**Chapter 8: Alcohol Poisoning**

The grand hall of King Westergaard's castle was abuzz with the murmurs of nobles and dignitaries, all gathered for a crucial meeting to discuss the future of the Southern Isles. Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, sat in the back, observing the scene unfold before her. Her brown hair, worn up in a coronet braid, was a testament to her resilience and determination. She had survived the shipwreck and was now focused on understanding the dynamics of the royal family. Hans, the 13th prince, stood at the front, his auburn hair messy and his eyes cast downward. His brothers, Rudi and Runo, flanked him, their faces sneering with contempt. Caleb, the crown prince, sat on the throne, his expression disinterested. The meeting began, with Rudi and Runo taking turns belittling Hans's ideas and proposals. Their words cut deep, and Hans's face reddened with humiliation. Iduna's instincts screamed at her to intervene, but she knew she had to remain neutral, at least for now. The verbal assault continued, with Rudi and Runo mocking Hans's lack of experience and his "weak" leadership skills. Hans tried to defend himself, but his words were drowned out by his brothers' jeers. The atmosphere in the hall grew tense, with the nobles and dignitaries shifting uncomfortably in their seats. As the meeting drew to a close, Hans's face was etched with pain and humiliation. Iduna could see the hurt in his eyes, and her maternal instincts kicked in. She knew she had to do something to help him. That night, Hans sought solace in the castle's tavern, where he drowned his sorrows in ale and wine. Iduna found him there, slumped over a table, his eyes glassy and unfocused. She sat down beside him, her voice soft and gentle. "Hans, perhaps you should slow down," she said, her hand on his arm. Hans looked up at her, his eyes filled with tears. "Why does it hurt so much?" he whispered, his voice cracking. "Why do they hate me so?" Iduna's grip on his arm tightened. "They don't hate you, Hans. They're just... misguided. But I'm here for you, and I'll help you through this." As the night wore on, Hans's drinking problem worsened, and he stumbled out of the tavern, unconscious. Iduna followed him, her heart heavy with concern. The next morning, Queen Marie, Hans's mother, found him lying on the floor of his chambers, his face pale and clammy. She summoned Iduna, her voice urgent. "Iduna, I need your help," she said, her eyes pleading. "Hans has a problem, and I don't know how to help him. He's been drinking too much, trying to escape the pain of his family's cruelty." Iduna nodded, her mind racing. "I'll help him, Your Majesty. I'll be his caretaker, and I'll do my best to nurse him back to health." Queen Marie smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Iduna. I knew I could count on you." As Iduna took on the role of Hans's caretaker, she realized that she had a crucial part to play in his life. She would help him navigate the complexities of his family's dynamics, and she would do everything in her power to protect him from those who sought to harm him. Iduna gently turned Hans onto his side, making sure he was comfortable. She fetched a basin of water and a cloth, and began to clean his face and hands. Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Iduna?" he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I'm here, Hans," she replied, her voice soft. "You're safe now." Hans's eyes closed, and he drifted off to sleep, Iduna watching over him with a gentle smile. She knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together, and she was determined to help Hans overcome his struggles and find his place in the world.