call him away, hours would turn into months of him risking his life on the field.<br/><br/>She was a royal, and she knew that it was her duty to deal gracefully and graciously with their times apart, though she had a sneaking suspicion already that any time he was far from her, she would be hungering for his touch until he returned.<br/><br/>As he stood with her, she looked up into his face, the top of her head not even reaching his chin, and she smiled at him. A timid, tentative smile, but a smile nonetheless that was only for him.<br/><br/>She curtsied politely to him, as he excused himself from her presence.<br/><br/>"I am sure tonight will somewhat of an ordeal, my lord," she said softly, a playful glint in her eyes. "But I have confidence that my training will get me through such a trial."<br/><br/>She turned to walk back to the bathing room, and glanced back over her shoulder at him. "Failing that," she added. "There is always liquor."<br/><br/>With a quick, mischievous smile, she disappeared through the door where Irina and the bath were waiting for her.