To say that the next several minutes were stressful would be an astounding understatement. Even as they were entering the hall where the ceremony was taking place, several Serpiente people felt it necessary to reach out and touch the out-of-place eagle. Kyra was fighting her every urge not to jerk away violently. There was not a person in the hall that did not know who she was, meaning that they knew exactly what level of physical contact she was used to, yet they insisted on touching her almost constantly as they walked to the dais.
The fact that she couldn't see the little touches coming only made the situation that much worse.
Kyra's only source of solace throughout the trek was the cobra at her side. She could feel Zane tense every time he became aware of someone new touching her. The eagle was almost certain that he was glaring at the crowd a bit to help reduce the number of people trying to get in contact with their soon-to-be queen.
By the time they reached the raised platform, Kyra was two more touches shy of ripping her circlet off and fixing her famous—among her old, avian guards—glare on the room at large. Thankfully, though, she held onto her Avian reserve—what little was left after that initial endeavor, anyway—and managed to keep her calm façade.
She was acutely aware of Zane's presence as he maneuvered her into position for the actual ceremony. A little squeeze of his hand was the signal that told her that they were about to be bound together . . . forever . . . as mates and monarchs.
Author's Note: I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET OUT, and I AM SO SORRY THIS IS SO SHORT. This isn't the full chapter I wanted to publish, but I felt motivated enough to get SOMETHING down while I'm at work. Hopefully, I will be able to pump out another one in the next few days, so cross your fingers. As always, tell me whatcha think and if you have any ideas.
~Shade