AN: Whoo! I'm quite pleased with how this chapter turned out! At first, I was finding it quite hard to write, mainly because Jareth was an ass (but that will change in time ;) ) But now that I'm getting to the exciting parts and interesting things are starting to happen, I'm getting more into it!

This chapter introduces two new characters! I really hope you all like them!

Anyway, please don't forget to review! All of your reviews mean so much to me. They inspire me and make me feel like it's actually worth all the hours I spend writing these stories.

Enjoy!

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Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth. All rights to the Jim Henson Company.

Chapter six

The Arrival of Aiden

Jareth sat alone in his study the next day. He had been sorting through paperwork for countless hours now and he was starting to get a headache. Sighing, he leaned back in his chair and swung his legs up over the arm. Resting his gloved hand against his chin he began to think of what to do with the current situation laid before him.

This was the part of being King that Jareth hated so much. Having the responsibility of every single person or creature in his world was a massively heavy weight on his shoulders.

He glanced back down at the important document in front of him, wondering if it would be a good idea to get another opinion on this.

Yes, another opinion was in need.

He elegantly twisted his hand, pulling a crystal out of nowhere, and called somebody he hadn't spoken to for some time.

His adviser.

Jareth anxiously nibbled his lip. He hadn't asked Aidan for advice for a very long time. They had both fallen out over three years ago when Jareth had received the marriage proposal from King Beluar.

Flashback

"My lord, I encourage you to respond to this letter as soon as possible," Aidan persisted.

Jareth glanced at his brown-haired adviser and then returned his attention back to the crystal orb in his hands.

"Do you refuse to answer me, sire?" he asked in frustration. He'd never been treated like this by a King before. Jareth's Father, the late King Gerald, had always taken his advice when he had been alive, or on one of the rare occasions that he didn't like what he'd suggested, he'd at least have the decency to answer him. But Jareth was different. He was spoilt and stubborn.

Jareth raised an elegant brow as his adviser began pacing the room, looking a little more than angry.

"Aiden, I don't see why you have to get all uppity with me. This is my choice to make and mine alone."

Aiden spun on his heel at his words. His face was red with the anger that was suddenly overtaking him.

"Your choice alone? Jareth, I am your adviser! You asked my opinion on this proposal and my opinion is that you accept this generous offer from King Beluar. Your Kingdom would be joined with one of the strongest in the Underground! And yet you still refuse to even acknowledge the proposal! Your Father would be ashamed of you!"

Aiden knew he'd spoken out of line. He knew he'd made a massive mistake by insulting the King in such a way, but what he didn't know, was just how much this moment was going to change his life.

Jareth rose from his seat behind the large oak desk and slowly approached his adviser who was already regretting his choice of words.

"What did you say?" Jareth's voice was dripping with ice and Aiden wanted to shrink back and hide from this monster of a King he would have once regarded as a friend.

However, Aiden already knew it was too late. He wasn't about to repent, beg forgiveness, no. He was going to fight for what he believed in no matter what would happen after this.

"You know exactly what I said, Jareth-"

"HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU INSULT YOUR KING!" Jareth's voice boomed loudly over his own

"You are no King of mine!" Aiden replied, his hands balled into fists at his side. "My King was your Father, the man that would have listened to my advice for the well being of this kingdom! It would matter very little to him what his feelings were – if he knew this was the right thing to do, he would have done it,"

Jareth glared at him "My Father married for love! Not for the wellbeing of this kingdom! He told me to never settle for less than love,"

"And look where that got him!" Aidan shouted, throwing his hands up in the air "He ended his life to be with her and left his foolish son to rule over a Kingdom that has been lost to a young mortal woman!"

And that was all it took for Jareth to snap. He grabbed Aiden by the scruff of his neck and pressed him roughly up against the wall. The two of them fought for some time until Jareth broke Aiden's nose. The two men stood opposite each other, both breathless and bloody from the injuries they had inflicted upon each other.

