The Dark Truth
Part 12
As Iduna listened to Hans's story, she felt a sense of outrage and disgust wash over her. She couldn't believe that King Westergaard, a man she had considered a decent ruler, could be so cruel and heartless towards his own sons. The signs of abuse on Hans's body were a stark reminder of the horrors he and his brothers had endured. Iduna's mind replayed the events that had led to this moment - the diplomatic visit, the chaotic departure, and Hans being left behind. Iduna's daughters, Elsa and Anna, were equally shocked and moved by Hans's story. They had always known that King Westergaard was a strict ruler, but they had no idea about the extent of his cruelty. Elsa's eyes were wide with horror, while Anna's face was set in determination. Iduna could see the wheels turning in her daughters' minds, and she knew that they would do everything in their power to help Hans and his brothers. Iduna's coronet braid, a symbol of her status as queen, seemed to tighten as she listened to Hans's story. She felt a sense of responsibility, not just towards Hans and his brothers, but also towards her own daughters. She knew that she had to protect them, and that she had to make sure that they were safe from harm. Iduna's thoughts drifted back to her husband, King Agnarr, who had lost his life in the shipwreck just a few weeks ago. She still felt the ache of his loss, but she knew that she had to be strong for her daughters and for the people of Arendelle. As Hans finished his story, Iduna rose from her throne, her eyes blazing with determination. "We will help you, Hans," she promised. "We will do everything we can to help you and your brothers." Hans's face lit up with hope, and he smiled weakly. Iduna smiled back, her heart heavy with compassion. Elsa and Anna nodded in agreement, their faces set in resolve. "We'll help you rescue Rudi, Runo, and Caleb," Anna said, her voice firm. "We can't let King Westergaard continue to hurt them." Iduna felt a sense of pride and admiration for her daughters, who were willing to take a stand against injustice. Iduna's advisors, who had been quietly observing the scene, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we must be cautious," one of them warned. "King Westergaard is a powerful ruler, and he will not give up his sons without a fight." Iduna nodded, her mind already racing with plans and strategies. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to face it head-on. As they began to discuss their plan, Iduna couldn't help but think about the similarities between King Westergaard's regime and her own experiences with the pressures of ruling Arendelle. She realized that she had a unique opportunity to make a difference, not just for Hans and his brothers, but also for her own daughters and the people of Arendelle. With a newfound sense of purpose, Iduna turned to Hans. "Tell me more about your brothers," she said, her voice gentle. "What are they like, and what are their strengths and weaknesses?" Hans's eyes lit up as he began to talk about his brothers, and Iduna listened intently, her mind already racing with plans and strategies. As they talked, Iduna realized that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. But she was ready, and she knew that with her daughters, Hans, and her advisors by her side, they could overcome any obstacle and bring hope to those who had been oppressed for so long. The dark truth about King Westergaard's regime had been revealed, and Iduna was determined to bring it down.