Chapter 11: A Necessary Bath

The morning light crept through the windows of Hans's chambers, casting a pale glow over the scene before Anna. Lars stood beside her, his expression somber, as they prepared to face the challenges of Hans's deteriorating mental state. The air was heavy with tension, and Anna could feel the weight of responsibility settling onto her shoulders. As they had decided the night before, it was time to remove the restraints and assess Hans's condition. Lars's men moved to unlock the straps that bound Hans's wrists and ankles to the bed. The leather creaked softly as it was released, and Hans's arm fell limply to his side. Anna watched, her heart racing, as the other straps were removed. Hans's body slumped against the bed, his head lolling to one side. Anna approached the bed, her eyes scanning Hans's face and body. His skin was pale, his eyes sunken, and his hair matted with sweat. She felt a pang of sadness, seeing the man who had once captured her heart in such a state. Lars's men helped Anna turn Hans onto his side, and she gently pulled back his sleeve. The skin on his wrists was raw and red, the edges of the wounds inflamed and tender. Anna's heart went out to him, and she felt a wave of compassion wash over her. "He's been like this for days," Lars said, his voice low and somber. "The physician said it's a result of the medication and the restraints. He needs to be cleaned and cared for." Anna nodded, her mind racing with the tasks ahead. She called for a basin, a rag, and a pitcher of water, her eyes never leaving Hans's face. As they waited for the water to arrive, Anna gently examined Hans's wrists, her fingers tracing the edges of the wounds. She could see the faint marks of the restraints, the skin bruised and tender. The sound of footsteps outside the room broke the silence, and Anna turned to see a servant enter with a large basin, a rag, and a pitcher of water. Anna nodded her thanks, her eyes locked on the basin. With a deep breath, Anna began to prepare Hans for the bath, her hands moving gently as she rolled him onto his back. She poured water into the basin, the sound of the liquid splashing against the sides echoing through the room. Anna dipped the rag into the water, her fingers wrapping around the cool, damp fabric. She gently began to wipe Hans's body, starting with his arms and working her way down to his torso and back. She cleaned his armpits, his face, and his hair, her touch gentle and soothing. As she worked, Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at Anna, his gaze unfocused, and she felt a pang of fear. But she didn't stop, her hands continuing to clean his body as she spoke softly to him. "Hans, it's me, Anna. I'm here to help you. You're safe now." Hans's eyes closed, and he let out a soft sigh. Anna continued to clean him, her hands moving gently over his skin. She could see the tension in his body begin to ease, his muscles relaxing as she worked. But just as she thought she was making progress, Hans's body tensed, and he let out a loud cry. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she tried to calm him down, her voice soft and soothing. "Hans, it's okay. I'm here. You're safe." Hans's eyes opened, and he looked up at Anna, his gaze wild and unfocused. Anna felt a surge of fear, but she didn't back down, her hands continuing to calm him down. As she worked, Hans's body began to relax, his muscles easing as she cleaned him. Anna continued to talk to him, her voice soft and gentle, trying to bring him back to reality. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Hans's body relaxed, and he let out a soft sigh. Anna sat back, her eyes scanning Hans's face and body. He looked peaceful, his skin clean and his hair combed back. She felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she had taken the first step in helping him heal. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw a glimmer of something there, a spark of recognition that gave her hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could reach him, and he could be whole again.