**Chapter 6: Rudi and Runo's Cruelty**

As Iduna continued to recover, she began to learn more about the Southern Isles and its people. The kingdom was known for its harsh taxation and brutal suppression of defiance, a stark contrast to the idyllic kingdom of Arendelle. King Westergaard, a stern-faced man with a strong jawline, ruled the kingdom with an iron fist. His wife, Queen Alice, was a kind and compassionate woman, who seemed to be the only one who could soften her husband's rough edges. Iduna's gaze wandered to the large window, where she could see the sprawling city of the Southern Isles. The buildings were a mix of stone and timber, with steeply pitched roofs and chimneys belching smoke into the air. The streets were bustling with people, but Iduna noticed that they all seemed to be in a hurry, their faces downcast and worried. Queen Alice noticed Iduna's interest and smiled. "Yes, our kingdom is a bustling place, full of life and energy. But it's not all prosperity and happiness. We have our challenges, too." Iduna's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward, her eyes locked on the queen. "What kind of challenges?" she asked. Queen Alice's expression turned serious. "We've had problems with poverty and discontent among our people. My husband has been...strict in his measures to quell the unrest, but it's had its costs." Just then, a commotion erupted outside the room. Iduna heard the sound of raised voices and footsteps. Queen Alice's expression turned concerned, and she rose from her seat. "Excuse me, Iduna. I need to attend to this." Iduna nodded, and the queen hurried out of the room. Iduna was left alone, her thoughts racing with questions and concerns. She wondered what was happening outside, and whether it was related to the unrest the queen had mentioned. As she pondered, a young man with auburn hair and a worried expression entered the room. "Mother's not here, is she?" he asked, looking around the room. Iduna smiled weakly. "No, she's gone to attend to some commotion outside. I'm Iduna, Queen of Arendelle." The young man's eyes widened, and he bowed low over her hand. "I'm Hans, the youngest son of King Westergaard. It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty." Iduna's thoughts turned to her own daughters, Elsa and Anna, who were currently living in Arendelle, safe and sound, but surely missing her. Elsa,16, with her icy powers, was probably struggling to control them, and Anna,14, was likely worried about her sister and her mother. As Hans stood up, Iduna noticed a group of older men standing in the doorway. They were all tall and imposing, with similar features to Hans. "And who are these?" Iduna asked, nodding towards the men. Hans' expression turned wry. "These are my brothers, Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars. We're all princes of the Southern Isles." The scene outside seemed to be escalating, with the sound of raised voices and footsteps growing louder. Iduna wondered what was happening, and whether it would affect her stay in the Southern Isles. Rudi and Runo stepped forward, their faces twisted in cruel smiles. "Well, well, well, look what we have here," Rudi sneered. "The little queen, coddling the weakest of our brothers." Runo snickered. "Yes, Hans, always so quick to hide behind the skirts of others." Hans' face reddened with anger, but he bit back his retort. Iduna's eyes narrowed, her instincts warning her that these men were trouble. "Leave Hans alone," she said, her voice firm. "He's done nothing to deserve your cruelty." Rudi and Runo exchanged a mocking glance. "Oh, we're just getting started, Your Majesty," Rudi said, his voice dripping with malice. The air in the room seemed to grow colder, as if the very atmosphere was responding to the tension. Iduna's heart went out to Hans, who looked like he was on the verge of a breakdown. She reached out and took his hand, her touch gentle but firm. "Don't let them get to you, Hans," she said. "You're better than this." Hans' eyes met hers, and for a moment, Iduna saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could help this young man find his way, and protect him from the cruelty of his family.