Part 26

Caitlin sat quietly in the carriage as they approached her childhood home. A place that no longer felt like home. She looked first at Patty who was seated next to her and then at Barry across from her. Eddie and Ronnie were riding horses on either side of the carriage. Not that they were the only guards traveling with the Royal Carriage. Members of the Central Kingdom Royal Guard escorted them as far as the border where members of the Snow Kingdom Royal Guard took over. Barry reached over and took Caitlin's hand, raising it to his lips and kissing it gently.

"Cait, is something bothering you?" Asked Barry

"I was just realizing that even though this was my home my whole life. Well until a few months ago. It no longer feels like home." Said Caitlin

"Is there somewhere else that feels like home?"

"Yes. When I am with you. Barry, you make me the happiest I have ever been in my life."

"Well after your brother's wedding we can officially announce our intent to marry and begin planning our wedding."

"Can't wait. Though I do not want my mother involved. I know that she will want to have her way. I do not see getting what I want if she is involved. She has to have her way."

"Cait, you know that my mom and Aunt Joan will side with you on things."

"It won't matter. My mother has been way too involved with Charlie and Erin's wedding. Erin had to cave on her dress. My mother has insisted that she has to have a full veil and no less than an 8 foot train. Erin just wanted a veil that goes down her back and a short train."

"Well you would be in luck. My parents outlawed a train that is longer than the height of the bride. So no longer than a five and half foot train for you."

"I don't want a veil at all. I want a crown of flowers found in both our Kingdoms."

"I like that idea. We will do everything we can so that you get your way."

"Just wait until you spend time with her majesty. She won't settle with not getting her way." Said Patty

"Good thing our wedding will take place in the Central Kingdom then." Said Barry with a smile.

"Oh yes that pesky law that states the heir to the throne can not marry anywhere but inside the borders of their kingdom. So we must abide by the laws there." Said Caitlin leaning over to kiss Barry.

Patty just smiled. She was happy to see her friend so happy.


Zoom and his men watched as the carriage carrying Princess Caitlin entered the gates to the palace. It would not be long before he took what belonged to him. He would have the princess as his bride and mother of his son. A son he would raise to rule with an iron fist. Then he would set out to conquer more lands with his goal of controlling the entire world.

"My Lord, when do we attack the Palace?" Asked Mardon

"The night of the wedding. We kill everyone there except for Caitlin. She will then have no choice but to marry me. She will need me to rule the kingdom. Women will never be strong enough to rule on their own." Said Zoom

"What if the rumors are true? The ones that say the Princess is some kind of ice witch?"

"I have ways to keep her in line. Besides, no one is any match for a god of speed."

Mardon nodded. Neither noticed that Snart had been listening in. Snart made his way to the river bank not far from the palace.

"You are late." Said a powerful voice.

"Forgive me your highness. But I have some important information." Said Snart

"Out with it then. I want to see my sister before dinner."

"Well I am sure that the preacher's daughter already told you Zoom's real name."

"Yes. Do you have anything new or do I get to have you thrown in prison for the rest of your miserable life?"

"Always in such a rush. But I do have information. First Zolomon is planning his major attack on your wedding. Planning to leave only your lovely icy sister alive."

"That is not surprising. Anything else?"

"This is the big one. Seems Zolomon is descended from the Hindu god of motion Savitar complete with unearthly speed to go with it."

"That actually explains a lot. Such as how fast he is said to have ripped through some of the towns and now some people were killed by having their heart removed without a cut on the body."

"Yes, real charming fella. Now I am going to go. If I learn anything more I will pass it on."

"Do that. Oh and Snart if anything happens to my family you will never see your sister again because you won't have to worry about Zolomon killing you. Because I will kill you myself."

"That is a given Charles."

Snart headed off into the woods and Charlie headed back to the palace.


Caitlin led Barry out to the garden after they had arrived at the palace. She smiled when she heard the barking of a dog. She had heard that when Erin's niece came to stay she had been given a puppy. While Carla never cared for any animal. Caitlin, like her father and brother, loved them. She sat down with Barry right next to her on the edge of the fountain. It wasn't long before a white husky puppy was jumping up on Caitlin.

"Snowball!" Yelled a child's voice

Caitlin smiled at the little girl as she came running.

"Are you looking for this little guy?" Asked Caitlin

"Yes. You are the Princess."

"I am. I bet you are Chrissy." Said Caitlin

"Yes ma'am."

"Well Chrissy, seeing as your Aunt Erin is going to be part of my family in a few days. That means you will be family too. How about you call me Cait."

"That not right. You are a Princess. I am no one."

"Chrissy, as you said I am a princess. That means if I want you to call me Cait then you call me Cait."

"I would listen to her. My little sister can be very stubborn." Said Charlie walking over to them with Ashlee close behind.

Caitlin put the puppy down and got up and hugged her brother.

"I missed you Charlie." Said Caitlin

"Missed you too Snowflake." Said Charlie

"I thought I told you not to call me that."

"I outrank you. Both by age and in line for the throne. So I will call you whatever I want."

"So where is your bride?"

"Trying to talk mother out of that stupid 8 foot train for her dress."

"That is not going to happen. Luckily when I marry Barry she has no say on that."

"Wait, did you just say when you marry Barry?"

"Is that really a surprise? Charlie, I agreed to in exchange for his father's help with Zoom. But that is not the reason I am marrying him. I love Barry."

Charlie just smiled and hugged his sister tighter. He then looked at Barry.

"You break my baby sister's heart and I will hurt you." Said Charlie

"Not if Cait gets her hands on me first." Said Barry

"Very true. Now all three of us should go and get ready for dinner. I don't know how things are done where you are from. But a full suit and tie are required for males. Caitlin will have to wear one of her nice dresses." Said Charlie

"Like I didn't know that. I take it Lucy will meet me in my room?"

"I believe she is already there making sure your dress is pressed and shoes are shined. She knows to wait to run your bath."

"I will see you at dinner Barry. It was nice to meet you Chrissy. Take good care of that puppy of yours."

"Ok Cait." Said Chrissy

"Come on Barry. I will show you to your room. There will be someone waiting to help in case you need it." Said Charlie

Barry nodded and followed Charlie inside to get ready for dinner.