**Chapter 2: Wreckage and Rescue**

The stormy seas that had tossed the small ship about like a toy had finally subsided, leaving behind a trail of destruction and debris. Iduna, Queen of Arendelle, slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was lying on a soft, feathered bed in a cozy chamber, surrounded by warm, golden light that streamed through the windows. The gentle hum of conversation and the soft clinking of dishes from outside the room created a soothing melody that calmed her frazzled nerves. As she sat up, a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to lie back down. She remembered the storm, the ship, and Agnarr. Her husband, King Agnarr, who had been by her side when the ship went down. A pang of grief and loss struck her heart, and she felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. The door to the chamber opened, and a kind-faced woman with long, curly brown hair and warm, hazel eyes entered with a tray of steaming food and drink. "Welcome, Queen Iduna," she said, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "I'm Queen Ravena, ruler of the Southern Isles. We found you on the beach, half-dead. You've been asleep for hours." Iduna nodded, trying to clear the fog from her mind. She took a sip of the warm, spiced tea that Queen Ravena offered her, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger. As she ate and drank, Iduna told Queen Ravena about the storm and the shipwreck, leaving out no details. Queen Ravena listened attentively, her expression growing more somber with each passing moment. When Iduna finished, Queen Ravena placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Queen Iduna. Losing one's loved one is never easy. But you're safe now. My people found you and brought you to our palace. You'll stay here as long as you need." As they spoke, Iduna noticed a group of people gathered outside the chamber, their faces curious and concerned. One of them, a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her, caught her eye. He was dressed in formal attire, and his demeanor seemed to command respect. Iduna felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, but she couldn't quite place why. "Who is that?" Iduna asked Queen Ravena, nodding towards the man. "That's my son, King Westergard," Queen Ravena replied, her expression turning serious. "He's...not always the most welcoming person, but he's a just ruler. I'll send him in to meet you soon." As Queen Ravena left the chamber, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. Who was this King Westergard, and what would he want from her? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her own recovery and the memories of her journey so far. The sound of footsteps outside the room signaled the arrival of King Westergard. Iduna steeled herself, preparing for their meeting. The door opened, and King Westergard entered, his eyes locked on hers. Iduna felt a jolt of recognition, as if she had seen him before, but she couldn't quite place him. "Your Majesty," Iduna said, trying to sound regal despite her fatigue. King Westergard nodded curtly, his eyes scanning her face. "Queen Iduna. I've heard a lot about you." Iduna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what have you heard?" King Westergard's expression turned thoughtful. "I've heard that you're the Queen of Arendelle. I've also heard that you were traveling to Ahtohallan with your husband when their ship went down." Iduna's eyes widened in surprise. How did he know? She nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. "That's true." King Westergard's eyes narrowed. "I see. Well, Queen Iduna, you're welcome to stay in our palace as long as you need. We'll do our best to help you recover and...figure out your next steps." Iduna nodded, grateful for his offer. As King Westergard turned to leave, Iduna caught a glimpse of a young man lurking in the shadows outside the room. He looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place him. "Who is that?" Iduna asked King Westergard, nodding towards the young man. "That's my brother, Hans," King Westergard replied, his expression turning serious. "He's...had a rough time lately. But I'm sure he'll be fine." Iduna's eyes lingered on Hans, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. She sensed that he was troubled, and she wondered what his story was. As King Westergard left the chamber, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about the royal family of the Southern Isles and their complicated lives. Little did she know that she was about to become entangled in their affairs, and that her presence would change everything.