Sarah was writing at her desk and suffering from a minor headache. It had been a couple hours and Toby and Alex still hadn't come back. They hadn't even called. She really didn't feel like being alone at this time. And even though Toby was old enough to look after himself, she didn't like it that he was home alone. She picked up the phone and dialed home.

"Hi! This.....this is the Williams...and...and we're not home....." a toddler's voice said on the other end.

"Ha-ha come on Toby, we got to go!" said a teenage girl.

"Ok.....leave a note....bye-bye!" The toddler laughed. Then there was the tone.

Sarah couldn't help but smile. They had made that message for the family answering machine years ago. And her stepmother thought it was so adorable, she couldn't find the heart to erase it. But Sarah's smile soon faded. Her brother hadn't picked up the phone. Toby could have gone somewhere with Alex. But he should have called her. Teenagers.....

Sarah decided she would wait a little longer and they didn't call or pick up when she did, she would go check on them.

Alex wept as she sat in the now cooling water. Her little maid brought in some fresh, towels. When she saw her lady's tears she quickly dashed to her side "Oh.....Mistress....."

"Hmm.....? Oh, it's alright, Eponine....." Alex dunked her head in the water to wash her tear stained cheeks.

"Are you sure?"

Alex nodded and smiled to hide her pain, but there was no fooling the young elf. But Eponine decided to leave this matter to the King. She held out a fluffy white towel "Come, Miss, before you prune."

Alex stood from out of the bath and Eponine wrapped the towel around her. "Your dress is laying out on the bed, Miss. When you dry I'll help you." Eponine said, leaving the bathroom once again.

"Um.....thanks....." Alex really wasn't used to this kind of treatment and had always learned to take care of herself. She felt that Eponine was spoiling her and she that she must stay firm. But in this place.....it seemed very hard to do so.

"Are you dry, Miss?" Eponine called from her room.

"I.....I am....."

"We must get you dressed now. I don't want you to chill with that wet hair."

"I really can dress myself if it's all the same to you....."

"I'm not so sure, Miss....."

"Of course I can! Why not?" Alex came into the bed room and looked around. "Um.....where are my clothes?"

Eponine smiled and pointed to the bed. Alex gasped. Lying on the bed was a black dress, it looked like something Alex had seen out of a painting. It had a full skirt, and low neck and long white sleeves that had black fabric wrapped around them. It was a dress that Anne Bolyne had worn.

"Wow.....Maybe I'll need help afterall....." Alex said. Eponine nodded at that.

About 15 minutes later, Alex was standing in front of a full length mirror. Eponine was kneeling beside her and was fixing the hem of the skirt. Alex was amazed. She had no idea that it was possible for her to look so royal.....so sophisticated. Her thoughts suddenly turned however to the Goblin King. Who was he? Why did he bring her here? What did he want? And WHY would he provide her with a wonderful room, and loyal servant and beautiful clothes? Sooner or later, she WOULD find out.....even at risk of bodily harm.

"Miss, are you pleased?"

Alex sighed and nodded her head smiling. Eponine stood "You look beautiful." She said. Alex blushed slightly and looked back at the mirror "Is there some sort of occasion? I mean, this is a pretty fancy costume....."

"Not today, Miss.....but soon....." Eponine paused.

"Soon? Why what's going to happen?" Alex turned to her little maid.

"I'm not sure I am the one to tell you. You'll find out. But this....." she indicated to the gown ".....is an afternoon dress."

"An 'afternoon dress'? You mean there is more?"

"Of course, Miss. Have you not looked in your wardrobe?"

Alex shook her head. Eponine's smile grew as she walked over to the large wooden cabinet, and opened the doors. Inside were dozens of different (but gorgeous) dresses hanging up in a row. Alex's mouth hung open "Wha.....wha....." she shook her head in disbelief "Wow....."

"And only the best....." said Eponine.

"But.....why me?"

Eponine stops in mid-step. She might have said too much. "His Majesty will wish to see you, Miss." She said.

Alex looked down, thinking. This may be a chance to finally get some answers. "Sure.....right now?"

"Yes.....in the gardens....." Eponine nodded.

Alex took a deep breath.

"Come follow me....." Eponine said as she walked out the door. Alex followed a bit hesitantly at first, then at full pace. She didn't want the little elf to know that she was very afraid.

Eponine led her lady out into the wild flower garden. It was behind the castle and away from the Goblin city. Alex looked around, taking in the lovely sights and scents around her. "It's beautiful....." she whispered.

"Yes....." Eponine sighed looking around too. She brought Alex to a marble fountain that stood in the middle of the massive garden. "You wait here, Miss. His Majesty will meet you in moments." She said.

Alex nodded as the little maid left. As she waited she started pacing a bit. Sarah had always told her that "patience was a virtue" but she never bought that. She wasn't sure what was going on. Why was she so nervous? "Because he frightens me....." she told herself. An Owl hooted from on top of the angel statue of the fountain. The sound startled her at first but when she looked up to see she smiled. Alex had always liked owls. They were very mystical creatures and she never seen one up close before.

The beautiful bird flew off the angel's head and landed on the ground in front of Alex. Her eyes followed it's every move and she held out her hand towards it "Come on.....don't be afraid, I won't hurt you....." she smiled, wanting a better look at this feathered creature.

The bird stepped closer, close enough for Alex to touch. Alex was surprised at how tame he seemed to be. She reached out and the owl let her brush her fingers through his head feathers. They were softer than silk. But it didn't last, that owl soon backed away and hid his head under his wing.

Alex looked at the bird, puzzled. He seemed to.....transform. He grew in size, his soft gold wing feathers turn dark brown. Smoke soon surrounded the creature and Alex was sent into a coughing fit! When the smoke cleared she couldn't make out what was standing in front of her. But it removed what was now a brown cape, to reveal his face. It was none other than the Goblin King.

