**Chapter 3: The Royal Family of the Southern Isles**

The warm sunshine and gentle breeze of the southern isles enveloped Iduna as she stepped into the grand throne room, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the stone floor. King Westergaard, resplendent in his finery, sat on his throne, his face chiseled from granite. His eyes narrowed as he gazed at Iduna, but his voice was courteous. "Queen Iduna, I believe it's time you met my family. They are...fascinated by your presence." Iduna inclined her head, her coronet braid, a testament to her royal upbringing, secure at the nape of her neck. A few stray strands of her brown hair had escaped to dance in the sunlight streaming through the windows. She followed King Westergaard as he led her to a group of young men standing near the window, their faces a mix of curiosity and disdain. "My sons, princes Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars," King Westergaard said, his voice dripping with pride. "And, of course, Prince Hans, the youngest of my brood." Iduna's gaze met the princes', and she felt a spark of curiosity ignite within her. Prince Hans, a young man with auburn hair and a charming smile, caught her eye. He seemed lost among his brothers, and Iduna sensed that he was not like them. Rudi, the eldest, was tall and lean, with a sneer on his face. Runo, on the other hand, was burly, with a cruel glint in his eye. Caleb, the crown prince, stood with an air of superiority, his eyes narrowed as he gazed at Iduna. Lars, however, seemed different. His eyes were kind, and his smile warm. As Iduna greeted the princes, she felt a sense of unease. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and she sensed that the princes were not united. King Westergaard, it seemed, encouraged competition among his sons. "I'm sure you're all aware of Queen Iduna's...situation," King Westergaard said, his voice dripping with malice. "She has graciously accepted our hospitality while she recovers from her ordeal." The princes nodded, their faces a mix of curiosity and disdain. Iduna felt a pang of discomfort, but she stood tall, her eyes locked onto King Westergaard's. As the meeting drew to a close, Iduna caught sight of Prince Hans lingering near the door. He seemed hesitant to approach his brothers, and Iduna sensed that he was not like them. She smiled at him, and he returned it, his eyes lighting up with a spark of warmth. Later that day, Iduna learned more about the royal family of the southern isles. King Westergaard was a ruthless ruler, who believed in the survival of the fittest. His sons reflected his values, and Iduna couldn't help but wonder what the future held for this kingdom. As she walked back to her room, Iduna felt a sense of trepidation. She had a feeling that she was about to become embroiled in the complex web of relationships and alliances within the royal family. But she was determined to help Prince Hans, and to uncover the truth about this kingdom. The sound of laughter echoed through the corridors, but Iduna sensed that it was a facade. The royal family of the southern isles was hiding secrets, and Iduna was determined to uncover them.