**Chapter 5: King Westergaard's Realization**

Queen Iduna's arrival at the palace of the Southern Isles was met with a mixture of curiosity and caution. As she was led to the throne room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would she find here? Would she be able to find the help she sought for Elsa's eternal winter? As she entered the throne room, Iduna was greeted by King Westergaard, a tall and imposing figure with a stern expression. Queen Maren stood beside him, a warm smile on her face. "Queen Iduna, it's an honor to meet you," King Westergaard said, his voice deep and commanding. "I've heard a great deal about you and your... unique situation." Iduna curtsied, her brown hair styled in the same fashion as her Arendelle flashbacks. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady. King Westergaard nodded, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. "I must say, I'm intrigued. You're the Queen of Arendelle, aren't you? The one who attempted to travel to Ahtohallan?" Iduna nodded, her heart racing slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I was trying to find a solution to my daughter Elsa's eternal winter." King Westergaard's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. I've heard rumors of Elsa's powers. Remarkable, to say the least." Queen Maren intervened, her voice smooth. "King Westergaard, perhaps we should discuss this further in private." But King Westergaard waved a hand. "No, no, my dear. I think it's time we knew the truth. Queen Iduna, I've heard that your ship was wrecked off our shores. That you were attempting to reach Ahtohallan in secret." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of vulnerability. "Yes, Your Majesty. I was trying to find a way to help Elsa." King Westergaard's expression turned grave. "I see. Well, you've certainly come to the right place. We'll do what we can to help you, Queen Iduna." As the meeting concluded, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had found a new ally in her quest to help Elsa. Later that day, Iduna learned more about the Southern Isles and its ruler, King Harlos. Queen Maren confided in her about the kingdom's troubles. Her husband, King Harlos, was a ruthless ruler who taxed the people heavily and crushed dissent. Iduna also learned about Hans, Queen Maren and King Harlos' son, who was kind and gentle, but often at odds with his family's cruel ways. Hans was in trouble, and Iduna knew she had to act. His brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, were spoiled and cruel. Caleb, the crown prince, had ordered Rudi and Runo to teach Hans a lesson. They had beaten him mercilessly, citing his absence from a royal event as the reason. In reality, Hans' mother needed to attend a high-profile function with King Harlos. Iduna decided to help Hans, who was unable to move due to his injuries. She requested permission from Queen Maren to care for him. "Please, Your Majesty," Iduna said. "I want to help Hans. He's been hurt, and I think I can make a difference." Queen Maren nodded, a small smile on her face. "Of course, Queen Iduna. You have my permission to care for Hans." Iduna made her way to Hans' chambers, where she found him lying in bed, his body battered and bruised. She gently poured warm water into a large basin and added a few drops of soothing oil. She soaked a soft sponge in the water, wrung it out, and began to clean Hans' wounds. Starting with his face, she carefully wiped away dirt and sweat, taking care around his eyes and mouth. Next, she cleaned his chest and arms, massaging the muscles to ease the tension. As she worked, Iduna talked softly to reassure Hans, who lay still and silent. She cleaned his torso, stomach, and legs, working with a soothing rhythm. Finally, she dried him with a soft towel, careful not to jostle his injuries. Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Mother?" he whispered, his voice hoarse. Iduna smiled, her eyes filled with compassion. "No, Hans. It's me, Queen Iduna. I'm here to help you." Hans' eyes widened, and he smiled weakly. "Thank you," he whispered. Iduna smiled back, her heart filled with warmth. She knew that she had found a new purpose here, in the Southern Isles. She would help Hans, and she would help Queen Maren bring about change in the kingdom. Together, they would make a difference.