My Own Place
The doors of the grand palace opened, echoing throughout the old halls. The thirteenth Prince of the Southern Else slowly walked forward.
Stand straight. Eyes forward. Keep your emotions in check. That was what he was taught growing up, but everything around him, the hallway of the corridors, the glances of the people were different. And they weren't as gentle before he left for Arendelle. No matter, he must remain dignified, even if he was a prisoner.
Before him was the King, along with other present Princes. Their leering eyes saw through him. It took all his strength not to shake like a baby rattle. It seemed just like yesterday when he and his brothers were just boys; playing with wooden swords, reading together, horseback riding in the mountains. The eldest brother's hair was growing grey, a wrinkle slowly forming on his face.
Breathing, Hans bowed. Whatever punishment his brothers were going to give to him, he prayed deep down they gave him mercy.
"My liege…"
It seemed just like yesterday when father died and the throne was passed down to Frederick. Hans knew mother the shortest out of all brothers, for she passed away when he was barely five.
Glancing up from his bow, the king was in front of him, as well as the other brothers. Instead of a look of scorn, Hans saw gentle eyes in the king. He was a criminal now. He committed so many crimes back in Arendelle, and now his brothers were giving him… kindness? He deserved to be stripped of his royal title, to be executed.
His insides rippled, tears slowly rolling down his face. Protocol and formality were out the door and he felt himself leaning against Fredrick. Arms wrapped around him as he sobbed, engulfed in a nest of his brothers. After so many years of neglect, after so many years of brushing him off aside, they finally saw him. Home finally began to felt like home.
"We're sorry… We're so… so, sorry."
This was his place all along.