Part 14

One month later

Caitlin smiled as she and Barry looked through a shop in the city. When he had suggested that they take a shopping trip a couple days ago she had her doubts. Back home if she wanted to go shopping it caused half the city to be shut down and at least fifty armed guards. While here there were only about twenty armed guards. While the shops that had been cleared of other shoppers most of the city went about their business as usual. Caitlin glanced over to where Patty was looking at some books with Eddie. She picked up a rose made of glass and looked at it closer. When she did she noticed several rubies embedded in the glass.

"Princess, the rubies were bought by the artist from a merchant that came through selling gems form your family's caverns." Said the shopkeeper.

"Did the artist get a name? There are only six that are authorized to sell the gems outside of the Snow Kingdom." Said Caitlin

"I am not sure. Is there something wrong?"

"No, I know these were sold legally. Though I do know that there have been some gems stolen but these weren't."

"How can you tell Cait?" asked Barry

"Because the serial number is from a lot I signed the authorization papers for. The member of my family that approves the sale has their initials as part of the serial number. My initials are on these gems."

"You can see the serial number?" asked Barry

"What can I say I have very good eyes. Plus the glass acts as a way to magnify it if you know where to look."

"If you are interested in buying the rose, the artist is giving fifty percent of her profits to one of the local orphanages. Said that the merchant would not sell the gems without her promise she would give some of the money to orphans. Though that was never necessary this artist grew up in an orphanage. It would Duchess Joan that recognized her talent and paid for her to go to art school."

"You know quite a bit about this artist." Said Barry

"I should she is my daughter in law. She married my son last year and is expecting my first grandchild in a few months."

"Then I most definitely will buy it. I have a good idea which merchant it is. He grew up an orphan and benefited from the sale of the gems."

"Very good. I will wrap it up so it will not break on your way back to the palace."

Barry wrapped his arm around her smiling. Caitlin pulled away biting her lip.

"Is something wrong Cait?" asked Barry

"Could you not call me that?"

"I'm sorry Caitlin. If I did something wrong I am truly sorry."

"You didn't do anything wrong. While I do not mind if you call me Cait in private. I just would rather you not in public. I am also not comfortable with you putting your arm around me in public. We are still getting to know each other. I don't know if I will ever be comfortable with showing affection in anything but private."

"I understand that. I will be better about it."

"I am not saying that you can't be a gentleman. I mean if I were to trip and fall on my face unless you wrap your strong arms around me to prevent me from falling and landing on my face it would be fine."

"I would never let a beautiful lady fall on her face."

"Of course you wouldn't."

After paying for their perchesess they headed out of the shop. As they headed for the carriage someone in a hooded cloak pushed their way past one of the guards. They pulled out a knife and started to go after Caitlin. Eddie saw what was going on and pushed Caitlin to the side taking the knife to his stomach.

"Arrest whoever that is!" yelled Barry

Two of the guards grabbed the cloaked figure causing the hood to fall and reveal Iris West. Barry stared at her with cold unbelieving eyes.

"Take her to the tower to await trial for treason and attempted murder." Ordered Barry

Caitlin had dropped to the ground with Patty. She could see that unless she did something that Eddie didn't stand a chance of making it to a doctor.

"Ronnie get the guards to block the view of what I am going to do. Have them keep their backs to me." Said Caitlin forcefully

"You heard the Princess! Turn your backs and surround them now!" ordered Ronnie

"Caitlin what are you going to do?" asked Patty

"Saving this man's life until he can get to a doctor."

"Caitlin! How do you know that you can trust them?"

"I don't. But if I don't put Eddie into hypothermia he will die. Now pull up his shirt so I can hit the skin easier."

Patty did as she was told.

"Eddie, sorry but this is going to be really cold." Said Caitlin

Taking a deep breath Caitlin held her hands a couple inches above the stab wound and let a frosty mist release from her hands. Once there was a thin layer of ice covering the injury Caitlin sat back letting out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

"You know that is not going to last long. I don't think the carriage can go fast enough to get him to the Royal doctor." Said Patty

"It doesn't have to. Caitlin, we are going to have to talk later. Ronnie and the rest of the guards will make sure you make it back to the palace." Said Barry

He then lifted up Eddie taking off in a streak of lightning.

"Well I guess the rumors about the Royal Family here are true." Said Patty

"Why are you surprised? They say there is truth to every rumor." Said Caitlin

"Princess we should get back. Besides I think both you and Lady Patricia will want to change." Said Ronnie

Both women looked at their clothes to see blood on them.

"You are right Ronnie. Patty let's go." Said Caitlin

The two women climbed into the carriage with Ronnie right behind them.

"Ronnie can I assume that the penalty for treason is the same here as it is in my home kingdom?" asked Caitlin

"If you mean death yes. That is also the penalty for trying to kill a member of any Royal family including visiting ones such as yourself Princess." Said Ronnie

"Eddie should not have taken that knife for me. A stab from a knife like that would not have killed me." Said Caitlin

"Then the rumor I have heard is true. You are descended from Khione." Said Ronnie

"Yes. I would appreciate if you don't tell anyone." Said Caitlin

"I swore an oath that I would protect the Royal Family and all their secrets. That extends to visiting Princesses that might one day become my Queen." Said Ronnie

"Thank you."

The rest of the ride was silent.