**Chapter 8: A Glimpse of Hans**

As Iduna continued her recovery under the palace's care, she began to hear whispers about the royal family of the southern isles. King Westergaard's rule was known to be brutal, and his sons were not far behind in their cruelty. Iduna's thoughts were consumed by her own family's struggles, and she couldn't help but wonder about the lives of others who might be suffering under similar circumstances. One name kept recurring in the conversations she overheard: Hans, the prince of the southern isles. Iduna's curiosity was piqued, and she asked King Westergaard about him. The king's expression turned cold, and he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Hans is my son," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "A disappointment, to say the least. He lacks the ambition and cunning that a true prince should possess." Iduna's ears pricked up at the king's words, and she sensed a deep-seated issue within the royal family. She asked King Westergaard to elaborate, and he snorted in derision. "Hans's problems began when his mother, my queen, coddled him too much," he said. "She turned him into a weak and feeble-minded boy, unable to stand up for himself. His brothers, on the other hand, are a different story altogether." Iduna's eyes narrowed, and she listened intently as King Westergaard spoke of his other sons: Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars. Each one sounded more unsavory than the last, and Iduna couldn't help but wonder what kind of upbringing had produced such a crop of cruel and heartless princes. As she listened, Iduna's thoughts turned to her own children, Elsa and Anna. She remembered the countless times she had shielded them from harm, and the sacrifices she had made to ensure their safety. A pang of sympathy for Hans struck her, and she felt a maternal instinct stir within her. "I would like to meet Hans," she said, her voice firm. King Westergaard raised an eyebrow, but a small smile played on his lips. "Very well," he said. "I will arrange for you to meet him. But be warned, Iduna, Hans is not like your precious daughters. He is a product of this kingdom, and he will likely disappoint you." Iduna's heart quickened at the prospect of meeting Hans, and she steeled herself for what was to come. She knew that she would not judge him harshly, not without hearing his story and understanding the struggles he faced. As she waited for the meeting to be arranged, Iduna couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for Hans, and whether she would be able to make a difference in his life. The next day, Iduna was escorted to a large hall where Hans was waiting. She saw a young man with a defeated look in his eyes, his shoulders slumped in resignation. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she sensed that there was more to Hans than met the eye. As she approached him, Iduna noticed the faint scent of sweat and unwashed clothes. She made a mental note to ensure that Hans received the care and attention he needed. For now, she would listen to his story, and offer what guidance and support she could. The meeting had just begun, but Iduna already knew that her life was about to become intertwined with Hans's in ways she could hardly imagine. And as she looked into his eyes, she saw a glimmer of hope, a chance to make a difference in the life of a young man who desperately needed her help.