Chapter 23. Rosalind the decoy
Devon arrived back at his estate late in the afternoon, he dreaded the next few moments. He found Bryn sitting in a chair reading, schooling his features, he entered the room. "I am sorry my dear," he began softly. "I fear we have to put our plans on hold for a time…something's come up and I am needed at the palace."
Bryn dropped her book, it slid from her lap to the floor as she stood. Fear and dread was expressed in her eyes. "Sarah?"
Lying though his teeth, Devon shook his head. "No, state business." The girl with long red hair seemed far better at reading him than he'd have liked. "I swear to you, my being called to the palace has nothing to do with Miss Williams."
"Did you see her?" Bryn asked trying not to sound too worried, but it was not working. She had seen the way the King had treated poor Sarah in their own lair, she could image what he'd done to her on his own turf.
"Yes," He said honestly. "I've seen her."
"Did he hurt her?" Bryn said before she could stop herself.
Devon would have preferred to not have this conversation. "Cariad, this is not your concern." He held up a hand when she was about to protest. "I don't have time right now to get into this. I have only a short time before I must report back to the palace, and I would like to …" He paused, not able to say what he needed to. "Cariad, until I return you must not leave the estate, do you understand?" He watched her face as she nodded. "Under no circumstance are you to walk off the property; however you are free to walk the garden and the orchard. Up to the wall, now promise me you'll remember."
"I promise," she whispered.
"Feel free to use the garden and the library, or any other room in the house you would like to explore." He took her hands. "I shall return in a few days."
"Would you please check up on Sarah for me?" She requested softly.
"I promise you, Miss Williams is being looked after." He touched her face before turning to leave.
Bryn sat down, closing her eyes tightly, and temping down the anger she felt at being lied to.
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Oberon appeared stealthily in the world of man. His magic had taken him to a place where the fabric was very disturbed. Few of the Fae were aware of the wands he'd placed from time to time. He had learned long ago it was best to be aware of what was going on in the mundane world as it often had a way of spilling over and affecting his world. This was such a time.
The place where he stood smelled of a battle, one that had been waged by two magic users. One was Fae, and had a very distinct scent, Jareth. The other was distinct in its own right, and feminine, and not entirely mortal nor truly Fae. Oberon could see the activity of men hurriedly packing belongings and salting land, as if that would prevent some sort of retribution. He followed the scents, seeing they were strongest at the burning building. However he could sense no life force within the rubble. He turned his attention to where the activity was centered. In his stealthy state he could see, and hear without being observed himself. He could see two men, young Greeks by the look of them, and they were conversing. He moved closer to listen.
"Snake, are the rooms cleared out?" the one asked who had to be the leader.
The one who had been addressed as Snake answered. "Yes, Bear; every last thing that could be traced to the girls is gone."
"Good," the leader said.
"What do you want us to do with all this?" Snake asked. "We've got to tell the driver where to go."
Bear paced, his hands clasped behind his back. "Karass industries has a subsidiary, Portal Storage… we'll take it there, put it in one of the unused storage buildings. If the actress wants all that leather back she can ask for it." His voice was spiteful and malicious. "If not it can rot for all I care."
"And Lilith?" Snake asked.
"I'm going to keep her drugged for now. In a few months perhaps she'll forget all about Sarah…"
Snake grabbed the other by the forearm. "Are you as insane as that bitch you lust after? Forget Sarah? Can you say that you'll forget her?"
The man looked at the hand clamped to his arm. "No," he admitted darkly. "I will never forget Sarah Williams, or what she has cost me."
"Cost you?" the hand released the arm. "For the love of the Gods, Ari… look at what has happened… and see the truth. Lilith's hand is clearly on every last bit of this. It was Lilith who suggest to Sarah that she form a circle with her and poor Bryn. It was Lilith who worked like a demon to get the money to rent this god forsaken asylum… when all we had to do was tell your father we needed a place…. But no… you let Lilith display her body, and even perform sexual acts to obtain the money….Lilith whom you claim to love…lusted after Sarah, and you were and are jealous. But you'd better be honest with yourself my friend. Sarah Williams was unaware of Lilith's intentions, and never once lured Lilith…Sarah was innocent."
