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

Part 4

The villagers' faces were etched with concern as they gathered around Iduna, their voices hushed in discussion. Iduna, still weak but curious, wondered what they were talking about. One of the villagers, a young woman with a kind smile, approached her. "Your Majesty, we've sent word to King Westergaard about your arrival," the woman said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and caution. "He's requested that you attend him at the palace." Iduna's heart skipped a beat. She had been so focused on her own survival that she hadn't considered the implications of being discovered by the king. What did he want from her? The villagers helped Iduna dress and prepare for her journey to the palace. As they worked, Iduna couldn't help but notice the way they seemed to be watching her, their expressions a mix of fascination and wariness. When she was ready, the villagers led her to a grand carriage, adorned with the symbol of the southern isles. Iduna climbed in, her body still sore but her mind racing with questions. The carriage ride to the palace was short, but it gave Iduna a chance to collect her thoughts. She wondered what King Westergaard wanted from her, and what he would do with the information about her identity. As they arrived at the palace, Iduna was struck by its grandeur. The building was imposing, with high walls and narrow windows that seemed to stare out like cold, unforgiving eyes. Iduna was led to a grand throne room, where King Westergaard sat on a throne-like chair, his eyes fixed on her. He was a tall, imposing man with a stern expression, and Iduna could sense the weight of his power. "So, you're the queen of Arendelle," King Westergaard said, his voice deep and commanding. "I've heard a great deal about you, Iduna. You're even more...regal than I expected." Iduna curtsied, her body still weak but her spirit unbroken. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady. "I'm surprised to be here. I was shipwrecked on the coast, and I didn't expect to be discovered so quickly." King Westergaard nodded, his expression unreadable. "You're a lucky woman, Iduna. Many people don't survive the storms that rage along our coast. I'm glad you're here, and I'm willing to offer you my hospitality." Iduna hesitated, unsure of what to make of King Westergaard's words. She sensed that there was more to him than met the eye, and she wondered what his true intentions were. "I appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty," she said finally, trying to sound gracious. "I'm grateful for your help, and I'll do my best to repay you." King Westergaard smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm sure you will, Iduna. I'm sure you will." King Westergaard rang a small bell on his desk, and a servant appeared. "See that Queen Iduna is provided with everything she needs," he said. "I want her to be comfortable here." The servant bowed and led Iduna out of the throne room. As they walked, Iduna couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. She knew that she had to be careful, and that she had to protect herself and her daughters at all costs. The servant led her to a beautiful suite of rooms, filled with comfortable furniture and warm fires. Iduna was grateful for the luxury, and she knew that she would be able to rest and recover here. As she settled in, Iduna couldn't help but think of her daughters, Elsa and Anna, back in Arendelle. She wondered if they were safe, and if they knew that she was alive. The thought of them kept her going, and she knew that she had to find a way to get back to them. For now, Iduna was content to rest and recover, surrounded by the luxury of the palace. She knew that she had a long journey ahead of her, but she was determined to find a way back to Arendelle, and to her daughters.