**Chapter 4: The Kingdom of Southern Isles**

The warm sunlight streaming through the palace windows highlighted the kind faces of King Westergard and Queen Lora as they stood beside Iduna's bed. The queen's eyes, a deep shade of brown, sparkled with compassion as she smiled at Iduna. "Your Majesty, I must say, I'm honored to finally meet you," King Westergard said, his voice low and gravelly. "I've heard so much about you and your family." Iduna's gaze drifted to the king, her mind still foggy from the ordeal. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillow. "Please, don't exert yourself," Queen Lora said, gently pressing Iduna's shoulder. "You're still recovering." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards these strangers. She looked at King Westergard, and her eyes widened as recognition dawned. "You're... you're looking at me like you know me," Iduna said, her voice barely above a whisper. King Westergard nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I do, Your Majesty. I know you as Iduna, the queen of Arendelle." Iduna's eyes filled with tears as she nodded, feeling a mix of emotions: grief, sadness, and a sense of loss. King Westergard's words brought back memories of her life with Agnarr, her husband, and their daughters, Elsa and Anna. As Iduna recovered, she began to learn more about the kingdom of Southern Isles. King Westergard's rule was marked by brutal suppression of dissent, and his people lived in fear. Iduna saw the effects of the king's harsh policies firsthand, as the palace staff whispered about the latest taxes and punishments. Queen Lora, however, seemed different. She was kind and compassionate, and Iduna sensed that she was the voice of reason in the palace. The queen took Iduna on a tour of the palace, showing her the lavish decorations and the sprawling gardens. As they walked, Iduna noticed that the palace guards seemed tense and alert, as if waiting for something to happen. The queen noticed Iduna's gaze and smiled wryly. "Yes, the guards are always on edge," Queen Lora said. "The king's rule is... complicated. But I'm trying to make a difference, in my own way." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of solidarity with the queen. She knew what it was like to be trapped in a situation that seemed impossible to change. As the day drew to a close, Iduna felt exhausted but grateful for the kindness of King Westergard and Queen Lora. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. The palace staff bustled around the room, preparing a meal for Iduna. The aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making Iduna's stomach growl with hunger. "I'm sorry," Iduna said, feeling embarrassed. "I haven't eaten in days." Queen Lora smiled. "We'll get you something to eat right away, Your Majesty. You must take care of yourself." As the queen nodded to one of the servants, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she was in good hands, and that these people would help her find her way, no matter what lay ahead. In a distant part of the kingdom, Hans, Agnarr's brother, was struggling with his own family's darkness. His father, King Morissey, was a cruel ruler who taxed his people heavily and crushed any opposition. Hans's brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb (the Crown Prince), were arrogant and dislikeable. Iduna's thoughts drifted to her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and she wondered how they were faring without her. She knew that she had to find a way to return to them, but for now, she was trapped in this strange and foreign land. As the night drew to a close, Iduna felt a sense of unease. She knew that she had a long and difficult road ahead of her, but she was determined to survive and thrive, no matter what challenges lay ahead.