**Chapter 9: A Motherly Touch**

Queen Ravina's gentle voice echoed through the corridors of the castle as she led Iduna to Hans's chambers. "Iduna, I need your help," she said, her eyes filled with concern. "Hans is struggling, and I think you could be a great comfort to him." Iduna's face softened, and she nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty," she said. "I will do everything I can to help him." As they entered Hans's chambers, Iduna was met with a sight that tugged at her heartstrings. Hans lay on his bed, his eyes sunken, his skin pale. He looked like a shadow of his former self. Iduna's maternal instincts kicked in, and she felt a surge of compassion for the young prince. Queen Ravina approached Hans's bedside, her voice soft with worry. "Hans, my child, I've brought someone to help you," she said. "Iduna will be taking care of you from now on." Hans's eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Iduna, his expression blank. Iduna smiled gently, trying to reassure him. "Hello, Hans," she said. "I'm here to help you. You're going to be okay." Queen Ravina nodded, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "I'll leave you in Iduna's care, Hans," she said. "She'll make sure you're comfortable and happy." As Queen Ravina left the room, Iduna turned her attention to Hans. She could see that he was struggling to stay awake, his eyelids heavy. She gently took his hand, her touch warm and comforting. "Hans, I want you to rest," she said. "I'll take care of everything. You just focus on getting better." Hans's eyes drooped, and he nodded weakly. Iduna smiled, her eyes filled with compassion. She knew that Hans needed her help, and she was determined to give it to him. As the hours passed, Iduna cared for Hans, making sure he was comfortable and clean. She changed his clothes, fed him, and talked to him softly, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay. But as the day wore on, Hans's condition worsened. He began to smell, his body unwashed for days. Iduna knew she had to act quickly to clean him up. She gently lifted him out of bed and began to prepare a sponge bath. She wore her brown hair up in a coronet braid, a testament to her own royal heritage. Her hands moved gently, her touch soft as she used a soft rag to clean Hans's body. She washed his face, his neck, and his arms, her movements gentle and soothing. As she bathed him, Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at Iduna, his expression confused. Iduna smiled, trying to reassure him. "Shh, Hans," she said. "You're okay. I'm here to help you." Hans's eyes drooped, and he closed them, a look of peace on his face. Iduna continued to bathe him, her movements gentle and soothing. She knew that Hans needed her help, and she was determined to give it to him. As she finished the bath, Iduna dressed Hans in clean clothes, her hands moving gently. She smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Hans looked better already, his skin clean and his eyes peaceful. Iduna leaned down, her voice soft. "You're going to be okay, Hans," she said. "I'm here for you." And with that, she tucked him into bed, her presence a comforting reminder that he was not alone.