CHAPTER 5: The Winter Palace

'He is dying.' – whispered Caitlin lowering her gaze to Barry who now rested unconscious on a luxurious four-poster bed inside the Winter Palace. He looked terrible. He was white as a ghost and had a faint and disordered heart rhythm caused by the cold from the freezing water of the lake.

'He wont die.' – added Lisa confident in the work of the northern healers. 'The poison that Barry inhaled from The Mist was very strong but with the antidote we gave him, he will survive. Also his flesh wounds have already been attended by the best healers, and anyways some of the wounds were almost healed, I am guessing that Prince Bartholomew has an incredible healing ability thanks to his super-speed.'

Caitlin nodded and seated in a divan next to Barry's bed, near the fireplace that was warming the Prince's room.

'I couldn't protect him.'

The Princess saw the sorrow reflect on Caitlin's face.

'Sir Kyle Nimbus was a powerful Lord of the north, it was a surprise attack and you and your companions didn't know of his abilities. Don't blame yourself.'

'I knew Barry couldn't fight him when I saw the man turn into mist, I warned him…but he is so stubborn and this time it almost got him killed. He is the crown prince of Central Kingdom, we are supposed to protect him from any harm, if he dies it's our fault and the Kingdom could easily fall in to chaos.'

'Lady Snow… –murmured Lisa. 'May I call you Caitlin?'

Caitlin nodded with a warm smile. 'Of course your Highness…'

'Please call me Lisa…' – the Princess stated kindly. 'I think Prince Bartholomew is strong and he will heal fine. And you shouldn't feel that this is your fault, we try to protect the ones we love but sometimes we can't, accidents happen and we must learn to deal with it and keep on fighting.'

'I know I am just so worried. When he fell on the cold lake after the explosion we accidentally caused and the cold started decreasing his strength and healing capabilities I thought he was going to die, and then the poison almost burned his lungs… I am just so glad that you and your brother were there to help us, we will always be indebted to both of you.'

Lisa nodded feeling a little bit guilty; she knew they could have intervened earlier in their fight and avoided the chaos, but Len wanted to see the prince's abilities at a fight.

'You don't owe us anything.'

A healer entered the room slowly, approached the bed and wiped the sweat on Barry's forehead and put a glass of ale next to the bed and offered one goblet of wine to Caitlin and one to the Princess. Caitlin refused hers, but Lisa accepted hers eagerly, after today's event she really needed a drink.

'If there is anything you need, Your Majesty, sound this bell.' – said the young healer putting also the bell in the nightstand. 'And one of us will come right away. We will be at the healing wing of the castle.'

'Thank you.' – said Lisa smiling. 'We will.'

After the healer left the room, Cisco entered quietly and was impressed to see Princess Snart in the room with Caitlin. Lisa was definitely the most beautiful woman he has ever seen in all the realms.

'How is he?' – he asked trying not to stare at the Princess.

'He is fighting.' – added Lisa inspecting Cisco from head to toe, which made Cisco heart skip a beat. 'He will be fine, but for now he needs some rest. He will probably wake up tomorrow.'

Cisco smiled. 'Thanks for your help, Princess. I am Francisco Ramon, best friend of Prince Bartholomew and the best inventor in Central Kingdom, but you can call me Cisco.'

'Pleased to meet you Cisco.' – said Lisa flirting with the young man. 'I am Princess Lisa Snart, but you can call me Lisa.'

Cisco bowed politely and kissed Lisa's hands. 'Its my pleasure, Lisa.'

Caitlin couldn't stop grinning watching both of them flirt so straightforwardly.

'I am going to leave Barry in both of your care' – said Lisa smiling sweetly. 'I must look for my brother, we have a lot of work with my party and the engagement, and probably he will need my help, at least with the guests that will be arriving today at nightfall.'

'Of course.'- said Caitlin grateful for Lisa's attention. 'We will inform you if Barry wakes up.'

'Thanks' – said the Princess eager. 'I am excited to finally get to know him.'

