Part 35

The funeral for Queen Carla was a sober affair. Barry stood by Caitlin's side. They watched as her mother was placed in the Royal crypt. He knew that she never had much of a relationship with the woman. But it was important that she said goodbye to the woman that had given her life. They left the crypt.

"Barry can we go somewhere to be alone?" asked Caitlin

"Anything you want Cait."

Caitlin went and spoke to her father who kissed her. Then she and Barry headed to the lake that Caitlin often went to when she wanted to be alone.

"What is this place?" asked Barry

"My sanctuary. Every time I had a fight with my mom I would come here. Charlie is the only one who ever knew to find me here. Other than him you are the only person that has ever been here."

"What about your guards?"

"They never left the edge of the woods. So while they may know of the lake and the fact I would come here. They have never stepped on the shore."

"Why me?"

"Because I love you. You are the only one that I have ever thought to bring here."

"Cait, is the water warm enough to swim in?"

"Probably not for you. But for me it is. I don't get cold as easily as most people. Side effect of my gifts."

"How do you feel about the fact that we buried your mother today?"

"I don't know. Other than giving birth to me she was never really a mother to me. Carla never treated me like a daughter. She only spoke to me to tell me that I was nothing but a disappointment to her. She didn't understand that I could never marry someone I didn't care about. Didn't love. That I was nothing like her."

"Cait, you know that I love you."

"I know. Barry, I want us to marry as soon as we can. I know there is planning involved. But I want it to be as soon as possible."

"My parents leave in the morning. My mom can start the planning once she gets home. The two of you have talked so she knows what you want."

"I trust your mom. She is the kind of mother, I wish I had had as a child. Barry what if I end up like my mother?"

"That will never happen. You many be able to create ice out of thin air. But your heart burns with the fire of love."

Caitlin smiled and pulled him down so they could kissed.

Lord Julian Albert watched from the woods as the Prince Bartholomew kissed Princess Caitlin. Princess Caitlin who Queen Carla had assured that would be his bride once Zoom had been taken care of. But with the Queen dead and the fact that the King was not fond of him that meant his chance at getting close to the crown was nearly blown. He might still have a shot at Princess Crystal. But that was doubtful and still a long way from the crown. There was almost no shot at any of the Ladies of the court that were close to the Royals. Were available at this point.

"I don't know who you are. But you have no business spying on the Princess and Prince." Said Ronnie from behind Julian

"Her Royal Majesty Queen Carla promised me that I was her pick to marry Princess Caitlin." Said Julian

"Yeah well from what I heard King Thomas thinks you are nothing but a leach trying to get in with the Royal family. Besides looks to me like the Princess only has eyes for the next King of the Central Kingdom. Been that way pretty much since they met."

"Until it is announced the Princess's hand is still available."

"My hand has never been available to you Julian. My father has final say in who I marry. It will be announced tomorrow that Prince Bartholomew and I will marry. It is payment for the aid of the Central Kingdom's army in the war with Zoom. The contract was signed months ago." Said Caitlin

"I don't understand. Caitlin, your mother promised that we would be together." Said Julian

"I am going to marry Prince Bartholomew not only because of the arrangement my father made, but because I love him. Julian, unlike my cold hearted mother my father wants me to be happy. Bartholomew makes me happy. I would never be happy with you. One other thing if you ever address me as anything other than Princess, Princess Caitlin or your Highness again I will see to it that you never set foot on the grounds of this Palace or any other in the Snow Kingdom." Said Caitlin

"Please Princess if you do that I can never take my father's seat on the council." Said Julian

"Maybe it is time to get some new blood on the council. Go home Julian. Barry, let's head back to the palace."

Barry followed Caitlin as she walked away. Ronnie just smiled as he followed keeping his distance.

Charlie walked into his room to find his wife resting on the bed. He walked over and sat next to her.

"You feeling ok Erin?"

"Just tired."

"I want you to get checked by the Royal doctor just to make sure everything is ok with you and the baby."

"That is a good idea. Charlie, we won't be able to hide the fact that I got pregnant before the wedding."

"The Royal doctor already knows. But I understand what you are saying. I am not ashamed that we were together before the wedding."

"Neither am I. Charlie, I have loved you most of my life."

"I have loved you since we were kids."

Erin smiled at her husband. She was lucky that she got to marry the man she loved. She hoped that Barry and Caitlin would have a love that would last them their whole lives.