.A/N I do not own Labyrinth. Thank you for staying with this story it has really taken off and cannot believe the attention it is getting I hope I can continue to do it justice. Thankyou as always for the reviews.

Just to reassure you all I haven't forgotten about the goblins guarding Toby all will be revealed.

This is a bit of a link/filler chapter.

Chapter 12

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He spread his wings wide, catching the updraft of the wind to send himself further away from the castle towards the Fiery Forest. Normally, he would take refuge in the throne room, but he needed solitude. He was oblivious to the storm that raged around him. The heavy rain that battered against him and left its watery droplets upon his pristine feathers did nothing to slow his flight. He flew with great speed, finally reaching the protective canopy of the trees. He soared through the foliage, twisting his body between the branches. Never slowing down, he continued to soar high before diving back low. He watched the small creatures on the forest floor run for cover as his predatory eyes locked onto them. He toyed with them, making them believe they had reached safety before swiftly capturing them within his talons and carrying them high into the air, then releasing them back to the unforgiving ground below. He was blinded by the rage he felt, and while he was unable to harm her, he could still seek some release by harming others.

Jareth flew for a few hours, but nothing seemed to lessen his anger. How could she? How could she deny everything he offered once again? If the first rejection by her in private was harsh, this was downright brutal. Not because it was done in a room full of spectators, but because he had experienced the pleasure of holding her, the feel of her body against his, the very taste of her. He just did not understand. It seemed again his main question for Sarah focused around that one word: why?

Feeling himself beginning to tire, Jareth flew low to the ground and effortlessly transformed into his Fae form. He leant his back against a large tree trunk and slid down onto the forest floor, burying his head in his hands. She had seemed so happy, so genuine. He had made her Queen, for god's sake.

"Damn you, Sarah, damn you to hell!" Jareth shouted, his voice echoing throughout the forest. He wrapped his cloak around himself and stared unseeingly into the distance. He should never have brought her here. He should have left her to end her miserable life in the mortal world.

As Jareth fought with his emotions, he failed to notice the attention he was drawing as many eyes watched from the safety of the trees. Pointy ears and orangey red heads dangled down at varying angles, as if their limbs defied the normal rules of gravity. Their whispers, carried away by the harsh wind, debated if it was safe to torment their King or not. Before they had a chance to decide, Jareth had already risen back to his feet, his face set in an angry glare.

He paced back and forth, his boots compacting the blades of grass into the ground itself, while replaying the events of the evening through his mind. She had been nervous at first, but seemed to regain her inner courage during the evening. Her little confrontation with the ladies had only proved to strengthen it. She had been relaxed and happy in his arms as they danced and chatted. So, what changed? He remembered her heading from the ballroom, and he had gone to follow, only to be detained first by Dulcina, then by his father. It was when his father had halted his path that the goblins following Sarah had turned back, undoubtedly sensing the sudden magical pulse his father had begun to release as a threat to their King. He had not been concerned as he had seen Sarah in the company of Anya.

It had been some time after that, as they were preparing to be seated for the meal, when he saw Sarah again. She had seemed fine, no different than when she had left, but she seemed hesitant to catch his eye. Jareth stopped his pacing and slammed his hand hard against the tree.

"What the hell am I doing? Why am I trying to justify her actions?"

With a quick flick of his cloak, he took on his owl form once more and soared into the night sky. He flew at a much slower pace, headed back towards the castle.

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Drake and Lillete stood on the private balcony leading from Jareth's chambers. They watched as the storm clouds eased and the stars once more became visible in the sky over the Labyrinth. The harsh wind that had risen to accompany the storm seemed to have lessened into a simple breeze. It had been several hours since Sarah had shattered the calm of the evening with her declaration and Jareth had flown from the ballroom. After her departure with Gallen, several guests had seen sense and immediately left the castle, with the odd few remaining behind.

Lillete had spent the hours following helping to soothe the many ruffled feathers, calming the Fae who found Jareth's departure insulting, and organising the staff. Drake's added attendance had been invaluable. No sensible Fae would insult their absent host with his friend, an Unseelie Prince, present.

The silence of the room was broken only by the rhythmic tapping of Lillete's stick as they waited for Jareth to return. As the hour grew even later, both parties became more impatient. Drake slowly sipped his brandy as he stared out over Jareth's Kingdom, eager for him to appear so things could move on to more enjoyable activities. He had helped to pull Jareth out of the depressed state he had fallen into the first time Sarah had rejected him. This was completely unexpected. What was going on in the girl's head?

A brief flash of white drew Drake's eye, breaking him away from his inner thoughts. He narrowed his eyes, quickly stepping away from the railing and into Jareth's chambers as the white form of an owl came hurtling with immense speed and determination towards him. A screech of anger shattered the silence as it drew its wings wide before narrowing itself into a more streamlined pose. Drake ducked quickly, but he felt the talons of the owl brush along his hairline. He watched as it circled the room several times before turning once more into the Goblin King.

"You better have a damn good explanation for being in here," Jareth snarled angrily.

