Chapter 11

Christine awoke the following morning as the sun arose above the Labyrinth rested but still worried about Jareth as she laid in her bed she created a crystal so she could find him but without success either she was to far away or she was not powerful enough to search such a distance. She closed her eyes to the invading sun and remembered the kisses that they shared and the passion and love that she always saw emitting from his eyes. She slowly opened her eyes again and quickly got out of bed tonight she would face the High Council tonight and try somehow to prove to them she was the Champion of the Goblin King. She put on her clothes she told herself that no matter what happened this evening she would save Jareth and bring him back to their home. As Christine took one final look in the mirror she disappeared from her chambers and reappeared in the castle gardens to start practicing her magic for the evening's demonstrations hoping that one of the spells would be acceptable proof to the council that she is the Champion.

Matilda looked down from her bedroom window as she sensed powerful magic being produced by someone. She looked on as Christine produced a lightening ball followed by a fireball then an earth ball. After she threw each of the magical crystals any damage that she created to the gardens she would immediately heal. Matilda watched for two hours as the Champion created spell after spell some successful and some not but all in all Christine did beautifully.

She turned around from the gardens when she heard a slight knocking on her door, "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Adrianna, "I thought you might want to know all the arrangements have been made for the presentation and Christine's clothes are in her room. The horses will be ready in about three hours to take us to Mastoria."

Matilda nodded her head in acknowledgement when she noticed the young maid still standing inside the room, "Is there something else Adrianna?"

Hesitantly she stepped forward, "Do you think Christine is ready to confront the council?"

Gesturing for the elfin to stand next to her she tilted her head toward the gardens below for her took a look. With a gasp Adrianna saw Christine create a very powerful wind spell that cause a heavy marble statue to float high in the air and come crashing down, shattering in a million pieces on the grass below then just as astonished she watched Christine repair the broken statue and gently place it back in it's rightful spot.

Turning to Matilda she said quietly, "I guess she is ready. She has improved dramatically what did Jareth do to help her advance so quickly?"

Matilda smiled at the young maid and commented, "All he did was love her with all his heart and I think you know that love can be a powerful ally and cause some people to achieve things beyond there means."

Adrianna nodded in understanding not so long ago her love for Gaylord caused her to expand her magical abilities and transport herself to Matilda's store when he was in danger as her heart ached for her own love she heard another knock on the older Fae's door as she answered it she saw a messenger in the threshold.

"My Lady," He said with a bow, "I have a letter for Lady Christine from King Jareth."

Accepting the delicate note Adrianna said, "Thank you I will make sure she gets it right away."

Noticing that the young Fae boy was tired she beckoned for one of the goblins and continued, "Snout please take our guest to the dining hall and get him some food and drink and allow him to rest before he continues back to Mastoria."

Smiling his thanks the young messenger followed the goblin down the hall. Turning toward Mattie she said, "It is a note for Christine from Jareth."

The older Fae quickly created a crystal and transported the both of them to the gardens where the Champion was practicing. As Christine was repairing the damage to the garden from yet another one of her spells she saw Mattie and Adrianna appear in front of her, deciding to take a break she walked to the stone bench and smiled at her dear friends,

"Come over here and have a seat with me and tell me how all the preparations are going."

She watched as Mattie came and sat down beside her and held out her hand to the young Fae, that is when Christine saw the note with Jareth's distinct handwriting on the envelope and asked quietly, "What is that Mattie?"

The older Fae replied gently, "This note was just delivered by messenger from the kingdom of Mastoria."

With her hands shaking slightly Christine took the note from older women's hand and held it closely to her chest with tears welling up in her eyes. Knowing that Christine would want some privacy to read the letter Matilda suggested,

"Why don't you go up to your chambers and in a short while Adrianna and myself will assist you in getting dressed for the presentation this evening."

