Disclaimer: Not mine, just taking it out for a quick stroll...
A/N: The "ritual" was not taken from anywhere really... It is a collection of different handfasting and wiccan marriages that I have seen performed.
Chapter 7: A Moment in Time
The bath water steamed and turned the bathroom into a fragrant, foggy paradise. Aelis had left her mistress to soak for a few minutes while she laid out the gown that she would wear to the ritual. It would be physically taxing for her, for the first time. Their souls were bound for the season, after that the bond would dispel and whatever bond had grown and stood fast, or grown and faded would remain strong or slip away and the marriage would be over.
Aelis had tried to help her lady but the woman seemed content to bath herself, the maid wondered if her mistress' behavior had to do with the happenings of earlier that evening. She had been positive that they had never been "together" in that way, but apparently she was mistaken, the way that they lay in each other's arms when she came in denoted a long time relationship.
She lay in the water up to her chin, the oils that Aelis had placed in her bath were the same ones she always did, therapeutic to help ease her troubled mind and usually help her sleep. Tonight though the bath simply furthered the thoughts of her mother. She missed the Labyrinth, but could not reach her essence from the high courts castle. She wondered if Emily would be present for the ritual, she had been with the other fae children over dinner and though she had requested the girl come to her room afterward she was glad that she hadn't interrupted. Her mind drifted through a mired of thoughts, from her mother and sister to her soon to be husband, to what had happened earlier. She felt her stomach tighten as the butterflies raided her tummy. She giggled at the thought of his arms around her, or his hands upon her. She dropped down under the water fully to get the rest of her hair wet. Carefully sustaining herself with her magic she stayed under letting the heat wash away her anxieties and the smell of him from her body, until Aelis come in to help her wash her hair.
"Aelis, why is it that the courtiers are treating me differently?" She asked as the woman worked thick shampoo into her hair. She had always been a confidant, even when Jareth would not do.
"Well, milady. I am sure it is because eventually you will become High Queen. Titania and Oberon have been on the throne for twelve thousand years and it is time for new leadership." She massaged her lady's scalp gently as she spoke.
Annalisa chewed her lip for a moment, "New leadership? I expected them to live forever," she said quietly.
The older woman laughed, "No, Lady, not die, but go on. They are far too powerful to pass from this realm at the hands of anyone but themselves. The court is worried that your soon to be husband hasn't matured enough for the station, and they worry about how much of a strain that your families passing has put on you and will it threaten the thrown." Aelis hummed to her charge while rinsing away the water.
"But, Aelis, I wouldn't be queen for a long time. We would have plenty of time to be ready to take the station."
Aelis stopped for a moment. "How old do you think King Jareth's parents are milady? It is rumored that they grow tired of this world."
The young woman frowned. "How do you know all about this?"
"Because I have ears, lady, no other reason. Sometimes people are so preoccupied with their own words they don't have time to listen to the words of others. Now, its time to dry off and dress. I will be in the bedroom," she took her leave from her lady and readied the scents for her body and the silk knickers that Titania had decided she would wear. She was surprised that her lady had been so sheltered from court life. Wondering what else that her liege's spoke about when they were alone, she finished her work. Knowing Jareth it would probably be things like weather or not peonies would be okay to plant in the hedge maze, or if the fairies could be talked into keeping the walls free of weeds in the outer maze. Aelis giggled to herself, she had been brought to the castle fifteen years ago, when it became obvious that Annalisa needed a hand maiden, she remembered him instructing her to instruct the girl in "all" things that she would need to know. Aelis was happy to comply and did her best to rear the girl with court standards. Apparently she had done an acceptable job because her charge was marrying the High Prince in less then an hour.
