Discovering that Jareth was a good cook shouldn't have annoyed Sarah, but it sort of did. She'd finished the omelette he'd made for her, gotten a shower, and was working on finishing off the pot of coffee when her phone rang. She checked her caller ID before answering, and sighed, finding her father's number. She picked it up, checking herself for telephone politeness.

"This is Sarah Williams," she said, smiling and keeping her voice pleasant.

"Hi, sweetheart, it's dad," he responded.

"What's up, dad?"

"I just wanted to make sure all of your plans were in order before Friday."

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Yes, dad, I've got everything ready to go. The car was checked over last week, fluids topped off. I've got my cds ready for the drive. I've been packed for two days. Presents are ready to go."

"You have enough money for the trip? This isn't going to make things harder for you, right?"

A smile curved her lips and she traced the rim of her coffee cup. It touched her that these were his main worries, right then. She knew the boyfriend would come into the conversation eventually, but for now, he was just going through his own list of things, to make sure his daughter was taken care of. "Yes, dad. This isn't going to strain my pocket. I paid my bills through the beginning of the year, already. I have enough dry goods to keep me if things run thin, and I'm expecting another check from my grant before the 30th. I'll be fine."

He sighed, she could hear it over the phone, the relief in his tone. "Okay. Good. I'm just worried. They're calling for snow on the drive."

"I know." She took a long drink of the coffee in front of her. Damn, the coffee was too good to waste. Maybe she should put the rest of the carafe into a jug in the fridge for tomorrow. "We'll leave here early and be there around midday."

There was a pause on the line, and she knew he'd heard the "we" in her response. "You've not told us much about this man you're bringing along."

She pushed her hair over her shoulder, running water in the sink to wash her breakfast dishes and drinking glass from the night before. "Not much to tell. His name is Jareth."

"Sarah, it would be helpful if we knew something about your mystery man, so we might get him a present. You can't just give us nothing, sweetheart." The frustrated disappointment in his tone was familiar.

She scrubbed the dishes, thinking for a long moment, then sighed. How the fuck do you explain a literal faerie king to your parents, anyways? "He always dresses very well. A tie or tie pin might not be bad. Or some cufflinks."

"Well, what did you get him?"

That was a question she knew how to answer and stop further questioning regarding that. She hadn't gotten the king anything. Thinking about it, she wondered if he'd wear a sweater. Still. "Dad, you can't just ask your daughter what sort of present she will have gotten her boyfriend for Christmas. It will inevitably result in us not being able to look each other in the eye during Christmas dinner."

There was a longer, pregnant pause from the other end of the line. "Oh. Right."

She could almost hear the man blush, and knew she'd flustered him because he changed the subject in a prompt manner. "Toby, Mariah, and the littles will be here. Are you sure you want to stay at the house? It'll likely be very cramped. If you need, we could put you two up in a hotel?"

She felt her own cheeks flush, and cleared her throat. "Dad, it's fine. I know how to behave myself at my parents house. I'll make sure Jareth is aware of it, too."

"What sort of name is Jareth?"

Shit. She bit back another sigh and rubbed her forehead. A glance towards the clock found it was almost two in the afternoon, now. "He's English, dad." Sort of. Or close enough. "Don't get weird about his name - Mom said you two almost named me Saffron River. You don't get to judge."

When her father spoke again, there was a wistful tone in his voice. "You really like him?"

That was the question, wasn't it, she wondered? She wasn't certain how to answer that. After all, she barely knew him. "Dad, you asked me to bring along my boyfriend. If you're going to start grilling him about when he plans on making me a wife when you know what I'm dealing with at school, I'll get very cranky. I don't want to get cranky. Holidays are supposed to be happy times.

"He supports this decision of yours, then?"

She bristled. She knew her dad thought she was wasting her time with this. "He has expressed no issues with my choices."

A smooth voice cut into her conversation, from behind her. "Bold words, my dear. I scarce know half the choices you've made since we first met, and it's been some time since then."

Jareth. She took a steadying breath, deciding to end this conversation before her father actually heard him. "Dad, I've got to go, he's picking me up for a Christmas party and I need to get ready."

"Sarah -"

"I'll call you before we leave on the twenty-fourth." She hung up the phone, as quickly as she was able, a tired sigh escaping her. "Goblin King, you have got to stop just popping in on me like that."

