As the final coronation rites came to an end, Ragnar and Circe stood up from their thrones.
The moment they stepped away from the dais, one of the royal guards approached swiftly. The man bowed deeply before leaning close to Ragnar and whispering something into his ear. After delivering the message, he stepped away immediately without another word.
Circe glanced up at Ragnar curiously, but Ragnar merely smiled. He leaned closer toward her, his voice lowered as the words were meant for her ears alone.
"Your mother and brother have arrived," he murmured.
The effect was immediate.
Ragnar watched contentedly as Circe's entire face brightened with joy, her eyes lighting up in a way no crown or ceremony had managed to achieve all day.
"I should go and welcome them properly. The journey was long, I should show them to their rooms," Circe said quickly, already sounding eager at the thought of finally being reunited with them.
"I will come with you," Ragnar replied without hesitation.