She dried off with the big fluffy towels that Titania had made sure where in her bathing chamber and towel dried her hair. It had been such a lovely few hours since dinner was over, and she was interested in hearing more about the ritual that was to take place. She knew enough to know that her part was simple. She sang the songs that every Fae knew with her husband, and danced, but the details were lost to her. "Aelis, how in…" she paused seeing her dress for the first time. "Oh," her eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"Queen Titania choose it especially for you. I have had it in your closet for two weeks." Aelis said proudly. Her charge starred at the dress while slipping into the beautifully crafter knickers, hose and corset. She felt like a stuffed sausage for a moment, but her body adjusted to it and she stepped into the first underskirt.
The dress was made out of something that could only be akin to spider webs. It was so see through Annalisa blushed at the mere thought, it seemed more risqué then being naked. There was a long skirt of peach, then another shorter one of pale blue, and then green, pink, purple and yellow, then over the skirts was another longer skirt of translucent white. She looked like an upside down flower bud. The surcoat fit snugly against her bodice, and covering the skirt to her hips where there were long slits to show the skirt. The neckline was low and ruffled to hide the cleavage from the corset. The surcoat was a green so dark it was nearly black. "Lady, you look incredible. King Jareth will probably attack you the minute he sees you."
She smiled into the mirror, her hair was braided in a crown around her head and she suddenly felt very adult. "Well, if he does then I suppose I will just have to throw the skirt over my head," her eyes widened again. "Oh, goodness, I'm not even married yet and I sound like those old women!" She laughed and slipped into white slippers.
She had been dressed for only a few minutes when the knock alerted them to the time. Aelis opened it and Titania's personal handmaiden smiled at Annalisa, "Oh, you are so beautiful lady! It is very fitting that you are the loveliest woman at Court. There are many women very jealous of you tonight."
"Thank you," she said quietly, she was thinking of her mother again. Rebecca had been creeping into her mind over and over in the last few months. She wondered about her mother, and her ways, and the ways of her clan. There were still people on that land, but did she have the strength of heart and character to take the lands back once again and fulfill her seat as Duchess. She knew that becoming Jareth's wife would still require her to care for the Kildalton fief but she considered handing it over to Emily when she was old enough to take the burden on. As Jareth's first wife she would become High Queen no matter who else he wed, and so perhaps to keep Emily happy, and to give her something to do other then learning needle point she could have her taught in the ways of a Duchess.
As they walked down the hall together, she felt a sense of dread. Not in marrying Jareth, the very idea of sharing his life made her stomach flip, but she had the distinct feeling that something was not as it should be. The antechamber they deposited her into was tastefully decorated. She sat down and waited. Hoping that soon it would all begin. In a few moments Titania entered the room "You look wonderful! Are you happy with this match, Annalisa?" she sat down next to her soon to be daughter in law. "Really, forget I am the Queen, and Jareth's mother and tell me. Are you pleased."
"Yes," she said quickly. "I just, I know that Jareth says that he loves me, and shows that he does," she smiled in remembrance of earlier, "but I wonder how he could. I am so different from any other woman that I have known him to take a fancy too. He likes them tall and blond. Then there is ruddy dud me."
Titania pattered the young woman's hand. "Listen to this, it has nothing to do with your looks or even theirs, love is blind, love is deaf, and love easily forgets. He doesn't love you because you are a red haired little jewel, or would he love you more if you were a rail thin yellow haired vixen. He loves you because you are his equal, in magic, in heart, in stubbornness. You will keep him on his toes through out eternity. That's what he needs, and you need someone that will hold your hand when you feel lonely for your family. When Emily becomes a woman herself she will need both of you to instruct her into adulthood. He loves you both, but lucky you, you get to share his bed."
She blushed deeply but hugged Titania just the same. "Do you think we will be happy?"
"Oh, who is to say… For a while, I am sure, but eventually you will feel the pulling of another at your heart and Jareth will no longer be the Knight that you are so endeared to. But perhaps that will not happen… Perhaps you will love him always, but remember, that for that season that you love each other you will have memories for your life time." Titania let her think on it for a few minutes, then took the girls hand and led her into the room. There was a circle of the most powerful Fae in the realm. Her eyes widened at the sight of power been used.
