Sarah was pleasantly surprised at how much she was enjoying Logan's company. He was a fine dancer and the pair drew quite a few curious looks. It would be a lie to say she wasn't enjoying the attention. The conversation stayed on general topics and she found herself laughing more often than she expected. After the first dance he requested a second, and in true fairy form she consented but only if he could guess her name. With that she turned on her heel and had left him standing in the middle of the dance floor.

The actual reason she had left was to put Tilly's nervousness to rest. While dancing she had noticed her friend pacing along the sidelines looking rather anxious. How could one concentrate on having a good time when their fun was upsetting a dear friend? Simply, one couldn't. So with that thought in mind she had allowed Logan to kiss her hand before leaving him staring after her like a riddle that needed solving.

She hadn't even made it twenty feet before being bombarded by the half-brownie.

"What in the world were you thinking to accept a dance with him Sarah?" She asked, making Sarah wince at the shrill note in her voice. "You know better than that. I know you know better than that."

"Calm down Tilly, really it's okay."

"No Sarah, do you have any idea who that is?" At Sarah's casual shrug she continued exasperated."That is the oldest son of King Oberon and Queen Titania!"

"Oh?"

"Yes! And you accepted a dance from him. Shit. Give me that flask."

Handing over the flask she fought not to laugh at the sight. Taking a deep swallow, Tilly then proceeded to cough and splutter, a few profanities escaping her usually lady like mouth. She passed the flask back gasping.

"Oh that's disgusting." Once she had recovered enough to notice Sarah laughing at her reaction, she seemed to grow angry all over again. "Sarah, this isn't funny. How am I supposed to get you back out of here if you insist on breaking the rules? I can only protect you so much."

Sarah tried her best to look properly abashed, but apparently wasn't doing well because the reprimand continued.

"Not to mention you were openly flirting with him. I have seen you dance with many men Sarah love, and you only put that act on when your'e interested. Are you interested? Fuck Sarah, of all the fae! He is the seelie prince, PRINCE Sarah!"

To Sarah's chagrin, Tilly was right. She didn't know exactly what that meant. Sure she had been around fairy tale creatures her entire adult life and most of her adolescence, but that had been on her turf so to speak. She knew the rules, the loopholes, how to avoid putting herself in a precarious position and how to protect herself. Admittedly, in her haste to get the Goblin King's attention she had just broken most of them. Tilly's nervousness was starting to make her doubt her own scheming.

"To go against him would mean treason for me and possibly banishment. If he decided to keep you…" She let the sentence trail off so that Sarah could adequately come tof her own horrible conclusions. Sarah bit her lip and Tilly sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I could do nothing for you. Even if I possessed as much bravery as you, I couldn't help you. I'm not so powerful." By the time she had finished her tirade, Tilly was flushed, breathing heavy, and looked to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown, but it was the sadness in her eyes that made Sarah pause.

Guilt and tenderness welled up in her heart. Wrapping an arm around her trembling, sweet, lovely friend, she led them towards one of the refreshment tables. Tilly needed a stiff drink and one that she could stomach. Along the way she thought hard about her friend's caution. It was absolutely ludicrous to think that the Goblin King would protect her, that he would even care enough to notice an insignificant little mortal like herself. Perhaps she should call it a night and get out while she still could.

Then her mind wandered back to that last confrontation. Love me, fear me, do as I say and I will be your slave. She remembered the look in his eyes as he held out that crystal sphere. High on power, the taste of victory so sweet and close, she chose to not only win, but crush him in the process. There was no reason to believe that he still felt the same, that he didn't hate her or even that he wouldn't do something terrible in retribution, but it was the greatest regret of her life. One she intended to fix, because what no one knew, was that the King of the Goblins had fallen in love with her. Resolve restored, she turned to Tilly as they made it the refreshment area.

