The opening ball was held that night and the Castle was filled to the brim with people from the upper echelons of society. The dance was starting in two hours and Lady Pandora struggled to get dressed in time. Eloise, naturally, was in her element.

"I recommend the ivory gown, My Lady," the goblin said, bustling around with ribbon and fresh flowers.

Pandora stuck her tongue out at her personal attendant's back as she twisted around to get the corset on. She hated the things, but was at least thankful that the ones used in the Underground weren't constructed to turn her two sizes smaller, as the ones in the Aboveground were rumoured to do. At least these just fit properly.

"May I?" Eloise fastened the hooks efficiently down the back and adjusted it properly. For a three hundred and eighty two year old female, the Lady Pandora was still beautiful. Given, of course, that she had had children as well. Three to be precise; one had ascended to the throne, one had died, and one had vanished and returned dragging an outlaw behind her. "The ivory or the green, My Lady?"

Pandora stared between the two and wrinkled her nose. "The Ivory, I suppose. I wore the green at the last ball."

Eloise nodded and helped her into it, settling the slender skirts to fall perfectly. "There! Will you wear jewellery or fresh flowers, My Lady?"

"I might as well wear my jewellery while I'm still alive, I think. I'm too old for fresh flowers, Eloise."

"If I may suggest it, My Lady, adding a single white lily in you hair just… here, will look wonderful, My Lady. Quite stylish."

The fae sighed and threw up her hands. "As you wish, Eloise."

The goblin lady looked astounded. She had expected to have to manipulate to get her own way. Usually the Lady Pandora was very firm in what she wanted or liked. And she usually didn't wear flowers. For most females of her age, fresh flowers only drew the eye to the minor signs of aging that singled them out from the fresher faces of the young females. But here the fae lady sat, preoccupied in her own thoughts, a worried crease between her fine brows and an absent-minded murmur for anything Eloise might choose say.

"My Lady, are you alright?"

Blue eyes flashed up, startled at the concerned tone, gentler than any Eloise had ever yet used. "Hmmm? Oh. Yes, Eloise, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Feel ill, do you?"

That seemed to snap whatever daze clouded the blue eyes and Pandora straightened her shoulders and stubbornly shook her head. "Not in the least, Eloise. I don't need any more assistance, thank you. Could you go and see to my daughter? This will be her first public appearance since her return and she will need help."

The goblin nodded and left, bobbing a short curtsey on her way out.

Pandora tapped her fingers impatiently on her dressing table for a few minutes as she wrestled with some decision and then she got regally to her feet. Fastening a slender gold chain around her neck, she picked up the fan that was the latest fashion and exited her room.

Asking directions from the first goblin she saw, she made her way to her adopted son's room. It was risky going anywhere near there, when Toby had Luka staying with him, but the cause was worth it.

"Come in," Toby's deep voice called.

She entered and smiled as Luka suddenly squeaked at the sight of her. "Oh, stop being so melodramatic, Luka. I have raised a son, you know."

Toby finished buttoning the cuffs of his shirt and came forward with a welcoming smile. "My Lady. We, er, weren't expecting you, were we?"

"No. How are you doing, dear?" She twitched his collar into place and noted the wry grimace twist his lips. "It was a nasty shock. I am sorry you have to endure this. If there were some way that I could persuade Jareth otherwise, I would do so. But you know my son the Goblin King- he is a stubborn donkey."

"Yes, Jervohl did say he took after you," the mortal laughed, jumping backwards before the good-natured slap could descend, "But insults aside, I can see why he is doing this. It is hard, but I suppose life is like that."

The lady cocked her head to glare at him sternly. "You are taking this far too easily, you know. I expected you to feel angry. Enraged, even! And betrayed!"

"Unfortunately, His Majesty was rather in the right. I cannot go around raging childishly at anything bad that comes my way. My boyfriend, too," Toby tossed an amused look back at Luka, "Told me that no problem was solved by being dull and depressed. So I'll have to go along with it."

Pandora sighed in relief. Toby would be fine, considering he had been disgusted when they had attended Lady Harenet's daughter's coming-of-age ceremony two years ago. He'd been a little worried that he'd be expected to have one as well and she had laughed the worry away, pointing out that he was mortal and anyway, Jareth had not broached the subject.

Staying to chat amiably enough, she eventually took her leave to go to check on Jervohl's progress. Shutting the door, Toby slumped on the other side and raked his hand through his hair, closing his eyes for just one brief moment. Luka was with him in a second.

