Chapter 3: A Royal Reception

The next morning, King Westergaard, accompanied by his sons, Crown Prince Caleb, Prince Rudi, Prince Runo, and Prince Lars, visited Iduna in the castle infirmary. The cold stone corridors echoed with the sound of their footsteps, and the flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the walls. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, lay in bed, her eyes fixed on the group as they entered. King Westergaard's expression was stern, but his eyes betrayed a hint of curiosity. "So, you are Queen Iduna of Arendelle," he said, his voice firm. "I must admit, I did not expect to find you on my shores." Iduna nodded, her voice still hoarse from the saltwater. "I was traveling with my daughters, Elsa and Anna, when the storm hit. I was washed overboard, and...and I don't know what happened to them." The king's expression softened, and he nodded. "We'll do our best to find out. In the meantime, you'll stay here, in my castle, until you're well enough to return home." Crown Prince Caleb, a tall, lean young man with a haughty expression, stepped forward. "And what makes you think she's telling the truth, Father?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. King Westergaard's eyes narrowed. "Enough, Caleb. The queen's identity is not in question. She is a guest in our castle, and she will be treated as such." Prince Rudi and Prince Runo, the king's younger sons, snickered and whispered to each other, their eyes fixed on Iduna's disheveled appearance. Prince Lars, however, looked at her with a hint of kindness, and Iduna noticed. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice sincere. "I am grateful for your hospitality." The king nodded, his expression stern once more. "You'll be given food, shelter, and medical attention. In return, I expect you to rest and recover. We'll talk more when you're feeling better." As the group turned to leave, Prince Lars lingered behind. "I'll make sure you're taken care of, Your Majesty," he said, his voice low. "My father's...prickly demeanor notwithstanding." Iduna smiled, a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Prince Lars. I appreciate your kindness." The group left, leaving Iduna to rest and recover. She closed her eyes, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the cold, harsh exterior of King Westergaard and his family, she sensed that there was more to them than met the eye. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna's mind turned to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. Where were they? Were they safe? She hoped that they would be found soon, and that they would be reunited. The sound of footsteps outside her room broke the silence. Iduna opened her eyes to find a servant, a kind-faced woman with a tray of food, standing in the doorway. "Your Majesty," the woman said, curtsying. "I brought you some food and drink. The king ordered it." Iduna nodded, her stomach growling with hunger. She sat up, and the woman helped her eat, chatting softly as she did. As Iduna ate, she noticed a portrait on the wall, of the Westergaard family. King Westergaard stood tall, his expression stern, while Crown Prince Caleb looked ambitious and power-hungry. Prince Rudi and Prince Runo were depicted as spoiled and cruel, while Prince Lars looked kind and gentle. Iduna's thoughts turned to the Westergaard family, and their dynamics. She sensed that there was more to them than met the eye, and that Prince Lars was different from his family. The servant finished cleaning up, and Iduna lay back, feeling grateful for the small comforts in this strange, new place. She closed her eyes, her mind still racing with thoughts of her daughters, and the Westergaard family. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna felt a sense of hope, that she would find her daughters, and that she would be able to protect them, no matter what lay ahead.