**Chapter 1: The Unraveling of Hans**

The Southern Isles, a land ravaged by the brutal rule of King Westergaard, was a place where hope was a distant memory. The kingdom was suffocating under the weight of its ruler's tyranny, with twelve of his sons, including Hans, being equally ruthless and heartless. The only exceptions were Lars, the second son, Caleb, the crown prince, and Rudi and Runo, who were fifth in line to the throne. Hans, once a charming and charismatic prince, had returned to the Southern Isles after his failed attempt to take over Arendelle. His mental state had begun to deteriorate rapidly, and his behavior became increasingly erratic. His family, worried about his condition and the potential consequences of his actions, decided to take drastic measures. In a grand, yet dingy, room within the castle walls, Hans lay restrained on a bed, his wrists and ankles bound by thick leather straps. His eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed dull and lifeless, a testament to the turmoil brewing inside his mind. The king, his father, stood over him, a mixture of concern and frustration etched on his face. "Hans, my son, what has happened to you?" the king asked, his voice laced with sorrow. "You were once a prince with a promising future, but now... now you're a shadow of your former self." Lars, who had been summoned by his father, entered the room with a somber expression. "Father, I've tried to reach out to him, but he's beyond reason. I fear for his safety and the safety of others." The king nodded, his eyes clouding over with worry. "I agree. We need to find a way to help him, but until then, we must ensure he doesn't harm himself or anyone else." As the days passed, Hans's condition only worsened. His outbursts became more frequent, and his family grew increasingly concerned. It was then that Lars decided to take a drastic measure – he would send for Anna, the princess of Arendelle, who had been wronged by Hans in the past. Lars knew that Anna's presence might be the only thing that could calm Hans down, and he hoped that she would be willing to help. He was aware that Anna hadn't forgiven Hans for his betrayal, but he hoped that she would put aside her feelings for the sake of her friend, Elsa, and the fragile mental state of her former love. With a heavy heart, Lars dispatched a messenger to Arendelle, hoping that Anna would answer the call and help his brother, Hans, back from the brink of madness. As the messenger departed, Lars couldn't help but wonder if they were already too late. Had Hans's mental state deteriorated beyond repair, or was there still a glimmer of hope? Only time would tell.