**Chapter 4: The Royal Court**

As Iduna entered the grand throne room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The high ceiling and stone walls seemed to close in around her, making her feel small and vulnerable. The room was filled with the faint scent of woodsmoke and the soft murmur of conversation. Iduna's eyes scanned the room, taking in the imposing figure of King Westergaard sitting on his throne. He was a tall, muscular man with a stern expression, his piercing blue eyes cold and calculating. Iduna's gaze was drawn to the king's family, who stood beside him. There was Crown Prince Caleb, a tall, arrogant young man with a sneer on his face, his eyes gleaming with disdain. And then there was Queen Maren, a kind-faced woman with a gentle expression, her eyes soft and warm. Iduna also caught sight of Prince Lars, a charming young man with a wary expression, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her. The servant led Iduna before the throne, where King Westergaard sat, his eyes fixed on her. Iduna's heart skipped a beat as she took in the king's imposing presence. She stood tall, despite her weakness, and greeted the king. "Ah, welcome," King Westergaard said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've been expecting you. You are...?" Iduna stood tall, her voice steady. "I am Iduna, Queen of Arendelle," she said, her brown braided hair, done up in a bun, a testament to her dignity. King Westergaard's eyes narrowed, his expression calculating. "Ah, Queen Iduna," he said. "I've heard a lot about you. Please, come closer. We have much to discuss." As Iduna approached the throne, Queen Maren took a step forward, a look of concern on her face. "Welcome, Queen Iduna," she said, her voice warm. "We don't often receive visitors of your... stature. I trust you are feeling better?" Iduna smiled, grateful for the queen's kindness. "Yes, thank you," she said. "I am feeling a bit better. But I am still a bit... uncertain." King Westergaard snorted, his expression dismissive. "Uncertain? Ah, yes. I'm sure you are. Well, we will do our best to... enlighten you." Iduna's eyes narrowed, sensing the king's hostility. But she stood tall, her head held high, as she replied, "I would be grateful for any information you can provide." The king's expression turned cold, and he nodded to one of his guards. "Show Queen Iduna to her quarters," he said. "She must be tired from her journey. We will speak again soon." As Iduna was led out of the throne room, she caught sight of Prince Lars watching her with a curious expression. She smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had found an ally in this strange and unfamiliar place. The guard led Iduna to a small but comfortable room, with a warm fire burning in the hearth. Iduna collapsed onto the bed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, for now. But she knew that she had to be careful, for in this castle, nothing was as it seemed. As she lay on the bed, Iduna couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around the room, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Shrugging, she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the fire lull her into a restless sleep. The next morning, Iduna woke feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. She dressed quickly and made her way to the castle dining hall, where she hoped to find some breakfast. As she entered the hall, she saw the Westergaard family already seated at the table. King Westergaard, a stern expression on his face, looked up as Iduna entered. "Ah, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice cold. "I trust you slept well?" Iduna smiled, taking a seat at the table. "Yes, thank you," she said. "I did." The conversation was stilted, with King Westergaard dominating the conversation. Iduna listened intently, trying to learn more about the king and his court. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking on thin ice, and that one misstep could lead to disaster. As they finished breakfast, Queen Maren turned to Iduna and said, "I'm glad you're feeling better, Queen Iduna. I was thinking, perhaps we could discuss the... arrangements for your stay here at the castle." Iduna nodded, sensing that there was more to the queen's words than met the eye. "I would be grateful for any information you can provide," she said. The queen smiled, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "I'll send for you later," she said. "We can discuss the details then." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. She had a feeling that her stay at Westergaard Castle was going to be much more complicated than she had initially thought.