"You should have told her," the fae reproached, "She could have helped us. And she deserves to know first."

"I know. I meant to, but… I don't want to do this," Toby muttered, "That bastard! If he hadn't ruined everything!"

"You do not have to leave, Toby. You could stay here. It would just be for a year," Luka coaxed, tugging his lover to the nearest chair, "Sit."

"But you can't do it with me."

"So? I will be away for most of the year in any case. There are a lot of nice people who won't mind being asked to educate you."

Toby snorted. "Right."

"Why not? You're the Goblin King's ward. And you are hardly hideous. What about Merilin? He likes you. He would be fun to spend a year with."

Toby frowned and shook his head. "Wouldn't you mind if I slept with someone else while you were away? It is more than just books and worldly wisdom; remember? This person is going to, well, teach me about sex. Not that you have actually left very much for them to do, but that is the tradition."

"It is no concern of mine, darling," Luka pointed out, "It is your body. And I will be away from you for a year in any case. This is an open thing; we're neither of us committed to each other."

"We're not?"

"Not in terms of forever, darling. If you want or need to sleep with someone else, by all means do so."

"And you? You'll be away from me for a year too. I take it you will cheat on me." Toby wasn't quite sure he liked the sound of this. It confused him.

"I won't cheat on you. But if someone catches my eye for a night, then yes. Or need I ask your permission first? Is this another of your mortal peculiarities?" The fae laughed and picked up his coat, slinging it over his shoulder as he surveyed the rather bitter glare on Toby's face. "Cheer up, darling. Remember I do love you. That won't change if I have sex with someone else."

"It might. If I am not there and this person is. Do you never worry that I might end up liking this person more than you? After all, we will spend a year together in very close quarters."

Luka flicked the away with his slender fingers, clearly amused by the very thought. "Not in the least. In any case, neither of us know that we are meant to last forever. Now stop brooding and make up your mind. Either you go Aboveground or you choose someone. We need to decide in…" he looked at the clock between the windows, "… a half an hour."

"I- I suppose I should go Aboveground," Toby said quietly, picking an imaginary piece of nothing off his sleeve, "It would be easier for all of us if I did."

"I wish you would stay, darling."

Luka really did look regretful at seeing him leave. Which did make up some of the disturbing hurt from hearing how casually his boyfriend took their relationship. Toby shrugged. "I wish I could. I'll tell Lady Pandora downstairs."

Luka sighed heavily and left it up to Toby. Toby, after all, was the one who would have to make his own decision. The fae was not about to make them for him. It would be inconvenient, but they could work some way around it… if they still wanted to after a year. "Let's go, then. We're done here."

The ballroom awaited them, filled with throngs of glittering people. Centaurs and mermaids had taken two-legged form and walked amongst them, slight accents or outright different languages flowing around the marble room. Elemental spirits mingled with earth creatures and even a few mortals, the latter group waiting for their conversions and still shy about being where they were. Toby made a mental note to talk to them; they might tell him more about the world he was returning to.

He caught a glimpse of Lady Pandora floating from one group to another, welcoming them all in Jareth's name as she played the unofficial hostess, just as she always did. Her eyes were lit up with pride and satisfaction; she never seemed happier than when she had some purpose, some task to bear. Jervohl was not to be seen just yet. Neither was Jareth. Gildred had refused an invitation, according to Elban, who stopped to whisper a good-natured good luck to the mortal as he passed by on his way to retrieve Beran from the stables where the dwarf had hidden himself.

"It's crowded," Luka commented, "Jareth certainly knows how to throw a party. Oh! Garlo!" And he was off, slithering like a graceful little snake through the various people he knew to reach his particular group of friends on the other side of the room.

Toby just stood and watched for a while, taking it all in.

Evergreen wreaths and delicate gold filigree; white marble; crimson carpet on the stairs; soft light; open windows to the star-speckled sky; rustling satins and silks; swishing velvets and cottons; the colours of the rainbow; hearty laughter and sweet whispers; the scent of flowers and spices- yes, the Goblin King certainly did know how to throw a party. This beat everything Toby had yet attended. The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages had not yet been brought out. They would not, until the dance really began.

Leaning against a pillar, Toby felt his spirits drop again. He didn't want to leave all this. His life was fine as it was. He had his luxuries and his delights, but enough work to feel worthy of them. He had friends and acquaintances enough for his needs. He had a lover. He had the closest thing to a family that an orphan could wish for. Why did it have to be ruined by a pompous old water sprite in a white powdered wig? And speaking of the Duke, where was he? Surely he would want to be here to hear about the return of the Goblin King's sister, and to smile benevolently when the King's mortal ward chose to return to the Aboveground rather than flout the ages-old traditions of his adopted homeland?

