"I apologize. I do not know of a softer way to say it."

She really did. Arturia may have been a king in her day, but she had never been known for her tact when it came to sensitive matters. Something that had only added to the people's (rightful) opinion she was cold and completely heartless. And since Arturia knew no words of comfort, she did not say more, waiting to see if the news would be devastating for her or not that important.