Chapter 11: Intervention

As the guards carefully placed Hans in a straight jacket, Iduna's heart ached with compassion. She knew that this was a necessary step, but it was hard to see Hans in such a state. The sedative was administered, and Hans's struggles ceased as he became limp. Iduna gently stroked his hair, trying to comfort him, but Hans was beyond consolation. The room was quiet, with only the sound of Hans's labored breathing breaking the silence. Iduna's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Hans, her mind racing with thoughts of how to help him. She knew that she had to do something, but she didn't know what. As the night wore on, Iduna sat beside Hans, holding his hand and whispering words of encouragement. She knew that he would get through this, that with love, care, and support, Hans would find a way to heal and move forward. But for now, Hans was trapped in a dark place, and Iduna could only sit beside him, holding his hand, and hoping for a better tomorrow. The next morning, Iduna decided that it was time to take Hans out of the straight jacket. She called for the royal physician, who checked Hans's vitals and gave him a clean bill of health. Iduna then instructed the guards to remove the straight jacket, and she began to prepare a sponge bath for Hans. As she gently washed his body, Hans began to stir. He looked up at Iduna, his eyes filled with a mix of shame and gratitude. Iduna smiled softly, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay. She talked to him in a soothing voice, telling him that he was safe, that he was loved, and that he would get through this. Hans's eyes began to well up with tears as Iduna's words washed over him. He felt a sense of peace that he hadn't felt in a long time, and he knew that he was in good hands. Iduna continued to talk to him, her voice a gentle stream of comfort and reassurance. As the bath was finished, Iduna helped Hans into a warm robe, and he wrapped himself in it, feeling a sense of security and comfort. Iduna smiled, knowing that this was just the beginning of Hans's journey towards healing. She knew that it would take time, but she was willing to do whatever it took to help Hans find peace. Over the next few days, Iduna spent hours with Hans, talking to him, and listening to him. She learned about his past, about the abuse and neglect he had suffered at the hands of his father. She learned about the pain and the fear that had driven him to attempt to harm himself. As Iduna listened, she felt a deep sense of sadness and compassion. She knew that Hans had been through hell, but she also knew that he was strong, that he had a deep well of resilience that would carry him through. She vowed to be there for him, to support him, and to help him find a way out of the darkness. And as Hans looked at Iduna, he saw a glimmer of hope. He saw a woman who cared, who was willing to go the extra mile to help him. He saw a woman who loved him, not just as a prince, but as a person, flawed and broken, but worthy of love and compassion. In that moment, Hans knew that he was not alone. He knew that he had found a new family, a family that would love him, and support him, no matter what. And with that knowledge, Hans began to heal, slowly but surely, he began to find his way back to the light.