**Chapter 2: The Southern Isles**

The warm sunshine and gentle breeze of the southern isles enveloped Iduna as she stepped off the beach and onto the sandy shore. The locals, who had found her battered and bruised after the shipwreck, had brought her to King Westergaard's palace, and Iduna couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as she gazed out at the unfamiliar landscape. Her coronet braid, a testament to her royal upbringing, was still secure at the nape of her neck, but a few stray strands of her brown hair had escaped to dance in the sea breeze. As she walked towards the palace with the locals, Iduna caught sight of King Westergaard standing on the steps, his face chiseled from granite. He was a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, and Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as he gazed at her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "Ah, Queen Iduna of Arendelle," he said, his voice dripping with courtesy. "I've heard a great deal about you. Welcome to our humble shores." Iduna inclined her head, her eyes locked onto the king's. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "I am grateful for your hospitality." King Westergaard nodded, his expression unreadable. "You are injured, Your Majesty," he said. "I have ordered a room to be prepared for you. You will rest and recover under our care." Iduna nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was exhausted, and the thought of rest was a welcome respite from the turmoil of the past few days. As she followed King Westergaard into the palace, Iduna caught sight of a group of young men standing in the courtyard. They were princes, she realized, their faces and bearing marking them as members of the royal family. One of them, a young man with auburn hair and a charming smile, caught her eye, and Iduna felt a spark of curiosity ignite within her. The southern isles were a kingdom known for its harsh rulers and brutal suppression of its people, and Iduna couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of this place. As she was led to her room, she caught glimpses of the kingdom's opulence and excess, but also its dark underbelly. The next day, Iduna was introduced to the royal family of the southern isles. King Westergaard's sons, princes Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars, stood before her, their faces a mix of curiosity and disdain. Prince Hans, the youngest of the princes, caught her eye, and Iduna felt a pang of sympathy for him. He seemed lost among his brothers, and Iduna sensed that he was not like them. As she navigated the complex web of relationships and alliances within the royal family, Iduna began to realize that King Westergaard was a ruthless ruler who believed in the survival of the fittest. His sons reflected his values, and Iduna couldn't help but wonder what the future held for this kingdom. Days passed, and Iduna recovered quickly under the care of King Westergaard's servants. But as she explored the southern isles, she witnessed the harsh taxes and brutal suppression of the people by King Westergaard. She realized that the king was a ruthless ruler who would stop at nothing to maintain his power. Meanwhile, Prince Hans struggled with his own demons. His brothers, Rudi and Runo, humiliated him in a political meeting, belittling his ideas and questioning his worth. Hans was devastated, and his mental state began to deteriorate. One night, Hans turned to drink, hoping to drown his sorrows. He ended up succumbing to alcohol poisoning, and was found unconscious by his mother, Queen Marie. She was worried about Hans's well-being, and suggested that Iduna become his caretaker. Iduna, with her motherly instincts and experience with her own children, Elsa and Anna, agreed to help. She took Hans under her wing, caring for him as he recovered from his intoxication. As she gave him a sponge bath, using a soft rag to clean him, Iduna felt a sense of compassion for the young prince. He was not like his brothers, and Iduna sensed that he needed her support. As she worked, Iduna's thoughts turned to her own daughters, Elsa and Anna. She wondered how they were faring in Arendelle, and hoped that they were safe. But for now, she was committed to helping Prince Hans, and navigating the complex web of relationships and alliances within the royal family of the southern isles.