Derek sat at the rickety table, his fingers tracing the worn edges of the map spread out before him. He muttered under his breath, “Where can I find a suitable husband for Mom?”
The door to the shack creaked open, and Sarah walked in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Still playing matchmaker, I see,” she said, a playful smile playing on her lips.
Derek looked up and grinned. “Gotta find you a man, Mom. The council’s getting antsy.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “I can take care of myself, you know.”
Derek nodded. “I know, Mom. But I don’t want you to get kicked out of this world.”
Sarah sighed and sat down opposite Derek. “Fine. But he’d better be a good man.”
Derek’s face lit up. “I’ve got just the guy. A goblin chief, no less!”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “A goblin? Really, Derek?”
Derek nodded eagerly. “He’s strong, smart, and a great leader. Plus, he’s got the hots for you.”
Sarah snorted. “Goblins don’t have ‘hots’ for anyone.”
Derek winked. “Well, this one does. And he’s willing to prove it.”
Sarah shook her head, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Fine. Take me to this goblin of yours.”
Derek jumped up, grinning from ear to ear. “You won’t regret it, Mom!”
\*\*\*
The goblin chief’s hut loomed before them, and Sarah looked nervous. Derek squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry, Mom. He’s a good guy.”
The door to the hut opened, and a large goblin stepped out. He bowed to Sarah. “Greetings, human female. I am the chief of this tribe.”
Sarah looked the goblin up and down. “You’re a goblin,” she said flatly.
The goblin nodded. “Yes, human female. But I am not like the other goblins. I am strong, smart, and a good leader.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “And you want to marry me?”
The goblin nodded. “Yes, human female. I have heard of your strength and intelligence. I want a strong mate by my side.”
Sarah looked skeptical. “And what makes you think I’d want to marry you?”
The goblin grinned. “Because I am willing to prove my worth. I will give you medicine to prepare you for our first night together.”
Sarah looked horrified. “Medicine? What kind of medicine?”
The goblin chuckled. “It is a special medicine, human female. It will make our first night together more enjoyable.”
Sarah looked at Derek, who nodded encouragingly. “It’s okay, Mom. I’ll be right outside.”
Sarah took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine. I’ll try it.”
The goblin led Sarah into the hut, and Derek waited outside, listening to the sounds of Sarah protesting. After a while, the door to the hut opened, and Sarah stumbled out, looking dazed. She staggered over to Derek. “I think I need to lie down,” she mumbled.
Derek helped Sarah back to their shack, shaking his head. “I hope this was worth it, Mom.”
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