**Chapter 9: Administering Medicine**

The morning light crept through the windows of Hans's chambers, casting a pale glow over the scene before Anna. Lars stood beside her, his expression somber, as they prepared to face the challenges of Hans's deteriorating mental state. The air was heavy with tension, and Anna could feel the weight of responsibility settling onto her shoulders. "Lars, what's the plan?" Anna asked, her voice firm but gentle. Lars nodded, his eyes locked on Hans's restrained form. "The physician has prepared a medication to calm Hans's...episodes. It's a sedative, one that should render him docile for a short period." Anna's gaze turned to the small table beside the bed, where a tray held a vial of liquid and a spoon. She felt a surge of trepidation, but Lars's reassuring nod steadied her nerves. As they approached the bed, Hans's eyes fluttered open, his gaze unfocused and wild. Anna felt a pang of sadness, seeing the man who had once captured her heart in such a state. Lars's men moved to restrain Hans, holding him down as Anna carefully poured the medication into the spoon. "Here, Hans," Anna said softly, trying to coax him into taking the medicine. "Drink this, it will help you feel better." Hans's eyes locked onto Anna's, and for a moment, she saw a glimmer of recognition. But it was fleeting, and his gaze slid away, his mouth twisting into a snarl. Lars's men held Hans firm, and Anna carefully brought the spoon to his lips. The medication dripped slowly into his mouth, and at first, Hans resisted, his body tensing against the restraints. But as the liquid took effect, his muscles began to relax, his eyes growing heavy. As the sedative took hold, Hans's body slumped against the restraints, his head lolling to one side. Anna felt a wave of relief wash over her, knowing that they had taken the first step in helping Hans. "How long will it last?" Anna asked Lars, her voice barely above a whisper. Lars's expression was grim. "The physician said it should last for a few hours. Long enough for us to...care for him." Anna nodded, her gaze locked on Hans's tranquil form. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but with Lars's support and the medication, she felt a sense of hope that they might just be able to reach Hans and bring him back from the brink of madness. As they waited for the medication to take full effect, Anna couldn't help but think of Elsa's letter and the vial of ice magic. She felt a sense of determination, knowing that she would do everything in her power to help Hans, no matter what it took. The silence in the room was oppressive, punctuated only by Hans's gentle snores. Anna's eyes never left his face, her heart heavy with emotion. She knew that the journey ahead would be long and difficult, but she was ready to face it head-on, for Hans's sake and for her own. With a deep breath, Anna steeled herself for what lay ahead, her mind focused on the task at hand. She would care for Hans, no matter what it took, and she would do everything in her power to help him heal. The question was, would it be enough?