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Chapter 10

Christine kept running until she was out of breath and her body called for rest as she looked around she noticed she had gone a lot further into the Labyrinth then she wanted to. As she tried to get her bearings a sense of dread entered her heart, she was completely lost as she quickly turned around to backtrack her footsteps she was greeted with a solid wall. Jareth had told her once that one of the reasons the maze around his castle was so successful in keeping out invaders was because it changed every night around midnight or if he willed it to change.

She tried to create a crystal to transport her out of the maze but unfortunately it didn't work. She tried two more times to transport without success frustrated she threw the third crystal at the wall, as it shatter in a million pieces she felt a little bit better, she turned back they way she was facing earlier and started to walk the long corridor in the general direction of the castle hoping she could find her way out of the maze.

As she followed the twist and turns of the Labyrinth the moon disappeared behind a cloud blocking off its precious light,

"Oh great this is all I need." Christine said out loud her voice echoing off the walls.

She looked to her left and saw a large branch she grabbed it roughly and placed it on the ground, she tore a part of her nightgown off and wrapped the cloth around the stick then she created a crystal that burn with an inner fire and when she placed the glowing orb onto the cloth, her make shift torch erupted in flames. The walls flickered menacing shadows on them that seemed to come alive as she started walking once again down the soft path toward the castle.

Shaking off the sense of dread that something was in the darkness she turned the corner and started following another longer corridor of the maze, after a few steps down the path she suddenly heard a rustling noise behind her she turned around quickly to see where the noise came from hoping that nothing creepy would jump out at her. When she didn't see anything in the darkness she started to continue down the path once more.

After a few more steps she heard the noise again she took a deep breath and called out hoping that it was her beloved, "Jareth is that you?"

The only sound that she heard was a deep growl emanating from the darkness, she stopped immediately as frightening images of Tigerdragons crossed her mind not wanting to face a fierce beast she started to run in the opposite direction of the sound. From the darkness behind her she heard heavy footsteps following her and getting closer. With a burst of adrenalin she ran faster through the narrow corridors and when she turned the corner she screamed in frustration as a solid wall blocked the path she was following.

Turning with her back against the wall she set down her torch and prepared for battle hoping that she could remember all the training Jareth taught her. The footsteps got closer and closer and Christine eyes widen in horror as massive beast about six feet tall, emerged within the light of the enclosed corner.

At first it looked to her like a big teddy bear except that where his hands were suppose to be, there were hug talons about five inches long that looked sharp enough to disembowel her with one swipe. She became even more frightened when it opened its mouth and let out a horrendous scream, showing her it's inch long blood stained teeth. Christine closed her eyes for a brief moment saying a prayer to the Elementals before creating a crystal in her hand to fight off the beast that wanted to have her for supper.

The creature sensing a feed reached out to grab his meal when an electric shock enveloped his body, crying out in pain he tried to reach out for his meal again when another bolt more powerful then the first hit him, confused he saw he saw the woman create some sort of energy ball and was preparing to throw it at him, not wanting to experience another round of pain he turned away from her and decided to look for an easier feed.

Christine stood ready to throw her third ball of lightening when the dark creature quickly turned and ran away. She leaned against the wall glad to be alive; letting the third orb disappear into her hands she breathed a sigh of relief. As her heart started to settle she realized she had produced a lightening ball, Jareth and her tried for weeks to create that spell without success and she did it without even thinking.

With renewed determination she got to her feet picked up her torch and started to walk once again toward the castle. After just a few steps she tripped over her torn nightgown and with a loud curse she fell to the ground scraping not only her hands but her knees as well. She stood up from the ground and created a clothing orb, which she used to change her nightgown into more suitable attire for traveling. Christine smiled sadly to herself as she remembered Gaylord, who had just a few weeks ago used a similar spell before she entered the Labyrinth. So many things had happened since that fateful day when she met Gaylord for the first time and she wondered if he would recognize her when she saved him from the Temptress.

Once the spell was complete she looked down at her traveling clothes that her magic produced, the black pants were tight but comfortable and warm, her shirt had a rounded neckline and was as white as the moonlight, on her feet she had sturdy white knee high boots. Slowly she shook her head and laughed as silver glitter fell from her red hair. She was pleased with the results of her outfit and couldn't wait to show Jareth what she had done with her magic, as she thought about her love her heart longed for his touch and she hoped that he wasn't worried about her.