Cisco nodded and Caitlin smiled.

The Princess left the room quietly and closed the door. She was happy, Barry seemed to be recovering quite fast and he appeared to be the perfect suitor for her brother, also the Prince's friends seemed so good hearted and loyal, and to be honest she was thrilled to have such a young handsome inventor in the castle, he seemed very smart and cute, everything she wanted in a partner. She couldn't wait to see Lenny's face when she tells him that she fancies Cisco Ramon.

On her way to the Great Hall she saw General Mark Mardon talking with Sir Harrison Wells, so she approached them with the intention of asking where does her brother disappeared to.

'General Mardon, Lord Wells' – said Lisa interrupting the men's conversation. 'I am sorry, Mark do you know where the hell Len went hiding?'

'Probably to his lair.' – answered Mardon without thinking. Harrison chuckled.

Lisa raised her eyebrows so high for a split of second that the General got immediately nervous and paled. 'I mean, after he took the young unconscious prince to a room and asked the healers to attend him, he said that he was going to be receiving the new guests, Sir Hartley Rathaway and Lord Jesse James that were going to arrive after sunset, and then he said that he was going to be on his studio revising some treaties.'

'Perfect answer, thank you General.' – she said chuckling watching his reaction.

'Princess, may I ask you how does Prince Bartholomew is faring?' –asked Harrison.

'He is fine our healers gave him the antidote to the mist poison. I think now he just needs some rest, and he will probably be waking up tomorrow. You can go visit him if you wish, he is in the upper floor, Caitlin and Cisco are keeping an eye on him.'

'I will, thank you Princess.'

The Princess nodded and continued her path to Len's studio. When she arrived she didn't bothered knocking or calling, she just opened the door and found her brother reading some manuscripts.

'Lenny, are you busy? Do you need help with the guests or with something?'

Leonard raised his head to see his beautiful sister beaming at him.

'What do you want Lisa?' – he said leaving calmly his manuscript on his wooden desk, clearly annoyed.

'What do you mean?' – she said innocently looking around Len's study. Since she was a child the place has always charmed her. There were a lot of books and maps, some sculptures and paintings of great value. The place was like a vault of art. She always wondered if in another life, if they weren't born as royalty, probably they would have been thieves.

'I mean…' -repeated Leonard slowly. 'What do you want?'

'Oh Lenny, I don't want anything…. I was just wondering how you feel? I mean isn't Barry quite handsome, who knew that the rumors were going to be this accurate?

'Get out….'

Lisa grinned. 'And I am worried you killed a Lord of our country defending the Prince…'

'Well, you know I couldn't let him die, I don't need a war with Central City.'

'You should go visit him.' – she stated accusingly. 'He almost died.'

'And how is that my fault?'

Lisa glared at him and Len sighed defeated.

'Fine… How is he?'

'Fighting. That poison was really strong; he is alive thanks to his super healing abilities and that we brought him here quite fast, otherwise we would be having a royal burial and as you said a war with Central Kingdom to deal with… ' – Lisa sighed tired. 'I thought for a moment that he was a goner.'

Len agreed.

'Lenny have you grown soft over the young charming prince?'

'Lisa…stop. I know what you are trying to do and it won't work. I have been thinking about this arranged marriage situation, and I think I will choose Hartley when the time comes.'

Lisa stared into her brother eyes trying to make sense of what he just said.

'WHAT? WHY? I mean if that makes you happy I will approve… but really? Hartley?'

'Yes.' – Len answered coldly watching her sister's eyes.

'Can you at least tell me your reasons of why you don't want to marry Prince Bartholomew?'

'Lisa have you seen him?' – asked Len annoyed, incredulous of his sister.

'Yes, but I am starting to think you haven't. He is charming, handsome, brave, and he is a speedster Len, his friends are smart and loyal, and he is the Crown Prince of the Central Kingdom. He is perfect for you.'

