**Chapter 7: Hans' Humiliation**

The grand hall of the Southern Isles' palace was abuzz with the murmur of courtiers and advisors, all gathered for a crucial meeting. King Hans, seated at the head of the table, fidgeted with his gloves, his eyes fixed on his brothers, Rudi and Runo. Iduna, still getting accustomed to the intricate politics of the Southern Isles, observed the scene with a keen eye. Rudi, one of the eldest sons, stood up, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Brother Hans, we've been discussing the recent tax reforms," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "And we've come to the conclusion that your... leniency towards the common folk is misguided." Runo chimed in, his voice equally scornful. "Yes, Hans, you're too soft. The people need to be kept in line, and the only way to do that is through strict taxation and punishment." Hans' face reddened as his brothers' words cut deep. He had always tried to advocate for the welfare of the common folk, but his brothers saw it as a weakness. Iduna noticed the distress in his eyes and felt a pang of sympathy. The meeting continued, with Rudi and Runo taking turns to belittle Hans' ideas and undermine his authority. The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense, and Hans' face grew paler with each passing moment. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. "Enough!" he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "I won't be lectured by the two of you. You have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes." Rudi sneered. "Oh, poor Hans. You're not fit to rule. Maybe you should just step down and let one of us take over." The room fell silent, with all eyes on Hans. Iduna could see the humiliation and anger burning in his eyes. She knew that he was on the verge of a breakdown. As the meeting adjourned, Hans stormed out of the grand hall, leaving his brothers and the courtiers staring after him. Iduna followed him, concern etched on her face. "Hans, wait," she called out, catching up to him in the corridor. He spun around, his eyes flashing with anger and hurt. "What do you want, Your Majesty?" he spat, his voice trembling. Iduna took a step forward, her voice soft. "I want to help you, Hans. You're not alone in this." But Hans just shook his head and walked away, leaving Iduna to wonder what she could do to help him. Later that night, Hans found himself in his chambers, staring at a small vial of poison. He had had enough of his brothers' humiliation and his own failures. He was tired of being weak. With a shaking hand, he opened the vial and raised it to his lips. But just as he was about to drink, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hans, no!" Iduna's voice was firm but gentle. "You don't have to do this. You're not alone." Hans turned to face her, the vial still in his hand. Iduna's eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, slowly, Hans lowered the vial, and Iduna took it from him, her face etched with relief. "Let's talk about this, Hans," she said, her voice soft. "Let's find a way to make things better." As they sat down, Iduna realized that this was just the beginning of Hans' journey towards recovery. And she was determined to be there for him, every step of the way.