**Chapter 2: The Locals' Discovery**

The warm rays of the sun peeked through the windows of the small cottage, illuminating the concerned faces of the locals as they gathered around Iduna's pallet. The woman who had found Iduna, a kind-eyed healer named Elara, smiled reassuringly as she checked Iduna's vital signs. "She's a hardy soul, that one," Elara said, her voice filled with a soothing warmth. "With proper care, she'll be back on her feet in no time." As Iduna drifted in and out of consciousness, she began to piece together her surroundings. She was in a small, rustic cottage, surrounded by the gentle sounds of a rural village. The air was thick with the scent of baking bread and roasting vegetables, transporting her back to her own kitchens in Arendelle. Days passed, and Iduna grew stronger, her body slowly recovering from the ordeal of the shipwreck. Elara tended to her wounds, and the villagers brought her food and warm clothing. Iduna's gratitude towards these strangers deepened, and she began to ask questions about her surroundings. Elara explained that they were in the Southern Isles, a kingdom ruled by King Westergaard, a just and fair ruler, or so the villagers claimed. Iduna's curiosity was piqued, and she wondered what kind of ruler King Westergaard was, and what lay in store for her. As Iduna's strength returned, she was taken to the castle, where she was ushered into the presence of King Westergaard. The king's throne room was a grand, high-ceilinged chamber, adorned with rich tapestries and gleaming silver accents. King Westergaard sat on his throne, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as he examined Iduna. The king's expression changed from curiosity to surprise, and finally, to recognition. "You are Iduna, Queen of Arendelle," he stated, his voice firm and commanding. "I had thought you lost at sea, along with your husband, King Agnarr." Iduna's eyes widened, and she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I survived, Your Majesty. But Agnarr... he did not." King Westergaard's expression softened, and he nodded. "I offer you my condolences, Queen Iduna. You are welcome to stay in my kingdom, under my protection. I assume you will want to ensure the well-being of your daughters, Elsa and Anna." Iduna's heart swelled with gratitude towards the king, and she bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am in your debt." As she left the throne room, Iduna couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to King Westergaard and his kingdom than met the eye. She would have to be cautious, and gather information about this new land and its ruler. Little did she know that her journey was about to intersect with that of a young prince named Hans, whose life was about to change forever. The castle's corridors were a maze of stone and steel, but Iduna was determined to navigate them. She had survived the shipwreck, and she would not be intimidated by the complexities of court politics. As she walked, the sound of her footsteps echoed through the corridors, a reminder that she was a queen, and she would not be forgotten. The sun was setting over the kingdom, casting a golden glow over the castle walls. Iduna felt a sense of hope rising within her, a sense that she might find a new home in this strange and foreign land. But she knew that she would never forget her past, and the life she had left behind in Arendelle. The memories of her husband, Agnarr, and her daughters, Elsa and Anna, would always be with her, a reminder of the life she had known and loved.