"More than that. I have found some delightful entertainment for you to vent your anger on," Drake purred. "Check in on Anya and Kabe-"

"I have little interest in the inner relationships of my staff," Jareth quickly cut in before Drake had time to finish his sentence. "If the lovely Anya is foolish enough to fall for Kabe, so be it."

"Foolish, definitely, but it isn't Kabe who has turned that girl's head," Drake paused. "Lovely little Anya isn't as sweet as she seems, as it is Gallen's bed she warms, and his ear she whispers into."

Jareth's head immediately shot up.

"Got your attention, I see." Drake grinned and proceeded to enlighten Jareth with the information the two goblins had given to him. Jareth sat quietly for some time once Drake had finished before slowly standing from his seat. He turned to Drake as a smile spread across his lips.

"It seems I am in for a very entertaining evening indeed. Care to join me?"

"Thought you would never ask," Drake replied.

Jareth headed through his chamber door with Lillete and Drake at his heel. For the moment, his thoughts of Sarah could wait. While the royal wing of the castle was relatively silent, the main areas of the castle were still a hive of activity, despite the late hour, with many staff and goblins moving through the halls. Jareth paid them little attention, while Lillete every so often barked orders as they passed.

Reaching a junction in the corridors, Jareth directed Drake off towards the lower ground of the castle while Lillete and himself headed towards the servant's quarters. He was surprised by the disclosure of Anya's betrayal; he had always thought the girl loyal. He needed to keep more actively involved with his staff rather than leaving it to Lillete. He cast a sideward glance at his former nanny. Suddenly realising just how much she had aged, Jareth slowed his pace so Lillete could keep up with him a little easier.

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Anya slipped away unnoticed from the main ballroom, through the many halls and down towards the servant's quarters. The guilt at her betrayal of Sarah lay heavy on her, and she silently cursed herself for the role she had played. The servant's area was quiet as most of the staff were still occupied with their duties in the main area of the castle. She also knew that Lillete had departed with Prince Drake, so her room was also unoccupied. She crept quietly into her own room. Removing a bag from under her bed, she quickly began grasping her most valued possessions, throwing them into the bag. She didn't own anything of great value, just trinkets she had gathered during her years in service. She paused, occasionally, on certain items; a small bracelet given to her by Lillete on her sixteenth birthday, the little pebble with a flower painted on it, and the now tatty blanket that she had been holding when she was wished away and had clung to so tightly afterward for many months.

The tears slid silently down Anya's cheeks as she continued. She could have had such a great friend in Sarah-did have, until she betrayed her so. Anya remembered her first meeting with the Crown Prince. She had been enlisted with some other staff to accompany the Goblin King to one of his rare visits to the High Court. He had seemed so handsome, and she had been immediately drawn in by his interest in her. After all, why would someone so powerful, who could have anyone he wanted, be interested in her? He had romanced her, made her feel so special, and when he had finally taken her to his bed, she thought her dreams had come true, only to realise very quickly those dreams were the start of a great nightmare. Taking a deep breath, Anya swept her hand across her stomach. It was all her own doing, this whole mess.

The sound of the door closing behind her made her freeze, and she stood unmoving for several minutes, her breathing becoming rapid. Slowly, she turned to find the Goblin King facing her with his arms folded across his chest, his face impassive, and Lillete stood just behind him, watching her with sorrowful eyes.

"You seem to be in a rush, my dear. Going somewhere?"

Anya stared at Jareth, her mouth opening and closing as panic began to flow through her.

"Gods, girl, answer me!"

Suddenly, Anya threw herself at the King's feet, tears streaming down her face. She clung to Jareth's boots, the bag filled with her valuable possessions lay forgotten on the floor. "Your Majesty, forgive me. Please, forgive me. I did not wish to do it, I had no choice!"

"Is that so?" Jareth sneered. "So, you never had the choice to approach me or Lillete? Have I not treated you well, Anya? Have I not provided for you?"

"Of course, Majesty."

"Yet, you betray me." Jareth grasped the girl by her arm, hauling her up off the floor to face him. "Tell me, my darling Anya, was it worth it?" Jareth held her tight. "What did he offer? Wealth? A title?"

As Jareth's grip tightened even more, Anya's free hand moved across the swell of her belly. Jareth noticed the small movement and immediately released the girl. His eyes grew wide as he looked from her stomach back up to her face.

"You are with child."

Lillete, who had remained silent up to this point, moved towards the girl. "Why did you never say?"

"I was ashamed."

"It is his, then," Lillete stated. "You foolish child, what were you thinking?"

"I didn't think. I was swept along by the romance he promised. I thought he loved me, and then once he had taken what he so desired, it was too late. Your Majesty, you have to believe me, I really wanted no part in this! I had to protect my child."

Jareth stared at the girl, his face showing no emotion. "You will join Kabe in the dungeons, and I will pass sentence for your betrayal of myself and my Queen later. Do not think, Anya, that because you are with child my sentence will be any more lenient. It will not."

The girl looked first to Lillete and then to her King with a horrified expression on her face. She watched as a crystal materialised in Jareth's fingers before he threw it at her feet. Lillete remained silent, and watched as the young girl vanished from the room. Her heart was heavy; she had seen Anya grow over the years, never would she have thought her capable of betraying Jareth's loyalty.

