Chapter 1: The Fateful Journey

The icy waves crashed against the fragile hull of the ship, threatening to consume it whole. Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, clung to the wooden railing, her eyes fixed on the horizon as she prayed for the storm to pass. She was pregnant with her second child, and the thought of putting her unborn child in harm's way filled her with a sense of dread. Her husband, King Agnarr, stood beside her, his arm wrapped around her waist as he tried to offer what little comfort he could. "Iduna, we must get you below deck," he shouted above the howling wind. "It's not safe for you to be up here." But Iduna shook her head, her brown hair, done up in a low braided bun, whipping about her face. "I won't leave your side, Agnarr. We'll face this together." Agnarr's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep concern. "Iduna, please. For our children's sake, you must go below. I'll be fine." With a reluctant nod, Iduna allowed Agnarr to escort her to the lower deck. The ship creaked and groaned, struggling to stay afloat as the storm raged on. Iduna's thoughts turned to their daughters, Elsa and Anna, who were safe back in Arendelle. Elsa, 16, with her icy powers, and Anna, 14, with her sunny disposition. Iduna's heart swelled with love for her family, and she prayed that they would all be reunited soon. As she looked around, Iduna realized that she had been so focused on her journey to Ahtohallan, to learn more about Elsa's powers, that she had not considered the risks. But now, as the ship was tossed about like a toy, she knew that she had to think of her family's safety. The ship lurched violently, throwing Iduna off balance. She cried out as she stumbled, her hand reaching out for Agnarr. But it was too late. The ship splintered apart, and Iduna felt herself tumbling through the air, the icy waters closing over her head. When she came to, Iduna was lying on a sandy beach, her head pounding and her body battered. She slowly sat up, taking stock of her surroundings. The shipwreck lay scattered along the shore, and she saw no sign of Agnarr. A wave of grief washed over her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on her own survival. As she struggled to her feet, Iduna spotted a group of people approaching her. They were dressed in the garb of the Southern Isles, and their faces were etched with curiosity. Iduna's heart sank, but she stood tall, her dignity intact. "Who are you?" one of the men asked, his voice gruff but not unkind. Iduna took a deep breath, her eyes locked onto his. "I am Iduna, Queen of Arendelle," she said, her voice steady. The man's eyes widened, and he exchanged a glance with his companions. "You are a long way from home, Your Majesty," he said, with a bow. "We will take you to our king. He will know what to do." Iduna nodded, her mind reeling with the implications of her situation. She had traveled to Ahtohallan to learn more about Elsa's powers, but now, she was a castaway in a foreign land, with no idea how she would get back to her family. But for now, she had to focus on survival, and the kindness of these strangers. As she walked with them, Iduna couldn't help but think of Elsa and Anna, and wonder what had become of them. Were they safe in Arendelle? Did they know that she was gone? Iduna's heart ached with worry, but she pushed on, determined to find a way back to her family, and to uncover the truth about Elsa's powers.