She was so foolish not to give him a chance to explain she acted very immature running away like that. She felt very guilty as she remembered the harsh words she spoke to the Goblin King. As she wiped the tears from her eyes she made a promise to herself that she would never run away again and would always listen to what he had to say.

Jareth keep a constant vigil at the window sometimes producing a crystal to see how his Champion was fairing. He was proud of her, she handled the night beast beautifully with the lightening spell he taught her but she still had two more challenges to go and he hoped that she would do just as well when she faced them.

He smiled to himself as he watched her magically change her clothes to ones more suitable for traveling he stared through his crystal and felt his body react to the tight pants that hugged every part of her torso. The neckline of her shirt caused him to want to kiss the hollow of her neck and feel her body react to his kisses and his touch.

Moving away from the windowsill he walked back to the large chairs in his room and sat down with a thump, he wished he could gather her in his arms and just hold her instead of testing her magical skills right now. Matilda looked at the King knowing that this was difficult for him but also knowing that they both will become stronger from the experience.

Christine felt as if she had been walking in circles for hours getting nowhere fast as the sun started to dawn on the Labyrinth she still was no closer to the castle. Deciding to back track and go a different way she turned a corner and ran right into a sticky web that seemed to stick to her like super glue no matter how much she moved.

Christine decided to stopped flailing about so she could think of a solution when a large spider emerged from a hole that was hidden in the ground under the web, fear gripped at her heart as she started to tear at the sticky threads again trying to break free before the arachnid sensed her. She immediately regretted her decision to move when all of the huge beast's eyes turned and focused on her at the same time sensing a capture the spider moved in quickly for the kill.

Before Christine could react the spider had converged upon her there was nothing she could do as it embedded it's teeth into her arm, screaming in pain she yanked her arm off the massive fangs and created a lightening ball and threw it at the eight legged creature. As it reeled back from the pain, she quickly looked at her arm to asses the damage, but before she got a good look one of the spiders huge legs hit her across her chest throwing her against one of the walls that surrounded the spiders web, knocking the breath from her.

Gasping for air she stood up slowly to get her bearings, as her eyes came into focus she saw the arachnid hurrying in for the kill without thinking she created a fireball and hurled it at the approaching creature. She looked on with a horrid fascination as the spider was engulfed with the reddish flame and burnt to a cinder by her magical powers. Without hesitating she created another fireball and threw it at the web, which block her path and in an instant it was gone.

Without looking back Christine hurried forward to the relative safety of the inner Labyrinth once there she collapsed down next to a hedge to look at her injuries while catching her breath. Looking down at her arm she was thankful she was a Fae because the puncture wounds were almost healed but she figured that her bruised ribs might take a bit longer. Fatigue overwhelmed her and she decided to close her eyes and rest before going on but not before putting a safety shield around herself so not to be disturbed.

Jareth watched as his love faced the enormous spider barely restraining himself from stopping everything and going to her side, when she finally killed the creature his heart leaped with pride and happiness, she once again did brilliantly and as she sat to look at her wounds and get some rest he tried to put a magical shield around her to keep her safe but his magic was returned to him she had already created a barrier of her own.

Smiling at her, his own confidence increased as each challenge she faced was conquered, because not only did she need to believe in herself, he needed to believe in her; but he still wished he could keep his promise.

Matilda looked at her King and saw how he barely contained himself from helping her but was glad he did not interfere. Jareth turned from the crystal he was watching through and tried to think of some way he could be with her at Titima, when the Matilda interrupted his thoughts,

"Jareth I know this is very difficult for you watch but it is very important for her."

Looking at her he answered, "I know Mattie but it is hard to restrain myself when I can sense everyone of the feelings that course through her body as she travels within the Labyrinth."

Surprised Matilda interrupted quickly, "I am sorry Jareth but did you say that you sense her every feeling?"

Nodding his head he replied, "Yes, I can, and she can sense my feelings as well that is why she was in my chambers earlier, she sensed my distress over not being able to find Gaylord and came to see if she could help in some way."

Standing up Matilda walked to the window; she could not believe how close that Jareth and Christine were becoming, sensing another Fae's feelings was rare in the Underground but it was also an good sign she turned to the King and asked,

"Jareth how exactly does it say that the Champion has to face the Temptress?"

