**Chapter 3: Arrival in the Southern Isles**

The Southern Isles' rugged landscape stretched out before Hans like a barren, unforgiving sea, as the French dignitary's ship docked at the rocky shore. The sound of gulls crying and the creaking of wooden hulls filled the air, a cacophony that seemed to echo Hans' own despair. He was taken off the ship, his wrists and ankles shackled to prevent him from escaping, a humiliating reminder of his failure. As he stepped onto dry land, Hans was greeted by the cold, harsh wind that whipped through the islands, carrying the scent of salt and seaweed. He shivered, feeling a chill run down his spine, as he caught sight of his brother Lars waiting for him on the dock. Lars' expression was somber, his eyes clouded with concern, and Hans knew that he was in trouble. Lars approached him, his footsteps echoing off the stone pavement, and Hans could see the worry etched on his face. "Hans, what happened?" Lars asked, his voice low and urgent, as he took in Hans' disheveled appearance. Hans' hair was matted, his eyes sunken, and his skin pale, a testament to his deteriorating mental state. Hans shook his head, feeling a sense of shame wash over him, as he struggled to find the words to explain his failure. "I...I don't know, Lars. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't take over Arendelle," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Lars' expression softened, and he reached out to help Hans, his movements gentle. "It's okay, Hans. We'll get through this. But Father...he's not going to be pleased. He's changed, Hans. He's become even more brutal and tyrannical. You need to be careful." Hans nodded, feeling a sense of dread wash over him, as he thought about facing his father's wrath. He knew that he was in for a rough ride, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to face whatever lay ahead. The two brothers walked in silence, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls of the castle, as they made their way to a small, sparse room deep within the castle walls. Hans was forced to rest on a narrow bed, his shackles removed, but his body aching from the long journey. Lars sat down beside him, his eyes filled with concern. "I'll get someone to help you, Hans. You need care. I'll write to Anna, see if she'll come and take care of you." Hans' eyes widened in surprise, as he thought about Anna, the woman he had once claimed to love. He hadn't expected Lars to reach out to her, but a part of him was grateful for the offer. As Lars left the room, Hans felt a sense of despair wash over him, as he thought about his situation. He was trapped, with no way out, and his mental state was deteriorating rapidly. He knew that he needed help, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to face his demons head-on. The door to the room creaked open, and a servant entered with a tray of food and a jug of water. Hans' stomach growled with hunger, and he reached out to take the tray, his hands shaking with weakness. As he ate, Hans couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into the abyss, with no safety net to catch him if he fell. But he knew that he had to find a way to overcome his demons, and he was determined to survive, no matter what lay ahead. The silence of the room was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of Hans' ragged breathing. He felt like he was drowning in his own failures, and he didn't know how to keep his head above water. Just as he finished his meal, Lars returned with a letter in his hand. "I've written to Anna," he said, his voice soft. "She'll come and take care of you, Hans. She'll help you get better." Hans' eyes filled with tears, as he thought about Anna, and the love they had once shared. He knew that he didn't deserve her help, but he was grateful for her kindness. The letter, sealed with Lars' crest, was handed to a servant, who was dispatched to deliver it to Anna in Arendelle. Hans could only hope that she would receive it, and that she would come to his aid in his time of need. As the servant left the room, Hans felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. He knew that he had a long way to go before he could recover from his ordeal, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to face whatever lay ahead. But with Lars' help, and Anna's kindness, he might just have a chance to survive.