Disclaimer: The Princess and the Goblin, all characters, places, and related terms belong to George MacDonald.
The Kiss
Part One: Irene
I breathed in deeply the scent surrounding Papa. I had missed him so much. He held me closely to his chest; tears rolled down his cheeks and beard and fell onto my head. When he pulled back to look at me, I told all that has happened – about the goblins and about Curdie and his mother and what they had done for me. I smile when Papa looked at them with silent thanks.
"And now, king-papa, I must relate another thing. Long ago, one night Curdie drove away the goblins and brought Lootie and me safely down the mountain. And I promised him a kiss, but Lootie would not let me give it to him. I do not wish for you to scold her but only to impress on her that a princess must keep her word," I ended, gazing up at his dear face.
"Indeed a princess must keep her word, except if it is wrong," Papa said in his deep voice. And, holding me securely, he lowered me down towards Curdie, who silently watched Papa and me. "There now, give Curdie his kiss," Papa urged me.
I opened my arms, and Curdie stepped into my embrace. There was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, but it quickly vanished, and he gave me a small smile. Suddenly feeling a little shy with all the people watching, I quickly kissed Curdie on the mouth. I was happy when I felt him hug me in return. I drew back, pleased my promise to him had at last been fulfilled
"There, Curdie! You have your promised kiss," I said with a smile as Papa settled me against his chest once more.
Curdie looked up at me, a faint coloring in his cheeks, and he silently stared at me very strangely. But then his lips twitched, and he bowed to Papa and me before going to his mother's side.
"We must celebrate!" cried Papa, and those in the courtyard cheered. I shared a smile with Curdie before Papa hugged me again and we returned to the house.