As they emerged onto the steps of the cathedral Sarah was brought back to the reality of her current situation. Here she was standing in a semi-bustling downtown with the Goblin King. Holding his hand no less. Suddenly shy and nervous, she quickly let go of it.

"Well, here we are." She covered while raising the same hand in a half arch. "Ever been to Montreal?"

"Actually, no. Canada, right?"

"Yes."

He followed her as she began to descend the stone steps toward the street below.

"Hmm, I was once summoned to a casino hotel in Windsor a decade or so ago." he reflected as they reached the sidewalk.

He doubted Windsor was near their current location, but knew it was in Canada. Near one of those lakes that humans considered great. He couldn't let her think he was ignorant of Aboveground geography. Well, Aboveground anything really.

Sarah stopped mid step and turned towards him.

"The Windsor by Detroit? For a baby? A baby in a casino?"

He chuckled at her surprise.

"Ah, not exactly. Though I admit, I may have been slightly taken off guard by the unusual situation."

"Seriously? You're telling me the Goblin King has been taken by surprise? I mean, I know I was able to pull one over you, but I assumed that was a lucky shot.", she then swiftly added, "Should I be waiting for the punchline to one of your weird jokes that nobody gets?"

His brow furrowed in response. Everybody liked his jokes. This wasn't the direction their conversation was supposed to head.

"My jokes aren't weird. They're clever and you know it."

"If you say so, Goblin King."

"Jareth."

"Sorry. Still adapting."

He waved off her apology, struck with the desire to clarify his experience. It was important that she remain impressed with him. However, it was also necessary to build the mystery. Leave her fascinated with him. He therefore decided it was best to let her dwell on it a bit though. Side with the mystery.

"Unfortunately, now is not the time for storytelling. You'll just have to wait in anticipation for that story, but I will share it with you one day."

"Yeah, I think you'll have to now." She agreed with a small laugh at his diction before they continued towards their destination.

"Is this near where you reside?"

"Montreal? No. I've actually never been here before yesterday. I live about four hours away in New Hampshire."

He was then walking beside her. Sarah tried not to get too distracted by it.

"Um, the, uh, reception venue is just a few blocks up. It's in one of those posh historic buildings that have been restored. Hopefully, I can remember how to get there from here. If not, I'll have to fall back on my high school french and ask directions. You don't happen to speak french, do you?" She inquired now curious about the possibility.

"Je le ferai pour vous, ma chère.", he responded pleased as punch that he could showcase the ability.

Aboveground languages. Too easy. He barely had to try.

"Ah, well, good. I understood about half of that. I'm sure if Monsieur Bisset were still alive he'd be impressed that I retained that much."

Fortunately Sarah had remembered the way to the venue. The two walked the few remaining blocks quietly.

Sarah spent the walk trying not to trip in her heels while getting adjusted to his extended presence. Being alone with him wasn't as uncomfortable as she thought it would be. In fact, she found that she was beginning to enjoy his presence. She just had to ensure she didn't find herself in any further embarrassing situations.

Jareth spent the brief walk enjoying the atmosphere of downtown Montreal. People walked by. Flowers were blooming. Traffic drove passed. It really was a beautiful place. In some ways it reminded him of his kingdom. In other ways, it was somewhat similar to places he had come across in Europe over the centuries. In general, he was just happy to have the freedom to appreciate the moment. It wasn't often that he got aboveground while being off the clock.

As they approached the facade of an elaborate stone mansion, a large sign scrawled "Maison Principal" in elaborate glowing font on the front.

"This is it, but we need to figure a few things out first." Sarah said before walking towards the side of the entrance. Jareth followed.

"Listen, we can't go in there without some kind of plan. Now, I really only know the bride, her immediate family, and the new husband. And really the bride is the only one who is more than an acquaintance. I don't think it should be too hard to pass you off as a...um, as my plus one."

Jareth arched an eyebrow as he humored her.

"Oh, do go on, Sarah. What did you have in mind?"

"Right, well I figured we could say you're one of my coworkers or something at SNHU."

"You do realize I haven't the faintest idea what that is. Or what it is you even do in fact."

"Oh, good point. I guess you wouldn't."

"No. You've rarely disclosed information about your life Aboveground to me."

Was that guilt she was feeling?

"Um, well it never came up."

"Perhaps it's time that it does.", he countered.

They paused for a moment, caught on the potential that those words could hold. She wondered if he meant for that statement to contain such weight. Soon enough a car honked and they were brought back.

"Oh. Well, I work at Southern New Hampshire University as an Advocacy and Prevention Coordinator." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear then continued, "Basically, I provide support for any students who experience sexual or domestic violence while at the university."

"That's quite noble of you."

She smiled at the compliment.

Jareth continued, "I suppose I assumed you'd become an author or educator considering your fascination with stories."

"What, not a famous actress?" She replied in jest. She didn't mind mildly poking fun at her younger self.

A small laugh escaped them both at the memory of her long ago obsession.

"Yes, you were keen on your recitations."

"Gah, don't remind me."

"And you were rather hopeless at remembering them."

"Hey, I was able to remember the lines when it mattered!", she responded with a laugh and open smile.

Jareth's breath nearly caught. She was truly stunning when she smiled like that. Even a blind fool could get distracted. He was able to recover quickly though.

"Barely.", he baited.

She openly laughed at this before putting a hand on her hip. Jareth was once again near distraction. This time at how the gesture accentuated certain curves beneath the dress. He usually saw her in trousers.

"You're not still salty over that, are you?", she pressed curiously; unknowingly bringing his attention back to the conversation at hand.

"Not at all. You bested me fair and square. Now, let's get back to this dilemma you've concerned yourself with."

"Right. Hmm, on second thought, maybe we can just say you're a faculty member."

"I'd prefer Dean. I believe that's what the leaders of these institutions are called."

"That would raise too many questions."

"Fine. Associate Dean."

"Of what?"

"What do you mean? Associate Dean of this SNHU that you enslave yourself to."

Sarah found herself rubbing her temple and sighing.

"You do know that these places have dozens of associate deans."

"Fine. Associate Dean of Mystical Studies."

"I'm pretty sure that's not even a thing here. Maybe down in Salem."

"It's of little consequence, Sarah. You overlook my magical capabilities.", he reminded her with a devil of a smile. "I can use a bit of influence to distract them from asking too many questions."

She had overlooked that possability.

"Ok, fine. You're the Dean of Mystical Studies at SNHU. We'll say we've been coworkers for the past three years and met at a recruiting event."

"If you say so."

"Good. I do."

This felt like it could work. Everything would be fine. Everything could be fun even. Sarah became caught up in her thoughts for a few more seconds when she felt a hand against her back.

"Come, Sarah. Let's go to this ball."

"God, I hope the newlyweds don't expect us to blow bubbles when they walk in. I had enough of those from a rotten peach." She thought out loud as they walked, side by side, through the ornate doors.

~Chapter Notes:

Maison Principal is a real wedding venue in Montreal. I've never been there. Nor have I been to Montreal. I based this off of what I was able to see from their websites. So, if it doesn't add up with your knowledge of Montreal, then just chalk it up to creative liberty.

Additionally, my only experience with French is from backpacking through Europe. I relied on Google translate. So, again, sorry if it didn't come out right.

"Je le ferai pour vous, ma chère." translates to "I will do it for you, my dear."