"Hardly popping in, Sarah. You did call me."

She thought about it for a moment, turning to look at him with a frown pulling at her lips. He was dressed as he had been earlier, except he wore a familiar long coat. She remembered it from the tunnels, and her eyes ran over it for a short moment. "When was that?"

His lips twisted into a smirk that annoyed her. That flash of sharp teeth annoyed her more because he had a handsome smile. "When you declared there wasn't much to tell a parent about me. You told him my name."

She swallowed hard. "I didn't expect you back here, yet."

"So I can see." His eyes ran over her, and his voice was far too amused about whatever he had heard of her phone call with her father. That made her feel nervous. How long had he been standing there, anyways? She'd been focused on the phone, but if she'd called him when she said his name, then -

"How long have you been here?"

This time, a laugh left him, and the rich sound made her brain stutter in ways she did not like. He walked over from where he'd been leaning on the wall of her hallway, moving towards her. "Since you implied to your father that whatever present you got me wasn't one a father should know about. I am now quite intrigued by the gift giving practices between lovers in the above. Just what sort of gift would make a father change the subject so quickly?"

She felt color on her cheeks and she turned back to the sink, draining the water from it just so she wouldn't have to look him in the eyes. "Not the sort of gift you're ever going to get, your majesty. You'll have to deal with a sweater or something like that."

"Such a pity," he laughed, his voice much closer, now. She glanced towards him, finding amusement sparkling in his eyes. He was teasing her, and seemed to be enjoying himself. It just annoyed her. "Very well, then. We must go. You've got a long night ahead of you, my dear, so I hope the remains of that hangover is well handled."

When she turned towards him, she saw his hand extended towards her. She swallowed hard, and nodded, setting her own in his. "There'll be safe food, right?"

He considered her for a moment, and she thought she saw something like respect flash in his eyes for just a moment. "I'll see to it that you don't eat anything imprudent, Sarah. You're hardly of any use to me if you end up trapped in the faerie realms."

She blinked at his wording and glanced up at his face. Then, her breath caught. The kitchen had given way to an impressive entryway.

They stood at the base of two curved, black staircases that had a fountain set between them, water spilling down from the floor above, like a waterfall. She took a moment to look around, her hand still in his. Unfamiliar flowers and plants brightened the dark foyer, and an ancient tree stood tall between them and the front door. The ceilings were vaulted high, with murals painted above that would probably give her nightmares, but it was all beautiful.

When she met Jareth's gaze, he was smiling, and looking just a bit smug. His hand found her elbow, and he escorted her through a doorway she hadn't seen, and down a side-hall. "Star-stricken, just by the building?"

"It was beautiful."

He nodded in acknowledgement. "And since they don't have goblins running about, cleaner than mine. However, you need to keep your wits about you. And," When stopped in front of a doorway, he inclined his head, looking too entertained. "You realize you're going to have to pretend to be smitten with me, yes?"

She arched a brow at him, stepping towards him and looking him in the eyes. "You realize you'll have to do the same if you want this play to actually work?"

"You've grown more feisty," Jareth said with a laugh "I think I like that."

He opened the door in front of them, ushering her into the room. She felt the heat in her cheeks, and told herself that she was just warm, that his approval didn't flatter her. "So, what is this function we're attending tonight?"

"A ball. Since it's the first day of a major holiday, it will be excessively opulent with episodes of debauchery occurring throughout. Lots of dancing, alcohol, drugs, and sex. Sometimes very public sex. Since you're mortal, be on your guard. I've arranged for you to be here, and it's in my best interest to ensure your safety. Others in attendance will not be concerned with that. As long as you stick close to me, you'll be fine."

"And I won't have to participate in any of these 'episodes of debauchery'?" She asked, turning to face him, her expression serious.

The sly smile he gave her was all teeth. "Only if you wish to, my dear."

She gave him a pointed look, crossing her arms, voice firm. "I really don't."

He laughed again, and gestured to a side-door in the room. "There's a dressing room for you there. I'll be in here getting ready as well."

"You're not wearing that?" She asked, arching an eyebrow and giving him a once over. She told herself she wasn't flirting with him, she was just getting into character.

