Prologue: Eyes full of wounds and suffering

Eyes full of wounds and suffering. You truly have endured much, bearing all sins and burdens alone, Your Majesty

— Elder Cryica

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The question hung in the room, punctuated by the pained cries of Queen Oda, creating an atmosphere laden with anticipation and dread.

The dragons outside, formidable guardians of Gamaaloth, awaited their master's command, ready to unleash their fiery wrath upon the palace if defiance persisted.

The entrance of Elder Cryica brought with it a solemn air, her every movement resonating with the weight of her years of wisdom. As she approached Ragnar, the room seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the encounter.

"I am Elder Cryica, elderly of the healer clan, but I believe you know me," she declared, her words resonating with both respect and a profound acknowledgment of the moment.

The chamber, still reeling from the unexpected arrival of the elder healer, observed in silent awe as she bowed before Ragnar.

Sophia, who held the role of the leader of the healer clan, watched the scene unfold with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Elder Cryica, lifting her gaze to meet Ragnar's eyes, wore a sad smile that hinted at a deep understanding of the complexities at play.

"You have truly gone this far," she uttered in a soft murmur, her words carrying both empathy and a sense of sorrow. "You are earnestly intent on shattering the prophecy."

Ragnar remained silent, the enigma behind the veil on his face leaving everyone to wonder about the thoughts brewing within him. Yet, the sharp intensity in his eyes revealed a darkness that bordered on the ominous.

"You are willing to sacrifice everything to break that prophecy. Surely, you understand the true consequences of your actions," Elder Cryica continued, her tone a mix of caution and concern.

Still, Ragnar offered no response, his silence a cloak that concealed the depth of his motives and the burden he carried.

Sophia, held back by Uzana's firm grip, could only observe the poignant exchange unfolding between Elder Cryica and Ragnar. The enigmatic storm brewing in Ragnar's eyes added an air of mystery to the chamber.

Undeterred by the intensity of Ragnar's gaze, Elder Cryica continued to address him with a deep acknowledgment of the suffering she perceived in his wounded eyes.

"Eyes full of wounds and suffering. You truly have endured much, bearing all sins and burdens alone, Your Majesty," she uttered, her voice carrying a melancholic melody, rich with the essence of sorrow. "In the end, you took a path similar to mine, Your Majesty."

The Elder Cryica, with tears welling in her eyes, clasped her hands together. "So, you must know how much I have suffered. Are you kind enough to forgive me for sins I have not yet committed in the future?"

The room, suspended in a moment echoing a shared, heavy mystery, awaited Ragnar's response, leaving the atmosphere charged with anticipation and the potential for redemption that seemed to transcend the present circumstances.

Sophia's confusion deepened, unable to comprehend the meaning behind Elder Cryica's words.

Ragnar, abandoning his throne, approached Elder Cryica with deliberate steps.

With a fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword from his waist, proclaiming, "You know? It would be better if I also freed you from your suffering, Cryica."

"Do I dese—"

Before she could complete her sentence, Ragnar decisively sliced through her neck, severing all words and leaving only the echo of the blade's swift motion.

Elder Cryica's head tumbled and came to a halt beneath Sophia's horrified gaze.

A mixture of shock and disbelief painted Sophia's expression, and her scream of despair echoed through the chamber. "NO!"

Ragnar, nonchalantly sheathing his sword, muttered, "Of course you deserve it."

The room hung heavy with the aftermath of an unexpected and brutal turn of events.

The room, still echoing with the haunting aftermath of Elder Cryica's demise, now bore witness to a forced union that sent shivers down the spines of those present.

Ragnar's icy gaze bore into Sophia's tear-streaked face as he advanced, the weight of his indifferent demeanor intensifying the room's tension.

Sophia, amidst her hysterical sobs, summoned every ounce of defiance. "You—you murderer!" she screamed, a futile attempt to free herself from Gamaaloth troop's overpowering grasp.

Ignoring her pleas, Ragnar lifted Sophia's chin with a cruel indifference. "You. I appoint you, Sophia Mary Pynsia, as my bride."

In the midst of her despair, Sophia mustered strength and courage. "I am already married, Vile Majesty King Ragnar Clementine!" Her words reverberated through the tainted air, defiant and resolute, challenging Ragnar.

Ragnar made a gesture, and shortly after, a man was pushed to his knees before him.

"Arthur!" Sophia called out, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"No! I'm not Arthur! You don't know me!" Arthur screamed, desperately denying his identity.

Sophia, confused and anguished, tried to comprehend the situation.

"Isn't this man your husband? He ran away as fast as he could without thinking of you. He doesn't deserve to be called a man." Uzana sneered, delivering a mocking kick to Sir Arthur's bottom.

Sophia's eyes widened with disbelief.

Arthur's desperate pleas echoed through the hall, "I'm not Arthur, not the husband of that lowly healer girl named Sophia. Take her! Rape her or whatever, I don't care! I don't know her! Release me, please! I'm just a commoner—."

The swoosh of a blade cut through the air, punctuating Arthur's cries as it pierced his mouth and emerged at the back of his head.

"Too noisy," Ragnar muttered, kicking Arthur's lifeless body away from his sword.

The lifeless body lay sprawled on the cold floor, a testament to the ruthlessness that governed Ragnar's decisions.

Ragnar then turned his void gaze toward Sophia. "Isn't the problem solved now? You're already a widow."

Sophia's tear-streaked face contorted in a mix of agony and defiance. "I will never be yours willingly!" she spat through gritted teeth. "Kill me instead of marrying you! You can marry my corpse!"