**Chapter 3: Rescue**

The storm had passed, leaving behind a eerie calmness. Iduna clung to the piece of debris, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Agnarr or the ship. But there was nothing. Only the endless expanse of water, stretching out in every direction like a vast, empty grave. She was alone. The thought echoed through her mind, like a scream in the darkness. Alone. Agnarr was gone. Her husband, her king, her love. Gone. Iduna's eyes welled up with tears as she thought of Agnarr's final moments. She remembered the way he had pushed her onto the debris, the way he had looked at her with such love and sacrifice in his eyes. She knew that he had died to save her, and the thought was almost too much to bear. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Iduna's grief gave way to a numb despair. She was adrift, with no food, no water, and no way to communicate with the outside world. She was at the mercy of the sea, and she knew that she might not survive for long. But Iduna was a strong woman, and she refused to give up. She clung to the debris, her fingers aching with pain, and her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of rescue. Days passed, and Iduna grew weaker and weaker. She had given up hope of being rescued, and she had resigned herself to her fate. But then, on the fourth day, she saw it - a small fishing boat, chugging through the waves towards her. Iduna waved her arms and screamed for help, her voice hoarse from days of shouting. The fishermen saw her and changed course, heading straight for her. As they pulled up alongside her, one of the fishermen threw her a lifeline, and Iduna grabbed hold of it, pulling herself aboard. She collapsed onto the deck, exhausted and grateful. The fishermen surrounded her, speaking softly and offering her food and water. Iduna ate and drank, feeling a sense of gratitude towards these strangers who had saved her life. The boat chugged back towards land, and Iduna caught sight of the Arendelle coastline in the distance. Her heart swelled with emotion as she thought of her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and the life she would soon be reunited with. As the boat docked, Iduna was helped ashore by the fishermen. She made her way to the castle, her legs trembling with fatigue. Elsa and Anna were waiting for her in the courtyard, their faces etched with worry and relief. They rushed to her side, embracing her tightly. "Mother, we were so worried about you!" Elsa exclaimed. Iduna hugged her daughters, feeling a sense of comfort and love. "I'm home now," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm safe." The three of them walked into the castle, Iduna's brown hair styled in a coronet braid, a testament to her royal status. She was greeted by the warm glow of the castle's interior, and the sound of servants rushing to attend to her needs. As they entered the throne room, Iduna noticed a letter on the table, addressed to her. She recognized the seal of the Southern Isles, and her curiosity was piqued. "What is this?" she asked her daughters. Elsa picked up the letter. "It's an invitation for a diplomatic visit," she said. "The Southern Isles are sending a prince, Hans, to meet with us." Iduna's eyes narrowed. She had heard rumors about the Southern Isles, and their brutal ruler, King Westergaard. She wondered what kind of prince would be sent to Arendelle. Meanwhile, in the Southern Isles, Hans was preparing for his visit. He was a young prince with auburn hair, and a nervous heart. He had heard rumors about the Arendelle royal family, and he was excited to meet them. But Hans's excitement was tempered by his anxiety. He had been feeling on edge lately, and he knew that it was because of his father, King Westergaard. The king was a brutal ruler, and Hans had always been afraid of him. As Hans left the Southern Isles, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He was leaving behind the toxic atmosphere of his father's court, and he was heading towards a new and unfamiliar place. But little did he know, his journey was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change his life forever.