Standing up and walking to his desk not sure why Mattie was asking him about the final confrontation he unfolded the letter and read verbatim the note Lady Katrina sent to him earlier, "…. and the Champion would have to face the Temptress physically alone…"

The older Fae started to smile, she must thank Lady Katrina for her astute keenness especially when it came to specific details of a situation, "Jareth I think I know of a way you can be with Christine when she goes to Titima."

He looked at his friend hope building within his chest, "Tell me how Mattie."

She sat down in her chair and started to explain, "There is an ancient ceremony called the Bonding. It was really popular in the early days when the Fae were just starting to establish them selves in the Underground. The purpose of the bonding was so that love ones could still be together even though they were physically apart. The practiced was stopped many years ago because some of the Fae that participated in the ceremony went crazy."

With his interest peeked Jareth walked over to the chair opposite of Matilda's to wait for her to continue.

She allowed Jareth to get comfortable before beginning again, "Basically what happens is that the couple participating in the ceremony intertwine their souls while at the same time blood is exchanged between them, in essence with the mingling of souls and blood the Fae undergo a change in which each of them can not only sense the other but also hear the others thoughts a kind of telepathic bond is established and shared between the two."

Matilda took a deep breath before continuing, "But the blood cut for the ceremony cannot be made by any dagger, the knife that has to be used must be borrowed from the Fates, because once the ceremony has taken place it is returned to them and the blood is used to fuse together the two lifelines of the Fae participating in the ceremony. One of my jobs as Fates messenger was to transport the dagger to the different Bonding ceremonies and back to the Fates when the bonding was over."

Jareth sat back understanding why the Fae who were bonded went mad if anything happened to either one of them the other would lose part of their soul as well as their life partners and if there threads were fused as one then the bonding could not be broken and the person left behind would live a half life.

But what he could not understand was how it would help him and Christine with their dilemma, "Mattie I understand that with the bond I could give her encouragement and emotional support but how can it help us defeat the Temptress."

She answered, "It can help you because once you are bonded not only can you sense each others feelings and thoughts but in a trance like state you both can share each others magical powers."

Matilda shifted forward in her seat a bit to make sure Jareth understood what she was saying, "I could teach you to go into the trance and channel your powers to her and when her magic and yours are combined she will have no difficulties defeating the Temptress."

Jareth shook his head, "But Mattie I cannot be there to channel my energy to her when she faces the Temptress because the spell will never be broken."

Smiling Matilda commented, "No Jareth that is not entirely true the spell states you cannot physically be there when Christine faces the Temptress, the channeling can take place even if you both are kingdoms apart there is not limit to the bond you will share."

With a brief pause Matilda continued, "But be warned Jareth the bonding cannot be taken lightly if anything happens with the love you two share neither of you will ever be able to love again or if death finds one of you the other with live the rest of their life in misery."

Nodding his head in understanding he replied, "Thank you for telling me about the ceremony Mattie and you can be assured if we decide to do the bonding we will think it through thoroughly before making the decision."

Jareth saw relief wash over his old friends eyes and with hope overflowing in his chest he created a crystal orb and sent it out to the inner Labyrinth to change the final challenge. He needed to be sure their love was strong enough to bond for eternity and if she succeeded then he would tell Christine about the Ceremony, if she failed he would train her harder so she could complete her destiny without his help and hope as their love grew someday they could perform the bonding.

He hoped that after everything was done, she would forgive him for testing her love and not disappear from his life forever. As the crystal landed at Christine's feet Jareth sat back and waited for her to wake so the final test could start.

Christine awoke to the sun shining in her eyes she quickly put her hand up to block the light and was startled to find that she was not alone, across from her a beautiful woman with violet eyes and jet black hair was staring at her maliciously.

Christine quickly got to her feet and prepared for battle and asked, "Who are you?"

The dark woman laughed, "I am you my dear…well I was you before I found out about my powers."

The strange woman stood up and bowed her head toward the Champion, "May I present myself… I am the Temptress."

Christine looked at the woman that caused her beloved so much pain and spoke with hatred, "How dare you enter Jareth's kingdom after all that you have done to him and the pain you have caused."

The Temptress interrupted the Champion, "I did not cause him any pain I just want what I deserve, a part of his kingdom to rule as my own but he backed out of his part of the deal so I had to take matters into my own hands."

