**Chapter 3: The Queen's Identity Revealed**

King Westergaard's eyes narrowed as he gazed at Iduna, his expression unreadable. Iduna, still shivering and exhausted, stood before him, her brown hair disheveled and her coronet braid askew. She wore a simple yet elegant gown, now sodden and clinging to her body, a testament to her ordeal at sea. "So, you are Queen Iduna of Arendelle," King Westergaard said, his voice dripping with curiosity. "I had not expected to meet you in such... circumstances." Iduna curtsied, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady. "I am grateful for your hospitality. My ship wrecked in the storm, and I was washed up on your shores." King Westergaard nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, we found you on the beach. You are a long way from home, Queen Iduna. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you." Iduna's eyes met his, and for a moment, she thought she saw a glimmer of genuine concern. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by a calculating gaze. "I am willing to do what is necessary to ensure my safety and the security of my kingdom," she said, her voice firm. King Westergaard smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I am sure you are, Queen Iduna. And I am willing to offer you... protection. In exchange for which, I expect certain... favors." Iduna's eyes narrowed, her instincts warning her of danger. But she had no choice; she was at King Westergaard's mercy. "I am willing to listen," she said, her voice cautious. As King Westergaard nodded, a servant approached, bearing a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and a cup of hot tea. "You must be famished, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice a little softer. "Eat and drink, and we will discuss the terms of your... stay." Iduna nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for the food and drink. As she ate and drank, she couldn't help but wonder what King Westergaard's true intentions were. Was he genuinely interested in helping her, or did he have ulterior motives? As she finished her meal, King Westergaard leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. "Tell me, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice low and menacing. "What do you know of the Southern Isles?" Iduna's eyes met his, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew that King Westergaard was a brutal ruler, feared by his people. But she also knew that she had to tread carefully, if she was to survive. "I know that the Southern Isles are a distant and unforgiving land," she said, her voice steady. "And that your Majesty is a... powerful ruler." King Westergaard laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Powerful," he repeated. "Yes, that is one way to put it. I am the law here, Queen Iduna. And you would do well to remember that." Iduna nodded, feeling a surge of fear. She knew that she was at King Westergaard's mercy, and that she had to be careful not to offend him. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that gave her pause. A glimmer of curiosity, perhaps, or a spark of interest. Whatever it was, Iduna knew that she had to be careful. King Westergaard was a man to be reckoned with, and she would do well to remember that.