Chapter 44. Staging a catastrophe

The first of the King's guests began to arrive and were shown to the stately great hall. Fae women dressed in gowns that left little to the imagination stood side by side with goblin and Hobgoblin women who were also dressed in extravagant over-the-top style. Lady Rosalind arrived unescorted at the entry only to be directed up to the King's bedchamber. Not since he'd revealed the Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan had any other woman been given access to the King's bedchamber. Rosalind was smart enough not to read too much in the invitation. She tapped gently at the door and waited until Jareth's voice bid her to enter. Only then did she place a hand on the door knob.

"You sent for me?" She asked moving into the room admiring the changes that Jareth had made, at the last moment she remembered to drop into a deep curtsey. "I love what you've done with this room," she commented, eyes sweeping to take it all in.

"So glad you approve," he said as he finished dressing. "I've an assignment for you, my little minx." He had not even bothered to look at her, to see her dress or the way she'd done her hair. He was less concerned with her appearance than ever. "Care to play the evil seductress?"

"With you?" she mused as she remained in the curtsey position looking up at him with gentle eyes and a sweet pout on her lips.

"No," he said flicking imaginary dust from his cuff; "Talagon."

"Find someone else," she groaned. "He's a pig, and that's being polite."

Turning to look at her for the first time since she'd entered, Jareth wore a grim expression on his handsome face. "There is no one else," he informed her as he moved toward her and looked down at her still awaiting his permission to rise. "No one else has my trust." He extended a hand to her, knowing that if she accepted it she would be trapped in the agreement to do his bidding. His expression changed to the haughtiness of old.

Rosalind frowned, hesitating before she placed her hand into that of the King. "That's not fair, Jareth," she grumbled. Once she was standing tall beside the King she sighed. "What would you have me do?"

"I'm seating you beside the old fool…" Jareth released her hand, placing his behind his back. "He fancies himself quite the ladies man. I want you to feed that… impression. Flatter him, flirt with the old fool… and let him brag to you… oh and for God and Goddess sake Rosalind, don't let him see how intelligent you are. Let him think you're broken hearted at being cast aside by the cad Goblin King."

"I never called you a cad," the defensive cry came quickly.

"Do so tonight, my dear." He instructed. "No one knows you've arrived, go down the back way and enter by the main doors… be announced like everyone else and play the jilted lover to the hilt for me, would you?"

"Jilted lover," she scoffed lightly. "We were never lovers, my king." She reminded him darkly.

"No one knows that now do they pet?" Jareth crooned.

"I don't know what you're up to," she said heading to the door. "In fact I'm sure I don't want to know, but I'll do as you ask…. Have you given Devon his orders for this evening?"

Jareth cleared his throat, "Rosalind," his serious tone halted her movement. "This night I may very well lose my cousin's respect and his friendship."

The woman in the lavender and green gown looked taken aback. "Impossible…. There is nothing that could come between you and him… why I've seen brothers who are not nearly as close."

"I'm going to make a play for his little mortal pet." Jareth warned.

"You have one of your own," Rosalind snapped.

"For my plans to work, I need to appear callous and calculating… and manipulative." Jareth didn't look troubled, only annoyed.

Rosalind had known both King and Baron for years; she pitied the Baron at this moment. "Where would you like me to deliver my findings?"

"You will be contacted in the morning," Jareth sighed.

"Wouldn't it do better to receive the information this evening?" Her hand rested lightly on the handle of the door.

"I'm going to be far too busy if all goes as I've planned," he motioned her to leave. Once she did he took a deep breath and squared himself. He turned to find Rondo standing awaiting orders. "Bring Captain Bookworm to me." The King ordered.

--

Devon looked at the gown he'd had made for Bryn. "My, my," he complemented the girl. "I shall be the envy of all."

"I doubt that," Bryn giggled. "I have no powers; I am your chattel and have no citizenship…." She spun round to show off the lovely gown. "The only thing I have is the prettiest dress that was ever made."

Extending his hands to her, Devon mused lightly, "A pretty dress for a pretty girl." Once her hands rested in his he added; "My girl."

"Yours alone," Bryn promised. "I do however have a comment on this… gown."

Devon feigned being concerned; he had a suspicion what her comments were going to be on. "Whatever could be wrong?"

Discreetly Bryn moved the fabric, revealing an inconspicuous opening in the gown. "What's this?"

Devon slipped his hand into the aperture and caressed her bosom. "It's a lovers gown my Bryn." He murmured.