Shaking her head in thanks, not trusting her voice, Christine disappeared from the castle gardens and materialized in her room so she could read Jareth's note without any interruptions. Walking to the window of her chambers she looked down at the note in her hand and smiled when she saw the one red rose drawn on it not unlike the white one drawn on the note she received in her hotel so long ago. She turned the envelope over and opened it gently and withdrew the precious letter and started to read the elegant handwriting:

To my beloved Christine,

I have arrived safely at Lord Drayton's kingdom they are treating me well but my heart longs for you to be by my side. In the last few hours I have thought of nothing else but of you, which has brought me to the conclusion that my life would never be the same if anything ever happened to you. So I beg of you my love not to present yourself in front of the High Council because, I know that without a doubt that they will accept you as my Champion and task you to defeating the Temptress and I have discovered from other resources here that she is going to try everything in her power to make us face her before we are ready. I know that with more time you will be able to handle the Temptress but tonight would be disastrous for both of us if she demands you to face her now. I am going to try everything in my power to return to you soon but please stay at my kingdom where you will be safe and when I return I have an option that will let us be together during the final confrontation and still break the curse. As I close this brief note to you I want you to know that I love you with all my heart and I would be honored if you would rule by my side as my Queen and my wife once the Temptress is defeated. I await your reply breathlessly.

Yours with love Jareth

Christine read the note three more additional times making sure she didn't read more into it then what was written and after the third time fresh tears started to flow down her cheeks. He wanted her to be is wife and as her heart swelled she knew that her answer was going to be yes but she also knew that if she didn't present herself tonight to the council she feared she would never see her love again or even become his wife.

Christine paced the room like a caged animal not knowing what to do about the letter or the council. Suddenly she heard a knock at her door turning to face it Christine watched as Matilda and Adrianna walked in. Without hesitation Christine ran to the motherly Fae and grabbed her hand quickly,

"Mattie you are just the person I needed to see I have a problem that I need your advice on." Without awaiting a reply Christine continued, "The note I received from Jareth is confusing but wonderful at the same time and I don't' know what to do."

Matilda tried to calm her friend down by leading her to a nearby chair and asked quietly, "What is it you need my help with dear."

Handing the letter to Mattie the younger Fae sat waiting for her to read it and watched as her expression changed from concern to elation. Adrianna came to Christine's side while Mattie read the letter to lend her support.

As the older Fae finished reading the letter a second time she address the young women before her and said, "I understand what Jareth is saying here and there is truth to his concerns that the Temptress might try to force her hand before you ready but I don't think canceling the presentation is the right way of handling the situation at Mastoria or with the Temptress. I have a feeling no matter what we do an attempt on Jareth's life is imminent and it will probably happen tonight at the council meeting and we need to be there to protect him."

Standing up from her chair she walked toward the fireplace before continuing, "But I think that there is a way we can buy you both some more time." Turning around and looking at Christine intently Mattie asked, "Tell me what will be your reply to his last question?"

Without any doubt in her voice she answered, "It is yes of course Mattie, I love him more then anything and I believe that my life would be complete when I am his wife."

A small gasp exited Adrianna's mouth when she heard Christine's answer, joy leapt through the elfin's heart as she hugged the young women sitting next to her, "You mean he asked you to marry him."

Smiling Christine nodded her head confirming the elfin's question but then looked at Mattie and asked, "But why did you want to know?"

Matilda replied calmly, "In our land when two Fae are engaged, fourteen day non-interference takes place."

Looking at Christine's questionable face she continued explaining, "It is a grace period that is granted to the betrothed couple, it allows them to be with each other without any one bothering them because you see once the couple is wedded there is no way to dissolve the union, and because of this reason the couple gets one last chance to make sure that they really want to be together forever. If you are serious about Jareth's proposal then you have the right, by law, to be granted the fourteen days allotted, to be by yourselves and you can petition the Council to grant the time this evening."

Silence surrounded the three women as Matilda finished her narration. Standing up Christine walked over to the window once again and looked out it imagining her and Jareth walking through their Kingdom as man and wife the thought made her smile and as she turned to the other two women in her room she took a deep breath and said,

"Well ladies I guess we not only have to prepare for my presentation as the Champion but also announcing my engagement to Jareth."

Turning to Adrianna she asked, "Is the messenger still here from Lord Drayton's kingdom?"

The young elfin nodded her head as Christine continued, "Please ask him to come to my chambers so he can deliver my response to Jareth."

