FIFTY ONE: Transfer

"This."

The Dragon Emperor shot the silver-haired boy in front of him a fiery glare while his fingers closed tightly around Kel's wrist.

A sharp tug sent Kel stumbling away from Taegus's side, directly into the emperor's chest.

"This is mine," Calix growled, closing his arms around Kel's wet body.

Kel's tunic and chest wrapping were both securely in place, but the emperor's forearm pressed firmly across her breast made her feel completely exposed. With each breath, she felt the emperor's arm push harder against her chest.

Taegus's gaze seemed to also be focused on the emperor's arm rising and falling with Kel's breaths. 

"Kel is a person, Your Majesty," he said in a low voice. "Not a possession."

Calix let out a snort but otherwise ignored the boy's bold comment. He then whirled around, dragging Kel with him as he tramped back toward his tent.