Chapter 8: A New Normal

As the days passed, Iduna began to find a new normal, one that didn't include Agnarr by her side. The palace, once a symbol of joy and happiness, still felt empty and hollow, but she was slowly learning to navigate its halls without feeling overwhelmed by grief. She had started to take on her royal duties again, attending meetings and making decisions for the kingdom, and while it was all still a blur, she was determined to keep moving forward. Iduna's daughters, Elsa and Anna, were a source of comfort and strength for her. They were struggling to cope with their own loss, but they were also resilient and determined to support their mother. Elsa's powers were still unpredictable, but she was learning to control them, and Anna was finding ways to channel her emotions into creative pursuits. As Iduna walked through the palace, she noticed the small changes that had been made to accommodate her grief. The staff had brought in more flowers, and the usually somber-faced guards were now smiling, if only slightly. It was a small comfort, but it was a start. Iduna made her way to the throne room, where she was scheduled to meet with her advisors. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and doing a quick check of her appearance in the mirror. Her brown hair was done up in a coronet braid, a symbol of her strength and resilience. As she sat on the throne, Iduna felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to get through this, she was going to find a way to heal and move forward. She looked around the room, meeting the eyes of her advisors, and began to discuss the matters at hand. The meeting was long and arduous, but Iduna was focused and engaged. She asked questions, made decisions, and generally proved herself to be a capable and competent queen. As the meeting drew to a close, Iduna felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She was finding her footing, slowly but surely. After the meeting, Iduna made her way to the palace gardens, where Elsa and Anna were waiting for her. They were sitting on a bench, laughing and chatting, and Iduna's heart swelled with love and gratitude. She sat down beside them, putting her arms around them, and felt a sense of peace wash over her. As they sat there, Iduna realized that she was starting to find a new sense of purpose. She was still grieving, still missing Agnarr, but she was also finding ways to heal and move forward. She was learning to be a queen without him, to find a new normal in a world that was forever changed. The three of them sat there for a while, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company. It was a small moment, but it was a start. Iduna knew that she still had a long way to go, but for the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of hope. She was finding a new normal, one that didn't include Agnarr, but one that still allowed her to be happy, to be strong, and to be a queen. As the sun began to set, Iduna stood up, smiling, and took her daughters' hands. Together, they walked back to the palace, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The palace lights twinkled like stars in the distance, a reminder that even in darkness, there was always hope. Iduna knew that she would always carry Agnarr's memory with her, but she also knew that she had to keep moving forward, for the sake of her daughters and the kingdom. And as they walked, Iduna felt a sense of peace, a sense of new beginnings, and a sense of hope for the future.