Chapter 3: Recovery and Protection

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." However, as Iduna began to settle into her new surroundings, she started to notice the harsh realities of life in the Southern Isles. The villagers seemed wary and afraid, and the castle's walls seemed to loom over them like a specter. Iduna's instincts told her that something was amiss, and she began to wonder if King Westergaard's rule was as just and fair as he claimed. Meanwhile, in the castle's great hall, a young prince named Hans was struggling to navigate the complexities of his family's expectations. The 13th prince of the Southern Isles, Hans was often overlooked and belittled by his brothers, Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars. While Rudi, Runo, and Caleb were cruel and heartless, Lars was kind and genuinely concerned for Hans's well-being. As Hans navigated the treacherous waters of court politics, he found himself drawn to the stories of a mysterious woman who had washed up on the shores of the Southern Isles. A woman who was rumored to be the Queen of Arendelle, and who seemed to possess a quiet strength and resilience that Hans admired. Iduna, sensing the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of the Southern Isles, began to formulate a plan to protect Hans, and perhaps, to help him claim his rightful place in the kingdom. Little did she know that their lives were about to become intertwined in ways she could never have imagined.