Jareth strode regally into the palace ballroom, taking in all the elegance. It wasn't his castle, but it would do. It seemed Elora had at least a modicum of taste. Maybe she could give the goblin kingdom a woman's touch.

Where was she, anyway? Surely she was already here- he'd arrived fashionably late. He brushed through the crowds, ignoring the whispers and appreciative glances of some of the female partiers.

Well, maybe he didn't ignore them entirely.

Now, now, stay focused, Jareth told himself firmly. Time to get what you came for. His gaze swept the dance floor-

Oh… my.

Elora looked… stunning. Finally she was wearing a gown fit for the princess she was. The soft candlelight framed her and bounced off the striking gold accents of her pristine white dress. Its fabric hugged her tightly enough that he could admire her form but maddeningly modestly enough to leave him wondering.

She will make a most fetching addition to my kingdom, Jareth thought. I think I'm even glad she's not a goblin.

Jareth stood for a while, enjoying the view. Elora was dancing with some jejune oaf who looked better suited to a pig farm. She was laughing politely at whatever banalities he was spouting.

Ever so diplomatic. The mark of true nobility, Jareth thought. He couldn't bear to leave here suffering such crushing dullness. He gallantly sidled up behind her partner.

"May I cut in?"

Elora's partner kindly removed himself, and Jareth swept Elora into a waltz. She seemed decidedly underwhelmed. She smiled sweetly, but it was like he was just another partner. She looked critically at his outfit and remained politely detached.

What's wrong? Why isn't she overcome with adoration? I'll show her.

He guided her into an increasingly complex series of spins, hesitations, and travels that covered the entire dance floor. They made some small talk along the way, but it was so loud it was easier to just dance.

Jareth was pleased to see that Elora seemed to be enjoying the dance as much as he was, but she still wasn't as smitten as he'd planned. He couldn't imagine why. It was a magical moment- the ambient lights, the lovely dress she was wearing, the way his hand rested ever so gently on her back and her soft hand in his…

As the music faded to its last strains, Jareth swiftly tipped Elora into an elegant dip. She gasped lightly and smiled widely in surprise and delight. Jareth felt a burst of triumph that he'd finally gotten a reaction from her, but he also found that he was simply delighted to see her smile so freely. He was about to ask her for another dance when everything fell apart.

"Elora! May I have this dance?" came a very low to the ground and horrible familiar voice behind Jareth. Unfortunately, he'd already turned at the sound.

"You," Willow spat. "What are you doing here? Get away from her!" He stormed over and planted himself between Elora and Jareth.

"Willow, what's wrong?" Elora asked.

"This is the maniac who kidnapped you! Guards!" Willow called. Two lines of armored men materialized from the edges of the ballroom and surrounded them.

"What?" Elora gasped. She turned toward Jareth.

Jareth was silent.

"Did you?" Elora asked.

"I only granted his wish," Jareth said imperiously.

"Don't listen to him. I didn't mean to send you away, and you know it," Willow said. "Guards, take him to the dungeon!"

"Wait!" Elora called. She looked at Jareth and at the guards.

"Just go," She said.

"Elora," Jareth began.

"Go."

Jareth walked stiffly out of the ballroom, meticulously trying to preserve his dignity.

You again. Why couldn't you just grow old and die? I was perfectly content never seeing your pestiferous face again. I'll go, but you're not rid of me yet. And I think you'll find Elora is much less suspicious of me than you think.

Well, it wasn't a complete disaster, Elora thought in her room. After that whole incident the ball had continued, but somehow it just wasn't the same. Eventually Elora had thanked each of the guests for coming and promised to contact the most promising ones. She was going to prepare a list for her servants later, but right now she just needed some time.

There was a knock at her door.

"Elora?" Willow called.

"Come in," Elora answered.

"Are you all right?" Willow asked. He sat next to Elora on her bed.

"I guess. It's just been a long night."

"I'm just glad he's gone," Willow said. "How dare he show his face around here? I was so scared when I saw him. I thought he was going to try to take you again,"

"No, he was nice," Elora said without thinking.

"Nice? I had to traipse through his lunatic maze to get you back! He's a madman."

"But why did he come back? And why didn't he try anything before you came?" Elora asked.

"I don't know, but he better hope I don't see him again," Willow said darkly. He heaved himself off the bed.

"You're all right? I can stay as long as you need," he said.

"It's all right. I should go to bed," Elora said.

After he left, Elora went out on her balcony and sat looking into the distance. As bizarre as it was to discover her mystery guest kidnapped her when she a baby, it was just a little flattering that he came back to try again. She felt entirely silly, but still it was there.

I may have a stalker, but at least he's handsome, Elora thought. Oh Elora, that's completely ridiculous. Anyway, he's gone and it's for the best.

Just then, a barn owl glided down and settled on her balcony railing.

Oh, what a pretty owl, Elora thought idly.

Then there was a shower of glitter and the owl vanished. In its place stood Jareth.

Elora yelped and jumped backward. She dashed toward her room.

"Wait! Just let me explain," Jareth said. He remained at the balcony's edge.

Elora knew that was a bad idea. She already knew this man was a kidnapper and now she also knew he was apparently magical. But he did look sorry…

"All right, but this better be good."