Page 60 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

The goblin peered around Phillip to look at her with huge round eyes. “Forgive me, lady?”

He was hard to resist with him looking at her like that full of longing she would agree. She started to step around Phillip, but he put out his arm to stop her and gave a shake of his head.

“Don’t fall for it. He merely wants sympathy.”

“I didn’t mean no harm!” the goblin wailed. Then threw himself on the ground, covering his head and crying wracking sobs.

“But—” she began.

“No,” Phillip said, his tone firm. “He’s a trickster.”

The goblin continued to wail. “I’m no trickster, sir! I only want to apologize to the lady proper like.”

Rosamund started to melt a little, but Phillip’s eyes were hard and unrelenting. She glanced from him to the creature squirming with his cries on the ground.

“He wants your sympathy. Then when you give it and get close to him, he’ll steal whatever he can off you.”

The goblin continued to howl. As she peered at him, an idea formed.

“If I forgive you, will you do you something for me?” she asked.

That dried up the goblin’s tears almost immediately. He sat straight up and gave her his full attention.

“Anything for you lady!”

“What are you doing?” Phillip said, his words hissing through his teeth.

“Trust me,” she whispered back. Then to the goblin, “You will have my forgiveness if you take us to the dragon’s cave.”

The goblin stared up at her, sniffed, then wiped snot from his nose. “The dragon’s cave?”

“Yes. It’s here, isn’t it?”

The goblin glanced behind him, then moved closer and dropped his voice. “The dragon’s cave is near, yes.”

“Can you take us there?” she asked.

“And then you’ll forgive me for scaring you?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yes, I will.”

“Then follow me! Come! Hurry!” he called over his shoulder as he scurried away.

“Very clever, princess,” Phillip said. He motioned her ahead. “After you.”

Chapter 24

Shehurriedafterthegoblin, who was fast and low to the ground. She had difficulty keeping up with him. Phillip was right on her heels. So close she thought she heard his breath as he did his best to keep up.

The goblin disappeared around a corner. A moment later his head popped around the side to make sure they still followed. Satisfied, he was gone again in an instant.

“He’s a fast one,” Phillip said, out of breath.

She agreed but said nothing as she rounded the corner and came to a jarring halt. Phillip cursed under his breath as he bumped into her. Ahead, the goblin hopped from one foot to the other clearly proud he was able to complete his task. He gestured wildly to the opening in front of him.

“Here it is, milady. See?”

She stepped next to him and peered into the dark opening of the cave. “I see.”

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