Chapter 8: Humiliation

The grand hall of the southern isles' castle was abuzz with the murmur of courtiers and advisors, all gathered for a meeting to discuss the kingdom's economic woes. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, had been invited to observe the proceedings, but she had declined, citing her fragile health. Instead, she had chosen to take a stroll in the castle gardens, enjoying the warm sun on her face and the fresh air. Meanwhile, Hans, the prince of the southern isles, stood before the assembly, his face pale and his eyes sunken. He had always been sensitive to the cruel nature of his family, and the weight of their expectations had taken a toll on him. His brothers, Rudi and Runo, stood behind him, their eyes gleaming with mischief. Caleb, the crown prince, sneered at Hans, his voice dripping with condescension. "So, you're suggesting that we lower taxes and increase funding for the people?" he taunted. "That's absurd. We need to increase taxes to fund our military campaigns and expand our territories." Rudi and Runo snickered, their faces twisted in cruel grins. "Yes, Hans, you're always so quick to coddle the people," Rudi jeered. "But what about our own interests? Don't we deserve to benefit from our position?" Hans' face reddened as he struggled to maintain his composure. "I'm just trying to help the people," he stammered. "They're struggling to make ends meet, and-" Runo cut him off, his voice rising in mockery. "Oh, poor Hans, always so concerned about the common folk. You're not fit to rule, brother. You're too soft, too weak." The assembly erupted into a chorus of snickers and jeers, and Hans' face crumpled in humiliation. Iduna, watching from a distance, felt a pang of sympathy for the young prince. She had seen the weight of her own family's expectations bearing down on her, and she knew how crushing it could be. As the meeting adjourned and the assembly dispersed, Hans stumbled out of the grand hall, his eyes brimming with tears. Iduna saw him stumble into a nearby corridor, and she followed him, concern etched on her face. "Hans," she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper. He turned, his eyes flashing with anger and shame. "Leave me alone," he muttered, his voice cracking. But Iduna stood her ground, her expression gentle. "Hans, I know what it's like to be trapped in a situation that's not of your choosing," she said, her voice soft. "But you can't give up. You have to keep fighting, for yourself and for the people you care about." Hans looked at her, his eyes searching for understanding. For a moment, Iduna thought she saw a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly extinguished by the weight of his family's cruelty. As Iduna watched, Hans stumbled away, his shoulders slumped in defeat. She knew that she had to do something to help him, but she didn't know where to start. She was determined to find a way, though, no matter what it took. The sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor, and Iduna saw Lars, the youngest of the princes, approaching her. He looked at her with a curious expression, and Iduna sensed that he might be different from his brothers. "Your Highness," he said, his voice low. "I see you're concerned about Hans." Iduna nodded, her eyes locked on his. "Yes, I am. He's been through a lot, and I think he needs our help." Lars nodded thoughtfully, his eyes clouding over with concern. "I'll do what I can," he said. "But it's not going to be easy. My brothers can be... cruel." Iduna's heart went out to Lars, and she sensed that he might be the key to helping Hans. She smiled softly at him, her eyes warm with gratitude. "Thank you, Lars," she said. "I appreciate your help."