A/N I do not own Labyrinth ect ect ect

The large dining hall was filled with laughter as the assembled royalty enjoyed a relaxed lunch. King Aston was known for his hospitality and although the lunch was a social rather than political gathering he spared no expense. The table had been set with exquisite crockery and crystal glass and the wine and food was bountiful.

Sky and Star sat either side of King Garrett listening to the tails he told of his youth. Both girls found him to be the best entertainment they had ever had. He was more relaxed than the normal royalty and as the Goblin kings brother the stories of his mischief he told was quite alarming. Garrett loved to watch their shocked faces as he recalled past mishaps involving himself and his dear brother.

Just as they were finishing their meal and as Garrett reached for his wine there was a shift in the air the unmistakeable signature of magic filled the room and he suddenly found himself cradling a young girl upon his lap. She lifted her head up to meet his eyes her face turned red with embarrassment and she seemed as shocked as he was. Garrett recognised this raven beauty from somewhere but where.

"Sorry" Sarah whispered trying to stand

"Don't apologise my dear I have had worse things fall on me during lunch I assure you"

Both Sky and Star starred in amusement at their friend as she disentangled her body from that of the King. Both jumping to their feet before screaming her name

"Sarah"

"how did you get here, did you escape, where's Jareth" the questions tumbled from Sky's mouth

Garrett immediately looked up at the mention of his brother's name. Of course that is where he had seen this girl she was the one Jareth denied all feelings for. But why had she been dropped into his lap. What reason could he have to do such a thing. There was something going on with his brother that he seemed unwilling to share but Garrett decided he was going to do some digging.

"I need to get back" Sarah replied "before she kills Hoggle"

Sky and Star both gave each other awkward glances and a small smirk.

"Sarah, who is Hoggle. Is it a pet name you have for Jareth"?

"No "Sarah snorted "of course not Hoggle is my friend and that women Melandra has him"

At the mention of Melandra's name the atmosphere in the room stilled and turned cold. All gathered knew exactly who she was. Her cruelty had graced a few courts over time. Why Jareth had chosen the women to be Queen had puzzled many but no one had voiced their opinion on the matter.

"Sarah, you can't take on Melandra" Sky said

Garrett interrupted

"I assume it was Jareth that sent you here""

Sarah nodded "but I need to get back"

"No" Garrett replied "He has sent you under my protection for a reason you are staying with me"

"Look" Sarah turned angrily to Garrett pointing her finger at him "I don't know who you bloody are and I don't really care. My friend is in danger and I am going back. For your information his glittery royal tight pants has no power over me"

Garrett burst into fits of laughter he just couldn't help himself. Never before in his life had he heard anyone refer to his brother in such a way. He knew why Jareth liked this girl she had fire. King Aston face showed a look of irritation at the girl's complete lack of decorum. His daughter's involvement with this girl was more than obvious. Star pulled Sarah away and Sky quickly joined them both

"Sarah that is King Garrett, Jareth's brother and I am afraid that by coming back into the underground you have given King Jareth complete power over you otherwise his spell would not have worked".

"Shit" Sarah said

King Aston had remained silent throughout the proceedings. He wondered if he would ever manage to have a meal that did not involve some drama or other when his daughters where home. He looked at Garrett both knowing that they needed to speak with Jareth.

"Girls take the lady to your chambers Garrett and I will try to contact Jareth. You are to stay in the castle. Do not be getting any foolish ideas in your heads"

All three girls looked at the king as though they had no idea what he meant.

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Jareth lay in his bed chamber regaining his strength after the events in the throne room. Fighting against Melandra was getting more draining with each passing day. He was determined not to pull the power of the Labyrinth into him when she was around. If she accessed that there would be no stopping her.

Sarah's arrival had distracted him from the task of removing himself of the evil vixen. He needed to get back to his research to find some way to untangle himself from her magic and the betrothal He had a number of his most trusted advisors exploring avenues but no one had manage anything so far.

Sarah would be safe with Garrett; he would not deposit something so valuable to him without good cause. He just hoped the transportation spell had worked as he had rushed it and not had chance to fully locate his brother. Normally he would lock onto the Kingdom not it's ruler but his hand had been forced and time was of the essence.