Eventually, Jareth spoke. "Aiden, I hereby strip you from your title as the royal adviser. I want you out of my castle by first light tomorrow... " Jareth glanced over to Aiden who was holding a handkerchief to his bleeding nose, unleashed tears shining in his eyes.

"You may stay in the Kingdom, but I had better not see your face in the city or anywhere near my castle."

Aiden swallowed hard. He'd lived in this castle longer than Jareth had. He knew very little of the outside world and the thought of leaving his quarters in the castle was heartbreaking for him. Still, he wouldn't show Jareth just how much this was hurting him. He straightened and bowed to Jareth for the last time before he stormed from the room.

Jareth sighed at the memory. It was only now that he was able to look back and realize that Aiden had been right. If he had accepted Lilliums hand in marriage, his Kingdom would not be starving. Or even if he had acknowledged the letter King Beluar had sent him, he may still be in trade with Ryrella...

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He'd been so foolish. And now, he was forced to watch as his Kingdom grew more and more poor and unruly every day.

Before he could change his mind, he waved his hand over the crystal. He watched as the magic within the orb swirled around until it revealed the face of his older adviser.

He looked the same. Shoulder length brown hair, grey eyes, a long sharp nose that was slightly crooked thanks to Jareth breaking it three years earlier.

"Aiden, I know it's been some years since we spoke... I know that the way I acted back then was... foolish, given the circumstances that befall my Kindom now." He watched as Aiden stared at him, listening intently, but showing no emotion on his face.

"I acted childishly... most the things that you said back then were true, and I was simply too blind to see it. I ask for your forgiveness and some advice..."

Aiden was surprised to hear these words leave the King's lips and he arched a brow over one eye."Who are you and what have you done with Jareth?"

Jareth laughed softly and Aiden joined him before he sighed. "It'll take me time to forgive everything that that doesn't mean that I'm not willing to help you. I'm grateful for your apology."

Jareth nodded in understanding. "Thank you... if you'd visit the castle tonight I would be most grateful. Your old rooms will be ready for you on arrival."

Aiden nodded his thanks "I will come but only on one condition,"

"Name it,"

"That it be allowed to bring my daughter with me..."

Jareth was stunned to hear this information. Aiden had a daughter. And before he had one. He wasn't sure if he should feel happy for his friend or envious for himself.

"Of course, bring your daughter by all means. There will be a bed set up for her in your old rooms."

Aiden nodded, but he didn't miss the sadness in the Goblin Kings' eyes.

"Until tomorrow, then..."

Jareth nodded before he vanished the crystal, watching as it burst like a bubble in his palm, leaving nothing but a faint sparkle of glitter

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Jareth was so lost in thought, he didn't hear as Sarah knocked softly on his door, or as she entered and put his dinner in front of him. It was only when she began to stoke up the fire with more wood that he noticed her.

He watched her silently until she stood and wiped the soot from her hands onto her apron. She caught him gazing at her and felt the heat rush to her cheeks remembering their encounter from last night.

After a moment, she got a grip of herself and curtsied to him.

He watched her, a wistful look on his face.

When he said nothing to her, she picked up her basket of wood and went to leave.

"Sarah... did you ever feel like you were all alone in the world?"

Sarah turned to look at him once more, trying to think of the best way to answer such a question.

"Yes, sire... quite regularly." She answered truthfully.

Jareth watched her for a moment and then motioned for her to come closer. She looked apprehensive but did as he bid. As she approached him, she noticed there was sadness in his eyes.

He gazed up at her, his eyes searching hers. "You're a good girl, Sarah..." he whispered, "You work so hard to make this castle beautiful..."

"That is what we agreed to, my Lord..."

Jareth nodded "Hmm... yes, that's true, but you put your heart and soul into it... don't think I don't notice." He reached for her hand and she gasped in surprise when his leather gloved fingers gently caressed the back of her hand.

