Ezra
The ceremony started with dancers from every corner of the kingdom. They spun and jumped across the open floor in bright colors, trying to entertain the new king-to-be. I sat stiffly beside Allen, my hands folded in my lap.
From the heat that kept crawling up the back of my neck, I knew his eyes were on me the entire time. I didn't look at him. I kept my gaze on the dancers, but I could feel that green stare like a hand on my skin.
One of the male dancers broke away from the group. He held a single red flower between his teeth and moved toward the throne in slow, deliberate steps. He danced right up to Allen, hips swaying, eyes locked on him like a hunter. When he reached the steps he dropped the flower into Allen's lap with a graceful bow. Something sharp twisted in my chest. Jealousy. Possessiveness. I swallowed hard and looked away. Allen didn't react.
