## Chapter 7: The Royal Family of the Southern Isles

As Iduna sat with Hans in the throne room, she couldn't help but wonder more about the royal family of the Southern Isles, and the kind of environment that had shaped him into the person he was today. She had already seen the signs of physical and emotional abuse on his body, and she knew that she had to learn more about his family and his past. "Hans, can you tell me more about your family?" Iduna asked gently, trying to coax him into opening up. Hans hesitated, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. "My father, King Westergaard, is a just ruler," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He rules with an iron fist, but he means well." Iduna's instincts told her that Hans was hiding something, and she pressed him gently. "And your brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb?" she asked, her voice soft and compassionate. Hans's eyes clouded over, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. "They're...they're not very nice," he said, his voice cracking. "Rudi and Runo are always teasing me and making fun of me. And Caleb, the crown prince...he's the worst of all. He's always hitting me and pushing me around." Iduna's face set in a stern expression, and she felt a surge of anger towards King Westergaard and his sons. She couldn't believe that anyone could be so cruel to a child. "I'm so sorry, Hans," Iduna said, her voice filled with empathy. "You don't deserve to be treated that way. But I promise you, you're safe now. You're with us, and we'll do everything we can to help you heal." As Iduna spoke, she began to think about King Westergaard and his family. She had heard rumors about his brutal rule and his treatment of his subjects, but she had never thought that his own son would be subjected to such cruelty. According to her research, King Westergaard was a ruthless leader who ruled with an iron fist. He was feared by his subjects, and his reputation was notorious throughout the land. His sons, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, were just as cruel and heartless, and they took great pleasure in tormenting their younger brother. Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she felt a surge of determination to help him. She knew that she had to protect him from his father's cruelty, and to provide him with a safe and loving home. As she looked at Hans, Iduna knew that she had to act fast. She couldn't let him suffer anymore, not under her watch. She made a mental note to talk to her daughters and to find a way to help Hans heal, to find a way to make him whole again. With a newfound sense of determination, Iduna stood up, her eyes locked on Hans's. "We're going to get through this, Hans," she said, her voice firm and resolute. "Together." As she looked at Hans, Iduna noticed that his eyes had welled up with tears, and he was shaking with sobs. She quickly knelt down beside him and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "It's okay, Hans," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "You're safe now. You're with us, and we'll do everything we can to help you." Hans buried his face in Iduna's shoulder, and he sobbed uncontrollably. Iduna held him close, stroking his hair and whispering words of comfort in his ear. She knew that it would take time for Hans to heal, but she was determined to be there for him every step of the way. As they sat there, Iduna realized that she had made a decision. She was going to adopt Hans, and she was going to provide him with a safe and loving home. She was going to help him heal from his wounds, and she was going to give him the chance to live a happy and fulfilling life. With a newfound sense of purpose, Iduna held Hans close, and she knew that she would do everything in her power to help him. She was going to be his rock, his safe haven, and his forever home.