Chapter 8: The Humiliation of Hans

The grand hall of the Southern Isles' castle was filled with the murmur of courtiers and the clinking of glasses as the royal family gathered for a meeting with King Westergaard. Hans, the 13th prince, stood at the back of the room, his auburn hair messy and his eyes fixed on the floor. He felt a sense of dread wash over him as his brothers, Rudi and Runo, stood before their father, the king. Rudi, a tall and lean prince with a sneer on his face, was speaking to the king, his voice dripping with condescension. "Father, I've been thinking, perhaps we should reduce the taxes on our own people before we consider forming an alliance with Arendelle. After all, we don't want to be seen as beggars." Runo, equally cruel, chimed in, "Yes, Father, and maybe we should make sure that our own people are taken care of before we worry about some foreign queen and her kingdom." The king, a stern expression on his face, nodded in agreement. "I see your points, sons. We must prioritize our own people." Hans felt a surge of anger and humiliation. Why did his brothers always have to belittle him? He tried to speak up, but his voice caught in his throat. The king turned to Hans, his eyes cold. "And what do you think, Hans? Do you have anything to add to this discussion?" Hans swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "I-I think we should consider-" But before he could finish, Rudi interrupted him, "Oh, please, Hans, do tell us what you think. I'm sure it'll be brilliant." The room erupted in laughter, and Hans felt his face burn with shame. He looked down, unable to meet his brothers' mocking gazes. The meeting adjourned, and Hans walked out of the hall, feeling defeated. He didn't notice his brother Lars, who was watching him with concern. As Hans walked, he felt a sense of despair wash over him. Why was he always treated like this? Why did his brothers hate him so much? He thought of his mother, Queen Mariposa, and how she always tried to protect him. But even she couldn't shield him from his brothers' cruelty. Hans felt a lump form in his throat as he thought of all the times he'd been humiliated, all the times he'd been made to feel worthless. He didn't know how much more he could take. As he walked, he stumbled upon a rope hanging from a beam. Without thinking, he tied the rope around his neck and prepared to hang himself. He couldn't take it anymore. But just as he was about to let go, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He was pulled back, and the rope slipped from his neck. Hans collapsed to the ground, unconscious. His mother, Queen Mariposa, rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face. "Hans, my dear son, what have you done?" she whispered. She cradled him in her arms, holding him close as she rocked back and forth. "You don't have to go through this, Hans. I'll protect you. I'll make sure you're safe." As Hans lay there, unconscious, Queen Mariposa made a decision. She would find a way to help her son, to make him strong enough to face his brothers and his father's cruelty. And that's when she thought of Iduna, the queen of Arendelle, who was staying in the castle as a guest. Queen Mariposa knew that Iduna had a kind heart and a maternal instinct that would make her the perfect caretaker for Hans. She would ask Iduna to take care of Hans, to help him heal and find his strength. And with Iduna's help, Hans would learn to face his demons and become the prince he was meant to be.