**Chapter 3: The King's Wrath**

The cold, grey stone walls of the throne room seemed to close in around Hans as he stood before his father, King Westergaard. The King's face was a deep shade of crimson, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at his son. The air was thick with the scent of old leather and wood polish, and the flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the walls. "Hans, you have brought shame to our family and our kingdom," King Westergaard thundered, his voice echoing off the stone walls. His massive fist came crashing down on the armrest of his throne, making Hans flinch. The sound was like a crack of thunder on a stormy night. Hans swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "I-I did what I thought was best, Father," he stammered. His eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape or a glimmer of mercy. But there was none. "Best?" King Westergaard's laughter was like a cold wind on a winter's night. "You call that a mess you created 'best'? You failed to secure the throne of Arendelle, and now you come back to us with your tail between your legs." The King's words cut deep, and Hans felt a surge of anger and resentment. But he knew better than to show it. The King's anger seemed to grow with each passing moment, his face reddening further as he berated Hans. The other members of the royal family, including Hans' brothers Lars, Rudi, and Runo, stood silently, their faces expressionless. But Hans could sense their disappointment and disdain. When King Westergaard finally finished speaking, Hans felt like he had been punched in the gut. He was exhausted and humiliated, his mind reeling with the weight of his father's wrath. The King's words had cut deep, and Hans knew that he had a long way to go to regain his family's trust. As he turned to leave, Hans caught a glimpse of Lars' concerned expression. His brother seemed to be trying to convey a message, but Hans wasn't sure what it was. All he knew was that he had to get out of there, away from his father's anger and disappointment. The door to the throne room closed behind Hans, and he felt a sense of relief wash over him. But he knew that this was only the beginning. He had to face the consequences of his actions, and he had to find a way to redeem himself in the eyes of his family and his kingdom. The palace staff seemed to regard him with a mixture of scorn and pity as he made his way back to his quarters. Hans felt a surge of anger and resentment, but he knew that he had to swallow his pride. He had to find a way to make things right, no matter what it took. As he entered his room, Hans noticed a piece of paper on his bed. It was a note from Lars, with a single sentence: "I'll send for Anna. She's the only one who can help you now." Hans' heart skipped a beat as he read the note. Anna, the sister of Elsa, the Queen of Arendelle. He had betrayed her, and yet, she was the only one who could help him now. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew that he had to face it head-on. He had to find a way to redeem himself, to make things right with Anna and the rest of his family. And he had to do it before it was too late.