A/N: Sadness…. I didn't get hardly any reviews on the last chapter. Sorry if you guys didn't like where I'm going with it. But, if you stay the course, the story will be finished VERY soon, I promise.

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The next morning, Elyssa arose early, heading immediately to the ball room for some much needed exercise. Although no one interrupted, she found it almost impossible to concentrate on her dancing. All she could think about was the feeling of Jareth's around her body, and the taste of his lips on her own. Just thinking about him standing in his room, comfortable and at ease in his own element, with his shirt undone sent an unexpected thrill of excitement down her spine, warming her belly. Damn it all, this isn't the way I'm supposed to feel, she cursed in silent frustration. Her body whirled, arms cutting the air as she danced fiercely. The sound of Hayden's Symphony 100, emanating from Jareth's crystal, crashed and blared through the air, its fervent cacophony matching Elyssa's mood. This is the man who commandeered my life, placed my only friends in jeopardy, and is presently forcing me to be the royal party-planner. And what's my answer to all of this? I turn into a horny school girl again, drooling over some pompous ass' chest, for goodness sake.

Elyssa paused before one of the great mirrors lining the walls of the ballroom. Her wild hair wsa coming loose from its chignon; her face was beet red, partly from the exertion but mostly because of her wild imagination. Seven days, she thought, just seven measly days. Swallowing hard, she forced away the sudden onslaught of confused emotions – fear, despair, and confusion coupled with excitement and wonder of all wonders, lustful curiosity. Just the thought of Jareth claiming her body, sent her mind into chaos. She couldn't think, couldn't dance… couldn't function.

But, Elyssa wasn't a total amateur when it came to the great mysteries of the bedroom. It was impossible to go through high school without knowing at least a little bit about the subject. Years ago, a few days after her sixteenth birthday, she decided to satiate her curiosity by purchasing a book on the subject. She knew what lovemaking was all about – she just didn't have any experience. Not that she hadn't tried, either. After reading her book, her curiosity wasn't completely satisfied, so Elyssa decided to experiment with her then boyfriend. She allowed him to go as far as kissing, but when he tried to touch her and take it further, she panicked and tried to stop him. Unfortunately the boy ignored her and tried to force her. Luckily help was never too far away, and a cry for Michael brought him running. The only bad thing was that her overprotective bodyguard informed her father of this rather compromising situation. Yet, she never forgot her father's only words on the subject, "My love, what you have is a precious gift that can only be truly given once. Many men will want this gift, may even fight over it – but only you can give it away. Choose wisely…"

"Choose wisely," she whispered, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. "Oh Michael, where are you when I need you?" All though her life, Michael was her guardian, protecting her from anyone who tried to harm her. Once again, she wondered about his fate – did he blame himself for her capture? Although she didn't love him, Elyssa cared deeply for Michael. After he father died leaving her an orphan, it seemed that he was her only family left. She knew her father wouldn't have wanted to be so alone, so she tried her hand at dating. Perhaps, in some ways, her problems with men was her own fault. Elyssa was constantly surrounded by powerful men – leaders in her father's company vying for power, rich investors at the ballet. Yet each man had one thing in common, their desire to bed the volatile beauty. No one seemed even remotely worthy of such a gift…

As Elyssa stared at her reflection in the mirror, she started to realize just how much she hated her old life. Looking back, it was nothing but a spiraling pattern of depression, moving from man to man, searching form something intangible. If only she could trust Jareth to… Trust him to what, an angry voice inside of herself spoke. He will use you, then throw you away just as every other man would have.

"But why did he bring me here, literally trapping me here if he just wanted to do that," she whispered inaudibly. "He could have taken me the night he first came to me – the night of the Charity Ball…" Are you so sure, the voice of doubt countered, are you so sure that he still won't send you away when he's done…

Elyssa shook her head, trying to silence the voice. It was useless to try and dance any more today. Grabbing the music crystal, she headed towards the door. Resting her hand on it's wooden surface, she paused and whispered, "I could really use a friend right now…" Stiffiling a sigh, Elyssa headed down the hall.

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Tapping her booted foot in irritation, Elyssa read Jareth's note once again for probably the twentieth time.

Please meet with my servant, Hyrle Lyrnce, in the ballroom at 10 o'clock this morning in order to begin arrangements for the ball. Your obedience and promptness in this matter is highly appreciated.

-J-

Elyssa stood once again in the empty ballroom – she was on time, but this "Hyrle" was most definitely not. Glancing at the thirteen houred clock in the corner, she saw that it was already 10:30. "I'm leaving," she muttered. At that moment, the door burst open, startling her almost out of her skin. In stepped a strikingly handsome man, slender as a reed. His face was delicately shaped with almond shaped blue eyes. Pale blond hair fell to his shoulders. Elyssa was shocked to notice that his ears came to sharp points. Well I'll be damned, it's an elf…

The man crossed his thin arms across his chest and spoke in an eerily musical voice, "And just where the hell have you been, Miss? My time is extremely valuable you know." His eyes glared at her, demanding that she answer for herself.

