Page 38 of Apples Dipped in Gold

“She cannot choose because she is in mourning, for her intended, a mortal prince, died this very day,” said the fox. “It is only proper that she delay her choice for at least a year.”

The fae muttered to one another, though I didn’t catch what they were saying, hopeful that the fox’s words had freed me from this terrible situation. Despite having accepted Prince Henry’s proposal and my desire to kiss Lore, I did not want to marry. I wasn’t sure I ever would.

“You make a good point, Fox,” said the old elf king. “It is settled then. We shall delay for a year, at which point the maiden shall make her choice.”

My relief dwindled.

With that, the music began again, and the revelry continued as if nothing had gone awry. I turned to Lore, who was scowling.

“Would I have been such a terrible choice?” he asked.

I was startled by his question but recovered quickly. “It has nothing to do with you,” I said. “A true choice offers the option of freedom.”

Lore’s features softened.

“Apologies, wild one. It was all I could manage for you,” said the fox as he trotted up.

“Do not apologize,” I said. “I am grateful to you, Fox…but must I really return in a year?”

“Yes,” he said. “You have entered into a bargain with the old elf king, and if you do not honor it, the forest will seek vengeance.”

I frowned, feeling defeated, and looked at Lore. “Is the same true for debts?”

He studied me with a strange heat in his eyes. It reminded me of where we’d left off—too close and on the very edge of a great mistake.

I was glad I had not kissed him, or so I told myself as my eyes dropped to his lips.

“No one escapes what is owed,” said Lore. “We all pay, with our time or with our life. There is nothing else.”

I did not like his words, but that was not unusual. I disliked a lot of things that came out of his mouth, and I had only known him for a day.

“If that is the case, then I suppose we should be on our way,” I said. “I would hate to waste more time.”

I thought that Lore would be pleased that I had finally agreed to his demands, but his expression remained tense.

“My lady,” said a voice.

I whirled to find the goblin king waiting.

Lore offered an unpleasant growl, which was growing far too common.

The half goblin ignored him, holding my gaze. “I respect your decision,” he said. “Allow me to offer you a gift.”

“Oh,” I said. Again, I found myself in a situation I had never experienced before. It had been a long time since I’d been gifted anything that didn’t turn out to be some sort of trick planned by my brothers.

The goblin king produced a small, black box that he opened to reveal a comb.

It was a fine piece of jewelry, made of gold and opal.

“May I?” he asked, taking it in hand.

I was very aware of Lore’s gaze and also his anger, and I did not want to make it worse given that I now faced spending the next six days crossing the Enchanted Forest by his side.

“Allow me,” I said, taking it from him and slipping it into my hair.

The goblin king’s eyes were sad as he watched and then met my gaze. “Beautiful,” he said. “Perhaps in a year, you will find your voice and sing for me.”

“Perhaps,” I said quietly, almost a whisper.

---