The feel of something tapping against his shoe caused him look down quickly, only to find a crystal bumping impatiently against his ankle. Wondering if he were going mad, he reached down and picked it up.

The crystal glowed and began to pull his hand along out of the room. Confused, Toby followed his hand. It was little wonder that the crystal led him to a room on the second floor; a room that the little housekeeper had pointed out in awe-struck reverence as the King's study. No one was allowed in there unless he invited them. The door swung open as he reached it.

"Toby? Yes, come in."

"Your Majesty," Toby said politely, more because the crystal had just melted in his hand, leaving a very shivery tingle on his palm.

"Toby, this is the Duke," Jareth introduced, not wasting any time, "Your Honour, this is my ward, Toby Williams."

"Mr. Williams. It is a pleasure to meet you," the old water sprite in a wig said.

Toby shook hands, staring down at the wrinkly old thing that had caused all this mess in his life. A sudden rifle shot of anger buzzed through his head. Interfering old bastard! "A pleasure," he said shortly.

Jareth was still in his shirtsleeves, and paused in the act of shaking out his waistcoat. For some reason he had chosen to wear a rather heavy suit, but even his irritation at himself silenced at the sound of that cold tone. He decided to take charge of the conversation before his 'ward' threw the Duke out the door.

But the Duke was already talking- "Fine young man such as yourself, I'm sure everyone is falling over themselves to be chosen, eh?"

Toby raised a cool eyebrow. "Not at all," he said repressively, "I spoke to no one about this decision. Except my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" The Duke looked properly scandalized. "What boyfriend? Your Majesty? Surely the boy is too young to have a boyfriend?"

Jareth tossed Toby a quick glare. "I was unaware that he had one until recently, being that I trusted my mother to raise him. In the Lady Pandora's defence, it did not occur to her that a mortal would be subjected to a coming-of-age."

"Oh, naturally, no one would ever blame the Lady Pandora of impropriety," the Duke said hastily, "Charming lady; perfectly well-bred." Sea-flecked eyes turned back to look at Toby. "So you have a boyfriend, do you? Hmmm… just what is your relationship with this person?"

"We have feelings for each other," Toby said woodenly, gently discouraging his interrogator from asking further questions.

But his interrogator had never got where he had got by being afraid of cold looks. That, and his skin was as thick as a metal shield. Nothing pierced his unperturbed inquisitiveness enough to stop him in his tracks. "Ah, yes. But do you sleep in the same bed? Do you have sexual relations; that is the question!"

"I don't see that this is your business."

"Of course it is!"

"Toby, just answer the question," Jareth ordered softly, doing up the buttons on his waistcoat. "Or I will."

Blue eyes darted to the fae's averted profile and then flared with some kind of anger. "We fuck."

The Duke gasped and took a step back. Jareth only picked up his coat in gloved fingers and brushed the cobwebbed lace collar. "How charming," he commented, "And what a wonderful description. So romantic." He slipped the coat on and picked up a tiny pot of something.

"Your Majesty, I really protest this turn of events," the Duke, "The boy is tainted."

This time Jareth held up a hand before Toby could say a word, daring the mortal to say a word with a sharp glance from his eyes. "Your Honour, are you attempting to impugn the honour of my ward? My honour?"

The Duke paled visibly and shivered. "Not at all, Your Majesty."

"Good." The hand dropped and a thin brush was picked up and dipped up. Toby watched in some curiosity as the Goblin King carefully drew the dipped brush out and over his lips. The pot was closed and the brush discarded. "Toby, pleasant as this is, I must have your decision. I need to go down in a few minutes to introduce my sister back to society."

Toby opened his mouth to say he was going home, but those words were still stinging in his ears. 'The boy is tainted'. Tainted! Did people think he was some kind of shrinking violet? A delicate flower to be crushed beneath some fae's boot heel? Bah! He was stronger than that! Certainly he looked nothing like a flower! "I choose to stay," he said firmly.

Jareth looked taken-aback. The Duke just looked disgusted. The way he sniffed and screwed his mouth up spoke volumes for his sanctimonious disapproval.

"You will stay," the Goblin King echoed thoughtfully, staring intently at Toby's defiant face. "Is this alright with Luka? I assume he is to be the one you choose."