He looked at her little hand in his. Her hands were pale, and ever so slightly freckled. He noticed they were dirty with black soot from tending to the fire. Normally this wouldn't be seen as attractive to a King, but he found it quite endearing.

"Sarah..." he whispered her name softly, lifting her hand to his lips, he gently kissed her soft skin.

Sarah watched in astonishment as he gently kissed the back of her hand. Nobody had ever been so gentle with her. What had gotten into Jareth recently? He never used to even treat her with respect, and yet now, here he was, thanking her for the work she had been doing in his castle.

She swallowed thickly, trying to ignore her heart as it thundered hard in her chest.

He released her hand after a moment and took a long drink from his goblet. Sarah waited for him to dismiss her, but instead, he motioned for her to sit down.

"Have supper with me?" he asked gently, a hopeful gleam in his mismatched eyes.

"Me? Oh, I...I still have some chores-"

"Forget them. Please, just have some supper with me,"

"I...okay, then..." she smiled, taking the seat opposite him.

Jareth smiled when she sat down. Pleased that he'd easily managed to persuade her to stay. He passed her some bread and fruit. Jareth only ate lightly when he was working, so bread butter, tea, and fruit would have to do them both for now. Perhaps one day he would ask her to join him for a proper meal.

"Tea?"

"Thank you, but let me pour it, that is my job-"

"Nonsense. I am capable of pouring tea, Sarah." He smirked at her and passed her a cup of tea. "Thanks." She said, taking a long drink of the tea. It had been hours since she'd had anything to drink or eat, and she welcomed the feeling as the warm liquid ran down her throat.

They ate mostly in silence, apart from them asking each other than the occasional question. When they'd both finished, Sarah cleared away the plates and cups.

"Thank you for letting me join you for supper, Your Majesty,"

"It's quite alright..." he smiled warmly at her as she curtsied to him again. "Oh, and if you wouldn't mind setting up another bed in the chambers by the east wing, I'd be grateful."

Sarah nods "Of course, sire."

Jareth watched as she left, and leaned back in his chair. Good... that had been very successful.

Sarah left the room, pressing her back up against the door, her heart fluttering in her chest. She gazed down at her hand which was still tingly from where he had kissed it...

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The next day came very quickly and Aiden arrived at the castle just after lunchtime. Jareth had awaited patiently outside his castle for his arrival. He knew he needed Aiden's help and he was determined to do things right this time.

A goblin approached Jareth, bowing politely to him. "Sire, you called for me?"

Jareth nodded, folding his hands behind his back. "Yes, that's right. I want you to wait here for Aiden to arrive. You are to take his bags to his chambers right away, is that understood?"

The goblin nodded "Yes, sire."

Just as their conversation ended, a carriage pulled up. Jareth watched rather apprehensively as the door to the carriage opened and Aiden stepped out with his two-year-old daughter. She had bright blue eyes and curly brown hair. Jareth had to admit that she was a very sweet little thing and he silently wished that she was his daughter.

Aiden approached him, a small smile on his lips. "Jareth... it's good to see you,"

Jareth smiled back, "It's good to see you too, Aiden. Welcome back." Jareth held out a hand and Aiden took it and shook it without hesitation.

Aiden sighed, a strange feeling coming over him as he looked up at the castle. He'd spent years living in this castle and yet three years away from it had made him feel a stranger. He'd expected to feel at home the moment he set foot back in Goblin City, but he felt the opposite.

Shaking the thought from his mind he turned his attention back to Jareth.

"Jareth, this is my daughter, Adelaide. Addy, say hello to King Jareth?"

She smiled at him and waved before she hid her face back in her Father's hair. Jareth chuckled at her shyness. She was adorable.

"It's nice to meet you, little Adelaide. You're going to have lots of fun here at the castle."

She turns to look at Jareth once more, and a shy smile spreads across her face. "Hello," she blushed and hid her face again.

Jareth and Aiden laughed. "She'll get used to you. She's a very shy little thing."

