**Chapter 2: The Strangers' Shore**

The locals' rough hands lifted Iduna from the beach, and she winced as they carried her towards a nearby village. The thatched roofs of the cottages seemed to blur together as she gazed up at the strangers' faces, their features a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. She tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse from the saltwater and exhaustion. As they approached a large stone building, Iduna saw a figure standing outside, watching her. He was a tall, imposing man with a thick beard and a crown on his head. King Westergaard, the ruler of the Southern Isles, Iduna would later learn. The king's eyes narrowed as he examined Iduna, and then a look of recognition crossed his face. "By the gods," he muttered, striding forward. "You're the Queen of Arendelle." Iduna nodded, still trying to clear her head. The king's sons, a group of young men with similar features, stepped forward to surround her. There was Caleb, the crown prince, with his haughty expression; Rudi and Runo, who looked like they had just been pulled from the stables; and Lars, the youngest, with a curious gaze. The king ordered his men to take Iduna to a nearby room, where she could rest and recover. As she lay on the bed, Iduna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was alive, and that was all that mattered. Over the next few days, Iduna slowly regained her strength. She was tended to by the king's servants, who brought her food and water, and helped her with her injuries. The king himself visited her occasionally, asking her questions about Arendelle and her family. Iduna told him about Agnarr, and their journey to Ahtohallan, but she left out details about Elsa's powers. She wasn't sure she could trust King Westergaard, or his sons. As she recovered, Iduna caught glimpses of the princes, who seemed to be watching her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. She wondered what they were thinking, and what their true intentions were. One thing was certain, however: Iduna was a long way from home, and she had no idea how she would get back to Arendelle, or what the future held for her and her daughters. But for now, she was alive, and that was all that mattered. The door to her room opened, and a servant entered with a tray of food. Iduna's stomach growled as she sat up, and the servant helped her eat. As she finished, King Westergaard entered, his expression serious. "Your recovery is going well, Queen Iduna," he said. "I'm glad to see you're on the mend." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said. "I appreciate your kindness." The king nodded, and turned to leave. "I'll let you rest," he said. "But know that you're not a prisoner here. You're a guest, and you'll be treated as such." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to get back to Arendelle, and her daughters, after all.