The Goblin and the Miller's Daughter

A darker, sadder story speculating a possible history between TEQ and Rumpelstiltskin. The essential characters are those from The Goblin and the Fairy Princess series, but set earlier in time.

None of these characters are my own.

I'm opting to submit this piecemeal, in chapters, hopefully two at a time. I've also upted the rating due to alittle more explicit sexual content and a very dark motivational force that drives oneof the characters.

+ + + + + Eleven Years Ago

"My God, I don't know why I still come here," she sat on the edge of the bed and began to pull her underclothing back on. Black panties. Black bra.

"Because I'm the best lover you've ever had," the man still lounged back in the bed.

"Not hardly," she responded acerbically. Although, damn it, he was.

"Now who could possibly be better? Not that young Sheriff. Surely he might have more stamina, but I would suspect he lacks technique and style."

"Yes, but he is someone I like. Whereas you, I despise."

"But you still come back." He stretched. "I must be doing something right."

She relented. "Well, maybe, just barely." She slipped her slim, tailored dress on and popped on her black pumps. She grabbed her purse that she had left on a chair near the door. She reached in her purse, grabbed a comb and ran it through her short, styled raven black hair. She found some red lipstick and, in front of a mirror, gave herself a quick touch-up.

"Next Thursday?" she asked him.

He nodded. "As you wish."

He watched her leave. Strange he should find himself back in bed with the woman. The sex was good, for certain. The relationship, if anything, was mutually exploitive. But, any feelings he had ever had for her were long gone. No. not quite all feelings were gone. There was still anger, anger he could not let go of. No forgiveness. He didn't, couldn't, shouldn't trust her and he did not.