Melandra had left shortly after swearing to him she would be back and that he better have what she wanted. The dwarf had managed to creep out of the throne room and no doubt had gone in to hiding. Melandra had spies in his castle of that he was certain how else would she have known about Sarah but who would betray him in such a fashion. It seemed that instead of solving the problem facing him he was just adding to it. He raised himself from the bed with all intention of heading to the Library to work on his current problem, somewhere in that mass of books had to be the answer.

As he entered the library a fire blazed in the hearth and a small table appeared with brandy and three glasses. Jareth gazed immediately over to hearth to find his brother stood there with King Aston. Their faces instantly told him that this was not a polite social call. He was to exhausted right now to argue with either of them.

"It is usually polite to ask for an audience before entering someone's kingdom" Jareth snapped

"Yes and it is also polite to ask before dropping young girls on peoples laps. It is a good job I was lunching with Aston and not with my wife"

Jareth smirked he had rather hoped that was exactly were Garrett would be. The thought of him trying to explain to his wife why another woman had suddenly appeared in his bed would have been quite an entertaining story. Garrett immediately noticed jareth's change of expression.

"Jesus Jareth, do you want my life to be a living hell"

"Not at all dear brother. She wasn't sent as a gift"

"I figured that myself. What the hell is going on Jareth and don't try the nothing tactic"

"Melandra was here she knows who Sarah is I needed her removing"

"I believe I am missing something exactly who is the girl;" Aston interjected

"Sarah Williams, Champion of the Labyrinth"

Aston's face broke into a broad grin before he burst into laughter

"The stories are true you were bested by a mortal child; this is priceless Jareth"

Jareth glared at him

"I am glad you find my situation so amusing"

"Doesn't explain why send her to me"

"You're the only one still in love with his wife enough not to betray my trust"

Garrett starred at his brother for a long moment trying to figure just what was going on in that mind of his

"Jareth you are due to marry although why you would wish to be tied to such a woman as Melandra Zeus only knows. You can't seriously be thinking of keeping her as a mistress".

"What I intend for her is my business just keep her away from Melandra until I say otherwise. Where have you left her by the way"

"She is with the girls Jareth" Aston announced

Jareth's eyes widened seriously were these two total idiots as to leave the troublesome twins alone with a rather inventive Sarah. The reason she was here in the first place was because of them. Despite his tired state it would seem a trip to Aston's castle was in order.

"Jareth, what exactly is going on. You are hiding something I can tell"

Jareth poured himself a large brandy and quickly swallowed it before pouring another. He had carried the burden of his current problem around long enough. He trusted both Aston and his brother and surmised that maybe they might know of a way out. He finished his second glass before instructing them to take a seat. Both Kings quickly glanced at each other before following Jareths instruction. As Jareth retold them of the events following Sarah's departure after her defeat of him both listened in rather astonished silence. Finally, Garrett spoke

"You bloody idiot. Why did you not say something sooner"?

"I believed I would have sorted it by now"

"Jareth, do you realise what you have done, how at risk your people are from this woman. Not to mention the fact she would become High Queen"

Jareth temper erupted with magnificent force sending the brandy and glasses flying across the room. He walked over to the hearth placing his hands against the wall trying to rain his anger back in.

"Of course I do but at the time I was not thinking of that. I was exhausted from her run. I just did not think"

"No that much is quite obvious you were thinking of your wounded pride. Look Jareth I have to be honest I have never heard of anyone reversing a betrothal especially when magic is entwined but I will certain look into it"

Jareth turned back to Garrett and Aston.

"I have been searching every written piece I can find and so far nothing but I appreciate the offer of assistance. In the meantime, I do not wish any harm to come to Sarah. Melandra knows my past relating to her"

"As you wish but I believe you should explain your plan to Sarah and I think we have left the girls alone long enough" Garrott replied.

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Sarah followed The twins through the corridors of their castle. It was completely different to the one beyond the goblin city this was cut straight from the mountain side and faced out over ragged cliffs and down onto a cavernous waterfall. It seemed to sparkle like the walls of the labyrinth had and although it should feel cold it was rather warm. There were tapestries here and there of various scenes and people. Finally, after walking for some time the girls opened a large oak door and pulled Sarah inside.

