I hope everyone is enjoying this story lol.

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Labyrinth. Only the unrecognized characters and storyline are mine.


Chapter Six

Jareth stood near the bed, staring down thoughtfully at the sleeping woman. When the healer had reported that the woman was awake, Jareth had went to her almost immediately even though he had been in the middle of a very important meeting. Shaking his head, the king turned and was about to leave when a slight sound caught his attention. Looking back at the bed, he found a pair of emerald eyes watching him warily.

"So you're finally awake?" He studied her for a moment before walking slowly back towards the bed. Serina's eyes widened briefly as she stared at the man before her before narrowing. She was stunned by his ethereal beauty and could feel the magic that coursed trough him. Watching as he moved closer, she stiffened at the sensual air around him. He was dressed in a loose white shirt that hung open to his waist and tight grey leather pants that left little to the imagination. His ensemble was topped off with black heeled boots that rose to his knees, black gloves and a black vest. His platinum hair looked wild and choppy, as if the wind had played havoc with it. His face was harsh and angular; with a coldness that seemed to come naturally in his mismatched eyes.

"What's the matter Lady Serina? Has the cat got your tongue?" He smirked down at her. Mentally, she shook herself and cleared her mind of the haze that was floating through her mind.

So that's how it is huh? Very well, two can play at this. Raising her head higher, Serina regarded him coolly. "No, the cat does not have my tongue thank you. Who are you and why were you standing over me?"

Stepping back, he gave a slight bow. "I am Jareth, King of the Goblins." She stared at him blankly. He arched a brow at her lack of response. Kelgar had not indicated that there was anything wrong with her mentally. "You do know what goblins are don't you?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"I am merely trying to understand how this can be a goblin kingdom when there doesn't seem to be any goblins." Jareth laughed and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"There are plenty of goblins here. They have been strict orders to stay out of this part of the castle so that you may rest."

"Oh, thank you."

He only nodded. "Would you care to explain why your village Elders wanted you dead?"

Serina shivered. "I don't believe it was the entire council's decision. The First Elder made the judgement. There's more to it than just wanting me dead."

"Explain." Jareth pulled a chair up near the bed and sat down in it. Leaning forward to rest his elbows atop his knees, he watched her intently.

"He wanted my great grandmother's hand in marriage. She refused him, marrying his brother instead and he has held a grudge against my family ever since. Ten years ago, I was taken from the village. When I returned a few weeks ago, the First Elder accused me of being a witch and sentenced me to death."

"They did more than that." His voice was flat. Serina nodded as she looked away. After a few minutes she told him what had happened to her, thankful that her memory was better even though it sickened her that her own people could be so cruel. A sharp knock at the door caught their attention and Jareth barked out for whoever it was to enter.

"Your Majesty," he nodded towards the king before turning to Serina with a smile. "Ah good. How are you feeling my dear? I trust his Majesty has not tired you too much?" The healer glanced warningly at Jareth.

"No, Lord Kelgar, I'm not that tired." She smiled back congenially at the healer.

"Good, good." Kelgar muttered as he pulled the covers aside and started probing at her wounded leg. "This is healing nicely." He covered her leg back up and patted her knee. It was then that Serina realized that she was no longer in the rags she had fled in. Instead she was wearing a short blue shift that clung to her body.

Jareth caught the look of shock that flashed across her face when she looked down at her chest. "Is there a problem Lady Serina?" She shook her head then turned away from him. Kelgar caught the action and looked up at the king in worry. Jareth stood there smirking at the girl. Shooting a warning glance at Kelgar, he vanished from sight.

"How long will I have to remain here?"

"My dear, you are still very weak. It will take time before you can even think about leaving that bed. Matilda will be back shortly to help you to the bath. In another day or two we'll see if you can handle solid foods again." Kelgar smiled gently at her, though her questions confused him.

"And after that?"

"What's the hurry Serina?" Jareth's voice cut coldly through room. She turned her head a looked at him with an arched brow.

"As much as I appreciate you saving my life you Majesty, I am sure that you have other things to do than deal with an invalid guest."

He snorted, looking down at her. "And where do you intend to go if you were to leave the castle?"

"I don't know yet, but I am sure there will be someplace I can go."

"You are not leaving this castle anytime soon."

"What do you mean?" She looked from Jareth to Kelgar, noticing the way the healer avoided looking at her. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Ah yes, you don't know do you?" Jareth smiled cattily. "You belong to me now Serina."

"What?" Her voice rose with suppressed anger. She turned to Kelgar, "What in the hell is he talking about?" Kelgar merely shook his head, turning away to busy himself with other things. Serina growled.

"I mean exactly what I said. The only way for me to have taken you was for someone to wish you to me."

"But there was no one there. I was alone." She interrupted.

He glared at her. "By the time I found you, the villagers were already searching for you. One of them found you at the same time as I. The man made the wish that allowed me to bring you here."

"That doesn't explain anything." She snapped.

Jareth smirked. "It means my dear lady, that you now belong to me."

"You're insane."

"Am I? It is part of my job, to take those who are wished away." He chuckled quietly, "Of course, I normally take only children who are adopted into the other families throughout the Underground."

"I am no child." Her voice dripped with ice.

He tilted his head and smiled slightly as his mismatched eyes traveled over her. "No, you certainly are no child. And since you are no child, that leaves it to me as to what to do with you." Jareth leaned over her, his arm braced against the headboard. "You are mine to do with, as I please," he whispered.

Serina's eyes narrowed, "I belong to no one, least of all you."

Jareth smiled smugly, "That remains to be seen."

Kelgar sighed as Jareth vanished and shook his head. "Lady Serina, you must not anger his Majesty. Doing so can have severe repercussions."

"Look, I truly appreciate everyone's help, but I am not an object to be owned. His Majesty can just go to hell for all I care."