Chapter 5: A Diplomatic Visit

The cold, grey stone walls of Arendelle Castle loomed before Iduna, a comforting sight after her ordeal at sea. She had been rescued by a fishing boat just a few days ago, and now she was finally back home, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the castle. As she stepped into the warm, golden light of the castle's interior, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her, but it was tempered by the grief that still lingered in her heart. She had lost Agnarr, her loving husband and king, and the pain of that loss still felt like an open wound. As she entered the throne room, Elsa and Anna rushed to her side, embracing her tightly. Iduna hugged her daughters, feeling a sense of comfort and love. "I'm home now," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm safe." The three of them stood there for a moment, holding each other, and Iduna felt a sense of gratitude for the love and support of her daughters. The days that followed were a blur of activity as Iduna settled back into life at the castle. She spent her days attending to her royal duties, and her nights comforting her daughters, who were still grieving the loss of their father. Iduna knew that she had to be strong for them, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of sadness that had settled over her. As the castle staff bustled about, preparing for the upcoming diplomatic visit from the Southern Isles, Iduna couldn't help but think of Agnarr. He had always been the one to handle such matters, and she felt a pang of sadness at the thought of doing it without him. But she was determined to be strong, for her daughters' sake, and for the sake of the kingdom. The diplomatic visit was a grand affair, with dignitaries and nobles from all over the kingdom attending. Iduna, Elsa, and Anna were all present, dressed in their finest attire, and Iduna's brown hair was styled in a coronet braid, a testament to her royal status. Iduna couldn't help but notice that one person was missing - Hans, the young prince from the Southern Isles. She had been looking forward to meeting him, but it seemed that he had not traveled with his family. It wasn't until later that day, when the festivities had ended and the guests had departed, that Iduna discovered that Hans had been left behind. The southern Isles' royal family had departed without him, and Hans was now alone, and adrift. Iduna's heart went out to the young prince, and she knew that she had to do something to help him. She summoned her daughters to her chambers, where they sat around a large, ornate table. "I have a decision to make," she said, "and I want to discuss it with you both." Elsa and Anna sat down beside her, and Iduna told them about Hans, and his situation. "I want to bring him here, to Arendelle," she said. "I want to give him a home, and a chance to start anew." Elsa and Anna exchanged a look, and then nodded in agreement. "We'll support you, Mother," Elsa said. Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her daughters. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to give Hans a chance at a better life. As they discussed the details of Hans's arrival, Iduna couldn't help but wonder what had led to his abandonment. She had heard rumors about the Southern Isles, and their brutal ruler, King Westergaard. She wondered if Hans had been left behind because he was not wanted, or because he had been a burden to his family. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and Iduna knew that she had to be prepared for the possibility that Hans may have been hurt, or traumatized. She would need to be strong, and patient, and understanding. But she was determined to give him a chance at a better life, and to help him heal from whatever wounds he may have suffered. As the night drew to a close, Iduna felt a sense of resolve wash over her. She would do everything in her power to help Hans, and to give him the love and support he needed. And as she looked at her daughters, she knew that she was not alone. They would face whatever challenges lay ahead, together, as a family.