DPOV

I walked away with Christian, leaving the girls to talk. I didn't want to go far because if I felt something stir in Rose, I could still intervene. But I knew she was getting a handle on things. She still had a long way to go, but today had been a good first step.

But either she needed to learn how to control her flame exactly or we would have to get her some fireproof clothes.

Christian was fidgeting beside me. He seemed to want to ask me something but was afraid to. I wondered what that was about. Christian knew me well, and I didn't think there was anything he thought he couldn't ask or say. He was usually pretty blunt about these things.

"Spit it out, Christian."

He sighed deeply.

"Will you go with me to your Grandmother's. I am… a little scared to go by myself."

I stopped walking and looked at him. What did he want with my grandmother?

"Why? I thought you said only crazy people had dealings with Yeva."

He sighed deeply but had a dreamy expression on his face.

"But I am crazy. Crazy in love. I want to ask Yeva about the longevity spell. I want to use it on Lissa."

I didn't really know what to say. I had mentioned the longevity spell to Christian once, and he had called me crazy for considering it. It seemed a very large turnaround in a very short period of time.

"You have known her all of two days."

His dreamy expression was exchanged with a scowl.

"And you barely know Rose a few weeks. How is this any different?"

I suppose he was right. I had no right to judge. I had considered the spell myself, at one time. But I was glad I didn't need it. One it would be a strange conversation with Rose and second I could only think of the payment my grandmother would ask for.

"Are you sure? Have you talked to Lissa about this? You know my grandmother's price is high."

"I know. And I did talk to her. She feels the same way. We want to be together. I told her I was on the brink of war, but she is willing to wait for me. Dimitri, I have to try. I will do anything. Just come with me. Maybe she won't stiff me as much if you come with me."

I chuckled. Actually, I think she would stiff him even more. But I wisely kept that to myself.

We walked towards my mother's and grandmother's chamber.

My mother was there to greet me, and she hugged me tightly.

"Bring her around soon will you."

I nodded but looked towards my Babushka. My mother seemed to realize we were here on business. She stepped aside to let us pass.

As if she was expecting us, my grandmother was seated on her rock looking expectantly at the door.

"Sit down boy."

Neither of us knew who she meant by that, so we both sat down at her request.

"Why are you here?"

Christian looked over at me expectantly, and I simply nodded in encouragement. He was fidgeting with his talon. He tried to speak several times, but nothing seemed to come out.

"Oh spit it out, boy. I am not getting any younger."

I stifled a laugh as I saw Christian visibly pale.

"Right, sorry ma'am. I… I wanted to ask you to perform a longevity spell on a human."

My grandmother didn't seem shocked. Then again she rarely did. I doubt she was often asked to perform this kind of spell. Dragons hardly ever had long-term relationships with humans. But there must have been some instances otherwise the spell wouldn't have been invented in the first place.

"That is a complicated spell. It won't come cheap."

"I know. I am willing to pay anything."

Her eyes narrowed, and I sucked in a breath. Wrong thing to say to Yeva. If you offer her anything, she will take anything.

She seemed to mull it over for a while, making Christian sweat. She looked at me, and I thought I saw a little bit of sadness in her eyes. She turned back to Christian.

"At one point in the future, you will have to choose between what is best for the army or saving Dimitri. I want you to save my grandson, no matter the consequences for yourself or the army."

I looked at her a little shocked. Not only because she predicted something horrible would happen to me, but also because she was wasting a payment on me.

Christian looked from me to her and back. He was considering his options. Now normally he wouldn't hesitate, he would save me regardless. But Yeva had made it sound like saving me would mean deserting the army and going rogue. That could have severe consequences for him. He wasn't just putting my life on the line. He was also putting his future on the line. But it didn't seem to deter him. I saw the determination in his eyes as his decision was made. He must love Lissa very much.

"I accept your payment. I will save Dimitri when the time comes."

She nodded. I wanted to protest, but Yeva silenced me with a wave of her hand.

"Then it is settled."

"So when can I bring her by."

My grandmother let out a snort.

"I don't know how it works in your world, boy, but you have to pay before you get the goods. Don't worry you will have time."

With that she dismissed us.

I walked a slightly relieved and a slightly disappointed Christian to his chambers, where I have no doubt Lissa will join him.

