Chapter 139: —and to love and embrace you with all that I am.

The sound of a knock echoed through Ragnar's chamber door, but he did not respond. He sat motionless on the edge of his bed, hoping his visitor would assume he had fallen asleep and leave quietly.

Contrary to his hope, the door creaked open, and Sophia entered, carrying a silver tray in her hands.

"Isn't it a bit late to visit someone's room and disturb their rest?" Ragnar asked, his tone weary and unkind.

"Unless you're not my husband. I brought you dinner. You've locked yourself in your study and bedroom all day," Sophia replied as she walked over and placed the tray on the nightstand beside the bed.

"I thought you might need something to eat," she said softly, closing the door behind her.

Ragnar remained silent, his eyes fixed on the floor. He could feel the weight of the day's events pressing down on him, making it difficult to find the words to respond.