"So spill Williams, how do you know Jareth"

Sarah gazed at the two for a moment before dropping down onto a nearby couch.

"I ran his Labyrinth a few years ago. He took my brother and I got him back"

Both Star and Sky starred at her open mouthed. They had heard the whispered stories at various royal functions but never once believed them to be true.

"You're the runner" they chorused

Sarah looked at them blankly totally unsure what they were talking about

"You are the mortal that beat Jareth at his own game. O god this is great. No wonder he was pissed when you turned up"

He ruined my life for years with his stupid tricks. Making me believe something that wasn't even true"

"Like what" Star asked

Sarah held her tongue. Did she really want to tell these two what an idiot she had been for believing Jareth truly loved her with those words he spoke and that she had moped about for years in the thought she had given it all away. Really did it make any difference now. He was not interested that was obvious, he was getting married to a women just as cruel and unfeeling as him. No she would keep it to herself for now.

"He twisted words that's all" Sarah replied

Both Star and Sky shared a look that said their friend wasn't telling the full story. Sky came and sat next to Sarah and Star joined them by perching herself on the arm of the couch.

"So what did you think of him. He is rather dreamy our Jareth" Star teased

"Dreamy are you blind he is a manipulative, demanding control freak who thinks everyone should grovel at his feet. I don't think anything but disgusted" Sarah huffed

Sky suppressed a giggle as she watched Sarah's interaction with her sister.

"Really, so why are you glowing like a poker" Star said "Come on Sarah admit you like him"

"No, never in a million years I can't stand him. Total prat"

A very English voice cut through the air at that precise moment silencing Sarah

"You wound me precious and I thought we got on so well"

Sarah glared over to where Jareth had appeared leaning against the door with a smirk across his lips. Both Star and Sky watched their friend turn an even brighter shade of red.

"Please tell me Hoggle is ok"

"Your little cowardly friend is in one piece yes" Jareth replied

"Do you always pop up where you're not wanted "Sarah spat

"Come now Sarah don't be like that after all I have done" Jareth replied

You haven't done anything but make my life hell and miserable" Sarah replied

Jareth pushed himself away from the door frame and walked into the room. He strode across the floor and stopped in front of the couch were Sarah sat. He turned to the twins and in a very polite tone of voice asked them to both leave.

"I believe young Sarah needs a lesson in manors from her king"

"You are not my King" Sarah hissed" and this is their castle so you can leave"

Neither Sky or Star wanted to leave they believed this could be quite fun. To watch Sarah, take on the mighty goblin King, they had seen her temper a few times when dealing with boyfriends when aboveground. Sarah Williams temper when annoyed was legendary at campus. Unfortunately, they both knew they had no choice but to obey

"Sarah" Star said placing a hand on top of hers "We have to obey. This is our castle but Jareth is heir to the high throne. You know ranks of royalty and power and all that stuff"

Sarah starred at both Sky and Star. Seriously they were going to abandon her with him. She could not miss the smirk that had spread further across Jareth's face. She swore that as soon as the opportunity arouse she would smack it right back off.

"Fine but don't expect any favours in future" Sarah hissed crossing her arms

With great reluctance Sky and Star walked slowly past Jareth and towards the door glancing back to Sarah with an apologetic look. Just before they left Jareth called over to them.

"Don't bother listening outside I have placed a spell on the room which will fall as soon as you leave.

Both girls tried to fain a look of innocence because that is exactly what they had hoped to do.

Once the girls had left Jareth flicked his wrist and the door slammed closed. Sarah's icy gaze starred up at him from the couch. How her fire and defiance delighted him? He had to admit to himself how much he enjoyed this girl. Sarah shifted uncomfortably under the goblin king's intense scrutiny. Jareth noticed the increased rate of her breathing and the blush as he lent down trapping her against the couch

"Sarah, Sarah still so defiant. You are mine little temptress get used to it"

He ran his hand down the side of her cheek and she tried to pull away. Jareth gripped her chin forcing her to look up at him and he locked his eyes with hers. He would break her and she would bend to his will eventually. All he needed to do was get rid of Merlandra. Jareth lent forward towards her his lips almost on top of hers. Sarah jerked herself free of his grip and turned her face away

"Don't" Sarah snarled

Jareth stood back up with a small laugh. How he loved to tease her, she was so responsive.

