The Goblin Princess

Chapter 32

The garden was filled with the sound of children's laughter. Watching her youngest children play, the Goblin Queen sat on the edge of one of the many fountains hidden inside the garden.

Hiding behind his twin, the youngest Goblin Prince watched as Hoggle, one of the gardeners, showed them a fairy he had captured.

"But how can they be so mean, Mr. Hoggle?" The little princess frowned at the creature trapped inside a small cage, while her twin hid half his face behind her shoulder.

"Looks can be deceiving. Fairies may look pretty, but they have sharp little teeth."

Little Veena looked at her twin. "Are you all right, Fenris? They won't hurt you."

The little prince gave a quick glance towards his mother. "I don't like them."

Veena frowned at him. "Why?"

"They can fly."

"Daddy can fly. Are you scared of him?"

The little prince shook his head. "No. They can fly into our room, Ve."

Little Veena smiled at him. "I would take of them before they ever got close to you, Fen. Don't worry no fairies will bite you."

Hoggle smiled at the twins. "You don't have to worry about them getting into your room. They stay away from the Castle for the most part. Unless your father's meeting with the Fairy Queen; that is."

Little Veena's eyes widened slightly. "There's a fairy Queen?"

"She has an audience with your father later today. If you two can promise to behave, I might allow you to get a peek at her."

The twins turned towards their mother. The little prince shook his head violently, while his sister nodded.

The Goblin Queen slowly stood and walked towards her children. "If you don't want to go, Fenris, I'm sure Sir Didymus won't mind you joining your brothers."

"Please, Mommy." His green eyes sparkled at the thought of sword training.

The Queen smiled. "Well, we better get going then. Good to see you, Hoggle."

"You, too, Your Majesty."

The Goblin Queen gave him a nod as her children took hold of her hands before the three of them left the garden and reentered the Castle.

Chapter 32

Even far away Veena could see the hatred in her eyes as Queen Mizumi looked over the battlefield. Vaguely, she could recall a woman who greatly resembled her coming to visit her father.

"Has the Princess been dealt with?"

Skeletor glanced at Evil-lyn who was slowly retreating towards him, while the mysterious girl lowered her hand. "We assume she's inside the Castle, Your Majesty."

The Queen turned towards him. Her face was now hidden from Veena. "Do not assume anything about this girl."

Skeletor slightly bowed. "We will begin searching immediately."

The Queen quickly turned her head towards Veena. "No need. She is right here."

Emeric placed a hand on Battle-cat's side. "You need to get out of here."

Turning to look at him, Veena frowned. "Captain?"

Emeric grabbed hold of Battle-cat's armor and began to frantically pull the massive cat towards him. "You were right. She is after you. You need to flee."