"I didn't realize he was a prince, and I certainly wouldn't have danced with him had I known this would be your reaction." She picked up a crystal goblet and filled it from the elaborate three tiered fountain pouring a red liquid she hoped had a high alcohol content. Handing it to her, Sarah waited until she had taken a drink, and watched as the trembling in her hands subsided.

"Look, it isn't your job to protect me, and I would never ask that of you." She held up a hand when Tilly looked about to protest. "I have somehow managed to make it thus far on my own. Well, with some help now and then." She amended. "I have a feeling even more strange things will happen before the night is out and you are going to have to let it go."

"Sarah, I can't just..."

"Yes you can." She interrupted. "I am a grown woman, able to make my own decisions and you know I don't make them lightly."

Taking Tilly's face between both hands she looked deep into her black pupil-less eyes. "You might not understand, but you will." Then smiling gently, "I'm afraid you're just going to have to trust me."

The words echoed those said on a different night, one filled with fear and danger where Tilly hadn't any choice but to trust her, and in the end they had beat the odds. It had the desired effect and Tilly sighed, defeated.

"All right Sarah. I'll leave you be, but I can't promise I won't worry."

Sarah mock punched her chin. "Come on kid, this is supposed to be a party."

"Who exactly are you calling kid, kid? I'm 90 years older than you!" Sticking her tongue out she blew a raspberry.

Sarah laughed. "It's not about age Tilly, its about maturity, and you've just proved my point." They both laughed, grateful to return to the lighthearted banter that was easily found between them. Then they heard a different sort of laughter, cackling really, and looked over to find a small goblin spiking the punch. Tilly rolled her eyes with a mumbled "Figures."

Sarah on the other hand smiled dangerously. "And just what do you think you're doing, hmm?"

The goblin glanced at her briefly over his shoulder and returned his attention to the task at hand. "Mind your own business lady." He grumbled.

Suddenly he went very still and in an exaggerated, slow motion cartoon worthy way, turned his beady eyes back to her face, where they widened in comical fashion. He continued to stare at her in a dumbstruck manner, his bottle of forgotten glowing green liquid still pouring until she raised a questioning brow.

"Uh, p-pardon me lady." He stuttered before scampering off the table and quickly getting lost in the crowd.

"Sarah, what was that?"

"What was what?" She asked innocently in an entirely unconvincing way.

"I've never seen a goblin react that way to anyone." Suspicion bloomed on her face and Sarah tried waved it away. "Oh no you don't Missy, what the hell is..."

Tilly's voice trailed off and her eyes widened as she caught sight of something behind Sarah. Before she could turn to see what it was, she felt a warm presence behind her and soft mouth at her ear. Throwing caution to the wind, she smiled coyly at her friend. To let her know she was enjoying herself as well as giving her permission to beat a hasty retreat. Tilly gave her one last hard look to say she would still be watching her, curtsied to the man behind her, and turned to leave them alone.

She felt the lip at her ear curve into a smile as an arm snaked lightly around her waist. "Sarah." Said that deep honeyed voice.

"Well that was quick. Prince Logan was it?" She turned in his arms but didn't bother to remove his hand, now resting precariously low on her back.

"It seems we have both learned each others name." He said smiling handsomely down at her.

"It seems I owe you a dance." She countered, giving him the best come hither look in her arsenal. It worked, for his eyes dipped down to her lips and he pressed his own together.

"Indeed you do My Lady, shall we settle the debt now?"

"Of course your highness." she answered with a shallow curtsy.

With that he swept her back onto the dance floor. He was easy to keep rhythm with and light on his feet. There was probably some kind of mandatory dance training royalty had to go through. Thankfully, her stepmother had been old fashioned and pushed Sarah into taking ballroom dancing in high school.

While her father had been a successful self-made-man, Karen had been from old money and insisted on Sarah having the proper training to ensure she wouldn't embarrass the family at obligatory social functions. Etiquette classes, speech lessons, and French tutors had been the bane of her existence in high school, grumbling about when on earth she would ever need such information with her free spirit and wandering heart. If she ever saw Karen again, she decided she would kiss her soundly and thank her for the foresight.

