**Chapter 2: The Wreck**

The storm that had ravaged Iduna's ship had passed, leaving behind a eerie calm. The sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the devastated sea. Iduna lay on the sandy beach, her body exhausted and her heart heavy with grief. She slowly sat up, taking stock of her surroundings. The wreckage of her ship littered the beach, a stark reminder of the tragedy that had befallen her and her husband, Agnarr. As she stumbled to her feet, Iduna's gaze fell upon a piece of debris that had washed up beside her. It was a fragment of the ship's wheel, splintered and broken. She felt a pang of sorrow, remembering the way Agnarr had grasped her hand as the storm raged on. She called out his name, but there was no response. Iduna's eyes scanned the beach, searching for any sign of Agnarr's body. She stumbled through the wreckage, her heart aching with every step. But there was no sign of him. She was alone. The sound of voices carried on the wind, and Iduna turned to see a group of villagers approaching her. They were dressed in simple, yet practical clothing, and their faces were etched with concern. Iduna tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse from the saltwater. The villagers gathered around her, speaking softly and trying to comfort her. One of them gently lifted her into his arms, and Iduna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, for now. As they carried her away from the beach, Iduna caught a glimpse of the wreckage from her ship, and her heart sank. She knew that Agnarr had not survived, and a wave of grief washed over her. She buried her face in the villager's shoulder, and wept. The villagers took Iduna to their village, a small settlement on the shores of the Southern Isles. They carried her to the local lord's castle, where a kindly old physician tended to her wounds. Iduna was grateful for their kindness, but her mind was consumed by grief and worry. As she lay on the physician's table, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. What would they think when they heard of her disappearance? Would they ever know that she had loved them, and had tried to understand Elsa's powers? The physician's gentle hands moved over her body, checking for injuries. Iduna winced as he probed a tender spot on her side, but she was grateful for his care. As the physician finished his examination, a tall, imposing figure entered the room. He was King Westergaard, the ruler of the Southern Isles. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Iduna, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "Who is this?" King Westergaard asked the physician, his voice deep and commanding. The physician stood up, bowing slightly. "This is a woman, Your Majesty. She washed up on the beach, after a shipwreck. She appears to be of noble birth." King Westergaard's eyes lingered on Iduna, and she felt a sense of unease. What did he want from her? And what would happen to her now? As King Westergaard approached her, Iduna noticed that his eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. She felt a sense of trepidation, but she stood tall, despite her exhaustion. "Tell me, woman," King Westergaard said, his voice firm. "Who are you, and what brings you to our shores?" Iduna took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. She knew that her response would determine her fate, and she was determined to be careful. But for now, she could only look at King Westergaard, and wonder what the future held.