Chapter 176: What kind of bet?

You scare me because I cannot control the world around us, Sophia, not because of who you are.

— Ragnar

~~~

"Let's get you ready," she said.

Ragnar complied, letting her assist him in donning the garments. She moved with practiced skill, her fingers quickly fastening buttons and smoothing the fabric.

The gentle intimacy of the moment filled the room, a stark contrast to the usually formal and rigid atmosphere of his mornings.

All because Sophia had awakened. All because Sophia had returned to his life. Ragnar's dark and rigid world had become vibrant and full of color.

Next, she helped him into his royal tunic, a rich, deep blue with intricate silver embroidery. As she adjusted the collar and secured the clasp at his shoulder, Ragnar watched her, his eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper—affection, perhaps even love.