Chapter 4: A Diplomatic Visit

The days passed, and Iduna's family settled into a new routine, trying to find a sense of normalcy in the midst of their grief. Iduna's daughters, Elsa and Anna, were busy with their own activities, trying to cope with the loss of their father. Iduna, too, was trying to find a way to heal, but it was a slow and painful process. Meanwhile, a diplomatic visit to the Southern Isles had been planned for some time, and Iduna's absence had caused a stir among the royal families of the region. The visit was intended to strengthen ties and foster greater understanding between the kingdoms, but with Iduna's return to Arendelle, the plans were still set in motion. As the royal entourage prepared to leave Arendelle Castle, Iduna was busy with her daughters, trying to comfort them and help them adjust to their new reality. In the chaos of departure, a young prince named Hans, the youngest son of King Westergaard, was accidentally left behind. Hans, with his auburn hair, had been part of the entourage, but in the hustle and bustle of the departure, he had gotten separated from the group. He wandered the empty halls of the castle, feeling lost and alone. Back in the Southern Isles, King Westergaard was furious when he discovered that his youngest son had been left behind. He had been counting on Hans to secure an advantageous marriage, and now, with Iduna's return to Arendelle, he feared that his plans would be foiled. As the days passed, Hans grew more and more despondent. He had been mistreated by his father and brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, the crown prince, and he had always hoped to escape their cruelty. Now, with the diplomatic visit underway, he felt abandoned and forgotten. In Arendelle Castle, Elsa and Anna were exploring the empty halls when they stumbled upon Hans. He was sitting on a bench, his eyes fixed on the floor, his face pale and drawn. The two princesses exchanged a concerned glance, and Elsa approached him cautiously. "Hello," Elsa said, trying to sound friendly. "What are you doing here?" Hans looked up, startled, and introduced himself. Elsa and Anna exchanged a glance, and Anna asked, "How did you end up here? We were just leaving for a diplomatic visit, and I don't remember seeing you." Hans's eyes dropped, and he mumbled something about being left behind. Elsa and Anna exchanged a concerned glance, sensing that something was wrong. They asked Hans to join them, and he followed them to the throne room, where Iduna was waiting. Iduna's eyes widened as she saw Hans, and she rose from her throne, concern etched on her face. "Hans, what are you doing here?" she asked gently. Hans explained how he had been left behind, and Iduna's heart went out to him. She could see the pain and fear in his eyes, and she knew that she had to help him. But little did she know, Hans's story was far more complicated, and his arrival in Arendelle Castle would set off a chain of events that would change their lives forever.