**Chapter 2: Wreckage and Rescue**

The sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach where Iduna lay. She had washed up on the shores of the southern isles, exhausted and injured from the shipwreck. As she slowly sat up, she assessed her surroundings. The beach was littered with debris from the wreck, and the sound of seagulls filled the air. Iduna's body ached all over, and her head throbbed with pain. She stumbled to her feet, using a nearby rock to steady herself. As she looked around, she spotted a group of people approaching her. They were dressed in simple but clean clothing, and their faces were etched with concern. The group drew closer, and Iduna saw that they were villagers from the southern isles. They surrounded her, speaking softly and asking if she was alright. Iduna tried to respond, but her voice was hoarse from the saltwater and exhaustion. One of the villagers, an elderly woman, gently took Iduna's arm and led her towards a nearby hut. Iduna stumbled along, her legs weak and unsteady. The woman helped her sit down on a bench, and began to tend to her wounds. As the woman worked, Iduna noticed a man watching her from the doorway of the hut. He was tall and imposing, with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. He wore a simple tunic and leggings, but there was an air of authority about him that Iduna couldn't ignore. The man stepped forward, his eyes locked on Iduna's face. "Welcome, Your Majesty," he said, his voice low and respectful. "I am King Westergaard, ruler of the southern isles. I see you have been through a terrible ordeal." Iduna's eyes widened in surprise as King Westergaard approached her. How did he know who she was? She looked down at her clothes, which were torn and salt-stained, and realized that she must have been recognizable as a member of the royal family. King Westergaard smiled kindly and took a seat beside her. "We will do everything in our power to help you recover, Your Majesty. You are safe here." As Iduna looked into his eyes, she felt a sense of gratitude and relief. She knew that she was in good hands, and that King Westergaard would do everything in his power to help her. The elderly woman finished tending to Iduna's wounds, and King Westergaard nodded to one of his guards. "Take the queen to a comfortable room, and see that she is given food and drink. We will talk more later, Your Majesty." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over her. She was grateful for the kindness of King Westergaard, and she knew that she would be safe in his care. As she was led away, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and how she would find a way to reclaim her throne and rebuild her life.