Jareth stood at the head of the circle, his father to his right, it was assumable she would be at his left. He looked worried, his brow creased, but she smiled and looked at each person in turn. She knew what her duty was.
Titania led her to the back of the circle and intoned the words of the marriage ritual.
"Those who have come before.
And those that shall come to pass.
We gather here to witness the bonding of
Jareth Le Fae, son of Oberon, High Prince of the Fae Court, King of the Goblins, Ruler of the Labyrinth. And Annalisa Kildalton, daughter of Rebecca, High Duchess of the Fae Court, Chieftain of the Druid Clans, and Friend of the Labyrinth " Titania stopped and the two fae in front of her parted.
Annalisa was terrified, there was so much magic being used her ears started to ring. She heard the words that Titania was intoning, and knew that she was considered a High Duchess, as well as a Queen of the Druids, but her family had died off, she and her sister were the last. She looked around the room for Emily, and beside Lord Hilliard the girl sat and looked wide eyed around the room, "She's a Chieftain? I thought she wouldn't be a queen till afterwards. Does that make me a Princess?" Annalisa could make out the words by reading the girls face and lips. Lord Hilliard smiled and answered her with a simple yes.
"Your mother should be doing this, Annalisa, but I will stand in for her," Titania whispered.
They walked into the circle.
As they stepped into the circle time seemed to slow, in fact, it didn't, but the preception of time was important, because for a moment, Annalisa Kildalton saw her mother in the mists of the magic around her. Her mother spoke to her, in the words that only they would understand and for a moment the Duchess thought she may faint. But as the shock wore off as she listened to the High Queen she found something in herself that she was naught oft to see.
"Jareth, King of the Goblins, come into the circle." He looked utterly serious and came to meet her in the center, his father a step behind him.
Oberon spoke next, "Jareth, do you take this woman as your equal in all things, her name, her heart and her soul?"
"Yes, I take Annalisa, High Duchess, Chieftain of the Druid clans, as my equal in all things. Her name, her heart and her soul."
Titania intoned, "Annalisa, do you take this man as your equal in all things, his name, his heart and his soul?"
She had never really thought of being the Chieftain, her children would have to be the heir to that throne, there was no way that she could pass it on to Emily. She had never really thought about it before. Her family had been dead almost half of her life, and she was so accustomed to be a guest in the Goblin Kings home she never wondered why she would be chosen to foster with a King. She smiled at Jareth, and wondered if this was the right thing to do, what her people would have said, if they would rise up in anger at her marriage. She had been thinking a lot about her family, and for some reason, as she stood in the circle with the man that would be her husband, she felt danger.
That magic circled around her, faster and faster, stronger and stronger. Visions were coming to her, making her dizzy. Memories were flooding into her, and suddenly she knew what was wrong. From the recesses of her mind she felt the Labyrinth cringe as anger came flooding into her. /You have to marry him for your protection, girl/ She pleaded very faintly.
Over the din of people watching her eyes meet Lord Hilliard and then Lord Byron and her face twisted into a sneer. /As soon as the vows are done they are going to die horrible deaths/.
/Just continue the ritual and all will be well/
"Yes, I Annalisa Kildalton, Daughter of Rebecca, True Chieftain of the Druid Clans will make Jareth, son of Oberon, King of the Goblins my equal in all things. In name, heart and soul."
He looked at her quizzically, wondering what the sudden change was, she urged the Labyrinth to tell him, she was so faint though, it was taking much of her energy to calm her for the moment. The happening were not Jareth's fault, he knew nothing of it, and he would soon be her husband, and he would not understand her need for vengeance, but if he was unhappy he needed only be her husband for a season.
Together Titania and Oberon finished the ritual, "Then let their souls be bonded in this ritual, and let their love stand for all time." The magic of the circle cycloned around them, then in a rush entered them, and for the second time in her short life, Annalisa Kildalton felt the world slow down.