Alex gasped and stepped back withdrawing her hand which was still outstretched. She definitely wasn't expecting THAT to happen.

Jareth looked amused, though Alex didn't find this funny in the least. In fact she felt rather violated!

"I'm sorry to have frightened you so, Miss Alex." Said Jareth, but he didn't look as though he really meant it.

"I.....I wasn't frightened! I was just.....surprised." Alex turned her head, she couldn't look at the king. He laughed "That much is clear." He said then he took a good look at Alex, she looked stunning in that dress. Alex stood looking at her side, not wanting to make any unnecessary eye contact.

"Oh come now, Alex. I promise I won't burn your eyes out." He walked up her and gave her chin a nudge in his direction "You had a better chance of getting them pecked out by the owl."

Alex sighed and closed her eyes for a moment before looking at the man standing before her. She WAS frightened, but one could tell that she was trying with all her might to stay strong. Jareth searched her eyes "You have a lot of spirit....."

"So I've been told....." Alex was having trouble breathing.

"It's not everyday we find one such as you here. Tell me, Alex, how are you enjoying my castle?"

"I've only seen the stairs, the room that was provided for me, and what I'm guessing is your throne room.....so far.....it's charming." Jareth could tell that she was choosing her words carefully and he nodded. She was wise.

"Would you care for a walk in the gardens?" he asked her.

After considering it for a moment, Alex saw her chance. She agreed. The two walked along the path, Jareth let Alex walked a few steps ahead, which made her feel uneasy.

"I trust Eponine is behaving herself?" said Jareth

"She's a very polite young.....elf. She treats me like a queen."

Jareth nodded though Alex couldn't see. Eponine had so much of her father in her that it pleased him to know she was behaving.

"I have a question.....well, a few, actually....." Alex said.

"Go on....."

Alex inhaled, being sure to choose her words wisely. "Why am I here?" She turned to face the King "A-and who are you, exactly?"

"You.....are here for many reasons, Alex."

"What reasons?" She was becoming bolder.

"For one, it wasn't my doing that brought you here....."

Alex gave him a puzzled look, what was he talking about?

"You read the book have you not?" Jareth asked.

"Only.....only a little bit.....why?"

"Do you know what happened to the babe in the story?"

She thought but nothing came to her "I.....I don't remember....."

"Well do you remember Toby's last words before you were taken? Think Alex.....think really hard....."

Alex closed her eyes and didn't say anything for many minutes. She saw Toby taking the book into the kitchen.....he was reading.....Suddenly her eyes snapped opened "The Goblin Curse....."

Jareth smiled.

"But.....But Toby didn't.....he didn't mean anything! He didn't mean it!" she nearly shouted.

"Neither did Sarah when she wished him away....."

"Sarah? What does she have to do with this?!"

"You see, Alex, once the words are spoken whoever is wished away is then in my power. At least, if they are not claimed by the little time they have.....Sarah was lucky enough to beat it." His last words were said in a low growl, which sent chills down Alex's spine.

"Sarah.....beat you maze? Then.....all those drawings.....those stories....."

"They were real, Alex." Jareth continued to walk on. But Alex walked behind him this time. "Tell me. Who are you really?" she asked.

"You shall find out.....but only in time, my dear. Only in time....."

"Time is what I don't have.....nor do I have the patience left." Alex was suddenly angry for reasons beyond her. "13 hours.....I remember that....."

Jareth pointed to a grandfather clock that Alex hadn't even noticed was there. "7 and half hours....." he said.

Alex tried to blink back her angry tears "So.....you're just going to turn me into a goblin, are you.....?! Have your little fun!?!" she shouted.

"Oh I don't think so Alex" Jareth said smirking.

Alex was surprised but was remained angry "Oh?! Something else then?? A toad perhaps?! Oh I know! A worm!" Alex's voice was dripping painfully with sarcasm "Yes, that's it! A slimy, little worm! You'd love that, wouldn't you?!?!"

Jareth was laughing at her outburst "Oh you silly girl, where do you get these ideas? But.....perhaps.....a worm would suit you....."

She simply glared at the Goblin King, seething with anger "I'll knock your teeth out before you do any such thing....." her fists were shaking as she spoke. She was too angry to be afraid anymore, to angry to reason herself.....

"Oh relax, girl....."

"Relax?!!" Alex tried to calm her self anyway, seeing no point in plotting the downfall of someone who could probably do anything with her at any time.

"Best be careful.....you'll do yourself an injury."

Alex closed her eyes again, mentally cursing herself for what she was about to say "I'm sorry....." it was the LAST thing she wanted to say, but she felt that her outburst was wasteful and too rude, even towards HIM.

"Perhaps its best that you went inside....." he said.

Alex nodded and turned away, she was about to go in when she stopped and turned to him again. She curtsied, something she had never done.....to anyone.....ever.....with that she turned and walked away heading back to the castle.

"The girl learns fast....." were Jareth's last words before he disappeared.

Back in the aboveground Sarah couldn't wait any longer. It's been way too much time! Toby knew better, he would have called! Sarah got into her car and drove to her old house. She hadn't been there to visit in quite some time. She pulled up in the driveway and walked onto the porch. She was surprised to find the door ajar. She stepped inside "Toby? Alex?!" There was no answer.

She searched the kitchen, and the upstairs rooms, the house was empty. She went into the living room and took out her cell, to call Toby's. He left it on the couch "Damn it!"

Sarah looked around. Where could they be? Suddenly her eyes fell to the floor, she dropped her phone. Lying open on the carpet was her little red book.

"Oh God.....The Labyrinth....."