Christine quickly interceded, "Yes, by trying to assassinate him and killing many of his goblins."

The Temptress started to laugh, "Who told you all those lies? I never did anything like that to Jareth all I did was place a curse on his kingdom."

Christine looked at the beautiful woman in confusion had Jareth told her lies to when her sympathy or manipulate her to do his will. She quickly rejected all those thoughts immediately, he loved her and she loved him if she started to question his honesty she would also have to question his love and her love.

The Dark Temptress looked at her with feigned sympathy written on her face, "Forgive me my dear but you seem to be a bit confused maybe I can help you in some way I am very familiar with the workings of the Underground."

Christine spat, "There is nothing you can help me with Temptress I don't think that you are as innocent as you seem. Besides I believe in Jareth and in our love and no matter what you say I will not question that love or my destiny. I am the Champion of the Labyrinth and of the Goblin King so prepare to die dark one."

In a flash Christine produced a magical orb and threw it toward the ground at the Temptress's feet as a chasm opened up to swallow the dark woman within it's depths. Then suddenly a bright light blinded her and as the light vanished all Christine saw was the inner maze and her beloved standing where the crack in the earth was a moment ago,

"Jareth where did she go is it over did I defeat her." Hoping she did but knowing that was probably not true.

Shaking his head sadly he said quietly, "No my love the Temptress you saw was just a test… it wasn't really her. I created her with my magic."

Confused Christine asked, "Jareth what are you talking about she was as real as you and me."

Walking toward her he explained, "Everything you encountered last night and this morning were tests set up by me so that you could use your magic and build up your self confidence. The danger was real and you succeed wonderfully. But the last test was purely a test of your love for me, because I had to be sure of your love before I suggested a radical way for us to be together when you actually face the Temptress."

Christine turned away from Jareth and contemplated what he just told her, she understood what he was saying and she did agree with him that she did lack self-confidence and using her magic to defend herself last night did help her build it up. As she thought about the last test there was no anger inside of her, she couldn't fault him for testing her love especially since he once got hurt in the past and the last test did helped her finally acknowledge out loud the love she felt for him and the acceptance of her title as the Champion of the Labyrinth. Finally he did mention to her that there might be a way they could be together when she faced the Temptress and that gave her a bit of hope.

Mistaking her silence for resentfulness Jareth quickly apologized for his actions, "Christine I am sorry that I hurt you I just wasn't sure what else I could do…."

Christine turned and interrupted, "Jareth don't you dare apologize to me for being you. I know that sometimes you can do things… a bit differently then others but that is just the way you are."

While smiling at him she continued, "I love you with all my heart and I wouldn't want to change a thing about you."

With a sigh of relief he opened his arms to her and without a second thought she ran to him and as she felt his embrace, her heart leapt with love and happiness. Slowly she tilted her head up and saw the same love reflecting in his eye and with a smile he replied,

"And I love you with all my heart and soul my sweet Christine."

He closed the gap between them quickly and kissed her with such passion that it made her moan in response. As his tongue intertwined with hers she molded her body next to his and allowed her fingers to roam up and down his back feeling every strong muscle through his shirt. Following her lead he rubbed his hands in small circles on her back and as his fingers moved to her side she felt goose bumps rise on her arms. Slowly his hand continued toward the front of her blouse she moaned deeply as he cupped her breast through the thin fabric. Arching her back into his body she felt his arousal for her through his breeches, she slowly brought her hands to his hips and continued to move toward his front side where she allowed her finger to gently caressed him.

Enjoying the sensations from her touch a moan escaped from his parted lips. Intrigued, he started trailing his kisses down her lovely neck to hollow he was thinking about earlier when he saw her change her clothes in the Labyrinth. As he begin to move back up her angled necked he heard off in the distance a loud squeaky voice of one of his goblins,

"King Jareth, King Jareth are you there?"

Growling in frustration in her ear Jareth lifted his lips from Christine's neck and looked into her eyes seeing the passion emitting from them he smiled seductively then tilting his head toward hers he captured her lips in another passionate kiss.

The sensations he invoked within her were interrupted again as she heard the footsteps of the approaching goblin.

Pulling away from his embrace she sighed and asked, "Jareth would you like me to stand in front of you while you address your subject." Wishing they weren't interrupted once again.

