**Chapter 8: A Mother's Concern**

The grand hall of the castle was still resonating with the echoes of the previous day's meeting, its stone walls bearing witness to the tense atmosphere that had settled over the royal family. Prince Hans, the youngest of the thirteen princes, was still reeling from the humiliation he had suffered at the hands of his brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb. The memory of their jeers and sneers lingered, a bitter taste in his mouth that he couldn't shake. As he lay in his chambers, the weight of his family's expectations bore down on him, making his chest feel heavy and his breathing labored. He had always tried to live up to their standards, but it seemed like no matter how hard he tried, he was destined to fall short. The ale he had consumed that night had only served to dull the pain, but it had also left him feeling weak and vulnerable. Queen Marie, Hans's mother, found him in this state, lying on the floor, his face pale and clammy. She called for the servants to take him to his chambers, but as she looked at her son, she knew that he needed more than just rest. She sought out Iduna, the queen of Arendelle, who had been recovering in the castle. "Iduna, I need your help," Queen Marie said, her voice laced with concern. "Hans needs someone to care for him, to help him through this difficult time. Will you be that person?" Iduna nodded, her brown hair styled in a coronet braid, her eyes filled with compassion. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll do everything I can to help Hans." As Iduna entered Hans's chambers, she was met with the pungent smell of sweat and ale. Hans lay on the bed, his skin hot and flushed. Iduna gently took a rag and a bowl of warm water, preparing to give him a sponge bath. With gentle hands, she began to clean Hans's body, her touch soothing and calming. She washed his face, his neck, and his arms, using a soft rag to wipe away the dirt and grime. As she worked, she sang a soft melody, one that she used to sing to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. The warm water and gentle cleaning seemed to bring Hans some relief, and he stirred slightly at the sound of Iduna's voice. Iduna continued to care for him, her actions guided by a deep sense of maternal instinct. She had always been a protective and nurturing person, and now she channeled those qualities into helping Hans. As she finished the sponge bath, Iduna pulled the covers up to Hans's chin, making sure he was comfortable and warm. She sat beside him, watching over him as he slept, her presence a beacon of hope in his darkness. Iduna's thoughts wandered back to her own children, Elsa and Anna. She remembered the countless nights she had spent caring for them, nursing them back to health when they were sick or injured. And now, as she looked at Hans, she saw a glimmer of that same vulnerability. She reached out and gently brushed a strand of auburn hair out of Hans's face, her touch gentle and soothing. "You're not alone, Hans," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm here for you." As she sat there, Iduna couldn't help but think about the harsh realities of life in the southern isles. King Westergaard, the ruler of the kingdom, was a brutal man who cared little for the welfare of his people. He believed in the survival of the fittest, and those who were weak were left to fend for themselves. Iduna had seen the effects of King Westergaard's rule firsthand, and she had vowed to do everything in her power to help those in need. And now, as she looked at Hans, she saw an opportunity to make a difference. She would help Hans, not just as a favor to Queen Marie, but because she believed that he deserved a chance to thrive. And as she sat there, watching over him as he slept, she knew that she would do everything in her power to help him find his way. The sun was setting outside, casting a warm orange glow over the castle. Iduna smiled softly, feeling a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, she could help Hans find his way, and in doing so, help bring about change to the southern isles.