"I arranged for Viktoria to guard Lissa while Rose is here. I think it best if she would escort Lissa back to the palace soon. We have a lot of work to do. And something tells me we have little time in which to do it in."

Christian nodded. His mood suddenly turned serious, and I saw the soldier he was. He knew this was no place for Lissa right now, he knew she would be safe from our war in her village, but that didn't mean it was easy to let her go. But I was a little jealous. Yes, I would have my love with me, but we would be facing almost certain death, so even though I could hold her in my arms at night, I would always wonder if this was our last night together. But then again, he didn't have any guarantee he would be coming back either - only that she would survive. But still, if I had a choice I would have chosen for Rose to be safe. But as Rose and Yeva had made abundantly clear, it wasn't my choice. And I think Rose should be grateful for that. I would never let her leave the safety of the cave.

I walked back to my room and saw Rose lying on the bed just staring at the ceiling. I sat down next to her. She seemed to be deep in thought, yet still registered as I sat down.

She grabbed my hand but still wasn't looking at me.

"Do you think I will ever see her again?"

I laid down next to her, never letting go of her hand.

"I don't know. I can't predict the future, Rose. All I can promise is that I will try and keep you alive. And when we do return, it will be safe for you to return to Lissa."

I hadn't meant to sound so jealous, but I was. I was jealous of her relationship with Lissa. I knew it would work out well if we did end up surviving. Lissa would be with Christian, so we would see each other all the time. And if Lissa were with Christian, she would be immersed in the world of Dragons, too. We protected our own. So Rose could spend some more time with me if she wanted. But still I felt like I wasn't just sharing her time with Lissa, I was also sharing Rose's heart. I just hoped there was enough room for the two of us.

She nodded at my words and squeezed my hand. She snuggled a little closer to me, but suddenly pulled back. She was biting her lip. She seemed hesitant to ask, so I was wondering what kind of kinky things she had in mind. But her question did more than arouse me; it made me love her even more.

"Do you mind being a Dragon tonight? I want to sleep against your warm scales."

The sentiment was so sweet. She wanted to enjoy my Dragon form too. I was feeling all warm inside, and it had nothing to do with my internal flame. Of course, Rose wouldn't be Rose if she didn't ruin an intimate romantic moment.

"Now be a good Dragon and be a nice bed warmer. I am tired from all that training General serious-pants put us through."

Aaand, the warm feeling was gone. But it was replaced by a chuckle. Only she could get away with it. And for good measure, she petted me once I had changed.

I was about to retort when she snuggled in closer to me, wrapped in furs and nothing else, the heat of her naked skin against my scales. I liked the feeling of her skin against mine but realized I loved the feeling of her soft flesh against my hard scales more. Somehow, being in my Dragon form, made this even more intense, maybe because my scales weren't used to being touched so gently.

And in that position, we fell asleep. Rose safely cocooned by my much larger body.

The next morning it was business as usual. I woke up a very reluctant Rose, and we dressed in our training gear. I made Rose bring an extra set of training gear in case her clothes burned up again.

I stayed in my Dragon form so I wouldn't have to change once we got to the courtyard. Rose stayed by my side as we walked and talked towards the training area. She was very comfortable talking with my larger form. She looked up to talk to me or make a face at something I said, but she didn't seem to realize that I was at least ten times as big as her. And honestly, neither did I. Because talking with her and being with her was just so natural, no matter what form I was in. She seemed to agree.

We made it to the patch of grass on the side of the hill a little away from the stronghold, and I saw Eddie and Mason waiting there. They were in human form and the moment we arrived they both walked up to Rose and started talking. Rose fell in easily with them. It was like she had always been a part of their group. One part of me was elated. If she was able to win these two over so quickly, I am sure other Dragons won't be too far behind. But I also felt a little jealous. They were able to treat her like a friend here. I couldn't. I couldn't be her lover right now; I needed to be the General. I needed to prepare her for war, not friendship. But I had to constantly remind myself that here on the field, and later in actual battle, she would be a soldier in my battalion. I was able to do it now, but I wondered how I would fare in battle. Would I be able to do my job as General, or would I constantly be looking out for her, worrying about her? I realized it would depend on how much I trusted her skill in battle. I would always be worried, but I also knew Rose wasn't helpless.

I was preparing the course, and the three of them were talking. Christian would join us in an hour or so. Apparently, he needed to sleep in. Meaning he needed to spend some time with Lissa before she and Viktoria would leave for her palace this morning.

