Chapter 11: The Envoys from the Southern Isles

The sun was shining brightly on the palace courtyard as Iduna stood on the balcony, her brown hair styled in a coronet braid, surveying the scene below. Her daughters, Elsa and Anna, were busy with their lessons, and the palace staff was bustling about, preparing for the arrival of the envoys from the Southern Isles. Iduna's thoughts, however, were still with Agnarr, her husband, who had lost his life in the shipwreck just a few days ago. She had returned to Arendelle a few days prior, after being rescued by a fishing boat, and was still trying to come to terms with her loss. As she descended into the throne room, Iduna's expression turned serious. She had received reports about King Westergaard, the ruler of the Southern Isles, and his reputation for brutality. She wasn't sure what to expect from him, but she was determined to be cautious. The door to the throne room opened, and the envoys entered, led by King Westergaard himself. He was a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, and Iduna could see the faintest glimmer of cruelty in his eyes. His sons, Rudi, Runo, and Crown Prince Caleb, stood behind him, their faces equally stern. Iduna rose from her throne and greeted King Westergaard with a formal smile. "Welcome, Your Majesty," she said, her voice measured. "It's a pleasure to meet you." King Westergaard bowed low, his voice dripping with false courtesy. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," he said. "I've heard so much about you and your...tragic loss." He glanced at Elsa and Anna, who stood beside Iduna, their faces somber. "I see you've had a chance to recover from your recent ordeal." Iduna's eyes narrowed, sensing the insincerity behind his words. "Yes, we have," she said coolly. "And we're grateful for the support of our friends and allies during this difficult time." As the envoys took their seats, Iduna began the formal proceedings, listening to King Westergaard's proposals and responding with measured courtesy. But she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. There was a tension in the air, a sense of unease that she couldn't quite put her finger on. As the meeting drew to a close, Iduna excused herself and retired to her chambers, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful to have the chance to collect her thoughts and reflect on the day's events. As she sat down on her bed, Iduna's thoughts turned to Agnarr, and she couldn't help but wonder what he would have made of King Westergaard and his sons. She knew that Agnarr would have been cautious, would have sensed the danger lurking beneath the surface. Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Hans, who had come to see if she needed anything. Iduna smiled, grateful for his company, and invited him in. As they talked, Iduna found herself opening up to Hans about her concerns. She told him about King Westergaard's reputation, and her fears for the safety of her daughters and her kingdom. Hans listened intently, his face serious, and Iduna felt a sense of gratitude towards him. But as the night wore on, Iduna realized that she couldn't let her guard down. She had to be vigilant, had to protect her kingdom and her people at all costs. She thanked Hans for his company, and sent him back to his quarters, her mind racing with thoughts of strategy and diplomacy. As she lay in bed that night, Iduna knew that she had to be careful. She had a sense of foreboding, a feeling that the envoys from the Southern Isles were not what they seemed. She knew that she had to be prepared for anything, and that her daughters and her kingdom depended on her.