Blushing madly, Bryn moved closer to the caressing fingers. "You plan on petting me in public?" Devon smiled before calling for their cloaks. "Come Bryn, we mustn't be late."

--

Daisy, dressed in her best warrior armor appeared at the King's door. She entered and bowed to the King. "You sent for me?"

"I want you to deliver my Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan here in a few minutes." Jareth informed the Goblin woman. "She should be getting her instructions in the west wing, Daisy…" he cautioned. "This evening she is going to try to escape."

Daisy gasped, "Never," she growled.

"I'm going to force her to flee… and you are to allow it to happen." He moved to stand beside the captain of his guard. Placing a hand on her shoulder he bent closer to give her personal orders. "Daisy, I need her to escape… or at least think she's escaping. "

"Where do you plan to herd her to?" Daisy understood her King.

"The tunnels beneath us…" He pointed toward his feet. "There I plan a merry chase and a rather nasty trap for Sarah."

Admiration flickered in the eyes of the goblin woman. "Lucky Sarah," she crooned.

"If all goes according to plan," agreed the grim King, strolling back toward his night stand. He pointed to the orb seated in plain view. "Do you know what this is?"

"The dreams you harvested from the Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan," Daisy confided.

"Yes," Jareth picked up the orb which immediately sprang to life; mists swirled and filled the orb before images began to form. "Sarah will see me… fondling it when you arrive, make nothing of it, even if she fusses. I'm going to leave it here, activated, tempting her. It will draw her to it when she flees my party downstairs."

"You want her to try to steal it back?" the Goblin Captain questioned.

"Yes," he looked at her, "I want you to make sure she is not impeded. I want her to think she's outsmarted us all."

"And your guests," Daisy asked lightly. "What will they think when the Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan makes a break for it?"

"There will be a disturbance that will distract one and all," Jareth said with the first signs of regret. "Baron Devon is about to…"

"I understand," Daisy said preventing the king from going further. "You need not explain nor do you need to justify to me, my King." She went to bended knee. "I am loyal to you my King."

"I know that Captain," he stated placing the orb back on its stand. "I should warn you, Sarah is not going to be happy about the way I've ordered her dressed for this evening."

"She is Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan," Daisy rose up. "I will bring her to you." She bowed to the King before exiting to the hall.

--

Sarah stared at the reflection and swallowed the bile that was gathering in her throat. There was no mistaking this outfit for what it was; it was the most exaggerated gaudy ornate overly sexual garment she'd ever seen. She hated it, and hated how dirty it made her feel. Master Donatien Sade stood back at a distance, watching her reactions. "Is there a problem?" His voice cracked like a whip.

"No, sir," she answered while her eyes belied the answer.

"Good," Sade could hear the foot falls of the Goblin Captain who would escort the barely mortal woman to the king. "Your escort is arriving," he smoothed his own lavish robes. "It would be rude to keep the King waiting."

Sarah looked at the hideous garments one more time. He was boasting without words, boasting of having a mortal slave, she told herself. While the garment he'd dressed her in to present her to the Seelie court had been revealing, it had also been sedate even reserved. This on the other hand was beyond brassy, it was gaudy and tasteless. Her nipples were barely covered, and the rings were visible, hanging out of little slits made for that purpose. On her hips were chains that held the modesty panel in place. Her feet were bare, and her hair unadorned. Her wrists were bound in cuffs made of some metical substance that she could not name. Her ankles and her neck were also adorned in this manner. The King was not letting anyone who attended the fete forget, this was his personal slave. His Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan, his whore. Sarah fought back the bitter tears.

Daisy didn't knock nor request entry; she looked at the Guild Master with cool eyes. "Is the Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan ready?" Donatien nodded and inclined his head toward the woman standing at the mirror. Daisy walked to her, keeping a formal expression on her goblin face. "He wants you."

Sarah nodded; wordlessly she turned and followed the escort out of the training chambers. Only after she'd departed did Master Donatien Sade relax briefly. He pulled himself together, and rang the chamber cord. One of his minions moved swiftly to him. "Are we ready?"

--
Jareth lounged on the bed, holding the orb that spun pretty dreams for his viewing. He could hear the women coming down the hall. One in heavy goblin boots, the other barefooted. He smiled wickedly, "Come into my den, said the spider to the fly," he crooned just before Daisy tapped on his door. "Come in," he commanded.

Sarah moved into the rooms reluctantly. "You sent for me?" her eyes were downcast, and she awaited his orders.

