Chapter 3: Return to Arendelle

The journey back to the castle was a blur, as Iduna's emotions overwhelmed her. She saw her daughters, Elsa and Anna, running towards her, their faces filled with joy and concern. They were dressed in warm, winter clothing, Elsa's icy powers creating a gentle breeze that carried the sweet scent of snowflakes, while Anna's bright smile illuminated the gloomy atmosphere. Iduna's heart swelled as she hugged them tightly, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude wash over her. "Mother!" Elsa exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "We were so worried about you!" Iduna smiled, hugging her daughters tightly. "I'm okay, my dear ones," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm home, and I'm with you. That's all that matters." As they walked towards the castle, Iduna felt a sense of hope rising up within her. She knew that she would always carry Agnarr's memory with her, but she also knew that she had her daughters, and the love they shared. She would get through this, together, as a family. The castle staff and guards greeted Iduna warmly, offering condolences for her loss. Iduna thanked them, her eyes welling up with tears as she remembered Agnarr. She knew that she had to be strong for her daughters, and she took a deep breath, composing herself. As they entered the castle, Iduna was struck by the familiar sights and sounds. The warm fireplaces, the tapestries, the smell of baking bread wafting from the kitchens - it was all so comforting, so familiar. She felt a sense of peace settle over her, and she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be. Elsa and Anna chattered excitedly as they helped their mother settle into her chambers. They brought her hot tea, and soft blankets, and Iduna felt a sense of gratitude towards them. She knew that she would have to tell them about Agnarr's death, but for now, she just wanted to be with them, to hold them close and feel their love. As the day passed, Iduna began to feel more like herself. She bathed, and dressed in warm, comfortable clothes, and joined her daughters for dinner. The meal was somber, with Elsa and Anna asking questions about their father's death. Iduna told them what she could, trying to be honest and yet gentle. As the night drew to a close, Iduna hugged her daughters tightly. "I'm so grateful to be home with you both," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I know that we have a difficult road ahead of us, but I promise you, we will face it together, as a family." Elsa and Anna smiled, their eyes shining with love and support. Iduna knew that she would always carry Agnarr's memory with her, but she also knew that she had her daughters, and the love they shared. She would get through this, together, as a family. The next few days passed in a blur of tears and memories, as Iduna and her daughters mourned the loss of their beloved king. But as the days turned into a week, Iduna began to feel a sense of determination rising up within her. She would rebuild their lives, and create a new future for herself and her daughters. And as she looked at Elsa and Anna, she knew that she would always be there for them, to support and protect them, no matter what the future held. In the midst of their grief, Iduna couldn't help but think of the diplomatic visit that had taken her husband away from them. She had been so caught up in her own pain that she hadn't even noticed that one of the young princes, Hans, had been left behind in the chaos of their departure. Little did she know, Hans's own story was about to intersect with theirs in a way that would change their lives forever.