A Gentle Touch

As the sedative began to wear off, Iduna knew she had to act quickly to help Hans. She couldn't bear the thought of him remaining confined in the straight jacket, even if it was for his own safety. With a gentle touch, she carefully began to undo the straps, her hands moving slowly and deliberately to avoid startling him. As the jacket came off, Hans let out a soft sigh, his body relaxing as he was freed from its confines. Iduna smiled softly and stroked his hair, trying to soothe him. She knew that he would be confused and disoriented, and she wanted to be there to comfort him. "Hans, I'm here for you," she said, her voice low and gentle. "You're safe now. You don't have to hurt yourself anymore." Hans's eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Iduna with a mixture of fear and confusion. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she reached out to take his hand. His skin was cold and clammy, and she could feel the tension in his body. She knew that she had to get him cleaned up, to wash away the dirt and grime of his ordeal. "Hans, I want to help you," she said. "I want to give you a bath to clean you up. Will you let me do that for you?" Hans's eyes searched hers, and Iduna could see the uncertainty there. But she just smiled softly and took his hand, leading him out of the quiet room and into a nearby bathroom. The water was warm and inviting, and Iduna gently coaxed Hans into the tub. He hesitated at first, but Iduna's gentle touch and soothing voice eventually won him over. As the water lapped around his body, Iduna began to wash him, her hands moving gently over his skin. At first, Hans was stiff and resistant, but as Iduna continued to wash him, he began to relax. She could see the tension in his body easing, and his eyes began to lose some of their haunted look. As she washed away the dirt and grime, Iduna encountered numerous bruises, cuts, and scars on Hans's body. She gasped in shock, her heart aching for the young prince. How could anyone, let alone his own father, inflict such harm on him? But she didn't let her emotions get the better of her. Instead, she focused on cleaning and dressing Hans's wounds, trying to reassure him that he was safe now. She talked softly to him, telling him that he was loved and cared for, and that he would never have to suffer like that again. As the bath came to an end, Iduna helped Hans out of the tub and wrapped him in a warm towel. He shivered slightly, but Iduna just held him close, trying to comfort him. "You're safe now, Hans," she said. "You're safe with me. I'll always be here for you." Hans looked up at her, his eyes searching hers. And for a moment, Iduna thought she saw a glimmer of hope there, a sense that maybe, just maybe, Hans was starting to trust her.