**Chapter 9: A Mental Break**

The grand hall of the Southern Isles' castle was still echoing with the laughter and mocking words of Hans' brothers, Rudi and Runo. Hans, the 13th prince, felt like he was drowning in a sea of despair. He couldn't take the humiliation and cruelty anymore. As he walked down a deserted corridor, he stumbled upon a rope hanging from a beam. Without thinking, he tied the rope around his neck and prepared to hang himself. He couldn't take it anymore. But just as he was about to let go, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He was pulled back, and the rope slipped from his neck. Hans collapsed to the ground, unconscious. His mother, Queen Mariposa, rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face. "Hans, my dear son, what have you done?" she whispered. She cradled him in her arms, holding him close as she rocked back and forth. "You don't have to go through this, Hans. I'll protect you. I'll make sure you're safe." Queen Mariposa ordered her servants to take Hans to his chambers and prepare him for a sedative. She knew that her son needed time to rest and recover from his ordeal. As Hans lay in his bed, Queen Mariposa sat beside him, stroking his hair and whispering words of comfort. The next day, Queen Mariposa visited Iduna, the queen of Arendelle, who was staying in the castle as a guest. Iduna, with her brown hair worn up in a coronet braid, listened attentively as Queen Mariposa explained Hans' situation. "Hans needs someone to care for him, to help him heal and find his strength," Queen Mariposa said, her eyes pleading. "I was thinking... perhaps you, Iduna, could be that person. You have a kind heart and a maternal instinct that would make you the perfect caretaker for Hans." Iduna's expression softened, and she nodded. "Of course, Queen Mariposa. I'll do everything I can to help Hans." As Iduna began to care for Hans, she started with small tasks. She checked on him regularly, making sure he was comfortable and taking his medication. She also made sure he was eating well and getting enough rest. A few days later, Hans' condition worsened. He had been sedated for too long, and his body was starting to smell. Iduna decided to give him a sponge bath, hoping to comfort him and clean him up. She gently lifted Hans' head and shoulders, using a soft rag to clean his face and neck. She then used warm water to clean his body, trying to be as gentle as possible. As she bathed him, she talked softly to him, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay. Iduna's hands moved gently as she cleaned Hans' body, using a soft rag to wipe away the dirt and grime. She washed his arms and legs, his chest and back, taking care to clean every inch of his skin. She used a mild soap that didn't irritate his skin, and she made sure to rinse him thoroughly. As she worked, Iduna couldn't help but think of her own children, Elsa and Anna. She remembered the countless times she had bathed them, sung to them, and comforted them when they were scared or hurt. She saw the same vulnerability in Hans, and her maternal instincts kicked in. Iduna finished the sponge bath, and Hans lay there, still unconscious but clean and comfortable. She smiled softly, feeling a sense of compassion for the young prince. She would do everything in her power to help him heal and find his strength. As she looked at Hans, Iduna knew that she had to be strong for him. She had to help him overcome his struggles and find his place in the world. And with her care and compassion, she was determined to make that happen.