Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Labyrinth.

Chapter 13

When Jareth finally raised his head and stared down into Serina's flushed face, he grinned wolfishly at her dazed expression. "Do you still deny that you are mine?" Serina blinked, her face paling as his words sunk in. She stumbled backwards, wanting desperately to put some distance between them.

"Damn you, you cold hearted bastard." She sneered. She wanted to hit him, hurt him, anything to make him leave her alone. He watched with calculating eyes as she retreated.

"Why do you fight it Serina? Accept the truth."

"What truth? The only truth there is, is that you think you can control everything and everyone. You do what you want and to hell with the consequences and how others might feel. Have you ever once thought about how anyone feels? You take them from everything they've ever known and then expect them to be grateful to you for it?"

"I saved you from death you stupid fool!" Jareth snapped furiously as he advanced on her again, grabbing her shoulders brutally. "Just as I have spared the others who were wished away from fates worse than death."

"Why should I be grateful? You may have saved my life but you took away my freedom!"

"You're not a prisoner here Serina." He sighed. He was tired of rehashing this same thing over and over again. He was sorely tempted to send her to another kingdom, but he was loath to let her go for some reason. She made life interesting, even though they fought constantly every time they were in the same room together. Also, he didn't think the other kingdoms would be able to handle her outbursts and violent tendencies. There was also the question of whether or not she possessed the fire magic. Somehow, he had to make her understand that she wasn't a prisoner, nor was she a slave.

"Oh really? Then why have I been confined to these rooms nearly the entire time I've been here with no contact outside the healer and my maid?" Her anger was still intense as she tried to move away from him again. This time he held her in place. "You call allowing me access to the gardens only as freedom?"

"I felt it was safer for my subjects. I would not take kindly to you slaughtering them in some mindless rage." Her mouth dropped open as she stared up at him and her anger faded as shocked horror filled her.

"You actually believe that I would harm innocent people?"

"I have yet to see any reason to believe otherwise." Jareth felt the rage dissipate from her as she tried turning away again. This time he released her, watching as she staggered towards the window in a daze. "Serina?"

"I have never harmed an innocent before, no matter what was happening. The Itoras believe that all life is precious." So low was her voice that he wouldn't have heard what she was saying if it hadn't been for high heightened senses. She stared out the window towards the Labyrinth in silence. Jareth tilted his head, studying the change that had came over her.

"Serina," he moved closer to her and saw a single tear slid down her face as she struggled to rein in her emotions. It was not in her to show weakness before others and he admired that. "You will stay here in the castle." Her head whipped around and her eyes snapped with fire. Jareth held up a hand to stop her from speaking. "You will continue to live here in the castle, but you may enter the city as you wish. If there is something you need or want, you have but to say the word and it is yours."

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face only to find nothing but his typical cold mask. "Why?"

"As I have stated countless times before kitten, you are neither slave nor prisoner here."

She knew he wanted something in return, but the question was, would it be something she was willing to give. "What's the catch?"

He smirked as he looked back down at her. "You will accord me the respect I deserve as your king."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then you will remain confined to the castle and I will do as I wish with you." Serina didn't like his implications and it showed on her face as well as in her body language. He knew he was being manipulative, but that was his nature. She stared at him, wishing he would show some kind of emotion. After few minutes she sighed and turned away. He wanted her to surrender to him, pure and simple. Complete surrender from her. Could she do it?

Jareth waited, amused at how easily he could read her at the moment. It chafed at her to have to bow down before anyone, including him. However, would she be willing to concede to his rule if he allowed her to roam the kingdom freely? "Serina…" He was interrupted as the door to her room flew open and Lisae stood there glaring at Jareth.

"What in the Underground do you think you're doing Jareth?" Lisae fumed at him. Jareth arched a brow and looked quizzically at his sister. "You put me in the middle of the city and made it so I couldn't transport back!"

"Ah yes." He turned and bowed mockingly at her. "I trust you enjoyed your little walk?"

"No I didn't! What were you thinking?"

"That maybe next time I'll send to the Labyrinth instead." He laughed at the angry look in her face.

"Oh no you don't. You know father would throw you in the dungeons if you forced me to go through there." Lisae snapped. She noticed Serina standing just behind Jareth and her curiosity surged forward. "Are you alright Serina?"

Serina just nodded before she turned back to gaze out the window. Jareth reached out and touched her shoulder, causing her to turn her head towards him slightly. "I will give you some time to think about my offer, but I expect an answer soon. You will join us for dinner tonight." He stepped back and walked over to his sister. Taking her arm, he escorted her from the room and closed the door gently behind them.