"Yes, I would have you on my arm as I enter the great hall," Jareth said coldly. Sarah looked up, fire jumping into her eyes at the sight of the orb filled with her dreams. Jaw locking she refused to be played into an outburst. Jareth pretended not to notice her; he wanted her to think him fascinated by her dreams. Gently, almost reverently he placed the orb on the little stand. "Most amusing," he murmured as he rose from the bed. "Perhaps we'll have to play that out." He looked at his slave, "you will attend me personally this evening." He commanded.

"Yes Sire," Sarah answered, clenching one hand tightly.

--

Oberon looked at the décor changes, cringing slightly as he and his royal court members entered the great hall. "What is he up to," he questioned tightly.

Tatiana too noticed the changes. "He's embracing his Goblin side," she warned.

The High King shot a look at his wife that silenced her.

Duke Winderspire, standing behind the High King didn't seem to notice the changes as much. His wife clucked her tongue in her cheek and thought of what a shame it was the High King's son was forced to live in such dire surroundings. She leaned over to her daughter and whispered something about the castle needing a woman's touch.

--

Talagon sat uncomfortably in his coach; he would have preferred to use magic to make a grand entrance. However the King had put up wards that even his magic was unable to breech. He looked at Circe, "What nonsense is this?"

"He's showing off," the woman said coldly; "Preening for his Father."

"And that old fool will most likely think it's for him that this…fete is being thrown." Talagon's tone had passed treacherous long before they had entered Goblin territory. "Once we are free of this fool… I shall show the High King what a Real Goblin King can do, and how he should behave."

"Of course," Circe said allowing the old man to believe she was still his most staunch supporter.

"Are you certain your little mortal pet gave you the right information?" Talagon asked.

"Trust me father," she quieted him as they entered the castle gate. "We are here, relax and enjoy the evening's festivities."

--

Devon saw Rosalind looking sulky as he and Bryn entered the great hall. He looked at the decorations that Jareth had ordered put up. Nothing Fae remained in the great hall, it was now all Goblin décor, "Oh dear," he muttered. "Jareth is up to something."

"You think," muttered Bryn in return. She saw the Fae woman go stiff and bristle as they approached her.

Devon also noticed Rosalind's reaction and halted his steps. "What the hell," he muttered looking about the room. There were more members of the Goblin Court present than any other race. "He's staging a donnybrook of some sort," his hand reached for his lady's hand.

Bryn looked up at the grand staircase. "He's challenging them," she gasped. She saw the way the Goblin King stood at the top of stairs. Jareth was dressed in full Goblin regalia, including the circlet crown. His face was cold, stony, haughty and inhuman, and Bryn shivered in spite of trying not to. "Oh my God," she gasped as Sarah moved forward. "He's lost his mind…." Jareth heard the utterance; with serpentine grace he turned his gaze on Bryn. Devon moved closer to her and the King merely grinned. The great hall silenced as more and more of the guests gazed upward for the King's grand entrance. Bryn watched Sarah, wanting to reach out to her friend, but because of protocol, unable to.

Once he reached the foot of the grand staircase, Jareth looked at his guests. "Welcome to my home." He moved forward toward the stunned High King and Queen. "I bid you welcome," his hand extended to his father in greeting.

The astonished and astounded High King accepted the greeting before he was aware he'd even moved. His eyes darkened, "Jareth," there were a warning in his greeting.

Jareth ignoring the warning turned to the High Queen. "You look lovely as usual Madam." He bowed to her in his best courtly manner.

Tatiana whispered her thanks, fearful of what her voice would have sounded like if she spoke aloud.

Jareth moved to Duke Winderspire and his wife. "How nice of you to attend," He didn't miss the open look of shock on the Duchess's face seeing Sarah. "And you've brought dear little Tanya," he murmured in a dark and suggestive manner; "How delightful." Tanya looked from Sarah to the king and muttered something unintelligible. Enjoying his slave's affect on the guests, he moved on to Talagon who was openly leering at Sarah. "My Lord," He growled at the man before looking with a lusty gaze at Circe, "Lady Circe," he bowed toward her. "I do hope you'll save one dance for me." Circe looked at him with contempt. He gave her a haughty smile. "Duty calls; I must greet the rest of my honored guests."

Moving past the Talagon's he headed for Devon who looked at him with exasperation. "Cousin," he greeted the man without even looking at him, for his eyes were locked on Bryn. "My dear," He extended a hand to the mortal girl. Sarah looked up, making a low growling sound in the back of her throat. Bryn looked at Devon unsure of how to react; once he'd nodded she placed her hand in the gloved hand extended toward her. "You look delightful," he murmured as he bent over her hand. He smiled to himself, aware that Bryn was looking helplessly at Sarah who was looking daggers at the King's back.