Laughing quietly he answered as a goblin approached, "Actually I want to bring you to my chambers and make love to you all day and night but I would appreciate it if you would stand in front of me, but keep your hands to yourself my vixen."

Christine gave him one last caress against his arousal and then turned her back to him and took one step forward so that he could talk without any distractions, as the goblin bowed before them they both tried desperately to calm their fast beating hearts.

"What do you want Snout?" Jareth asked quickly hoping the goblin's report would be brief so he could sweep Christine off to his chambers.

"Your Majesty, Lord Drayton is in the throne room demanding to see you immediately he said it is regarding your Champion."

Christine and Jareth looked at each other all their passionate thoughts forgotten, for the moment, as the goblin's news sunk in.

The silence was broken as Jareth addressed the Goblin, "Tell Lord Drayton I will be there in a moment."

Snout bowed again and left to deliver the King's message.

Christine quickly turned around and asked, "What do you think he wants to see you about, the full moon meeting is not for another week."

"I don't know but I think we are going to have to hold off consummating our love for awhile," he said as he looked at her feeling the embers of passion quickly turning into a fire inside of his loins.

She looked at him seductively and winked, "I just hope we won't have to wait that long."

Chuckling he held out his arm for her and they started to walk toward the castle to meet with their guest.

Lord Drayton paced the throne room dreading the up coming confrontation with the Goblin King as he weaved through the armed guards that came with him from his kingdom he made sure each of them were ready for battle but silently hoped they would not be needed.

He stared out the window to the gardens below and saw Jareth and a woman arm and arm approaching the gates of the castle. Turning away from the approaching couple he prepared the guards for their arrival. As Jareth and Christine entered the throne room they were greeted by twenty swords drawn and pointing right at them.

Jareth saw the swordsman's weapons drawn and demanded dangerously, "What is the meaning of this Drayton?"

The councilman stepped forward and spoke with assertion, "I am to take you into custody for failure to produce the Champion to meet the High Council."

The Goblin King stared dangerously at the older Fae and stated quietly, "I was under the impression that I would have till the full moon to bring her to you."

Lord Drayton unfathomed by the King's stare replied, "Yes that was true but the Temptress petitioned the High Council for the previous date to be moved forward and the Council granted…"

Before the elder Fae could finish his statement Christine stepped forward, "If you want I can accompany you to the council right now."

Drayton looked at the beautiful woman and asked, "And who are you my dear?"

Without hesitation she answered. "I am the Champion of the Labyrinth and defender of the Goblin King."

Jareth looked at his love proudly, glad that she had accepted her destiny, when suddenly the quietness of the throne room was broken with the guards laughing at her statement.

The older Fae address the young woman, "My Lady it is not possible for you to be the Champion but don't worry we will do everything to keep King Jareth safe from any harm while within my custody. Now if you will step aside so I can complete what I was sent here to do."

Christine did not move from her position, "I cannot allow you to take him Lord Drayton."

Looking at her he said more loudly, "Move aside or I will move you by force."

She looked at him with loathing in her eyes and said quietly, "Go ahead and try to move me."

Jareth looked down at Christine's hands and saw a crystal orb appear in them. Knowing that if he didn't put a stop to the confrontation soon someone might get hurt he moved forward and placed his arm around Christine and whispered on her ear

"Now is not the time and place my love."

Looking up at his pleading face she nodded her head and allowed the crystal she was holding to disappear. Giving her a kiss on the forehead he stepped forward and addressed the councilman,

"I will come with you Lord Drayton on one condition that my trial takes place tomorrow night and at that time my Champion will be presented to you."

Nodding his head in agreement he replied, "So be it King Jareth."

He gestured to the guards with his hands to advance and bind the Goblin King arms with ropes that inhibited his magical abilities for the long ride back to Mastoria, Lord Drayton's kingdom. As the guards turned him around to bind his hands Jareth looked deeply into Christine's eyes showing her how much he loved her and as the men escorted him out of the throne room she watched him depart from view with tears in her eyes.

Lord Drayton turned around when he reached the door and addressed the woman standing before him, "Will you please tell Matilda that the presentation of the Champion will take place tomorrow night and that he will need to be there at sunset."

Looking at him with contempt she answered, "The Champion will be there Lord Drayton."

