Bab 167: A royal secret that isn't a secret at all

Ragnar's face brightened as he saw them coming. He reached out and took Anara from Sophia, lifting her high into the air, making the little girl squeal with delight.

"Here's my brave girl," Ragnar said warmly. "Have you been good for your mother?"

Anara responded with more giggles, her tiny hands patting Ragnar's face. Sophia watched them, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten in the face of this simple, precious moment.

Sophia, Ragnar, and Anara found themselves in the royal gardens, a beautiful and serene part of the palace grounds. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

Meanwhile, Ragnar tossed one-year-old Anara high into the air, her little body soaring upward almost as if she could fly. Sophia held her breath, her heart pounding with fear that something might happen to Anara.