Chapter 3: A Royal Plea

The days passed slowly as Lars waited anxiously for a response from Arendelle. He had sent a messenger with a letter explaining Hans's condition and his hopes that Anna would come to help her former love. Lars knew that Anna had every reason to hate Hans, but he also knew that she was a kind and compassionate person who would not turn her back on someone in need. As he waited, Lars couldn't help but think about the state of the Southern Isles. His father, King Westergard, was a just ruler, but he was also a harsh and unforgiving one. The people of the Southern Isles lived in constant fear of his wrath, and the kingdom was a dark and foreboding place. Lars's brothers, all of them, were cut from the same cloth as their father. They were cruel and arrogant, with no regard for the welfare of their subjects. Lars, on the other hand, had always tried to be a just and fair ruler. As the third in line to the throne, he had often found himself at odds with his father and brothers. He had always tried to do what was right, even when it meant going against the wishes of his family. The rest of the kingdom was just as brutal and unforgiving. The streets were filled with poverty and despair, and the people lived in constant fear of the king's men. The Southern Isles were a place where only the strongest survived, and the weak were trampled. Caleb, the crown prince, was just as ruthless as their father. He had no qualms about using violence to get what he wanted, and he was feared by all who knew him. Rudi and Runo, who were fifth in line, were just as bad. They were spoiled and arrogant, with no regard for anyone but themselves. In contrast, Arendelle was a beacon of hope and happiness. Elsa, the queen, had brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom, and her sister Anna was a shining example of her kindness and compassion. As Lars waited for a response from Anna, he couldn't help but think about the contrast between the two kingdoms. While the Southern Isles were dark and foreboding, Arendelle was a place of light and joy. Finally, after several days, the messenger returned with a response from Anna. Lars's heart sank as he read the letter. Anna had agreed to come to the Southern Isles, but it was clear that she was only doing so out of a sense of duty and loyalty to Elsa. Lars knew that he couldn't blame Anna for her reluctance. Hans had hurt her deeply, and it was only natural that she would feel wary of him. But he also knew that Anna was a kind and compassionate person, and he hoped that she would be able to reach Hans in a way that no one else could. With a heavy heart, Lars set out to make arrangements for Anna's visit. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to try anything to save his brother from himself. As he made his way to the room where Hans was being held, Lars couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would Anna think of Hans's condition? Would she be able to help him, or would she turn her back on him? When he arrived at the room, Lars found Hans lying on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. He looked up as Lars entered, and for a moment, Lars saw a glimmer of the old Hans. But it was just a fleeting moment, and soon Hans's eyes clouded over again. Lars sighed, his heart heavy with worry. He knew that he had made the right decision in calling for Anna, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it might already be too late.