Title: Of Demons and Goblin Kings

Author: The Awesomely Awestastic Kadasa Mori

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is not owned by me… I think… therefore I am…?

Summary: Princess Sarah of Sylvan lived a quiet life, day after day, the same routine. When a demon, a fae, the same species that had slaughtered her mother years before, drops in front of her, her routine shatters. But if he thinks she's just gonna roll over and let him kill her, he's got another thing coming.

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Chapter 8

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Can't meet up today. Apologies. King getting suspicious of constant not-here-ness and ordered an all day stay in the castle. Will hopefully see you tomorrow. Sorry again – Your favorite human.

Frowning at the note hidden in the back of Bella's stall, Jareth sighed. He glanced out the window at the castle and wondered what she was doing right now. A wicked grin split across his face. Well, if she couldn't come meet him he could certainly go meet her.

He stuffed the note into a pocket and quickly made his way to her room, not at all startled when he didn't spot her there. From his understanding of the note, she would have to be in sight of others at various points throughout the day. He scratched his chin. Hmm… well she likes to read. Let's start with the library. He quickly made his way through the castle to the gigantic library and did indeed find the Princess pulling a book from the shelf. He took a step forward to scare her but heard someone coming up behind him and darted into the shadows.

"Sarah!" one of the maids scolded as she leaned around the doorframe. "How dare you leave such a mess!" Sarah grinned at her. "Don't you laugh. I am not cleaning that up."

"Fine," she pouted, shoving the book back. "I'll go put it away."

The maid looked very close to laughing as she crossed her arms. "You'd better." Sarah shuffled past her. "Princess or no, you should know better than to leave your muffin mountain for me to clean up!" her voice echoed down the hallway, filled with laughter.

Jareth cocked his headed then leapt down off the bookshelf and landed lightly where Sarah was. He pulled the book out she was about to grab and made a face. The History of the Laws of Sylvia? This definitely does not sound like a book she would read, he thought as he leaned back against the bookshelf and flipped to the first page.

A flower greeted him and he blinked, flipping back to the cover to make sure it was still the same book. He cocked his head after a moment of confusion and pulled off the cover, a blank cover greeting him. Shrugging, he pulled the cover back on and flipped to the flower, a delicate doodle of a daisy. The next page was a bird sitting in a bush, a horse and cart, a landscape view of the land from Sarah's room. He smiled as he flipped through each page, imagining the Princess drawing them.

There were quite a few of Bella; eating, standing, running. There were also people; a young man he didn't recognize with who he assumed was the man's father and his sister as they all looked alike, Kitsune sitting at a chessboard, another of the fox laughing, a few pages of different servants and a strict looking lady holding a ruler and a thick book. Next to it was written 'spawn of satan. Hate math.' He chuckled and flipped through the next few pages of people.

Jareth blinked as he recognized his face. He flipped back to the page and stared at it. He was sleeping, or at the very least relaxing, something he didn't do often.

Humming suddenly echoed in his ears and he spun, sinking back into the shadows as the door opened. Sarah trotted in happily, walking over to her bookshelf and running a finger along the spines of the novels. He smirked and crept over, leaning over her shoulder. "Find a good book?"

He applauded her for not screaming, though she straightened quickly and spun, eyes wide, hands up defensively. Recognizing him, she scowled darkly and spun back to the bookshelf. "Actually yes. It's about a demon getting stabbed in the face. Repetitively. With a blunt object." He chuckled and turned, leaning against the wall to her left, flipping through the sketch book once more. "Why are you here? I told you I couldn't meet today because the king-hey!" she cried, recognizing the book. "That's mine! Give it back!"

He raised an eyebrow and lifted it high above his head, the girl standing on her tippy toes to try and reach it though her fingers barely brushed the gloved area of his wrists. "Oh? This little thing? I had no idea it was yours, but seeing as how I wasn't finished, perhaps I'll give it back later."

"You jerk!"

"Maybe now I won't give it back."

She smacked his chest. "As princess I order you to give it back."

"Hm… no." He leaned in close. "But maybe for a kiss?"

She turned bright red and backed up quickly. "Uhhh…"

"What's wrong?" he asked in mock concern. "Those princes get this close and you take them out. Why are you just turning red for me?"

"B-because… I-I…" She smiled slyly. "Just wanted to catch you off guard." He barely had time to register his confusion before the book was snatched out of his hands and she was making her way out of the library. "Bye Jareth!"

He blinked then grinned wickedly. "Clever girl." He let out a mock sigh and pulled the sketch book from behind his back. "Too bad she snatched the wrong book." When he heard her aggravated scream from down the hall he cackled and vanished.

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Her best friend was being very stubborn.

"Come on Kit!" Sarah chirped happily. "No one will notice!"

