Valeria tracked the hunters with a vengeful sort of glee. They'd finally had proof that little twit Eliza was in league with the dark king and now she just needed to show herself. The dark king Orion was not a real threat as long as the borders held. And Valeria was quite efficient at holding them tight. True there were little skirmishes near the borders now and then, but as long as Jareth's people did not betray him to Orion, all was well. Which led Valeria's thoughts to Eliza in disgust.

Even now the little fool was leading scouts to Valeria's stronghold on the northern border. Valeria smiled with malicious contentment. Eliza was a spy and spies invariably led you to others who wished harm upon your kingdoms. Like the wraiths Orion used as scouts. Evil foul smelling mists of torment that could eat a man's soul away if you allowed it into your heart. Or your fortress.

They could enter through a crack in the mortar, an open window left unprotected, possessing souls and turning warriors against each other in a battle to the death. They were evil personified and Valeria knew them well. She'd had to kill someone dear to her years ago who had breathed in the wraiths in a misguided hope for power.

One wraith in particular interested her, it was back in the relative safety of the woods below her mountain fortress, bright red wisps of smoke swirling in anticipation. Wraiths had no real body, they were smoke with two blazing eyes of fire. They were what was left of someone who gave their allegience to the dark king. But this wraith's eyes were familiar. They were Eliza's eyes.

The wraiths moved silently, flowing through air currents like foul bursts of magic, searching for some way to penetrate Valeria's stronghold. What they found instead was Valeria's mystical guard, huge fairies who did more than bite their enemies. Summoning vast reserves of power, they blinded the scouts with a poisoned blast of energy. The wraiths were flung back towards Eliza's hiding place.

Valeria called her wizards to her side, strengthening the protections on the Northern Fortress. They would defend until they were destroyed. Her eyes locked onto Eliza and both women smiled with determination.

Things were about to get much more interesting.

JSJS

Sarah and Jareth watched the strolling minstrels dance around the crowd, entertaining them with a jaunty song about King Jareth's various skills and power. When they got to a verse about his prowress in the bedchamber, Sarah turned bright scarlet and Jareth noted she gave his pants another curious glance. He grinned like a school boy, she was such fun to court.

He led her back to the merchant's booths and bought her candy that tasted like chocolate but deeper somehow, with hints of cherry and peaches. She glared at him when she noted the peach flavor and he smiled innocently.

"I'm not about to be drugged again am I?" Sarah asked, pinning him with a look. He held up his hands.

"I have no need to drug you as you are so willingly here with me my sweet. I'm especially liking the kisses. I hope you continue to so gift me during our time together."

Her suspicions lifted to be replaced by embarassment and a bit of longing. He was so handsome - why would he want someone like her? Maybe he was only showing appreciation towards her and confusing it with love. But when she thought that, a terrible ache hit her chest and she pushed the feeling out of her mind. He saw her hesitation and held her hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing it with a look in his eyes that thrilled her. Thinking could wait a while longer, she supposed.

They saw magicians and dancing horses, pie eating contests and dunking booths. Sarah was having a wonderful time and part of her wished it would never end.

He led her to a ride that looked just like a ferris wheel, but instead of the swinging cars, there were bubbles. She was confused as they walked right into one and it sealed behind them without breaking. Rising through the sky, Sarah was amazed to see the stars seemed to sway in the evening breeze.

"You still move the stars for me," she whispered and he squeezed her hand.

"I would move heaven and earth for your happiness, Sarah. I hope you always believe that," he whispered back and she leaned into him, content.

After the ride was over, they walked quietly through the crowd, talking.

A small girl shyly walked up to Sarah and handed her a wreath of flowers for her hair. Sarah beamed and put in on her head, hugging the girl who giggled.

"Thank you fair maiden, I shall treasure your floral gift always," she said solemnly.

"You are welcome my queen," the child said and then ran back into the crowd. Sarah turned to Jareth, questions in her eyes. He shrugged.

"You look every inch a queen. Would you care to dance my sweet?" Jareth asked, swinging Sarah into his arms. She laughed, surprised, and happily swirled around the faire in the arms of her king. The other revelers laughed and clapped, encouraging them with their shouts of approval. So different than the last dance she'd shared with Jareth. She'd never felt happier or more alive.

After the dance, Jareth levitated himself and Sarah to thrones perched in the nearby trees. She gasped, feeling solid ground under her feet where there was only air. Looking down, she could see the people wander the faire and dance happily to the tunes of the minstrels.

"I fear it is time to return you to your home, sweetling. A runner is coming soon and I must prepare."

"All hail our king and his lady," a voice shouted and Sarah blushed.

"Thank you Jareth, this has been great," Sarah smiled at him and he grabbed her hand, kissing it lightly.

"Close your eyes, Precious," he whispered. She did so and waited. Was her going to kiss her again?

When Sarah opened her eyes, she was in her bedroom, dressed as she had been for her earlier date with Robert.

"Jareth?"

"I'm here," the image in the mirror said. Sarah put her hand on the reflection of Jareth's face and smiled.

"Don't torment the runner too badly," she chided and he laughed.

"Ah Precious, I save all of my plans of torment for you," he said, winking and blew her a kiss before fading into the mirror's clear surface.

Sighing, she sat on her bed, thinking deeply about all that had happened tonight. She knew she wouldn't be dating Robert again, but she also knew she was still not ready for whatever Jareth wanted from her.

She'd have to bide her time and find another date. Someone better suited for her than Robert, and someone who didn't turn her world upside down like Jareth. She tried thinking about what she wanted from the Goblin King and just became more confused. She was only fifteen and he was so much older. He'd seen things she couldn't imagine. Dangers untold. And she was just a girl who beat a Labyrinth.

She realized that she'd have to see Jareth again each time she dated and a small secret smile graced her lips. She'd have to find another boyfriend soon.