**Chapter 7: A Troubling Request**

As Iduna walked through the castle, she was approached by a flustered lady-in-waiting. "Your Majesty, I need to speak with you," the woman said, her voice low and urgent. "It's about Hans, the young prince. He's in a bit of trouble." Iduna's ears perked up at the mention of Hans's name. She had grown concerned about the young man, sensing that he was an outcast among his own family. "What kind of trouble?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. The lady-in-waiting hesitated, glancing around nervously before leaning in close. "It's his brothers, Your Majesty. They're angry with him, and they've...well, they've hurt him quite badly. His mother, the king's wife, is beside herself. She needs to attend a political event with the king tonight, but she can't leave Hans's side." Iduna's expression softened as she listened to the lady-in-waiting's words. She had seen the way Hans's brothers treated him, and she knew that they were capable of causing him harm. "What does Hans's mother need me to do?" she asked, her voice gentle. The lady-in-waiting smiled weakly. "She needs you to help with Hans's care, Your Majesty. He's unable to move, and she can't bear the thought of leaving him like this. She was wondering if you could...if you could give him a sponge bath. He's in a lot of pain, and he needs someone to tend to his wounds." Iduna nodded, her heart going out to Hans. She knew that she had to help him, no matter what. "I'll do it," she said, her voice firm. "Tell Hans's mother that I'll take care of him." The lady-in-waiting smiled, relief washing over her face. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll let her know." Iduna made her way to Hans's chambers, her mind focused on the task ahead. When she arrived, she found Hans lying in bed, his body battered and bruised. His eyes were closed, and he was pale and clammy. Iduna's heart ached as she looked at him. She gently wet a clean rag with warm water, added a small amount of soap, and began to clean Hans's face, neck, and torso. She carefully washed every area, making sure to clean the dirt and grime from his skin. As she worked, Iduna couldn't help but notice the extent of Hans's injuries. His brothers had been cruel and merciless, leaving him with deep cuts and bruises. She felt a surge of anger on his behalf, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. As she rinsed the rag and repeated the process, Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Iduna?" he whispered, his voice weak. "Shh, Hans," Iduna said, her voice soothing. "I'm here to help you. You're going to be okay." Hans's eyes locked onto hers, and Iduna saw a glimmer of gratitude there. She smiled, her heart full of compassion for the young man. As she continued to tend to Hans's wounds, Iduna couldn't help but think about her own daughters, Elsa and Anna. She knew that they would be worried about her, but she also knew that they were in good hands with their governess and the rest of the palace staff. Iduna's thoughts were interrupted by Hans's gentle sigh. He was relaxed now, his body calm and still. Iduna smiled, satisfied with her work. Hans was going to be okay, and she was going to make sure of it. With a final rinse, Iduna finished the sponge bath, her hands gentle as she patted Hans's skin dry. She pulled the covers up to his chin, her heart full of warmth for the young man. As she turned to leave, Iduna caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her brown hair was pulled back in a simple style, similar to the one Elsa had worn at her coronation. She smiled, a sense of nostalgia washing over her. Iduna knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was ready. She was going to help Hans, no matter what it took. And she was going to bring about change to the Southern Isles, even if it meant facing the cruel and harsh King Lars himself.