Part 5

Zoom watched as his men as they spared. He was not pleased that he had not heard back from the pathetic King. Not that he was really expecting the man to hand over his daughter to him.

"My Lord a messenger brought this from the King." Said Marden

Zoom took the paper from his warrior. He read it then balled it up and threw it to the ground.

"Not good news?"

"Mardon that stupid King is refusing my demands."

"That means we get to start killing the rest of these stupid people?"

"Not all of them. But we will kill a number of them. As we make our way to the palace to kill all the Royals except for the Princess who I will force to marry me. Then once she gives me a son I will cut her heart out."

Mardon smiled. He hoped that Zoom would let him have his pick of the prissy ladies of the court.


Barry walked through the garden finding his mom feeding the ducks by the pond.

"Barry sit down and join me."

"Sure mom."

Barry sat down giving his mom a kiss on her cheek.

"Your dad received word today that King Thomas and Princess Caitlin will be here in a week."

"This is moving rather fast. But that is understandable with the threat of Zoom."

"That is true. Just don't be put off by her if she is not happy about this."

"I know mom. I just wish I knew more about her."

"Unfortunately no one really knows here outside of her family. Don't believe the rumors about her being cold. Not like her mother anyway."

"I forgot you met Queen Carla."

"Yes and she is one of the coldest women on earth. But from the story I heard Carla was not given the choice but to marry Thomas."

"Mom, I know that Princess Caitlin and I will most likely go through with getting married. I just hope that we can at least be friends by then."

"You will get time to get to know each other. Maybe not as much as either of you like. But it will happen."

"Mom, do you love dad?"

"Yes. I loved your dad long before I married him. We grew up together. Our fathers were close friends. Barry, just give things time and everything will be ok."

"Thanks mom. You always know what to say."

Nora hugged her son and said a prayer that Barry and Caitlin would fall in love.


Caitlin watched as Charlie tried to get on Frost but the horse was not letting him. She laughed as her brother hit the dirt.

"Not funny Icy."

"Charlie, I guess Frost isn't going to let you ride her."

"Yeah. Cait, promise me that you will actually give him a chance."

"I will. Charlie despite what people believe I am not really an ice princess."

"I know. It's just you have never given a suitor a chance."

"I have all of two. That pompous ass Julian and Lord Zolomon. Hunter scared the hell out of me."

"Dad was never going to approve of Hunter Zolomon to marry you. The Zolomon's have been after our throne for at least hundred years if not more."

"Dad kept that from me."

"He just wanted to protect you. But you aren't a child anymore. You don't need to be protected hell you can kick my ass if you wanted too."

"Only because I have powers."

"True."

Caitlin looked to see Cisco standing outside the paddock with a small smile on his face.

"Mr. Ramon did you see something that amused you?" asked Caitlin

"Uh no Princess. Ok maybe a little. It is just that horse doesn't seem to like to be ridden." Said Cisco

"She only likes me. But I am not going to be able to ride her for a while. So my brother was seeing if she would let him. Turns out she won't." said Caitlin

"I have had success with temperamental animals in the past. So with your permission I would like to give it a try." Said Cisco

Caitlin looked at her brother who gave a nod. Caitlin then looked at the stable hand by the gate.

"Let him in." ordered Caitlin

Cisco walked over to the horse and gently stroked her.

"Her name is Frost." Said Caitlin

"Frost, I get you only like the Princess. But, you need to let someone ride you when she is not able to. If you give me a chance I am sure you will like me too." Said Cisco

Cisco then moved to mount the horse. Everyone was surprised when Frost stayed calm as he got on her back. He sat there for a couple minutes before giving her a soft kick. Frost calmly started to walk around the paddock. Caitlin smiled at Charlie.

"Mr. Ramon it seems that you have found yourself a job. You will be the official exerciser of Frost in the absence of the Princess." Said Charlie

"That is if you want it. We would never force you to take it." Said Caitlin

"I will take the job. It is not like I have anything to go back to. For now it maybe safer for me to stay here anyway." Said Cisco

"I will see that you are put on the payroll. You will also be given your own quarters with the other employees." Said Charlie

"I can speak from what my own are like. While they are not as fancy as some of the guest rooms. They are not bad." Said the stable hand.

"I am sure that whatever I am given it will be nicer than my childhood home." Said Cisco

"Lucas why don't you show Cisco what his room will be like." Said Caitlin

"Of course Princess."

Cisco jumped down from the horse and followed the other young man to the dorm that most of the male non house staff lived in.

"Princess, your father has requested you join him in his study."

Caitlin turned and gave her mother's assistant a smile.

"I will head there now. Thank you Lady Cecile. May I ask you something? Why do you stay on with my mother with the way she treats you?" asked Caitlin

"To be honest I am not sure. I mean my mother had been your grandmother's assistant and I was trained to take her place with your mother. I will train your bother's bride's assistant once she is chosen."

"Sometimes you need to think about your own happiness rather than letting others treat you badly. I have faith that if you were to leave that you will keep my secret."

"Of course Princess. Now get going you shouldn't keep your father waiting."

Caitlin nodded and headed off.