**Chapter 4: The King's Court**

The grand halls of Westgard Castle were abuzz with activity as Iduna was escorted to the throne room. The queen of Arendelle, with her brown braided hair done up in a bun, stood tall despite the fatigue etched on her face. King Westergaard, a stout man with a thick beard, sat on his throne, his piercing blue eyes scrutinizing Iduna. As she entered the throne room, Iduna was immediately struck by the opulence that surrounded her. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate stone carvings, seemed to stretch up to the heavens. The walls, lined with large windows, allowed shafts of sunlight to illuminate the room, casting a warm glow over the assembled courtiers. The king's family was gathered around him, their faces a study in contrasts. Crown Prince Caleb, a tall and arrogant young man with a cruel smile, stood by the king's side, his eyes sneering at Iduna. Prince Lars, a younger man with a kinder face, smiled at her, and Iduna sensed a glimmer of warmth behind his eyes. Prince Hans, a young man with a haunted look in his eyes, stood slightly apart from his family, his gaze fixed on the floor. King Westergaard gestured for Iduna to approach, his voice booming across the throne room. "So, you're the queen of Arendelle," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "I've heard of you. You're a long way from home, aren't you?" Iduna stood up straight, meeting the king's gaze. "I was on a diplomatic mission when my ship was wrecked," she said, her voice steady. "I didn't mean to intrude on your kingdom." The king snorted, his expression unyielding. "You're not intruding," he said. "You're a guest. For now." Iduna felt a shiver run down her spine as the king's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She knew that she was at his mercy, and that she had to tread carefully. The king gestured to a nearby servant. "See to the queen," he said. "Make sure she's comfortable and well cared for. I'll have my physician attend to her." As the servant bowed and led Iduna away, she caught a glimpse of Prince Hans's eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She wondered what his story was, and why he seemed so haunted. The servant led Iduna to a grand suite of rooms, complete with a warm bath and a soft bed. Iduna collapsed onto the bed, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. As she lay there, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was in grave danger, and that King Westergaard's help came with a steep price. She knew that she had to be careful, for in the treacherous world of King Westergaard's court, nothing was as it seemed. The door to her suite opened, and a young woman with a kind face entered, carrying a tray of food and drink. "Welcome, Your Majesty," she said, curtsying. "I'm Anna, one of the king's servants. I've brought you some food and drink to help you recover." Iduna smiled, feeling a glimmer of gratitude towards the young woman. "Thank you, Anna," she said. "I'm grateful for your kindness." As Anna helped Iduna eat and drink, Iduna couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would she be able to recover from her ordeal, and find a way to return to Arendelle? Or would she become embroiled in the intrigue of King Westergaard's court, and struggle to survive? Only time would tell.