Page 117 of His Greatest Treasure

She gave a regal nod and I offered her my arm. She leaned on it heavily and I realised I was practically holding her up, but it didn’t look like it. She and I walked down the corridor to the dining hall in a stately procession, with my clan following close behind us.

Over dinner, once he relaxed, Morgan told us about his training.

“Seren’s teaching me to control my magic. I’d never really understood it before, but I’m getting better, aren’t I?”

Seren crowed, “He’s doing so well! Everyone’s impressed by it and Dee keeps asking him to blast Dum again when he annoys her.”

Morgan said, “Seren can teach you, too, Alfie. If you want.”

I looked at Seren, uncertain. “Would you?”

“Of course! As long asMorgan doesn’t mind.”

Morgan shook his head and we smiled at each other. Morgan had a way of smiling with his eyes that always made me happy.

I asked Seren, “Would you train Matilda, too? To get her started until we can find a permanent tutor to develop the skills she’s interested in?”

Seren nodded again. “Sure. If Morgan doesn’t mind sharing me.”

Again, Morgan shook his head. He said, “Lew’s teaching me to fight, too. He could show you.”

Lew said, “Happy to, if that’s what you want. We can start tomorrow, if you like. I can teach you all at the same time or individually. But I feel it’s worth pointing out that Dane is the best trainer in the country. If you want the best, it should be him that trains you. Even your father recognised that.”

At my look of confusion, Glimmer said, “Dane taught me and Seren. He really is the best trainer.”

To Dane, I said, “I don’t remember you being here, sorry.”

He shrugged. “You won’t remember me. I wasn’t allowed into the castle. And you weren’t allowed out of it.”

That suddenly seemed very sad.

I asked Blaze, “Would you mind me learning how to fight?”

“Not at all, my darling. You do what you need to do to protect our clan. Would you like me to learn, too?”

I was torn. I didn’t want to make him, nor did I want to stop him. I didn’t want him having to fight, but I couldn’t bear the idea that he would be left vulnerable, either.

Dane chuckled. “I don’t mind training you, Blaze, but not yet. I don’t want a dragon elder burning me for touching his mate. I’ll wait until you’ve been mated a while and Alfie’s protective instincts have settled.”

I was going to move the conversation on, not quite comfortable with that line of thought, but Blaze turned to Uncle George and asked, “What do you think, George?”

It had been so long since he’d spoken that I’d almost forgotten he was there. I had no idea why Blaze was asking him.

Uncle George spoke slowly, measuring out his words in the careful way that all my clan seemed to do. I’d always wished I could be more like thembecause then I wouldn’t annoy my father and embarrass myself in front of them all.

Now, however, I wished they’d be more like me. That they’d say what was on their mind without filtering it first.

“I was merely thinking that, as a fire spirit, you’d have rather powerful fire magic.”

“In theory, yes. You saw the other day that I’m not really able to use it. I can change forms easily, though.”

Uncle George cleared his throat and I saw his eyes flicker to me, as though not sure what I’d do about him talking to my mate. I smiled at him, nodding encouragingly.

He seemed to gain heart from it.

“My magic is not as powerful as yours but I have mastered control over it. Perhaps I could offer some guidance?”

Blaze grinned. “You’d teach me to control my magic?”

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