Lyle listened to Aria read, they really needed to do this more often. He really just needed to stop being so stubborn. The story was pretty interesting and when they reached chapter seven he was a little upset that she had to stop. He looked out the window and it was true; The walls of the kingdom were getting close. They were already here. As much as Lyle wanted to sulk, he didn't. Instead he just gave Aria a quick kiss on the cheek and sat back comfortably until they arrived. Once the carriages stopped, the doors opened and he helped Aria out.

Lyle looked around at the snow that had covered everything and stuffed his gloved hands in the pockets of his coat. "I hope so." He muttered and followed his parents to the front doors of the palace. He made sure not to leave Aria behind though. His father knocked on the door and after a while it opened, Troy's mother was the one who greeted them all and welcomed them inside to her home. "Troy will be down momentarily. Thank-you for coming over, I hope the trip was an enjoyable one on the way here." She said as she motioned for them all to have a seat and had servants serve them something warm to drink. "Thank-you for inviting us." Lyle's father said. He wasn't too social, but he was very formal and as the head of the family, he usually started conversations. Something Lyle still needed to learn. "Oh well isn't that just sweet, you two are matching!" Troy's mother said when she saw both Lyle and Aria. Lyle only blushed and looked down nervously.

Lyle listened to the adults talk about the difference between their kingdoms, how beautiful it was here, things like that. Things that didn't interest Lyle too much. It was a lovely home that Troy had though, now that Lyle glanced around. The king and Troy soon then arrived and the queen looked up at them. "Troy dear, love, where were you both hiding? We have guests you know." She said, motioning to Lyle's family. "We were in a game of chess love, however, Troy hasn't been able to win yet." The king chuckled and greeted everyone. "Hello, I apologize for making you wait. I welcome you to our kingdom and our home. Feel free to stay how long you like." Hearing that, Lyle was pleased. He missed spending time with Troy but he knew that Troy too was a busy man. Troy then greeted them and looked at both Aria and Lyle. "Well isn't this a nice surprise. You're matching." He said and chuckled. "How sweet." Lyle wanted to groan but fought the urge. "I'm just teasing you both, you know that." He said and walked over to them. "How about I steal you both away for a moment just to catch up?" he suggested quietly.

Lyle stood up and picked up his cup of hot chocolate. "Excuse us. I...I'll be taking this with me." He explained and bowed politely before following Troy. Troy looked at the adults, "Don't worry, we'll be back in a few." He explained and led both Aria and Lyle away from there. He gave them a tour of the palace which Lyle really enjoyed. He liked seeing all the differences that this place had from his own home. "Lovely home you have Troy." He said quietly as he took in every detail of the large house. "Thank-you Lyle." Troy answered and opened a door to a large lounging room with bookshelves. "This is my study, it's where I like to spend time to relax. Make yourselves comfortable."

Troy smiled, "Thank-you Aria." He answered as he walked into his study and closed the door behind them. Hearing her question, he looked at her, then at Lyle who was currently focused on looking at the books he had. "I've been okay I suppose. Busy with important things but I've been good. I'm more curious about you both. When I first met you, you both were having a hard time. And I know I haven't been able to help as much as I used to but I do hope you're okay. That you're both in a good place now." Troy said honestly. The fact that they were matching told him things were good between them which made him happy.

"Well that sounds nice, I'm happy to hear that. You're making me envious." Troy chuckled then. At least things seemed to be going okay with them. She seemed happy and Lyle...well he wasn't complaining so this was good news. "I'm glad your trip here was a pleasant one. I was afraid you'd find it too cold." Troy admitted and looked at Lyle again to see how over dressed he was. "Are you not hot in all that?" he asked. Lyle looked away from the books and sipped his hot chocolate. "Not at all. I don't want to risk getting sick, so I made sure to dress appropriately." Lyle explained.

"That's good! I'm glad that you two are spending time together." Troy said honestly. Lyle looked away and down at his cup of hot cocoa while Aria invited Troy to help with the snowman. "Well...you don't really need three people to make one but sure, I'll go to keep an eye on you both. It will be fun though, building snowmen is always fun." Troy said with a smile. Lyle dreaded going out there in the snow. It was so cold out there. He would rather just stay indoors and continue reading to himself but he had promised he'd help her. He just wanted her to be happy even if he wasn't. Her happiness was important to him.

Lyle blushed and looked away from her. She clearly liked embarrassing him it seemed like. He didn't say anything, because he didn't even know what to say. "Not a fan of snow Lyle?" Troy asked after a while. Lyle looked up at Troy and frowned for a moment. "It's not that I don't like snow, it's just I've never actually...played in it and I'm just not a fan of getting sick. I know you can get sick any season but the chances of getting sick in winter are greater." Lyle answered honestly. "I just...I don't know how people can be out in this snow and not be worried.." He added quietly. "You'll be fine Lyle. A few minutes outside won't kill you. Besides, you need to get some color in that skin, you look pale." Troy pointed out with a chuckle.

Well now, this was a surprise to Troy. "Never...played in snow?" He repeated. Lyle nodded. "Never. I just..." He shrugged. "I always preferred a book over the outdoors." He explained honestly. "Well then Aria and I need to change that right away. Come on, we're going outside." Troy said, motioning for them to follow him. Lyle looked surprised and looked at Aria before looking at Troy again. "R-really? Right now? B-but we just got here." He said, finishing his hot cocoa. "Yes really, come on. You'll be fine Lyle. Going outside isn't going to kill you."

Troy took the empty cup from Lyle and set it down on a tray a passing servant was carrying as he led both of them out of the house. When they reached the front door, Lyle stopped and fixed his scarf, making it cover most of his face. He was nervous, what if he got sick? Troy grabbed his warm coat, put it on and opened the front door. They were greeted by the chilly wind as they stepped outside and he closed the door behind him. The sound of snow crunching beneath their feet.