"Annie, what is wrong," She heard his voice in her head, strong with concern.
"I know the truth Jareth, it took a magical gathering like this to wake it from my memory, or give enough leeway to let her in, but I know the truth. Hilliard and Byron are dead men. They set up the whole thing. They killed my clan, and then thought that they could rule the Druid Clans through me. My mother has spoken to me and decreed what will rest her spirit." She looked wild with her hair swirling and her eyes bright. He wondered for a moment if anyone was peeking into their thoughts, but it didn't matter. There would be blood on the Chieftains hands that night, and it would please him greatly to have vengeance on the men that hurt his beloved so.
The ritual ended with out flare, the magic dissipating and a kiss to lock them to one another. She felt her stomach tighten. It was good to be his partner, though Aelis had said she would feel differently, she did not, she still felt the hot urge to be with him.
Emily came running through the crowd, under legs, over feet, and went head long into her sisters waiting arms. She picked her up easily. "Goodness, aren't you an excited little bug today!" she laughed.
"Are you really a Queen now?" She asked excitedly.
"Yes, I suppose I am."
"Can I be a princess?" the girl asked suddenly very serious. Annalisa looked over her head to Jareth, knowing what he thought before nearly before he thought it.
The new Goblin Queen turned to her mother-in-law. "Your Highness, I would like to petition the court for the right of true parentage over Emily Kildalton, I am the last of her blood, and feel it my duty to raise her and love her as my own child."
"Does your husband agree. Chieftain?"
"I do, mother, I would be a proud man to have such a family." He smiled at his wife and her sister. /What are you doing, Annalisa?/
/They want those lands for some reason, and I want to make sure that it will not be as easy as simply killing me to take them./ She smiled and when Titania decreed it was to be so there a "Hurrah" went up around the room except from two people.
Titania saw the worried look from her son and daughter in law. She wondered what happened in that circle, and decided that perhaps there should be guard on their room for the rest of the festival.
A/N: The "ritual" was not taken from anywhere really... It is a collection of different handfasting and wiccan marriages that I have seen performed.
Chapter 7: A Moment in Time
The bath water steamed and turned the bathroom into a fragrant, foggy paradise. Aelis had left her mistress to soak for a few minutes while she laid out the gown that she would wear to the ritual. It would be physically taxing for her, for the first time. Their souls were bound for the season, after that the bond would dispel and whatever bond had grown and stood fast, or grown and faded would remain strong or slip away and the marriage would be over.
Aelis had tried to help her lady but the woman seemed content to bath herself, the maid wondered if her mistress' behavior had to do with the happenings of earlier that evening. She had been positive that they had never been "together" in that way, but apparently she was mistaken, the way that they lay in each other's arms when she came in denoted a long time relationship.
She lay in the water up to her chin, the oils that Aelis had placed in her bath were the same ones she always did, therapeutic to help ease her troubled mind and usually help her sleep. Tonight though the bath simply furthered the thoughts of her mother. She missed the Labyrinth, but could not reach her essence from the high courts castle. She wondered if Emily would be present for the ritual, she had been with the other fae children over dinner and though she had requested the girl come to her room afterward she was glad that she hadn't interrupted. Her mind drifted through a mired of thoughts, from her mother and sister to her soon to be husband, to what had happened earlier. She felt her stomach tighten as the butterflies raided her tummy. She giggled at the thought of his arms around her, or his hands upon her. She dropped down under the water fully to get the rest of her hair wet. Carefully sustaining herself with her magic she stayed under letting the heat wash away her anxieties and the smell of him from her body, until Aelis come in to help her wash her hair.
"Aelis, why is it that the courtiers are treating me differently?" She asked as the woman worked thick shampoo into her hair. She had always been a confidant, even when Jareth would not do.