Daisy watched, amused and aware that the dangers of this game could cost one or more of the guests their life.

Devon cleared his throat quietly as his cousin spent a bit too long bent over Bryn's hand. Jareth straightened up and looked at the mortal girl. "I'd not really noticed how lovely you are." He commented to his cousin's lover. "Or how fiery." He saw her shrink back slightly, and turned away to greet more guests.

"What was that all about?" Bryn asked Devon who was now watching his cousin move on.

"I don't know," he confessed, franticly he looked about the room. More than one Fae guest was looking startled. "I don't know what he's up to…" Devon moved closer to Bryn. "Oh this can't be good."

--

Oberon looked at the scantily clad slave following the Goblin King, "I'm glad you insisted that Linda not accompany us." He murmured to his wife.

"She'd have his liver," Tatiana muttered watching the girl whom the High King was looking on with pity. "Poor child," she sighed as the High King led her toward the high table and their assigned seats.

Duke Winderspire either had not noticed or had chosen to remain oblivious to the woman who was standing behind the King. "I say my Liege," he addressed Oberon as he took his seat at the table for the guests of honor. "That rascal boy of yours has turned this kingdom round, has he not?" He placed a hand over that of his wife. "You really should be talking to him about taking a proper Queen."

Tanya looked at her father as if he'd lost his mind, but her mother hissed at her to be still and the girl kept her opinions to herself.

Talagon and Circe were surprised to find their seats at the high table as well. Be it at the other end from Oberon and his Queen. Talagon suggested to his daughter that perhaps the fool Goblin King had come to realize that they were of a finer cut than he'd imagined. Circe doubted it, but she too kept her opinions to herself. She was thinking how wonderful it was going to be when she would see the mortal play mate of the King destroyed. She looked down the table at sweet innocent little Tanya, and began to formulate how the child could be used in her master plan.

--

Jareth stood looking majestically at his guests; raised a goblet of fine wine and toasted them all. "To your very good health," he paused and looked at his father. "But most of all to our beloved High King." He sipped the wine watching over the rim as his guests mimicked him. Placing the goblet down, he addressed the crowd. "I thank you all for joining me in this celebration. My Kingdom is pleased to host you." He took his seat, "I've arranged some entertainment for your pleasure." He motioned the guard at the door, who nodded to someone in the outer corridor.

Master Donatien Sade strode in, looking imposing and yet so grandiose in his long flowing black robes. His long slivery hair was unbound and hung over his shoulders like a lion's mane. His expressive Hobgoblin eyes swept the room with care; his lips remained pursed in a grim expression. Once he reached the center of the room, he bowed to the Goblin King, and then to the High King. He raised the staff in his hand and lowered it to tap the stone tiles of the floor.

Devon, seated with Bryn at a table across the room looked from the Master directing his minions to the Goblin King seated in a throne like chair. He felt slighted, but kept his hurt to himself. This was the first time Jareth had ever placed him anywhere but the high table. He wondered if Jareth were ignoring him on purpose, for his cousin had not even looked his way.

Sarah stood behind the King's chair, keeping a stiff upper lip. This was not like the reception at Avalon. Her mother was not here, not able to give her strength, not even from afar. She watched the demonstration given in the center of the room with veiled eyes while servants began to serve the meal. She looked longingly at the food being served; the King had ordered that she not eat.

Bryn felt Sarah's hunger, turning to Devon she remarked quietly. "She's hungry."

Devon gazed at the solemn heartrending woman standing behind his cousin; he too could feel her hunger. "I know for a fact that she's being nourished," he whispered back to his beloved. "I can't answer for what he'd done today." Placing a hand over Bryn's he whispered urgently. "Don't look at my love, you cannot be seen showing her pity."

Bryn looked at the demonstration and then at her own plate of food. "I know," she answered at last.

"Eat," urged Devon.

"It will taste like saw dust," she answered.

Jareth listened to the different conversations going on in the room. All the while keeping his mask up and letting one and all think he was mesmerized by the demonstration. He could also hear the churning sounds of hunger from the woman behind him. He hear the dry gulp, and the quiet sigh, she was suffering but silent and resolute. For his plan to work, she had to be driven to an act of desperation, and hunger was only the first step.