Dark Greek eyes flashed hate, "Sarah may have been unaware, but she was no innocent. Whatever destroyed that building… whomever," he corrected. "They took Sarah…and your Bryn… Sarah was no innocent."
Snake growled darkly back. "She was unknowing, and Lilith exploited that."
"And Lilith pays a high price for her arrogance." Ari pointed out hotly. "Her mind is gone! She will never be sane again… the rest of her life she will have to be kept on drugs to control her. My beautiful wild Lilith will have to live like a dog on a leash!"
"What does that compare to what happened Bryn and Sarah?" Argued the other Greek.
Ari turned away, he knew Snake was right, but his anger would not allow him to admit it. "When everything is cleared out, lock the gate and return the key to the rental agency. I'm going home…Lilith has been alone too long."
"Lilith is not alone; you've got nurse on her every hour." Snake spat. "Why did you treat Sarah's mother with such disrespect? She did nothing to you."
"She gave birth to that…."
Snake stormed. "Ari, if what Lilith said is true…"
"Not another word, Snake… or I'll forget we are friends." Ari warned darkly. "Don't make me sorrier than I am." He walked away.
Oberon had more information than he really knew. He paused as the young Greeks walked away. "Who is Sarah Williams, I wonder… and what does she have to do with Jareth?" He looked at the setting sun, and marveled how beautiful this world still could be. The last pale rays of the sun began to dip into the horizon, as the High King closed his eyes preparing to fold the fabric that kept his world and this one from colliding. Some inner instinct told him to stop; tilting his head to one side he sniffed the air. Two more distinct scents caught his attention; one was distinctly feminine and beguiling. The other was the one that had his notice, it was male, but it was not entirely human. The identity of the unknown Halfling intrigued the High King, in that moment he changed his plans. He decided to follow this new pair of scents, to gather more information before he confronted his wayward boy.
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Devon arrived at the palace dressed in one of his finest uniforms. He stopped to see the steward, wishing to be sure the King's requirements had been addressed. The dinning hall looked perfectly appointed, and the crystal chandeliers were being lit giving the room a pleasant glow. He looked over at Philo and nodded his approval. He went swiftly up to the King's bedchamber, knowing Lady Rosalind; the first of the guests would be arriving soon.
"Is everything ready?" Jareth asked looking at his reflection in the mirror. He'd added a silk scarf at his throat, to cover the cruel and ugly marks that the collar had left. He winced as the fabric touched tender skin and caused him pain. He cursed under his breath as he worked to cover the scars.
Devon stood behind him looking at his reflection in the glass as well as that of the King. "Yes, everything is ready, and the guests are due any moment."
"Who is coming?" Jareth smoothed the dark tunic he wore over a silk shirt. He knew he was handsome, but tonight he had to appear more than just handsome, he had to appear more than merely physically powerful. He had to be commanding and virile.
"Besides our dear little Rosalind, we will be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Roswyl, Lord and Lady Astor, Lord and Lady Basque, and that delightful scamp Lady Charmaine… who will be my dinner partner as Rosalind is yours." Devon reached from behind the King to retie the silk scarf carefully so it resembled a cravat.
Jareth, now with the potion coursing in his veins, smiled. "Good planning… you've chosen the highest profiled Fae subjects. Wise, cousin, they will be most likely to boast of having been invited to the palace as long as you and I play our parts well."
"It is what you'd wanted," Devon answered carefully. "Until you are ready to unveil your pretty gilded bird…"
"I will not want her presences know until at least Solstice." Warned the King turning to face his cousin; "And I would suggest you keep your little …friend under wraps until then. Have you come up with a cover story for her presence?"
"I have not yet had time to come up with just the right tale to tell," Devon answered. The truth was he had not really thought things out. He had been so smitten with the girl; he'd never given any real thought to explain her to anyone. He frowned now, for that matter he'd not thought of what he planned to do with her once he'd bedded her. He was beginning to wonder why it was he'd asked for the girl. For that matter why was it he was thinking of her now, when he should be concentrating on the King's subterfuge and stratagem with this showy dinner party. His thoughts so occupied him he had not heard Jareth speak to him.
"Devon, did you hear me?" The King shook him. "I said it's time to go down, we don't want our guests wandering about."