The young maid quickly turned toward the door when Matilda interrupted, "Adrianna why don't you stay here and help Christine get dressed I will go fetch the messenger." She walked over to Christine and gave her a gentle hug and whispered, "I think Jareth is really lucky to have you and I also know that you will make a wonderful Queen."

With tears in her eyes Christine replied, "I think I am the lucky one here Mattie and I am thankful that the Fates choose me to come to this world." As she watched Mattie walk out of the room she turned to Adrianna, "Okay my friend what do I need to do to get ready?"

The young maid walked to the closet and pulled out a beautiful dress that was black as night, with purple embroidery on the bodice and at the hem of the gown, the collar was rounded and the sleeves were long and flowed out at the wrists. Then Adrianna brought out a short vest that was made of the finest velvet that matched the gown's purple embroidery perfectly. To Christine it was the most exquisite dress she had every seen as she walked to the bed where that dress was laid out she touched the delicate cloth, the fabric was so soft that she knew it would be the most comfortable dress she had ever wear.

She smiled at Adrianna, "This is beautiful."

Adrianna smiled back, "Jareth picked out this dress for you about two weeks ago he thought it was perfect for you."

Christine started to undress and commented; "I think he was right I can't wait till he sees me in it."

Matilda and the messenger were walking back to Christine's chambers and as they knocked on the door they heard a faint reply from inside asking them to enter. The duo entered the room and stopped immediately, Christine was standing in front of the fireplace and to the messenger she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her dress was perfect and accented her features wonderfully, her hair was piled on top of her head with soft ringlets framing her face, and finally splashes of glitter on her body and hair completed the look.

As he continued to stare she beckoned for him come closer as he walked nearer he noticed her face had just enough make up to accent her features and her emerald green eyes, so unlike the other Fae women in the Underground who painted themselves heavily, his admirable thoughts were interrupted as she addressed him,

"Hello, are you the messenger from Lord Drayton's kingdom?"

With his throat dry he replied, "Yes my Lady."

Smiling at him she asked, "Will you please deliver this note directly to King Jareth there is some important information in it he needs to know."

With a bow he answered, "Of course my lady I will make hast and complete what you ask."

She bowed her head and watched him leave the room hoping Jareth would get the letter on time. Matilda watched as the interchange took place and knew that Christine was going to be a wonderful Queen and smiled to her self the Fates did choose well.

She walked over to the Champion and placed her hand gently on her face, "My dear you look wonderful and you are going to do great when you face the High Council."

Smiling back at the motherly Fae she answered, "I hope you are right Mattie."

Adrianna looked out the window and announced, "The horses are ready and we really need to get going if we want to reach Mastoria for the council meeting."

Looking at the elderly Fae Christine asked, "Why can't we just use our magic and transport us there?"

Matilda replied to the future Queen, "Because we are bringing an armed guard of goblins with us just in case they are needed."

Christine nodded her head in understanding she knew that if things got out of hand the goblins would be good to have around. As the trio walked down the halls to the exit of the castle the goblins they passed bowed to Christine and in return she greeted them by name, glad that she learned them especially since she will be seeing more of them. As they walked out the doors they were greeted by the general goblin named Quastie,

"My Lady every thing is ready for are trip to Mastoria,"

Smiling down Christine replied, "Well, I guess we should be going then."

The trio stepped into the coach and as it pulled away from the castle Christine was glad to be on her way but a little nervous as well, silently she said a prayer to the Elements asking for strength, guidance, and patients in dealing with the upcoming events that were about to take place.

Jareth sat in his room brooding he desperately missed Christine's face and voice he hoped that she would heed his advice and not show, but he had feeling that tonight when he faced the council he would not be alone. All day long he politely dealt with all the nobility that seemed to infest Lord Drayton's kingdom, but as the lunch came to a close he quickly excused himself claiming he had to prepare for the evenings presentation.

Along the way back to his chambers he looked for Lady Katrina to inquire if the messenger that was sent to the Labyrinth had returned. But everyone he asked said that she was dealing with a very difficult guest that had just arrived at Mastoria early this morning. Jareth got up from his chair and walked to the window he had a sneaking suspicion that the guest Lady Katrina was dealing with was the Temptress and if he was correct then Kathryn was the best person for the job. As he looked down into the courtyard he watched as people from all over the Underground continued to arrive at Mastoria. Turning away from the scene below he walked back to the chair to brood some more when a knock was heard from his door, he changed directions to answer the offending knock hoping that it wasn't any of the nobility wanting to visit.

