**Chapter 6: The Royal Family's Dark Side**

The warm glow of the setting sun cast a golden light on the throne room, where Iduna sat, listening intently to King Westergaard's words. The king's rugged features seemed to soften as he spoke of the Southern Isles' rich history and the challenges they faced. Iduna's thoughts, however, wandered 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. As she pondered her situation, Iduna's gaze drifted to the group of young men standing before King Westergaard. The princes of the Southern Isles were a rough-looking bunch, with arrogant grins and an air of entitlement. Rudi, the eldest, had a sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes, while his brother, Runo, seemed to take pleasure in causing trouble. Caleb, the crown prince, exuded an air of cold calculation, and the younger princes seemed to idolize him. Iduna's eyes lingered on Hans, the youngest prince, with his messy brown hair and kind smile. He seemed different from the others, and Iduna felt a pang of concern for him. Lars, one of the younger princes, stood apart from the others, his eyes fixed on Hans with concern. Iduna noticed that he seemed kinder and more compassionate than the others. As she 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 detected a glint of cruelty and entitlement in their eyes. 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 surge of concern and wondered what lay beneath the surface of this young prince. Later that day, Iduna learned that King Morcant, the ruler of the Southern Isles, was a brutal and harsh man. He taxed his people heavily, and those who dared to defy him were dealt with swiftly and severely. Iduna's heart went out to the people of the Southern Isles, and she knew that she had to do something to help them. As she walked through the castle, Iduna came across a meeting between King Morcant's sons, including Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and others. They were discussing politics and the future of the Southern Isles, but their conversation was laced with cruelty and arrogance. Iduna watched, horrified, as they humiliated and belittled Hans, the youngest prince. Hans tried to defend himself, but his brothers would not let him speak. They mocked him and called him names, and Iduna saw the pain and humiliation in his eyes. She knew that she had to act, to protect Hans and help him stand up to his cruel brothers. As the meeting ended, Iduna followed Hans, watching as he stumbled away, his head hung in shame. She caught up to him and took his arm, speaking softly to comfort him. "You are not alone, Hans," she said. "I am here for you, and I will help you through this." Hans looked up at her, his eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," he whispered. Iduna smiled and led him to a quiet room, where she sat with him and listened to his troubles. As she listened, Iduna realized that Hans was not just a prince, but a kind and gentle soul, who deserved better than to be treated with such cruelty. Iduna's thoughts turned to her own experiences as a mother and a queen. She remembered the countless times she had comforted Elsa and Anna, wiping away their tears and soothing their fears. And she knew that she could do the same for Hans. With a newfound sense of purpose, Iduna rose to her feet and began to pace the room. She would help Hans, no matter what it took. She would protect him from his brothers and father, and help him find his place in the world. And as she walked, Iduna felt a sense of determination growing within her. She would not rest until Hans was safe, and until the Southern Isles were free from tyranny. In a later private meeting, Hans was humiliated by his brothers, Rudi and Runo, in a political discussion. The tension was palpable as they criticized his ideas and belittled his opinions. Hans tried to defend himself, but they would not let him speak. The meeting ended with Hans feeling defeated and humiliated. Overwhelmed with despair, Hans attempted to hang himself, but was found unconscious by his mother, Queen Ravina. She was a kind and gentle soul, who had always tried to shield her sons from the harsh realities of the world. She was devastated by Hans's attempt to harm himself and knew that she had to do something to help him. Queen Ravina turned to Iduna, asking for her help in caring for Hans. Iduna, with her brown hair worn up in a coronet braid, was more than happy to assist. She had a motherly nature and was determined to help Hans through his difficult time. As she began to care for Hans, Iduna showed her compassion and kindness, giving him a sponge bath with a rag and soothing his skin. She spoke softly to comfort him, and Hans began to open up to her, telling her of his troubles and his fears. As Iduna cared for Hans, she realized that he was not just a prince, but a young man who needed guidance and support. And she was determined to provide it, no matter what it took.