Chapter 3: Recovery and Revelation

Iduna's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the warm glow of candlelight. She was lying in a large bed, surrounded by intricately carved wooden panels and plush fabrics. A gentle voice spoke beside her, "Welcome back, Your Majesty. You've been asleep for a while." Iduna turned her head, trying to clear the fog from her mind. A kind-faced woman with a warm smile sat beside her. "Who...who are you?" Iduna asked, her voice hoarse from disuse. "I'm Queen Alice, wife of King Westergaard," the woman replied. "We found you washed up on our shores, injured and alone. Our people brought you here to recover." Iduna's memories began to return, and she sat up with a start. "Agnarr...my husband...where is he?" she asked, her voice trembling. Queen Alice's expression turned somber. "I'm afraid we didn't find anyone else with you, Your Majesty. The shipwreck was scattered along the shore, but we only found you." Iduna felt a pang of grief, but she pushed it aside, focusing on her surroundings. She was in a grand bedchamber, with large windows that let in the sunlight. The room was decorated with fine furnishings and tapestries, a testament to the wealth of the Southern Isles. As she looked around, Iduna spotted a door that led to a bathing chamber. She saw a large basin filled with warm water, and a stack of towels beside it. A few days prior, Iduna had been given a gentle sponge bath by one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. She remembered the feeling of the warm water and the soft cloth as it was wrung out and wiped across her skin, cleansing her wounds. The memory brought a sense of calm to her. Queen Alice noticed Iduna's gaze and smiled. "You've been a bit battered, I'm afraid. Our healers have been tending to your wounds. You've been given a sponge bath, and your wounds have been dressed." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the queen. She was grateful for the care she had received, and the kindness of the people in the Southern Isles. Just then, a young man entered the room. He was tall and lean, with auburn hair and a kind face. "Mother, who's this?" he asked, looking at Iduna with curiosity. "This is Iduna, Queen of Arendelle," Queen Alice replied. "She's been through a terrible ordeal. Iduna, this is Hans, our youngest son." Iduna smiled weakly at Hans, who bowed low over her hand. As he did, Iduna noticed a group of older men standing in the doorway. They were all tall and imposing, with similar features to Hans. "And who are these?" Iduna asked, nodding towards the men. "These are my sons," Queen Alice replied. "Rudi, Runo, Caleb, and Lars. They're all princes of the Southern Isles." Iduna's eyes widened as she took in the scene. She had so many questions, but for now, she was grateful for the kindness of these strangers. As the days passed, Iduna grew stronger, and she began to learn more about the Southern Isles and its people. She also learned about Hans' family, and the harsh realities of their rule. Iduna realized that she had a lot to learn, and that her journey was far from over. But for now, she was grateful for the shelter and the care she had received. She was determined to find a way back to her family, and to uncover the truth about Elsa's powers. And as she looked at Hans, she saw a glimmer of hope that she might find an ally in this strange and foreign land. The queen's expression turned serious, and she placed a hand on Iduna's arm. "There's something you should know, Iduna. We believe you may be the only survivor of the shipwreck. We've searched the shores, but found no one else." Iduna's heart sank, and she felt a wave of grief wash over her. She had been holding onto the hope that Agnar and the others might have survived, but it seemed that was not the case. The queen's voice brought her back to the present. "But we're glad you're here with us, Iduna. We'll do everything we can to help you recover and find a way back to your family." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the queen and her family. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but for now, she was grateful for the kindness and shelter of the Southern Isles.