Len exhaled frustrated. 'He is just a kid Lisa…he is even younger than Rathaway for at least three years. And he is weak, he couldn't even fight against the Mist, he almost died and that could have caused a war. We don't need a weak prince that will also bring death and chaos to our realm. Remember also that he has a powerful enemy, a demon they say… that is following the kid non-stop. And today I killed one noble from our Kingdom to protect him. Prince Bartholomew Allen means trouble and he is not even worth any of it. At least Mick was strong and powerful, a bit crazy but he could fend for himself and Hartley on the other hand is quite pleasing in many ways.'

'That's really what you think? Are you really comparing Prince Bartholomew and Mick? And Hartley? You are an Idiot Len.' – said Lisa annoyed. 'I think that you are scared. Scared of feeling again. I really am impressed, you sound like an old man'

Len narrowed his eyes. 'I am an old man Lisa if you haven't noticed and I am not scared, didn't you heard the part when I said that I may chose Hartley. And yes for me it is quite inevitable to compare my possible next husband to Mick.'

'You are thinking of Hartley because he is the easiest choice and you are thinking that you can fuck him with no strings attached and with Barry you know can't do that because I think that you in some incredible way, you already care for the kid…I think you should give him an opportunity. I insist that Barry is perfect for you.'

'I didn't ask for your opinion Lisa, and if you think that highly of him, then you should marry him Sis, and yes I do care for Prince Bartholomew's safety because I don't want to deal with a fucking war with Central Kingdom and I am certainly not interested in a weak kid that comes to my Realm to die on my castle.'

Lisa gasped. 'That's not fair Len. Don't be a jerk the kid was trying to protect his friends and he fought fearlessly even when the odd weren't on his favor. You saw him…'

'Lisa stop.' – said Len exasperated. 'I made my choice.'

'Jerk'

'Royal-wreck'

'Please at least give him a chance, a week to get to know him.'

'That would be quite difficult if he keeps unconscious.'

Lisa's eyes widen with Len's cruel remark. 'Unbelievable… Lenny sometimes I hate you. Fine marry Hartley, fuck him without any strings attached and be miserable for the rest of your life. I don't care anymore…'

The Princess left the studio so angry with Len that she closed the door with the strength of what Len could only compare with a massive gorilla and he chuckled of own his thought.

When the silence of his studio announced him that he was totally alone, he groaned furious with his situation. What was he supposed to do now? He couldn't risk his Kingdom and marry the Prince. Hartley was a better option, a safe option; he was also rich, smart, and was the heir of one of the strongest family of the north, not as interesting as Mick but useful… Prince Bartholomew on the other hand could easily become his downfall.

He sighed. The worst part of this situation was the guilt that was creeping on his mind and conscience, he couldn't get marry, it would be a disgrace to Mick's memory, to the love of his life. He couldn't do this. He closed his eyes trying to grasp some memories of his past with Mick, when he used to enjoy life and laugh for stupid things. He wanted to forget about his future, about Hartley and the damned perfect Prince of Central Kingdom.

Lisa was so angry that there were no words to describe the rage she was feeling. Her brother was a jerk, end of discussion. She was so lost in thought that she didn't realize she walked directly to Barry's room. The Princess opened the door and found to her pleasure, the prince's best friend alone watching over Bartholomew; probably Caitlin was tired of the long eventful day and went to her bedroom to rest with her fiancé for a little while.

'Princess Lisa' – said Cisco standing up and he bowed, as it was proper.

Lisa smiled weakly to Cisco, and walked towards Barry's bed. He was lying there so peacefully. She unconsciously brushed tenderly with her fingers the prince's messy brown hair.

'Is everything alright?' – added Cisco puzzled with Lisa's behavior.

'Yes… I was just thinking that I don't know Prince Bartholomew or you enough, but I already feel a connection with all of you. Do you think it is weird? When I saw The Mist attacking your party at the Azure Lakes something felt wrong, I was so scared, and I felt so guilty. I think it is probably because this arranged marriage was my idea and because I honestly think Barry would be a very good consort to my brother...'

