Author's Note: It's funny how life gets busy, and writing falls by the wayside. I didn't realize until tonight just how long it had been since I last updated. To address a few things from reviews (which I really do appreciate, it helps me more than you can know): Yes, this story is AU (and I have updated the blurb to indicate that). It was not my original intention, but when I went back and read what I've written so far, it's clear that is what I have done. Why did I make Jareth look like Loki and not David Bowie? I will be addressing that, in story (although, not in this chapter). I knew, going in, that changing his look would probably not thrill people, but I really do have have a reason for doing it. I know that so far, the story has been a bit disjointed, with me jumping from character to character. After this chapter, I'm thinking the ride will get a bit smoother.

Thank you for reading, following, and reviewing this little story of mine. I really do appreciate all of you.

Disclaimer: As always, anything from the movie, manga, comics, or original tie-in novel that end up in this story is not owned by me. Everything else is.

Chapter Nine

"Queen Lilia, we have received word that you have tampered with the test. Is this true?"

She scanned the faces before her. No smiles, no friends were to be found here. "I'm curious, what evidence do you have to back up this accusation?"

Lord Rolf, head of the Council, replied, "The evidence is none of your concern. Answer the question."

Choose your words carefully, she told herself. Out loud she asked, "What does the council qualify as tampering?"

"Did you, or did you not, speak with King Jareth after the test had begun?"

Damn. "I did."

"You are aware that this is a very serious crime?"

She wanted to cower, to run away, but that wasn't an option. "I am the high queen. I have the right to make changes to the test, as I see fit."

"Your Majesty, the rules specifically state that once the test has begun, no one may enter the realm of the Goblin King. Doing so is a crime, punishable by death. Nowhere is it stated that you are exempt from this."

Her eyes went wide, "You can't be serious!"

"The Council will have the final say on this. Now that we have heard your response to this, we will decide upon your punishment. Until we render judgement, you will be kept in our custody." He motioned to two guards, "Take her away."

Lilia found herself marched to a cell. The Council's dungeon was far nicer than most. The room was private, clean, with a bed, chamberpot, and wash basin. There was one small window set into the wall. If she stood on her tiptoes she could see out. Lacking a better option, she sat on the bed, her back to the wall, knees pulled up to her chin with her hands clasped around them.

Why hadn't she listened to Booker? She had foolishly hoped that her title would keep her free of the council's judgement. She had known better, though. She remembered, as a child, being taught that position meant nothing to the Council. And yet, knowing that, she'd still defied them.

They had taken her in the middle of the night. No one had been told, although it was likely Booker had figured it out. She'd been brought to the trial, which she knew was really nothing more than a formality. The Council didn't try you, unless they had already decided upon your guilt.

She wondered about how they would execute her. Would it be fast? Would it be painful? Then her thoughts drifted to her beloved husband and daughter. "I should never have come back." she muttered. Her life could have been so different. She could have stayed, raised her daughter, grown old with her husband. Instead, everything had turned into a mess. She knew that even if she had stayed, the Council would have, eventually, forcibly removed her. She was next in line to the throne, and they wouldn't have had any interest in her abdicating the position.

She desperately wanted to reach out to Sarah, to Booker, even to Jareth. She needed to tell them what had happened. She needed to see her daughter one more time. That wasn't an option. The Council had stripped her of all her magic. She was nothing more than a mortal as long as they held her.

The room began to lighten. Dawn. Another day had begun.

They sent for her three days later. A decision had been reached.

"For your crime, you will be executed immediately. Do you have any final requests?"

So, they were going to do it. She was surprised that she almost felt relieved. Though she had held out a tiny sliver of hope that they would show her mercy, she had known how unlikely that would be. At least she wouldn't have to spend any more time wondering what her fate would be. "Will my daughter take the throne?"

"No, the mutt you call your daughter will be banished forever to the realm of the Goblin King."

Lilia felt indignant, "She is not a mutt. She is next in line to the throne!"

Ignoring her, "Since there is no true heir, it has been decided to end the high royal line. From this point forward the Council will rule this world. All the minor monarchs will be under our dominion."

There it was. They had finally found a way to take over, and she couldn't do a damn thing to stop them. Defeated, she asked for the only thing she wanted, "Then may I speak with my daughter, before you execute me?"

The Council was silent for a few moments, then Lord Rolf replied, "You may not. We will, however, agree to let you see your daughter once more before your death."

An orb appeared in front of Lilia. She watched as the image of Sarah, stuck in her own prison, materialized. The girl looked tired, frazzled, and angry. Then, just as soon as the image had appeared, the orb dissovled into nothing.

There was the sound of a clap, and the Queen was no more.