**Chapter 5: The Southern Isles' Dark Underbelly**

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a pale glow over the kingdom of the Southern Isles. Iduna, still reeling from the news of Agnarr's passing, walked through the castle gardens, trying to clear her mind. The neatly manicured lawns and vibrant flowers seemed to mock her, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. As she strolled along a winding path, she noticed a group of peasants gathered near the castle gates, their faces etched with worry and despair. Iduna's curiosity got the better of her, and she approached them. They fell silent, their eyes darting between her and the castle walls. "What's troubling you?" Iduna asked, her voice gentle. One of the peasants, an elderly man with a weathered face, stepped forward. "It's the taxes, Your Majesty," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The king's men take most of our crops, leaving us with barely enough to feed our families. And if we complain, they... they punish us." Iduna's heart sank. She had heard stories of cruel rulers, but she had never imagined that such injustice existed in a land so close to Arendelle. The peasant's words were cut short by the arrival of a group of guards, their faces stern and unyielding. "Disperse, people!" one of them shouted, brandishing his sword. "You have no business gathering here." The peasants scattered, leaving Iduna alone with the guards. She stood tall, her royal presence unwavering. "I am Queen Iduna of Arendelle," she said, her voice firm. "And I will not stand idly by while innocent people suffer. Tell me, who is the ruler of this land?" The guards exchanged uneasy glances, but one of them spoke up. "It is King Hans' family, Your Majesty. They have ruled the Southern Isles for generations." Iduna's thoughts turned to the stories she had heard about King Agnarr's concerns regarding the Southern Isles' royal family. She had dismissed them as mere rumors, but now she realized that there was truth to the whispers. As she walked back to the castle, Iduna's mind whirled with questions. What kind of ruler would allow such suffering in his kingdom? And what was the true nature of King Hans, the ruler of this land? The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the castle walls. Iduna knew that she had to learn more about this land and its rulers. She would have to tread carefully, but she was determined to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring justice to the people of the Southern Isles. The hours passed, and Iduna found herself in the throne room, facing King Westergaard. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady. "I need to know more about the ruler of this land. Tell me, who is King Hans, and what is his nature?" King Westergaard's expression turned grave. "King Hans' family has ruled the Southern Isles for generations, but they are not a just or fair people. They tax their subjects heavily, and those who dare to speak out against them are punished severely." Iduna's eyes narrowed. She had a feeling that she was about to uncover a dark secret, one that would change her life forever. "I want to know more," she said, her voice firm. "Tell me everything." King Westergaard nodded, a look of determination on his face. "I will tell you everything, Your Majesty. But be warned, the truth is not for the faint of heart."