**Chapter 9: A Dark Past**

As Iduna helped Hans to his feet, she couldn't help but notice the look of exhaustion and despair etched on his face. The flickering torches that lined the deserted streets of the Southern Isles cast eerie shadows on the walls, making Hans's eyes seem sunken and his skin pale. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she knew that she had to get him out of this place, away from the toxic influence of his father, King Westergaard. She led Hans back to her horse, and he mounted it gratefully, his movements stiff and awkward. Iduna rode beside him, her arm around his waist, holding him close as they rode through the darkening streets. The sound of horse hooves echoed off the buildings, and the wind rustled through the trees, but Iduna's focus was on Hans, on the pain and fear that seemed to emanate from him like a palpable aura. As they rode, Iduna noticed that Hans seemed to be favoring one arm over the other. She gently asked him what was wrong, and he hesitated before revealing that his father had hurt him, often. Iduna's heart sank, and she felt a surge of anger towards King Westergaard. She couldn't believe that he could be so cruel to his own son. When they arrived at the stables, Iduna helped Hans down from the horse and led him to a nearby bench. She sat down beside him, taking his hands in hers, and looked into his eyes. Hans's eyes, a deep brown that seemed to hold a world of pain, met hers, and Iduna saw the depth of his sorrow, the weight of his suffering. "Hans, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I'm going to help you, okay? You're safe now." Hans nodded, his eyes welling up with tears. Iduna pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly as he began to sob. She stroked his hair, whispering words of comfort in his ear, and slowly, Hans began to calm down. As they sat there, Iduna noticed that Hans's wrists were bandaged. She gently asked him what had happened, and he hesitated before revealing that his father had beaten him, often. Iduna's heart sank, and she felt a surge of anger towards King Westergaard. She couldn't believe that he could be so cruel to his own son. The sound of horse hooves echoed through the stables, and Iduna knew that they needed to get going. She stood up, pulling Hans to his feet. "We're going to Arendelle," she said, her voice firm. "We're going to get you the help you need, and we're going to start a new life, together." Hans nodded, a small smile on his face. Iduna smiled back, feeling a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew that this was just the beginning of their journey, but she was ready, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Hans was by her side. As they walked towards the stables, Iduna noticed that Hans was limping. She asked him what was wrong, and he told her that his father had broken his ankle a few weeks ago. Iduna's heart sank, and she felt a surge of anger towards King Westergaard. She knew that she had to get Hans medical attention, and fast. She led Hans to the stables, where she had left her horses. She helped him onto one of the horses, and then mounted the other. As they rode away from the Southern Isles, Iduna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that she had made the right decision, that she was giving Hans a chance at a new life, a life free from abuse and pain. The stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky, and Iduna felt a sense of hope, a sense of possibility, that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew that this was just the beginning of their journey, but she was ready, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Hans was by her side. As they rode, Iduna began to ask Hans about his life with his father. He told her about the beatings, the verbal abuse, and the isolation. Iduna listened, her heart heavy with sorrow, but also with determination. She knew that she had to help Hans, to give him the love and support he needed to overcome his trauma. After a while, they stopped at an inn, where Iduna got Hans a room. She helped him to bed, and then went to get him some food and water. As she sat beside him, feeding him soup and holding his hand, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she had found a new purpose in life, to help Hans heal and find happiness. And as they sat there, Hans began to open up to Iduna, telling her about his dreams, his hopes, and his fears. Iduna listened, her heart full of love and compassion, and she knew that she had made the right decision, that she was exactly where she was meant to be.