Cisco was speechless and thankfully Lisa kept talking.

'But my brother is so cold, I am afraid that he is going to hurt Prince Bartholomew badly…and it is going to be my fault. He is quite young and he seems so nice, you all love him so much, that it makes me think that Lenny doesn't deserve him, but I am so selfish that I want Barry to stay here with us.'

Cisco nodded understanding Lisa's wish, she only wanted her stubborn brother to be happy.

'Barry is strong and stubborn; but he isn't perfect your Highness he may hurt also King Leonard… but still you don't have to worry about him. He knows what he is getting in to.'

Lisa exhaled. 'Since King Rory died, my brother has not be the same. He is consumed by fear, hate and he is acting emotionless. But today I saw a small light in him ignite at the Azure Lakes when he saw Bartholomew and that gave me hope.'

'Lisa you know that Barry isn't here for a loving relationship with your brother. He is here because he needs a strong ally like the Winter Realm to defeat the demon that is not only threatening Central Kingdom but also all of the realms and we all know that a marriage is the only strong enough solution for achieving this.'

Lisa nodded. 'I just hope that this plan brings more benefits than pain.'

'It will. We will help them achieve peace and a bright future for both Kingdoms.'

'Thank you Cisco.'

Cisco nodded noticing that the Princess was worried and sad.

'So tell me Princess, what are we going to celebrate first your birthday party or King Leonard's announcement of marriage?' – said the young inventor trying to lift Lisa's spirit.

Lisa gave him a short smile. 'My party is in two days with the full moon and Len's announcement probably will be the last day of the week. I guess he wants to get to know first all of the suitors before making a choice…truthfully that was my idea, but I hope my brother would listen to me.'

'Good, this could give Barry the chance to get to know King Snart.'

'Yeah I think so...' -Lisa felt a pang of thinking on what Len said earlier.

Cisco smiled relaxed watching his friend breathing evenly.

'I was wondering Cisco…would like to dance with me during my party?'

Cisco was taken aback with the question but he felt really honored. 'It would be my pleasure, hopefully not my last pleasure… if King Snart decided to kill me for dancing with his beautiful sister.'

Lisa laughed. 'Don't worry Cisco, Lenny is not scary.'

'I highly doubt that.' – said Cisco a little bit nervous wondering how painful would it be to be frozen to death.

Later that same night, when the castle was silent and almost every noble and servant was asleep, Leonard exited his room silently. He was wearing his sleeping clothes and over it a long big warm coat of the color of his eyes. He walked through the impressive halls of his palace and went straight to Prince Bartholomew's room. He couldn't get out of his head his argument with Lisa and he was feeling guilty for not checking the health of his young guest.

'Damn his unrelenting guilt.'

He needed to see quickly how the kid was faring and then return quickly to his room and sleep peacefully without any remorse. When he arrived to the bedroom he opened the door silently and observed that there wasn't anyone in the room. 'Perfect.' There was a small fireplace and a tall chandelier next to the prince's bed that lighted dimly the room. He entered slowly and saw Barry sleeping peacefully; he seemed better, he had a little bit of color and seemed relaxed. Snart examined the kid's face. He couldn't deny that Lisa was right. The prince was really attractive. He suddenly remembered giving the kid mouth to mouth respiration and he wondered how good would it feel to kiss the Prince's slightly parted soft lips and then trail his long neck with his kisses, then down to his chest and…

'Your Highness!'

Leonard swore he almost died from a heart attack in that moment.

'Lady Snow…'

'May I help you?'– Caitlin asked amused to find the King in the middle of the night next to Barry's bed watching him with what seemed to be a… lustful glance.

'Yes…no, I mean I just suffer from insomnia and I felt guilty that I didn't come here to check on the Prince during the day, Lisa's fault I must confess, so here I am checking on his health…' – he said trying to sound convincing but he knew he was failing to do so. He was going to murder Lisa tomorrow morning.