When he opened the door he was greeted by the messenger that he sent to his kingdom, "Your Highness, I have a reply from Lady Christine for you."

Jareth retrieved the note from the young Fae's hands and replied, "Thank you, and tell me how is Lady Christine?"

Smiling shyly the messenger answered, "I didn't get to see or talk to her to long my Lord but as I left there was a lot of activity taking place at your Kingdom and I saw her exit the castle and get into an awaiting coach." As the young Fae turned to leave he called back to the Goblin King standing in the doorway, "And I must say your Highness she is the most beautiful and friendly Fae I ever had the pleasure to meet."

Smiling at the retreating messenger's back Jareth replied softly, "I couldn't agree with you more."

Closing the door he quickly opened his beloved's letter and settled to read it in the chair he occupied earlier:

To my beloved Jareth

It was so nice to receive your note to me and after asking Mattie's advice we decided that it is necessary for us to be there tonight. We are afraid that there is more going to take place this evening then just my presentation and we fear for your life. I am sorry my love but I must go against your advice and put my faith in destiny and present myself as your Champion to the High Council this evening. And if the Temptress dares to try and make me face her this evening I think she will be disappointed because I am also requesting that the council grant me my fourteen day allotted time that newly betrothed couples are allowed to have. If you have not guessed it already I would love to be your wife Jareth and I cannot think of any other place I rather be then by your side. I love you with all my heart so have faith Jareth and I will see you this evening.

Your Future Wife Christine

Jareth stared at the letter for a long while his heart for the first time in his life filled with joy but fear at the same time. He should have known that Christine would not sit back and stay at his kingdom and if he was honest with him self he really didn't want her to. Her love for him gave him more strength then all the magic in the Underground and with that final thought he stood up and started to get ready for the evenings events he pulled his outfit out of the closet and smiled, it matched the gown he bought for Christine a couple of weeks ago, the jacket was a dark purple color that was the same shade as the embroidery on the her dress and was made of the finest velvet, his pants were black and his boots matched the color of the jacket. The shirt was a light purple that brought the outfit together as he placed his outfit on he knew that Christine would find him very handsome in it. The last item he put on was his amulet so that it could be seen by everyone; he took one last look in the mirror and was pleased.

Walking to the drawer beside his bed he opened it up slowly and pulled out a dagger, if Christine was right he needed something to protect himself, he placed the weapon into his boot adjusting his pants so that no one would notice. Then he pulled out a small box and opened it, inside there was a beautiful necklace laying against black velvet that was an exact duplicate of the amulet he wore except a bit smaller and feminine. With a smiled he remembered when he had it made for Christine, it was at the same time he bought the dress he knew even then she would be his Queen. Closing the delicate box he placed it in his jacket pocket to give to his love later in the evening. Before closing the drawer he placed Christine's note inside and said quietly,

"I can't wait to see you my love and seal our engagement with at kiss." He stood up and walked to the window and watched as the sun started to set in the horizon knowing that tonight was going to be very interesting.

Lord Drayton walked to the room which the Temptress occupied hoping to see her on last time before the evenings meeting and when he approached the door his heart raced at the very idea of touching and kissing her all over her body. He still wanted the woman he met in Jareth's kingdom but until the Goblin King was dead he hoped that his urges would be sated by the Temptress, as he knock on the door Lady Katrina answered and he cursed softly.

Answering the door Lady Katrina had hoped that it was a messenger from the council telling her that it was time for the meeting and was surprised to see her fellow councilmen at the door,

"Lord Drayton it is a pleasure to see you what can I help you with?"

With annoyance in his voice he answered, "I have come to see if the Temptress was comfortable with her accommodations."

Stepping aside Lady Katrina allowed him to enter and as he walked into the room he saw the object of his lust standing in front of a mirror admiring her self. He stared at the Temptress trying to keep his body from reacting to he appearance, she had a red form fitting gown on that plunged between her breast barely covering them and as she saw him through the reflection she turned to greet him,

"Lord Drayton it is a pleasure to see you."

