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

The grand hall of King Westergaard's castle was a sight to behold, with its high ceilings, stone walls, and large windows that let in a flood of light. Iduna, still recovering from her ordeal, was wheeled into the hall in a chair, her brown hair done up in a low braided bun. She was dressed in a simple but elegant gown, and her eyes were fixed on the king, who sat on his throne, surrounded by his courtiers. King Westergaard was a tall, imposing figure, with a thick beard and a stern expression. He looked at Iduna with a calculating gaze, as if sizing her up. "So, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you alive. I had given you up for dead." Iduna nodded, her voice still hoarse from her ordeal. "I was lucky, Your Majesty," she said. "I washed up on the shore, and the locals found me." The king nodded, his eyes narrowing. "I see. Well, you're safe now. And I'm willing to help you, if I can." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said. "I appreciate your kindness." As the king spoke, Iduna noticed his sons, who were standing off to the side, watching her. There was Caleb, the crown prince, who looked like a younger version of his father. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a haughty expression on his face. Rudi and Runo, the twins, were also present, their faces cruel and mocking. And then there was Lars, the youngest, who looked like a gentle soul. The king gestured to his sons. "This is my family, Queen Iduna," he said. "Caleb, my heir, and Rudi, Runo, and Lars, my younger sons." Iduna nodded, trying to remember their faces. She noticed that Hans, the youngest son, was not present. "And where is Hans?" she asked. The king's expression turned cold. "Hans is...indisposed," he said. "He's not feeling well." Iduna raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to the story. But she didn't press the issue, not yet. As the meeting drew to a close, Iduna noticed a young man watching her from across the room. He had auburn hair and a look of sadness in his eyes. She sensed that he was Hans, and she felt a pang of curiosity. The king stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "I'll let you rest, Queen Iduna," he said. "But know that you're not a prisoner here. You're a guest, and you'll be treated as such." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She was grateful to be alive, and she was determined to make the most of her situation. As she left the grand hall, Iduna caught a glimpse of Hans, who was watching her with a look of longing. She smiled, feeling a sense of connection to the young man. And she wondered what his story was, and how she could help him. The king's court was a complex and treacherous place, Iduna realized. But she was determined to navigate it, and to find a way back to her daughters, Elsa and Anna. She was the queen of Arendelle, and she would not give up. Elsa, her 16-year-old daughter, was back in Arendelle, struggling with her powers, which she had kept hidden since the Grand Pabbie's intervention. And Anna, her 14-year-old daughter, was unaware of Elsa's abilities, and was probably missing her sister terribly. Iduna's heart ached as she thought of her daughters, but she pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her current situation. She would find a way to get back to them, no matter what it took.