Chapter 4: Recognition

King Westergaard's eyes narrowed as he studied Iduna's face, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. He had been informed of the shipwreck and the woman who had washed up on the shore, but he had not expected to find the Queen of Arendelle in his castle. "Your Majesty," Iduna said, her voice weak but dignified. "I am Iduna, Queen of Arendelle. I was traveling with my husband, King Agnarr, to Ahtohallan when our ship wrecked." King Westergaard's expression changed from curiosity to shock. He took a step back, his eyes locked on Iduna's face. "Agnarr, the King of Arendelle?" he repeated, his voice filled with surprise. "I had no idea. I offer my condolences, Your Majesty. I can only imagine the difficulty and danger you must have faced." Iduna's eyes filled with tears as she nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I... I fear the worst for my husband. He was not with me when I washed up on the shore." King Westergaard's face was somber. "I see. We will do everything we can to help you, Queen Iduna. You are welcome to stay here in our castle until you are recovered." As King Westergaard spoke, Iduna noticed a commotion outside the room. A group of guards entered, followed by a young man who looked vaguely familiar. "Your Majesty," the young man said, bowing low. "I see you have a guest. May I have the honor of meeting her?" King Westergaard nodded. "This is Prince Lars, one of my sons. And this is Queen Iduna of Arendelle." Lars's eyes widened as he took in Iduna's appearance. "Queen Iduna?" he repeated, his voice filled with surprise. Iduna smiled weakly, trying to hide her exhaustion. "Yes, Prince Lars. It is a pleasure to meet you." Lars's expression was thoughtful, and Iduna sensed that he was trying to place her. Suddenly, his eyes lit up with recognition. "I have heard of you," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "You are the queen who... who has a special connection to the ice and snow." Iduna's eyes narrowed, unsure how much to reveal. But there was something about Lars that put her at ease. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have a... gift. One that I am still learning to control." King Westergaard intervened, his voice gentle. "Enough for now, Lars. Queen Iduna needs rest and care. I will assign a team of servants to attend to her every need." As the guards and servants filed out of the room, Iduna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful for King Westergaard's kindness and hospitality. As she lay in bed that night, Iduna couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't imagine. She was a long way from Arendelle, and she had no idea what the future held. But for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. The next morning, Iduna woke up feeling a little stronger. She was attended by a team of skilled servants, who helped her with her wounds and brought her food and drink. As she ate and drank, Iduna couldn't help but think of Elsa and Anna. She wondered how they were doing, and if they were safe. She knew she had to find a way to get back to them, but for now, she was at the mercy of King Westergaard and his people. As she finished her meal, Iduna heard a knock at the door. It was Lars, with a small smile on his face. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing low. "I brought some books and scrolls for you to read. Perhaps they will help take your mind off things." Iduna smiled, grateful for Lars's kindness. "Thank you, Prince Lars. That is very thoughtful of you." As Lars handed her the books and scrolls, Iduna felt a sense of hope that she had not felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to get back to her daughters, and to reclaim her rightful place as the Queen of Arendelle.