**Chapter 3: A Royal Reception**

The imposing figure of King Westergaard, ruler of the Southern Isles, stood tall as he gazed upon the bedraggled form of Iduna, Queen of Arendelle. His piercing blue eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of her brown hair, matted and tangled from her ordeal, her coronet braid now askew. He noted the regal bearing, the determined look in her eyes, and his expression softened ever so slightly. Iduna, still reeling from her loss, stood tall, her gaze meeting King Westergaard's. She was aware of the weight of her situation; a queen, cast upon the shores of a foreign land, at the mercy of its ruler. Yet, she refused to be intimidated. The throne room, with its high ceilings and stone walls, seemed to loom over her, the ornate tapestries and polished wood accents a testament to the wealth and power of the Southern Isles. Iduna's eyes widened as she took in the grandeur of the room, her gaze lingering on the imposing figure of King Westergaard. "So, you are the Queen of Arendelle," King Westergaard stated, his deep voice resonating through the room. "I am King Westergaard, ruler of the Southern Isles. It is...unexpected, to say the least, to have a guest of your stature arrive on our shores." Iduna inclined her head, her voice steady. "I am Iduna, Queen of Arendelle. My ship was wrecked in a storm. I...I was traveling with my husband, King Agnarr, to seek the secrets of Ahtohallan." King Westergaard's expression turned somber. "I see. I offer you my condolences on the loss of your husband. He was a brave man, I presume?" Iduna nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "He was. And a good king. I fear for my daughters, Elsa and Anna, now that he is gone." King Westergaard nodded thoughtfully. "I will make sure that you are treated with the respect due to your station. You may stay here, in my palace, until you have recovered from your ordeal." Iduna's gaze met King Westergaard's, a hint of wariness in her eyes. She was aware of the politics at play here; a queen, alone and vulnerable, in the hands of a foreign ruler. Yet, there was something in King Westergaard's demeanor that suggested he might be a man of his word. As she followed King Westergaard's guards to her new quarters, Iduna couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would she be able to find a way back to Arendelle, or would she be forced to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Southern Isles? One thing was certain: she would not go quietly into the night. Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, would find a way to survive, and to thrive, in this new and unfamiliar world. The guards led her to a small but comfortable room, with a large bed and a window that looked out onto the sea. Iduna walked over to the window, gazing out at the waves crashing against the shore. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, a sense of being alive. As she turned away from the window, Iduna noticed a small chest in the corner of the room, adorned with intricate carvings and a delicate lock. She walked over to it, her curiosity piqued. What could be inside? The chest was old and worn, its surface scratched and scuffed. Iduna ran her hand over the carvings, feeling a sense of wonder and curiosity. She wondered what stories it could tell, what secrets it might hold. As she stood there, lost in thought, Iduna heard a knock at the door. She turned to see a young woman, with a kind face and a gentle smile. "Welcome, Your Majesty," the woman said, curtsying. "My name is Elara. I'll be taking care of you during your stay here." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Elara," she said. "I appreciate your kindness." Elara smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "It's my pleasure, Your Majesty," she said. "I'll bring you some food and water. You must be famished." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She was hungry, and thirsty, and tired. But she was also grateful, grateful for the kindness of strangers, and the chance to start anew. As Elara left the room, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to survive, and to thrive, in this new and unfamiliar world.