With each passing moment, he felt the weight of his duties as a leader press down on him, demanding that he steel himself against the tumultuous emotions threatening to consume him.
As Ragnar prepared to resume his steps, a sense of trepidation weighed heavy in the air. The sound of Arn's labored breathing and restless voice cut through the tension, "Your Majesty. Where is Lavatri? Is she with us?"
Ragnar's stern countenance softened as he contemplated the weight of the news he was about to convey.
He wished he possessed the power to guarantee a life of comfort and prosperity for all his people, devoid of the grim specters of war, bloodshed, and death that had cast their shadows over his kingdom for far too long.
If only he could shield his subjects from the cruel hands of fate.
Regrettably, he recognized his limitations. The burden of delivering painful tidings weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he knew that the truth he bore was a heavy one.
