**Chapter 8: Descent into Darkness**

The grand hall of the southern isles' palace was abuzz with the murmur of courtiers and advisors, their hushed conversations punctuated by the occasional rustle of fine fabrics and the soft clinking of glasses. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, sat in the gallery, observing the royal family of the southern isles with a mixture of curiosity and concern. King Westergaard, a man known for his ruthless pragmatism, sat on his throne, his piercing gaze scanning the room as he listened to the discussions. At the center of the room, Hans, the 13th prince, stood alongside his brothers, Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars. Hans, with his auburn hair and gentle features, seemed out of place among his siblings, who exuded an air of entitlement and cruelty. Iduna's eyes narrowed as she watched Rudi and Runo sneer at Hans, their words dripping with condescension. The meeting began, and the brothers took their seats at the council table. King Westergaard banged his fist, commanding silence. "Today, we discuss the proposed trade agreements with the neighboring kingdoms," he announced, his voice booming through the hall. As the discussion progressed, Rudi and Runo took turns belittling Hans's suggestions, their tone mocking and dismissive. Hans tried to defend his ideas, but his brothers' jabs and snickers eroded his confidence. Iduna's heart ached as she watched Hans's face fall, his eyes clouding with shame and frustration. Caleb, the crown prince, sneered at Hans, his voice laced with disdain. "You're just a foolish child, Hans. You don't understand the intricacies of politics." The other princes snickered, and Hans's face reddened. The meeting concluded with a decision that favored Rudi and Runo's interests, leaving Hans feeling defeated and humiliated. As the courtiers filed out of the hall, Iduna noticed Hans lingering, his eyes fixed on the floor. She sensed his despair and wished to offer comfort, but she knew that she had to tread carefully. Lars, the kindest of Hans's brothers, approached him, concern etched on his face. "Hans, I'm sorry they treated you like that. You have good ideas, and you deserve to be heard." Hans looked up, his eyes welling up with tears. The weight of his family's cruelty bore down on Hans, and he felt like he was suffocating. He couldn't take it anymore. With a sense of desperation, he slipped away from the palace, seeking solitude in the dark alleys of the castle. Hans found himself standing in front of a sturdy beam, a noose already tied and waiting. He hesitated for a moment, his heart racing with fear and uncertainty. But the pain and humiliation he'd endured at the hands of his family seemed too much to bear. With a shaking hand, Hans placed the noose around his neck and stepped off the beam. The rope tightened, and he felt himself being lifted off the ground. His vision began to blur, and his legs kicked out in a futile attempt to find purchase. Just as all hope seemed lost, a gentle hand grasped his ankle, pulling him back down to the ground. Hans's mother, Queen Mariposa, stood behind him, her eyes filled with concern and love. She quickly released the noose and cradled her son in her arms. "Hans, my dear child, what have you done?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Iduna, who had been walking down the corridor, heard Hans's mother's cries for help and rushed to her side. She found Hans unconscious, his face pale and clammy. Queen Mariposa looked up at Iduna, her eyes pleading. "Please, Iduna, help me. I need someone with a gentle touch to care for him. He's been through so much, and I fear for his sanity." Iduna nodded, her heart aching with compassion. She knew that she had to help Hans, to guide him through the darkness that had consumed him. And as she looked at Queen Mariposa, she knew that she had found a kindred spirit, someone who understood the importance of love and compassion in the face of adversity. Together, they carefully lifted Hans and took him to his chambers, where Iduna would begin her work as his caretaker. Little did she know that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey, one that would test her patience, her love, and her strength.