The Leave Behind

The warm sunshine and gentle breeze on the day of their departure were a welcome respite from the somber mood that had settled over Arendelle since King Agnarr's passing. Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, stood in the courtyard of the castle, her brown hair blowing gently in the wind as she gazed out at the assembled dignitaries. Her coronet braid, a symbol of her status as queen, seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, a poignant reminder of the weight of her responsibilities. Beside her, her daughters, Elsa and Anna, chattered excitedly as they prepared to depart on a diplomatic visit to the Southern Isles. Iduna smiled, trying to hide her own sadness. It had been two weeks since the shipwreck, and she was still struggling to come to terms with her loss. As they made their way to the carriage, Iduna noticed Hans, the young prince from the Southern Isles, standing by the door. His auburn hair shone in the sunlight, and his charming smile seemed to put everyone at ease. Iduna felt a pang of gratitude towards him; his presence had been a comforting distraction during her grief. The carriage ride was long and arduous, but Iduna was grateful for the company of her daughters and Hans. They chatted and laughed, and for a brief moment, Iduna forgot about her sorrow. As they approached the Southern Isles, Iduna felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. She had heard stories about the brutal ruler of the Southern Isles, King Westergaard, and she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The carriage drew up to the palace, and Iduna stood, smoothing her skirts. Hans stepped down from the carriage and offered his hand, helping Iduna and her daughters out onto the cobblestones. The palace was grand and imposing, with high walls and narrow windows. Iduna felt a shiver run down her spine as they entered the throne room, where King Westergaard sat on his throne, his face stern and unyielding. The diplomatic visit was a blur of meetings and feasts, but Iduna couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She sensed that something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. As the evening drew to a close, Iduna and her daughters prepared to depart, exhausted but relieved. Hans walked them back to the carriage, his arm gallantly offered to Elsa. As they climbed into the carriage, Iduna turned to Hans and smiled. "Thank you for your company, Hans. We appreciate your hospitality." Hans smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty. I hope you have a safe journey back to Arendelle." The carriage door closed, and Iduna leaned back into the cushions, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She glanced over at her daughters, who were chatting quietly, and smiled. But as the carriage pulled away from the palace, Iduna noticed that Hans was not in the carriage. She frowned, feeling a pang of concern. "Where is Hans?" she asked the coachman. The coachman shrugged. "I thought he was with you, Your Majesty. I didn't see him get into the carriage." Iduna's heart sank, and she felt a sense of regret wash over her. She had left Hans behind, and she had no idea what might happen to him. "Stop the carriage," Iduna ordered, her voice firm. The coachman reined in the horses, and Iduna climbed out of the carriage, her coronet braid bouncing behind her. She looked back at the palace, her heart heavy with worry. "What have I done?" she whispered to herself. Elsa and Anna looked at her in concern. "Mother, what's wrong?" Elsa asked. Iduna took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I think I left Hans behind. I have to go back for him." Anna's face set in determination. "We'll go with you, Mother." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her daughters. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, and they would make sure Hans was safe. With a newfound sense of purpose, Iduna turned back to the palace, her coronet braid shimmering in the sunlight. She would not rest until Hans was safe, and she would not forgive herself for leaving him behind.