Chapter 4: Shadows in the Market

The commotion outside grew louder, and Iduna's instincts kicked in. She quickly rose from her seat, her heart racing with every step. Elara grabbed her arm, pulling her towards the door. "We need to get you to safety, Your Majesty," she said, her voice firm and urgent. As they rushed through the corridors, Iduna could hear the shouts and screams growing closer. She didn't need to ask who was searching for her; Elara's words had made it clear that her presence in the Southern Isles was not as discreet as she had hoped. They reached a side door, and Elara pushed it open, revealing a narrow alleyway. "This way," she said, gesturing for Iduna to follow. Iduna didn't hesitate, dashing down the alleyway as Elara followed close behind. They weaved through the winding streets, dodging market stalls and leaping over puddles. Iduna's breath came in ragged gasps, but she didn't dare look back. As they turned a corner, Iduna caught a glimpse of the marketplace. A sea of angry faces stared back at her, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of her. She felt a shiver run down her spine, and her heart sank. Elara pulled her into a nearby doorway, and they paused, listening to the mob's shouts and curses. Iduna's eyes met Elara's, filled with fear and uncertainty. "What do they want?" Iduna whispered, her voice barely audible. Elara's face was grim. "I'm not sure, but I think it's connected to King Westergard's proposal. Some people are opposed to the idea of him taking on a new role, and they might see you as a threat to their plans." Iduna's eyes widened in understanding. She had been so focused on protecting Elsa that she hadn't considered the potential backlash from the kingdom's inhabitants. As they caught their breath, Elara pulled out a small cloak from her bag and wrapped it around Iduna's shoulders. "This will help you blend in," she said, adjusting the hood to conceal Iduna's face. Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Elara. Together, they slipped back into the crowd, trying to lose themselves in the winding streets of the Southern Isles. But as they walked, Iduna couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced over her shoulder, and her eyes locked onto a figure lurking in the shadows. The figure vanished into the crowd, but Iduna's instincts told her that they were not alone. Elara noticed her gaze and followed it, her eyes scanning the crowds. "What is it?" she asked, her voice low and cautious. Iduna hesitated, unsure of what she had seen. "I thought I saw someone," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Elara's eyes narrowed, and she took Iduna's arm, leading her through the winding streets. "We'll get you to safety," she said, her voice firm and reassuring. "But for now, let's focus on getting out of here undetected." As they walked, Iduna couldn't help but wonder who was behind the sinister plot unfolding in the Southern Isles. And what did they want from her?