**Chapter 5: A Royal Request**

As Iduna continued to recover in her chambers, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The Westergaard family's dynamics were complex and tense, and she was still trying to navigate their intricate web of relationships. Prince Lars, who had been a frequent visitor to her room, seemed to be the only one who didn't treat her with suspicion or hostility. One day, as Iduna was sitting up in bed, trying to gather her strength, Prince Lars entered the room with a concerned expression. "Your Majesty, how are you feeling today?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle. Iduna smiled weakly, grateful for the prince's kindness. "I'm feeling a bit better, thank you for asking," she replied. Prince Lars nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "I'm glad to hear that. I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help you recover more quickly." Iduna thought for a moment, her mind racing with the possibilities. "Actually, Prince Lars, I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help in return," she said, her voice filled with a sense of determination. Prince Lars raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Help? What do you mean, Your Majesty?" Iduna hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject. "I've noticed that your brother Hans seems to be... troubled," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is everything all right with him?" Prince Lars's expression turned somber, and he nodded. "Hans has been having a difficult time with our family," he explained. "Our brothers, Rudi and Runo, have been... cruel to him, and Father hasn't been much help." Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she felt a surge of compassion. "I'm so sorry to hear that," she said. "Is there anything I can do to help him?" Prince Lars looked at her with a hint of surprise, but also with gratitude. "Actually, Your Majesty, I think you might be able to help him," he said. "Hans has been badly hurt by our brothers, and he needs someone to care for him. Would you be willing to help him?" Iduna nodded, her mind made up. "Of course, Prince Lars. I'll do whatever I can to help him." Prince Lars smiled, his eyes filled with appreciation. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll take you to him." As they walked to the stables, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She had never been one to shy away from a challenge, but helping Hans would require her to navigate the complex web of Westergaard family dynamics. When they arrived at the stables, Iduna was shocked to see Hans lying on a pile of hay, covered in manure and bruises. Prince Lars explained that his brothers had attacked him, and he had been left for dead. Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she felt a surge of anger towards his family. Without hesitation, Iduna approached Hans, her brown braided hair done up in a bun. "Hans, I'm here to help you," she said, her voice soft and gentle. Hans looked up at her, his eyes filled with pain and gratitude. Iduna could see the fear and vulnerability in his eyes, and she knew that she had to help him. "Please, Your Majesty," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Don't make me go back to them. I don't think I can take it anymore." Iduna's heart melted at Hans's words, and she knew that she would do everything in her power to help him. She turned to Prince Lars, who nodded in understanding. "I'll help you, Hans," she said, her voice firm. "And I'll make sure you're safe." As she looked at Hans, Iduna knew that she had made a decision. She would help him, no matter what it took. And in doing so, she would also be protecting herself, for she had seen the vulnerability in Hans's eyes, and she knew that she couldn't turn her back on him.