She'd been trying to convince her for the past twenty minutes to accompany her around the castle as 'Lady Kitsune' so that the suitors would perhaps leave her alone. Kitsune suspected that she just wanted someone else for them to lay their eyes on so that Sarah could escape.

"No Sarah!" the fox cried. "What if someone does?! We'll get into so much trouble!"

"Pish posh." Sarah waved a hand and held up the gown again. "Please."

Kitsune shifted uneasily then sighed. "Oh fine but if we get caught I'm blaming you." She quickly changed into the cream colored gown and frowned at Sarah. "Now what?"

Sarah turned her around and expertly pulled her hair up into a bun, grabbing a matching hat and stuffing it on Kitsune's head to hide her ears. "There!"

Kitsune shifted uneasily, fingers playing with her sleeve. "Sarah… this is such a bad idea…"

"Why? You look fantastic!" Sarah tilted her chin up and turned her face left and right, quickly applying some makeup. Kitsune's nose twitched and she sneezed violently. Sarah giggled. "Great job Kit. You look gorgeous."

Kitsune glanced into the mirror and shifted uneasily. She wore a see through cream colored long sleeve shirt with a deep neck, a strapless cream gown over that. Sarah had pulled her hair into a low ponytail, hat on her head to hide her ears. She looked like… a lady…"Sarah…"

Sarah smiled behind her. "Shall we go then?"

"Sure." Following Sarah out of the room, Kitsune watched the princess, for how to walk, how to hold herself, how to not be her. Sarah must have noticed because she reached out and wrapped her arm around Kitsune's.

"Relax Kit. You look fine."

She nodded and looked straight just as one of the servants passed them. The girl didn't even give them a second glance, nodding once to them and murmuring "afternoon Princess, my lady."

Kitsune shot Sarah a look as they turned the corner and the princess smiled. "See? What'd I tell you?" The fox smiled back and nodded, following her down the hallway and to the main floor.

"Sarah?" The brunette turned to Kitsune. "Who is that?"

Sarah turned further and spotted Sir Annoyance himself walking beside Richard as they headed down the hallway. "Oh. One of my suitors."

"Oh."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"No reason…"

"Hm…." Sarah glanced between the fox and the prince a few times before a slow grin covered her features. Kitsune shook herself after the man turned the corner and turned to Sarah only to freeze.

"What?" she asked nervously.

"Oh. Nothing." Sarah waved a hand, heading in the opposite direction.

Kitsune hurried after her. "Sarah! I know that look! It's never nothing!"

"What look? I'm merely smiling and enjoying the day Kit."

"Sarah…"

"What's the young princess doing now?" Both turned quickly and found Sir Annoyance standing there.

Sarah's eyes narrowed immediately then brightened, flickering to Kitsune whose mouth had snapped shut. "Good afternoon sir," Sarah said, curtsying. "How fare you?"

"I'm quite fine. Your father has asked that I keep you company." He glanced at Kitsune and held out a hand. "I don't believe I've met you yet."

Sarah giggled. "This is my very best friend Kitsune."

Kitsune held out her hand to shake his but he quickly turned it so the back of her hand faced up. He bent and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "It's an honor to meet you Lady Kitsune. I am Lord Alex."

The fox turned as red as her hair. "Y-you as well sir," she murmured, eyes lowering to the ground.

He blinked, eyes staring at her mouth then flickering to her hat where her ears were hidden. He glanced at Sarah who raised an eyebrow. "May I ask a somewhat invading question, Lady Kitsune?" She swallowed and nodded. "Are you perhaps a demon?"

Her redness disappeared in a flash and she turned pale. "I…"

Sarah bristled immediately, protectiveness for her companion immediately overriding everything, including the possible matchmaking that had been floating through her brain. She reached out, grabbing the arm Kitsune was holding out and turning the fox away. "She is, my good sir. Have a good day," she snapped irritably and pulled Kitsune down the hall.

She glanced at Kitsune who glanced at her with worry. This was why they'd always tried to hide her whenever there were guests. If someone was offended, her father had threatened to send her away because of her demon heritage. Sarah swallowed nervously and gave the fox a hesitant smile. "You'll be all right Kit. No worr-"

"Pardon me."

The brunette spun and glowered at Sir Annoyance. "What?" she growled.

He sent her a cool look then turned to Kitsune. "I wasn't trying to offend milady. I was just curious. It's no matter to me whether you're demon, human or in between."

Kitsune's eyes lit up and she smiled brightly. "Why then, yes good sir, I am demon, fox to be specific."

"Red fox to be specific-er," Sarah added smartly, watching him cautiously.

They both sent her a dull look. He turned back to Kitsune and smiled faintly. "May I see?"

She looked confused and he pointed to her hat. She shrunk slightly. "I… I'm not allowed."

