บท 60: Will a diamond cease to be an opal?

Sophia's words, laden with hurt and a sense of betrayal, cut deeply. Adeline realized that in their effort to protect Sophia, she and Ragnar might have indeed overstepped.

They had withheld critical information and excluded Sophia from important discussions, all under the guise of keeping her safe.

This overprotection stemmed from a genuine fear of losing her again, a fear that both she and Ragnar shared deeply—Sophia was, after all, their beloved queen.

But in their efforts to protect her, they had inadvertently stifled her, disregarding her capabilities and her intrinsic need to be involved and useful.

As Adeline pondered their actions, she realized that they could not control human nature, nor could they ignore Sophia's inherent spirit and resilience.

Sophia Mary was Sophia Mary—determined, passionate, and eager to reclaim her place in the world, no matter the life or situation.

*