Part 29

The day of Charlie's wedding arrived. The Royal Palace was bustling with the last minute preparations. Caitlin woke to find two maids getting her dress ready. She was one of Erin's bridesmaids. There were a total of six of them including her three younger sisters. The other two were her cousins.

"Good morning Princess." Said one of the maids

"Good morning Sarah. I take it you will be doing my hair for the wedding?" Said Caitlin

"Haven't I always since you were a child?" Asked Sarah

Caitlin smiled at the older woman. Sarah had been working as a dressing maid for Caitlin's family since before she was born. The woman was in her mid forties and had three boys and two girls who were all enrolled in the same private school that Charlie and Caitlin had gone to. Well after Caitlin had gained control of her gift that is. Unlike some nobles Thomas did not believe in separating children based on class. If you worked for his family and your child could keep up with the pace of the Royal school they went there even if their parent was nothing more than someone who mucked the Royal stables of cleaned floors. He believed that if someone from humble beginnings could better themselves they should be given the chance.

"Yes. Any chance I can talk you into coming to the Central Kingdom to help me prepare for my own wedding?" Asked Caitlin

"Depends on when it is. You do know my oldest James will be graduating soon. He was accepted to the University on a full scholarship and plans to study medicine."

"I am sure that I can arrange it so the dates don't conflict. I could even arrange a bonus for you due to the travel."

"Princess, you know that I don't need you to get me a bonus. Your father pays me very well."

"I want to. You were the one that helped me when I first started to become of age to bear a child."

"Someone had to. We both know that your mother wanted no part in doing anything like that."

"She wanted no part of being a mother to me. She just wanted to have a say in who I marry. Which if she had, had her way it would have been Julian Albert."

"That would have put you in a tight spot. Your father is very admit that the Alberts never learn of your family's connection to the Goddess Khione. I have known since you were a child. I saw you and Patty building a snowman on a summer day. You were in a sundress."

"My dad trusts you doesn't he?"

"Very much so. Caitlin, you have grown into a kind loving woman. That young man you have given your heart to is very lucky."

"I'm the lucky one. Barry doesn't see me as just a princess. He sees me as the person I am. Now tell me what is going on with Erin? She got a funny look on her face when I brought up having an heir. She won't answer any of my questions when I ask."

"What makes you think I know?"

"Because you know everything that happens in this palace."

"Let's just say that I believe that having an heir will not be an issue."

"Are you saying that Erin might be pregnant?"

"Not saying might. I am almost positive. But I can not say for sure."

"If my mother were to find out she would call off the wedding and have Erin banished to some distant village."

"Why do you think I never say anything about what I hear unless I know to anyone unless that I know they won't say anything."

"Meaning me. I don't speak to my mother if I could avoid it."

"Yes Princess. Nicole here won't say anything either. She knows better than to open her mouth."

Caitlin looked at the younger maid and finally recognized her.

"She's your daughter. I didn't recognize her at first."

"Well she was ten the last time you saw her. She is sixteen now. She had been living with my sister until a month ago."

"Princess, your bath is ready." Said Nicole softly

"I guess I should start getting cleaned up. Is someone bringing my breakfast up?" Asked Caitlin

"It will be here in half an hour. Call out if you need any help. We will finish getting your dress and shoes ready."

"Thank you both."

Caitlin went into her bathroom leaving the two maids in the bedroom.

"She doesn't expect us to wash her?" Asked Nicole

"Honey, Princess Caitlin has been able to clean herself since she was five years old. She can dress herself as well. Today she needs help only because Lady Erin gave in to the Queen about having the neck high collar on the bridesmaid dresses as well as her own. Caitlin will not be able to zip the back or button the collar on her own. I have always done her hair for formal events. Now remember you breathe a word about what was said in this room and you may end up in prison. There will be nothing I can do to protect you."

Erin paced in her suite. It was only a matter of hours before she would be married. Not that she was scared. She had been in love with Charlie since she first understood what love was. She was happy that she was getting married today. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to hide her pregnancy. Not that Charlie had any issue with it. They had informed King Thomas a couple weeks ago and he promised that it was not an issue with him. The only one that may have had an issue would be Queen Carla. But she was not going to be told until after the wedding had taken place. If Carla knew then the wedding would not be taking place. She placed a hand on her still flat stomach and smiled.

"It won't be long baby and daddy and I will be married and no one will come between us."

Rosa Dillion closed the hidden door silently and smiled. Zoom would be happy to hear that the soon to be Crowned Princess was carrying an heir. An heir that he could raise to rule the way he saw fit after the rest of the Royal family was dead. She made her way out of the old escape tunnels and headed for Zoom's camp only a couple of miles from the palace.