As she walked toward him Drayton noticed the dress also had two slits running up both sides which allowed her legs to peek out seductively.

Once she was in front of him she commented, "Lord Drayton do you think you can resolve a disagreement between Lady Katrina and I?"

Smiling he answered, "I would love to help any way I can."

Lady Katrina looked on disgusted at the interchange-taking place and walked over to the window before she offended the Temptress. All day long she had to wait hand and foot on the vile women from Titima and she hoped that Christine would kick her seductive ass when the time came for the final confrontation.

The Temptress saw the Fae council woman walk away and then addressed the man in front of her, "Lady Katrina seems to think that this gown is inappropriate for meeting the High Council this evening what do you think?"

Taking a deep breath hoping the lust he felt inside was hidden he replied, "I think that the dress is fine for the meeting tonight or anything else that might happen this evening."

Smiling sweetly she understood the underlining meaning of his words. He wanted her and she knew it, "I knew you would agree with me Lord Drayton and your right this dress is perfect for many different things." She answered then continued, "Is everything ready for the council meeting is all the parties involved present here at your kingdom?"

Lord Drayton answered knowingly, "Yes, Temptress everyone is here except the Champion of the Goblin King."

The Temptress rubbed the older Fae's cheek before replying secretly, "Don't you worry Drayton I don't think she will make it to her presentation this evening is everything else ready for the Goblin King?"

With a quick look at Lady Katrina and seeing her on the other side of the room looking out the window he replied quietly, "It will be a stabbing event My Mistress."

Nodding her head she walked away flipping her hair over her shoulder and replied, "Good finally everyone will get their due rewards very soon."

Lady Katrina walked over to Lord Drayton with disgust in here eyes and addressed him tartly; "We need to get going for the presentation." Then she turned to the Temptress, "I will send someone to escort you to the council chambers shortly."

Without any hesitation the council members left the room and as they walked down the hallway Lady Katrina commented, "That woman is a disgrace to the Fae race."

Shaking his in disagreement Lord Drayton replied, "No I think she just fine."

Reading the meaning behind his words she turned down a different hallway and called out to the lustful councilman, "I just hope your hormones stay in check this evening Lord Drayton we don't want you to be prejudice in any way during the ruling."

She did not hear his reply as she continued to stomp down the hallway going a different route to the High Council chamber room hoping that Jareth and Christine were ready.

Christine looked out the carriage window half listening to the statements made by Adrianna and Matilda she didn't mean to be rude but she had a feeling that something was not right and as she tried push away the feelings of dread coming over her heart she saw a glimpse of steel with in the shadows of the trees they were traveling through.

Quickly she called out, "Stop the carriage!" and as the coach came to a halt Christine quickly jumped out and produced a fire ball reading her self for battle while at the same time called out to Quastie, "Ready your troops because I think we are going to have…"

Before she could finish her command and loud cry came from the woods and in an instant creatures of all sorts emerged and started to charge the surprised travelers. Christine threw her fireball and took out about five of the dark creatures and as she produced another crystal the goblins drew their swords and charged the enemy emerging from the forest.

As metal clashed with metal the young Fae threw a lightening ball into the dark recesses of the woods to keep away any other advancing forces she turned and looked to her left and right she saw that the goblins fought vigorously taking down many of the creatures. Christine produced an earth ball when she saw a group of three creatures approaching Quastie she immediately threw it at the trio two of them fell into the crevice she created and she watched as Quastie knock the other one into the deep hole. Nodding his head in thanks they both ran to the other side of the carriage when they heard a scream.

Christine watched in horror as two goblins were run trough by a snake like creature with a lance protruding from his side and as he went after another one of her goblins without thinking she lifted her hand in the air and stopped the advancing snake and crushed it just like she did with the tiger dragon in the Forest of Darkness but instead of passing out, she turned and snagged another dark creature and crushed him just the same.

She was about to do it again when she heard Matilda shout, "Christine watch out…behind you."

The Champion turned around in just enough time to only be grazed on her side by a dagger thrown her way without missing a beat she produced another lightening ball and destroyed the creature that injured her. Knowing that they were out number she went to the front of the carriage and called for all the goblins to follow her, as well as Matilda and Adrianna quickly she commanded everyone,

"Goblins make a tight circle around me and do not leave the circle Mattie, Adrianna stand behind me but inside the circle of goblins."

