**Chapter 2: The Wreck**

The stormy night had passed, leaving behind a trail of destruction and debris. Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was lying on a cold, stone floor, her body aching all over. She tried to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over her, forcing her back onto the floor. As she lay there, she remembered the shipwreck, the waves crashing over her, and the feeling of being swept away. She had been so focused on uncovering the secrets of Ahtohallan, the mystical river believed to hold the key to understanding her daughter Elsa's powers. But now, she was not sure if she would ever see her husband, Agnar, or her daughters, Elsa and Anna, again. Iduna's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. A group of locals, dressed in simple but practical clothing, entered the room, carrying torches and looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. One of them, an older man with a kind face, approached her and spoke in a gentle voice, "Welcome, stranger. We found you on the shore, washed up from the sea. We've brought you to our king's castle, hoping to find out who you are and how you ended up here." Iduna tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse from the saltwater and exhaustion. She coughed, trying to clear her throat, and then spoke in a weak voice, "I...I'm Iduna. I was on a ship, traveling to Ahtohallan. I don't know how I ended up here." The locals exchanged glances, and the older man nodded, "We'll take care of you, Iduna. Our king will want to speak with you, but for now, let's get you cleaned up and comfortable." As the locals helped Iduna to her feet, she caught a glimpse of herself in a nearby mirror. Her brown hair was tangled and matted, and her clothes were torn and soaked. She looked like a shipwrecked sailor, rather than a queen. The locals led her to a nearby room, where a warm bath was prepared for her. Iduna sank into the water, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth seep into her bones, and tried to process her situation. Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, King Westergaard was holding court, discussing the latest taxes and tributes with his advisors. His son, Crown Prince Caleb, was arguing for even harsher taxes, citing the need for a strong military and a prosperous economy. But Prince Hans, the 13th prince, was not participating in the discussion. He was sitting in the back of the room, his Auburn hair messy, and his bright blue eyes fixed on the floor. He was worried about his family's cruelty and the suffering of their people. As Iduna bathed and rested, she had no idea that her journey was about to intersect with that of Prince Hans, and that together, they would face challenges and adventures that would change their lives forever. The king's advisor, a thin, bespectacled man, approached King Westergaard and whispered, "Your Majesty, we've received news of a shipwreck on our shores. A woman, who claims to be named Iduna, has been found and brought to the castle." King Westergaard's expression changed from one of boredom to interest, "Bring her to me," he said, his voice firm and commanding. Iduna's journey was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would lead her to the Southern Isles, and to a new understanding of herself and her place in the world. And as she emerged from her bath, she had no idea that she would soon be drawn into the intrigue and politics of the royal court, and that her motherly love and experience would be crucial in helping Prince Hans navigate the complexities of his family's cruelty.