**Chapter 4: Recovering**

Part 4

The warm sunlight streaming through the windows of King Westergaard's hut was a gentle caress on Iduna's skin, a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. She lay on the soft bed, her body weary from the ordeal of the shipwreck, her mind still reeling from the loss of her husband, Agnarr. The thatched roof above her seemed to whisper secrets, as the palm trees swayed gently in the breeze outside. The sound of seagulls crying overhead was a melancholy reminder of her isolation, a poignant echo of the life she had left behind. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna's thoughts were a jumbled mix of memories and emotions. She remembered the stormy night, the sound of the waves crashing against the ship, and Agnarr's voice, hoarse from shouting orders. She recalled the feeling of being torn from the rail, her body tumbling through the air, and the world going dark. The pain in her head and side was a constant reminder of her ordeal, a nagging ache that she couldn't shake. But as she slept, Iduna's body began to heal. The warm food and drink provided by King Westergaard's servants helped to nourish her, and the gentle care of the king's people soothed her wounds. She began to feel stronger, her energy returning, and her mind clearing. As she opened her eyes, Iduna saw King Westergaard standing beside her bed, a concerned expression on his face. "How are you, Queen Iduna?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Iduna tried to respond, but her voice was still hoarse from the saltwater. She nodded, her eyes fixed on the king, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll have my servants bring you some water," he said. "You must be thirsty." As the king left, Iduna's gaze drifted around the hut. The thatched roof and the palm trees outside created a sense of peace, a feeling of tranquility that she hadn't experienced in days. The warm sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to infuse her with a sense of hope, a glimmer of light in the darkness. The next few days passed in a blur, as Iduna slept and recovered. King Westergaard visited her often, bringing her food and drink, and talking to her about his kingdom and his people. Iduna listened intently, her mind absorbing the information, and her heart aching with worry. She knew that she had to make a decision about her future, but for now, she was content to rest, and to let the king's people care for her. As she recovered, Iduna's thoughts turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. She wondered if they had survived the shipwreck, and if she would ever see them again. The thought of being separated from them was unbearable, and Iduna felt a pang of sadness. But she pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her recovery, and the kindness of King Westergaard and his people. One day, as she was sitting up in bed, Iduna saw a group of people approaching the hut. They were dressed in simple, practical clothing, and their faces were etched with curiosity. Iduna's heart skipped a beat, as she wondered if they might be from Arendelle, or if they had news of her daughters. But as they drew closer, Iduna saw that they were just villagers, come to visit the queen. They bowed and curtsied, their eyes fixed on her with a mixture of curiosity and respect. Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards these strangers, who had taken her in and cared for her. As the villagers left, King Westergaard returned, a smile on his face. "I'm glad to see you're recovering, Queen Iduna," he said. "You're going to need your strength, for what lies ahead." Iduna's eyes narrowed, as she wondered what the king meant. But for now, she was content to rest, and to let the king's people care for her. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was determined to survive, and to find out what had happened to her family.