With a sweep of his robe he turned and walked out of the castle.

Quickly, Christine produced a crystal to find Matilda; in a flash of magenta she transported herself to the garden bench where the older Fae was sitting. Matilda looked up from the book she was reading and watched as the flash of color materialized into the Champion and with one look on her face she knew that something terrible had happened standing up she asked,

"What is it child?"

Christine looked at her dear friend tears starting to well up in her eyes again, "They took Jareth away to the High Council because he hasn't presented me to them yet."

Shaking her head in confusion Matilda grabbed a hold of Christine's hands and led her to the seat she occupied a moment before, "Take a deep breath my dear and tell me everything that happened."

Christine did as she was told and took a deep breath and said a prayer to Elementals for strength before telling the motherly Fae what happened. As she finished her narration Mattie sat back on the bench and then replied, "Well it seems that the only thing we can do is present you tomorrow night and hope that the other members of council are more responsive to the idea that you are the Champion."

The older Fae looked at the woman sitting next to her and saw fatigue in her eyes and continued, "But before we do anything you need to get some rest."

Shaking her head Christine replied, "I couldn't possible sleep right now Mattie, I am so worried about Jareth."

Patting her hand she said quietly, "I know that you are concerned about him my dear and I don't know how things are going to pan out, but the one thing I do know is that Drayton is honorable and if he stated that Jareth will be safe then you can be rest assured that he will keep his promise. Now why don't you go to your chambers and rest while I take care of the arrangements for your presentation tomorrow night."

Christine nodded her head in agreement then transported herself to her room, once there she laid down in her bed and as sleep overcame her tired wounded body, she called out to her beloved silently,

'Jareth, I love you and I will save you soon I promise'.

Jareth sat on his steed silently thinking about his love when from somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind he heard her voice as plain as day 'Jareth I love you and I will save…' when suddenly the thought was interrupted by Lord Drayton's baritone voice,

"So tell me King Jareth where did you find that pretty young thing I meet in your castle?"

More then a little frustrated by the interruption Jareth snapped sharply, "I didn't find her, she found me."

Shaking his head he asked, "How is it Jareth that you are always able find the cute but sexy women. I noticed she was a Fae what kingdom is she from?"

Jareth looked at his companion jealously creeping in his voice, "She is not from any kingdom that you know about." And without breaking eye contact with Drayton he added quietly, "And be careful on how address her because she will soon be Queen of the Labyrinth and my wife."

Their conversation was cut short with the announcement of their arrival at Mastoria. Lord Drayton moved ahead of the convoy so that they could enter his kingdom. At his departure Jareth tried desperately to reconnect with Christine but either they were to far away or she had fallen asleep. Smiling to himself he hoped she was sleeping because the next couple of days were going to be rough for both of them. The fact that he heard her voice when he was so far away was very promising to him and made the Bonding Ceremony even more appealing.

As they dismounted their horses within the castle courtyard Jareth noticed Lady Katrina approaching Lord Drayton with anger in her eyes.

"How dare you Drayton hold an emergency council meeting and vote on such important issue without all of us present."

Walking toward the angry woman he answered, "I had no choice Lady Katrina we had to act quickly to the Temptress's demands…"

Before he could finish his excuse she walked pass him toward Jareth ignoring Lord Drayton and started to untie the Goblin Kings ropes, "I am sorry Jareth that you were taken from your kingdom in such short notice many of us on the council were not present when the decision was made take you into custody but unfortunately what is done is done. Where is Christine I thought that she would accompany you here to present herself?"

Rubbing his wrist he answered her question, "She tried but Lord Drayton refused to believe that she was my Champion, but she will be here tomorrow night when I go before the High Council."

Lady Katrina turned around and gave here fellow councilman a distasteful look before addressing the scribe to her left, "Inform all the council members that there will be a meeting tomorrow night at sunset for the presentation of the Champion of the Goblin King."

As the young scribe left to deliver the messages Lady Katrina looked at Drayton and asked, "Where is King Jareth going to stay till tomorrow night?"

He answered exasperated, "I set up a room at the east end of the castle for him to rest in."

Nodding her head she led Jareth into the front doors and as they started to walk down the marble floor she asked, "How is Christine doing with her magic and how is she adjusting to being a Fae?"

