**Chapter 7: Hans's Struggles**

The weight of his family's legacy bore down on Hans like a physical force, crushing him beneath its oppressive yoke. As a prince of the Southern Isles, he was expected to embody the values of his family: strength, cunning, and ruthlessness. But Hans's heart rebelled against such ideals, yearning for a different path, one of kindness, compassion, and empathy. His father, King Harric, ruled the Southern Isles with an iron fist, crushing any dissent and taxing his people heavily. The king's mantra was simple: "The strong survive, and the weak perish." Hans's brothers, Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars, seemed to thrive in this environment, reveling in their power and privilege. They were a rough and tumble bunch, each with their own unique personality, but all sharing a sense of entitlement that made Hans's stomach turn. Caleb, the crown prince, was a clever politician, always angling for position and power. Rudi and Runo were troublemakers, delighting in causing chaos and mayhem wherever they went. Lars, the quiet one, seemed to keep to himself, but Hans knew that he was not as innocent as he seemed. Hans, however, felt suffocated by this toxic atmosphere. He longed to break free from the shackles of his family's expectations, but he didn't know how. His mother, Queen Arianna, was a kind and gentle soul, but she was powerless against her husband's brutality. As Hans navigated the treacherous waters of court politics, he found himself increasingly isolated and alone. His brothers mocked him, calling him weak and soft. His father belittled him, saying he was unworthy of the throne. The pain of their words cut deep, leaving Hans feeling lost and uncertain. One day, Hans's father summoned him to the throne room. The king sat on his throne, his face stern and unforgiving. "Hans, I've received reports that you're not performing well in your duties," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're lazy and incompetent. What's wrong with you, boy?" Hans felt a surge of fear and anxiety. He knew that his father's wrath was not to be underestimated. "I-I'm sorry, Father," he stuttered. "I'll try to do better." The king snorted. "Try? Try is not good enough, Hans. You need to succeed. And if you don't, there will be consequences." Hans left the throne room feeling defeated and demoralized. He wondered if he would ever be able to live up to his family's expectations. As he walked through the castle gardens, he stumbled upon Iduna, the Queen of Arendelle, walking among the flowers. She smiled at him, and Hans felt a sense of comfort wash over him. "Your Highness," he said, bowing his head. Iduna's eyes sparkled with kindness. "Hans, please, call me Iduna. We're friends, aren't we?" Hans nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this woman who seemed to understand him. As they talked, Hans opened up to Iduna about his struggles, sharing with her his fears and doubts. Iduna listened attentively, her expression sympathetic. For the first time in a long time, Hans felt like someone truly heard him. Iduna's words of encouragement and understanding gave him a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way out of this toxic cycle of abuse and neglect. And with Iduna by his side, Hans felt a sense of courage that he had never felt before. As they parted ways, Hans couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he never could have imagined. Iduna's presence in his life was a beacon of hope, a reminder that there was a different path to follow, one of kindness, compassion, and empathy. And Hans knew that he would cling to it, no matter what.