The Prince pushed her out and away from him where she spun around gracefully before being pulled back into his embrace. He bent over so that he could dip his head to whisper in her ear. "Logan will do for now."

"For now?" She asked, leaning back to see his face.

If Michelangelo's David had been living flesh instead of stone, he could pass for this man's brother. Logan was undoubtedly one of the most handsome men she had ever danced with, and Sarah didn't have to act very hard at being attracted to him. But where his perfect face was strong, rounded and chiseled, she found herself longing for fiercely sharp and structured.

"Indeed." He let his hand drop lower to cup her backside and pressed her close to whisper in her ear again. "Later, when you are in my bed and sated, you may call me whatever you wish."

Playfully feigning mock outrage, she slapped his chest, but did not step out of his embrace nor remove his hand. "Someone is awfully sure of themselves."

He reached up to tenderly tuck a stray hair behind her ears. "Am I wrong?"

Her response died on her lips as she felt every hair on the back of her neck stand to attention. She didn't need to turn and search the crowd, she could feel the weight of Jareth's gaze on her. It was a singular sensation that she hadn't forgotten. In response her heart sped up and a rush of adrenaline pushed it's way through her veins. Goosebumps prickled along her arms and thighs.

Prince Logan mistook her silence and rosy cheeks as affirmation and smiled widely in triumph. He spun her around once more before pulling her roughly up against his chest. Heated breath came rushing from her lungs at the impact, but he was not the cause. Over his shoulder she had caught a glimpse of the Goblin King, face revealing nothing and heading their way. They turned again to the music and she lost sight of him.

Looking back up, she was surprised to see Logan's face so close to her own, their noses practically touching. His eyes dipped to her lips again and he tilted his head. He was going to kiss her, how perfectly timed. There was nothing quite like jealousy to remind one of how desirable you were. And there was nothing quite like desire to spur a man to action.

Closing her eyes she tipped her head back to give him better access. Logan ran a caressing hand through her hair, cupping the back of her neck with the other and her stomach trembled in anticipation, but not for his kiss. The softest of touches, so light she might have imagined it, met her lips before it was gone. After a moment of nothing, she opened her eyes to find his attention had been diverted to the Goblin King, standing very close with a hand gripping the Prince's shoulder.

"May I cut in?"

Sarah gasped, not in shock but delight, though she doubted anyone would know the difference. Even though she had been prepared for his arrival, she hadn't expected to be quite so affected by his voice. It was just as she remembered. Silky, cultured and with an edge of warning as iit rolled over her skin like a caress and left a pool of desire twisting in her lower abdomen. Though he had posed a question his tone left no doubt that he was not actually asking. Slowly, he added pressure to Logan's shoulder, moved him aside and seamlessly took his place.

The look on Logan's face was priceless. Mostly stunned disbelief, as if he had gone into shock and couldn't comprehend what just happened. Like a boy who didn't get what he wanted Christmas morning. As the Goblin King whisked her away and out of reach, she watched the shock disappear to be replaced with anger and offense. Prince Logan stalked off the dance floor, presumably to lick his wounds, but the look he shot her before turning away held a promise to return.

Jareth swept her into a waltz at the same moment the music changed to accommodate such a dance, and she wondered absently if he had anything to do with it. Dancing with him seemed the most naturally wonderful thing. Extending his arm he twirled her smoothly, a crooked smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Her body was alive, every cell thrumming; she threw her head back and laughed merrily.

"Enjoying ourselves then?" He asked in that same sensual voice that had haunted her dreams for years.

"Oh you have no idea." She said a bit breathless. "This is the most fun I've had in ages."

It was suddenly much quieter and she realized belatedly that while she and the prince had been dancing the floor had been quite crowded, but now she looked around to see a wide berth was given and the other party goers were openly staring.

