**Chapter 4: The Queen's Summons**

Queen Iduna's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in a cozy, well-lit chamber. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the room. She was lying in a comfortable bed, surrounded by soft blankets and plush pillows. Gudrun, the stout woman who had tended to her wounds, was sitting beside her, watching her with a gentle smile. "Ah, Queen Iduna, you're awake," Gudrun said, her voice soft and soothing. "Our queen, Maren, has been waiting to meet you. She's been informed of your arrival and is eager to speak with you." Iduna tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to lie back down. Gudrun gently pushed her back onto the pillows. "Patience, Your Majesty," Gudrun said. "You're still recovering from your ordeal. I'll summon the queen, and she can visit you here." Iduna nodded, feeling a mix of emotions: gratitude, curiosity, and a hint of wariness. She had no idea what to expect from Queen Maren or the Southern Isles. A few moments later, the door to the chamber opened, and a statuesque woman with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes entered. She was dressed in a elegant gown, adorned with intricate patterns and sparkling jewels. "Queen Iduna, it's an honor to meet you," Queen Maren said, her voice warm and regal. "I've heard so much about you. I'm Maren, the queen of the Southern Isles." Iduna struggled to sit up again, and this time, Queen Maren gestured to Gudrun, who helped her propped up with pillows. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," Iduna said, her voice still hoarse but growing stronger. "I must thank you for taking me in and providing for my care." Queen Maren smiled and took a seat beside Iduna's bed. "You're welcome, Queen Iduna. We don't often receive visitors from... Arendelle, is it?" Iduna nodded, and Queen Maren's eyes lit up with interest. "I've heard rumors of your... unique situation," Queen Maren said, her voice measured. "Elsa's powers, the eternal winter... I must admit, I'm intrigued." Iduna's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure how much to reveal. But there was something about Queen Maren that put her at ease. "It's a complicated story, Your Majesty," Iduna said. "But I'm sure it's not relevant to your kingdom or your concerns." Queen Maren leaned forward, her eyes locked on Iduna's. "On the contrary, Queen Iduna," she said. "I think it's very relevant. You see, we have our own... issues here in the Southern Isles. A ruler who's more concerned with maintaining power than the welfare of his people." Iduna's eyes widened, sensing a connection between Queen Maren's words and her own experiences. "I think we have much to discuss, Queen Iduna," Queen Maren said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "And I'm glad you're here to share your story with me." As they spoke, Iduna learned that Queen Maren was a just and fair ruler, loved by her people, but struggling to maintain her power in the face of her husband's cruelty. King Harlos, the ruler of the Southern Isles, was a brutal man who taxed his people heavily and crushed any dissent. Iduna also learned that Queen Maren had a son named Hans, who was kind and gentle, but often at odds with his family's cruel ways. His brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, were spoiled and cruel, and Iduna sensed that Hans was in danger. As Queen Maren departed, Iduna felt a sense of hope rising within her. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had found a new ally, a new home, and a chance to make a difference. Gudrun entered the room again, bearing a tray with a steaming cup of tea. "Drink this, Your Majesty," Gudrun said. "It will help you recover." Iduna sipped the tea, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Gudrun and Queen Maren. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and the desperation that had driven her to seek out Ahtohallan's secrets. She knew that she had to find a way to protect Hans, and to help Queen Maren bring about change in the Southern Isles. The next morning, Iduna was feeling much better. She was dressed in a simple but elegant gown, and her hair was styled in the same fashion as her Arendelle flashbacks. Gudrun led her to the palace, where Queen Maren was waiting for her. Iduna was introduced to King Westergaard, Queen Maren's husband, who recognized her as the Queen of Arendelle. Iduna's story was beginning to unfold, and she knew that she had found a new home, at least for now. She was determined to make the most of it, and to help those in need.