"If the King walks by I shall take care of it." She lowered her eyes then slowly pulled off the hat, ears flat against her head. He chuckled. "Well that proves your fox – pardon – red fox heritage." She smiled faintly. "I look forward to seeing you around the castle Lady Kitsune."

She turned as red as a tomato and stuttered out a reply as he bent and kissed her knuckles once more, bowed to Sarah and walked in the opposite direction. Kitsune held her hand to her chest, just staring after him. Sarah grinned widely… waiting… waiting…waiting… Kitsune turned to her then turned even redder. "Ah! Sarah! That-that wasn't what it looked like!"

"Oh, but it sure looked that way Kit."

Her ears flattened against her head. "It wasn't!"

Sarah giggled, skipping back towards her room as Kitsune pulled the hat back on. "Oh but it was!"

"Sarah!!!"

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Sarah peeked around the corner. She didn't spot a guard nor did she see anyone else. With a wide grin, she took a step back then raced forward, landing on the railing and zipping down. She hit the end, landed on her feet and spun, nearly falling. A strong arm wrapped around her waist and held her before she could fall. She looked down at the gloved hand then turned to look at the man holding her, a bright smile growing on her face when she spotted the familiar blond.

Jareth raised an eyebrow. "Having fun are we?"

"Much fun!" she chirped happily. "Have you ever tried it?"

"I must confess that I never have, Princess."

"You should sometime."

"I shall endeavor to try it in the near future." He rolled his eyes and released her, holding an arm out. "Shall we?"

She wrapped her arm around his, other hand going to her skirt and pulling it out in a curtsey. "We shall." He chuckled and led her down the hall. "Where to my good demon?"

"Where were you headed?"

"Nowhere really, I just have to stay inside the castle. Kitsune is fawning over one of the visiting royals and I've no wish to listen to her any longer." She looked out the window and paled, shoving him forward so he couldn't be seen through the window and leaning into the window frame. He glanced back in confusion.

"Sarah! Darling!" Karen's voice came from outside.

Jareth frowned to himself as 'Princess' appeared. Sarah turned and smiled faintly. "Oh… stepmother. How do you fare on such a beautiful morning?"

"Very well my dear. Would you like to join us? We are having tea in the garden, Aunt Eliza and I, with several prominent family members from town. I'm quite sure Miss Valerie will be there."

From his position Jareth saw Sarah's hand fist tightly, knuckles turning white as it trembled. "Thank you for the invitation, stepmother, but I fear I've previous arrangements. The princes are here, you know."

"Ah, yes. I'd nearly forgotten. Well then, perhaps another time. I'll tell dear Valerie you said hello!"

"Thank you stepmother." Sarah stood, waved and smiled prettily then walked forward. Once she was out of the line of sight, she tore down the hallway. Jareth blinked then raced after her. She was only a few hallways down, curled into a corner and muttering angrily.

He leaned back against the wall to her left and waited for her to look up. She did after a minute, eyes angry but not crying (for which he was thankful). "Sorry," she mumbled. "Forgot you were with me."

"It's quite alright." He slid down to sit beside her. "What ails you Princess?"

"Valerie is one of my good friends from town. The wicked stepmother always seems to invite her over when I'm not allowed to socialize." She lifted her hand and rubbed her face. As her arm dropped to lay across her knees, Jareth grabbed her wrist. "What?" she asked in confusion. He turned her hand over and she saw four small gashes across her palm from where she'd fisted her hand. "Oh…" He snorted and pulled out a handkerchief, wiping at her hand. "Thanks," she muttered when he cleaned it up.

"No problem," he replied and handed it to her so she could wipe her face, pulling a glove off one hand and running a finger over her palm gently. She watched in amazement as the scratches healed up before her eyes.

"How… did you…"

He rolled his eyes. "Demon."

"Oh. Right… thanks."

"As I said before, no problem."

She sighed then got to her feet. "Shall we?" she asked and held out her hands. He took them and was pulled to his feet. "Where to?"

He shrugged. "It's your castle."

"Then let's go to my art studio. I'm bored and drawing doodles will be fun." He snorted but held out an arm for her to take. "P.s. the suitors don't know where my studio is." She suddenly froze. "Where's my sketch book?"

He looked confused then grinned. "What makes you think I have it?"

"You had it last and were taunting me with it!"

"It's safe." At her looked of annoyance he added, "hidden safe."

She sighed through her nose. "Will it take years to find?"

"Nope. You'll find it tonight."

Narrowing her eyes, she nodded slowly. "Very well. As long as you didn't steal any pictures out of it."

"Just mine."

"Jareth!"

He laughed and held up his free hand. "I didn't! I swear!"

"Better not," she grumbled, swishing her gown irritably.