His smile was infectious. "This may be suitable for a function at my own castle, since those are typically a more casual affair, but we're not in the Goblin City. This is Gwales. Those here are exacting about how their royals present at their functions. I know my role here. And I know quite well how to dress for it." He nodded towards the door. "Your gown is in there. Since you're my plus one, we'll match."

She headed towards the door, pretending she wasn't curious what sort of gown he'd provided. Then, his voice gave her cause to hesitate.

"And no peeking, my dear. If you peek, I get to."

The teasing threat had every hint of sincerity. She turned, looking him in the eyes, and tilted her head. It was the same look she'd given other men who had tried to tease her like that. Again, her eyes raked over him, and she then turned towards the door, again. "Don't worry. There's no chance of that ever happening."

"So cruel, Sarah."

She paused at the door and looked at him. "Not half as cruel as I can be when it's needed, Jareth."

He went silent, and when she glanced back, he looked far too pleased with himself. She shook herself, closing the door behind her, and her breath caught. On a dress figure was one of the most exquisite dresses she'd ever seen in her life. Green lace and chiffon silk, full skirts that would sweep the ground. Jewels sewn onto the lace to catch the light and sparkle. It was sleeveless, and she saw that the back laced up like a corset with satin ribbons.

It was breathtaking.

She saw a basin and stepped towards it, washing her hands and drying them with care before she touched the gown, taking it off the dress form and lifting the bodice to her chest. She turned towards the long mirror and stared at herself. Then, her breath left her in a slow sigh and she swallowed hard.

He still knew exactly what sort of dress would make her lose her head, she thought.

The dress was flattering, and seemed to be made for her. The color was one she'd choose herself, and looking around she found matching accessories for her. Classic, elegant pieces. Timeless pieces.

She wasn't certain if she liked that she was predictable enough that Jareth was able to get this ready in an afternoon.

Sarah shook that thought away, made certain the door was closed, and stripped out of her own clothing, leaving it folded and neat on the chair. She pulled the gown on, and pulled the corset laces enough that it would stay in place. Bless her practice in theater. It was easier when she had a hand to deal with things like this, but she could manage well enough by herself, most of the time.

Still, she found she'd underestimated the weight of the dress, and with a groan, she cracked the door between the rooms, to address the man in the other room. "Uh, I think I'm going to need a bit of a hand with the dress, not just hair and makeup."

She heard Jareth moving towards the door and braced her shoulder against it just in case he got any unwise ideas. When he spoke, he sounded terribly amused with himself. "Oh, whatever is the problem, precious?"

She smiled a sweet smile that she knew would drip with venom when she spoke. "I can't get this dress to stay up on its own. I'm going to need some help tying it so it will."

"I could assist you, you're aware." She could hear his own smirk, and the lazy tone of his voice.

She ground her teeth. "Or, darling, you could scrounge up a goblin or two who can give me a hand and help with everything I need to be presentable for this function. Because if you come through this door, you'll be dancing with a limp."

She heard him laugh, and then the snap of fingers. There was a cracking sound behind her startled her a bit and she turned, finding a short, round goblin looking up at her with bright eyes. It pushed the door shut and she heard a yelp on the other side and stifled a giggle. Then, the goblin bounced around her once, then twice, then shooed her towards a chair.

Then, it got to work.

Sarah wasn't certain if the goblin was a ladies maid or not, but she was certain it knew what it was doing. It pulled the laces tight, it's fingers flying. When it was finished, the dress was tight enough that it wouldn't slip, but she could still breathe with ease.

Once it was finished fussing with her dress, it went to her hair. She watched as it teased, twisted, curled and enchanted her hair. It wound braids in her hair, twisting them into an elaborate updo, and then, when Sarah was amazed at the results, it started pinning in matching green beads and leaves made of the same silk chiffon her dress was made from.

When it started on her makeup, she was already amazed, but the skill the goblin had with a brush was what blew her away the most. It flipped around a bag and started pulling out paints and powders, shimmers and blushes that suited her coloring and went to work with skill and precision.

