Chapter 3: The Return

The ship docked in the Southern Isles, its weathered hull creaking in protest as it came to rest against the worn stone quay. The salty sea air was heavy with the stench of decay and neglect, a stark contrast to the vibrant, thriving kingdom that Arendelle had become under Elsa's gentle yet firm hand. Hans, the charming prince who had once wooed Anna with such finesse, now sat in the brig, his mind racing with the consequences of his actions. As the French dignitary's men led him ashore, Hans's wrists still bound by heavy chains, he caught sight of his family waiting for him on the quay. His heart sank as he saw the contempt and scorn etched on their faces, a stark reminder that he was no longer the favored son he once was. King Westergaard's face twisted in disgust as he gazed upon his son, his eyes cold and unforgiving. The palace staff led Hans to a small, dimly lit room deep within the castle walls, the air thick with the scent of sweat and despair. Hans's heart sank as he realized his fate; his family, it seemed, had no intention of coddling him. The days passed, and Hans's mental state began to deteriorate rapidly. His behavior became increasingly erratic and violent, and his family, fearing for their safety, decided to have him restrained to a bed. The palace staff was tasked with subduing Hans and securing him to the bed, a task they approached with caution. They sedated him, using a potent mixture of herbs and potions to calm his raging mind and body. The restraints dug deep into his skin, leaving raw and chafed wounds that would need to be treated. Hans's screams echoed through the palace halls, a haunting reminder of the darkness that had consumed him. Lars, Hans's brother and third in line to the throne, watched his sibling's descent into madness with a mixture of concern and calculation. He knew that Hans's condition reflected poorly on their family, and that something needed to be done to prevent further scandal. With this in mind, Lars made a decision. He would reach out to Anna, the princess of Arendelle, who had been so cruelly deceived by Hans's charming facade. Lars's letter to Anna was a plea, a desperate attempt to appeal to her sense of responsibility and familial duty. He described Hans's condition in stark detail, painting a picture of a man consumed by his own darkness. Anna, still reeling from the pain of Hans's betrayal, received Lars's plea with a mix of emotions. She was torn between her desire for revenge and her sense of obligation to help those in need. In the end, it was her sense of duty that won out, and she agreed to travel to the Southern Isles, determined to do what was necessary to help Hans recover. As Anna prepared for her journey, she couldn't help but think of Elsa and Kristoff, who had been her rock during the darkest days of her life. She knew they would support her decision, even if they didn't fully understand it. With a small bag packed and a resolute heart, Anna set off for the Southern Isles, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. The journey was long and arduous, but Anna steeled herself for the trials to come. She would face Hans, the man who had broken her heart, and she would help him find redemption, no matter how small it may seem. As she arrived at the palace, Anna was met with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. The staff was wary of her, unsure of what to make of the princess who had come to care for the troubled prince. Anna was escorted to the room where Hans was being held, her heart heavy with emotion as she saw the state he was in. He lay on the bed, his wrists bound by heavy restraints, his eyes sunken and his skin pale. Anna took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She would do what was necessary to help Hans, and she would do it with dignity and compassion. The first step would be to free him from his restraints, a task that required careful planning and execution. Anna and the palace staff worked together, sedating Hans and carefully releasing him from his bonds. As they worked, Anna couldn't help but notice the raw and chafed wounds on his wrists, a stark reminder of the pain he had endured. With Hans free from his restraints, Anna turned her attention to preparing a basin of warm water, a sponge, and a soft rag. She would give him a bath, a task that would require patience and compassion. As she began to clean Hans's filthy body, Anna felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what to expect. But as she worked, she saw something in Hans's eyes, a glimmer of hope, a spark of humanity that she had thought was lost forever.