"Would you miss gazing upon me so much?"

"Oh yes," she fluttered her eyes at him. "It is my bible, staring at your face before I go to bed every night."

He let out a bark of laughter. "I'm the furthest thing from the bible you could ever get besides satan himself."

"I know but it's a good way to remind myself of how saintly I actually am."

A wicked grin spread across his face. "I am the lion and you are the lamb."

She wrinkled her nose. "Lambs frighten me."

He opened the door to her art studio and raised an eyebrow. "Lambs?"

"Yes… all fluffy and white and looking like they're about to explode or float away."

There was a moment of dead silence before he rolled his eyes. "Princess, you are an odd one."

"That I am, that I am."

"I'll be right back," he said quickly and vanished. She blinked at the window he'd vanished through then again when he reappeared, climbing through and carrying a chair he frequently sat in from her room through the window. He set it down beside the window so he could prop his feet up on the sill. "What?" he asked defensively when she just stared at him.

"And you call me odd?" she asked incredulously. "You just carried a chair through a third story window!"

He shrugged. "I like this chair."

She rolled her eyes. "If you hold still I'll paint you."

He tried to figure out if that was a threat or a request. "What if someone finds it?"

"They won't."

He stared at her for a long time before nodding. "Very well." He turned to look out the window, hands folded in his lap, legs crossed at the ankles and boots on the stone window sill. She got her paints ready and went to work. An hour later, she sat back and stretched. "Are you done?" he asked.

She shook her head. "Not nearly. It'll take a while longer but I've gotten the general idea in so I don't have to actually use you anymore."

"Well thanks for making me feel so useful," he said with a roll of his eyes.

She laughed and flexed her hands before picking up the paintbrush once more. He cocked his head, watching the gentle strokes and straight posture she held. She didn't seem to notice she was being watched until she cocked her head at the portrait then turned to look at him. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing."

"Hm… your hair is poofy."

He rolled his eyes again. "It is not."

"It so is." He grunted and she laughed, returning to her piece.

A few hours later she was back in her room getting ready for supper, Jareth's chair back in place and the blond in it. Sarah hummed to herself as she brushed her hair out irritated at having to go sit with the suitors instead of eating a quiet dinner with Kitsune or Jareth.

"I must confess something to you Princess."

She turned, worry filling her face. "What's wrong?"

"I'm… I must go somewhere for a few days and it's too far to travel back and forth from there to here in time for my agenda."

Her face fell. "Oh… when will you be back then?"

"Four, maybe five days? A week at most."

"Oh! Well that's not long at all! I feared a month, a year, something to that extent. I'll live a week." She sent him a mock stern look and waved her finger in his direction. "But no more!"

He chuckled. "Yes Princess, as you command."

She smiled. "Maybe by then I'll be done with your picture."

"You'd better," he scolded and stood by the window, the picture of hesitance. "You'll be alright?"

"I survived nearly two decades without you Jareth. I'll survive a week."

He smiled. "I'll see you in a week."

"And no longer!"

"And no longer. Until then."

He vanished out the window and Sarah smiled, turning back around to face her vanity. It seemed like an unspoken rule to not say good bye or if one did, reassure the other they they'd see each other again. With a smile on her face she made her way to dinner realizing Jareth's hesitance at leaving was because he didn't want her to be lonely.

Even her father's greatest attempts to make her miserable failed to remove her smile at that revelation.

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To all readers and reviewers,

Awww. The fluff. (chases Sarah around with a fluffy sheep) This chapter was so much fun to write :)

- Kadasa

Next chapter preview: Chapter 9

"Our cook has provided a generous meal," Richard announced, "I order you to enjoy it thoroughly!" He laughed and Perfect Prince and Grinny Monkey raised their glasses, laughing as well. Alex just nodded and leaned into his chair as Richard rung the bell to signal dinner.

Sarah watched Alex coolly, still angry for his previous comment when she realized who exactly would be serving her. She stiffened into her chair and saw him glance at her quickly, frowning.

Kitsune leaned around her to set her plate down and tapped her shoulder. "Behave," she whispered. "I know it's not your favorite but the king demanded it."

"Kit…" Sarah whispered glancing back at Alex who was watching the fox with the same stoic face. Kitsune paled, mouth moving but nothing coming out. "Kit. Move," Sarah hissed.

She shook herself, lowered her eyes and went back to the kitchen. Just in time because Richard looked over and started talking about a new festival in town. Kitsune returned to the table and set Alex's plate down but he didn't look at her. Sarah's hand tightened around her silverware as she watched Alex out of the corner of her eye but he didn't look at her for the entire meal.

When it was over, he stood without his usual 'good night my lady' and made his way from the room. Sarah shut her eyes and sighed heavily. What did I do…