**Chapter 4: A Royal Request**

The days passed, and Iduna grew stronger with each passing moment. She had been in the Southern Isles for a while now, and King Westergaard had been kind enough to offer her shelter and protection. Iduna was grateful for his hospitality, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was a guest, not a queen. As she sat in her chambers, Iduna heard a knock at the door. It was Elara, the servant who had been taking care of her. "Your Majesty, King Westergaard requests your presence at a meeting with his sons," Elara said. Iduna's curiosity was piqued. What could the king want to discuss with her? She nodded, and Elara helped her get ready for the meeting. As they walked to the throne room, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would the meeting be about? Would it be a discussion about her daughters, Elsa and Anna? Iduna's heart ached at the thought of her children, and she hoped that this meeting would bring her closer to reuniting with them. When they arrived at the throne room, Iduna saw King Westergaard sitting on his throne, his sons gathered around him. Prince Hans, the auburn-haired young man she had met earlier, stood out among his brothers. He seemed different from them, kinder and more compassionate. "Your Majesty," King Westergaard said, his voice firm. "I have called this meeting to discuss a potential alliance between our kingdoms. As you know, I have been impressed by your strength and resilience, Queen Iduna. I believe that together, we can achieve great things." Iduna listened intently as King Westergaard outlined his proposal. She was intrigued by the idea of an alliance, but she also had concerns. What would this mean for her daughters, Elsa and Anna? Would they be safe in Arendelle if she formed an alliance with the Southern Isles? As the meeting drew to a close, Iduna spoke up. "I appreciate your proposal, King Westergaard. But I must consider the well-being of my daughters. Can I have your assurance that this alliance will not put them in harm's way?" King Westergaard nodded, his expression serious. "I give you my word, Queen Iduna. I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety and well-being of your daughters." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She would have to discuss this further with King Westergaard and his sons, but for now, she was willing to consider the proposal. As the meeting ended, Iduna noticed Prince Hans watching her. She smiled, and he smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Iduna felt a sense of connection to the young prince, and she wondered if he might be a valuable ally in her quest to protect her daughters. As she left the throne room, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this alliance would bring her closer to reuniting with Elsa and Anna. And maybe, Prince Hans would be a key player in her journey. The sun was setting over the castle, casting a golden glow over the stone walls. Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her, and she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be. For now, she would focus on building alliances and protecting her daughters. The future was uncertain, but with King Westergaard's proposal, Iduna felt a sense of possibility that she hadn't felt in a long time.