Master Donatien Sade watched with eagle eyes the reactions to the players in the center of the room. Some of the Fae men were intrigued while most of the women were embarrassed. Miss Winderspire's jaw had dropped and her mouth was slightly agape. Her mother was lowering her eyes, uncomfortable and self-conscious. Only the High King and Queen seemed to be unscathed. Both watched in interest, with no signs of self-consciousness. When he could, he pivoted, giving himself a clear observation of the Talagons. Lord Talagon was openly leering as the King had suggested he would. Donatien was surprised at how well Jareth had read this rival. More surprising was how well he had read Circe… as far as Donatien knew the Goblin King had had little association with the woman. And yet he had understood and read her as well as a man who had been lovers with the icy aloof indifferent woman sitting beside Lord Talagon. It was clear to Donatien who was well versed in the reading of people that the young woman had a decidedly pointed dislike for the man who was her father. Oh it was hidden well enough, and few, Fae included, could read it. Donatien made a gesture, one few would even remember him having made, and he signaled the King.

Jareth saw the signal, smiled briefly and kept eating while he watched with an amused expression on his face the rather ribald display. When the demonstration was completed, he applauded the bawdy troupe of entertainers. He then waved the members of the once banned Guild off. Mistrials took their places and began to entertain the guest in the accustomed manner. Jareth felt Sarah shift her weight behind him; he could hear the hunger ravaging her. He raised his goblet and looked down the table toward Tanya Winderspire. "Miss Winderspire," he addressed her without having first spoken to her parents, a breach of etiquette and protocol. "I've been told you've a pleasing voice, would you not grace us with a song?"

Tanya blushed, "I've not prepared a number," she stammered.

"Oh come now," the Goblin King chided pleasantly, yet there was a look in his eye that should have warned the girl.

Duke Winderspire joined in, "Tanya has a very fine voice." He missed the shocked expression on his wife's face and continued on. "I'm sure she can be persuaded to entertain your Majesty."

"I do hope so," Jareth purred looking down at the girl as if she were an appetizer. "Come Miss Winderspire… entertain me." Rising from her seat, the girl moved quietly toward the minstrels and requested they play a song she knew well. The Goblin King smiled as he leaned back in the seat, but even though he seemed to be focusing on Tanya he was already aware of movement about him. He could sense Daisy standing at attention just behind Sarah. He knew that Master Donatien Sade and his troupe of entertainers were stationed about the room like sentinels. He could also sense Talagon's urges fired up and Circe's blatant hatred. He raised his goblet sipping but also watching, and let his eyes find his cousin and his sweet little mortal.

Devon was listening to the song that Tanya preformed; it was true she did have a pleasing tone. He looked over at Bryn who was trying hard not to look at Sarah. He slipped his hand under the table and into one of the hidden opening of her gown. He caressed her thigh and smiled as she slightly jumped at his touch. Jareth knew that Devon and Bryn were now lovers, and for a moment he regretted what was about to happen. He didn't watch the Baron for long, not wanting to attract attention, not just yet. All his cards were not on the table, and he could not play his hand until they were.

The meal took hours to serve and devour, and the entertainments went on and on. Jareth had asked no other guest to preformed, and when Tanya was finished he had risen up and saluted her with his goblet. The girl took once more her seat at the high table trying hard not to show her embarrassment. Sarah cringed as her stomach complained at being denied sustenance. Jareth could feel the cringe and hear the complaint; he acted as though he didn't.

At the end of the meal a gifted orator was asked to speak on the virtues of the High King. Jareth had counted on the long windedness of the orator, and was not disappointed. Bored with the speech, Devon slipped his hand under the table and once more into the opening of Bryn's gown. While other eyes had gone to where the gifted speaker stood, Jareth's eyes were now watching with feral pleasure the discreet love play between his cousin and Bryn. He counted on Sarah's hunger and protective nature to kick into high gear.

Sarah noticed the angle of the King's head, her eyes swept sideways to look at what had Jareth's attention. She gasped slightly seeing Bryn being caressed discreetly by the Baron. She could feel the heat pouring off Jareth and worried he was going to do something unforgiveable. "She's spoken for," she whispered softly to the king.

"What the king giveth, the king can taketh away," Jareth answered darkly.

Sarah pulled back, blinking. Was he kidding? No, he wouldn't do that, would he? She leaned forward slightly and spoke carefully. "Their lovers." She could read Bryn's body language nearly as well as a Hobgoblin could. "You can't…"

"Silence," he ordered coldly, aware of her withdrawal and her conflicted state. He waited until the orator was finished then motioned the minstrels to begin to play dancing music. Rising he moved down the table to speak to the High Royals leaving Sarah standing at his seat feeling confused, hungry and worried.

