**Chapter 8: The Southern Isles' Unhappy People**

As Anna traveled through the Southern Isles, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this land and Arendelle. The air was thick with an air of despair, and the people seemed to be living in fear. The snow-covered landscape, once a beautiful sight, now seemed bleak and desolate. The trees were bare, their branches etched against the grey sky like skeletal fingers. The wind howled through the streets, its mournful cry echoing off the buildings. As she rode her horse through the streets, Anna saw people huddled together, whispering in hushed tones. They glanced at her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, their eyes filled with a deep-seated fear. The once-thriving towns were now rundown and neglected, with crumbling buildings and empty streets. The sound of hammering and sawing echoed through the air, but it was a slow and laborious process, as if the people were working under duress. Anna's thoughts turned to King Westergaard, the ruler of the Southern Isles. She had heard rumors of his brutal tactics and harsh taxes, which had left the people impoverished and oppressed. The king's reputation was notorious, and Anna wondered how his people had managed to survive under his rule. She saw children huddled together, their eyes sunken with hunger, and women struggling to carry heavy loads, their faces gaunt with exhaustion. As she continued on her journey, Anna came across a group of men, who were working in the fields. They looked up as she passed, their faces filled with a mixture of anger and resentment. One of them spat on the ground, as she rode by, a gesture of defiance against the royal family. Anna saw the fear in their eyes, the fear of being caught and punished for their actions. She saw more and more examples of the people's suffering as she journeyed on. A young woman, who had been caught gathering firewood, was being beaten by a group of guards. Anna's horse reared up in fright, as she quickly rode away, trying to avoid drawing attention to herself. The sound of the woman's cries echoed through the air, a stark reminder of the king's brutality. The further she traveled, the more Anna realized that the Southern Isles were a very unhappy place. The people were living in fear, and the atmosphere was thick with tension. She wondered how Hans, who had grown up in this environment, had turned out to be so ambitious and arrogant. Had he been influenced by his family's values, or had he always been different? As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Anna finally caught sight of the castle in the distance. It loomed above her, its stone walls towering and imposing. She felt a sense of trepidation, as she approached the castle gates. What would she find inside? Would Hans be waiting for her, or would he be locked away, hidden from the world? As she dismounted her horse and approached the gates, Anna couldn't help but think about the letter she had received from Lars. He had written about Hans' deteriorating mental state, and how he needed her help. She wondered what had caused Hans' decline, and what she could do to help him. The guards looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, as she asked to enter the castle. "What's your business here, Princess?" one of them asked, his voice gruff. Anna stood tall, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm here to see Hans," she said, her voice firm. "I have a letter from his brother, Lars." The guards exchanged a look, and then one of them nodded. "Very well, Princess," he said. "You may enter." The gates creaked open, and Anna stepped inside, her heart heavy with trepidation. She was one step closer to helping Hans, but she had no idea what lay ahead. As she walked through the castle corridors, Anna could feel the weight of the castle's history bearing down on her. The stone walls seemed to whisper secrets in her ear, and she shivered at the thought of the darkness that lurked within. She was greeted by a stern-faced servant, who took her cloak and escorted her to a large wooden door. "His Majesty, King Westergaard, awaits you," the servant said, his voice formal. Anna took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She pushed open the door, and stepped inside, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her. The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles flickering to light the space. King Westergaard sat on his throne, his face twisted in a scowl. "So, you're the one who's been taking care of Hans," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I must say, I'm surprised. I didn't think you had it in you." Anna stood tall, her heart pounding in her chest. She was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. She looked at the king, her eyes locked on his. "I'm here to help Hans," she said, her voice firm. "Not to take sides or play politics." The king snorted, his face twisting in disgust. "You're a foolish girl," he said. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into." Anna smiled, a fierce determination burning within her. "I know exactly what I'm getting myself into," she said. "And I'm ready for it." The king laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "We'll see about that," he said. "Let's go see Hans. I'm sure he's eager to see you." Anna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, determined to help Hans and bring him back from the brink of destruction. As she followed the king through the castle corridors, she couldn't help but wonder what she would find. Was Hans still the same man she had once loved, or had he changed forever? Only time would tell.