Chapter 7: The Request for Anna

The sun had long since set on the Southern Isles, casting a dark and foreboding shadow over the land. King Westergaard, a ruthless and tyrannical ruler, sat on his throne, his eyes fixed on the people below him with a cold and calculating gaze. He was a man who ruled through fear and oppression, and his people lived in a state of constant dread. Lars, the King's third son, stood before him, his eyes downcast in a mixture of respect and fear. "Father, I have a request to make," he said, his voice steady. The King looked up at him, his expression skeptical. "What is it, Lars?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "I have taken in a man, Hans, who was once a prisoner on a French dignitary's ship," Lars explained. "He is in a bad way, mentally and physically. I was wondering if I could send for Anna, the Queen of Arendelle's sister, to come and care for him." The King's expression turned cold and hard. "Why would you want to involve Anna in this?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "She has no connection to us, and we have no connection to her." Lars hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Anna and Hans have a history, Father," he explained. "And I believe that she may be the only one who can help him now. He is in a fragile state, and I fear that if we don't act quickly, he may be lost to us forever." The King snorted in disgust. "I don't care about Hans or his well-being," he said, his voice cold and hard. "But if it will help to keep him quiet and out of our way, then send for Anna. But make sure she understands that we will not be taking him in or providing for him. He is on his own." Lars nodded, relief washing over him. He knew that he had to act quickly to save Hans, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. Meanwhile, in Arendelle, Anna received Lars's letter and was immediately torn. She had forgiven Hans for his betrayal, but she had not forgotten it. And the thought of going back to the Southern Isles, where her memories of him were still so raw and painful, was almost too much to bear. But she knew that she had to try. She owed it to herself, and to Hans, to see if she could help him. And so, with a heavy heart, she agreed to go. The next morning, Anna packed a small bag and set off for the Southern Isles. She was met at the border by one of Lars's servants, who escorted her to his estate. As she arrived, she could see that the estate was large and well-maintained, with beautifully manicured gardens and a grand house. But despite its beauty, there was something oppressive about the place, something that made her feel trapped and uneasy. Lars greeted her warmly, and explained the situation to her. "Hans is in a bad way," he said, his eyes filled with concern. "He has been in restraints for days, and I'm not sure how much longer we can keep him like this." Anna's heart went out to Hans, and she knew that she had made the right decision in coming. She was determined to help him, no matter what it took. "I'll do my best," she said, her voice firm. "But I need to see him first. Where is he?" Lars led her to a large room on the top floor, where Hans was lying on a bed, his wrists and ankles bound by heavy leather straps. Anna's heart went out to him, and she knew that she had to act quickly to help him. She approached the bed, her eyes filled with compassion and concern. "Hans," she said, her voice soft. "I'm here. I'm going to help you."