**Chapter 7: A Humiliating Defeat**

The grand hall of the Southern Isles' castle was abuzz with the murmur of courtiers and advisors, all gathered for a meeting of great importance. Prince Hans, the 13th prince, stood among them, his auburn hair neatly styled, his eyes shining with a mix of nervousness and determination. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, watched from the sidelines, her brown hair pulled back into a coronet braid, a testament to her own royal heritage. As the meeting began, Prince Hans's brothers, Rudi and Runo, took their positions at the forefront, their faces confident and self-assured. Caleb, the crown prince, stood tall, his expression indifferent, while Lars, the youngest of the princes, looked on with a mixture of concern and sadness. The king, King Westergaard, slammed his fist on the table, silencing the room. "I have decided that it's time for us to expand our influence in the region," he declared, his voice booming through the hall. "We will be imposing new taxes on the people, and I expect each and every one of you to support this decision." Prince Hans's eyes widened in dismay, but before he could speak, Rudi and Runo jumped in, their voices smooth and persuasive. "Father, this is an excellent idea," Rudi said. "The people will understand the necessity of this tax, and they will be grateful for our leadership." Prince Hans took a step forward, his voice shaking with emotion. "But, Father, I don't think this is fair. The people are already struggling to make ends meet. How will they be able to afford this new tax?" Rudi and Runo turned to him, their faces sneering with contempt. "You're just a foolish child, Hans," Rudi spat. "You don't understand the way the world works. The people need to be controlled, and the tax will help us do just that." The room fell silent, with all eyes on Prince Hans. Iduna watched, her heart aching with sympathy for the young prince. She could see the pain and humiliation in his eyes, and she knew that he needed support. King Westergaard slammed his fist on the table once more, his face red with anger. "Enough, Hans," he bellowed. "You will support this decision, or you will face the consequences." Prince Hans's face crumpled, and he looked down at his feet, his eyes welling up with tears. Iduna felt a surge of anger towards his brothers and the king, but she knew that she had to remain calm, at least for now. As the meeting adjourned, Iduna approached Prince Hans, her voice soft with concern. "Hans, I'm so sorry," she said. "You didn't deserve to be treated like that." Prince Hans looked up at her, his eyes red and puffy. "It's just...I don't know what to do," he said, his voice shaking. "I feel like I'm failing, and I don't know how to make it right." Iduna's heart went out to him, and she reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "You are not alone, Hans," she said. "I am here for you, and I will do everything in my power to help you." As they stood there, Iduna could see the pain and humiliation in Prince Hans's eyes, and she knew that she had to act quickly to help him. She would not let him face this alone.