Chapter 25

Eliena stood on the roof of the palace, holding her ember stone and calling the dragons. –You called, young one?—Diamondflame's mind voice asked. Eliena opened her eyes and smiled.

"Hello, Diamondflame, Wingstar. It's nice to see you again. And, yes, I did," she replied.

--What is it you need?—Wingstar questioned.

"I would like for you to, once again, help with a war," Eliena replied.

--Another one? Is that all you mortals do—Diamondflame wanted to know. Eliena shook her head.

"No… it's complicated. But, will you?" She looked hopeful.

--Young princess, we know better than to say no. We know the tales,--Wingstar told her, and sighed. –I suppose I'll be taking the bony mage and the godborn, then.—

"We appreciate it, we really do," Eliena told the dragons. She turned to Daine, Numair, and her parents. Leo was hovering behind Jonathan. "Well, I guess we're going then." Daine and Numair said goodbyes, and got onto Wingstar, Numair's arms wrapped firmly around Daine's waist. Eliena heard him murmur, "I won't let you fall, dearest."

"Stay safe," Jonathan advised his heir. "Neither of your siblings will make very good monarchs." Eliena laughed and hugged her father.

"I love you, father," she told him. "And I'd never do anything to intentionally get myself killed. Promise." She hugged her mother.

"Remember, Eli: you're the Tigress, you can do anything," Alanna said.

"Getting soft on me, mother?" Eliena teased.

"No." Alanna's eyes were hard. "Absolutely not."

"I was teasing." Eliena kissed the Lioness. "I love you." Finally, she reached Leo. Daine and Numair quickly started up a conversation, while her parents excused themselves. The couple stood, watching each other for a long moment, before Leo wrapped Eliena in a bone-crushing hug.

"Gods, Eliena, do you have to do this?" he asked her, holding his beautiful fiancée at arm's length.

"Yes, Leo. I do," she replied, putting her hands on either side of his face. "You swore you wouldn't do this to me. Don't do this, Leo. Don't make me feel bad."

"I know, Eli. I can't control you." He smiled. "No one can. And that's just the way I like it." He kissed her deeply, and Eliena felt that he'd thrown all of himself into it.

"I love you, Leo," she murmured breathlessly. "And I promise that I'll come home, and we'll have a perfect life together. I'll come home no matter what."

"You'd better," he told her. "I don't think I could live without you."

"Eli, we really need to get going," Numair called. Eliena buried her face in Leo's chest.

"I love you, Eliena, now, forever, and always—no matter what," Leo whispered, stroking her hair lovingly. She looked up at him. You wouldn't be saying that if you knew, she thought.

"I love you too, Leo. Deeply and truly and more than anything else in this entire world." They kissed passionately, one that would have to last them for however long Eliena would be gone. He walked her over to Diamondflame and helped his beloved on the dragon's back.

"Take care of her, Numair, Daine, Diamondflame," Leo said.

--I am a dragon,--Diamondflame reminded the squire haughtily. –You are mortal. I've many more children than you. I believe that I am an expert on these matters.—Eliena giggled. Leo gripped her hand.

"Goodbye, El. I love you." He kissed her hand. Eliena leaned down to kiss him one last time, but Diamondflame and Wingstar took off, leaving the betrothed to reach for each other.

"Farewell, Leo. Don't forget me while I'm gone," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

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The dragons landed within the borders of Northwatch, the main northern fortress. "Well, well, well. I heard you were keeping interesting company these days, Eli, but I didn't believe it," Evin Larse remarked. Eliena laughed and embraced her Rider friend.

"Hello, Evin. It's been a while," she said. "You remember Daine and Numair, certainly."

"Of course. Daine came to visit me when I was in Corus," he replied. "Which is more than I can say for some people."

"Oh, well, poo you!" Eliena laughed and tossed her hair from her face. "You know I've been busy."

"Getting engaged, yes," Evin replied. Eliena grinned. "Show." She held out her left hand and let Evin admire her ring.

"That's some ring," he whistled. "I'd seen drawings, but didn't believe it was that extraordinary."

"Yep," Eliena said. "And it's all mine. For now, anyway."

"So, what are you three doing here anyway?" Evin wanted to know.

"We're going to fight," Daine replied. "Yes, even Eli."

"Your parents are really letting you? I'm impressed," Buriram Tourakom, second-in-command of the Queen's Riders and Liam Ironarm's wife, remarked, coming over.

"Yes. It took a lot of—oh, who am I kidding? It didn't take anything," Eliena told her. "I need to find Vanget haMinch—he is in charge, right?"

"Yes…" Buri replied. "But you shouldn't bother—"

"Your highness!" Vanget haMinch exclaimed, nearly dropping the pile of papers he held. "I didn't know you were coming!"

"Yes, it seems that it was a bit of a surprise," Eliena responded. "But please don't make a big deal over it. I don't want to deal with being treated like a delicate little flower, thanks much."

"Of course." Vanget bowed. "As you wish, your highness."

"This is going to be a long war," Eliena grumbled.

Author's Note- I. Love. 'N Sync. REVIEW.