Devon nodded. "Of course," he followed the King out of the bedchamber and stood at his side as they began the procession down the staircase to be greeted by the King's dinner guests.
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Sarah opened her eyes, weak and dizzy, but still alive. She saw the shadowy figure of the creature with wings watching her. "Why didn't you let me die?" she asked in a soft moan.
"They wouldn't let me," the answer came in a tone that was devoid of kindness.
Another came forward carrying a cup with something steaming in it. "Miss Sarah," she addressed the girl. "I am Daisy, and that is Della. We will be your companions for now. You must drink this broth, it will give you strength."
Sarah turned away, "I have no wish to be strengthened," she gritted her teeth. "I wish to die."
"I'm afraid death is not an option open to you. You belong to the Goblin King now, and you will obey his orders." Daisy stated. "I would prefer to do this with your cooperation, however I'm under orders of the King to pour it down your throat if need be."
Sarah understood it was no idle threat; Jareth would give such an order. She turned back and looked at the Goblin woman's face; "Fine."
Sitting on the cot, the Goblin held the cup to the girl's lips. "Sip it slowly. You've been without nourishment, and I doubt your system is ready for more than simple broth to start."
"How long have I been in this… tower?" she asked between sips.
Della looked at her; "What does that matter? Time should mean nothing to you now, you will live only to serve…"
Daisy ignored her partner. "You've been in the tower for two days, and this is your third night."
"Thank you," Sarah said sipping the broth, and then stopped. Her eyes widened, and she moaned. "Damn him! He tricked me again…." She pulled back from the broth and wondered if she could regurgitate up what she'd taken in. "That bastard tricked me….drinking this broth chains me…to this hellish kingdom…"
Understanding the girl's qualms, Daisy waited for Sarah to calm down. "You've been chained to the Kingdom since your first visit, Sarah Williams."
"You lie," Sarah accused.
"Did you not eat of a peach on your last visit?" Daisy kept her tone civil, when the girl moaned and nodded the Goblin extended the cup to her once more. "You've been a part of us since then, Sarah Williams." She urged the girl to take in the nourishment. "You belong to the Labyrinth Kingdom and it's Goblin King."
Della gave the girl scornful looks, and scoffed at her cruelly. "I still don't see what the King wants with her."
Daisy did, she'd heard the tales from the night this girl had visited. She knew the words by heart, 'what no one knew was that the King of the Goblins had fallen in love with the girl…' She felt duty bound to nurse the girl back to health, what the King did with his healthy advisory was his business. Being Goblin, Daisy knew it was always better to battle a equal, and not a weakling. After all, fair was fair, even among Goblins.
Della looked down at the courtyard, and saw the carriages. "Seems our King is entertaining this evening," she commented over her shoulder, the smirk on her face was a gloating one, and hurtful. "I see Lady Rosalind is here, I suppose that means the King will have his handful tonight." She simpered and shook her backside suggestively. "Pity we have to miss the party just to baby sit this one. I'd love to watch the King toy with the affections of Lady Rosalind."
Daisy rolled her eyes, knowing the Harpy had no idea of whom she was dealing with here. "Lady Rosalind knows the King well enough to know he's never going to offer her something permanent." Sarah listened to the conversation as if she were not present. "Lady Rosalind is no fool."
"All women are fools," Della scoffed looking at Sarah.
Daisy asked Sarah quietly if she wished for more to drink and the girl shook her head no. The Goblin guard pulled the cup back, and watched Sarah who looked wistfully out to the night sky.
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Jareth held out his hand in greeting to Lady Rosalind, drawing her close to him, "My dear thank you for coming on such short notice." He was pleased to find she'd worn the gown he'd requested, a rather risqué silk gown with a daring neckline. The full swell of her ample bosom was more than visible.
"I am always at my King's command," she said delicately as she dropped in a graceful curtsey, batting her lashes in a coquettish fashion.
Jareth looked down at the delightful sight of her exposed bosom, "I am so glad to hear that." He pulled her to her feet, "I would have you at my side tonight."
"With pleasure, Sire;" She joined him as he greeted the rest of his guests.
Devon smiled pleasantly at Lady Charmaine as she swept into the grand foyer of the palace. Her fuchsia colored gown went well with her creamy complexion and Devon was sure she knew how lovely she appeared. Extending his hands to her he greeted her warmly; "Charmaine, my dear, how lovely to see you again."