Jareth nods in understanding "She's a lovely girl, Aiden. I find myself quite jealous that you have such a precious child to love. I am still nowhere near to experiencing that." He admitted sadly.

Aiden felt sad for Jareth. But it was his fault that he didn't have a child of his own. If he'd have married Lilium, he may have a family of his own by now.

"I believe that day will still come someday, Sire."

Jareth shook his head "It isn't likely..."

Aidan furrowed his brow. "Sire, what do you mean?"

"I'll explain later... for now, come and dine with me and then I shall let you settle into your rooms."

Dinner passed and Aiden and Jareth had a very long catch up. Jareth told him about all that happened with the Kingdom. He told him how his people were starving and now no other kingdoms would negotiate with his. He went on to explain how Lilium had come to their rescue and brought food from Ryrella without King Beluar's knowledge.

"So not one kingdom will even acknowledge your letters?"

Jareth shook his head regretfully. "No, not one. I suppose it's what I deserve... but my people don't deserve to starve... "

Jareth went on to explain about Sarah's wish to live here in the Underground and how she'd bargained with him and become his maid.

Aiden listening intently with wide eyes."So, she's here? Now!?"

Jareth nods as he refills his goblet with Goblin mead. "Yes, she's here. She has been here for a few weeks now. We didn't see eye to eye at first. She challenged me constantly and wouldn't do anything I asked her too, but we have been working through it, and now she is a wonderful maid. She works so hard... I expect you noticed how clean the castle is since you were last here,"

Aiden laughed" Yes, it didn't escape my notice..." he stared at Jareth for a moment, furrowing his brow.

Jareth cocked his head to the side "What is it?"

"Forgive me if I speak out of line, but I know you better than this. You wouldn't just allow the woman who turned your Labyrinth against you back into your world so that she could clean your castle for you,"

Jareth sighed, shaking his head. "You know me too well, Aiden. There is another reason for her being here..."

Aiden leaned over the table in interest to hear what Jareth had to say.

"I let her back into our world because I knew I had a chance of regaining my power over her... in honesty, I wasn't sure how until Lillium came up with the plan for me too..." he leaned in closer, whispering in his friend's ear, "Woo her."

Aiden looked confused."Woo her? But I thought she hated you?"

Jareth leaned back in his chair, looking a bit annoyed at the idea that Sarah might hate him.

"Well, it hasn't been easy. As I said, we didn't see eye to eye at first. But I'm making progress... she finds me attractive, you know." he smirked smugly before he downed the last of his mead.

Aiden chuckled and shook his head," Well, that's a start I suppose. But you'll need more than attraction-"

"I know that, Aiden," Jareth interrupted."I am working on getting her to fall for me."

Aiden raised a brow "And how are you going to do that, may I ask?"

"Be kind to her... give her things, time off... it won't take much."

Aiden sighed, resting his hands on the table. "Well, you know what you're doing. I wish you good luck..."

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Sarah stood back, admiring the room she'd spent many hours cleaning with the help of Ellie, the Goblin made.

The room was unlike any other she'd seen in this castle. Most of the rooms she'd cleaned had a medieval/Tudor or sometimes a rococo style to them. However, this room reminded her of an old Victorian mansion as she'd seen in movies. The walls were wallpapered with dark green floral paper. All the furniture was made from dark oak wood, much like the rest of the castle furniture, the only difference was that the wood wasn't elaborately carved like the rest she'd seen.

There were lamps in this room as well. Lamps! She didn't even know the castle had electricity! Or perhaps it was magic?

Just then the door burst open and Sarah and Ella gasped, jumping back a bit as they watched Legmend limp into the room, carrying two very heavy looked suitcases.

"Oh, it's just you, Legmend!" Ellie chuckled, lifting a hand to her chest. "You give me and the lady big shock!"

Legmend grunted and put the suitcases down by the foot of the bed.

