**Chapter 8: The Royal Refuge**

The silence that filled the castle halls was almost deafening as Iduna, Elsa, and Anna went about their daily routines, still reeling from the loss of King Agnarr. The days blended together in a blur of sorrow and adjustment, with Iduna struggling to come to terms with her new role as a single mother. As the reality of their situation began to sink in, the weight of their grief slowly started to lift, replaced by a sense of determination and resilience. Meanwhile, in the Southern Isles, a different story was unfolding. Hans, the young prince with auburn hair, stood alone in his chambers, feeling abandoned and scared. He had been left behind by his family during their diplomatic visit to Arendelle, and no one had bothered to tell him that they were leaving without him. The sound of his family's departure still echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of his isolation. As Hans tried to make sense of what had happened, he couldn't help but think of his father, King Westergaard. The man was notorious for his brutality and ruthlessness, and Hans had often been the target of his wrath. The memories of his father's abuse began to surface, and Hans felt a familiar sense of dread creeping over him. The physical signs of his abuse were already starting to show - bruises on his arms, a cut on his cheek, and a growing sense of despair in his eyes. Hans knew that he had to escape, but he didn't know where to go or who to turn to. The shadows in his room seemed to grow longer and darker, as if they too were a reflection of his despair. As night began to fall, Hans made his way to the castle gardens, hoping to clear his head and find some sense of peace. But even the cool night air couldn't calm the storm that was brewing inside him. He felt lost and alone, with no one to turn to. Back in Arendelle Castle, Iduna was unaware of the turmoil that was brewing in Hans's heart. She was busy attending to her royal duties, trying to keep the kingdom running smoothly in the absence of her husband. But as she went about her day, she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was still much to be done. It was then that a messenger arrived from the Southern Isles, bearing news of Hans's situation. Iduna listened intently as the messenger described Hans's condition, and she knew that she had to act quickly. She called for her guards and instructed them to fetch Hans from the Southern Isles, and provide him with a safe and comfortable journey to Arendelle. The guards returned with Hans a few days later, and Iduna was taken aback by his appearance. He was pale and thin, with dark circles under his eyes. The bruises on his arms and the cut on his cheek were a testament to the abuse he had suffered at the hands of his father. Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she knew that she had to do everything in her power to help him. She invited him to stay in Arendelle Castle, and Hans accepted gratefully. As he settled into his new surroundings, Iduna began to notice the depth of his emotional scars. Hans was withdrawn and quiet, and he seemed to be constantly on edge. Despite his fragile state, Iduna was determined to help Hans heal. She spent hours talking to him, listening to his story and offering words of comfort. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to do whatever it took to help Hans overcome his trauma. As the days turned into weeks, Hans began to open up to Iduna. He told her about his father, about the abuse and the neglect. He told her about the fear and the loneliness. Iduna listened attentively, her heart aching with compassion. She knew that Hans had a long way to go, but she was determined to be there for him every step of the way. But just as Hans was starting to feel safe, he was overcome with emotion. He became agitated and restless, and Iduna knew that she had to act quickly. She called for her guards and instructed them to restrain Hans, to prevent him from harming himself. As they held him down, Hans's eyes went wild, and he struggled to break free. In a moment of desperation, Hans attempted to slit his wrists, but Iduna and her guards intervened just in time. Hans was restrained and given a sedative to calm him down. Iduna felt a mix of emotions, from sadness to determination to help Hans heal. As Hans lay in his bed, Iduna sat beside him, holding his hand. She knew that he was in pain, but she also knew that he was safe. And as she looked into his eyes, she saw a glimmer of hope, a chance to start anew. The next day, Iduna decided to take Hans out of his straight jacket and give him a gentle sponge bath. She wanted to show him kindness and compassion, to help him feel more at ease. As she bathed him, Hans seemed to relax, his muscles releasing their tension. Iduna talked softly to him, reassuring him that he was safe and that she was there to help. As the sponge bath came to an end, Iduna helped Hans into a comfortable pair of clothes. She smiled at him, and Hans smiled back, a small smile, but a smile nonetheless. Iduna knew that it was a small step, but it was a start. And as she looked at Hans, she knew that she would do everything in her power to help him heal. Over the next few weeks, Hans began to make progress. He started to trust Iduna and her daughters, and he began to form healthy bonds with them. He still had his bad days, but with time, patience, and love, he began to heal. And as he looked to the future, Hans finally began to see a glimmer of hope, a chance to leave his painful past behind and start a new life in Arendelle.