The woman took his hands but once she had her smile faded, "Devon, are you…" she paused mystified by something missing in the touch of her companion.
Looking at her with a painted on smile, Devon was quick to change the subject to move her attention to something other then him. "Charmaine, have you seen the new garden the King had created?"
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Oberon had followed the scent, it lead him to a green space in a bustling city. Huddled on a park bench sat a pair of forlorn lovers. The woman carried the scent that had fascinated the king catching his attention in the place where the ruins of a building still smoldered. Oberon looked at the female creature and even with tears streaking down her cheeks he was beguiled by her. She was unusual among human females, he could tell. Her body was not stick slender but had soft womanly curves that were most pleasing. She was a woman of no great stature, but she held herself with grace and poise even now, while weeping. He wondered to himself what color were the eyes of this pretty female, and how they may appear when she was overjoyed, or enthralled.
"This is my fault," the unhappy downhearted man said.
The voice caused Oberon's head to snap to attention, he looked away from the woman and stared at the man. The voice was familiar, and the scent of the man now so near nearly knocked the High King over. He gasped, not quite believing his own eyes. For here before him was the exact double of his own son, Jareth. Even the scent marker was similar, and Oberon knew the young man trying to comfort the woman had to be the fruit of his own loins. Sniffing deeper, he knew this was not a recent seeding, for the distinctive Fae pheromone was not strong enough to be recent. Still, this was one of his own, and what concerned the child had to concern the parent.
"No, Jeremy…" the woman sobbed softly. "It's not your fault alone… I have an equal responsibility here…"
"If I had not suggested you by that blasted book in that second hand store, Sarah would never have read it…." Jeremy bemoaned. "Linda, I'm so sorry."
"She'd have found it one way or another, or it would have found her." Linda reasoned. "I believe some things are fated… Like you and I…"
Oberon hunched down to listen to the pair speak.
Jeremy turned and looked at Linda. "It would have been better if I had but loved you in silence…. Look at the mess we're in now. The world thinks your daughter died in a fiery blast, and we can't tell anyone that she is not dead…who would believe us? Toby? He's only five… Robert will think we've lost our minds."
"Toby," Linda grabbed desperately at Jeremy. "OH my GOD! We have to protect Toby…he…he made a threat to that man he said was like the one that took Sarah away. If everything my old maw and Granny told me is true about them, they don't like to be threatened."
"I have a few items handed down to me," he suggested softly. "Perhaps one of them will have the power to protect the lad."
"We have to do what we can Jeremy… one child is one child too many to lose… but if they… No, we won't let them have Toby as well…." She wept. "Not as well as my Sarah….Oh Jeremy, how could goblins come and take my baby? I… I didn't wish her away…."
Oberon was beginning to wonder that himself, but he still had little clue as to who Sarah Williams really was.
Jeremy sniffed the air, "Do you smell that?" he asked becoming concerned. "We are not alone, there's someone here…"
Linda's tears quickly dried, and fear was in her eyes as she looked up. Oberon looked at the woman's eyes, deep green with pale blues and golds in their heart. They were the kind of eyes that beguiled a man to his very soul. Even if that man were of the Fae ilk, and Oberon found himself envying the young man his position of being the woman's lover. He moved closer, drinking her scent and pheromones in like an elixir. There was a fiery soul within this dark haired green eyed vixen, and Oberon wished to feel the full force of that fire.
Linda swallowed hard; she could feel something close to her. She could smell a tangy spiciness that was more potent than even the scent that dripped off Jeremy. There were little shocks of electricity that danced on her skin, and she felt her pulse race and her skin flush. "Jeremy, take me home…." She stood up. "I want to go home." There was fear in her voice.
Oberon stood and watched the pair walk away. "What is it you fear pretty one? Is it me, or yourself?" He mused as he began to slowly follow the pair.
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Jareth leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine and listening to the amusing tale Lord Basque was regaling them with. He laughed softly at the appropriate times, but he didn't real feel much enjoyment. His throat was paining him, he felt drained in spite of the potion that gave him the outward appearance of vigor. Rosalind was playing her part well, enjoying the attention of not only the King, but of these important high ranking Couriers.
