**Chapter 10: The Princes of the Southern Isles**

Iduna's thoughts were still reeling from her conversation with King Westergaard as she made her way to the grand hall for dinner. She had been looking forward to a quiet evening, but as she entered the hall, she was greeted by a group of young men who seemed to embody the very spirit of arrogance and entitlement that she had grown to despise. As she took her seat at the table, Iduna couldn't help but notice the princes of the southern isles, gathered around the head of the table. There was Rudi, the eldest, with his sneering face and condescending tone. Next to him sat Runo, equally as cruel and heartless. Then there was Caleb, the crown prince, who seemed to think himself above everyone else simply because of his birthright. And finally, there was Lars, who appeared to be the only one of the brothers with even a hint of decency. As the meal began, Iduna found herself subjected to the princes' boasts and jests, their cruel jokes and put-downs aimed at anyone who dared to cross them. She watched in dismay as they lorded it over the other guests, their behavior a perfect reflection of their father's tyrannical rule. Hans, the prince who had been struggling to find his place in the world, was noticeably absent from the gathering. Iduna had heard that he was often the target of his brothers' ridicule and scorn, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the young man. As the evening wore on, Iduna found herself growing increasingly uncomfortable. She had never been one to tolerate fools gladly, and the princes of the southern isles were among the most insufferable people she had ever had the misfortune to meet. Caleb, the crown prince, caught her eye and raised his glass in a mocking toast. "To our guest of honor, the Queen of Arendelle," he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "May she find our hospitality to her liking." Iduna's eyes narrowed, but she refused to rise to the bait. Instead, she smiled sweetly and returned the toast, her voice dripping with ice. "I am grateful for the king's hospitality," she said, her tone polite but distant. The princes snickered and whispered among themselves, but Iduna ignored them, focusing instead on the conversation around her. She was determined to learn as much as she could about the southern isles and its people, and to find a way to help Hans and the others who were suffering under the king's rule. As the evening drew to a close, Iduna rose from her seat, her brown hair, worn up in a coronet braid, gleaming in the candlelight. She smiled graciously at the king and his courtiers, but her eyes were cold and hard as she gazed at the princes. "I must retire," she said, her voice polite but firm. "I have an early appointment tomorrow." The king nodded, his face expressionless. "Very well, Your Majesty," he said. "I trust you are finding your stay with us...enlightening?" Iduna's smile was tight-lipped. "Indeed, Your Majesty," she said. "I am learning a great deal about your kingdom and its people." As she left the grand hall, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. She would not rest until she had found a way to help Hans and the others, to bring about justice and compassion to the southern isles. And she would start by learning more about the princes, and finding a way to counter their cruelty and arrogance.