He peeked over the bushes making sure that no one was around then he dashed to the front gate. He heard people coming towards him and he hid between the columns of the palace.

"I think it's nice that Cira and the generals are friends," Cira's mother said to the man that walked beside her.

"As long as they don't forget that they have a job to do," the man mumbled. Cira's mother turned and looked at Cira's father. She bit her bottom lip and giggled lightly. He smiled at her and pressed her against one of the palace columns.

"Do you remember when we first met, Erebus?" Cira's mother smiled as she pulled Cira's father close to her. He brushed her golden hair over her shoulder and leaned in close to her.

"Of course, I do, Malina," he whispered in her ear. She blushed feeling his warm breath near the nape of her neck. He trapped her between the column and his body then gently kissed her lips. Malina shivered under his lips then turned her face away from him.

"You don't chase me anymore like you used to," she pouted playfully at her lover. Erebus sighed and shook his head then turned to the side freeing her.

"That's because you don't run anymore," he smirked at her. Malina stared at him out the corner of her eye then dashed away from him holding her dress up. She giggled as he chased her. "You know I always catch you," he laughed. The guy peeked from around the column and let out a relieved sigh. He hurried into the palace and up the stairwell. At the top of the stairs he pondered which direction to go.

"Four paths to choose," he whispered, "but only one is the right one." He closed his eyes and picked a random pathway. He crept down the hallway quietly past two sets of doors. Suddenly he was grabbed and pulled inside a room. He turned and looked at the perp. There stood Cira with her arms crossed and her golden hair pulled back into a tight ponytail.

"I'm glad I found you," Celino smiled as he jumped to his feet, "er, well you found me."

"What are you even doing here?" Cira groaned and rolled her eyes. He fumbled around in his jacket pockets.

"I, uh, wanted to," he stumbled then pulled something from his pocket, "ice skating will be opening in my kingdom." He shoved the invite in her hands. "I'd really like if you came." Cira stared down at the invitation then looked up at him.

"Me? Ice skate?" She giggled awkwardly and shook her head. "I can't."

"It's not like it's a date," Celino responded as his blue eyes pleaded. She shook her head.

"I don't know how," she explained, "we don't ice skate here. It's too hot." Celino nodded finally understanding.

"I can show you how," he smiled, "it'll be fun." He grabbed her hand and quietly opened the door. Cira felt her heart race slightly. She tugged from him and bit her bottom lip. "You look cute like that," he smiled, "but I think I like your hair down." He reached toward her head preparing to pull the ponytail holder out then stopped and laughed. Cira had shut her eyes and crinkled her nose up. He covered his mouth attempting to stifle his laughs. Cira opened her eyes and looked at him.

"I'll think about it," she groaned and pouted at him. He pulled her close to him and smiled at her.

"I hope I'll see you there," he whispered to her then turned to exit the room.

"Wait," she called behind him. He smiled and turned to her. "You should probably leave from the balcony," she smiled and gestured to the balcony behind her, "wouldn't want to get caught." He nodded and began climbing over the balcony.

"I hope you'll come," he smiled as he disappeared behind over the balcony.