Devon kept a careful eye on the King, while trying to be attentive to his companion.
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Daisy noticed that Sarah winced every now and then, apparently for no reason. When the court musicians began to play the mortal girl groaned and looked miserable. Daisy pulled herself off the cot and looked at the mortal girl with concern; "You need to get to your feet and walk, it will help you rebuild your strength."
Sarah groaned darkly. "Easier said than done, I can bear no ones touch, and I don't think I'm strong enough to walk about on my own." She winced again. "And when I move… theses damn rings cause me pain."
"Pain is something you'd best get use to living with," Della observed sitting with one leg draped out the entry window.
The Goblin moved to block Sarah's view of the Harpy, wanting her to pay attention to what she was saying and trying to achieve, not to the Harpy who was working against her. "I heard that you were single minded when you ran the Labyrinth… that to achieve your goal you were determined and persistent… Where is the tenacious Sarah Williams I was told of?"
"She's dead," Sarah said uninterested in what Daisy was trying to do.
"Perhaps we should go bring back the boy," Della suggested trying to be cruel.
Sarah shoved off the sheet that covered her nakedness, her eyes burned like flames and a roar escaped her lips. "You will not touch him!" she moved swiftly toward the harpy, her hands extended in the bat of an eyelash and she aimed for the throat of the winged creature. Della had been taken by surprise at the swiftness with which the injured and weak mortal moved. She had sat on the sill a moment longer than she should have and was nearly knocked out the window by the force with which Sarah connected with her.
Daisy too had been taken by surprise, not just by the swift movement, but by the change in the girl's chemical scent. She moved quickly to separate the moral from the Harpy before the Harpy thought to strike back. Once she had them apart she placed herself between them so Della would not attack the mortal in retaliation. "Hold!" she ordered the angry Harpy. "You had that coming," she warned. "Now stand down, birdie."
"Runt," Della warned coldly. "If she tries that one more time…"
Daisy looked over her shoulder at the not so mortal, mortal. "You have fire in your soul, and in your belly… Sarah Williams… you seem to be becoming… Goblin."
Sarah staggered back to lean on a wall. "I'm not!"
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Oberon had followed the young couple back; they had come to stand on the stairs of a little building in what appeared to be a very old but stylish neighborhood. Jeremy was holding the hands of the woman and asking if there were anything he could do for her. He seemed to be saddened when the woman told him he'd done enough for one day. More than enough, and she bid him good night, promising she'd call him the next day. The High King watched the young man, the young man who was without a doubt one of his own descendants, accept the rebuttal and make a quiet departure. For a moment the King pitied the lad, had he been but a few generations earlier in then descendant chain, he would not have accepted the refusal but would have beguiled the woman and giving comfort while taking his own pleasure.
Linda stood on the stairs looking majestic as she waved the young Halfling off. She was a stately and proud looking human the King mused. Head held high, and shoulders squared. He was not really prepared for what happened next.
"You can show yourself," Linda said calmly. "I'm not afraid."
Oberon observed the fire in her eyes, and the determination on her pretty face. He was sure she really believed she was not afraid, and he was totally amused. He spoke to her. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she said a bit shaken. She had not really expected to be answered.
Waving his hand the High King materialized before the woman, standing at her side. "As you wish," he said quietly, keeping his tone calm. Linda looked into the eyes of the High King; her mouth parted slightly, her face showed awe and something the High King had not expected to find in a mortal. Her features held respect for him, for his office for his ilk. He extended his hand to her. "Am I what you expected?"
"No," she admitted softly. "I'm not really sure what I was expecting but… it was not…you." She looked down at the extended hand and without hesitation placed her hand in his.
Feeling pleasantly amused by the mortal creature the High King teased her gently. "Disappointed?"
"No," she said as a blush rushed to color her cheeks and even in the darkness of the newly fallen evening he could see her color rise.
"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Oberon…" He said as he raised her hand in courtly manner to kiss her fingers.
"I'm Linda Williams…" she said introducing herself.
"Indeed," his voice went an octave lower, sounding like the purr of a great cat coming from deep in his throat. Gazing into the green jeweled eyes, he failed to remember his mission. He was far more interested in this pretty human creature.