"Well, milady. I am sure it is because eventually you will become High Queen. Titania and Oberon have been on the throne for twelve thousand years and it is time for new leadership." She massaged her lady's scalp gently as she spoke.
Annalisa chewed her lip for a moment, "New leadership? I expected them to live forever," she said quietly.
The older woman laughed, "No, Lady, not die, but go on. They are far too powerful to pass from this realm at the hands of anyone but themselves. The court is worried that your soon to be husband hasn't matured enough for the station, and they worry about how much of a strain that your families passing has put on you and will it threaten the thrown." Aelis hummed to her charge while rinsing away the water.
"But, Aelis, I wouldn't be queen for a long time. We would have plenty of time to be ready to take the station."
Aelis stopped for a moment. "How old do you think King Jareth's parents are milady? It is rumored that they grow tired of this world."
The young woman frowned. "How do you know all about this?"
"Because I have ears, lady, no other reason. Sometimes people are so preoccupied with their own words they don't have time to listen to the words of others. Now, its time to dry off and dress. I will be in the bedroom," she took her leave from her lady and readied the scents for her body and the silk knickers that Titania had decided she would wear. She was surprised that her lady had been so sheltered from court life. Wondering what else that her liege's spoke about when they were alone, she finished her work. Knowing Jareth it would probably be things like weather or not peonies would be okay to plant in the hedge maze, or if the fairies could be talked into keeping the walls free of weeds in the outer maze. Aelis giggled to herself, she had been brought to the castle fifteen years ago, when it became obvious that Annalisa needed a hand maiden, she remembered him instructing her to instruct the girl in "all" things that she would need to know. Aelis was happy to comply and did her best to rear the girl with court standards. Apparently she had done an acceptable job because her charge was marrying the High Prince in less then an hour.
She dried off with the big fluffy towels that Titania had made sure where in her bathing chamber and towel dried her hair. It had been such a lovely few hours since dinner was over, and she was interested in hearing more about the ritual that was to take place. She knew enough to know that her part was simple. She sang the songs that every Fae knew with her husband, and danced, but the details were lost to her. "Aelis, how in…" she paused seeing her dress for the first time. "Oh," her eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"Queen Titania choose it especially for you. I have had it in your closet for two weeks." Aelis said proudly. Her charge starred at the dress while slipping into the beautifully crafter knickers, hose and corset. She felt like a stuffed sausage for a moment, but her body adjusted to it and she stepped into the first underskirt.
The dress was made out of something that could only be akin to spider webs. It was so see through Annalisa blushed at the mere thought, it seemed more risqué then being naked. There was a long skirt of peach, then another shorter one of pale blue, and then green, pink, purple and yellow, then over the skirts was another longer skirt of translucent white. She looked like an upside down flower bud. The surcoat fit snugly against her bodice, and covering the skirt to her hips where there were long slits to show the skirt. The neckline was low and ruffled to hide the cleavage from the corset. The surcoat was a green so dark it was nearly black. "Lady, you look incredible. King Jareth will probably attack you the minute he sees you."
She smiled into the mirror, her hair was braided in a crown around her head and she suddenly felt very adult. "Well, if he does then I suppose I will just have to throw the skirt over my head," her eyes widened again. "Oh, goodness, I'm not even married yet and I sound like those old women!" She laughed and slipped into white slippers.
She had been dressed for only a few minutes when the knock alerted them to the time. Aelis opened it and Titania's personal handmaiden smiled at Annalisa, "Oh, you are so beautiful lady! It is very fitting that you are the loveliest woman at Court. There are many women very jealous of you tonight."
"Thank you," she said quietly, she was thinking of her mother again. Rebecca had been creeping into her mind over and over in the last few months. She wondered about her mother, and her ways, and the ways of her clan. There were still people on that land, but did she have the strength of heart and character to take the lands back once again and fulfill her seat as Duchess. She knew that becoming Jareth's wife would still require her to care for the Kildalton fief but she considered handing it over to Emily when she was old enough to take the burden on. As Jareth's first wife she would become High Queen no matter who else he wed, and so perhaps to keep Emily happy, and to give her something to do other then learning needle point she could have her taught in the ways of a Duchess.
