Chapter 8: A Glimpse of Hans' Life

The castle of the Southern Isles was a labyrinth of dark corridors and ornate chambers, its stone walls bearing witness to the whispers and footsteps of its inhabitants. Iduna navigated its passages with a quiet reverence, her eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered through the narrow windows. She had been a guest in the castle for several weeks now, and yet, she still felt like a stranger in a strange land. As she walked, Iduna caught glimpses of the princes as they went about their daily lives. Caleb and Rudi were arguing over some trivial matter, their voices raised in a heated debate. Runo was laughing with a group of courtiers, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Lars was sitting in the library, reading a book and ignoring the commotion around him. And then there was Hans, the youngest prince, with his Auburn hair and bright blue eyes. Hans was a sensitive soul, always getting caught in the crossfire of his brothers' cruelty. Iduna had seen the way he looked at his brothers, with a mixture of sadness and longing. She had seen the way he tried to stand up for himself, even when it seemed like a lost cause. Today, Hans was in the great hall, attending a meeting with his brothers and the king's advisors. Iduna watched from a distance, her heart aching with sympathy for the young prince. He looked so small and insignificant among his brothers, who seemed to be growing more and more powerful by the day. The meeting was a discussion of the kingdom's trade agreements, and the princes were all expected to contribute to the conversation. But as the discussion wore on, it became clear that Hans had nothing to offer. His brothers mocked him, their voices rising in a crescendo of ridicule. Caleb sneered at Hans, his eyes flashing with contempt. "What do you think, Hans? Do you have anything worthwhile to say?" Hans tried to speak, but his voice was barely audible. "I-I think we should consider the impact on the common people," he stammered. Rudi and Runo burst out laughing, their faces twisted in cruel grins. "Oh, Hans, you're so naive," Rudi said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The common people don't matter. All that matters is what benefits us." The meeting ended with Hans looking defeated and humiliated. Iduna watched as he slipped out of the great hall, his head hung in shame. She knew that she had to do something to help him, to support him in any way she could. As she followed Hans, Iduna noticed that he seemed to be heading towards the castle gardens. She quickened her pace, her heart aching with concern for the young prince. She found him sitting on a bench, staring out at the sea with a look of despair on his face. Iduna approached him quietly, not wanting to startle him. "Hans," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Hans looked up, his eyes locking onto hers with a mixture of surprise and desperation. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. "Your Highness," Hans said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. Iduna smiled, her heart aching with sympathy for the young prince. "Please, Hans," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "Call me Iduna. We're friends, aren't we?" Hans nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. And in that moment, Iduna knew that she had to help him, to support him in any way she could. She also knew that it wouldn't be easy, that there would be challenges ahead. But she was determined to stand by Hans, to help him navigate the treacherous waters of his family's cruelty.