Once everyone was in place Christine produced a shield orb and threw it high in the air and as it came down a barrier emerged around everyone within the circle. The dark forces weapons were unable to penetrate the shield and it gave Christine a few moments to explain,

"Now listen it is imperative that none of you leave the circle I am going to create a spirit ball and the only way you will be safe is if you stay put." She looked at Quastie and continued, "Please tell them what I have said in your native language."

Quickly, Quastie started to grunt and spit telling all the goblins what was just said as he finished he addressed the Champion, "They will all stay put my Queen."

Nodding her head deciding not correct the goblin that she wasn't their Queen yet, she turned to Matilda and asked, "How far out will the spirit spell go?"

The older Fae replied, "I don't know it depends on the person who casts the spell."

As Christine looked out at the approaching enemy and she knew that she had to try because it would be the only way to save themselves and Jareth. Closing her eyes she concentrated on casting the spell and as she felt the energy build up within her she created a circle of light in the palm of her hands and as she fed her energies into it she raised her hands above her head and with a final prayer to the Elementals, she levitated the magical orb out of the shield and as it hovered above the Champion the dark forces halted their advance and stared at the light and as Christine opened her eyes the energy was released from the orb.

Matilda watched fascinated as rings of energy pulsed from the crystal Christine created and one by one each of the dark forces that attacked them fell to the earth, death claiming there souls, then with a burst of wind all their bodies disappeared from view. Suddenly the shield that surrounded them faltered and Matilda watched Christine drop to her knees, her breathing shallow, looking at the Champion she saw blood seeping through the gown where the dagger cut her, the dress she wore was torn in many places and the hair that Adrianna painlessly pinned back fell around the young Fae's face.

Matilda kneeled down next to her and asked, "Are you okay my dear."

Christine started to stand up and answered, "Yes Mattie I am fine just a little tired from the attack." Turning to the Goblin captain she asked, "Quastie how many goblins do we have left?"

Bowing his head sadly he commented, "We lost fifteen goblins my Queen we only have ten left."

Squatting down to the tired goblin she wrapped her arms around him and said quietly, "I am so sorry for your loss Quastie and when we get back to the Labyrinth we will morn together but right now I need you to be strong because your King is in danger and we must save him."

Looking up at his Queen Quastie called out for the goblins to get into ranks and prepare for travel. Christine watched the goblins pull together with Quastia's command and felt very proud to be a part of their lives. Turning to Mattie she asked, "How far are we from Mastoria."

Looking at the amazing women before her she replied, "Only a couple more miles."

Christine quickly unhitched the horses and mounted one of them taking their cue from her Mattie and Adrianna mounted their own horses and the goblins piled on the last three horses and they quickly raced off to save their King.

Jareth followed his escort to the High Council chambers his heart racing with fear for his love, everyone he asked told him the she had not arrived yet and it concern him deeply especially since the messenger that delivered Christine's letter to him stated that she left soon after he did. As the doors opened up to the main room of Lord Drayton's castle Jareth looked around for his love and saw that she was no where to be found.

A hush enveloped the room as Jareth entered and walked toward the center of the large amphitheater where he would face the High Council. The only other person he saw on the main floor was the Temptress standing confidently and he felt that she might be the reason his Champion had not arrived yet. He took his place to the right of the Temptress, while Lord Drayton called for the presentation to begin,

"Ladies and Gentleman of the Underground we are here to meet the Champion of the Goblin King." Looking down from his seat he asked, "King Jareth we are anxious to meet your Champion."

Jareth looked up at the led of the High Council and replied, "Unfortunately she has not arrived from my kingdom as of yet I ask that the High Council call for a postponement until her arrival."

The Temptress spoke loudly, "I demand that his Champion, if there is one, be presented now, a postponement is out of the question I want what I deserve."

Anger started to rise in the King's chest as he addressed the council again, "I agree with the Temptress she will get what she deserves after my Champion defeats her."

