Chapter 9: Hans's Condition

As Anna followed Lars through the winding streets of the capital, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The city was a stark contrast to the vibrant and lively Arendelle she was used to. The buildings seemed to loom over her, casting long shadows in the fading light, and the people seemed to be walking with a sense of resignation. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and salt, and the sound of seagulls filled the air, but it was a mournful cry, as if they too felt the weight of the kingdom's suffering. The palace, however, was a different story altogether. It stood imposing and grand, a symbol of the kingdom's wealth and power. Anna felt a surge of anger as she realized that the palace's grandeur was built on the backs of the suffering people. The heavily armed guards and stern-faced officials seemed to be watching her every move, their eyes cold and unyielding. As they entered the palace, Anna was greeted by the opulent decorations and the lavish furnishings. But beneath the surface, she sensed a deep-seated unease. The servants seemed to be scurrying about, their eyes downcast, and the atmosphere was thick with tension. The sound of footsteps echoed through the halls, and the rustle of fabrics seemed to be a constant accompaniment to their movements. Lars led her to a large room, where Hans lay restrained to a bed. Anna's heart ached as she saw Hans's condition firsthand. His eyes were sunken, his skin pale and clammy, and his wrists were raw and sore from the restraints. She felt a pang of sorrow as she realized the extent of his deterioration. Lars explained that Hans had been having trouble with his medication, and the restraints had been necessary to prevent him from harming himself or others. Anna's eyes widened as she saw the state of Hans's wrists, and she knew that she had to act quickly to help him. "How long has he been like this?" Anna asked Lars, her voice low and concerned. "It's been weeks," Lars replied, his eyes clouding over with worry. "He's been getting worse and worse. We had to restrain him to prevent him from harming himself or others." Anna nodded, her mind racing with ways to help Hans. She called for the royal physician, who arrived quickly with a bag of medication and a calm demeanor. Together, they worked to sedate Hans and clean his wounds. As they worked, Anna couldn't help but think about the events that had led Hans to this point. She remembered his charming smile and his charismatic personality, and she couldn't help but wonder what had driven him to such depths of despair. The physician finished his work and nodded at Anna. "He'll need to be monitored closely," he said. "But with the right care and attention, I think he can recover." Anna nodded, her eyes never leaving Hans's face. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. As the physician left, Anna turned to Lars. "I need to get him out of these restraints," she said. "And I need to get him cleaned up." Lars nodded, and together, they worked to free Hans from his restraints. Anna called for servants to bring her warm water and soap, and she gently began to clean Hans's skin. As she worked, Hans stirred, his eyes flickering open. For a moment, he looked at Anna, and she saw a glimmer of recognition. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he looked away, his eyes vacant and unseeing. Anna's heart broke as she realized the extent of Hans's pain. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was determined to help him, no matter what it took. She gently continued to clean his skin, her touch soft and gentle. As she worked, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be, and that she would do everything in her power to help Hans heal and recover.