**Chapter 2: Strangers in a Strange Land**

The locals carried Iduna through the winding streets of the village, their faces a blur as she gazed around at the thatched roofs and the bustling town square. She was taken to the castle, a grand structure that dominated the village, its stone walls imposing and foreboding. As she was carried through the castle gates, Iduna caught sight of a group of young men, their faces arrogant and entitled, watching her from the courtyard. They were princes, she assumed, and their haughty gazes made her feel like a specimen in a menagerie. The villagers deposited her in a grand throne room, where King Westergaard sat, his face stern and unyielding. His piercing gaze made Iduna feel like he could see right through her. He nodded to the guards, who set her down on her feet, and Iduna stood tall, despite her exhaustion and grief. "So, you are Iduna, Queen of Arendelle," King Westergaard said, his voice cold. "I must admit, I am surprised. I had thought you were lost at sea." Iduna stood firm, her brown hair tied back in a low braided bun, her eyes locked on the king. "I am Iduna," she said, her voice steady. "And I have come to your shores, seeking refuge." King Westergaard nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "You are welcome here," he said. "But I must warn you, our ways are not like yours. You will need to adapt quickly, if you are to survive." As Iduna spoke with King Westergaard, she couldn't help but notice the young men watching her from the shadows. One of them, with a messy mop of auburn hair, caught her eye. He looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place him. "Allow me to introduce you to my sons," King Westergaard said, as if reading her mind. "Crown Prince Caleb, Prince Rudi, Prince Runo, Prince Lars, and Prince Hans." The princes stepped forward, their faces a blur of curiosity and suspicion. Iduna recognized the auburn-haired young man as Prince Hans, the youngest of the princes. He looked out of place among his brothers, who seemed to embody the harsh and unyielding spirit of their father. Crown Prince Caleb, the eldest, was tall and lean, with a cold, calculating gaze. Prince Rudi and Prince Runo, the fifth and sixth in line, were rough-looking, with cruel smiles. Prince Lars, the fifth oldest, seemed more reserved, watching Iduna with a detached interest. Iduna's gaze met each of theirs, her head held high. She knew that she was a stranger in a strange land, but she was determined to survive and thrive. As she looked at King Westergaard's sons, she sensed that they would not make it easy for her. The meeting was brief, and Iduna was escorted to a guest room, where she collapsed onto a soft bed, exhausted. She knew that she had much to learn about this new land and its people, but for now, she just wanted to rest. As she lay there, she couldn't help but think of Agnarr, and the life they had left behind in Arendelle. She wondered if she would ever see her daughters, Elsa and Anna, again. Elsa, with her icy powers, and Anna, with her sunny disposition, were probably worried sick about her. Iduna's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. A servant entered with a tray of food and a pitcher of water. Iduna ate and drank, feeling a sense of gratitude towards King Westergaard, despite his harsh demeanor. As she finished her meal, Iduna heard a commotion outside her room. She got up to investigate and found Prince Hans standing in the corridor, looking worried. "Your Majesty," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I wanted to make sure you were comfortable. My father can be...intimidating." Iduna smiled, touched by the prince's kindness. "Thank you, Prince Hans," she said. "I am grateful for your hospitality." As they spoke, Iduna sensed that Prince Hans was different from his brothers. He seemed kinder, gentler, and she wondered what had made him that way. Their conversation was cut short by a loud shout from outside. Iduna and Prince Hans exchanged a worried glance, and then he bowed and took his leave. Iduna returned to her room, her mind racing with questions. What was happening in this strange new land? And what lay ahead for her and her daughters? She knew that she had to be strong, for Elsa and Anna's sake, as well as her own.