# Chapter 9: Caretaker and Confidante

The warm sunlight streaming through the windows of King Westergaard's castle highlighted the gentle features of Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, as she tended to Hans, the 13th prince of the Southern Isles. Her brown hair, worn up in a coronet braid, framed her face, and her eyes shone with kindness as she gazed at Hans. It had been two days since Hans's humiliating encounter with his brothers in the grand hall, and Iduna had taken on the role of his caretaker at the suggestion of Queen Marie. Hans's drinking problem had worsened, and he had been found unconscious by his mother. Iduna's maternal instincts had kicked in, and she had offered to help Hans overcome his struggles. As she gently lifted Hans's head and propped it up with pillows, Iduna couldn't help but think of her own children, Elsa and Anna. She had always been a protective and caring mother, and now she was extending that care to Hans. She fetched a basin of water and a cloth, and began to clean his face and hands. Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Iduna?" he whispered, his voice hoarse from lack of sleep and excessive drinking. "I'm here, Hans," she replied, her voice soft. "You're safe now." Hans's eyes closed, and he drifted off to sleep, Iduna watching over him with a gentle smile. She knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together, and she was determined to help Hans overcome his struggles and find his place in the world. The next morning, Iduna helped Hans sit up and took him to the castle's gardens for some fresh air. Hans's eyes were bloodshot, and his head throbbed with pain, but Iduna's presence seemed to calm him. As they walked through the gardens, Iduna asked Hans about his interests and hobbies. Hans opened up to her about his love of books and his desire to help the people of the Southern Isles. Iduna listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with interest. She realized that Hans was a kind and compassionate person, and that he deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. As they returned to the castle, Iduna made a mental note to help Hans build his confidence and assert himself in the face of his family's cruelty. Over the next few days, Iduna continued to care for Hans, nursing his hangovers and listening to his troubles. She became his confidante, and Hans began to open up to her about his struggles with his family. Iduna shared her own experiences as a queen and mother, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. As Hans's health improved, he began to realize that he wasn't alone. Iduna was there to support him, and she would do everything in her power to help him overcome his challenges. A sense of gratitude and loyalty began to form in Hans's heart, and he knew that he would always be grateful to Iduna for her kindness and compassion. The castle's servants and staff seemed to be warming up to Iduna, and they would often smile and nod in her direction as she passed by. King Westergaard, on the other hand, seemed to be growing increasingly distant, his expression darkening with each passing day. Iduna knew that she had to tread carefully, navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the castle. But for now, she was focused on helping Hans, and she would do everything in her power to protect him from those who sought to harm him. As the sun began to set, Iduna accompanied Hans to the castle's great hall, where a banquet was being held in honor of King Westergaard's rule. Hans's brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, were already seated at the table, their faces stern and unyielding. Iduna's instincts screamed at her to be cautious, but she stood tall, her eyes shining with a quiet confidence. She knew that she had a crucial role to play in Hans's life, and she was determined to protect him from harm. The night ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but Iduna was ready to face them head-on, armed with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to Hans.