**Chapter 4: The Queen's Identity Revealed**

As Iduna sat up, taking stock of her surroundings, she noticed the castle's stone walls, adorned with intricate carvings of the royal family's crest. The Southern Isles' emblem, a golden crown on a blue background, seemed to gleam in the sunlight, a symbol of the power and prestige that lay within. The physician who had tended to her wounds earlier entered the room, followed by a tall, imposing figure with a commanding presence. King Westergaard's piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into Iduna's very soul as he approached her. The king's rugged features and sharp jawline spoke of a man who was not afraid to make difficult decisions. His dark hair, flecked with grey, was a testament to his age and experience. Iduna felt a shiver run down her spine as he looked at her, but she stood tall, despite her exhaustion. The physician bowed slightly, announcing, "Your Majesty, this woman was washed up on the beach after a shipwreck. She appears to be of noble birth." King Westergaard's gaze lingered on Iduna, and she felt a sense of unease. What did he want from her? And what would happen to her now? The king's eyes seemed to hold a hint of curiosity, and Iduna wondered if he could see the pain and grief etched on her face. She took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts, and began to speak. "I...I'm Iduna," she said, her voice still hoarse from the saltwater. "I was traveling to Ahtohallan, seeking to understand my daughter's powers." King Westergaard's expression changed from curiosity to surprise, and Iduna sensed a spark of recognition. "Ah, I think I know who you might be," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "You are the Queen of Arendelle, mother of Elsa and Anna." Iduna nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She was relieved that her identity was known, but also worried about the implications. King Westergaard nodded, his expression softening. "You are welcome here, Queen Iduna. You may stay in my castle, and receive medical attention as needed." Iduna thanked him, feeling a sense of gratitude. As she looked around the room, she noticed a painting on the wall, depicting the royal family of the Southern Isles. The crown prince, Caleb, and his brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Lars, were shown standing proudly beside their parents, King Westergaard and Queen Lirien. Iduna's gaze lingered on the painting, and she wondered what kind of people they were. The king seemed to notice her interest, and his expression turned serious. "My family is...complicated," he said, his voice low. "But I assure you, Queen Iduna, that you are safe here." As Iduna processed this new information, she couldn't help but think of her daughters, Elsa and Anna. She wondered how they were faring, and if they were searching for her. The thought of them filled her with a sense of determination, and she knew that she would do everything in her power to protect them. The king's voice brought her back to the present, and Iduna turned to face him. "I will have my physician tend to your wounds, and provide you with any comfort you may need," he said. Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king. As the physician tended to her wounds, Iduna couldn't help but notice the king's gaze lingering on her. She wondered what he was thinking, and what his true intentions were. But for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. The sound of footsteps outside her room broke the silence, and Iduna's eyes snapped open. A gentle voice spoke, "Queen Iduna, I have brought you some food and drink. You must be famished." Iduna smiled weakly, and the servant entered with a tray, bearing a steaming bowl of soup and a cup of tea. As she ate and drank, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She was safe, for now, and she would face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with her courage and her love for her daughters. The Southern Isles, with all its mysteries and dangers, lay before her, and Iduna was ready to face them head-on.