Chapter 6: Anna's Anger

The letter arrived at Arendelle, delivered by a weary servant who had traveled across the kingdom to reach the palace. Anna, now a confident and compassionate queen, stood in her chambers, her eyes scanning the parchment as she read the words penned by Lars. "Hans...my brother," she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. The memories of his betrayal still lingered, a painful wound that had not fully healed. She recalled the day he had deceived her, using her trust to manipulate her and further his own ambitions. The pain and anger she had felt then still simmered, a low-grade burn that had not fully extinguished. As she read on, Anna's expression darkened. How could Lars ask her to forgive Hans so easily? Did he not remember the pain he had caused? The lies he had told? The hurt he had inflicted on those she loved? She thought of Elsa, her sister, and the distress Hans's actions had caused her. But as she continued to read, Anna's anger began to give way to curiosity. What had happened to Hans? How had he fallen so far? She pictured him, once charming and confident, now restrained to a bed, his mind consumed by darkness. A pang of sorrow struck her, and she felt a glimmer of compassion. Lars's words painted a vivid picture of Hans's descent into madness. She learned of his erratic behavior, his violent outbursts, and his eventual restraint. She saw the desperation in Lars's plea, the concern for his brother's well-being, and the hope that she might be able to help. Anna's thoughts turned to Elsa, who had long been a source of comfort and strength for her. She knew that Elsa would encourage her to help Hans, to show him kindness and compassion, even if he did not deserve it. With a heavy heart, Anna made her decision. "I will go," she said aloud, her voice firm. "I will help Hans, for Lars's sake, and for the sake of our kingdom's future." She called for her trusted advisor, who arrived promptly to discuss the details of her trip. Anna explained her decision, and together, they made plans for her journey to the Southern Isles. As she prepared to leave, Anna felt a sense of trepidation. What would she find in the Southern Isles? Would Hans be receptive to her help? And what lay ahead for her, once she arrived in that troubled kingdom? The questions swirled in her mind as she set off on her journey, accompanied by a small group of trusted guards and a healer. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but Anna steeled herself, determined to face whatever lay in store. She knew that the Southern Isles were a troubled place, ruled by the harsh and brutal King Westergard. His taxes had impoverished the people, and his cruel punishments had created a climate of fear. Anna's heart went out to the suffering people, and she hoped that her visit might bring some small measure of hope. As she traveled, Anna's thoughts turned to Hans, and the road ahead. She knew that she would face difficulties, but she was determined to help him, no matter the cost. For Lars's sake, for Elsa's sake, and for the sake of redemption, she would try to save Hans from himself.