**Chapter 9: The Accident**

Iduna sat in her chambers, surrounded by the opulent furnishings and soft glow of candlelight, but her mind was elsewhere. The sound of clanging pots and pans, the aroma of roasting meats, and the murmur of conversation from the grand hall below seemed to fade into the background as she pored over a stack of documents and reports, her brow furrowed in concentration. Just as she was about to make a note, a knock at the door interrupted her. "Enter," she called out, not looking up. The door opened, and one of the palace guards, a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, stood in the doorway. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice low and formal. "I have some news. Hans, the young prince from Grand Pabbie's family, has been left behind." Iduna's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing in surprise as she set her quill down on the desk. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. The guard hesitated before speaking, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape route. "It seems that his family departed for their journey back home, but Hans was distracted by a conversation with one of the palace guards and didn't notice they were leaving. By the time he realized his mistake, they were already gone." Iduna's expression softened as she considered the situation. She could imagine how frustrating it must be for Hans to be left behind, especially after such a wonderful visit. She rose from her chair, her coronet braid swaying gently as she moved, and made her way to the door. "I'll speak with him," she said, her voice firm. "Where is he?" The guard nodded, relief evident on his face. "He's in the east wing, Your Majesty. I told him he could stay here in the palace until we can arrange for him to catch up with his family." Iduna nodded and followed the guard to the east wing, her long skirts rustling as she walked. When they arrived, she found Hans pacing back and forth in a small sitting room, his auburn hair mussed and his eyes clouded with worry. The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles to light the space, and the shadows cast an eerie glow on the walls. "Hans," Iduna said, her voice warm and reassuring. "I hear you've been left behind." Hans turned to face her, a mixture of frustration and embarrassment on his face. "I'm so sorry, Your Majesty," he said, his voice laced with regret. "I feel like such a fool." Iduna smiled and took a seat beside him on a nearby sofa, her eyes locked on his. "Don't be ridiculous, Hans," she said, her voice gentle. "Accidents happen. You're welcome to stay here in the palace until we can arrange for you to catch up with your family." Hans's face lit up with gratitude, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, his voice sincere. "I appreciate your kindness." As they talked, Iduna couldn't help but notice the way Hans's eyes sparkled when he smiled, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. She would make sure that Hans was comfortable and happy during his stay in the palace, and that he had everything he needed. Over the next few days, Hans settled into a comfortable routine in the palace, spending his days exploring the gardens and his evenings dining with Iduna and her daughters. Elsa and Anna took an instant liking to him, and the three of them would often laugh and joke together, their conversation flowing easily. Iduna watched with a warm smile, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Hans for bringing some much-needed joy into their lives. She was still grieving the loss of her husband, but with Hans around, she felt a sense of hope and renewal. As the days passed, Iduna began to realize that Hans's presence in the palace was not just a coincidence. It was as if fate had brought him to them, to provide a distraction from their grief and to bring some much-needed joy into their lives. And as she looked at Hans, she knew that she was grateful for his presence, and that she would do everything in her power to make sure he was happy and comfortable during his stay in the palace.