**Chapter 4: Washing Up on the Shores of the Southern Isles**

Queen Iduna slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was in a large, dimly lit chamber with stone walls and a high, vaulted ceiling. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the room. She was lying in a large, ornate bed, surrounded by plush curtains and soft, white linens. As she struggled to sit up, a gentle voice spoke to her. "Ah, Your Majesty, please don't exert yourself. You've been through a terrible ordeal." The kindly old woman from her previous memories stood beside her, holding a tray with a steaming cup of tea. Iduna's mind was still foggy, but she recalled her journey and the shipwreck. She tried to remember what had happened to her, but her memories were hazy. She looked down at her body, taking in the various bruises and scrapes that covered her skin. The old woman, whose name was Gudrun, helped Iduna drink the tea, which was sweet and soothing. As she sipped the liquid, Iduna began to feel a little more awake and alert. She looked around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Gudrun noticed her interest and began to explain. "This is the castle of King Westergaard, ruler of the Southern Isles. You were washed up on our shores, injured and half-drowned. We've been taking care of you since you arrived." Iduna's eyes widened as she processed this information. She had no idea where the Southern Isles were, or what King Westergaard was like. She hoped that he was a kind and just ruler, and that he would be able to help her find a way back to her daughters. As she finished the tea, Gudrun helped Iduna out of bed and led her to a large, ornate mirror. Iduna gazed at her reflection, taking in the sight of her disheveled brown hair and bruised skin. She looked like she had been through a war. Gudrun handed her a comb and a basin of water. "You should try to clean up, Your Majesty. King Westergaard will want to see you as soon as possible." Iduna nodded, taking the comb and basin from Gudrun. She began to wash her face and comb her hair, trying to make herself look presentable. As she worked, she couldn't help but think about her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and how much she missed them. When she finished, Gudrun led her to a large, ornate throne room. King Westergaard sat on a throne-like chair, his eyes fixed intently on Iduna as she entered. He was a rugged, imposing man with a stern expression. "Ah, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I've heard a great deal about you. I'm afraid I didn't expect you to arrive in such... distress." Iduna curtsied, trying to show respect despite her weariness. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said. "I'm grateful for your hospitality." King Westergaard nodded, his expression softening slightly. "You're welcome, Queen Iduna. I must say, I'm intrigued by your story. I didn't think it was possible for someone to survive a shipwreck and wash up on our shores." Iduna smiled wryly. "I'm a bit of a survivor, Your Majesty," she said. "But I'm afraid I have no idea how I ended up here, or how to get back to my daughters." King Westergaard leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. "I think we can help you with that, Queen Iduna," he said. "But first, I need to know more about you and your... remarkable daughters." As Iduna began to tell her story, King Westergaard listened intently, his expression growing more and more thoughtful. Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she spoke, but she tried to be honest and open with the king. When she finished, King Westergaard nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he said. "I think we can help you, Queen Iduna. But first, I need to introduce you to my family." Iduna's heart skipped a beat as she followed King Westergaard out of the throne room. She had a feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine. As they walked, King Westergaard told her about his sons, including Caleb, the crown prince, and his younger brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Hans. Iduna listened intently, trying to get a sense of the family dynamics. When they arrived at the grand hall, Iduna saw the princes gathered around a large table. They were all rough-looking young men, with rugged features and piercing eyes. Iduna's heart sank as she saw the way they looked at her, with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. King Westergaard introduced her to the princes, and Iduna tried to make a good impression. But as she looked around the table, she saw one young man who seemed different from the others. Hans, the youngest prince, looked kind and gentle, with a warm smile and compassionate eyes. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she felt a sense of connection. She knew that she had to get to know him better, and find out what was wrong with his family. Just then, a woman entered the room, her expression cold and calculating. "Ah, Mother," King Westergaard said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I see you've arrived. I was just introducing Queen Iduna to our sons." The woman's eyes narrowed as she looked at Iduna. "Ah, the shipwrecked queen," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I see you're recovering nicely." Iduna felt a surge of anger at the woman's tone, but she kept her cool. "Thank you," she said, her voice polite. The woman turned to King Westergaard. "I need to speak with you, dear. There's a matter of great importance that requires your attention." King Westergaard raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be, dear?" The woman smiled sweetly. "A political event that I need to attend with you. But I'm afraid Hans won't be able to accompany us. He's been... misbehaving." Iduna's eyes narrowed as she sensed something was off. She glanced at Hans, who looked down at his feet, his expression miserable. "I see," King Westergaard said, his voice cold. "And what exactly has Hans done to warrant being left behind?" The woman's expression turned icy. "He's just been a bit... disobedient. I think he needs to learn a lesson." Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she knew she had to intervene. She glanced at Gudrun, who nodded almost imperceptibly. "I think I can help with that," Iduna said, her voice calm. "May I speak with Hans for a moment?" The woman raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it couldn't hurt." As Iduna followed Hans out of the room, she knew that she had to act quickly to protect him from his family's cruelty. And she was determined to do just that, no matter what it took. They arrived at a quiet room, and Iduna gently asked Hans what had happened. Hans looked down at his feet, his expression miserable. "I didn't do anything, Your Majesty," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My brothers just... they don't like me, I think." Iduna's heart went out to him, and she knew she had to act quickly. She gently took Hans's hand and led him to a nearby bath, where she began to prepare a sponge bath for him. As she gently washed his wounds, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of outrage at the way Hans had been treated. She knew that she had to protect him, and she was determined to do just that. The warm water and gentle soap seemed to ease Hans's tension, and he began to open up to Iduna about his family. Iduna listened intently, her heart going out to the young prince. As she finished the sponge bath, Iduna smiled warmly at Hans. "You're safe now, Hans," she said. "I'll do everything in my power to protect you." Hans looked up at her, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Iduna smiled, her heart full of compassion for the young prince. She knew that she had to protect him, and she was determined to do just that. Rudi and Runo had beaten Hans at their mother’s request because she needed to attend a political event with their father and Hans had gotten into a fight with a stable boy, and they decided he needed to be punished.