When I turned towards the three to instruct them, they had a peculiar look on their faces. All three of them identical. I didn't like it at all. I may not recognize the look in the two boys, but I could read Rose like a book and her eyes betrayed her inner mischief. I had no idea what they were up to, but if they were planning a prank on me, she would be in so much trouble.

"Okay, let's get started. Eddie, Mason, start with combat techniques. Rose, practice your jumps. You have to be able to reach me."

She saluted me with a smile on her face, instead of a groan whinging she wouldn't be able to. That should have been my first clue.

They started off slow, and I watched them as they practiced. All three of them were improving. Eddie was more controlled in his movements, whereas Mason had more passion that drove him. And Rose, Rose was simply grace incarnate. Her movements were beautiful to watch, yet so deadly. If she would be able to get the high jump, she might actually have a chance at killing some Snow Dragons and be bloody good at it too. But Rose wasn't very tall, even for a human. I wondered if she was even physically able. Was I asking too much of her?

I was working with Eddie when I saw Rose lock eyes with Mason. I noticed because I always kept Rose in my sight. She gave a slight nod and started to run at Mason. He bent down, and she jumped on his back, and he leaped into the air the next moment. I was so focused on her, I didn't see Eddie move to the sky. He was flying behind me and a little above me. And to my utmost horror, with the grace of a jungle cat Rose jumped from Mason's back towards Eddie. The leap was far, and I worried she would fall, but she didn't because Mason was flying slightly higher than Eddie and me. Once she landed on Eddie, she used him as a foothold to jump to me. Right on the spot on my back. She had her practice sword in her hand, and I felt the blunt end hit the exact spot I had shown her.

She leaned in a little, so she was closer to my large head.

"Dead," she whispered with a little too much triumph and lust in her voice.

Yes, I was dead. I realized she probably wouldn't have been able to reach my heights on her own. But maybe she didn't need to. She wasn't alone. What she had done was brilliant.

Hatchlings that aren't able to fly yet often do this with parents and siblings. They jump from back to back, so they can feel the wind beneath their wings and start to glide. Rose will never fly, but she was a Dragon at heart, and she belonged in the sky. She just needed some help.

She climbed down from my back and stood before me, proud. Eddie and Mason stood next to her, and they too were looking expectantly at me.

"That was brilliant."

I finally said. And the three of them had identical looks on their faces again - one of pride.

"Keep practicing that. I will join in too. Rose, you need to learn how far away Dragons can be from each other for you to still make the jump. Also, you need to learn how to hide behind our backs, by keeping your body pressing against us. That way Snow Dragons won't see you until the last possible moment."

I hated to say it because I didn't want to base a strategy on Rose alone; one that would put her in even more danger. But as a General, I had no choice. Did I have a choice as a lover?

I decided it shouldn't be my decision to make. Like everything else, Rose had been strong enough to decide these things herself, and I am sure it had been Rose who had come up with this particular little stunt.

"I think we just have found our secret weapon."

Rose eyes lit up with excitement and wonder. She practically grew a few inches under my praise, so did the boys. I suppose my role was different for Rose too. She respected me as her General when it came to this.

"General!"

His bellow was heard in all direction for miles, no doubt.

Zmey. He was coming at us from behind, and between Eddie and Mason, I suppose he hadn't even seen Rose. She was mostly blocked from sight by the three of us.

"How dare you? I spend all this time protecting her. And now I hear not only is the binding spell broken, you are taking her to war? Are you insane?"

I turned around and growled at him.

"You think I like this? If it were up to me, I would tie her in the cave and never let her leave again so that she wouldn't get hurt."

"So why isn't she? I am not afraid of your grandmother; I can't believe you would risk her life over something your grandmother said. Grow some balls, General."

Black smoke started to come out of my nostrils.

"Hey"

"Look Zmey… I understand things didn't go as you planned, but insult me again…"

"Hey!"

Both of us looked down at the high-pitched tone that emanated from the small figure standing between us. Neither of us had noticed. Then again Rose was awfully small in her human form compared to us.

"One, he has plenty of balls, so shut it. And two, maybe next time you plan my whole life for me, maybe it would be nice to include ME!"

She picked up her stuff and walked away, leaving a stunned Abe and me behind.