As they walked down the hall together, she felt a sense of dread. Not in marrying Jareth, the very idea of sharing his life made her stomach flip, but she had the distinct feeling that something was not as it should be. The antechamber they deposited her into was tastefully decorated. She sat down and waited. Hoping that soon it would all begin. In a few moments Titania entered the room "You look wonderful! Are you happy with this match, Annalisa?" she sat down next to her soon to be daughter in law. "Really, forget I am the Queen, and Jareth's mother and tell me. Are you pleased."
"Yes," she said quickly. "I just, I know that Jareth says that he loves me, and shows that he does," she smiled in remembrance of earlier, "but I wonder how he could. I am so different from any other woman that I have known him to take a fancy too. He likes them tall and blond. Then there is ruddy dud me."
Titania pattered the young woman's hand. "Listen to this, it has nothing to do with your looks or even theirs, love is blind, love is deaf, and love easily forgets. He doesn't love you because you are a red haired little jewel, or would he love you more if you were a rail thin yellow haired vixen. He loves you because you are his equal, in magic, in heart, in stubbornness. You will keep him on his toes through out eternity. That's what he needs, and you need someone that will hold your hand when you feel lonely for your family. When Emily becomes a woman herself she will need both of you to instruct her into adulthood. He loves you both, but lucky you, you get to share his bed."
She blushed deeply but hugged Titania just the same. "Do you think we will be happy?"
"Oh, who is to say… For a while, I am sure, but eventually you will feel the pulling of another at your heart and Jareth will no longer be the Knight that you are so endeared to. But perhaps that will not happen… Perhaps you will love him always, but remember, that for that season that you love each other you will have memories for your life time." Titania let her think on it for a few minutes, then took the girls hand and led her into the room. There was a circle of the most powerful Fae in the realm. Her eyes widened at the sight of power been used.
Jareth stood at the head of the circle, his father to his right, it was assumable she would be at his left. He looked worried, his brow creased, but she smiled and looked at each person in turn. She knew what her duty was.
Titania led her to the back of the circle and intoned the words of the marriage ritual.
"Those who have come before.
And those that shall come to pass.
We gather here to witness the bonding of
Jareth Le Fae, son of Oberon, High Prince of the Fae Court, King of the Goblins, Ruler of the Labyrinth. And Annalisa Kildalton, daughter of Rebecca, High Duchess of the Fae Court, Chieftain of the Druid Clans, and Friend of the Labyrinth " Titania stopped and the two fae in front of her parted.
Annalisa was terrified, there was so much magic being used her ears started to ring. She heard the words that Titania was intoning, and knew that she was considered a High Duchess, as well as a Queen of the Druids, but her family had died off, she and her sister were the last. She looked around the room for Emily, and beside Lord Hilliard the girl sat and looked wide eyed around the room, "She's a Chieftain? I thought she wouldn't be a queen till afterwards. Does that make me a Princess?" Annalisa could make out the words by reading the girls face and lips. Lord Hilliard smiled and answered her with a simple yes.
"Your mother should be doing this, Annalisa, but I will stand in for her," Titania whispered.
They walked into the circle.
As they stepped into the circle time seemed to slow, in fact, it didn't, but the preception of time was important, because for a moment, Annalisa Kildalton saw her mother in the mists of the magic around her. Her mother spoke to her, in the words that only they would understand and for a moment the Duchess thought she may faint. But as the shock wore off as she listened to the High Queen she found something in herself that she was naught oft to see.
"Jareth, King of the Goblins, come into the circle." He looked utterly serious and came to meet her in the center, his father a step behind him.
Oberon spoke next, "Jareth, do you take this woman as your equal in all things, her name, her heart and her soul?"