Iridescent shimmer was dusted over her cheekbones, collar and the swell of her breasts over the dress. A soft contour on her cheeks made the highlights stand out prominent. Soft pink pastels and violets and blues surrounded her eyes, the results subtle by eye catching. A brush of that same shimmer over her brow bone. Her brow shape was defined and darkened, lashes darkened, and Sarah suspected they'd been extended with magic just a bit. The lips were glossed with a shade similar enough to her natural lips it didn't look colored at all.

Sarah didn't recognize the woman who looked back at her from the mirror. This was an ethereal creature, suited to stand on the arm of a King. She didn't look like Sarah Williams at all. Her breath trembled a bit as she stared for a moment, then she shook herself, getting to her feet. She found the matching slippers and gloves that went with her dress, and put them on.

The goblin stared at her with a toothy, mischievous grin. She crouched down to its level and gave it a warm smile. "Thank you. You worked incredible magic."

It preened under her thanks and praise. Then, with another cracking sound, it vanished, leaving her alone in the room.

She took a steadying breath, eyeing the jewelry that Jareth had provided, taking that moment to appreciate the man's attention to the details. Simple, elegant emerald chandelier earrings, a matching necklace with pear shaped drops of emerald around her collarbone. She didn't look like a graduate student who had been hungover that morning. She looked like she'd stepped out of a damn fairy tale.

When she left the room, she found Jareth had already left the other. She gave herself a shake, and looked herself over one more time, then headed for the door.

Jareth, she saw, was talking leaning against the wall across from the door, talking to another man who was dressed similar to Jareth, but darker. Jareth, she noticed, wore a vest which matched the color of her gown, and a pocket square with the same hint of lace as well. His frock coat was darker, a rough, heavy black silk. His trousers were black and tight enough they barely concealed what they were supposed to. Rather than pay attention to that, she turned her back to close the door and make certain her skirt didn't catch on the way out.

"Well, well. When Jareth told me he had a guest this evening, I didn't expect her to be such a treat."

She turned, preparing to meet the challenge. She squared her shoulders and lifted her eyes to them. She felt a moment's pleasure when Jareth looked at her and his smirk fell away. His eyes widened, and pupils dilated so fast it looked like they'd swallowed the iris of his eyes. He straightened against the wall, his eyes wandering over her. She wasn't certain he was even breathing for a moment. It was almost like he'd been punched in the gut, just from looking at her. Her eyes flicked towards his companion, and when she looked back, she admired how fast he'd read her look and buried his own surprise. She stepped forward and gave them both a curtsy, her eyes lowered demurely.

When she lifted her eyes to Jareth's again, a smirk was curving his lips and she saw the flash of his sharp teeth. "Allow me to present my companion for this evening, Lord Diarmuid, this is Lady Sarah. Sarah, this is Lord Diarmuid."

She gave him a polite nod, offering her gloved hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

Jareth's hand came to rest low on her back, and she recognized a territorial display even without seeing the look on the Goblin King's face. Lord Diarmuid gave Jareth an amused smirk, and lifted her hand, kissing the air above it. Then, he gave his full attention to Jareth.

"Really, cousin? A mortal?" The man laughed. "They'll eat her alive."

She didn't lower her gaze, but her smile turned cold. She could see the obvious appreciation in his gaze, but he was also laughing at her. She withdrew her hand, linking her arm with Jareth's.

Jareth gave an indelicate snort, and set his hand on her arm, all of his sharp teeth on display as he smiled at his cousin. "Allow me to worry about Lady Sarah. She'll be just fine."

Jareth turned her away from the man, which she figured was good for Diarmuid, since she was pretty sure if she went for him, she'd tear this lovely dress, and then she'd be really mad. She took a deep breath and calmed her temper. "This bodes well for the evening."

She knew her voice sounded sardonic. Jareth looked at her, as though surprised at her quip. Then, a smile curved his lips and when he spoke, humor rode his words. "Worry not, Sarah. Diarmuid is annoyed because he was hoping I would help shield him this evening by being alone. He's without a companion, which means he's going to be besieged by ladies and gentlemen vying for his attention, for the whole of the party."

She bit the inside of her cheek, keeping a laugh inside. "I suppose that it's lucky for you that you've got someone to protect you from some of them, your majesty?"

He gave another laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "We'll see how lucky I am as the evening goes on. Gird your loins, my dear. You're going into the wolves den, tonight."