"Seems we're causing quite a stir." She said casually, pressing closer and not caring in the least.

"Let them stare. What use have I of opinions from the likes of them?" It was said just as casually, but his face held a sneer and his eyes were cold.

They danced in silence for a moment, adjusting to one another's company after so long. Jareth began absently stroking her right thumb where their hands were clasped. He frowned at something over her head but when she turned to look he placed a gentle finger under her chin and guided her eyes back to his. She gave him a cheeky, challenging look.

"My how we've changed." He said at last taking in her face, then pointedly lower towards the ample amount of cleavage her dress afforded. His eyes were hungry as he brought a grey, suede clad finger to her neckline and traced the lace along the length of her chest. He didn't look disappointed and her breathing sped up under his touch.

"Well I've certainly changed," in retaliation she raised her own hand to caress one of the feathers in his hair. "but I have a feeling you're very much the same."

Bringing her hand back to its rightful place on his shoulder, she made sure to trail her fingers slowly down the side of his neck first. She watched in fascination as he responded to her touch, eyes dilating so that they were nearly completely black. Using the hand at the small of her back he pressed her close, pushed his face into her hair and inhaled deeply.

"You're playing a dangerous game precious Sarah." He whispered into her hair. Pulling back he looked her in the eye. "Surely you realize I won't let you go a second time. I'm not feeling especially generous at the moment."

"So confident you can keep me?" She challenged.

He scoffed and his hand shot out lightning fast to take hold of her daisy chain. Giving it a quick tug, he snapped it in half and casually tossed it over his shoulder.

"Hey!" Her hand flew to her neck and when she attempted to peer over his shoulder he twisted her in a wide arc and danced her away to another corner of the floor. "That was rude." She huffed.

His answering smile was devilish. "Oh dear, poor little Sarah. Your daisy chain has gone missing. What a shame, it was imbued with such sweet, innocent magic that can't save you."

She raised her chin defiantly.

"Your Rowan wood," He said roguishly. "dried and braided so carefully." He winked at her and she felt her anklet snap and fall away.

They spun again, away from her discarded bit of protection and he dipped her backwards, so low that her bodice stretched and the hilt of her dagger showed. "Even that bit of deadly iron, nestled between those enchanting breasts of yours could never hope to keep me at bay." His smile was cold and calculating as he bent his head low, placing a teasing kiss upon the mound of her left breast close to her weapon. "You're doomed my precious girl, for I shall have you indeed."

As he righted her, she couldn't hide her trembling, but the cause of her shaking was far from fear. Desire and need washed over her like waterfall, soaking her through with gnawing lust. Never one to be outdone though, she pushed her desire away like a physical thing and replied, "Well then, perhaps I should have asked the blacksmith to fashion me an iron chastity belt instead."

Jareth threw his head back and laughed heartily. A few of the couples on the floor stopped mid-dance to stare in shocked disbelief. He ignored their responses completely.

"Sweet Sarah," Jareth said still chuckling. "If I didn't know any better, I might be inclined to believe you one of us."

His mood shifted again, becoming softer, sweeter, and Sarah felt her head spinning at his mercurial tendencies. "A wood nymph perhaps, ready to play a trick for your own amusement, with your bare feet and grass stained skirt. You would fit in so well among my goblins" Holding her out at arms length, he looked her up and down. "Or better still, a White Lady. Unearthly and intangible, leading the recently departed to their next destination."

She wasn't sure if she should take that as a compliment, but was saved from having to respond as the music swelled beautifully and ended. They stood silently on the dance floor measuring each other.

Sarah smiled brilliantly at him before reaching out to grab hold of his hand. "Come meet my friend Tilly." She said wickedly. Without waiting for a response she turned and began dragging him along behind her.

For the first time in forever, the Goblin King was taken by surprise, as he followed helplessly in her wake.