"Yes, I take Annalisa, High Duchess, Chieftain of the Druid clans, as my equal in all things. Her name, her heart and her soul."
Titania intoned, "Annalisa, do you take this man as your equal in all things, his name, his heart and his soul?"
She had never really thought of being the Chieftain, her children would have to be the heir to that throne, there was no way that she could pass it on to Emily. She had never really thought about it before. Her family had been dead almost half of her life, and she was so accustomed to be a guest in the Goblin Kings home she never wondered why she would be chosen to foster with a King. She smiled at Jareth, and wondered if this was the right thing to do, what her people would have said, if they would rise up in anger at her marriage. She had been thinking a lot about her family, and for some reason, as she stood in the circle with the man that would be her husband, she felt danger.
That magic circled around her, faster and faster, stronger and stronger. Visions were coming to her, making her dizzy. Memories were flooding into her, and suddenly she knew what was wrong. From the recesses of her mind she felt the Labyrinth cringe as anger came flooding into her. /You have to marry him for your protection, girl/ She pleaded very faintly.
Over the din of people watching her eyes meet Lord Hilliard and then Lord Byron and her face twisted into a sneer. /As soon as the vows are done they are going to die horrible deaths/.
/Just continue the ritual and all will be well/
"Yes, I Annalisa Kildalton, Daughter of Rebecca, True Chieftain of the Druid Clans will make Jareth, son of Oberon, King of the Goblins my equal in all things. In name, heart and soul."
He looked at her quizzically, wondering what the sudden change was, she urged the Labyrinth to tell him, she was so faint though, it was taking much of her energy to calm her for the moment. The happening were not Jareth's fault, he knew nothing of it, and he would soon be her husband, and he would not understand her need for vengeance, but if he was unhappy he needed only be her husband for a season.
Together Titania and Oberon finished the ritual, "Then let their souls be bonded in this ritual, and let their love stand for all time." The magic of the circle cycloned around them, then in a rush entered them, and for the second time in her short life, Annalisa Kildalton felt the world slow down.
"Annie, what is wrong," She heard his voice in her head, strong with concern.
"I know the truth Jareth, it took a magical gathering like this to wake it from my memory, or give enough leeway to let her in, but I know the truth. Hilliard and Byron are dead men. They set up the whole thing. They killed my clan, and then thought that they could rule the Druid Clans through me. My mother has spoken to me and decreed what will rest her spirit." She looked wild with her hair swirling and her eyes bright. He wondered for a moment if anyone was peeking into their thoughts, but it didn't matter. There would be blood on the Chieftains hands that night, and it would please him greatly to have vengeance on the men that hurt his beloved so.
The ritual ended with out flare, the magic dissipating and a kiss to lock them to one another. She felt her stomach tighten. It was good to be his partner, though Aelis had said she would feel differently, she did not, she still felt the hot urge to be with him.
Emily came running through the crowd, under legs, over feet, and went head long into her sisters waiting arms. She picked her up easily. "Goodness, aren't you an excited little bug today!" she laughed.
"Are you really a Queen now?" She asked excitedly.
"Yes, I suppose I am."
"Can I be a princess?" the girl asked suddenly very serious. Annalisa looked over her head to Jareth, knowing what he thought before nearly before he thought it.
The new Goblin Queen turned to her mother-in-law. "Your Highness, I would like to petition the court for the right of true parentage over Emily Kildalton, I am the last of her blood, and feel it my duty to raise her and love her as my own child."
"Does your husband agree. Chieftain?"
"I do, mother, I would be a proud man to have such a family." He smiled at his wife and her sister. /What are you doing, Annalisa?/
/They want those lands for some reason, and I want to make sure that it will not be as easy as simply killing me to take them./ She smiled and when Titania decreed it was to be so there a "Hurrah" went up around the room except from two people.
Titania saw the worried look from her son and daughter in law. She wondered what happened in that circle, and decided that perhaps there should be guard on their room for the rest of the festival.