**Chapter 6: A Mother's Instinct**

As Iduna wandered through the castle's corridors, the soft rustle of her brown hair, worn up in a coronet braid, echoed off the stone walls. Her thoughts drifted to her own children, Elsa and Anna, back in Arendelle. She wondered how they were faring without her, and her heart ached with longing. The memory of her husband, King Agnarr, lost at sea, still felt like a fresh wound. But she pushed aside her grief, focusing on her surroundings and the people she had met since her arrival at King Westergaard's castle. The king's rule was brutal, and his people suffered under his harsh taxes and cruel punishments. Iduna's instincts as a mother and a queen stirred, urging her to protect those who were vulnerable. Her eyes scanned the corridors, searching for a glimpse of the royal family. She had seen the princes earlier, but one of them, Hans, had caught her attention. He seemed different from his brothers, Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars. As she turned a corner, Iduna spotted Hans walking down a side corridor, his auburn hair messy and his eyes cast downward. He looked troubled, and Iduna's maternal instincts kicked in. She quickened her pace, catching up to him as he stopped in front of a window, staring out at the courtyard below. "Hans," Iduna said softly, not wanting to startle him. He turned, his eyes red-rimmed, and Iduna saw that he had been crying. "Your Majesty," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Iduna placed a gentle hand on his arm, and Hans didn't pull away. "What's wrong, Hans?" she asked, her voice full of concern. Hans hesitated, then shook his head. "It's just...my family, they don't understand me. They don't care about me or the people. They only care about power and wealth." Iduna's grip on his arm tightened. "I'm here for you, Hans. And I'll do my best to help you." As they stood there, Iduna noticed the way Hans's eyes lit up with a hint of hope. She realized that he was desperate for someone to talk to, someone who would listen and understand. And she was determined to be that person. Over the next few days, Iduna made it a point to spend more time with Hans, learning about his interests and his dreams. She discovered that he was kind and compassionate, with a deep love for his people. But he was also struggling with his family's expectations, and the weight of his own failures. As they walked through the castle gardens, Iduna asked Hans about his brothers. "They seem...cruel," she said, her voice measured. Hans nodded, his eyes clouding over. "Rudi and Runo are always making fun of me, belittling me in front of our parents. Caleb, the crown prince, doesn't really care about me or anyone else. But Lars...Lars is different. He's kind and gentle, always looking out for me." Iduna's heart went out to Hans, who seemed to be carrying a heavy burden. She realized that she had to protect him, to help him find a way out of his difficult situation. And as they walked, the sun shining down on them, she knew that she would do everything in her power to be there for him. The sound of laughter and music drifted from the castle, and Iduna caught a glimpse of Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, gathered in the great hall. They were drinking and joking, their faces cruel and heartless. Iduna's instincts told her that they were not to be trusted, and she made a mental note to warn Hans about them. As the sun began to set, Iduna accompanied Hans to the great hall, where the royal family was gathering for dinner. The atmosphere was tense, with Rudi and Runo teasing Hans mercilessly. Iduna watched, her eyes narrowing, as Hans tried to defend himself. But just as it seemed like the situation was about to escalate, Lars intervened, his calm and gentle voice soothing the tension. Iduna smiled, her eyes meeting Lars's, and she knew that she had found an ally in the prince. As dinner drew to a close, Iduna realized that she had a role to play in Hans's life, one that went beyond mere courtesy. She was determined to help him navigate the complexities of his family's dynamics, and to find a way to bring him out of the shadow of his cruel brothers. And as they left the great hall, Hans's arm brushing against hers, she knew that she would do everything in her power to protect him.