Caitlin nodded. 'I am really grateful for your help and for saving Barry, Your Majesty.'

'I am sure he would have done the same in my place.'

'Yes, he definitely would have done the same.' – she added sympathetic looking at he friend who lay motionless in his bed. 'Your Highness, may I ask you a favor?'

Len nodded intrigued.

'Would you mind staying here with him for a second? I am going to ask the maids to bring more wood for the fireplace. I promise I'll be right back. A while ago I sounded the bell but it seems that it is too late and there is no one near to hear it. I was looking for someone but I guess I must go to the healing wing.'

Leonard nodded and Caitlin smiled and left the room quickly, leaving Leonard in the dark room. She was right they needed more wood to light the fire, the room was getting cold and that wouldn't be good for the speedster. Len was going to walk towards the fireplace to move around the remaining wood, when heard a low moan so he spared a brief glance to the Prince that was slowly waking up. Just his god dammed luck.

Barry's eyes slowly began to open. He suddenly felt a massive headache and couldn't remember what had happened. He felt his body drained of energy and his lungs ached. Slowly the events of his conscious memory began to come back to him one by one, the Mist, the frozen lake, the poison, the arrow that grazed his leg, everything was kind of fuzzy, so he blinked away the blur from his vision. He glanced around, and struggled in to a sitting position on the comfortable bed he was lying. He was more than surprised to see an unknown man, with beautiful blue eyes, next to his bed.

'Where am I?' Barry's voice was unsteady and raw, his throat felt like burning.

'I am King Leonard Snart, and you are in my palace as a guest. Lord Kyle Nimbus attacked you and your company near the Azure Lakes. Do you remember?'

Barry felt his heart sink and his face heat up with embarrassment. He remembered losing the fight and that someone, probably the King, saved him. He also recalled those beautiful blue eyes. Barry remained silently thinking. King Leonard Snart was very different from what he had imagined after hearing the rumors of the Demon of the North. The King was very handsome; his face was chiseled and sharp, with beautiful steely blue eyes and black hair buzzed close to his head. Barry thought that Snart didn't look old at all, on the contrary he looked strong and confident.

'I owe you my life.' – said Barry with a chafed voice lowering his head in gratitude and then he slowly looked up straight to Leonard's blue eyes that were beautiful but cold as ice.

Len swallowed. Watching the young prince that could be soon his fiancé, in this submissive and vulnerable state wasn't good for his imagination.

'You don't owe me anything kid.' – stated Leonard coldly trying to hide the fact that the young prince captivated him.

After hearing the King's reply in a tone that seemed strictly formal and distant, Barry forced a smiled but he couldn't avoid feeling suddenly hurt. Did King Leonard Snart see him just as a kid? Snart probably was thinking that he was a burden and a problem.

'Thank you Your Majesty' – Barry murmured quietly breaking eye contact. 'Do you by any chance know if my friends are safe?'

'They all are alive and safe, some sustained minor injuries from the blast that Firestorm and The Mist created almost destroying the landscape of the Lakes, but they are all fine. You were the only one that almost died in the incident and your friends have been keeping an eye on you, in fact I am just here waiting for Lady Caitlin to come back. She was asking the maids for more wood for the fireplace.'

Barry nodded. He was feeling a massive headache and a pang of guilt for the trouble he has caused. 'That's good, I am glad that everyone is safe and I am sorry I have been a burden since I arrived to your realm.'

Leonard exhaled and noticed that the kid was tense.

'No problem… How are you feeling?'

Barry registered that he must look like hell if King Leonard Snart was asking him that with concern written all over his face.

'I feel fine, just a little thirsty…' – he murmured ashamed.

The King nodded and took the goblet of ale that the maid left earlier in Barry's nightstand and handed it to the Prince. Barry took the goblet and noticed that Leonard quickly released the cup, like he didn't want to touch him, but The King wasn't quick enough for the speedster, who noticed a cold silver ring that adorned Snart's left hand. A proof that King Leonard Snart was still in love with his dead husband and that he didn't want a new arranged marriage. Barry drank the liquid a little self-conscious with King Leonard's blue icy eyes studying him.

