Chapter 7: Arrival in the Southern Isles

As Anna stepped off the carriage and onto the worn cobblestones, the salty sea air filled her lungs, carrying with it the whispers of a troubled past. The Southern Isles, a place she had never been, yet somehow felt a morbid connection to, stretched out before her like a canvas of contrasts. The pale blue sky above seemed to mock her, its serenity a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned within her. The small group of trusted guards and a healer, who had been sent by the king of Arendelle to accompany her on this journey, busied themselves unloading their belongings from the carriage. Their faces, etched with concern and curiosity, told Anna that they, too, were apprehensive about their destination. As she took a deep breath, preparing herself for what lay ahead, Anna's thoughts drifted back to Lars's words. His brother Hans, once a charming prince with a bright future, had been reduced to a mere shadow of his former self. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but wonder what had driven him to such depths of madness. The guards, a rugged bunch with battle-hardened faces, eyed her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. One of them, a gruff but kind-hearted man named Marcus, approached her. "Your Highness, shall we get moving? The journey to the Southern Isles won't be an easy one, and we'd best get started if we're to arrive before nightfall." Anna nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon. The sea stretched out before them, a seemingly endless expanse of blue that seemed to swallow the land whole. She felt a sense of trepidation wash over her, but steeled herself for what lay ahead. As they made their way through the winding streets of the Southern Isles' capital, Anna was struck by the stark contrast between the islands' beauty and the misery of their people. The buildings, once grand and majestic, now stood as testaments to neglect and decay. The streets were empty, save for a few scattered beggars and vendors, who eyed Anna and her party with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. The air was thick with the smell of salt, seaweed, and smoke. Anna's stomach churned as she caught sight of a group of children huddled together, their eyes sunken with hunger. She felt a pang of guilt, knowing that she had come to help the man who had once claimed her heart, but also aware that she had a responsibility to the people of the Southern Isles. As they approached the palace, Anna's anxiety grew. She had heard stories of King Westergaard's brutality, of his 12 sons who had inherited his cruelty, and of the crown prince, Caleb, who was said to be just as ruthless. The thought of facing them made her stomach twist with unease. The carriage came to a stop in front of the palace, and Anna stepped out, her eyes scanning the imposing structure. The palace loomed above her, its stone walls seeming to absorb the light around it. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she was greeted by a stern-faced guard, who eyed her with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. "Welcome, Princess Anna," the guard said, his voice devoid of warmth. "I am ordered to take you to the king." Anna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She was led through the palace, her footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of old books and dust. She caught glimpses of the king's sons, who seemed to be watching her every move. Finally, she was led to a large door, which swung open to reveal King Westergaard himself. He was a tall, imposing figure, with a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Welcome, Princess Anna," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I see you've arrived. I trust your journey was pleasant?" Anna's eyes narrowed, but she kept her composure. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady. "I'm here to see Hans." The king's smile grew wider. "Ah, yes. Hans. Your former fiancé. I'm afraid he's not in a fit state to receive visitors. But I'll have him brought to you, nonetheless." As the king nodded to one of his guards, Anna felt a sense of trepidation. What would she find behind the door? Would Hans be the same man she once knew, or would she find a shadow of his former self? The guard returned with a small group of men, who were restraining a figure in a straitjacket. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she saw Hans, his eyes wild and his skin pale. He struggled against the restraints, his face twisted in a snarl. "Anna," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Anna, help me." Anna's heart went out to him, and she felt a surge of determination. She would help Hans, no matter what it took. She would bring him back from the brink of madness, and she would make sure that he received the help he needed. As she looked at King Westergaard, Anna saw the cruelty and arrogance in his eyes, and she knew that she had a long and difficult road ahead of her. But she was ready for the challenge, and she steeled herself for what lay ahead.