Chapter 9: A Mother's Care

The warm sunlight streaming through the windows of the palace highlighted the concern etched on Queen Mariposa's face as she gazed at Iduna. "Please, Iduna, help me," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I need someone with a gentle touch to care for Hans. He's been through so much, and I fear for his sanity." Iduna nodded, her heart aching with compassion. She had witnessed Hans's humiliation at the hands of his family, and she understood the depth of his emotional pain. "I'll do everything I can to help him," she said, her voice filled with conviction. Queen Mariposa smiled, a look of gratitude on her face. "Thank you, Iduna. I know that you're a mother, and I trust your instincts. You have a way with children, and I believe you'll be able to reach Hans in a way that others can't." Iduna's thoughts drifted back to her own children, Elsa and Anna, and the bond they shared. She knew that she had to help Hans, to guide him through the darkness that had consumed him. Together, they carefully lifted Hans and took him to his chambers, where Iduna would begin her work as his caretaker. As they settled Hans into his bed, Iduna noticed the faint scent of sweat and dirt clinging to his skin. She gently reached for a nearby basin of warm water and a soft rag, her mind made up. "I'll give him a sponge bath," she said to Queen Mariposa. "It'll help him feel more comfortable and relaxed." Queen Mariposa nodded, her eyes filled with approval. "Yes, that's a wonderful idea, Iduna. I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." As the queen left the room, Iduna turned her attention to Hans. She gently began to undress him, her hands moving with a tender care that she had learned from her own experiences as a mother. The warm water and soft rag seemed to soothe Hans's skin, and Iduna worked with a gentle efficiency, careful not to jar him. As she bathed Hans, Iduna couldn't help but notice the vulnerability of his body, the way his muscles seemed to sag in defeat. She felt a pang of sorrow, knowing that he had been subjected to such cruelty at the hands of his family. Her own children, Elsa and Anna, had always been protected and loved, and Iduna couldn't imagine what it would be like to face such hardship. Iduna's brown hair was pulled back into a coronet braid, a symbol of her own strength and resilience. She had faced her own challenges as a mother, trying to understand and protect her daughters' unique gifts. Now, she was determined to help Hans find his own strength, to guide him through the darkness and into the light. As she finished the sponge bath, Iduna gently dried Hans's skin, her touch soft and soothing. She pulled a light blanket over him, watching as he stirred, his eyes fluttering open. For a moment, they locked gazes, and Iduna saw a glimmer of recognition, a spark of life that she knew she had to nurture. "Hans," she whispered, her voice gentle. "You're safe now. I'm here for you." Hans's eyes drifted closed, and Iduna smiled, her heart filled with a sense of purpose. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was determined to help Hans heal, to find his own strength and resilience in the face of adversity.