**Chapter 5: Hans' Painful Past**

The sun had just set over the kingdom, casting a golden glow over the castle walls. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, had been resting in her chambers when she heard a commotion coming from outside. She got up to investigate and found herself in the middle of a scene that made her blood run cold. Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, three of King Harland's sons, were beating up a young man. Iduna recognized him as Hans, the son of King Harland, who she had heard was often at odds with his family. The princes were laughing and jeering, their faces twisted with cruelty. Iduna rushed towards them, her brown hair styled in the same loose braids she used to wear in Arendelle, a look that brought back memories of her daughters, Elsa and Anna. "Stop it!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hallway. The princes turned to face her, their faces surprised. "Mind your own business, Queen Iduna," Caleb sneered. Iduna stood her ground, her eyes flashing with anger. "I won't let you bully him," she said, her voice firm. Rudi and Runo looked at each other, then back at Iduna. "Or what?" Rudi sneered. "You'll tell our father?" Iduna's eyes narrowed. "I'll make sure everyone in the kingdom knows what kind of men you are," she said. The princes laughed, but Iduna could see the faintest glimmer of uncertainty in their eyes. They backed off, leaving Hans lying on the ground, groaning in pain. Iduna rushed to his side, helping him sit up. "What happened?" she asked. Hans winced, clutching his side. "Caleb wanted to make sure I wouldn't attend Mother's political event with Father," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Iduna's eyes widened in anger. She helped Hans to his feet, and he leaned on her, his body trembling with pain. As they walked towards Iduna's chambers, she said, "You need to rest. I'll help you get better." Hans nodded, his eyes grateful. Iduna called for a servant to bring her a bowl of warm water and a soft sponge. She gently cleaned Hans' face, then began to undress him, her hands moving carefully to avoid causing him more pain. Hans looked up at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said. Iduna smiled, her hands moving gently as she washed his skin with a warm, damp rag. She started by gently wiping his face, careful not to touch any of the bruises that were starting to form. She then moved on to his neck, using a soft cloth to clean the dirt and sweat from his skin. As she worked, Iduna used a soft sponge to clean Hans' chest and abdomen, careful not to put too much pressure on his injured areas. She then gently wiped his back and legs, using long, soothing strokes to calm his skin. Throughout the process, Iduna talked softly to Hans, reassuring him that everything would be okay. She told him about her life in Arendelle, about Elsa and Anna, and about the happy times she had shared with her family. As she finished the sponge bath, Iduna handed Hans a towel to dry himself off. He smiled weakly at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said again. "I don't know what I would have done without your help." Iduna smiled back at him, her heart filled with compassion. "You don't have to thank me, Hans," she said. "I'm just glad I could help." As Hans drifted off to sleep, Iduna sat beside him, her eyes watching over him with a fierce protectiveness. She knew that she had to protect him from his family and their cruel ways. And she was determined to do just that.