The High Queen Alia was a patient woman - to a point. But Jareth was taking a long time to confront the girl, to tell her what she needed to know to become queen. Rolling a crystal along her fingers she gazed into it to see how things were going on board the little water craft her son was steering and started to laugh.

Her dear protege was doing truth spells was she? Poor Squawk. She paused in her musings, listening to the wind. Love was truly the trickiest magic to understand, and the most powerful.

The Labyrinth was whining into the wind again, the dreams of its king ignored for far too long. All of his fears and hopes combined into the twists and turns of its pathways. And the Labyrinth had fallen in love with Sarah because Jareth had done so. His feelings manifested in the tricky paths and reflected his own inner turmoil. Until the girl was back where she belonged, her son would be powerless to control his own kingdom.

She knew that Jareth was stubborn, wanting to do things in his own way, his own time. But really - a mother knew best. And he needed some assistance if Sarah's stubborness was going to outlast his persistance.

She raised a hand and turned herself into a snowy white falcon, flying into the Above Ground to watch the fun up close. And to remind her son that time may be reordered, but never forgotten. He had a job to do and little time to complete his quest.

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Squawk appeared in the galley, still clutching Toby who laughed, clapping his little hands.

"Oops, wrong room," Squawk stuttered, then saw brownies. Grabbing a tray, he balanced it in one hand while hanging onto the little boy.

"We try again, baby," he shrugged just as Robert saw them on his way to his cabin. A small white bird swooped into the hallway, distracting him so that he did not see the goblin and the boy disappear into white smoke again.

"I must be seeing things," he muttered, running into his cabin. Karen was sitting on the floor, staring into space.

"Karen, what is it? Did you see the monkey?" Robert asked, rushing into the room. Karen looked at him blindly, grabbing his arm.

"There is some sort of thing on board, like a slimy green - monster." She turned to Jareth and glared, "What is on this boat?"

"Madam I assure you there is no monster on board this boat. I was explaining to your husband that Steven brought a pet on board for luck. It is regrettable that he did not inform me beforehand so that I might tell you of it. My apologies."

"It wasn't a dog, he - he changed into something right in front of me," Karen insisted, holding her head. "I don't feel so well."

Jareth took her arm and led her to the large bed, sitting her down carefully. "My apologies for the rough seas as well, the weather reports swore clear skies. Have you been sailing before?" At her shake of the head, Jareth smiled kindly. Robert came over and sat next her, rubbing her shoulders gently.

"Pardon me for mentioning it, but the sea air affects people in different ways. Perhaps you were only a bit confused earlier," his words, so smoothly uttered had an affect on Karen. Her brows relaxed, her breathing became calmer and she smiled up at him.

"Of course, I'm tired. I've been out in the sun all day and I must have gotten confused. Maybe I should just take a nap. But - where is Toby?" Her eyes darted around the room looking for her son.

"He was with that - dog," Robert said, a bit worried. "It looked like a monkey."

"It was not a monkey," Sarah broke in quickly. "Steven told me that he trained the dog to stand on its hind legs, um, like a horse or something. Toby was probably playing cowboy with it."

Jareth gave Sarah an approving look for her quick and somewhat devious response before answering Robert. He noticed a small bird watching them from a high place in the room but shook off the feeling of unease. It was a bird, nothing more.

"Your son is in your daughter's cabin, probably fast asleep," Jareth said as Sarah went to open her mouth. He shot her a quick glare. "Sarah put him down for a nap to give you time to yourself, isn't that right, Princess?" At Sarah's stiff nod, Karen relaxed.

"Oh, Sarah, thank you," Karen said gratefully. "I most likely do need some sleep. I'm sorry I scared everyone." Karen was apologizing? To actual people? Sarah was stunned.

"No problem, Karen. I hope you feel better soon." She walked over to her stepmother, surprising everyone by hugging the woman.

"Well then," Robert said, rubbing Karen's back, "Let's let Karen get some rest."

"Stay with me Robert," Karen pleaded. "I don't want to be by myself if I'm seeing things." He smiled and kissed his wife's forehead. Sarah looked at them, saying nothing. She was finally seeing that they loved each other. Maybe she'd never really wanted to see it. Jareth saw her thoughtful expression and hid a smile. Each bit of maturity she showed brought her one step closer to her place as his queen. After he showed her he would not tolerate any further defiance.

"Come now ladies," Jareth said, escorting Sasha and Sarah from the cabin. "Let's let them have their privacy shall we. There are a few things that still need to be discussed."

"Oh boy," Sasha whispered to Sarah, "get ready for your punishment." Sarah groaned. This day was so not happening.

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"I want answers and I want them now, Jareth," Sarah hissed, walking towards her cabin. "Why are we all here? Why did you come back? Where's Toby? What exactly is going on with this weather? What are you up to, anyway?"

He stopped, gripping her arm and glaring down at her.

"Would you like for me to answer those in order of importance or just as I see fit? You are the most obstinate, head strong, insane child I have ever had the misfortune of falling in love with. You are rude, insolent, and have no consideration for anyone's feelings but your own. Let's make certain Tobias and Squawk are actually in your room then I will gladly answer my queen's impertinent queries at her leisure." His tone was mocking but Sarah saw a fierce passion in his eyes that made her lose her breath. He released her and stalked off towards Sarah's cabin.

Sarah leaned against the wall as Sasha stared at her.

"Are you all right?" She waved a hand over Sarah's eyes and frowned. "You don't look so good."

"He's in love with me," Sarah sighed, not daring to believe. Sasha threw up her hands.

"And she finally gets it. Come on Princess, let's go see if your brother has beaten up the goblin yet. Then I'll gladly leave you and your king alone for your punishment. I'm sure it's been a long time coming."

Sarah gave her an evil smirk and ran to catch up with Jareth.