Chapter 5: Westgard Castle

As Iduna was escorted through the grand halls of Westgard Castle, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the castle's opulence and the worn, weary faces of its inhabitants. The queen of Arendelle, with her brown braided hair done up in a bun, stood tall despite the fatigue etched on her face. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, seemed to hold a world of worry and concern, a testament to the trials she had faced in the shipwreck that had brought her to these shores. The grand halls, with their high ceilings and intricate stone carvings, seemed to stretch up to the heavens, but the atmosphere was heavy with the weight of King Westergaard's tyranny. The locals had spoken of him in hushed tones, whispering stories of his harsh rule and brutal suppression of dissent. Iduna's instincts told her to be wary, to tread carefully in this treacherous landscape. 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. But Iduna's gaze was drawn to the king, a stout man with a thick beard, who sat on his throne, his piercing blue eyes scrutinizing her. 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. Later that day, Iduna lay in her bed, her body aching from the wounds she had sustained in the shipwreck. She was startled by a commotion outside her room, followed by the sound of her door bursting open. Prince Lars rushed in, looking worried. "Your Majesty, I need to tell you something," he said, his voice low. "My brother Hans has been in trouble. Again." Iduna sat up, concerned. "What happened?" Prince Lars hesitated, glancing around the room nervously. "He stood up to my brothers, Rudi and Runo. They can be... brutal. And Caleb, well, he's not exactly kind either." Iduna's eyes widened in alarm. "Where is Hans now?" Prince Lars sighed. "In the dungeon. The king's physician is attending to him, but... well, it's not looking good." Iduna threw off her covers and got out of bed, determination burning within her. She would not let Hans suffer for standing up to his family. She would help him, no matter what it took. As she followed Prince Lars to the dungeon, Iduna steeled herself for what was to come. She knew that she would have to navigate the treacherous waters of King Westergaard's court, but she was ready. For Hans's sake, she would do whatever it took to help him. The dungeon was a cold, dark place, lit only by flickering torches. Iduna's heart sank as she saw Hans lying on a pallet, his face bruised and swollen. She rushed to his side, taking his hand in hers. "Hans, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice soft. "I had no idea." Hans's eyes flickered open, and he smiled weakly at Iduna. "It's not your fault, Your Majesty," he said. "It's just... my family's way." Iduna's grip on his hand tightened. "Not for much longer, Hans," she whispered. "I'll do everything in my power to help you." And as she looked into Hans's eyes, Iduna knew that she had found a new purpose in this strange and unforgiving land. She would help Hans, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.