Chapter 7: A Humiliating Defeat

The weight of his family's expectations hung heavy on Hans' shoulders. As the youngest son of King Westergaard, he felt like he was constantly trying to prove himself, to measure up to the standards set by his older brothers. But no matter how hard he tried, he always seemed to fall short. Hans' eyes wandered as he sat in the meeting room, listening to his brothers discuss the latest trade agreements and economic strategies. He felt like an outsider, like he didn't belong among these confident, capable men. Caleb, the crown prince, was speaking now, his voice smooth and persuasive as he outlined the benefits of a new trade route. Rudi and Runo were nodding along, their faces eager to please, while Lars looked on with a mixture of disinterest and boredom. Hans, on the other hand, felt like he was drowning in a sea of numbers and statistics. He had always struggled with the business side of things, preferring to focus on more creative pursuits like art and music. But his father, the king, had other plans for him. He wanted Hans to follow in his footsteps, to take over as ruler one day. And so, Hans was forced to sit through these meetings, trying to pretend like he was interested. As the discussion drew to a close, Hans felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad to be leaving this place behind, even if it was just for a little while. But as he stood up to leave, Rudi and Runo caught his eye, their faces sneering with amusement. "Well, well, well, look at Hans, trying to be a part of the big boys' club," Rudi said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Hans felt his face heat up with embarrassment as his brothers laughed and teased him. He tried to brush it off, but the words stung. "You think you can keep up with us, Hans?" Runo chimed in, his voice mocking. "You're just a foolish little boy, playing at being a prince." The room fell silent, with all eyes on Hans and his brothers. Hans felt like he was going to collapse under the weight of his own inadequacy. Why couldn't he be more like his brothers? Why couldn't he be confident and capable? Caleb stood up, his face stern. "Enough, Rudi and Runo. Hans may not be as skilled in business as we are, but he has his own strengths." But it was too late. The damage was done. Hans felt like he had been punched in the gut, like all the air had been sucked out of him. He quickly exited the meeting room, feeling like he was going to collapse. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. He felt like he was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, with no escape. As he walked through the castle, Hans felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. He was tired of being belittled and mocked. He was tired of being treated like a child. He eventually found himself in his room, feeling like he was going to lose it. He didn't know what to do, or where to turn. In a fit of rage and despair, Hans grabbed a small vial of poison from his desk and downed it in one swift motion. He felt a burning sensation in his chest, and then everything went black. He fainted and fell onto a nearby table, the sound of his body hitting the surface echoing through the room. The scene was one of chaos and confusion, with Hans lying unconscious on the table. The room was quiet, except for the sound of his labored breathing. It was a moment of pure desperation, one that would change Hans' life forever. Little did he know, help was on the way, in the form of his mother, Queen Alice, and a surprising ally, Iduna, the queen of Arendelle.