Chapter 8: A Mental Break

The grand hall of the Southern Isles' castle was abuzz with the murmur of courtiers and advisors, all gathered for a meeting of great importance. Prince Hans, the 13th prince, stood among them, his auburn hair neatly styled, his eyes shining with a mix of nervousness and determination. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, watched from the sidelines, her brown hair pulled back into a coronet braid, a testament to her own royal heritage. As the meeting began, Prince Hans's brothers, Rudi and Runo, took their positions at the forefront, their faces confident and self-assured. Caleb, the crown prince, stood tall, his expression indifferent, while Lars, the youngest of the princes, looked on with a mixture of concern and sadness. The king, King Westergaard, slammed his fist on the table, silencing the room. "I have decided that it's time for us to expand our influence in the region," he declared, his voice booming through the hall. "We will be imposing new taxes on the people, and I expect each and every one of you to support this decision." Prince Hans's eyes widened in dismay, but before he could speak, Rudi and Runo jumped in, their voices smooth and persuasive. "Father, this is an excellent idea," Rudi said. "The people will understand the necessity of this tax, and they will be grateful for our leadership." Prince Hans took a step forward, his voice shaking with emotion. "But, Father, I don't think this is fair. The people are already struggling to make ends meet. How will they be able to afford this new tax?" Rudi and Runo turned to him, their faces sneering with contempt. "You're just a foolish child, Hans," Rudi spat. "You don't understand the way the world works. The people need to be controlled, and the tax will help us do just that." The room fell silent, with all eyes on Prince Hans. Iduna watched, her heart aching with sympathy for the young prince. She could see the pain and humiliation in his eyes, and she knew that he needed support. King Westergaard slammed his fist on the table once more, his face red with anger. "Enough, Hans," he bellowed. "You will support this decision, or you will face the consequences." Prince Hans's face crumpled, and he looked down at his feet, his eyes welling up with tears. Iduna felt a surge of anger towards his brothers and the king, but she knew that she had to remain calm, at least for now. As the meeting adjourned, Prince Hans stumbled out of the grand hall, his eyes blinded by tears. He wandered aimlessly, feeling like he was drowning in a sea of despair. The weight of his family's cruelty and the king's expectations was crushing him. Eventually, he found himself standing in front of a sturdy beam in the castle's courtyard. He looped a rope around it, his hands shaking with desperation. He had had enough of the pain and humiliation. He wanted it to end. Just as he was about to take the fatal step, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He was spun around, and his mother, Queen Ravina, stood before him, her eyes filled with concern. "Hans, my child," she said, her voice soft with worry. "What are you doing?" Hans felt a wave of shame wash over him. He had never meant to involve his mother in his problems. "I'm sorry, Mother," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just can't take it anymore." Queen Ravina's face softened, and she wrapped her arms around her son. "You don't have to face this alone, Hans," she said. "I will help you find a way." Together, they returned to the castle, Queen Ravina's arm around her son's shoulders. As they walked, she mentioned Iduna, the mysterious woman who had been recovering in the castle. "Iduna has experience with children, Hans," she said. "I think she could be a great help to you." Hans looked at his mother, curious. "You want me to talk to her?" he asked. Queen Ravina nodded. "I think it would be beneficial for you, Hans. She has a kind heart, and she might be able to offer you some guidance." As they entered the castle, Iduna was summoned to the queen's chambers. Queen Ravina approached her with a concerned expression. "Iduna, I need your help," she said. "Hans is struggling, and I think you could be a great comfort to him." Iduna's face softened, and she nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty," she said. "I will do everything I can to help him." Queen Ravina smiled, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Iduna. I knew I could count on you." With that, Iduna's role in Hans's life was set in motion. She would become his caretaker, offering him the motherly love and support he so desperately needed. And as she followed Queen Ravina to Hans's chambers, she knew that she would do everything in her power to help him heal and find his way again.