The elf's rudeness took her by surprise. Elyssa raised Jareth's note and spoke with a controlled (well, at least somewhat controlled) fury, "His Majesty's written instructions were to meet a man, which I can only assume is you, here in this room at 10:00. I've been kept waiting here for half an hour now. I'm already not in the best of moods, so please, do me the favor of either telling me who you are, or fucking off."

The elf grabbed the note form out of her hand, quickly reading it. He curled his lip in disgust, "This not said to meet me, and yes I am Hyrle," his voice condescending. "This note instructed you to meet me in the ballroom." Hyrle's arrogant tone was like grinding glass into Elyssa's shattered nerves. She spread her arms, indicating that in the ballroom they now stood. "This isn't the ballroom, human – this is just the Auxiliary dancing room for overflow. Do you really think a castle this size would have such a pitifully inadequate room such as this?"

Elyssa crossed her arms, her voice deadly quiet. "I believe this is the part where you learn some damn manners, or I tear your fucking ears off and shove them up your ass."

The elf looked at her as if she had somehow transformed into a rabid dog that might strike at any moment. The complete look of horror on his face might have made Elyssa giggle if she were in a slightly better mood. "My…" Hyrle stumbled over his words, "my humblest apologies my lady, if I have spoken out of turn." He bowed nervously, then gestured towards the door. "Shall we head to the main ballroom then? My assistant is there waiting on our arrival."

Elyssa smiled her brightest smile, but her eyes still where cold as ice. "After you."

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Deep in the heart of the castle, Jareth roared with laughter, wipping away tears that began to form at his eyes. The crystal, which he had been gazing intently into, stood propped on a desk littered with scattered papers and scrolls. His laughter finally tapered to small snickering as he tried to regain his regal composure. Just thinking about the horrified look on the elf's face when Elyssa threatened him threatened to send him back into spasms. By the look of things, she was just about angry enough to do it, too. "Ah," he congratulated himself happily, "my true moments of inspirations, what blessedly good entertainment they make. Pairing up these two was pure genius on my part."

The stacks of papers littering Jareth's desk demanded attention – matters of state and country, some important some not, lay together in complete disarray, utterly neglected. But, all of that could wait – even if just for a moment longer. Compelled, Jareth gazed into the crystal, an amused grin spread wolfishly across his face.

Damned, if it didn't feel good to laugh again…

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As they walked down the hallway, the slender elf spoke in a much more appealing tone of voice. "As I said earlier, my name, dear lady, is Hyrle Lyrnce. I am the official social planner for the entire realm of the Underground." He paused long enough for Elyssa to be sufficiently impressed. When she made no reaction, he spoke hurriedly on. "You will have to excuse my frustration earlier. You see, it would normally take months and months of proper planning to create the type of ball that His Majesty intends to hold next week. Plus, it's been so long – years and years – since the Goblin King has attended such events, let alone hosted them."

They had walked a mere twenty feet from the auxiliary ballroom before they came to a massive staircase leading upwards. Elyssa stared in wonderment. "The castle is so confusing. I've been here days, but I had no idea this was here."

Hyrle nodded in agreement. "Tis the nature of the lands of the Labyrinth, my lady. I wouldn't let it bother me too much." He patted her shoulder thoughtfully and gestured that the move up the stairway. "The castle is quite a fantastic structure, but His Majesty is a very powerful man. The magic that he controls and the might of his kingdom are a force to be reckoned with, I assure you."

As the two ascended the stairs, Elyssa noticed a thick layer of dust covering the railing. She wondered at the elf's words …it's been so long… "So, just how big is the Underground anyway? You mention other kingdoms…?

Hyrle shrugged his shoulders. "Not as big as your Earth, my dear, but quite large all the same. Perhaps after reviewing the guest lists, you might be able to formulate some idea."

Elyssa stopped in her tracks, "Wait a minute, how did you know where I come from?"

Hyrle gave her a bland look. "My assistant told me. He also said to watch for your temper. I can see why now." Before Elyssa could ask anything else, he cut her off. "Come, we're wasting time. All will be explained in a few moments I believe." Fighting back the urge to box his ears, Elyssa followed.

