The Shipwreck

The stormy night had been brewing for hours, the dark clouds gathering on the horizon like an ominous omen. Queen Iduna of Arendelle stood at the helm of the ship, her long brown braids whipping wildly in the wind as she clung to the wooden railing. Her daughters, Elsa and Anna, were below deck, trying to get some rest before their journey's end. Iduna's thoughts were consumed by the weight of her responsibilities as queen, and the pressure to ensure the safety of her family. The ship creaked and groaned as it rode the waves, the sound of the wooden hull straining against the force of the storm. Iduna's stomach lurched as the vessel was tossed about like a toy, her knuckles white as she gripped the railing. She had always been a strong advocate for her daughters' happiness, and the thought of anything happening to them was unbearable. Suddenly, a massive wave crashed over the bow, sending Iduna tumbling to the deck. She scrambled to her feet, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of land. That was when she saw it - a rocky shoreline, rising up like a jagged tooth from the sea. "Land ho!" the captain cried, his voice lost in the howling wind. Iduna's heart sank as the ship lurched towards the rocks. She tried to run, but it was too late. The vessel crashed onto the shore, splintering and shattering as it was torn apart by the unforgiving coastline. Iduna was washed overboard, the icy waters closing over her head like a shroud. She felt herself being pulled down, down into the dark depths of the sea. And then, everything went black. When Iduna came to, she was lying on a cold, hard surface, her head pounding and her body aching all over. She slowly sat up, taking stock of her surroundings. She was in a small, dimly lit room, with stone walls and a low ceiling. A small fire crackled in the corner, casting flickering shadows on the walls. As she struggled to her feet, a figure entered the room - a young woman with a kind face and a gentle smile. "Welcome, Your Majesty," the woman said, curtsying low. "I'm so glad you're awake. You've been asleep for hours." Iduna's eyes narrowed as she took in the woman's words. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice still rough from disuse. "I'm one of the castle servants," the woman replied. "The locals found you washed up on the shore, half-frozen and battered. They brought you here to the castle, where King Westergaard has taken you in." Iduna's eyes widened as she took in this information. King Westergaard? She had heard of him - a harsh and unforgiving ruler, known for his ruthless treatment of his people. What did he want with her? The servant woman smiled again, as if reading Iduna's thoughts. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. King Westergaard means you no harm. He's actually quite... intrigued by you." Iduna raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. What did the king want from her? And how was she going to get out of this situation? As she waited for answers, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. Were they safe? Had they survived the shipwreck? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her current situation. She would have to wait and see what King Westergaard had in store for her. The servant woman approached her, a bowl of steaming soup in her hands. "The king has ordered that you be taken care of," she said. "This will help you recover from your ordeal." Iduna took the bowl, her stomach growling with hunger. She took a sip of the soup, feeling a warmth spread through her body. It was a small comfort, but it was a start. As she ate, Iduna couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would she be able to find a way back to Arendelle? Or would she be stuck here, in the Southern Isles, with King Westergaard? Only time would tell.