'You should rest…' – said Leonard thoughtful. 'And I should leave.'

Leonard was starting to leave when Barry anxiously started thinking how could he win another opportunity to show the King that he was a worthy suitor. Barry then spoke with a hesitant tone.

'Your Highness, may I have the honor of an audience with you tomorrow?'

Leonard stopped on his track and remained silence thinking about the request.

'I mean if it isn't an inconvenience. I was thinking that maybe we should talk, you now about the arrangements and conditions you want for the marriage in case you decided -'

'Tomorrow we could talk about it at breakfast…' – he said turning to see the Prince's face turn crimson from the embarrassment and his ears and neck as well. 'I will ask Lisa to join us and we can discuss that matter together with your advisors as well.'

Barry nodded and Leonard saw a little tension on the Prince's shoulders relax. 'Thanks.'

'Good night, Prince Bartholomew.'

'Good night, Your Majesty.' – said Barry thinking that Leonard Snart didn't seem that scary at all, just cold.

Leonard excited Barry's room as quickly as he could, feeling more than confused. He was doomed. The kid was indeed quite charming and endearing, but he didn't want to feel anything again; the pain of the loss of someone dear is a battle he was sure he couldn't fight a second time… and tonight seeing Barry in that bed asleep fighting the poison, reminded him of Mick, on his last day, when the illness killed him. He couldn't do this. He remained outside of Barry's room thinking that he needed to withdraw of this arranged marriage as soon as possible.

'Your Majesty' – said Caitlin breaking the line of thoughts of the King. 'Is everything alright?'

Leonard watched Lady Caitlin smiling at him, followed by two servants who were holding the wood for the prince's fireplace.

'Yes, the prince just waked up and I was on my way to find you.' – explained Leonard. 'He is recovering quite fast… and it is getting late so I should leave so that he could rest.'

Caitlin nodded and gave the King a small reverence. 'Thank you, and good night, Your Majesty.'

Leonard nodded and disappeared into the darkness of the long hall like a shadow and Caitlin entered the prince's chamber and saw Barry sitting in the bed quietly. She was so happy to see him awake that she ran to him and hugged him dearly.

'Barry thank the gods you are awake! You scared us! For a moment we thought we were going to lose you. '

'I am fine, Cait. Thanks' – he said smiling sweetly in to the warm embrace.

'Did you spoke with King Leonard?'

Barry nodded. 'Yes, but I think I am an idiot.'

'Why?'

'I think he sees me as a burden and a kid. I don't think he wants to arrange a marriage with a weak prince. He won't chose me.'

'Barry you are not weak.'

'I am… or at least he thinks so, I am quite sure about that.'

Caitlin sighed dejected. 'Why? What did he say?'

'He said that I need to rest and that he wants to talk about the arrangements tomorrow at breakfast.'

'That sounds like good news.'

'I don't know Cait, it could be good or bad news…'

'Maybe we should ask Cisco to vibe him.' – said Cait thrilled with a small mischievous smile.

Barry laughed. 'That would be cheating.'

'King Leonard doesn't need to know.'

Barry laughed and rolled his eyes just slightly.

'I will consider it.'

Barry woke up early in the morning feeling a little bit nervous and hungry. No, scratch that, he was starving. Taking in a deep breath, the young prince pulled back the warm covers and rose from his four-poster bed discovering that the pain in his lungs, ribs and leg already disappeared. He stretched his longs limbs and felt a little bit dizzy but it was probably for the lack of food in his system. The young prince walked slowly across the suite towards the tall arched windows, he reached the curtains and he opened them to reveal a beautiful landscape. Barry gasped with the view. There was a lush green garden surrounded by the castle stonewall and beyond it there was a small town near the Azure Lakes protected by a snowy peak mountain range. The Winter Realm was breathtaking and he was already getting excited to get to know everything about it.

