**Chapter 5: Recovery**

As Iduna lay in her bed, she felt a sense of unease wash over her. The shipwreck had left her battered and bruised, both physically and emotionally. She had lost Agnarr, her loving husband, and the thought of never seeing him again brought tears to her eyes. But she knew she had to be strong, for herself and for her daughters, Elsa and Anna. The physician who had tended to her wounds earlier entered the room, followed by a servant carrying a tray of food and drink. Iduna's stomach growled with hunger, and she smiled weakly as the servant set the tray down beside her. "Thank you," Iduna said, her voice still hoarse from the saltwater. The physician smiled and began to examine her wounds again. "You are making good progress, Your Majesty," he said. "The wounds are healing, and you should be able to regain your strength quickly." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She was grateful for the kindness of King Westergaard and his staff. As she ate and drank, 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." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king. As the days passed, Iduna grew stronger, and her wounds began to heal. She spent her days resting and recovering, and her nights thinking about her daughters and the life she had left behind. She wondered if Elsa and Anna were searching for her, and if they were safe. One day, as she was sitting up in bed, a servant entered with a basin of water and a stack of towels. "It's time for your sponge bath, Your Majesty," the servant said. Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She had been feeling dirty and uncomfortable for days. As the servant began to wash her, Iduna closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relaxation. The warm water and gentle touch were just what she needed. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, and for a moment, she forgot about her troubles. The servant was efficient and kind, and Iduna felt grateful for her care. As she was dried and dressed, Iduna noticed King Westergaard standing in the doorway, a look of concern on his face. "How are you feeling, Your Majesty?" he asked. Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "I am much better, thank you," she said. "I am grateful for your kindness and care." King Westergaard nodded, his expression softening. "You are welcome here, Queen Iduna," he said. "You may stay as long as you need." Iduna thanked him, feeling a sense of relief. She was safe, for now, and she would face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with her courage and her love for her daughters. As she settled back into bed, Iduna noticed a woman standing in the doorway, a look of curiosity on her face. "This is Queen Lirien, my wife," King Westergaard said. "She has come to visit you." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of politeness. She nodded at Queen Lirien, who curtsied slightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty," Iduna said. Queen Lirien smiled, her expression warm. "The pleasure is mine, Queen Iduna," she said. "I hope you are feeling better." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Queen Lirien. She was glad to have someone to talk to, and she looked forward to getting to know her better. As Queen Lirien chatted with her, Iduna felt a sense of comfort wash over her. She was not alone, and she had people who cared about her. With a newfound sense of hope, Iduna drifted off to sleep, her brown hair tied up in a coronet braid, a symbol of her strength and resilience. She knew that she would face many challenges in the days ahead, but she was ready, armed with her courage and her love for her daughters.