Chapter 10: Iduna's Offer

The castle's dark corridors seemed to stretch on forever, 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. But before she could reach him, Hans stood up and walked to the edge of the garden. He looked around, his eyes scanning the area, and then he grabbed a rope that was hanging from a tree. Iduna's heart skipped a beat as she realized what Hans was planning to do. She rushed towards him, her feet pounding the ground. "Hans, no!" she cried, her voice loud and urgent. But it was too late. Hans had already tied the rope around his neck and was standing on a chair, ready to take his own life. Iduna grabbed the chair and pulled it away, just as Hans was about to jump. The young prince fell to the ground, the rope still around his neck. Iduna rushed to his side, her hands trembling as she untied the knot. Hans was unconscious, his face pale and clammy. Iduna cradled Hans in her arms, her eyes filling with tears. She had never felt such a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. She knew that she had to help Hans, to find a way to heal his broken spirit. As she held Hans, Iduna knew that she had to act quickly. She called for the queen, Hans' mother, and together they took Hans to his chambers. Queen Ravina was a woman with a kind face and a gentle touch. She looked at Iduna with gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Iduna," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't intervened." Iduna smiled, her eyes still filled with tears. "He's safe now," she said. "And I'll do everything in my power to help him heal." Queen Ravina nodded, her eyes scanning Hans' face. "I want you to be his caretaker, Iduna," she said. "I want you to help him through this difficult time." Iduna nodded, her heart aching with compassion for the young prince. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to help Hans, to support him in any way she could. As Iduna began to care for Hans, she showed him motherly love and compassion. She gave him a sponge bath, using a rag to clean his body, and wore her brown hair up in a coronet braid. Hans slowly began to open up to Iduna, and a bond formed between them. Iduna shared stories about her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and Hans found solace in her words. For the first time in a long time, Hans felt like he had found someone who truly understood him. As the days passed, Iduna's presence in Hans' life became more and more significant. She protected him from his family's abuse, standing up to Queen Ravina and the princes when necessary. She became a source of comfort and strength for Hans, and he began to heal. Iduna's offer to care for Hans had been a turning point in his life. It had given him a new sense of purpose, and a newfound hope for the future. And as he looked at Iduna, he knew that he would always be grateful for her kindness and compassion.