**Chapter 7: Humiliation**

The grand hall of King Westergaard's palace was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation as Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, made her way through the crowds of people. She had been in the southern isles for a few days now, and she was still getting used to the opulent decorations and the warm smiles of the palace staff. As she entered the hall, Iduna was greeted by Queen Alice, who was standing beside a group of young men. "Ah, Iduna, I'd like you to meet my sons," she said, her eyes shining with pride. "They're the princes of the southern isles." Iduna's eyes widened as she took in the group of young men. There were thirteen of them in total, each with their own unique features and expressions. She saw Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, who were all standing together, laughing and joking with each other. And then there was Lars, who was standing off to the side, smiling shyly at Iduna. But one prince in particular caught her eye. Hans, the youngest prince, was standing at the back of the group, his eyes fixed on Iduna with a look of curiosity. He had auburn hair, which fell across his forehead in a messy mop, and a gentle smile played on his lips. Queen Alice began to introduce the princes, starting with the oldest. "This is Rudi, our eldest son," she said, gesturing to a tall, dark-haired young man. "And this is Runo, our second son." Runo was a bit shorter than Rudi, but he had a similar build and a mischievous glint in his eye. As Queen Alice continued to introduce the princes, Iduna couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between them. Some of them seemed kind and genuine, while others seemed arrogant and entitled. Caleb, the crown prince, was a tall, handsome young man with a confident air about him. He smiled at Iduna, but she couldn't help but feel that he was sizing her up, rather than genuinely trying to get to know her. Lars, on the other hand, seemed different. He was quiet and reserved, but he had a kind face and a gentle smile. Iduna felt a pang of interest, and she reached out a hand, as if to touch his. Finally, Queen Alice introduced Hans, the youngest prince. "And this is Hans, our youngest son," she said, smiling at him. "He's always been a bit of a gentle soul." Iduna's eyes met Hans's, and she felt a sense of connection. She couldn't explain it, but there was something about him that drew her in. As the princes began to disperse, Iduna found herself talking to Lars and Hans. They were both easy to talk to, and they seemed to genuinely care about the people of the southern isles. But as the conversation went on, Iduna couldn't help but notice the way Rudi and Runo were treating Hans. They were teasing him, calling him names and belittling his ideas. Iduna's eyes narrowed, and she felt a sense of unease. She knew that she had to do something to help Hans, but she wasn't sure what. All she knew was that she couldn't stand by and watch him be treated unfairly. Later that day, Iduna watched as Rudi and Runo humiliated Hans in a political meeting. Hans had suggested a new way to help the people of the southern isles, but Rudi and Runo had quickly shot him down, mocking his ideas and making him look foolish. Iduna's heart went out to Hans as she watched him slink away, his eyes downcast and his shoulders slumped. She knew that she had to do something to help him, but she wasn't sure what. As the meeting came to a close, Iduna made her way over to Hans. "I'm so sorry," she said, putting a hand on his arm. "You have some wonderful ideas, and they deserve to be heard." Hans looked up at her, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Iduna," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot to me that you believe in me." Iduna smiled at him, and she felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would find a way to help Hans, no matter what it took. And she would make sure that he was treated with the respect and kindness he deserved.