Chapter 6: A Plea for Help

The days blended together in a haze of darkness and despair as Hans' mental state continued to deteriorate. He was trapped in a living nightmare, and he couldn't escape. The restraints dug into his skin, rubbing his wrists raw, and Hans could feel the pain and discomfort spreading through his body. As the hours ticked by, Hans' mind began to fragment. He became convinced that he was being tortured, that his father was subjecting him to unspeakable cruelties. He screamed and shouted, but his cries were muffled by the thick walls of the palace. The cold, grey stone seemed to close in around him, suffocating him beneath its oppressive weight. Hans' eyes took on a wild, haunted look, and his skin grew pale and clammy. He was a shadow of the man he once was, a mere specter of his former self. His brothers, Rudi and Runo, mocked him and made his situation worse. They would taunt him, telling him that he was a failure, that he would never be worthy of their family's name. Hans would lash out at them, but his restraints held him back, rendering him helpless. Lars tried to intervene, but even he couldn't reach Hans. He would talk to him, trying to reason with him, but Hans wouldn't listen. He was lost in his own world, a world of madness and despair. As the days turned into weeks, Hans' condition worsened. He became catatonic, unable to move or speak. His eyes stared blankly into space, and his body was wracked with pain and discomfort. The palace staff whispered to each other about the prince's condition, and how he seemed to be unraveling before their very eyes. They didn't know what to do, and they were afraid of King Westergaard's wrath. Lars knew he had to act fast, or risk losing his brother forever. He decided to send a letter to Anna, Hans' ex-fiancée, asking for her help in caring for him. He hoped that she might be able to reach Hans, even when he seemed lost to himself. Lars sat down at his desk, quill in hand, and began to write. He poured his heart and soul into the letter, telling Anna everything about Hans' condition and how he had tried to help him. He begged her to come and see Hans, to try and reach him, and to help him find his way back to sanity. As he finished writing the letter, Lars felt a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in days. He knew that Anna would do everything in her power to help Hans, and he was willing to try anything to save his brother. He sealed the letter and sent it off, hoping that it would reach Anna soon. The fate of Hans, and the future of the kingdom, hung in the balance. Lars could only hope that Anna would receive his letter, and come to help her brother before it was too late. Days passed, and Lars waited anxiously for a response from Anna. He knew that she would be hurt by Hans' condition, but he also knew that she loved him, and would do everything in her power to help him. Finally, a response came. Anna agreed to come to the Southern Isles, to help her brother and try to reach him. Lars felt a sense of relief wash over him, and he knew that he had made the right decision. With newfound hope, Lars made arrangements for Anna's visit. He knew that she would face many challenges, but he also knew that she was the only one who could help Hans. As he waited for her arrival, Lars couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Anna. She was coming to help the brother she had once loved, and Lars knew that she would do everything in her power to save him. The sound of footsteps echoed outside Lars' room, and he stood up, a sense of anticipation building in his chest. He knew that Anna's arrival was imminent, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With a deep breath, he opened the door, and waited for the sister-in-law he had called upon to save his brother.