Hiffa accompanied Elora all the way to the dining hall, but then she scampered off.
"I wish you'd stay," Elora protested.
"Oh no," said Hiffa. "This is no place for a goblin. Unless you're a kitchen goblin, I suppose."
Well, that bodes well, Elora thought as she continued in alone.
Jareth was sitting regally at one end of the table. He rose as she entered.
What a peacock, Elora thought. How does he even sit regally?
"I thought I had prepared a room fit for a queen," Jareth said. "But surely it does not compare to you."
"You flatter me," Elora said with a polite smile. She settled into the chair that Jareth pulled out.
"I hope you are enjoying my kingdom so far," Jareth said.
"I haven't seen much yet, but it is impressive," Elora replied.
Goblins scuttled around the room carrying trays and dishes. One set a plate of delicate white meat in buttery sauce before Elora, while another filled her glass.
"How are your subjects?" Elora asked as she cut her food. Subtle, Elora. Real subtle.
"My subjects?" Jareth seemed slightly confused. "Oh, them," he said, and he looked around at the goblins. "They get by."
"How do you interact with them and find out what they need?" Elora asked, hoping for some tips.
"Interact? I'm their king. I don't socialize with them."
"How can a king be effective if he doesn't even know his people?" Elora asked.
"I know what's best for them," Jareth said dismissively. "Can't we discuss more interesting things?"
"Like what?" Elora asked.
"How you'd like to spend your week here," Jareth said. "There are many amusements."
"I'd like to get to know the goblins," Elora said.
Jareth looked like someone had put far too much salt in his food.
"If that's what you wish, your whim is my command," he said.
They finished the meal in silence interspersed with pleasantries.
"I'm sure you're eager to get started, but you must be tired after such a long day," Jareth said as he pulled back Elora's chair.
"Yes, I think I'll retire," Elora said. "Thank you for a wonderful meal and company."
Jareth gave her his arm and accompanied her to her room.
"Pleasant dreams," he said, and he swept away.
Elora shut the door behind her and changed into her white silk nightgown. Hiffa came in and turned down the bed sheets.
"Do you need anything? A nightcap?" she asked.
"No, thank you, Hiffa. I'm just going to bed," Elora said. She managed to shoo her lady-in-waiting away with a few more reassurances.
When she was alone, Elora climbed into her bed and lay under the sheets, taking account of the day.
So far he's been trustworthy, she thought. I guess Willow won't have to singlehandedly dismantle his kingdom. I was hoping he might be able to tell me a little about ruling a kingdom, though. There's so much I don't know. Even Sorsha and Madmartigan never wanted to be anything but regents. I thought maybe Jareth would be more invested. He seems to regard his subjects as necessary chattel. A good queen takes care of her people like her own children.
It's only the first day, I suppose. I hardly even know Jareth. We have a whole week to find out about each other. I only hope I like what I find.
