BEFORE Astrid could really check if that was the case, the duke had already picked another cupcake and put it on Nicol's plate. So, he just assumed that the other must not be used to doing such things for strangers. That's why he appeared awkward and all.
Astrid just shrugged and looked at the cupcake in front of him. It had a white frosting with colorful little flowers on the side. At least it didn't have small circular toppings on it, like some kind of berry or something. He didn't want to appear rude and picky by removing those.
Without much thought, he picked up the cupcake, twisted it in half, and then put the bottom part on top of the frosting. Making some sort of cupcake sandwich. Then he bit into it.