"Don't what" Jareth raised his eyebrow in mock confusion "Talk to you, touch you" he waited a moment then lent back in front of her "Kiss you"

He watched her burn even redder than before. She kept her eyes down and away from him as she twisted her fingers together. Jareth lent forward placing his mouth near her ear.

"Did you think I was going to kiss you Sarah….Did you want me to" Jareth purred in her ear.

Sarah tried to move away but he had placed his hands on either side of her trapping her against the soft cushions of the couch. She wouldn't show him how nervous he made her. No she would not let him intimidate her like this. Sarah brought her head up to face him finding him mere centimetres away. She locked her eyes to his and willed herself to stay calm.

"You" she spat "are due to be married and I would rather kiss a goblin than you"

Jareth stood back up and roared with laughter at her outburst.

"Well you did kiss that little scab so I guess a goblin would be no different but I assure you Sarah a kiss from me would be o so much more enjoyable"

Sarah took the opportunity to rise from the couch but kept her eyes firmly on Jareth. She found her eyes focusing on his mouth, those full lips of his, glistening. He followed her eye line and wet his lips in response to her staring. He saw her swallow.

At that moment the door opened and Garrett walked in. The intense heat that had been building between the two quickly faded. He glanced first at the bright red Sarah and then over to Jareth.

"I hope you are behaving brother you have a wedding to attend soon" Garrett said

Jareth shot him a deathly stare.

"Yes I am well aware of my upcoming arrangement Garrett I do not need a reminder from you and everyone else" Jareth sneered

"Have you told her" Garrett asked

"Not yet" jareth replied "Why don't you"

Sarah watched the two and a feeling of unease crept through her. She hardly knew Jareth's brother but she felt less nervous in his company than Jareth's, he did not fill her with the same fear.

"Well my dear it would seem Jareth has graciously withdrawn the assault charge against you and as it is inappropriate for you to be alone with him in that castle of his you will be staying with me for a short time. Then you will join me and my wife at the ceremony after which well I am not sure what the plan is"

"No you can send me home. Best place completely out of your hair after all if there are no charges to answer you have no reason to keep me here".

"What and have you miss the event of the year" Jareth purred." No you stay"

"What for" Sarah spat

"Entertainment after the wedding" Jareth smirked

"What sort of entertainment"

Garrett looked over to jareth he knew damn well he was teasing the girl but decided to follow his brothers lead

"The bedroom kind I assume" Garrett replied with a shrug

Sarahs face paled and her eyes grew wide as she looked from one to the other

"NO WAY ON EARTH" Sarah screamed "Touch me and I will kill you"

"Sarah it is a great offense to threaten the King especially as I have been so generous to dismiss your previous attack."

"Tough" she spat

She stormed towards Jareth her eyes blazing and a sudden courage building inside from nowhere. As she advanced on him he felt the spark of desire flow through him. Sarah brought her hands up to his chest and pushed hard making Jareth loose his balance and step back.

"I am not your property, or a toy to be played with. Don't think I will let you walk all over me like you do everyone else. You don't scare me Jareth, you have no power over me no matter what you think. Now if we have quite finished playing your game send me home"

With lightning speed Jareth gripped Sarahs wrists spinning her round and forcing her back against the wall pinning her hands at her sides. Garrett watched as the girl tried to hold her fierce expression under his brothers annoyed glare

"Trust me precious the game is just beginning. Now if you have quite finished with your little tantrum I will let you go. But be warned Sarah push me too far and I will not be as lenient as I am now"

Garrett turned away before the laughter erupted. My god his brother certainly was going to struggle with this one and he was going to enjoy watching the fireworks. He had never known anyone stand up to jareth with such defiance, yes Melandra manipulated him but she did not really put up a fight like this girl did. Although despite her spitfire attitude he could sense the fear underneath, this girl was perfect for his brother. He just hoped that jareth didn't break her spirit in the process of claiming her and that they could discover a way to get rid of Melandra.