"Er, no."

That was even more surprising. "Your Honour, I think this is something that should remain between my ward and myself. If you will excuse us? A servant will take you downstairs." He swiftly pulled the thin silken rope that would ring a bell in the servant's room on the floor and waited. Within a minute a tiny goblin girl in a clean cap and apron knocked at the door and bowed.

"Take the Duke down to the ballroom," Jareth commanded.

The command was obeyed, leaving a mortal and a fae to stare warily at each other.

Toby broke the silence first. "Luka has business that will take him from here to the other side of the Sea. Trade, I believe. He does not have the time for me."

"He can cancel this trip, surely?" Jareth asked, frowning slightly at the thought. "It shouldn't be too hard. His elder brother won't have any object to housing both you and him for a year. If it is truly necessary, I'm sure my mother would be ecstatic to have you."

"He has been planning this trip for too long. I cannot ask him to give it up. He is very excited."

"And your problem finds no sympathy in him?"

"Oh, he sympathizes. But he can't stay. I- I don't know whom else I would trust with such a thing. I was hoping either Luke or you would be able to recommend someone."

Jareth rubbed his cheek in thought, distracted by this new problem. He had dismissed it, thinking that Luka would take care of it. Now it seemed Toby's coming-of-age would still need to be negotiated. In other words, the announcement could not be made today. Not the full announcement at any rate. "There must be someone!" he eventually asked.

"I have friends, but I- I would not be comfortable with any of them."

Jareth digested that. "What preferences do you have?"

"Men," Toby said instantly, "I have no interest in women." He ignored the amused look on his guardian's face. "Preferably someone I know, though not well enough that it will be awkward to bed them."

"I see. You've never bedded a friend, have you?" Jareth was indeed finding this amusing. Toby was so stern, so straight, so… unflinching. He looked as if he were facing a firing squad.

"I have not."

"No, I thought not." Much too straight-laced, the Goblin King thought. "There are one or two people. Do you have any objections to age?"

"Not as old as the Duke," Toby said instantly, "In fact, the Duke is exactly what I won't contend with."

Jareth laughed, throwing his head back in delight at the horrifying idea. "Don't worry; I will not saddle you with the Duke. I don't think he would agree in any case."

"Pity," Toby said ironically, "Any other suggestions?"

"You want someone you know, but not too familiar. You want someone fairly young, but knowledgeable. I assume you want someone that looks halfway to decent?"

"Looks don't really matter," Toby said awkwardly, "I hardly think a beautiful person will like being pushed into something like this."

Jareth waved the self-conscious statement and paced for a moment, lost in thought. "Are you certain Luka cannot do it?"

"He says he cannot."

"Bah! Bloody fool always creates more trouble than he's worth. I knew he would do this. I can't believe what my mother was thinking, letting him anywhere you."

Toby bit his tongue to keep from saying something nasty in return. "What did Luka ever do to you?" he snapped instead, "If you have some feud with him, keep it to yourself. I have no interest in hearing it."

Jareth didn't even blink. "And you would defend him. Ah well, I suppose your family is not known for its common sense." He took a last look at that cherished photograph and then threw up his hands in surrender. "I haven't the time for this now. Listen- I will announce that your twenty-fifth birthday approaches and that you will take part in a coming-of-age ritual. We can give them the name later, once you have chosen. Alright? Makes sense? Good! Now, let's go!"

Toby found himself being ushered feverishly from the room and following the man in the lavender suit stalking down the corridor. Jareth was certainly quick when he wanted to be. Toby's legs were longer and he still found it hard to keep up. But he did. Jareth abruptly changed course and went down another corridor, through a door and down the dark stairwell. It brought them to the wide, sweeping carpeted stairs that led to one side of the ballroom.

Jareth stopped before they had got into plain view. "You have one last chance," he said, "Do you really want to stay Underground?"

Toby thought for a moment and nodded determinedly. "I have too much here to leave behind," he admitted.

"My mother? I can send her to visit you Aboveground anytime she wanted," Jareth offered, "You would have a new life there."

"I have friends here, a family, a lover…"

"Luka will break your heart," Jarteh interrupted brutally, "That I can promise you. That fae has never had any staying power. He will break your heart and he is not worth this amount of dedication."

"Well, I think he is," Toby growled back, "So let it be. Just make the damned announcement."

Two differently coloured eyes narrowed in speculation, as if trying to see into his head. "Very well. It is your choice."