Circe saw that Tanya was expecting the Goblin King to request the first dance. She watched as the girl's face fell upon the King's exit from the table on the dais. Jareth had not requested anyone to be his partner for the first dance as he had allowed the High Royals the honor of taking to the dance floor. He moved down among the mingling bodies to speak to some of his guests.

Circe, goblet in hand moved down the table, past the little mortal pet, toward where Tanya was seated watching her parents dance with the High Royals and some others. "Didn't ask you to dance, pity…" she murmured to Tanya as she took the seat beside her. For all the world it looked as if she were just keeping company with the pretty little Fae. "He seems distracted."

Tanya looked at the daughter of Lord Talagon with disdain. "No doubt," she pouted.

"I shouldn't be surprised if he's not already tiring of that…" Circe's eyes moved toward Sarah now looking sad and a bit lost.

Tanya's eyes moved in the direction of Sarah as well, she pouted again. "I don't see what he sees in… that."

"Easy virtue," suggested Circe looking at the younger Fae. "You know how… effortlessly they… fall into compromising positions." She pointed to Bryn. "That one entertains the Baron…but for how long?"

"Mortals don't last long," Tanya said raising her own goblet and smiling at the thought of Sarah dying off quickly.

"No, they don't," Agreed the wicked older Fae woman. "So don't worry about the creature… he did after all request you…entertain him."

"Yes," Tanya smiled wistfully. "He did."

Tanya and Circe didn't notice the Hobgoblin moving behind them, his sharp hearing having caught their entire conversation. He moved past them toward the King's Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan who was watching Jareth with edgy eyes. He didn't speak to her as he passed her but gave an eye signal to Daisy who moved down the table to answer a question being asked.

Jareth saw the movement, all the players were in place, and Sarah was primed. Painting on a lascivious smirk, he moved toward the Baron and Bryn. "Playing a little grab what you can, cousin?" he coyly asked. He slid into the seat beside Bryn draping an arm over her chair. "Having a good time, my dear?" He looked down at the girl lustily.

Both looked at him in surprise and mortification at having been caught in an indiscretion. Devon leaned forward annoyed. "What are you doing?"

"Why so surprised cousin," Jareth remarked coldly. "You've never minded sharing before."

"This is different," Devon stood up and moved to remove the King's arm from the back of the chair. "She's different."

Jareth looked at Bryn appraisingly. "Is she?"

Taking offense, Devon pulled Bryn off the seat, and shoved her behind him. "Stop it cousin, I'm serious."

"Devon please," Jareth leaned on the table mocking the man. "You don't have a serious bone in your body."

Sarah watched, frozen to the spot. No one had as of yet realized that there was a little scene being played out. She prayed the King would stop, stop now.

Devon blocked Jareth, he was beginning to forget where they were. "Jareth, I'm serious! She's different, she's not… a whore."

"She not a virgin either," Jareth pointed out standing up. "Come come, Devon…" He licked his lips suggestively. "I'll give her back after a little taste."

"I've spoken to the High King," Devon blurted out.

Bryn grabbed the sleeve of the man blocking the King. "About what?" she demanded suddenly taking a vocal stand.

"About us getting married," Devon said over his shoulder still blocking Jareth's path to the young woman.

Fae and Goblins standing near began to murmur.

'Take the bait, Sarah," Jareth sighed seeing the woman still standing on the dais. 'Take the bait!'

"You did what?" Bryn was pulling him to face her, no longer worried about Jareth. "Without speaking to me first?"

"I had to see if he'd be agreeable," Devon stammered.

Jareth began to snicker. "Asked the wrong person," he teased.

"You stay out of this," Bryn barked angrily. "You should have talked to me first!" She shoved Devon. "What if I'm not agreeable…."

"What if I'm not agreeable," Jareth interjected forcefully. "I'm the King…you're in my Kingdom… "

Sarah gripped the back of the chair; the room was a mass of confusion. Everywhere, everyone was now turning to watch and listen to the Donnybrook. She looked down at her garments, and growled, he was making a royal fool out of her! She noticed Daisy moving toward the King, as if to back him up or if need be protect him from… what, or who…Sarah didn't care. She moved back, no one seemed to notice. Slowly she edged her way to the end of the dais, and into the corridor where servants had been standing only moments ago. The passage way was clear, and Sarah moved swiftly. She didn't know the castle well, but she knew it well enough to find her way to the King's bedchamber and to where the orb with her dreams sat.