Wreckage and Rescue

Iduna's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with a blinding light that made her wince. She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her head, forcing her back onto the soft surface beneath her. She lay there for a moment, trying to gather her bearings. Where was she? The last thing she remembered was being swept overboard during the storm. As she slowly sat up, Iduna saw that she was in a warm, cozy room with white walls and a thatched roof. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the space. She was lying on a comfortable bed, covered in a soft blanket. A gentle voice spoke from beside her. "Welcome back, Your Majesty. I'm so glad you're awake." Iduna turned to see a kind-faced woman with a warm smile. "Who are you?" Iduna asked, her voice hoarse from disuse. "My name is Elara," the woman replied. "I'm one of the servants here at the castle. You were washed up on our shores, injured and half-frozen. King Westergaard ordered us to bring you to the castle so you could receive proper care." Iduna's eyes widened as she remembered her situation. She was a long way from Arendelle, and she had no idea how she was going to get back. But for now, she was at the mercy of these strangers. Elara helped Iduna drink some warm broth, which soothed her parched throat. As she sipped the liquid, Iduna noticed a commotion outside the room. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder with each passing moment. The door to the room burst open, and a tall, imposing figure strode in. Iduna's eyes widened as she took in the man's commanding presence. He had a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into her very soul. "Ah, Your Majesty," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I see you're recovering well. I'm King Westergaard, ruler of these southern isles." Iduna's eyes narrowed as she took in the king's imposing figure. There was something about him that didn't sit well with her. But for now, she was at his mercy, and she needed to tread carefully. "Thank you for taking me in, Your Majesty," Iduna said, trying to sound grateful. King Westergaard smiled, his eyes glinting with interest. "It's my pleasure, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice dripping with deference. "I've heard a great deal about you and your...unique situation." Iduna's eyes narrowed, unsure what the king meant. But she had a feeling that she was in for a surprise, and that her journey to Ahtohallan was far from over. As King Westergaard continued to speak, Iduna couldn't help but notice the opulence of the castle. The intricate tapestries, the polished marble floors, and the sparkling chandeliers all spoke to the king's wealth and power. But Iduna's gaze was drawn to the king's family, who stood beside him. There was Crown Prince Caleb, a tall and lean young man with a haughty expression. And then there were his brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Lars, who looked like they had been bred for trouble. Iduna's instincts told her to be wary of them. "I'm glad to be here," Iduna said, trying to sound polite. "But I must admit, I'm a bit concerned about my situation. How did I end up here?" King Westergaard's smile grew wider. "You were washed up on our shores, injured and half-frozen," he repeated. "But don't worry, we'll take good care of you. You're safe here." Iduna's eyes locked onto the king's, searching for any sign of deception. But all she saw was a calculating gaze, one that seemed to be weighing her options. As the king continued to speak, Iduna's mind wandered to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. Were they safe? Were they thinking of her? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her current situation. For now, she was at the mercy of King Westergaard, and she needed to tread carefully. But Iduna was not one to back down from a challenge. She would find a way to navigate this new situation, no matter what it took.