**Chapter 7: Grief and Adjustment**

Iduna stood in the palace gardens, her eyes fixed on the serene lake that reflected the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage. The sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze created a soothing melody that seemed to calm her frazzled nerves. Yet, despite the tranquility of her surroundings, she couldn't shake off the overwhelming grief that had been weighing her down since her return to Arendelle. As she walked through the gardens, the soft earth beneath her feet seemed to muffle her footsteps, as if trying to absorb the pain that radiated from her very being. The vibrant flowers and lush greenery seemed to mock her, their beauty a cruel reminder of the life she had left behind. Iduna's thoughts were consumed by memories of Agnarr, and the pain of his loss still felt like an open wound. Elsa and Anna, sensing their mother's distress, stayed by her side, offering what little comfort they could. They had been overjoyed to see her return, but they could see the pain etched on her face, and they knew that she needed time to heal. Elsa, in particular, seemed to understand the depth of her mother's emotions, her own experiences with isolation and fear allowing her to empathize with Iduna's pain. As they walked, Iduna noticed the way the sunlight danced through the trees, casting intricate patterns on the ground. She remembered the way Agnarr used to take her hand, and they would walk together, lost in conversation. The memory brought a lump to her throat, and she felt a wave of grief wash over her. Elsa and Anna sensed her distress and wrapped their arms around her, holding her close. The three of them stood there for a moment, holding each other tightly. Iduna felt a sense of peace settle over her, and she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be. She was with her daughters, and they were with her. As they pulled back, Iduna looked at her daughters, taking in their concerned faces. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I just miss him so much." Elsa and Anna nodded, their eyes filled with understanding. "We miss him too, Mother," Elsa said, her voice soft with compassion. "But we're here for you. We'll get through this together." Iduna smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her daughters. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for now, she was exactly where she was meant to be. She was with her daughters, and they were helping her heal. As they continued their walk, Iduna noticed the way the palace staff seemed to be watching her, their faces filled with concern. She knew that they were worried about her, and she appreciated their kindness. She smiled at them, trying to reassure them that she was okay. But as they walked, Iduna couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness that had been following her since her return. She missed Agnarr's warm smile, his strong arms, and his gentle voice. She missed the way he used to make her laugh, and the way he used to hold her hand. Iduna's brown hair, done up in a coronet braid, seemed to weigh heavily on her head, a reminder of the life she had left behind. But as she looked at her daughters, she knew that she had to keep moving forward. She had to find a way to heal, and to move on. And so, with Elsa and Anna by her side, Iduna began the long and difficult process of grieving and adjustment. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to face her pain head-on, and to find a way to heal. For herself, and for her daughters.