"Oberon," she repeated almost in a dazed state. "As in High King of the Fae, King of Shadows and Fairies… husband of the …" she pulled back swiftly. "Very jealous High Queen Tatiana?"
"I have no idea of how that ugly rumor got spread," he said amusedly. "She's no more jealous than most wives… and very understanding of my… predilection and penchant for human females from time to time." He didn't pursue the pretty mortal but rather took a casual seat on her stairs. "You are no stranger to such an arrangement, or am I mistaken?"
Linda sat down, her back to the stone wall that the handrail was set in. She had the grace to look slightly guilty. "Jeremy is… what is the word...Kithain."
"And you have been lovers;" Observed the High King still chuckling amusedly as he leaned back on one elbow, aware that his royal robes were a far cry from her modern dress. He wondered what the pretty creature would look like dressed in court style.
"Have been being the operative phrase," sighed the pretty woman. "That was long ago, and we are both paying for it."
"Nothing comes without a price," agreed Oberon casually. "I too have often paid for my… wanderings."
"Yet you still wander?" Linda asked forgetting for a moment she was conversing with a Fae.
"I get itchy feet," he teased. Without considering the consequences, Linda Williams began to chuckle lightly at the amusing comment. Oberon listened to the sound, and looked at her with recognition. "You are the one who called out to me in your anguish." His voice was no longer amused but had become serious. "I heard your cry all the way in Avalon."
Linda looked at the High King; her face was still beautiful even in her sorrow. "Goblins took my daughter away." She stated with conviction. "I didn't wish my child away… I was under the impression that they could not take what was not offered."
"In most cases that would be true," Oberon replied. "However, nothing about this case seems to be…ordinary."
"This case?" Linda shook her head, trying to keep her thoughts straight, but finding it hard to think sitting so close to this Fae and his overwhelming sexual scent. "I'm sorry, I don't understand." She found her self bracing against the wall for support; she raised a hand and griped the hand rail hopping it would give her some grounding.
Oberon could not miss the reactions she was having. "Your daughter, like her mother, is no ordinary girl…" He rose to his feet, held out a hand and smiled at her. "Come with me." He invited gently.
"It's not that I'm not …" she swallowed quickly. "I'm grateful… but…."
"My feet itch," he murmured with a salacious gleam in his eyes. His lips twitched slightly, as he smiled down at the mortal holding on to the last shreds of her humanity. "You've tasted Kithain, now taste Fae." He suggested scandalously as he leaned down on one knee that was upraised on a serrate step from his other leg. "Come with me, pretty thing."
All sense of right and wrong faded into a void. Linda's hand slipped off the handrail and she lost the battle to deny this magnificent male anything he desired of her. What had attracted her to Jeremy was nothing in comparison to what she was being overwhelmed with now. She placed her hand in his, knowing there would be no turning back. "Yes," she mewled softly.
Oberon closed his hand about hers, pulled her gently to her feet and to him. Enfolding her in loving arms he bent forward to place his lips to her long elegant throat. "Come away, oh human child," he whispered suggestively in her ear; "To the waters and the wild…"
Wrapping her arms about the waist of the Fae man, she melded her body to his. "Yes."
Oberon smiled, closed his eyes and took the willing woman though the fabric that separated her world from his. When he opened his eyes they were in a place on Avalon where he knew they would not be disturbed. He scooped the willing woman up into his arms, and carried her off to a flowery bed.
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Rosalind was the first to notice the uninvited man standing in the corridor arguing with the Steward. She placed a hand on the thigh of the King and gave him a squeeze to gain his attention. Her eyes moved toward the corridor, and the King placed a hand on hers to let her know he was aware.
Philo entered the dinning hall and looked flustered and upset. "Sire, I do humbly apologies for the interruption." He bowed to the King. "There is a Lord Talagon in the foyer…" He motioned toward the door, and gave a startled gasp as the man moved into the room unannounced and uninvited. "My Lord, I bid you wait!"
"Be silent you … creature of the dirt." Talagon snarled.
Philo was taken aback, though he was of good Hobgoblin stock, no one had ever addressed him as a creature of the dirt. He looked in shock at the King. "Sire," he gasped.
