Part 36

Caitlin watched the afternoon on the day after her mother was buried as Erin was officially crown princess and named the future Queen of the next King of the Snow Kingdom. Once that was done her father stood before the gathered Royal Court.

"People of the Snow Kingdom I have wonderful news. My beautiful daughter and Bartholomew the Crowned Prince and next King of the Central Kingdom have agreed to marry. So today I officially announce the engagement of my daughter and Prince Bartholomew." Said Thomas

Caitlin stood and smiled as Barry walked up to the Dias in front of the gathered crowd and took her hand kissing it. The crowd applauded.

"Princess Caitlin has one last duty here before she leaves once again. This time to begin planning her wedding with Queen Nora and learn her duties as Queen of the Central Kingdom. Three men of the Central Kingdom militarily went above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Wallace West of the Central Kingdom Royal Army front and center." Said Thomas

Wally came forward dropped to one knee and bowed his head. Thomas nodded at Caitlin.

"Stand at attention Sergeant." Demanded Caitlin

Wally stood and came to attention.

"Sergeant West while with his unit hunting down Zoom found and freed a young woman that had been kidnapped and abused by Zoom. He then escorted this young woman to the palace after learning she had information on the true identity of Zoom. There for it is my honor to award the highest medal a member of a foreign soldier can receive. The silver snowflake of valor." Said Thomas

Caitlin smiled at Wally as she pinned the medal to his chest and kissed his cheek. She also whispered in his ear.

"You and your father are not your sister. Do not blame yourself for what she tried to do to me. I never did."

Wally nodded took a step back and bowed to her. Caitlin then dismissed him.

"Captain Ronald Raymond front and center." Said Thomas

Caitlin smiled as Ronnie walked forward and dropped to one knee lowering his head.

"Stand at attention Captain." Ordered Caitlin

Ronnie did as ordered.

"Captain Raymond of the Central Kingdom Royal Guard, after being assigned as one of my daughter's personal guards more then once put himself in harm's way to insure Princess Caitlin's safety. Including the night of Zoom's final attack. For this he is awarded the sliver snowflake of valor." Said Thomas

Caitlin pinned the medal to Ronnie's chest and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you for keeping my secret." Whispered Caitlin

Ronnie just nodded. Caitlin then dismissed him.

"Lieutenant Edward Thawne front and center."

Caitlin could hear a soft murmur through the crowd. She knew it was do to Eddie's last name.

"Lieutenant don't even think of kneeling. Just stand at attention." Ordered Caitlin.

Eddie did as he was ordered though he first bowed his head. Eddie was leaning some of his weight on a crutch as he was still recovering from his injuries.

"Lieutenant Thawne of the Central Kingdom Royal Guard, not once but twice now has received injuries protecting the life of Princess Caitlin. The first from a would be assassin. Then on the night of Zoom's final attack on the palace. He is there for awarded both the sliver snowflake of valor and golden cross of honor." Said Thomas

Caitlin smiled as she pinned both medals to his chest. She then placed a kiss on his cheek.

"You better heal up. I want one of the best guards I ever had back on duty as soon as possible." Whispered Caitlin

Eddie nodded and Caitlin then dismissed him. Court was called to a close. Caitlin headed to her room to change out of the gown. Barry followed her catching her before she went through the door.

"Cait?"

"Sorry Barry. It's just I hate this dress. I actually hate most of my dresses I have to wear for court. My mother picked them all out. So they are a bit uncomfortable."

"You do know you will have to attend court with me now."

"Yes, I have a couple of times already. But the dresses your mom gave me are much more comfortable. My mother liked the idea of us showing that we were higher in society then everyone else."

"There are a lot of people that think Royals are better than regular people."

"I am not one of them. Why do you think that I try and do so much for children and orphans? I know that I have much more then so many people. I figured that I should use my position to help those in need."

"That is one of the reasons I fell in love with you. Now why don't we both change and then maybe take a walk in the gardens?"

"Sounds wonderful."

Barry kissed Caitlin and she went into her room to change.


Julian sat in the tavern drinking ale. He could not believe that all the carefully laid plans had been ruined. Zoom was suppose to be powerful enough to kill the Royals except for Caitlin. But the one thing he had not expected was that the rumors would be proven to be true. That the reason that Caitlin was kept mostly in isolation was that she really was an ice witch. As were her cousins. It was time for plan B. There was no way now that it had been made official he could stop Caitlin from marrying the stupid Prince from the Central Kingdom. But that still left King Thomas's niece Princess Sarah. The girl was only seventeen but her hand was still up for grabs. It was just not going to be an easy task to convince Princess Victoria and Prince Steven to let him marry the girl. They may not go for him being six years older then Sarah. It was not as big of a deal with him being only three older than Caitlin. But if he got his way he would have the girl as his bride. He was going to become part of the Royal Family if it was the last thing he did.