5. The Throne Room.

"I'm hungry."

"Be silent child!"

"I'm hungry!"

"Shut up!"

"I'm hungry!" Gareth scowled at the man sat on the throne. "And why're you wearing tights?"

"They're trousers!" Jareth snapped. "Be quiet!" he turned his attention back to the crystal in his hand. "The oubliette, how novel."

"What's an oubli-whatty?" Gareth asked.

"Just shut up!"

"Oooh, /sor-ree/!" Gareth said in an irritated voice. "I was just /asking/!"

Jareth rolled his eyes in a gesture of annoyance.

"I don't care!"

"Yeah well stop being such a bastard!"

"I think you'll find I have both mother and father." Jareth smirked, and his smirk grew as Gareth fell silent for a moment.

"I'm hungry."

"Oh heavens! HEDGEWORT!" Jareth bellowed. Hoggle shuffled forwards.

"Yes your highness?"

"Either feed it or remove it." Jareth waved a hand at Gareth, then looked back into his crystal. "They won't get out of there."

"You let Star go!" Gareth snapped. Jareth rolled his eyes again.

"You are a mere child, you have no concept of-"

"I am NOT A CHILD!" Gareth shouted. "I'm a teenager! Get it?! TEEN-AGE-ER!!!" he pouted, and suddenly Jareth started laughing. Having expected an angry response, Gareth looked stunned. Why was he laughing?

"Fine, fine little one. You're a teenager. Happy? Now please, I have to be alone for a while. You run along with Hoghead there and get something to eat. Hoghead, get the cooks to prepare a feast for our young guest."

Hoggle ushered Gareth out. When he'd gone Jareth nodded. "I like that one. Fiery, and a little lippy, but still, manageable. He would make a fine young prince…"