**Chapter 7: Settling Back In**

As Iduna stepped into the palace, she felt a sense of familiarity wash over her. The grand halls, adorned with golden tapestries and sparkling chandeliers, seemed to welcome her back with open arms. The soft glow of the candles and the warm scent of the fires burning in the hearths created a cozy atmosphere, a stark contrast to the harsh conditions she had endured on the shipwreck. Elsa and Anna, still clutching her hands, led her to a warm and cozy sitting room, filled with soft blankets and a roaring fire. The room was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, and the sound of gentle music floated in from the adjacent room. Iduna's heart swelled with love and gratitude as she saw her daughters, and she knew that she would do everything in her power to protect and care for them. The palace staff bustled around them, providing them with warm blankets, steaming cups of tea, and plates of hot food. Iduna's stomach growled in response to the savory smells, and she devoured the food with a sense of ravenous hunger. The warmth of the tea seeped into her chilled bones, and she felt a small spark of gratitude towards the staff. As they ate, Elsa and Anna bombarded her with questions about her journey, their eyes wide with concern. Iduna smiled, weakly, and began to share stories of her ordeal on the shipwreck, leaving out the more gruesome details. She told them about the storm, the chaos, and the loss of their father, King Agnarr. The girls listened, entranced, their faces etched with worry and sadness. Iduna's brown hair, done up in a coronet braid, was slightly disheveled, but she didn't care. She was home, and she was at peace. She knew that she would always carry the scars of her ordeal with her, but she also knew that she would emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient, armed with the love and support of her family. As the night drew to a close, Iduna knew that she had to adjust to life in the palace with her daughters. She had to resume her royal duties, and help Elsa and Anna deal with the aftermath of their eternal winter. The kingdom was still recovering from the effects of Elsa's powers, and Iduna knew that she had to be strong for her daughters' sake. The next few days passed in a blur of activity, as Iduna settled back into her routine. She spent hours with Elsa and Anna, listening to their stories, and sharing her own. She attended meetings with the council, discussing the kingdom's progress, and making plans for the future. Grand Pabbie, wise and understanding, was always by her side, offering guidance and support. As the days turned into weeks, Iduna began to feel a sense of normalcy return to her life. She still carried the pain of Agnarr's loss with her, but she knew that she had to be strong for her daughters' sake. She was determined to help them heal, and to rebuild their lives together. The palace, once a symbol of grandeur and power, had become a sanctuary for Iduna and her daughters. It was a place of warmth, love, and comfort, where they could heal and grow together. Iduna knew that she would always cherish this moment, this feeling of being home and being at peace. She knew that she would face many challenges in the days ahead, but she was ready, armed with the love and support of her family. As she sat by the fire, surrounded by her daughters, Iduna felt a sense of hope and resilience. She knew that she would always carry the scars of her ordeal with her, but she also knew that she would emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient, armed with the love and support of her family. The darkness of the shipwreck and the loss of Agnarr would always be a part of her, but Iduna knew that she would find a way to heal, to rebuild, and to move forward, with her daughters by her side.