Page 50 of Bloody Business

Ah.They were upsetting what she believed was true.She had come to terms with the world and her place in it, and they had upset the apple cart.Now her apples were rolling all over the street and she didn't know which one to chase first.She could believe what she had been taught, or she could reject that and believe him.A dilemma.No wonder she was upset.

His face softened.“Then that must be true ofhumans.Goblins see things differently.To us, you are everything we admire.”He touched her cheek.“I love your freckles.They're sassy and fun, the last flick of paint that creates flowers or stars on canvas.”

He looked into her eyes.“Your brown eyes glow with gold lights, like a scattering of amber on velvet.So warm, I want to fall into them.”He looked at her mouth.“And those lips...shiny, like berries...”His voice trailed off as he kissed her.

Julep's arms slid around his neck.Mesmerized, she kissed him back.She'd been wondering what this would be like.Now she knew, and she melted.Why had she waited so long?What had she been afraid of?

Artur's hand slid into her hair.Finally...!

He scooped her up, and ran up the stairs.

??

Gal and Zac stared up the stairs and blinked when the door slammed shut.

Gal smiled.“Well, it's about time!”

Zac grunted.He was going to go to his room, but changed his mind.It was going to be noisy up there for a while.

Gal smirked.This called for a celebration!She went into the kitchen to order special treats for dinner.

Julep might not be able to have pretty babies, but she would be an excellent mother to the fosterlings.The family would be strong and powerful.

Not bad for a self-made family, Gal thought with a smile.

Party

The formal party washeld at Mushroom Park.

The original mushroom was strung with lanterns and there were torches, but there was also a great deal of bioluminescence, which made for a very pretty setting.

Buffet tables had been brought in and some additional seating.The stage was set up and a quartet of goblins was playing fanciful string instruments.

Julep was wearing a copper colored dress with velvet cuffs.The late spring night was chilly, so she brought a white fur coat which was snuggly and lined with silk.It was the most decadent thing she had ever owned, and she loved it to death.Artur had surprised her with it after they made their marriage official.

That had been an excellent decision, she thought smugly.She hooked her arm into Artur's and smiled up at him, giving him an extra squeeze.

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