Part 19

Wally watched the young woman as they got closer to the capital of the Snow Kingdom. He had no idea what King Thomas was going to do with her or the information that she was bringing with her.

"We will be in the Capital by tomorrow afternoon. We had to take it slow so that Zoom would not be able to follow us." said Wally

"I understand. Is it true that Princess Caitlin is being kept safe in the Central Kingdom? I heard rumors about that."

"Yes Ashlee it is. I didn't get to meet her but I did see her. She is pretty."

"I met her once when we were both young children. Before she was kept in isolation. They claim she was sick. But I know that is a lie. I know the real reason. But I can not tell you."

"My guess is it has something to do with the rumors about the family. But if you know I will not ask you to tell me."

"If you are to know then the Lord will see that you are told."

"I am not sure that there is a god. I know that you believe. But I don't understand if there is a god how they are let, people like Zoom exist."

"Sergeant, God gives people free will to make choices. Lord Zolomon has let the evil one into his soul."

"Do you believe that because I am a soldier that I am a bad person?"

"No Sergeant, I believe that you were chosen to fight evil. Tell me do you enjoy killing or causing others pain?"

"No. I joined the army because I could learn skills to get a better life. My dad is a cop. His father had been a blacksmith. My sister, well she is a piece of work. Not fully there in the head. She believes that if Princess Caitlin is out of the way that she will get the Prince. But the truth is the Prince by law could never marry her. Our family's class is considered too low."

"I would guess that the Prince has to marry another of noble blood like is the law here."

"Yes but Iris has it in her head that an exception could be made for her."

"Has she had any high level education that could aid her in being a leader of her people?"

"No, she has been working in a cafe since she left school at sixteen."

"Then she is very under qualified. I know Princess Caitlin and Prince Charles have had tutors that have prepared them both for high ranking rolls in this kingdom. I would think that if Princess Caitlin would be spending time with Queen Nora to prepare to possibly become Queen one day if she does marry Prince Bartholomew."

"You are most likely right. There is a stream in about a mile. We can make camp there and then head out again at first light."

Ashlee just nodded and said a silent prayer that Princess Caitlin will stay safe.

Charlie watched as his father lost his temper. Something that was rare. But he could understand why. He was fairly angry too. If not for the guard that pushed her out of the way his sister could have been killed.

"Dad, I am angry too. But the fact is Caity was in just as much danger here as she was from that sick woman. That Lieutenant did his job. He put his life on the line for Caity." said Charlie

"I know. I just wish that I knew how many people actually know her secret."

"I am sure that King Henry is doing everything he can to keep it quiet. I mean if rumors are true then they know how to keep secrets."

"I know you are right. It is just that I will always fear for your sister's safety."

"I think my little sister is very capable of protecting herself. She has done a good job of it so far."

"Very true. Now how is Erin's young niece adjusting?"

"As well as she can. I think the puppy is helping. Through mother is not happy about the puppy or that Erin is spending so much time with Chrissy."

"Don't worry about your mother. I know that both you and Caitlin always wanted a dog. But she wouldn't let one in the palace. I on other hand, love dogs and think that puppy and child are a good thing."

"You are the only one that can overrule mother on those kind of things."

"Charlie, I think that after your wedding that your sister is going to be going back to the Central Kingdom and will be planning her own wedding."

"That is a good thing. Caity might finally be opening her heart to love."

"Yes as much as I will miss having your sister around. I truly believe that she is going to be much happier away from your mother."

"Dad, I do not want mother to interfere in the lives of any kids that Erin and I have in the future."

"I will make sure that she doesn't. Just promise me that you are being careful if you are already sharing a bed with your future wife. We don't need to risk any kind of scandal."

"Dad, I know not to do anything that will give our credits any kind of fire against us."

"Good. Though I don't think that you are acting in the best interest of this family by engaging in that kind of activity."

"It is not like I act like Lord Zolomon and treat women with disrespect."

"Erin is just as much to blame. Though it would be her that is hurt the most if it were to come out."

"Trust me I know."