Author's Note: Unedited Chapter
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Empress Dahria, with her authoritative bearing, still managed to engage in light-hearted banter, showing a more relaxed side of herself that was rarely seen.
Nearby, E.E., Falco, Aildris, Endric, and Ria were having the time of their lives at the shore.
E.E.'s melanin skin glistened in the sunlight, his wet, bushy afro hair bouncing as he moved. His infectious laughter filled the air as he cracked jokes and splashed water at his friends.
"E.E., you look like a sea monster with that hair!" Falco teased while ducking to avoid another splash.
"Oh yeah?" E.E. retorted with a grin. "At least I don't look like a rat that got drowned in milk, Falco!"
Aildris had built an impressive sandcastle, much to the admiration of the others. "Check this out," he said proudly, gesturing to his creation. "A castle fit for a king."
