Part 24

Zoom watched as James Jesse entered his camp. The old man had been useful. He had been keeping an eye on things in the Central Kingdom along with Hanibal Bates. But him turning up here now was not good.

"Why are you here old man?" Growled Zoom

"My Lord, that stupid bitch of a Princess, the niece of the King fired me." Said James

"WHAT DID YOU DO?" Demanded Zoom

"Refused to listen to some nobody on how to handle the ice Princess's horse. Then told them that I would never take orders from any woman."

"You idiot! I needed you to help keep an eye on things! You are worthless to me now!"

"My Lord, I did my best."

"I should have known not to count on a worthless piece of trash like you."

Zoom then moved faster than anyone had ever seen. He stuck his arm into James's chest and ripped his heart out. He turned to his men that were staring at him.

"Let this be a warning to all of you. You fail me and you will face my wrath and the wrath of the bloodline of Savitar the god of speed!"

The men fell to their knees in fear. All but Snart who was standing behind a tent. He knew that there was something he hadn't liked about the warlord. But now knowing that he was descended from Savitar explained things. Though Snart had found out the Snow Kingdom's Royal family's secret years ago. He knew the Princess had the blood of the goddess Khione in her. It might be fun to see the young Princess take on the evil warlord.

Erin smiled as she watched Chrissy play with her puppy in the garden. She glanced over to the fountain and noticed that the young woman from Winter Haven that Zoom had abused sitting there. She headed over to her.

"Mind if I join you?" Asked Erin

"No, of course not malady."

"No need to be so formal. At least not when Queen Carla is not around. Just call me Erin."

"I can not do that. While my father raised me to believe that god is above all. I was also taught to respect our leaders. You are my future Queen."

"Ashlee, just because I am going to marry the prince soon doesn't mean I am better than you."

"Forgive me for not believing that. The only place in this land my family had any power was in Winter Haven. Your father is one of the most powerful men in the kingdom."

"Did you know my mother was not born of noble blood? Her father, my grandfather was a storekeeper and my grandmother was a school teacher. Ashlee, my parents raised my siblings and me to see we are not better than anyone else. While it may be true I was raised from a young age to be the next queen. But I was also raised to see things from others' points of view. While I may never fully understand your views on god. I do respect them. What happened to you is not your fault. There is a man out there that will understand and accept you."

"I pray that you are right."

Erin just smiled at the younger woman. She had a good idea of who might be a good match for the broken woman. She also knew that he would accept Ashlee.

"Aunt Erin?"

"Yes Chrissy?"

"Is Uncle Sean going to be here for your wedding?"

"Of course. Your grandparents will too."

"I miss mommy and daddy."

"I know you do. But you will always have a home with me."

"Love you Aunt Erin."

"Love you sweetie. Ashlee, this is my niece. Zoom killed her parents."

"In Bookings. I remember going through there. He killed nearly every adult and those near the age of marriage. He only left young children alive." Said Ashlee

"Zoom, hurt you didn't he?" Asked Chrissy

"Yes but I am healing now. It will take a long time. But I will get better."

"If you need him, Snowball can sleep in your room."

"I think you need your puppy more than me. But thank you for the offer."

"Ok."

Chrissy ran off to play some more.

"I think that little girl is just what that young lady needs." Said Thomas

"I agree. Maybe Ashlee should become Chrissy's teacher." Said Charlie

"Talk to Erin about it. In the morning we are going to be meeting with the House of Lords. We need to discuss what to do about Zolomon."

"He is a traitor. As a traitor the law states he is to be put to death."

I "True. Charlie, it is not that simple. He will need to stand trial."

"I understand that. But we both know that he plans to kill our whole family except Caitlin who he will force to be his bride. But once he gets a son from her he will kill her as well."

"I know that. But we have to do things the right way."

"I understand that. But if Zolomon tries to hurt anyone I care about I will kill him myself."

"Charlie, somehow I don't think that we will have to worry about him hurting your sister."

"Oh I know that she will defend herself. Most likely stab him in a few places with those icicles she likes to make."

"Yes she would."

Ronnie and Eddie watched the two young royals. They were close enough to protect them if need be but far enough not to listen to their conversation.

"So Eddie, what is going on with you and Patty?" Asked Ronnie

"Nothing inappropriate if that is what you are asking."

"I wasn't implying there was. But it has been nearly two months since she arrived with Princess Caitlin."

"I know. I like her a lot. She is different than most of the women I have met."

"That is true. Now I just need to find the right woman."

"I am sure that she is out there somewhere. I mean it is not like you haven't tried."

"I know that. But my mother is just about ready to pick someone for me. She wants grandchildren."

"Glad my parents aren't trying to rush me. Though I am thinking that Patty's parents might not approve of me if they learn that my father is from the dark mountains."

"I never understood why the Mountain Kingdom and Snow Kingdom don't like each other."

"It dates back to like 200 years ago. There was a war over the caverns that the gems the Snow Kingdom controls. The King of the Mountain Kingdom wanted them and offered his only daughter to the crowned prince in marriage in exchange for the caverns. But the prince was already bethrown to a lady of the court. The Mountain King was not happy and declared war to take the caverns. The Snow Kingdom defeated the Mountain and took control of an additional 100 feet up the foothills. There are also 200 feet of the mountains that act as a neutral zone between the kingdoms. My guess is that the neutral zone is where Zoom gathered his army to prepare to attack."

"How do you know this?" Asked Ronnie

"Because his father is the lost prince of the Mountain Kingdom. The younger brother of the current king." Said Caitlin who had walked over to them.

"Princess, I hold no bad feelings towards you or your family." Said Eddie

"I knew who you were as soon as I heard your name was Thawne. My grandfather gave your father safe passage through the Snow kingdom. You proved that you are not like your ancestor when you saved my life. Patty's father wants her to be happy. He should have no problem if you marry her. Besides, I could always overrule his decision. Even when I give up my claim to the throne that I don't want. I will still be a Princess and have power over him."

"I don't want trouble between Patty and her family."

"Trust me there will not be. Lord Spivot knows better than to stand in the way of his daughter's happiness."

"Cait, we should head back. We don't want to be riding through the woods after dark." Said Barry

"Then let's get going."

They got on their horses and headed back to the palace.