Chapter 5: The Southern Isles

King Westergaard's palace was a grand structure, with towering spires and intricately carved walls. Iduna was led through its halls by Queen Alice, who was determined to show her the wonders of their kingdom. As they walked, Iduna couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the palace's grandeur and the worn, weary faces of the people they passed. The king's family, Queen Alice explained, was quite large. She had thirteen sons, all of whom were princes of the southern isles. Iduna's eyes widened as they entered a grand hall, where the princes were gathered. There was Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and several others, each with their own unique features and expressions. And then, Iduna saw him. Hans, the youngest prince, was standing off to the side, his eyes fixed on her 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. Iduna felt a pang of interest, and she reached out a hand, as if to touch his. Queen Alice laughed. "Ah, Hans is our youngest prince," she said. "He's always been a bit of a gentle soul." As Iduna talked to the princes, she began to learn more about the southern isles and their customs. She was shocked to hear about the harsh taxes and brutal suppression of dissent, and she couldn't help but wonder how such a thing could be allowed to happen. The princes, it seemed, were a rough bunch. Rudi and Runo, in particular, seemed to take great pleasure in belittling and mocking others. Iduna's eyes narrowed as she watched them, and she felt a sense of unease. But Hans, on the other hand, seemed different. He was quiet and reserved, but he had a kind heart, and he seemed to genuinely care about the people of the southern isles. As the day drew to a close, Iduna felt a sense of exhaustion wash over her. She was grateful for the kindness of Queen Alice and her staff, and she knew that she had a lot to learn about this new place. But as she lay in bed that night, Iduna couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The southern isles seemed to be a place of contrasts, where grandeur and beauty existed side by side with poverty and oppression. And Iduna knew that she had a role to play in it all. She was the queen of Arendelle, and she had a responsibility to her people. But she was also a mother, and she had to think about Elsa and Anna. Where were they now? Were they safe? Iduna's heart ached with worry, and she knew that she had to find a way to get back to them. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would find a way to get back to Elsa and Anna, no matter what it took. And she would make sure that they were safe, and happy. The next morning, Iduna woke up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. She was determined to learn more about the southern isles, and to find a way to help its people. And as she got dressed and ready for the day, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. What would the day bring? Iduna smiled to herself, and she set out to face whatever challenges lay ahead.