The Prince quickly asked his attendants to prepare him a bath; he decided to better skip his morning training routine and focus on getting ready to have breakfast with the King and the Princess of the Winter Realm. He was seriously anxious…. if Snart decided to marry another suitor he will need a second plan.

Barry thanked his maids and entered the bath. The bathroom was as beautiful as the one he had on Central, the only difference is that this one was decorated with snowflakes in the windows and had an impressive view to the mountains. Barry decided to use two soaps one that smelled like mint and one like evergreen cypress. After the bath, Barry got dressed in a green long sleeve tunic that matched the color of his eyes and that was decorated with silver embroidery, black pants and knee-length boots. He hesitated if he should put on his leather belt to carry his sword to the breakfast.

'Don't take the sword.' – said Cisco entering the room.

Barry smiled and nodded. 'Too threatening?'

'A little bit.'

Barry agreed.

'So… Cait told me that today the King would be having breakfast with us…' – stated Cisco. 'Do you want me to vibe him?'

Barry laughed. 'No, don't do that. I think I prefer not knowing the future in this particular case.'

'Fine, I won't do it.'

'Let's go.' – said Barry putting his leather belt around his waist to hang his sword.

Cisco scowled. 'What part of no swords you didn't understand?'

'The part that I feel unprotected without a sword and I rather be ready to defend my self in an attack.'

'Stubborn' – murmured Cisco following Barry out of the room.

After walking through the long halls of the palace, Barry and Cisco entered a small private chamber, in the first floor, with arched windows and a small round table for ten, where Lisa told Cisco they would be eating their breakfast separated from the other guests in the palace so that they could discuss their marriage arrangement with discretion. To Barry's surprise he found everybody already waiting them, well everybody except King Leonard Snart. Barry's feeling of uneasiness increased. Princess Lisa stood up and greeted Barry warmly.

'Good Morning, Bartholomew… I am glad to see you are feeling better.'

Barry nodded. 'Thank you…Princess. You can call me Barry, if you wish.'

'And you can call me Lisa…'

Barry smiled. 'I will.'

'If you want we can start to eat…'- added Lisa apologetically. 'My brother just send word that he won't be able to join us; he is very busy with some trade negotiations.'

'Of course…'

Barry sighed and seated next to Lisa and in front of Wells, he noticed that Cisco seated next to Lisa and he beamed, Ronnie and Caitlin were sitting next to each other playing silently with their hands and next to them Jax and Martin Stein were deep in conversation. Finally he looked at the empty seat next to him and he couldn't avoid feeling a void. Was King Leonard avoiding him?

The servants entered the room with the breakfast and Barry quickly shook his feeling of sadness and focused on the food, his body was asking him to eat everything he could, so he decided that he was going to forget about the Winter Realm King for now and enjoy the moment that he was sharing with his friends and at least get to know Princess Lisa, who was also eager to talk to him and Cisco about Central Kingdom.

A couple of hours later…

Barry excused himself from the reunion for he needed to send a letter to Joe and Iris saying that they all arrived safe to the Winter Realm and he also needed to study some treaties he brought along for revision. Harrison Wells and Martin Stein on the other hand decided to visit the palace Library, and Ronnie, Caitlin and Jax agreed to visit the town accompanied with General Singh who was eager to visit a blacksmith and check the north works in armory, so Cisco and Lisa, taking advantage that they were alone, decided to go walking through the amazing gardens of the palace. The gardens were bigger than the ones they had in Central City and they had different kind of flowers and trees.

'The Winter Realm is amazing.' – said Cisco impressed with the beautiful scenery.

Lisa smiled warmly. 'It used to be better.'

Cisco considered her words. Was she referring to a time when Mick Rory ruled the Kingdom with Leonard Snart, or she just said thinking of the social problems they were having in some of their villages?

'I wonder if we could give again the Kingdom the strength it used to have?'

'Of course, everything is possible.' – added Cisco trying to reassure the Princess. " I think King Leonard is a very smart man, he can do it… if not well were here and I know Barry will do everything in his power to help you and your brother.'