He looked at her with surprise written on his face laughing quietly she added, "Yes, I know about her transformation I saw the aurora immediately as you appeared in throne room together and don't worry I have not told anyone."

Breathing a sign of relief he answered her first question, "She is doing very well with her training and I think when the time comes for her to confront the Temptress she will be ready."

Shaking her head in understanding she commented, "I hope you are right because the Temptress is doing everything in her power to push up the day of confrontation. I think that she wants Christine to face her before she masters her magic."

As they stopped in front of his chambers she opened the door and allowed him to walk in, following in after him, "I hope everything is to your liking if there is anything you need let me know and I will get it for you."

When she turned and started to exit the room Jareth called after her, "Lady Katrina can you send a messenger Fae to my room I would like to send a letter to Christine and let her know I arrived safely and am being treated well."

Lady Katrina watched as Jareth walked to the writing desk and replied, "Of course I will send the messenger to room in a couple of hours."

Sitting down at the desk he took out a piece of paper and started to write to his beloved. As darkness fell and the only light shining in the room was from the fire, Jareth took one last look at his letter, satisfied he place it in the envelope and sealed it shut and drew a beautiful red rose on the outside and wrote To be beloved Christine soon afterward he heard a knock on his door he lifted his head and called, "Come in."

A young Fae entered his chambers and said, "Lady Katrina requested that I come and collect the letter you want to be delivered to your Kingdom."

Nodding at the young man Jareth gestured for him to enter, "Yes, I want you to deliver this letter to Lady Christine as soon as possible."

"Yes my Lord," the messenger boy answered with a bow.

When the messenger left Jareth changed into his bed clothes and laid in his bed he tried to produce a crystal so he could see his beloved, but with no avail, Lord Drayton must have put some sort of magical barrier over the room so he couldn't use any of his magic. While he looked out the window at the stars in the night sky he wondered what would Christine's response to his letter be. He hoped that she would respect his request and answer positively to his question. Soon weariness enveloped his body he stared into his fire and thought about all the things he wanted to show his Champion and with a slight smile on his face he fell into a deep sleep.

In another part of the castle Lord Drayton stared into his own fire holding at statue of two lovers intertwined in each other arms. Drayton sat back in his chair remembering when he received the figurine; the Fae that delivered it to him looked dreadful, one of his arms was torn completely off and the makeshift bandage he created barely contained his blood. According to his staff the Fae's name was Waylinn and he had just exited the Dark forest when Drayton's guards had found him. The only thing that he said was that the statue was from his lover and to keep it close to him. Closing his eyes Drayton relived the night he received the statue

Drayton immediately left the room for his personal chambers and as he placed the sculpture on his bed the Temptress magically appeared clothed in a sheer fabric that left nothing to the imagination. She held out her arms to him and he quickly went to her discarding all his clothes along the way.

After they both were sated from their fast and furious lovemaking she asked him sweetly, "My dear Drayton I need you to do one thing for me."

Rubbing his hands on her abdomen he answered, "Anything my love."

Smiling seductively at him she continued, "I need you to bring King Jareth to face the council before the full moon so our plans to defeat him and take over his kingdom will be successful."

Drayton lifted his head and kissed her full lips before replying, "Of course I will do as you ask, and I will take care of all the arrangements once I am done ravishing your body again."

The fire Drayton was staring at came into focus again as he rubbed the woman figure on the sculpture wishing that the Temptress was there with him so he feel her warm flesh instead of cold marble. He smiled evilly to himself, all there plans were going perfectly and he couldn't wait till the next evenings council meeting because by the time the clock struck midnight Jareth would be dead. And with Jareth gone Drayton decided he would focus all his attentions on seducing the redheaded Fae woman that defended the Goblin King so gallantly back in his throne room.

He placed the statue on the table beside the chair and went to his bed and created a crystal to see the woman whom Jareth said would be his Queen. As he looked at her luxurious body covered in her suede sheets he felt his body reacting to his passionate thoughts of her and as the crystal dropped to the floor he satisfied himself imagining it was her hands on his manhood instead of his own.

His final thought as he was cleaning himself up was how much fun it would be to feel her writhing beneath his body as he took her again and again with or without her consent. As sleep overcame him his dreams were not of the Temptress but the fiery red headed Fae that belonged to the Goblin King.

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