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

The days passed, and Iduna grew stronger with each passing moment. She had been in the Southern Isles for a week now, and she was beginning to feel like herself again. King Westergard had been kind and gracious, providing her with a comfortable place to stay and access to the best medical care available. As she walked through the castle gardens, Iduna couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the Southern Isles and Arendelle. The people here were unhappy and struggling, and the air was thick with discontent. She had spoken to King Westergard about it, and he had told her that the kingdom was facing many challenges, including poverty, hunger, and disease. Iduna's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of voices coming from a nearby room. She followed the sound and found herself in a grand throne room, where King Harland sat on his throne, surrounded by his 12 sons. Iduna had heard about King Harland, a brutal ruler who taxed his people harshly and put down any defiance. The king's sons, including Caleb, Rudi, Runo, and Lars, were arrogant and dislikable, and Iduna could sense the fear and resentment emanating from the people around them. Caleb, the crown prince, stood out among his brothers, his eyes gleaming with a cruel light. King Harland's voice boomed through the room, "I don't care if they're starving, we need to maintain our power and wealth. You sons of mine will do whatever it takes to keep our kingdom prosperous, even if it means crushing the spirits of our people." Iduna watched, appalled, as the princes nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with cruelty. She knew that she had to protect Hans, who was somehow connected to this family. She had heard whispers about his troubled past and his desire to escape the Harland's grasp. As she turned to leave, Iduna caught a glimpse of a young man being dragged out of the room, his eyes filled with pain and fear. She recognized him as Hans, and her heart went out to him. She knew that she had to act quickly to protect him from his family's cruelty. The king's eyes landed on Iduna, and he beckoned her forward. "Ah, Queen Iduna, I see you're interested in meeting my family. Come, let me introduce you to my sons." Iduna hesitated, but the king's expression brooked no argument. She walked forward, her heart pounding in her chest, and was introduced to the princes. Caleb's eyes locked onto hers, and she sensed a spark of curiosity there. As she turned to leave, Iduna caught a glimpse of Lars, the only kind-hearted son, who looked at her with a mixture of sadness and longing. She smiled at him, and he nodded in response, a small smile on his face. Iduna knew that she had to be careful in this treacherous world, but she was determined to protect Hans and bring hope to the people of the Southern Isles. She was Queen Iduna, after all, and she would not be intimidated by the Harland's cruelty. As she walked out of the throne room, Iduna felt a sense of determination growing within her. She would do whatever it took to protect Hans and bring down the Harland's tyrannical rule. The people of the Southern Isles deserved better, and Iduna was determined to help them. The sound of footsteps echoed behind her, and Iduna turned to see Lars walking towards her. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice low. "I wanted to warn you about my family. They're not what they seem." Iduna's eyes locked onto his, and she nodded. "I'm listening," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Lars glanced around the room, ensuring they were alone. "My father and brothers will stop at nothing to maintain their power. They're ruthless and cunning, and they will crush anyone who gets in their way." Iduna's heart sank, but she knew that she had to keep moving forward. She had to protect Hans and bring hope to the people of the Southern Isles. And she was determined to do just that.