Jareth looked at his Steward with a calm gaze. "That will be all Philo, thank you." There was support in his tone, and the proud Steward exited the room with his head held high. Jareth looked at the Fae Lord who was causing a fuss. "Lord Talagon, are you under the impression that I am at your beck and call?"
The man snarled at the Goblin King disrespectfully. "I have little time for player kings." Both Lord Astor and Lord Basque looked a ghastly at the man speaking. Their wives also were showing shock, but Talagon ignored them. "I come to warn you boy, you keep those damn Harpies of yours under control and off my land! Or I will shoot them down," he threatened with a clenched fist raised up and shaking toward the King.
"Lower you hand," Jareth said darkly. "Least I take this conduct as a sign of aggression to my person."
Devon found himself a bit surprised at Jareth's reaction to this intimidation. He was also surprised to find the King's tone was menacing and powerful without having to resort to raising his voice.
Talagon too was taken aback, and lowered his raised fist. "I have warned you about your Harpies." He continued but his words came out a bit more shakily and defensive.
"Talagon," Jareth tossed his napkin to the table with contempt and scorn. "How dare you take that tone with me? Have you been elevated to the status of King?" he saw the reaction in the other's eyes and growled menacingly. "You are only a noble… you are not a Royal, and no matter what your personal feelings toward me maybe, you should always remember that I am Royal born." He stood up and placed both hands on the table. "Do not threaten me, and do not threaten my Harpies."
Talagon's eyes flared with hate, "I'm warning you for the last time, boy…"
"You will address me as King or you will pay the consequences." There was a dark rumbling nose in the throat of the man with stormy eyes. "You owe my guests an apology for interrupting our dinner."
Rosalind smiled a simpering smile, she'd suffered a few insults at the hand of Talagon and seeing him taken down a notch or two pleased her.
Talagon looked at Astor and Basque and their wives. "I extend my humble apology to both of you my Lords and your Ladies…" He looked at Rosalind and Charmaine, "I however do not extend the same courtesy to these whores." He turned on his heel swiftly heading toward the door, shouting over his shoulder. "You've had my last warning."
Astor looked at the King, "Sire, if you wish, I will go and issue a…"
Jareth waved the man back into his seat. "Lord Astor, while I do appreciate your support, I know that Lord Talagon does not fight fair, and I would hate to be deprived of your company. I've a better way to even my score with that bag of wind." He took his seat, and looked over at Rosalind. "I'm sorry, my dear." He placed a hand to hers.
"Don't worry; Sire…" she answered with her head held high. "I've a much thicker skin than he knows."
He looked at Charmaine who was also holding her head high, "I never give much credence to that bag of wind," the woman answered before the King could address her. "Talagon has held a grudge over me for years as I don't relish his idea of… friendship." She gave thought to his threat, "Sire, I would however be aware he can be a danger."
"You think he'd dare raise a hand to do harm to me?" Jareth leaned back amused by the thought.
"Not directly, no." The woman with hair like spun gold replied in a serous manner; "He's sneaker than that… he would not want to chance being brought up on charges before the High King, he will not chance Eschant law. When he strikes, and it is when, my King… he will strike against something not of the Kindred."
Rosalind placed her hand on the King's, in full vision of all present. "Charmaine is correct, Sire. You must take care."
Jareth used the moment to his advantage, raised the hand on his to his lips and kissed her fingers. "Thank you both for your concern." He said smugly. Both Lord Astor and Lord Basque made note of the sign of deference the King was paying to Rosalind. Jareth knew that it would become common knowledge in a very short time and a good many would speculate that the pretty red haired woman was at long last the King's Paramour. He would find a way to reward the woman for her cooperation, through it would never be a place in his bed, or his home. For now Rosalind was useful, and happy to play her part. The King smiled at her, but was looking past her. His cousin was distracted, and that was not good. "I have heard," he said loudly, drawing Devon back to the moment; "That there have been disturbances along our boarder, perhaps we need to buck up our guards… beef up the security…"
Devon looked at him, "I shall see to it first thing in the morning, Sire."
"Good," Jareth rang the bell next to his plate. "Philo, dessert if you will;" He draped his arm over the back of Rosalind's chair, and looked down at her visible beauty. "Astor, you were telling me of the plans for the Solstice celebration… continue."