Asher's return to the beach was met with a mixture of anticipation and impatience. The sun was now hanging a bit low, casting long shadows over the soft sand and painting the horizon with a medley of oranges and yellow.
The soft lull of the waves was occasionally punctuated by the distant laughter and chatter of other people.
Isola was playing with Callisa at some distance away from Merina and Ceti but had her gaze softened upon seeing Asher return.
Merina smiled upon seeing him return, and it seemed like she was eagerly but patiently waiting for his return, except for one other person.
Her eyes shifted to Ceti, whose arms were crossed in a pose of disapproval, as Asher approached.
"Your Highness, may I ask, what took you so long?" Ceti inquired, arching an eyebrow.
Why would he need to spend so much time with that obnoxious harpy?
What kind of special 'gift' did she have for him?