Jareth hung his head slightly. The girl had obviously been manipulated by his brother, but he could not let her go unpunished. He felt Lillete place her hand upon his arm and looked down towards her.

Lillete gazed up at the boy she had raised, at the King he now was, and could clearly see the pain and exhaustion he so valiantly tried to hide. She wished she could reassure him, but despite the words his mother had left her with, she had nothing to offer him. It pained her greatly to see him like this.

"Leave the girl to me. You take care of Kabe."

With a nod of his head, Jareth flicked his wrist and vanished from the room. Once he had gone, Lillete sank down onto the bed. Closing her eyes briefly, she offered up a prayer that everything would turn out well. Jareth was a good King and a good man, he deserved a happier life than this.

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Jareth appeared in the far corner of the kitchen, leaning against the wall, and completely hidden by the shadows. The room had an eerie quietness to it after the many hours of activity it had just witnessed. He waited silently, watching as the last of the staff finished their duties before they made their way up the steps and out the door.

Finally alone, Kabe retrieved a bottle of the King's more expensive wines from the crate, pouring himself a large glass before taking a seat at the table. He relaxed back in the chair, a smile upon his face as he raised the glass to his lips, taking a large sip before placing the glass once more down on the table. He was completely unaware of Jareth's presence until he spoke.

"Celebrating something, Kabe?"

Immediately the man shot up, knocking the glass over and spilling the rich red wine within across the table. Its contents dripped down onto the floor like crimson blood, staining the surface below. Kabe turned around just in time to see Jareth emerge from the shadows. He immediately noticed the dark Goblin King regalia Jareth wore and knew he was in trouble, but hoped he could deflect it.

"Your Majesty."

Jareth wasted no time with pleasantries and quickly grasped Kabe by the throat. He needed an outlet for his anger, and this man was going to be exactly that. He just wished the two goblins had approached him earlier, before Sarah had made her little speech.

"A little goblin tells me you can't be trusted, Kabe. That, in fact, you have betrayed me, and my Queen."

"Queen? She is no queen, just a gutter whore."

Jareth's fist connected sharply with Kabe's cheek, sending his head bouncing back.

"Careful how you speak of my Queen, Kabe," Jareth hissed. "After all, I would like some fun with you first, before I decide if I wish to end your miserable existence."

Ice began to form in Kabe's blood as he realised the trouble he was truly in, and the fact that, unlike he had promised, Prince Gallen had not sent anyone to him. There seemed to be no magic in place to protect him. His eyes fell onto the talisman he had hidden under his tunic. Jareth followed the man's eye line and let out a laugh.

"Dear me, it seems he lied to you. Were you expecting protection? Tsk, tsk. Let me let you in on a little secret, Kabe. The only one Gallen will ever protect is himself. Everyone else, including you and the little fool who now carries his child, are all expendable."

Kabe's face turned a ghastly white as he realised how true Jareth's words were. He had expected Gallen to remain true to his word, yet when had he ever done such a thing?

"Realising you have pledged loyalty to the wrong Prince?" Jareth's grip intensified as he pulled the man to eye level. "One thing- and only one- I share with my brother. That is my ability to cause great suffering. After all, he did teach me well by example, and I am so looking forward to bestowing those lessons upon you."

With a quick wave of his hand, Jareth had transported them both to the dungeons of the castle. Kabe found himself handcuffed and suspended from the middle of the room.

"While I would like nothing more than to begin immediately, I have another little matter to attend to. But I would not wish to be a bad host, so I have arranged for a little company to keep you entertained."

Kabe's eyes grew in horror as he saw Drake emerge from the shadows. The demon shadows swirled around his feet, their eyes glowing red, and sharp razor-like claws and fangs swimming into view.

"I believe you have met the Prince of Shadows?"

Drake moved closer to Jareth. "Any restrictions?" Drake asked.

Jareth glanced at Kabe's shaking form and a sinister smile spread across his face. "What, and spoil your fun? Absolutely none. Just make sure you leave plenty for me," and with a swirl of his cloak, Jareth vanished from the room, leaving Kabe alone with Drake.

"How delightful!"

Kabe's eyes grew wide as saucers, and he screamed as the demons launched themselves onto him, their claws tearing into him as they began to strip the flesh from his bones. Drake laughed as he watched the man writhe in agony before him. It had been a long time since he had been given free rein to use his powers in such a way, and he planned to enjoy every agonising moment to the fullest. He walked slowly behind Kabe, and forcefully plunged his nails into the man's delicate flesh. Drake focused his mind, absorbing the fear that poured off Kabe, intensifying his power. He searched the man's mind, pulling forth every conceivable nightmare he could.

With each ear-piercing scream, Drake laughed louder, his magic growing stronger every second. He knew the come down from this would be horrendous, but it would be so worth it. Sensing the man's body begin to spasm in shock and nearing death, Drake stopped and drew back into the shadows. He would let him recover for a while. After all, he had promised Jareth he wouldn't have all the fun.