**Chapter 4: The Royal Family of the Southern Isles**

The grand halls of King Westergaard's castle were abuzz with the murmur of courtiers and advisors as they went about their daily business. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, was ushered into the throne room by a pair of burly guards. As she entered, her eyes scanned the room, taking in the opulent decorations and the array of royal family members gathered before her. King Westergaard, a tall and imposing figure with a stern expression, sat on his throne, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Iduna. His sons, the princes of the Southern Isles, stood before him, their faces a study in contrasts. Iduna's gaze settled on the youngest prince, Hans, who stood at the far end of the line, his auburn hair messy and his eyes cast downward. The princes, in order of their age, were Rudi, Runo, Caleb, the crown prince, and Lars, who seemed to be gazing at Hans with a mixture of concern and affection. Rudi and Runo, the eldest, were tall and lean, their faces cruel and heartless. Caleb, the crown prince, stood tall, his expression haughty and superior. Lars, on the other hand, seemed out of place among his brothers, his eyes warm and kind. As Iduna took in the scene before her, she noticed the way the princes interacted with each other. Rudi and Runo seemed to take great pleasure in teasing and belittling Hans, who looked like he was trying to shrink away from them. Lars, however, stood by Hans's side, his expression protective. "Your Majesty," Iduna said, her voice steady, "I would like to know more about the royal family of the Southern Isles." King Westergaard nodded, his expression unreadable. "Very well, Queen Iduna. My sons, Rudi, Runo, Caleb, Lars, and Hans, are all princes of the Southern Isles. They are being groomed to take over the kingdom one day." As Iduna's gaze met each of the princes, she sensed a deep-seated tension among them. Rudi and Runo seemed to relish in Hans's misery, while Caleb appeared disinterested. Lars, however, seemed to be watching over Hans, his expression soft. The atmosphere in the throne room grew thick with tension as Iduna turned her attention to Hans. She noticed the way he seemed to be shrinking away from his brothers, his eyes cast downward. She sensed a deep sadness and vulnerability in him, and her motherly instincts kicked in. Iduna's thoughts turned to her own daughters, Elsa and Anna, and she felt a pang of concern for this young prince who seemed to be struggling under the weight of his family's expectations. She made a mental note to learn more about Hans and his struggles, and to find a way to help him. As the meeting drew to a close, Iduna caught a glimpse of the princes' personalities and relationships with each other. Rudi and Runo seemed to be the most cruel and heartless, while Lars was kind and genuinely concerned for Hans's well-being. Caleb, the crown prince, seemed to be a product of his family's harsh rule, his expression cold and calculating. The throne room fell silent, with all eyes on Iduna. She knew that she had to tread carefully, navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the royal family. But she was determined to learn more about Hans and his struggles, and to find a way to help him claim his rightful place in the kingdom. As Iduna exited the throne room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She had a feeling that she was about to get entangled in a web of intrigue and deception, one that would test her wits and her courage. But she was ready for the challenge, knowing that she had to protect Hans and help him find his place in the kingdom.