**Chapter 9: Arrival at the Palace**

As Anna traveled through the Southern Isles, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this land and Arendelle. The air was thick with an air of despair, and the people seemed to be living in fear. The snow-covered landscape, once a beautiful sight, now seemed bleak and desolate. The trees were bare, their branches etched against the grey sky like skeletal fingers. The wind howled through the streets, its mournful cry echoing off the buildings. As she rode her horse through the streets, Anna saw people huddled together, whispering in hushed tones. They glanced at her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, their eyes filled with a deep-seated fear. The once-thriving towns were now rundown and neglected, with crumbling buildings and empty streets. The sound of hammering and sawing echoed through the air, but it was a slow and laborious process, as if the people were working under duress. Anna's thoughts turned to King Westergaard, the ruler of the Southern Isles. She had heard rumors of his brutal tactics and harsh taxes, which had left the people impoverished and oppressed. The king's reputation was notorious, and Anna wondered how his people had managed to survive under his rule. She saw children huddled together, their eyes sunken with hunger, and women struggling to carry heavy loads, their faces gaunt with exhaustion. As she approached the palace, Anna felt a sense of trepidation. She had never been to the Southern Isles before, and she wasn't sure what to expect. The palace loomed above her, its stone walls towering and imposing. She dismounted her horse and approached the entrance, where a stern-faced guard greeted her. "Princess Anna, welcome to the palace," he said, his voice formal. "His Majesty, King Westergaard, awaits you." Anna followed the guard through the palace corridors, her heart pounding in her chest. She had received a letter from Lars, Hans' brother, explaining the situation and asking for her help. She wondered what she would find inside. As they entered a large throne room, Anna saw King Westergaard sitting on his throne, his face twisted in a scowl. He looked at her with disdain, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "So, you're the one who's been taking care of Hans," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "I must say, I'm surprised. I didn't think you had it in you." Anna stood tall, her heart pounding in her chest. She was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. "I'm here to help Hans," she said, her voice firm. "Not to take sides or play politics." The king snorted, his face twisting in disgust. "You're a foolish girl," he said. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into." Anna smiled, a fierce determination burning within her. "I know exactly what I'm getting myself into," she said. "And I'm ready for it." The king laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "We'll see about that," he said. "Let's go see Hans. I'm sure he's eager to see you." Anna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She was led through the palace corridors, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. They stopped in front of a large wooden door, which the guard opened with a key. Inside, Anna saw Hans, restrained to a bed, his wrists and ankles bound by thick leather straps. He looked up at her, his eyes wild and unfocused. Anna's heart went out to him, and she felt a surge of determination. She was going to help him, no matter what it took. "Anna," Hans whispered, his voice barely audible. "Please... help me." Anna's eyes filled with tears as she approached him. She saw the desperation in his eyes, the fear and the pain. She knew she had to act fast, to help him before it was too late. "I'm here, Hans," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I'm here to help you." As she looked at Hans, Anna noticed the state of his wrists, raw and sore from the restraints. She knew he needed a bath, and fast. She called for a servant to bring her a basin, a rag, and a pitcher of water. The servant returned quickly, and Anna began to prepare the bath. She gently washed Hans' body, starting with his arms and torso. She cleaned his back, armpits, and face, trying to soothe his raw skin. As she bathed him, Anna talked to him, trying to calm him down. "Hans, it's okay," she said. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." Hans looked up at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. Anna smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could help him after all. After finishing the bath, Anna dressed Hans in clean clothes and fed him a light meal. As he ate, she talked to him, trying to engage him in conversation. "Hans, what happened to you?" she asked, her voice gentle. Hans looked up at her, his eyes filled with pain. "I don't know," he said, his voice barely audible. "I just... I don't know." Anna nodded, her heart going out to him. She knew she had a long road ahead of her, but she was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. As she finished helping Hans, Anna decided to visit Kristoff, Elsa, and Olaf in Arendelle before leaving. She wanted to make sure they were okay and to reassure them that she would be taking care of Hans. She said goodbye to Hans and left the palace, determined to return and help him recover. As she walked through the palace corridors, she ran into Kristoff, who was visiting the palace on some official business. "Anna, what's going on?" Kristoff asked, his voice concerned. "I heard you're taking care of Hans." Anna nodded, her heart heavy with worry. "Yes, I am," she said. "He's not doing well." Kristoff's face twisted in concern. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said. "Be careful, Anna. Hans can be... unpredictable." Anna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew Kristoff was right, but she was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. As she continued on her journey, Anna couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Hans and for her. She knew she had a long road ahead of her, but she was ready for whatever came next.