"I'm sorry, Sophia. But it's not certain whether Ragnar is going there to divorce you or to address a state issue with the Thidal Kingdom," Uzana stammered.
"State issue?! I am currently managing the state issues with the Thidal Kingdom! There is no reason for Ragnar to go there himself for that!" Sophia countered, her voice laden with incredulity and rising anger.
Uzana flinched under her fierce gaze, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. "Sophia, please, it's not what you think—"
"Don't," she interrupted sharply. "Don't try to justify it. You and the council, you've all conspired behind my back. How could you do this?"
Uzana sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as he struggled to find the words. "Sophia, I realize how it appears, but we need to maintain a strong relationship with Thidal Kingdom right now. It's essential for the kingdom's stability. You know our history with them hasn't always been favorable."