Part 7
Caitlin stared out the window of her father's motor coach as they past through the countryside. They were less then an hour from the palace of the Central Kingdom and what was most likely her new home.
"Are you sure that you want to do this honey?" asked Thomas
"Yes. Dad, I know that you aren't forcing me into this. But it is the right thing to do. You raised me to do what is best for our people. From what I have been told by Charlie the Prince will treat me well and not just as a means to get in your favor."
"That is true. But you know that King Henry has already sent troops to aid ours in the fight against Zoom."
"I know. But it is not like I had anyone that I could see myself with. Mom likes Julian. But he is not someone I can see spending my life with."
"Plus he only has an interest in you to get close to your brother and myself. His father's family has been trying for years to worm their way closer to ours."
"That is true. Didn't his grandfather try to arrange for you to marry his daughter?"
"Yes let me tell you that girl was no way fit to be Queen. She only cared for herself. Your mother may come off as cold and uncaring but she does understand that our people come first."
The carriage stopped when two men in the uniform of the Royal Guard road up on horseback less then twenty minutes from the palace. One of the men climbed off his horse and approach the carriage leaving his sward with his horse.
"You're Majesty, I am Captain Ronald Raymond of the Royal Guard. King Henry sent myself and my partner Lieutenant Edward Thawne to personally escort you the remaining way to the palace. We will also act as Princess Caitlin's personal guards until further notice."
"Lead the way then Captain." Said Thomas
Ronnie nodded returned to his horse and led the way to the palace.
"I have to say the Lieutenant is kind of cute. Not that the Captain is bad looking. But I have always had a thing for blonds." Said Patty
"Expect if the blond is an arrogant ass like Lord Julian Albert or a sexiest pig like Lord Hunter Zolomon." Said Caitlin
"Very true." Said Patty
"Caitlin, you will refrain from speaking like that in the presence of our hosts. You don't want them to think that you are not a proper lady." Said Thomas
"Of course dad. Neither Patty and I would ever speak that way unless we are alone." Said Caitlin
"Do I even want to know where you learned to talk like that? I happen to know you didn't go into the city that often." Asked Patty
"That is because he told our people I was sick while I learned to control my gifts. I may have heard some of the maids talking when they didn't know I was there."
"Caitlin, you know that we couldn't tell anyone about your gifts. My grandfather's aunt had these gifts you had and was killed because of them. It was then that it was decided that anyone with the powers of Khione would be protected at all costs. I realize that we will have to tell King Henry and his family before you marry the Prince." Said Thomas
"Dad, for some reason I know that it will be ok. I mean there are rumors that they are descended from Hermes."
"Yes the messenger god. Said to be gifted with speed."
"Yes through it is unknown if the blood of Hermes blesses just the men or the women as well if at all."
"Well I might be the one to learn the truth. Though I will not reveal their secret just like they would not reveal mine."
"Of course honey."
Just then they pulled into the gate of the Royal Palace. It was one of the most beautiful places Caitlin had ever seen. When the carriage came to a stop the door was opened and a footman offered his hand to Patty. Patty took it and exited first as was proper protocol. It was tradition to exit in reverse order of rank. It was done that way to protect the highest ranked in the party. Taking a deep breath Caitlin excepted the hand she was offered as she exited. Her father exited last.
"You're Majesty I am Lord Harrison Wells, King Henry's top advisor. He will meet with you and the Princess in two hours after you have had time to clean up from your trip. Lady Patricia has a room across from the Princess's suite. The staff will have your bags taken to your rooms. If you are need of any help we will have someone sent. Though a maid is waiting for the Princess for anything she needs."
"Thank you. Is there someone to aid Lady Patricia as well?" asked Thomas
"Of course. King Henry wants most of the discussion to take place after dinner. Which will be ready after you freshen up." Said Wells
"Lord Wells is there a dress code for dinner?" asked Caitlin
"Business dress is the code for the night Princess."
Caitlin nodded slightly relived that she didn't have to put on one of her formal dresses. Whenever they had guests at home her mother always insisted on formal dress. She watched as their bags were unloaded. A few minutes later they were being shown to their rooms. When she walked into her suite she found a young woman close to her age waiting. The woman bowed her head before speaking.
"Princess my name is Linda. I am to be your personal maid while you are here."
"Linda, I don't require much help most of the time. I like to do many things on my own such as dressing. But you may start by running me a warm bath. It was a long trip and I would like to relax before dinner. I can wash myself. I know there are some royals that make others wash them. But I was raised to do it myself. But you will find in my bags a light blue dress and matching shoes. If you could please press the dress and double check the shoes for scuff marks I would appreciate it."
"Of course. I will start your bath and let you check that it is to a temperature that you like before I take care of your clothes."
Five minutes later Caitlin climbed into the tub and sank into water that most people would find more hot then warm. But while she didn't get cold easily she did enjoy the feeling of warmth on her skin.