With that statement the crowd started call out from the rafters some demanding that the council grant the King's request and some siding with the Temptress. Lord Drayton brought the room back to order before continuing the meeting,

"King Jareth you must understand that there is question in some of the council member's minds that there might not be a Champion, and some of us feel that your claims that there is one is just a ploy to buy you more time, even I have been to your kingdom and have not met this Champion you speak of."

Looking directly at the older Fae Jareth replied, "But you are mistaken Lord Drayton you have met my Champion her name is Christine and if my memory serves me correctly you met her when your armed guards escorted me from my kingdom to yours."

A murmur of disbelief echoed through the High Council chambers and one of the other council members asked, "Why Drayton did you have to use an armed guard to assist you and why didn't you bring the Champion at the same time King Jareth was brought to your kingdom."

Lord Drayton looked around and answered, "The person he mentioned is a woman and I don't believe that she is who he claims."

Noticing a chance to stall the proceedings Jareth spoke, "And why can it not be a woman, Lord Drayton, especially since a woman destroyed and cursed my kingdom within a few months. I think it is fitting that the Fates decided a woman be the one to set both me and my kingdom free."

The Temptress interrupted the debate in a loud angry voice, "Enough I either want the Champion to be presented to me or I want Jareth to forfeit his kingdom and life now. I have waited many years for him to pay me back for all the help I gave him and I want retribution to be granted to me from the High Council immediately."

As the amphitheater became deathly quiet a voice called out from one of the dark corners,

"There will be no retribution for you this evening Temptress."

Jareth turned toward the voice and smiled as his love entered the lighted area and for the first time he saw her blood stained dress and as she walked he saw her favoring her side. Anger and fear rose within his heart as she approached he quickly closed the distance between them and asked quietly,

"Are you okay? What happened…" before he could finish his questions he was interrupted by one of the council members,

"Who are you and why are you intruding on this meeting?"

Christine looked into Jareth's eyes and saw the worry emitting from them and caressed his cheek ignoring the councilmen question, "I am fine Jareth don't worry I will tell you everything later I promise, but right now I must present myself as your Champion and your future wife."

Nodding his head he answered, "No matter what happens here tonight know that I love you with all my heart."

Smiling she replied, "And I love you to my King."

The sweet moment was interrupted when the councilman asked again, "Who are you dear lady and why are you in intruding on this meeting?"

Christine turned to the old Fae and replied curtly, "I am the Goblin King's Champion and I am here to present myself to you as required by our laws."

Lord Drayton looked down at the young Fae and commented, "This is preposterous I told you before young lady that you cannot be the Champion…."

Frustration built within her as Lord Drayton spoke and before he could continue with his narration Christine raised her hand and lifted the offending Fae out of his chair and placed him on the ground before her.

Audible gasps echoed throughout the room as she spoke loudly, "Lord Drayton I am tired of your prejudice mind and I have no intention of proving to you or any of the High Council that I am the Champion. I lost fifteen of my goblins in a surprise attack by dark forces, on the road outside of your Kingdom, someone here knows I am the Champion and tried without success to prevent my arrival."

She looked up at the other council members and continued, "I am not here for your approval, I know whom I am and I have every intention to complete my destiny."

Then she turned toward the Temptress who had been quite during the interchange and addressed her, "I have a feeling that you planned the surprise attack in hope that you would win, but you failed Temptress and this is just the beginning of your downfall."

Looking evilly at the Champion she spat, "You cannot defeat me you are just a pathetic fool and when you and I face each other in seven days I will keep you alive long enough so you can witness the destruction of the Goblin King."

Christine smiled sweetly at the Temptress before replying, "Face each other we will but not in seven days but in fourteen days on the night of the new moon."

She turned and faced the council members once again before continuing, "I request that the council grant me the right of non-interference, because today I accepted King Jareth's proposal of marriage."

She walked toward her beloved and he enveloped her within his arms as the cheers and gasps exploded in the large room at the announcement of their engagement. As the crowd started to settle down once again Lady Katrina addressed the couple,

"I am happy for you both but the council requires some sort of show of commitment before we can grant you the fourteen day non-interference."

Jareth stepped forward and pulled out the small box he placed in his pocket earlier and replied, "Inside this box is an exact duplicate of my amulet I had made for Christine two weeks ago."