"His Majesty asks me to bring guests things up, ain't my fault that it made ya' jump," he grumbled.

Sarah rested a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. "It's okay, Legmend. No harm is done. I'm sorry you had to carry those by yourself; they look very heavy."

"They very heavy, Missy. Make me think that Kingy's guest be stayin' for a long time,"

Sarah gazes over at the large suitcases curiously. "Who is this guest, Legmend?"

"His old adviser, Missy. He used to live 'ear years ago but he and Kingy had big fight and Kingy made him leave."

Sarah wondered why Jareth was allowing him to come back if they had had such a big fight that ended with his adviser having to leave? And to go to so much trouble to have his old rooms thoroughly cleaned and even had a new bed added to the next room?

"I's better go tell Kingy rooms are ready," Ellie spoke after a moment.

Sarah shook her head."I'll tell him. You go and get some rest, Ellie."

Ellie nodded gratefully. She wasn't exactly in the prime of her life anymore and having to go down all those stairs to find the King always took it's hold on her poor old ankles.

"Thank ye' my lady," she smiled up at Sarah who was much taller than she.

"You're welcome, Ellie. I'll see you tomorrow." She said as she left the room, leaving Ellie and Legmend to chat with each other for a moment before they retired to their rooms.

Sarah walked through the castle until she approached the dining room. She could hear the muffled laughter of Jareth's and another man's voice, who she expected was Jareth's old adviser. She took a deep breath before the two little goblin guards pulled open the doors for her. The heat, mixed with the smell of delicious food and mead hit her nose. Jareth was sat at the head of the table, with his legs folded elegantly over the arm. He managed to stop laughing when he saw her, and he straightened when she curtsied.

"Ah, Sarah, this is my friend, Aiden Sallow."

Sarah turned and curtsied to the man with brown wavy hair, he was beaming at her, his grey eyes sparkling.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lady Sarah."

Sarah blushed at his words, "Oh, no need to call me that, I'm just a servant."

"Ah, but you're not just a servant are you? You're champion of the Labyrinth."

Sarah smiled again, blushing furiously at his words. It was true, she was the Labyrinth's champion. Sometimes she forgot that...

Jareth cleared his throat when he caught the two staring at each other. Sarah quickly looked away "Oh, um, I just came to inform you that the chambers in the east wing are cleaned and ready."

Jareth nodded, putting down his goblet. "Thank you, Sarah. Has Legmend taken Aiden's luggage to his room yet?" he asked, as he got to his feet.

"Yes, sire."

Aiden watched her intently. Jareth hadn't mentioned to him just how beautiful she was. He'd almost go as far as to say that she was the prettiest woman he'd ever seen. Well, human woman anyway. He watched as she spoke with Jareth. There was something very interesting about her...

"Aiden? Did you not hear me?" Jareth snapped irritably when he caught his friend staring dreamily at Sarah.

Aiden blinked, then chuckled. "Sorry, I was lost in thought... repeat that?"

"I was just saying that your rooms are ready now, and if you'd like, I'd be delighted to see you at breakfast tomorrow?"

Aiden pushed his chair back and stood, fastening up the silver buttons on his jacket which he had opened early after eating far too much supper. "I thank you, My Lord. That is a most generous offer and I'd be delighted to join you."

"Then I'll see you then. Addy has been bathed and is waiting for you in your chambers."

"Thank you, I appreciate all that you have done. Goodnight, Sire." He turned to Sarah and took her hand, placing a soft kiss on top of it."Goodnight, Champion."

Jareth wanted to scream when he saw Sarah blush again. She wasn't even able to make eye contact with him! Aiden was stepping out of line already! He would have to talk with him about this over breakfast tomorrow.

AN: What did you guys think? Do you like Aiden? I just feel like he is what Jareth needs right now... but I guess we'll find out how it goes ;)

I felt so bad for Jareth when he found out about Adelaide. All he really wants is a family of his own and a Kingdom that is restored to what it used to be...