"So what are the rules then, what can and can't I wish for" she said.
"There are no rules" said Jareth honestly. "Only that whatever you wish for must take place in the Labyrinth. Therefore I cannot make you rich, bring world peace or anything else involving your planet."
"Oh" she said. "Well, I guess I'll have to think about what I want then."
Jareth face was filled with worry. The last thing he wanted was for Sarah to wish for something that would effect his status, she could wish for him to be her slave, or for her to rule the Labyrinth. She knew that she could wish for anything, and the smug look on her face showed him that she knew this all too well. She had power over him and she liked it.
"Well, seeing as you have this hold over me you might as well join me in my castle, as I will not sit around in the oubliette with you until you make your decision" said Jareth as he held out his gloved hand signalling for Sarah to take it. He sensed her hesitation. "Come come now Sarah, it's only a hand. Or do you think it might mean more than that. Do you think by taking my hand you will suddenly become my queen and I will tie you to my bed and fulfil my yearning desires" he said smirking making Sarah feel very uncomfortable. She reluctantly took his hand. Just his touch sent shivers down her spine. Even though his gloves Sarah felt a strange feeling as he gripped her naked hand tightly.
Jareth threw crystal up in the air. Sarah watched as it formed a silent white explosion and sparkles of dust covered over them. It looked rather beautiful. When the dust had cleared Sarah and Jareth found themselves in the castle foyer where the empty throne sat there waiting for Jareth's arrival.
"What's with all the dust, couldn't you have transported here with a click of the fingers or something?" she asked.
"I thought we'd arrive in style" he said. "Didn't you like it?"
"Oh, no, of course I liked it" she said strangely aware that she did not want to make the king offended. "I thought it was beautiful."
Jareth frowned at her confused. She felt a little embarrassed. She went a bit too far saying that a cloud of dust was beautiful. He smirked as he walked up to his throne.
Sarah stayed in position, her eyes frantically darting around the room. She noticed how unglamorous it all was. There wasn't a hint of colour, everything was brown and grey. She couldn't believe that a King with such magical powers lived in a castle that looked more medieval than it did magical. It was not at all like her fantasies as a young girl. And that was when she realised what she wanted her first wish to be.
"I know what my first wish will be" she said.
Jareth who now sat on the throne in a casual position looked at her in surprise. It hadn't taken her long at all.
"Why so shocked" she said.
"I just didn't think that you would think of a wish so quickly" he said.
"Why not, it's not like there is much to wish for in this place anyway. Besides I know what you're thinking. You want to stall me as much as possible so that I'll run out of time and I won't be able to make all four wishes. You're just scared that my wishes will humiliate you or take away your position as King."
Jareth walked over to Sarah slowly. She did not know if he was angry or not. His expression was blank.
"Clever girl" he said. "It seems I underestimated you."
She smiled feeling happy that she had been called clever, especially by someone with a much more experienced and manipulative mind.
"Alright then, what is your first wish." he said.
"I wish…that I could have a glorious masquerade ball…one like before, expect I won't feel afraid, and no one will laugh at me, because it will be my ball."
Her wish staggered Jareth a little.
"Interesting choice" he said. "May I be so bold as to ask why."
"I don't know really. I guess that I just want to go somewhere glamorous and feel like a princess. Growing up, I'd always dream about being at a ball like Cinderella, and now's my chance to be Cinderella."
She was sure behind his expressionless stare he was laughing at her.
"But you've already been to a ball, don't tell me you forgot how we danced last time after you ate that peach."
"How could I forget" she snapped. "But this time I want a ball where I'm not worried about anything, last time you tried to seduce me away from Toby and…"
Sarah stopped, realising that again she had said Jareth was trying to seduce her.
"Seduce you?" he gloated. "Is that what you think" he smiled. "Very well, you will have your ball. Expect it to be ready for this evening."
"Why can't I have it now?" she moaned sounding like a bratty teenage girl again. "You're just trying to stall me aren't you."
"No" said Jareth, "but you cannot expect that an entire ball will be ready for you right this second, the ballroom needs to be made up and a guest list must be made."
"A guest list?" she asked.
"Why yes, you need guests at a ball. You didn't think it would just be me and you dancing around did you. Otherwise I might try and…seduce you" he said sneering at her making her once again feel humiliated. "The ball will be ready at seven o'clock tonight. I will arrange a room for which you can prepare yourself and you will be collected at precisely seven. Besides I gather you have not eaten yet, I assume you will want some dinner before you attend the ball" he asked seeming more thoughtful.
"Yes, dinner would be nice" she said.
"Okay then, for now you can go out in my Labyrinth, go and make some friends or whatever, but don't break anything. You caused enough damage last time."
She shot him an evil glance before going out of the castle and into the Goblin City.
Next chap up soon guys. Cheers for reviews. Keep 'em rollin' - luv RK.