The Boy in the Snow

Hans trudged through the knee-deep snow, his small legs aching with each step. He had been walking for what felt like hours, and the cold was starting to seep into his bones. He had never felt so alone, so vulnerable. The snow-covered mountains rose up like giants, their peaks shrouded in mist, and Hans felt tiny and insignificant in comparison. As he approached the palace, Hans's heart began to pound in his chest. He had heard stories about the royal family, about Queen Iduna and her daughters, Elsa and Anna. He wondered if they would be kind to him, if they would take him in. Hans's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of horse hooves and the murmur of voices. He turned to see a group of palace guards approaching, their faces stern and serious. Hans's instincts told him to run, but his legs felt like lead. He stood frozen, unsure of what to do. One of the guards spotted him and dismounted his horse. "What are you doing out here, young one?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind. Hans hesitated, unsure of what to say. He had rehearsed his story, but he wasn't sure if he could convince the guard. "I...I got lost," he stammered. "I was with my family, and I wandered off. I've been walking for hours." The guard looked at him skeptically, but Hans could see a glimmer of kindness in his eyes. "Come with me," he said, scooping Hans up in his arms. "We'll get you warmed up and find out what to do with you." Hans was taken to the palace, where he was greeted by Queen Iduna herself. She was a tall, stately woman with brown hair done up in a coronet braid, and Hans felt a sense of awe wash over him. She looked at him with concern, her eyes soft and gentle. "Poor child," she said, taking Hans's hand in hers. "You must be freezing. Let's get you warmed up and fed." Hans was taken to a cozy room, where a fire crackled in the hearth. He was given a warm bath, and a soft, comfortable bed to sleep in. Queen Iduna sat beside him, feeding him soup and talking softly to him. As Hans ate and drank, he felt a sense of comfort wash over him. He had never felt so safe, so cared for. He looked up at Queen Iduna, and saw that she was smiling at him. "What's your name, child?" she asked. Hans hesitated, unsure of what to say. He had used many names in his past, but he didn't know if he could trust this woman. But there was something about her that put him at ease, something that made him feel like he could trust her. "I...I'm Hans," he said finally. Queen Iduna smiled. "Welcome, Hans," she said. "You're safe here. We'll take care of you." As Hans drifted off to sleep, he felt a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, he had found a new family, a new home. And maybe, just maybe, he could leave his past behind and start anew. The next morning, Hans woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He was taken to a beautiful dining room, where Queen Iduna and her daughters, Elsa and Anna, were waiting for him. They welcomed him warmly, and Hans felt like he was part of the family. As they ate breakfast together, Hans couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. He had never felt so happy, so at peace. He looked at Queen Iduna, and saw that she was smiling at him. "I'm glad you're here, Hans," she said. "We're happy to have you with us." Hans smiled back, feeling a sense of belonging that he had never felt before. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but for the first time in his life, he felt like he was home.