**Chapter 3: The Royal Court**

The biting winds howled as Queen Iduna stood at the prow of her ship, her brown hair whipping about her face like a maddening dance of dark ribbons. Her eyes, a piercing shade of blue, gazed out at the horizon, fixed on the shimmering mist that veiled Ahtohallan, the mystical fjord she had long sought to explore. The worn leather of her gloves creaked as she gripped the wooden railing, her knuckles white with tension. For years, she had been driven by an insatiable curiosity about the ancient magic that coursed through her veins, and the secrets that lay hidden within the fjord's crystal depths. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the waves, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna, left behind in Arendelle. She wondered what they were doing at that very moment, and whether they were safe. A pang of longing pierced her heart, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. The creaking of the ship's wooden hull and the cries of the gulls overhead filled the air as she scanned the horizon for any sign of danger. The crew, seasoned sailors from Arendelle, had warned her of the treacherous waters that lay ahead, but Iduna had pressed on, driven by a sense of destiny. As night began to fall, the storm that had been brewing on the horizon closed in with a ferocity that caught even the most seasoned sailors off guard. The ship creaked and groaned under the force of the gale, and Iduna stumbled, her footing unsure on the slick deck. The waves crashed over the ship, threatening to engulf it, and Iduna felt herself torn from the rail, her body tumbling through the darkness. She remembered nothing but the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of weightlessness, as if she were flying. And then, suddenly, she was alone, her head spinning, her body battered and bruised. When she came to, Iduna found herself lying on a cold, sandy beach, her head pounding in time with the waves that lapped gently at the shore. She struggled to sit up, wincing as her muscles protested, but as she looked around, she realized that she was alone. The ship that had carried her to this place was gone, wrecked, no doubt, in the storm that had brought her here. Iduna took stock of her surroundings, her gaze drifting over the unfamiliar landscape. The Southern Isles, she would later learn, a kingdom far removed from the icy shores of Arendelle. The air was thick with the smell of salt and seaweed, and the sound of seagulls filled the air. As she struggled to her feet, a group of rough-looking men and women approached her, their faces wary, their eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" one of them growled, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Iduna stood tall, her regal bearing evident even in her battered state. "I am Queen Iduna of Arendelle," she said, her voice steady, her eyes locked on the speaker. The group exchanged uneasy glances, but one of them, a burly man with a thick beard, stepped forward. "We'll take you to see the king," he said, his tone a little softer. "He'll decide what to do with you." Iduna nodded, her heart heavy with worry, but a spark of hope flickering to life within her. She had survived the shipwreck, and now, it seemed, she would find refuge in this strange, new land. As she walked with the group, her eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the thatched roofs of the village homes, the smell of smoke and cooking meat, and the sound of children playing in the distance. They led her to a large, wooden building, adorned with intricate carvings of sea creatures and mythical beasts. Iduna's heart quickened as she entered, her eyes adjusting to the dim light within. A large, stone fireplace dominated one wall, and a throne-like chair sat at the far end of the hall. The burly man approached the throne and bowed. "Your Majesty, we have brought a visitor. A queen from a far-off land." Iduna's eyes met those of the king, and she saw kindness and curiosity there, rather than suspicion or hostility. The king rose from his throne and approached her, his eyes scanning her battered face. "Welcome, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice warm. "I am King Westergard. We will do everything in our power to help you recover from your ordeal." Iduna smiled, a sense of gratitude washing over her. She had found refuge in this strange, new land, and perhaps, just perhaps, she would find a way to uncover the secrets of Ahtohallan, and to reconnect with her daughters, Elsa and Anna. King Westergard gestured for Iduna to follow him, and she did so, her movements slow and cautious. They walked through a series of corridors, lined with tapestries and ornate furnishings, until they reached a cozy, well-lit chamber. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, and a soft, featherbed beckoned. "This is your home, for as long as you need it," King Westergard said, his eyes kind. "Rest now, and let our healers tend to your wounds. We will talk more later." Iduna nodded, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. She collapsed onto the bed, feeling a deep sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, for now, and that was all that mattered. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, and she wondered what they were doing at that very moment. She hoped they were safe, and that they would soon be reunited. The next morning, Iduna woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She was led to a grand hall, where a feast was laid out in her honor. King Westergard sat at the head of the table, a warm smile on his face. "Welcome, Queen Iduna," he said, as she took her seat. "I hope you are feeling better today." Iduna nodded, her eyes scanning the spread before her. There was roasted meat, steaming vegetables, and an assortment of sweet pastries. Her stomach growled in anticipation as she began to eat. As they dined, King Westergard asked Iduna about her journey, and how she had ended up on his shores. Iduna told him of her quest to uncover the secrets of Ahtohallan, and of the storm that had wrecked her ship. King Westergard listened intently, his eyes filled with understanding. "You are welcome to stay here, for as long as you need," he said, as the meal drew to a close. "We will help you to recover, and to find a way to reconnect with your daughters." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king. She knew that she had found a true friend in him, and that she would be safe in his kingdom. As the day drew to a close, Iduna retired to her chambers, feeling grateful for the kindness of King Westergard. She knew that she still had a long journey ahead of her, but for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. Later that day, Iduna was visited by the king's advisor, who informed her that she would be meeting the royal family of the Southern Isles soon. Iduna's heart quickened at the prospect, but she was determined to make a good impression. She spent the rest of the day preparing for the meeting, rehearsing her words and her manners. As she lay in bed that night, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and whether she would ever find a way to return to Arendelle. But for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. The Southern Isles were a far cry from the icy shores of Arendelle, and Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the unfamiliar sights and sounds. She knew that she would have to adapt quickly, if she was to survive in this new land. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, and she wondered what they were doing at that very moment. She hoped they were safe, and that they would soon be reunited. The thought gave her the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and she knew that she would do everything in her power to protect them, no matter what dangers lay ahead. The next morning, Iduna was awoken by a knock at the door. It was a servant, bearing a message from King Westergard. "His Majesty requests your presence at a meeting with the royal family," the servant said, bowing low. Iduna nodded, her heart quickening at the prospect. She knew that this meeting would be crucial, and that she would have to make a good impression. She dressed quickly, her brown hair styled in the same way she wore it in Arendelle. She had worn it in a simple, yet elegant style, with a few loose strands framing her face. As she made her way to the meeting, Iduna couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She knew that the royal family of the Southern Isles would be watching her every move, and that she would have to be on her guard at all times. But she was determined to prove herself, and to show them that she was a force to be reckoned with. And so, with a sense of purpose and determination, Iduna walked into the meeting, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. She would soon learn that the Southern Isles were a kingdom plagued by poverty, hunger, and discontent, all caused by the brutal rule of King Hans' father, King Morcant. But for now, she was focused on the task at hand, and on making a good impression on the royal family. The meeting would be a crucial one, and Iduna knew that she would have to be on her guard at all times. But she was ready, and she knew that she would face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and determination. The fate of the Southern Isles, and of her own daughters, depended on it.