Lisa sighed. 'Yes, if my stupid brother decides on marrying Barry…'

'I know that even if The King decided on marrying another suitor, Barry would help you and the Winter Realm so… don't worry.'

'I am sorry Cisco, it seems that when we are alone I tend to tell you my problems and get gloomy. Sorry, let's change that… Tell me more about you, about your adventures with Prince Bartholomew in Central Kingdom and your inventions…'

Cisco laughed.

'There is not much to tell Your Highness…'

'You must jest… I mean come on Barry is a speedster… how amazing that could be? And Lady Caitlin can channel the frost like my brother and she is married to Firestorm…' – Lisa stopped on her tracks and stared at Cisco with curiosity. 'I wonder…'

'What?' – he said wondering what was Lisa thinking of.

'Cisco, do you have any powers?'

Cisco stopped dead, he didn't see that question coming and he wasn't ready to answer it. He didn't want to tell her about his powers but he didn't want to lie to her. 'Shit' he thought.

'Lisa…' – called King Leonard Snart walking towards them followed by General Mark Mardon and she felt a jolt of white-hot anger and annoyance go through her. Just great! When she was finally enjoying her time with Cisco he had to appear and ruin it…

'Brother, how marvelous to see you out of the castle… I was beginning to think that you were afraid of the sun…' – said Lisa rolling her eyes upward. She was clearly mad with Len for withdrawing from their breakfast with the Prince of Central Kingdom. Cisco chuckled and then Len glared at him confused.

'Who the hell are you?' – asked the King annoyed.

Cisco gulped nervous. 'I am Prince Bartholomew's best friend, Cisco Ramon, one of the best inventors of Central Kingdom.'

Len kept quiet and directed his icy look to Lisa.

'Lisa we have been looking for you. I need you to attend your guests. King Oliver Queen and his fiancé Felicity Smoak just arrived and you know I can't stand being near that man. Sir Eobard Thawne, Sir Jay Garrick and Lady Shawna Baez also recently arrived, so please go and act as a good host. I assure you Sir Ramon probably has more interesting things to do than walk in circles in my garden. Am I right Cisco?'

Cisco was going to answer when he felt King Leonard's right hand in his shoulder and everything blurred. 'Shit' He was vibing and he promised Barry that he wouldn't vibe Leonard. It wasn't technically his fault but know he was going to see things that would be very difficult to keep in secret. The first thing that appeared in his vibe was a long hall, it was midnight and there was a door open, he saw a light flicker in a room full of books, maps, and statues… a studio, there were voices and there was King Leonard talking with someone, he seemed sad, there was an unknown man but his face was hiding in a shadow, he was wearing a green tunic, and then the man moved from the shadows and Cisco noted it was Hartley Rathaway who pulled the King in to a deep kiss. Cisco gasped and instantly snapped from the vibe and he was so shocked of what he saw that he couldn't even speak.

'Lisa… is he stupid or deaf?' – asked Leonard annoyed. 'Am I right Cisco?'

'Yes… Yes Your Highness…'

'See…'

Lisa exhaled and reluctantly asked Mardon to accompany to see her guests, who were technically also Len's guests because they were also assisting the announcement of the arrange marriage, but she wasn't going to argue with her brother when he was clearly in an awful mood.

'See you around Cisco.'- she said smiling.

Cisco nodded and observed that King Leonard Snart was still staring at him with his cold eyes. When Lisa and Mark disappeared, Leonard spoke apathetic.

'I forbid you to court my sister.'

'What?'

'You heard me, Sir Ramon… I hate repeating myself.'

Cisco nodded and with that King Leonard Snart left Cisco puzzled and alone in the middle of the Winter Palace's garden. The young inventor of Central Kingdom was in distress. Should he tell Barry that King Leonard Snart was going to choose Lord Hartley Rathaway to be his fiancé or should he keep quiet and let the future be without interventions?