**Chapter 9: Intimate Care**

Iduna gently cleaned the wounds on Hans' skin, her fingers tracing the edges of the cuts with a soothing touch. She had been tasked by Queen Alice to take care of Hans, and she was determined to help him recover from his mental breakdown. As she worked, she couldn't help but think about the circumstances that had led him to this point. The humiliation he had suffered at the hands of his brothers, Rudi and Runo, still lingered in her mind. Hans lay on the bed, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Iduna's gaze lingered on his face, her expression soft with compassion. She had seen the pain in his eyes, the desperation, and it had touched a chord within her. She knew what it was like to be broken, to feel like you were drowning in your own despair. As she continued to tend to his wounds, Iduna's thoughts drifted to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. They had been brought to the Southern Isles by Lars, and they were now sitting in the next room, waiting for her to finish her task. Iduna's heart swelled with love and gratitude as she thought about her children. They had been through so much, and yet they were still standing, still shining with hope and resilience. Iduna's hands moved gently as she cleaned and dressed Hans' wounds. She made sure to use a soothing balm to promote healing, and then wrapped his injuries in soft bandages. As she worked, she talked to him, her voice soft and calming. "You're going to be okay, Hans," she said. "You're safe now. You're not alone." Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. Iduna smiled, her eyes locking onto his. "Hello," she said. "How are you feeling?" Hans' gaze was unfocused, his eyes cloudy with pain. "I...I don't know," he stammered. Iduna nodded, her expression understanding. "That's okay," she said. "You're going to be okay. Just rest, and let me take care of you." As Hans drifted off to sleep, Iduna decided to help him with his personal hygiene. She gently washed his face and hands, using a soft cloth to clean his skin. She made sure to change his linens, and then helped him sit up, propping him against pillows. As she worked, Queen Alice entered the room, her face etched with worry. "How is he?" she asked, her voice low. Iduna smiled, her eyes meeting the queen's. "He's doing better, Your Majesty," she said. "He's still weak, but he's going to be okay." Queen Alice nodded, her expression relieved. "Thank you, Iduna," she said. "I don't know what I would do without you." Iduna's face softened, her eyes filling with compassion. "You're welcome, Your Majesty," she said. "I'll do everything I can to help Hans recover." As the queen left the room, Iduna turned her attention back to Hans. She sat beside him, holding his hand, and talking softly to him. She knew that he needed her, and she was determined to be there for him, every step of the way. As the sun began to set, Iduna heard a knock at the door. "Come in," she said, her voice soft. The door opened, and Elsa and Anna entered the room, their faces filled with concern. "Mom, how is he?" Elsa asked, her eyes fixed on Hans. Iduna smiled, her eyes meeting her daughter's. "He's doing better," she said. "He's still weak, but he's going to be okay." Anna nodded, her expression relieved. "We're glad," she said. "We want to help him, Mom." Iduna's heart swelled with love and gratitude as she looked at her daughters. She knew that they would be instrumental in helping Hans recover, and she was grateful to have them by her side. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, and they would emerge stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever.