**Chapter 2: The Dark Reality of the Southern Isles**

The Southern Isles, a land shrouded in darkness and fear, was a place where the sun struggled to shine through the thick clouds of despair. The once lush and vibrant islands were now a mere shadow of their former selves, ravaged by King Westergard's brutal taxation and merciless suppression of dissent. The king's 12 sons, including Hans, were just as cruel and heartless, with the exception of Lars, Caleb, Rudi, and Runo. As Anna stepped off the ship and onto the cold, wet soil of the Southern Isles, she was met with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion by the islanders. The air was thick with the smell of saltwater and smoke, and the sound of seagulls filled the air. But beneath the surface, Anna could sense the fear and resentment that simmered in the hearts of the people. The palace, where Anna was greeted by Lars, was a foreboding structure that seemed to loom over the island like a specter of doom. The walls were high and imposing, with narrow windows that seemed to stare out like empty eyes. The sound of clanging steel and the murmur of voices echoed through the halls, a constant reminder of the king's brutal regime. Lars, the third in line to the throne, greeted Anna with a mixture of relief and anxiety. "Thank you for coming, Anna," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Hans's condition has deteriorated rapidly. We've had to restrain him to prevent him from harming himself or others." Anna's heart went out to the man who had once been her love. She knew that he needed help, and she was determined to give it to him. But as she followed Lars to Hans's chambers, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would she find there? Would Hans even recognize her? As they entered the chambers, Anna was met with a sight that broke her heart. Hans lay on the bed, his wrists raw and bruised from the restraints that had held him for so long. His eyes, once bright and ambitious, now seemed dull and lifeless. The skin on his face was pale and clammy, and his hair was matted and dirty. Anna's first priority was to get Hans cleaned up. She ordered the palace staff to prepare a warm bath for him, using fragrant oils and soft cloths to soothe his frail body. As the bath was prepared, Anna couldn't help but think of the journey that had brought her to this moment. She had come to the Southern Isles to help a man who had once hurt her, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for what lay ahead. The bathwater was a warm, inviting golden color, infused with the sweet scent of lavender and chamomile. Soft, fluffy towels lay stacked beside the tub, waiting to envelop Hans's frail body. Anna and Kristoff, Elsa's trusted advisor, who had accompanied Anna on her journey, supervised as the palace staff gently lifted Hans into the bath. The warm water enveloped Hans's body, and he let out a soft sigh of relief. His muscles, tense from months of restraint, began to relax, and his eyes, though still dull, seemed to hold a glimmer of hope. As the warm water worked its magic, Hans's body began to relax, and his face took on a slightly more peaceful appearance. As they waited, Anna couldn't help but think of the long road to recovery that lay ahead. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. The Southern Isles, a land shrouded in darkness and fear, seemed to hold its breath as Hans began his journey towards redemption. It had been a French dignitary who had arrested Hans and thrown him into the brig of a ship headed back to the Southern Isles. This event had triggered Hans's downward spiral, and Anna knew that she had to get to the root of his problems if she was going to help him. She was determined to be there for him, to support him on his journey towards healing and redemption. And as she looked at Hans, she knew that she would do everything in her power to help him find his way back to the light.