**Chapter 6: Hans' Struggles**

The weight of his family's expectations hung heavy on Hans' shoulders. As the youngest son of King Westergaard, he felt like he was constantly trying to prove himself, to measure up to the standards set by his older brothers. But no matter how hard he tried, he always seemed to fall short. Hans' eyes wandered as he sat in the meeting room, listening to his brothers discuss the latest trade agreements and economic strategies. He felt like an outsider, like he didn't belong among these confident, capable men. Caleb, the crown prince, was speaking now, his voice smooth and persuasive as he outlined the benefits of a new trade route. Rudi and Runo were nodding along, their faces eager to please, while Lars looked on with a mixture of disinterest and boredom. Hans, on the other hand, felt like he was drowning in a sea of numbers and statistics. He had always struggled with the business side of things, preferring to focus on more creative pursuits like art and music. But his father, the king, had other plans for him. He wanted Hans to follow in his footsteps, to take over as ruler one day. And so, Hans was forced to sit through these meetings, trying to pretend like he was interested. As the discussion drew to a close, Hans felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad to be leaving this place behind, even if it was just for a little while. But as he stood up to leave, Rudi and Runo caught his eye, their faces sneering with amusement. "Well, well, well, look at Hans, trying to be a part of the big boys' club," Rudi said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Hans felt his face heat up with embarrassment as his brothers laughed and teased him. He tried to brush it off, but the words stung. He quickly exited the meeting room, feeling like he was going to collapse under the weight of his own inadequacy. Why couldn't he be more like his brothers? Why couldn't he be confident and capable? As he walked through the castle, Hans felt like he was walking through a nightmare. He was trapped in a world that wasn't his own, forced to play a role that he didn't want. He eventually found himself in the castle gardens, sitting on a bench and staring out at the flowers. The fresh air and peaceful surroundings helped to calm his nerves, but he couldn't shake the feeling of despair that had settled in his heart. Hans thought about his life, about the choices he had made and the paths he had taken. He wondered if he was truly cut out for this life, or if he was just pretending to be someone he wasn't. As the sun began to set, Hans stood up, feeling a sense of determination rising within him. He would find a way to prove himself, to show his family that he was more than just a weak, inadequate son. But for now, he just felt lost and alone, unsure of what the future held or how he would get there. Iduna, meanwhile, was watching Hans from afar, her heart going out to the young man. She sensed that he was struggling, that he felt trapped and alone. And she wondered if she could help him, if she could be the friend he needed. As she watched, Hans' face fell, his eyes clouding over with worry and despair. Iduna's heart ached for him, and she knew that she had to do something to help. But for now, she just watched, her eyes filled with compassion and understanding.