Chapter 5: Recovery Begins

The warm sunlight streaming through the window was a welcome respite from the darkness that had consumed Iduna's world since the shipwreck. As she slowly sat up in bed, the softness of the blankets and the gentle rustle of the curtains soothed her frazzled nerves. King Westergaard's castle was a far cry from the icy fjords of Arendelle, but the kindness of its ruler and his staff had made Iduna feel at ease. A gentle knock at the door broke the silence, and a soft voice called out, "Your Majesty, may I come in?" Iduna nodded, and a young servant girl entered with a tray laden with steaming food and a flask of hot tea. The aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted up, making Iduna's stomach growl with hunger. "Good morning, Your Majesty," the servant girl said, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "I'm Helga, and I'll be taking care of you while you're here in the castle." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this kind stranger. As Helga helped her eat and drink, Iduna couldn't help but think of Elsa and Anna. She wondered how they were doing, and if they were safe. She knew she had to find a way to get back to them, but for now, she was at the mercy of King Westergaard and his people. The food was warm and nourishing, and Iduna felt a sense of strength returning to her body. As she finished her meal, King Westergaard himself entered the room, accompanied by his son Lars. "Your Majesty," King Westergaard said, his voice warm and concerned. "I see you're feeling a bit better today. That's good news indeed." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I've come to check on your progress," King Westergaard continued. "My physician has been attending to your wounds, and I'm told you're recovering nicely." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king and his staff. As King Westergaard spoke, Lars hovered in the background, his eyes fixed on Iduna's face. There was something about him that put Iduna at ease, and she found herself smiling at him. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Iduna said, her voice sincere. "I've been well cared for here in the castle. I appreciate your kindness." King Westergaard nodded, his expression somber. "We'll do everything we can to help you, Queen Iduna," he said. "You are welcome to stay here as long as you need." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. As King Westergaard and Lars left the room, Iduna felt a sense of hope that she had not felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to get back to her daughters, and to reclaim her rightful place as the Queen of Arendelle. The rest of the day passed slowly, as Iduna rested and recovered. She thought about her daughters, and wondered what they were doing. She thought about Agnarr, and the pain of his loss still lingered. But as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the castle, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She was safe, and she was cared for. And for now, that was all that mattered. As the darkness gathered outside, Iduna closed her eyes, feeling the softness of the blankets and the warmth of the tea still lingering in her body. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for now, she was exactly where she needed to be. The hours ticked by, and Iduna drifted in and out of sleep, her dreams filled with visions of Elsa and Anna, and the icy fjords of Arendelle. She knew that she would get back to them, and that she would reclaim her rightful place as their queen. And as the night wore on, Iduna felt a sense of determination growing within her. She would not give up, and she would not lose hope. She would rise again, stronger and more resilient than ever before. The darkness outside receded, and the first light of dawn crept into the room. Iduna opened her eyes, feeling refreshed and renewed. She knew that a new day had begun, and that she would face it with courage and determination. As she sat up in bed, Iduna felt a sense of purpose growing within her. She would recover, and she would find a way to get back to Elsa and Anna. And she would do it all on her own terms, as the Queen of Arendelle.