**Chapter 6: The Prince of Sullied Reputation**

As Iduna continued to recover, she began to learn more about the southern isles and the people who lived there. The kingdom, ruled by King Westergaard, was a stark contrast to the warm and welcoming land of Arendelle. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and ash, and the sound of hammering echoed through the streets. Iduna's ears rang with the constant clang of metal on metal, a reminder of the kingdom's focus on industry and production. The people of the southern isles seemed wary and afraid, their eyes darting nervously about as they went about their daily business. Iduna saw the way they whispered to each other in huddled groups, their faces etched with worry and fear. She heard the rumors of King Westergaard's brutal suppression of dissent and the suffering of his people. It seemed that anyone who dared to speak out against the king was swiftly silenced, often in a brutal and public manner. Iduna's heart went out to the people of the southern isles, and she couldn't help but wonder how they had allowed things to become so dire. She saw the way they lived in fear of King Westergaard and his sons, who seemed to take great pleasure in causing pain and suffering. Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and she knew that she had to protect them from people like King Westergaard and his sons. As she walked through the castle, Iduna caught glimpses of the kingdom's inner workings. She saw the way the servants scurried about, their faces downcast and their eyes averted. She heard the sound of King Westergaard's laughter, a cold and mirthless sound that sent shivers down her spine. Iduna knew that she had to be careful, that one misstep could mean disaster. It was then that she saw him - Hans, the king's son, standing in the shadows. He looked tired and defeated, and Iduna felt a pang of sympathy for him. She knew that he was not like his family, and that he was struggling to navigate the complexities of his own dark legacy. Iduna's eyes met Hans', and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Iduna saw the pain and desperation in Hans' eyes, and she knew that she had to reach out to him. She took a step forward, and Hans nodded slightly, as if in acknowledgement. As she approached him, Iduna noticed that Hans' eyes were sunken, and his skin was pale. He looked like he had been carrying a heavy burden for a long time. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she knew that she had to help him. "Hello," Iduna said softly, trying not to startle him. Hans looked up, and for a moment, he seemed to struggle to remember who she was. Then, his eyes focused, and he nodded. "Queen Iduna," he said, his voice low and rough. Iduna smiled kindly at him. "Please, Hans, call me Iduna," she said. "We're not in formal court here." Hans nodded, and for a moment, they just stood there, looking at each other. Iduna could see the pain and the struggle in Hans' eyes, and she knew that he was on the verge of a breakdown. "I know things are difficult for you," Iduna said gently, trying to reach out to him. "But I want you to know that I'm here for you. I'll do what I can to help." Hans looked at her, and for a moment, Iduna thought she saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. But then, it was extinguished, and he looked away. "I don't know if anyone can help me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she knew that she had to do something to help him. She took a step closer, and Hans didn't move away. "You don't have to face this alone," Iduna said softly. "I'm here for you, Hans." As she spoke, Iduna's hair, tied up in a coronet braid, slipped slightly, and a few strands fell loose. She didn't notice, but Hans did. He looked at her, and for a moment, he seemed to see her as a person, rather than just the queen of Arendelle. In that moment, Iduna knew that she had reached out to Hans, and that he was willing to listen. She also knew that she had to be careful, that one misstep could mean disaster. But for now, she was willing to take that risk.