Chapter 4: A Glimmer of Recognition

King Westergaard's eyes widened in surprise as Iduna revealed her identity. He exchanged a glance with his family, and Iduna saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes. The warm glow of the candelabras in the grand hall danced across his face, illuminating the lines of curiosity and concern etched on his features. "By the gods," he muttered. "You are Iduna, the queen of Arendelle. I had thought you lost at sea." Iduna nodded, a surge of hope rising within her. She felt a sense of relief wash over her, as if the weight of her secrets had been lifted off her shoulders. "I was shipwrecked," she explained, her voice still weak but filled with determination. "I don't know if anyone else survived." King Westergaard nodded sympathetically, his expression softening with compassion. "You are safe now, Your Majesty," he said, his voice warm and gentle. "My family and I will do everything in our power to help you." As Iduna looked around the grand hall, she saw the rest of the Westergaard family. Queen Agnarr, a kind-faced woman with a warm smile, stood beside the king, her eyes filled with concern for Iduna's well-being. Prince Lars, a tall and handsome young man with a proud air about him, stood opposite Iduna, his eyes narrowed in interest. Iduna sensed a certain ambition in him, a drive to succeed that was both admirable and intimidating. Prince Rudi, Prince Runo, and Prince Caleb, the king's other sons, stood to one side, their eyes fixed on Iduna with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Iduna wondered what they thought of her, and whether they would be allies or enemies. The tension in the air was palpable, but King Westergaard's calm demeanor helped to ease the atmosphere. The king, noticing Iduna's gaze, smiled. "This is my wife, Queen Agnarr, and our sons, Prince Lars, Prince Rudi, Prince Runo, and Prince Caleb," he said, his voice warm and welcoming. Iduna's brown braided hair, done up in a simple bun, seemed to glow in the soft light of the grand hall. She felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what the future held, but King Westergaard's warm smile put her at ease. As the Westergaard family gathered around her, Iduna felt a sense of wonder. She had never imagined that she would find herself in this place, surrounded by strangers who seemed to care for her well-being. The sound of the wind howling outside, the creaking of the wooden beams, and the soft murmur of the family's conversation created a sense of warmth and comfort. King Westergaard, seeming to sense her unease, stood up and offered Iduna his arm. "Come, Your Majesty," he said, his voice gentle. "Let us get you settled. You must be exhausted." Iduna took his arm, and was led to a warm and cozy room, where a fire crackled in the hearth. The smell of wood smoke and baking bread wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with hunger. She felt a sense of relief wash over her, and she knew that she was in good hands. For the first time since the shipwreck, she felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she would make it back to Arendelle after all. As she settled into the room, Iduna couldn't help but think of her family, and the life she had left behind. She wondered what Elsa and Anna were doing, and if they were safe. She hoped that they were not worried about her, and that they would soon be reunited. The memory of her daughters' smiles and laughter brought a sense of joy and longing to her heart. The door to the room opened, and Queen Agnarr entered with a tray of food and drink. "I brought you some refreshments, Your Majesty," she said, smiling. "I hope you are feeling better." Iduna smiled, grateful for the queen's kindness. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice weak but sincere. "I am feeling much better, thanks to your hospitality." As she ate and drank, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for the first time since the shipwreck, she felt like she was on the right path. And she knew that she would always be grateful to the Westergaard family for their kindness and help.