Chapter 10: Sedation and Confinement

The guards carried Hans away, his sedated body limp in their arms. Iduna followed closely behind, her heart heavy with worry. She had never seen anyone, let alone a young prince, so broken and in pain. As they reached the quiet room, Iduna ordered the guards to carefully place Hans on the bed. The room was small and sparse, with only a single window that let in a sliver of sunlight. Iduna knew that it was a temporary solution, but it was better than leaving Hans to his own devices. She sat down beside him, taking his hand in hers. As she looked at Hans, Iduna felt a pang of sadness. She had hoped to help him, to be his safe haven, but now she wasn't so sure. The straight jacket had been a necessary measure, but it broke her heart to see him confined like that. The sedative would wear off soon, and Iduna knew that she had to be prepared. She couldn't let Hans harm himself again, not while she was there to help him. She stroked his hair, trying to soothe him, even in his sleep. As the hours passed, Iduna sat vigil beside Hans, watching him stir and toss in his sleep. She knew that he would be confused and disoriented when he woke up, and she wanted to be there to comfort him. Finally, Hans's eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Iduna with a mixture of fear and confusion. Iduna smiled softly and took his hand. "You're safe, Hans," she said. "You're safe now. I'm here for you." Hans's eyes searched hers, and Iduna could see the fear and uncertainty there. She knew that she had to be patient, to let him come to terms with his situation. As the minutes ticked by, Hans's gaze began to clear, and he looked around the room. Iduna could see the panic rising in his eyes, and she quickly moved to calm him down. "You're in a safe place, Hans," she said. "You're with me, and I won't let anything happen to you. You're safe." Hans's eyes locked onto hers, and Iduna could see the trust beginning to form. She smiled softly and held his hand, letting him know that she was there for him. The straight jacket was still confining him, and Iduna knew that she had to take it off soon. But for now, she just sat with him, holding his hand and talking softly to him. As the hours passed, Hans began to relax, his body slowly releasing the tension that had built up inside him. Iduna could see the fear and uncertainty melting away, replaced by a sense of trust and security. She knew that she had to get him out of the straight jacket, but she also knew that she had to be careful. She couldn't let him harm himself again, not while she was there to help him. With a gentle touch, Iduna began to undo the straight jacket, carefully freeing Hans from its confines. As she pulled it away, Hans let out a sigh of relief, his body relaxing even further. Iduna smiled softly and stroked his hair. "You're safe now, Hans," she said. "You're safe with me."