Chapter 4: A Diplomatic Visit

The days passed, and Iduna found herself swept up in a flurry of activity as the royal family of Arendelle prepared for a diplomatic visit from the Southern Isles. The visit was meant to strengthen the bonds between the kingdoms, and Iduna, still grieving the loss of her husband, had decided to attend in his place. Her daughters, Elsa and Anna, were by her side as she went over the preparations, making sure that everything was perfect for their guests. As they worked, Iduna couldn't help but think of Agnarr, and the pain of his loss still lingered. She had been so caught up in her grief that she had almost forgotten about the visit, but her ladies-in-waiting had been diligent in reminding her of the importance of the occasion. Iduna took a deep breath and pushed aside her emotions, focusing on the task at hand. The day of the visit arrived, and Iduna, accompanied by her daughters, set out for the Southern Isles. As they traveled, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had never met King Westergaard, the ruler of the Southern Isles, but she had heard rumors about his brutal tactics. Iduna pushed aside her concerns, focusing on the task at hand. When they arrived at the palace, Iduna was greeted by King Westergaard himself. He was a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, and Iduna couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. "Your Majesty," King Westergaard said, his voice cold and formal. "Welcome to the Southern Isles. I trust your journey was uneventful?" Iduna smiled, trying to hide her unease. "Thank you, Your Majesty. The journey was smooth, and I'm grateful to be here." As they entered the palace, Iduna was introduced to King Westergaard's sons, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, the crown prince. They were all tall and handsome, but there was something about them that made Iduna feel uneasy. Perhaps it was the way they looked at her, with a cold, calculating gaze. But it was the youngest prince, Hans, who caught her attention. He had auburn hair, and his eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness. Iduna felt a pang of sympathy for him, and she made a mental note to talk to him later. As the visit progressed, Iduna found herself increasingly uncomfortable. King Westergaard seemed to take pleasure in her discomfort, and she began to wonder if she had made a mistake by coming. As the evening drew to a close, Iduna excused herself, citing fatigue. As she left the palace, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She couldn't wait to get back to Arendelle, to her daughters and the safety of her castle. But as they prepared to leave, Iduna realized that Hans was nowhere to be found. She asked her ladies-in-waiting if they had seen him, but no one seemed to know where he was. "I'm sure he's fine, Mother," Anna said, but Iduna couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. As they set out on the journey back to Arendelle, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had a feeling that she would be seeing Hans again, and soon. Little did she know that Hans's absence was not the only surprise that lay ahead.