Turning back to his beloved he dropped down to one knee he held the box to her, "I present this to you as proof of my commitment and I ask you once again in front of all these witnesses will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and my Queen."

Christine looked down at the man in kneeling before her and slowly took his hand that was extended and brought him to his feet, "I will be honored to be your wife on one condition, promise that you never kneel before me again because you and I will rule as equals."

As he placed the amulet around her neck he said, "That is a promise I know I can keep."

The Temptress looked on at the events unfolding in front of her, she never expected them to fall in love and as anger rose within her she looked at Lord Drayton standing a few feet away from the embracing couple and caught his eye, immediately the councilman knew what to do, withdrawing his dagger he took aim at the Goblin Kings back and threw the blade exactly where the heart would be located.

As Christine looked into her loves eyes she knew that she had finally found where she belonged but her thoughts were interrupted when she heard someone yell,

"His got a knife!"

Immediately she searched for the danger and found it when she saw Lord Drayton let go of his dagger without thinking she raised her hand and stopped the weapon in mid-flight with her magic, and as the metal fell to the floor Jareth retrieved his own hidden dagger and threw it at the Councilman and before Drayton he could react the weapon found it's mark and plummeted into the councilman's heart. Jareth and Christine watched as he fell to the ground dead with no remorse in their hearts.

Screaming in frustration the Temptress yelled violently. Christine quickly turned to face her to fend off anymore attempts on Jareth's life when the evil woman disappeared in a flash of red color her voice echoing venomously,

"Enjoy your time together now Champion because when you face me in fourteen days I will destroy you."

As chaos erupted within the council chambers Christine fell to the floor exhausted, Jareth knelt beside her and picked her up while at the same time the goblins quickly made a circle around the couple to protect them from any more harm. Lady Katrina immediately came down from her chair and gestured for the Goblin King to follow her, calling out commands to his goblins they made their way to the hidden exit pointed out by the councilwoman. Once they were outside the castle they were met by Matilda and Adrianna and as chaos continued to ensue behind them they all got into Lady Katrina's personal coach and before it pulled away Kathryn grabbed Jareth's arm and said,

"The council had no idea that Lord Drayton was going to make an attempt on your life and once things have settled down here I will send you a letter letting you know what is going on until then enjoy your fourteen days with your betrothed."

Nodding his head in thanks Jareth quickly jumped into the carriage, which sped off to his Kingdom.

As the dawning sun shined upon the Labyrinth, Jareth breathed a sigh of relief glad to be home. As the carriage came to a stop outside the castle doors he gently lifted an unconscious Christine into his arms and carried her to his chambers, as he laid her on the bed he took off the torn and bloodied gown and looked at her wounds. The offensive injuries were healing but they needed to be cleaned, he stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom to get a washcloth and a basin of water and as he returned he started to clean the cuts on her body cursing the Temptress as his beloved flinched with pain.

Mattie and Adrianna told him what had happened on the road to Mastoria while they were traveling back to the Labyrinth and he in turn told them what happened in the council chambers. As he looked down at his betrothed he was surprised and proud that she produced so many powerful spells in such a short amount of time.

As he put a bed gown on her body he looked down at the pendent he placed on her neck and started to adjusted it so it would lay straight when Christine's hand enveloped his, as he looked into her eyes she smiled,

"Hello, my love how are you?"

Smiling down at her he replied tenderly, "Better now that you are awake."

He slowly bent his head toward hers and as their lips touched the long absent sensations were felt by both of them once again as his lifted his head he said quietly,

"I missed you so much I want to never be separated from you again."

Her fingers touched his lips as she replied, "And I never want to be separated from you again as well."

Her eyes started to close again as her fatigued body needed more time to recuperate, but before sleep overcame her she felt Jareth lift from the bed and with strength she did not know she had she grasped his arm and whispered,

"Please Jareth don't leave my side I need to be held by you."

Nodding his head he placed the bowl on the nightstand and climbed into bed with her and as she felt him spooned his body against hers she smiled and felt completely at peace and safe as sleep claimed her once again. Jareth held his future wife and allowed sleep to overcome him as well. He knew that they would probably sleep away one of their precious days together but as his eyes closed he decided to just enjoy having her by his side and not think about tomorrow.

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