Part 32

Barry helped Caitlin to her room where they were met with a maid. The maid, an older woman close to his mother's age, maybe a little older, just sent him a glare and took her into the bedroom to help her change. Barry sighed as he sat on the sofa in the sitting room that was part of Caitlin's suite. After about fifteen minutes the maid came out.

"You should know that I love Caitlin as if she were mine. You do anything to hurt her and I don't care if you are the heir to the throne of the Central Kingdom, I will make sure that you disappear and are never found."

"Ma'am, I love Cait. I want nothing more than to make her happy. Though you should be warned that my cousin Jesse would not be happy if she were forced to take the throne on a permanent basis." Said Barry

"I believe you. My name is Sarah. Take care of my Caity."

"Of course Sarah."

Barry watched as Sarah left and then he headed into the bedroom. He found Caitlin in her bed. He walked over to her bed and removed his shoes and uniform jacket, tossing it on a chair. He also took off his pants leaving him in only his shorts and an under shirt. He then climbed into bed and pulled her into his arms.

"You shouldn't be here with me like this." Said Caitlin softly

"Your father told me to take care of you tonight. There is something you need to know. Your mother was killed."

"I should be upset by this news. But the truth is I am not. I am more upset about the men that died protecting us."

"Just remember that they were doing a job they chose to do. They did it because your family does a lot of good for the people of this country."

"The only problem is now my family secret is out. The reason why I and my cousins were kept out of the public eye so much as children."

"Somehow I think that it will not be a bad thing. Cait, just try and rest. I am not going anywhere."

Barry placed a soft kiss on Caitlin's head as she curled up close to him.


Thomas sat in his office staring out the window. He held a glass of bourbon in his hand. A half empty bottle sat on the desk. He didn't turn when he heard the door open. He only turned when he heard someone pour themselves a glass of the bourbon. He looked at Henry without saying anything.

"You know it might not have been a good idea to have your back to the door on the night your family was nearly assassinated." Said Henry

"There will be no more attempts tonight. Besides, no one else would be as stupid as Zolomon was to attack my family inside the palace. Any other attempt will be during a public appearance. Though I doubt anything will happen any time soon."

"True. Nora and I will need to return home in a few days. But depending on when you have the funeral for Carla we may be able to extend our stay."

"Her funeral will be in three days. She is not as beloved as your wife by the people."

"We will stay until after the funeral then return home. Barry can stay for as long as your daughter needs him."

"I want her to return to the Central Kingdom. That is her home now. She has a wedding to plan, and much to learn about being a good Queen. We both know that my wife was not the kind of woman that took the time to teach her anything."

"Thomas, your wife was a difficult and cold woman. She had to give up any life she had wanted for herself."

"But she didn't have to take it out on Caitlin."

"True. Thomas, I should tell you that your daughter is already warming the hearts of the people of my kingdom. To date Nora is the most beloved queen in the history of the Central Kingdom. Though your daughter might end up more beloved."

"I hope for her sake that is true."


Erin ran into Charlie's arms when he entered the bunker followed by Ronnie. Patty, who had been sitting with Chrissy looked up with fear in her eyes.

"Eddie is alive. He is hurt and in the care of the medical staff. But he should live." Said Ronnie

"I have to see him." Said Patty taking off.

Ronnie looked at the little girl who was crying. He sat down and pulled the young girl into his lap.

"You are ok sweetheart. The bad men can't hurt anyone any more." Said Ronnie

He looked over and could see Charlie talking softly with Erin. He looked up when he saw a young woman enter. He recognized her as Chrissy's caretaker. She walked over not making eye contact with him. He had not been told much about the young woman. But he could see that she was beautiful. But he knew that if she had survived an attack on her town like he had been told that it was not because of luck. It was because Zoom had abused her for his needs.

"I should get the girl to bed." Said the woman

"Of course. I'm Ronnie by the way."

"Jenny."

"Goodnight Chrissy. Goodnight to you too Jenny."

"Night Ronnie."

Jenny left with Chrissy. Ronnie looked at the newlyweds before heading out to his own bunk. Charlie held his wife in his arms.

"So it is over?" Asked Erin

"Until someone else decides that they want to take the throne by force."

"How many did we lose?"

"Tonight nearly one hundred men. All but about twenty of Zoom's men are dead. Those men surrendered. They were men forced into his army."

"Anyone else die?"

"Zoom and my mother."

"I am sorry about your mother. I know that she was a difficult woman."

"But she didn't deserve to die like she did. Erin, it will be awhile before the ballroom is cleaned. Men are removing the bodies. Anyone in a military uniform of anyone that aided us will be returned to their home for proper burial. Zoom and his men will be placed in a mass unmarked grave. With possibly the exception of some who had been forced into his army."

"Can we go to bed? It's been a long day."

"Of course. After my mother's funeral we will officially crown you the next Queen of the Snow Kingdom."

Erin just nodded and they headed off to bed.