**Chapter 4: The Southern Isles**

The sun was setting over the Southern Isles, casting a warm orange glow over the kingdom. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of seagulls crying overhead. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, sat in her chambers, listening to the sounds of the kingdom and wondering what lay ahead. As she pondered her situation, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna, back in Arendelle. She wondered how they were faring, and whether they knew of their father's passing. Her heart ached with grief, but she pushed the emotions aside, focusing on her current surroundings. King Westergaard, ruler of the Southern Isles, had taken her under his wing, offering her shelter and protection. But Iduna was aware of the politics at play; she was a queen, alone and vulnerable, in the hands of a foreign ruler. She needed to be cautious, to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Southern Isles. As she sat in her chambers, Iduna heard a commotion outside. She rose to her feet, curiosity getting the better of her, and made her way to the throne room. There, she saw a group of young men, princes of the Southern Isles, gathered around King Westergaard. The princes, Iduna noted, were a rough-looking bunch. They were tall and muscular, with arrogant grins and an air of entitlement. There was Rudi, the eldest, with his sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes. Next to him stood Runo, his brother, with a mischievous glint in his eye. Then there was Caleb, the crown prince, with his cold, calculating gaze. And finally, there were the younger princes, including Hans, the youngest, with his messy brown hair and kind smile. Lars, one of the younger princes, stood apart from the others, his eyes fixed on Hans with concern. Iduna noticed that he seemed different from the others, his demeanor kinder and more compassionate. As Iduna watched, King Westergaard addressed the princes, his voice firm and commanding. "I expect great things from you, my sons," he said. "You will make the Southern Isles prosper, and you will do it through strength and cunning." The princes nodded, their faces set with determination. But Iduna saw something in their eyes, a glint of cruelty and entitlement that made her uneasy. She wondered what kind of men they would become, and what kind of ruler King Westergaard was, to allow such behavior. As she turned to leave, Iduna caught Hans's eye, and saw something there, a flicker of sadness and desperation. She felt a pang of concern, and wondered what lay beneath the surface of this young prince. Iduna's thoughts were interrupted by King Westergaard, who approached her with a nod. "Your Majesty," he said. "I see you've met my sons. They are a rough bunch, but they have their uses." Iduna smiled, her eyes never leaving Hans's face. "I'm sure they do, Your Majesty," she said. As the evening drew to a close, Iduna retired to her chambers, her mind whirling with thoughts of the Southern Isles and its royal family. She wondered what lay ahead, and what role she would play in the kingdom's politics. The next morning, Iduna awoke to find a servant waiting for her, with a message from King Westergaard. "The king requests your presence at breakfast," the servant said. Iduna nodded, rising to her feet. She followed the servant to the throne room, where she found King Westergaard and his sons seated at a long table. The breakfast was a grand affair, with many courses and fine wines. Iduna was seated next to King Westergaard, who regaled her with stories of the Southern Isles and its history. As the meal drew to a close, Iduna noticed that Hans was absent. She asked King Westergaard about his whereabouts, and was told that he was ill. Iduna's concern for Hans grew, and she asked if she could visit him. King Westergaard nodded, and a servant was dispatched to fetch Hans. As they waited for Hans to arrive, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Something was wrong in the Southern Isles, and she was determined to find out what. When Hans arrived, Iduna was taken aback by his appearance. He was pale and drawn, his eyes sunken with fatigue. "Hans, my dear boy," King Westergaard said, his voice firm. "I'm glad you're feeling better. You have a meeting with your brothers and me, to discuss the future of the kingdom." Hans nodded, his eyes downcast. Iduna saw something there, a glint of fear and desperation. She felt a pang of concern, and wondered what lay ahead for this young prince. As the meeting began, Iduna listened with growing unease. The princes were arguing, their voices rising in anger and frustration. Hans seemed overwhelmed, his eyes darting back and forth between his brothers and father. Suddenly, Rudi stood up, his face red with anger. "You're a weakling, Hans," he sneered. "You'll never make a good prince." Hans's face crumpled, and he looked like he was about to cry. Iduna felt a surge of anger towards Rudi, and wondered what kind of man he would become. The meeting ended with Hans in tears, and Iduna's concern for him grew. She knew that she had to do something to help him, to protect him from his cruel brothers and father. As the day drew to a close, Iduna retired to her chambers, her mind whirling with thoughts of Hans and the Southern Isles. She knew that she had to act, to help Hans and protect him from those who would harm him. And she was determined to do just that.