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The steep stairway spread out onto a wide landing that circled the circumference of an enormous, yet empty room. The landing formed a tiered effect, with several ornate staircases leading down to another level below. An ornate railing formed from delicate metal work circled the balcony. As Elyssa moved towards the railing, she held her breath, shocked by the breathtaking grandeur of the Goblin King's Grand Ballroom. Crystal chandelier hung from a ceiling that soared into the air. The dimly lit room was illuminated by faint colored light filtered through delicate stained glass windows. Ancient candelabra and sconces were decorated by long melted wax forming stalactites. Strangely enough, all of the beauty and magnificence of the room seemed out of place. The air was still and stagnant. Thick layers of dust and grim covered every free surface. As they walked on the marble floors, footprints were left in the dust marking their passage.

Surveying the mess, Hyrle sighed. "It's going to take an army of goblins to get this wretched place in any semblance of order." He headed towards the nearest staircase leading down to the ballroom floor. Reluctantly, Elyssa followed.

"Why has it been so long since Jareth last used this place? It's absolutely beautiful," she kept looking around in amazed wonderment.

Hyrle merely shrugged, "People say His Majesty just decided one day that he was through. Personally, I believe the King simply became bored. When you've lived as long as we do, my lady, even such simple pleasure become a burden."

Elyssa eyed him curiously. "Just how long have you and Jareth lived?"

"I? I have lived for two hundred fifty-seven years, and counting. The elven life span is quite long really, but not completely endless."

"And Jareth?" she prompted.

"His Lordship? I have no earthly idea. Jareth has been Goblin King much longer than I have been alive. Perhaps you should ask him yourself?" Stepping onto the floor, Hyrle glanced around. Shouting to his assistant, he moved ahead of Elyssa, "Oh do leave those nasty goblins alone. Hurry up now, and bring me the guest list. We have no more time for any additional foolishness today."

"Oh Hyrlie, you so bossy – I love it! You're so cute, I could just eat you alive." The voice of Hyrle's assistant was extremely familiar. Dazed, Elyssa looked up to see Marcus surrounded by goblins. Each of them fought for a turn to hug his long and gangly leg.

"Marcus…" she whispered.

"Hey guys," Marcus kneeled down to the congregation of goblins, "let's go give 'Lyssa a big group hug. She looks like she needs it." The goblin roared their approval at this suggestion, and moved to mob the suddenly pale Elyssa.

"No… no really…" was all she was able to get out before being swarmed by a fifty giddy goblins.

Hyrle glared at Elyssa, his eyes letting her know that he blamed her for this new interruption. "If you are quite finished," he began, his voice frigid.

Marcus began to pull the squirming goblins off of her then quickly wrapped her up in a large bear hug. "Marcus," she squeaked, his fierce hug robbing her of breath. "Where have you been?"

Marcus plopped an enormous kiss on her bewildered head. "Awww, don't mind Hyrlie, he just plays a big meanie. Get him in bed, though, and he purrs like a pussy cat."

Elyssa shook her head, suddenly laughing for the first time in days. "Oh Marcus, TMI, man… TMI."

The elf's cheeks burned red in barely controlled fury. His voice dropped the temperature of the ballroom several degrees. "If you two are quite through, there are some things we need to discuss before we review the guest lists." He whirled about on his heel, stalking towards a table in the center of the ballroom were several papers were scattered about.

"Marcus, were the hell have you been?" Elyssa repeated her question. "I thought Jareth sent you back home."

"Well the night Jareth you and I had a fight, he came to me later and asked if I wanted to go home. Of course, I said no, so he decided to let me work for Hyrlie. Oh, isn't he a dream?" His expressive hands gestured towards the seething elf. "I mean, I finally met someone as sexy as I am…go figure."

"Marcus, about that night, I…"

"Oh honey, forgiven, forgotten. You were stressed and I was in a tizzy. I still love you sweet thing." He patted her bottom for good measure.

"Today, people…" Hyrle cleared his throat and glanced at the clock. It was already going on eleven o'clock.

Elyssa and Marcus headed towards the table. Glancing at Hyrle she sighed. "Let's just get this over with, okay?"

Hyrle sniffed. "My thoughts exactly." He handed Elyssa a small clipboard of paper with a numbered list. "These are the tasks I need you to directly organize yourself."

Elyssa scanned the list. 1) Clean floors 2) Shine Silver 3) Dust Banisters. The list went on and on, but nothing seemed to major. "No problem, I'll get with Basion, the Mistress of Chambermaids. Nothing she can't handle."

Hyrle nodded his approval. "Good. With that settled, we can get down to the task at hand. Today we will go over the guest list and invitiations. Over the next few days, I will set up meetings with the caterers, musicians, winery, butlers, etc." He took a deep breath, touching both Marcus and Elyssa on the shoulder. "My dears, we have months of planning to do in only a few days. However, His Majesty demands opulence, and I'll be damned if we don't give it to him. Now let's throw a party."