Hazel nodded a bit.

"Alright," she said. "That sounds good." Standing up, she shook out the skirts of the simple day gown she was wearing.

Kaladin watched her before he moved back, giving her some space. He knew a nice little place where they could go, and he was looking forward to spending more time with her and doing the whole courting bit like she expected, rather than how he wanted. Because if it was up to him, he'd just run off and elope with her.

Once Hazel was sure she could leave her work for a bit unattended, she went over to him.

"I'm ready to go when you are," she said.

Kaladin nodded and led the way outside, telling the carriage driver where to go and letting her in first.

Hazel got into the carriage and waited for Kaladin to get in.

"I didn't mean to ruin things," she said softly once the door was closed. She picked at a stray thread on her lap. "Earlier in the office. I didn't mean to freeze up and ruin everything."

Kaladin shook his head. "Don't worry about that," he said quietly. "We've got time. And I didn't exactly warn you, either."

Then he grinned playfully. "Although it's nice to know I can do that to you."

Hazel blushed.

"Still, I feel bad about it," she replied. "It's just... I've had chaperones since I was old enough to trade my dolls for corsets, and I was kept away from boys in general before that."

Kaladin shrugged. "That doesn't bother me any," he said quietly. "Really. Don't beat yourself up over that."

"Alright..." Hazel said softly. She still picked a bit at her skirts.

Kaladin reached over and grabbed her hands. "Hazel. Look at me," he said quietly.

Hazel blinked when he grabbed her hands and she looked up at him.

Kaladin kissed her again briefly. "If you feel bad for freezing up, we'll just have to make you used to this." Another brief kiss. "Won't we?"

"I suppose we will," Hazel replied between two more kisses. Finally, she cautiously tried to initiate one herself.

Kaladin hummed, pleased, and returned it, taking his time. This he could certainly get used to.

Hazel tried again before her confidence ran out, initiating one more clumsy, hesitant kiss. For all of her grace while dancing, this was something that didn't translate from that.

Kaladin was still very pleased when she pulled back again, moving closer to her.

"See? It's not so scary," he said quietly. "Of course, if you need more desensitizing..."

"I think more practice is in order later," Hazel said. "I find myself woefully inept."

Kaladin grinned and was quite happy to teach her more, up until the carriage stopped. Then he pulled back with a little grumble.

"Guess we're here."

"I guess so," Hazel replied, waiting for the door to be opened for them.

The footman opened the door, and Kaladin stepped out before holding out his hand for her. The tea place he'd picked was quiet and cozy, and not crowded at all.

Hazel took his hand and let him help her out of the carriage. She'd never been to this particular tea place before, since she usually had her teas imported and brewed for her, but the place was nice enough.

Kaladin led the way over to a little table and motioned for her to sit first, pulling out a chair for her.

"It might not look like the best place, but they've got a good variety of teas," he said quietly. "And good service."

"It's nice," Hazel replied softly. "I've never been here before, but it's nice."

"I used to come here frequently. Seamus turned up his nose at tea." He snorted. "So I'd come here on my own and sit here for a while and just relax."

"Seamus doesn't seem the sort to like much tea," Hazel replied. "Not really."