Chapter 4: The Visit

Days passed, and Iduna's body ached all over, a testament to her ordeal at sea. The rugged wooden planks of the fishing boat creaked beneath her as she shifted her weight, trying to find a comfortable position. The fisherman, a gruff but kind-hearted man with a bushy beard and a weathered face, had given her a warm blanket and a cup of tea, which she sipped gratefully. As she gazed out at the sea, the salty spray misting her face, she spotted the outline of Arendelle Castle rising above the trees. Her heart swelled with emotion as she thought of her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and she couldn't wait to be reunited with them. The boat docked, and Iduna was helped ashore by the fisherman, who offered her a supportive arm as she stepped onto dry land. The cool breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of seagulls crying overhead. As they walked towards the castle, Iduna saw her daughters waiting for her in the courtyard, their faces etched with worry and relief. Elsa's icy powers seemed to falter for a moment as she flung herself into Iduna's arms, while Anna bounced up and down, her eyes shining with excitement. "Mother!" Elsa exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Iduna!" Anna chimed in, hugging her tightly. Iduna held them close, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She buried her face in their hair, inhaling the familiar scent of her daughters. The warmth of their bodies and the love in their eyes chased away the chill of her ordeal. As they walked towards the castle, Iduna noticed that the courtyard was bustling with activity. Servants scurried about, preparing for the upcoming royal functions, while guards stood at attention, their eyes fixed on the royal family. Iduna's mind began to wander, thinking of all the things she had to do to ensure the smooth running of the kingdom. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Iduna, a diplomatic visit was underway. The royal family of the Southern Isles, including King Westergaard and his sons, Rudi, Runo, and Crown Prince Caleb, had arrived in Arendelle for a state visit. Hans, a young prince with auburn hair, had traveled with his family, but in the chaos of their departure, he had been accidentally left behind. Back in the castle, Hans wandered the empty halls, feeling lost and alone. His family's absence was a reminder of his own isolation, and he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him. As he walked, he noticed signs of recent habitation - a dropped glove, a misplaced book, a faint scent of perfume. It was as if the castle's occupants had simply vanished into thin air, leaving him to fend for himself. The sound of footsteps echoed through the halls, and Hans's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of Iduna, her brown hair styled in a coronet braid, her eyes warm with kindness. She was accompanied by two of her ladies-in-waiting, who whispered among themselves as they approached Hans. "Who are you?" Iduna asked gently, her voice like music to Hans's ears. Hans hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He had been so caught up in his own thoughts that he hadn't considered the possibility of being discovered. "I...I'm Hans," he stammered, his eyes fixed on Iduna's. Iduna's expression softened, and she took a step closer to Hans. "Welcome, Hans," she said. "You're safe now. You're in Arendelle Castle, and you're under my protection." As Iduna spoke, Hans felt a sense of calm wash over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be. Iduna's eyes locked onto Hans's, and she saw something there that gave her pause. A deep-seated pain, a sense of desperation, and a longing for connection. Over the next few days, Iduna got to know Hans better. She discovered that he was a member of the royal family of the Southern Isles, and that he had been left behind in the chaos of his family's departure. Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she knew that she had to help him. She decided to adopt him, to give him a new life and a chance to heal from the wounds of his past. But as Iduna got to know Hans better, she began to notice signs of physical and emotional abuse. There were bruises on his wrists, and a look of deep-seated fear in his eyes. Iduna's heart ached with sorrow and anger, and she knew that she had to do everything in her power to help Hans heal. As the days turned into weeks, Iduna and her daughters grew closer to Hans. They showed him around the castle, introducing him to the staff and the guards. Hans was fascinated by the workings of the castle, and he was grateful for the kindness and compassion of Iduna and her daughters. But despite the warmth and welcome of his new family, Hans couldn't shake off the feeling of despair that had settled over him. He felt like he was walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And one day, his fears were realized. In a moment of crisis, Hans slits his wrists, and Iduna and her daughters found him just in time. Iduna was shocked and horrified by what she saw. She quickly called for help, and Hans was taken into custody and placed in a straight jacket. He was given a sedative to calm him down, and Iduna was determined to help him heal. As she looked at Hans, lying in his bed, his wrists bound by the straight jacket, Iduna felt a surge of love and compassion. She knew that she had to help him, to show him that he was loved and valued. And so, she carefully removed the straight jacket, and began to tend to Hans's physical and emotional wounds. She gave him a gentle sponge bath, using a soft, white rag with intricate lace trim to clean his skin. The rag was warm and soothing, and Hans felt a sense of peace wash over him as Iduna touched him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was being cared for, like he was loved and valued. As Iduna cared for Hans, she used the rag to clean his skin, gently wiping away the dirt and grime of his ordeal. The rag was a symbol of her kindness and compassion, and Hans felt a sense of gratitude towards her. He knew that he was in good hands, and that Iduna would do everything in her power to help him heal. The rag was a simple thing, but it was a powerful symbol of Iduna's love and care. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was always hope, always a chance for healing and redemption. And as Hans looked at Iduna, he knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be - in the care of a woman who loved him, and who would do everything in her power to help him heal.