Chapter One
Our world was one of chaos with no set boundaries and no set rules. My people were born in the light of the full moon, gifted with the magic of this world and for that we were enslaved. To humans we are fairies, nymphs, muses but to those of our world, we were the Moondust people. For a while many of my people tried to disguise their true nature by dying the moon pale skin to the shape of a ripe peach, try to hide our thin lithe figures behind muscles and bulkier clothing and conceal our long silvery blonde hair with hair dyes. Yet our ears remained pointed and our eyes the loveliest shade of amber and lavender. Once these little tricks were discovered, ways were found to pierce the illusion.
To our masters, we were things that used enchantments to benefit their troops, their purses and earn them unattainable love. No one could understand our sorrow and at night, when the chaos of our world gave way to temporary peace, thousands of crystal tears were wept in silence. This was our existence for so long till the day the Labyrinth brought order to the chaos and freedom to many of my people. I however was to gain freedom at the hands of one that in time would cease to see me. This is our story, an untold story and maybe someday he will forgive me…
"Zinerva, we have a special guest coming. I want you to go into town and make sure that you buy the best of everything. He is coming from Goblin city to tell us news of what has happen since the Labyrinth appeared. You will also dance for him and give yourself to him if he asks. Understand girl," the wrinkled twisted man said. "Yes Master, I will make sure the preparations are as you have ordered," I responded then bowed deeply before leaving, the circle of silver around each of my ankles had small bells so that my master could hear my movement within his manor. Going into the kitchen, I grabbed my shawl and wrapped it around my hand and shoulders as I was taught since I could remember. I was slave, bound to the master of the house as I grabbed my basket then left. Walking barefoot down the gravel road, I looked at the town that was a short distance away. Already I knew in my mind that no matter what I did, my master would be unhappy and punish me after the guest had left.
Lately the punishments seemed to get harsher in terms of whippings and beatings. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I drew closer to town. Once in town, I went to the various shops to purchase what would be required. The last of my stops was a small shop that my master never purchases anything from but I enjoyed looking in. "Good day Master Bellizum, anything new" I asked then noticed the man who was dressed richly talking to the shop keeper. His crystal blue eyes seem to strip away my shawl and reveal me to him. The shopkeeper Bellizum looked at me and said, "Actually I have something for you…..is something wrong?" Under that gaze I felt my cheeks warming and shook my head, breaking the direct connection his eyes had with me. "I should go" I stammered and quickly left. As I was walking back, I felt my heart racing in my chest. Back in the shop, Bellizum looked at the man who asked in a soft voice, "Who was that?" "Ah milord, that is the slave girl to Lord Galmesh who is a regular in here. She looks but never buys. I was going to give her this gift," was Bellizum's reply. The shopkeeper took a silk wrapped object then slowly unwrapped it to show a fine gold chain that had a resin vial that held a barely blooming rosebud at its heart. "That is a fine gift for a lady, not a slave girl" the man said then noticed the shop keeper shaking his head. "Milord King, that slave girl is the one of the last of her people and is a lady to those around here despite her master finding out. Now I shall never be able to give her this." The man smirked and said, "I will deliver it to her on your behalf since her master is my host this evening." The shopkeeper rewrapped the necklace then handed it to him. "Give this to her when she is alone" were the final instructions Bellizum gave to the man as the man left the shop and went to step into a carriage that headed in the same direction that strange girl went.
Upon arriving home, I removed the shawl and went to make the preparations for my master. Each step the melody of the bells accompany me as I went into the dining room. Pulling out the best silk tablecloth, I got the table ready; leaving a few bottles of wine slightly open to breathe then went back to the kitchen to start preparing the meal. It amazed me how much I could accomplish on my own as I left to go do some quick house cleaning to ensure that there was no dust. Finished with the house work, I went back to the kitchen to make sure that the meal would be ready then left to go check on my master. Finding that he was in no need of my services, I went to my room and out of my best three dress, I put on the flowing dress that was color of amethyst with silver threading in the design of scrolling vine work then went to the kitchen to put the meal in the proper serving dishes.
While I was placing the last of the serving dishes on the table, there was a knock on the door followed by my master's harsh voice calling out, "Zinerva, answer the door, you lazy wretch." I did as commanded but when I opened the door, my formal greeting caught in my throat as the piercing gaze of the crystal blue eyes froze me. A knowing smile seemed to touch his lips as he was about to say something when I heard, "Zinerva, move aside for our guest. Welcome milord King Jareth. You honor my home." My master's voice seemed to break me free of whatever spell held me dumb and in place. Hurrying to close the door, I remained silent but could have sworn that my racing heart's rhythm could be heard by the two.
"Never mind the girl, milord king. She has never had to wait on royalty before. Shall we eat and talk of the future for my modest lands," my master said. "Yes, yes and it is alright. Tonight I am no king but a guest under your roof, good Galmesh" the man, Jareth's voice was seductive and almost a good poison to my ears as I hurried to the dining room to dish out the meal as well as fill the goblets with wine. I could hear them talking about a castle, the mighty Labyrinth and how the unrest was almost settled. Standing near the door to the kitchen, I waited as they entered and sat down to the meal. My master always found fault with the food I prepared but in front of his guest, he held his tongue. After the meal they went to the master's study and since I would not be required to sing and dance for my master's guest, I went about cleaning up the dining room then the kitchen.
As I was doing this, I could hear that my master was please with something and was grateful that this night, I would be free of punishment for some minor offense. The dishes were soon done and I went to give the leftovers from the meal to the beggars that gathered near the kitchen door. I have always done this because it was good to see them smile. Closing the door, I assumed that the guest, Jareth had taken his leave and my master had gone to bed. Turning around, I found myself with my face inches from his chest. Startled, I backed up and moved to the side. "Milord is there anything I may bring to you in the master's study in ways of refreshment," I whispered as I could feel my heart racing again. Daring to look up, I saw amusement in his eyes then heard a soft chuckle. "Its Zinerva, correct" he said as he started to close the distance between us. My legs seemed unwilling to obey my mind's order to move as I watched him get closer. "Yes it is" was my feeble reply. He laughed softly as he stopped so close that I could lift my hand and be able to touch him without stretching my arm. "Your friend in the shop said to give you this. I can see why he chose the newly blooming rosebud as a charm for you. Your beauty is stuck in that moment trapped forever and should be treasured greatly. This is his gift" he said as he took the wrapped necklace and unwrapped it before me.
My eyes widen as I saw the expensive gift from the merchant and as I reached out to take it, he shook his head. "Allow me the small honor of placing it around your neck" he whispered then before I could answer, he had placed the necklace around my neck. I felt the coolness of the chain against the warmth of my skin as I just stood there in shock that one of my betters had touched me. Out the corner of my eye, I saw Jareth's hand coming up and I thought he meant to strike me. I recoiled a bit out of habit but the blow never came. Instead I heard him say, "Such a beauty to be mistreated at the hands of the blind. I will never mistreat such a treasure in the Underground. Look at me" How much I wanted to not look but I couldn't resist him. Looking at him, I saw sadness and loneliness within his eyes. Leaning forward, he whispered, "Once I have the Underground and the Labyrinth under my control, I will come for you. Till then, endure my rose" He turned and left me there with a promise of a future with him as well as a longing to feel his lips upon mine.