Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Labyrinth. Serina, Kelgar, Matilda, Ralir and the storyline are mine.

Chapter 14

Matilda had been excited to learn that Serina would be dining with the king that night. The old woman had fussed over her for hours when she found out and Serina was uncomfortable to say the least. She knew that the king would expect an answer before the night was over, and she was still unsure. Finally, desperate for help, she had turned to the matronly maid.

The maid had explained the ways of the kingdom and gave her an accounting of how life had been for her since she had come to the underground. Serina had to admit that Matilda's tale had helped a lot, though her own choices were different. Matilda had asked for the position of servant in the Goblin King's castle and life for her had been hard, but it had been good. Serina still worried that she was making a mistake though.

"Are you ready my Lady?" Ralir's voice cut through her musings and she turned to look at the man. She gave him a slight smile and nodded. Ralir stood there stunned at the sight before him. She was dressed in a low cut strapless black gown with an emerald green bodice trimmed in gold. Matching emerald gloves went from her wrists, half way up her upper arms. Her hair had been braided at the sides and was pulled back to hang down the rest of her hair.

"Is everything alright Lord Ralir?" Serina was barely able to keep herself from fidgeting. She felt ridiculous and Ralir's silence only increased her nervousness. Dinner was not something she was looking forwards to that night.

"What? Oh my, yes, everything is fine." He gave himself a mental shake, it was the first time since their first meeting that he'd seen her in anything but pants and the effect was shocking. "You look lovely tonight my Lady. If you're ready, I'm here to escort you to the dining room." She hesitated for a moment then sighed and nodded.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She took his arm and they left.

The meal had gone better than she had anticipated and she was delighted to find that Lisae was there as well. When they had left her earlier, Serina had been worried that Jareth would send his sister away. Jareth kept a close eye on Serina the entire time and it made her nervous, but she managed to get through without making a serious faux pas. Finally the meal had ended and Jareth nodded to the others before looking down at Serina and asking her to walk in the gardens with him. Lisae had gave her a small smile, while Kelgar patted her shoulder; both letting her know that things would be alright either way as they left the room.

Jareth led Serina down the garden paths, neither saying anything for the longest. Eventually, the king stopped near a fountain and gestured for her to sit. Stepping past him, she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself, knowing that he would ask her again now. Slowly she sat down, taking care to avoid looking at him and waited as he sat beside her, turning his body to face her.

"Have you decided yet?" His voice was quiet in the night, as if he was unwilling to disturb the silence.

"This is not a decision to make lightly."

"Serina, I can be cruel when the situation demands it, but I would rather not be. I must have an answer."

"I…"

"Wait. Listen to me, we all have to answer to someone. Even I have to answer to the High Throne. Unless you declare me as your rightful king, you are placing not only yourself, but my entire kingdom at risk. The Underground can be a very dangerous place. You may think you do not need protection from anyone, but you do not know our ways here. I have not punished you as the other kingdoms would have for your insolence. Instead, I have been very lenient with you."

"Why?"

Jareth sighed. "Something called me to your world the night I found you. To you."

"I don't understand."

"Neither do I. I do know that everything happens for a reason.Apparently your priestess believes that you were meant to be brought here, I do not know. But you are here now and what's done is done. In time, that may change. But I can not know for certain. Until such a time may occur, it would be best to accept my offer."

"How can I be certain that you won't go back on your word?"

"I am not accustomed to lying Serina. I give you my word, and I will keep it regardless." She stood and paced a few feet away. It was plain to see that she was upset. She was right he knew, it wasn't an easy decision to make. After about twenty minutes she finally stopped and turned to face him.

"Alright. I'll accept." Jareth smiled, pleased with her decision.

"Good."

"However, I would like to know what will become of me now."

Jareth smiled a little wider, knowing that she might not like much what he had in mind. "Essentially, the choice will be yours. However, there are a few things that you will have no say in." Serina crossed her arms across her chest, her entire body on the defensive as she looked at him with mistrust on her face. He rose and walked over to her, pulling her arms down before curving his hands over her shoulders and looking her in the face. "You will learn how to behave in public for starters."

"I already know how to act in public thank you very much." She glared at him mutinously and he laughed.

"Perhaps, but you have never attended Seelie courts before, now have you?" She shook her head, despising that he had her there. "Then allow my sister to tutor you in the proper behavior for our society. It is doubtful that you will have to do it often, but it is better to be prepared just in case. When you are in public, your actions reflect upon myself and the kingdom."

"I can't suppress who I am your Majesty."

"I'm not asking you to kitten." He grinned, "You may call me Jareth when in private. I don't stand on formality as much as the others do. When others are around, I expect you to address me accordingly though."

"What else?"

"You will be given free reign to travel my kingdom as I said, but do not venture into the Labyrinth or beyond my borders. Someone will accompany you until you know your way about." He looked at her for a moment, noting the look on her face. "Is there something you want?"

"As a matter of fact there is. I was raised by the Itoras as a warrior, I do not want to let that go. It's important to me."

He nodded thoughtfully, "Very well. I will allow you to train under Ralir. The women of the Underground do not normally learn the art of sword fighting. As long as you swear not to attack anyone, I see no reason not to allow you this. One condition though."

"What?"

"I want to know why those swords flamed up the way they did. They weren't enchanted and they were made of plain metal." Serina looked down, her face pale. "What is it?"
"When I was adopted by the Itoras, I was gifted with the ability to call the fire to my weapons."

"Interesting." He noticed that she seemed ashamed of her gift and reached out to raise her chin, forcing her to look at him. "There is nothing to be ashamed of kitten. The ability to use fire in this manner is considered to be a powerful gift here. Very few can control fire magic and no woman can. It's a power that can be creative or destructive, depending on how it's used. I will teach you how to use it without the weapons."

"No, there is really no need."

"Magic draws magic Serina. You already possess the fire, and eventually more will come. It would be wise to learn how to control it so that no one is hurt."

"Very well."

Jareth nodded, thankful that the woman was finally seeing some sense and he hoped that things would continue to improve. "Come, it's getting late and I'm sure you would like to rest." She nodded and hesitantly took the arm he offered.

By the time they arrived at her bedroom door, it had been decided that she would train with Ralir in the mornings and with him in the evenings. Jareth bid her goodnight and kissed the back of her hand lightly before turning to walk down the hall. Perhaps things wouldn't be so bad after all she decided.