Chapter 47. Ambush

Duke Winderspire bent over the shoulder of the High King, "They make a fine couple do they not?"

Oberon wondered if he could let his old friend down easily. "They are both handsome children," he said diplomatically.

Winderspire took that as encouragement, but said no more. He watched as his daughter glided across the floor of the great hall gracefully in the arms of the handsome Goblin King. Donatien, watching with an amused grin moved swiftly from the spot, fearful of chuckling too loud and giving too much away. The Winderspire girl was not displeasing to look at, for a Fae she was quiet pretty. The Guild Master pondered if she'd be trainable, but dropped the thought as it was one of those that were too easy to read.

Lutin, Philo and some of the others in service gathered at the upper gallery watching the reverie below. Donatien had looked up, once, smiled and gave them the signal. Lutin quietly congratulated the others who were part of the Goblin Conspiracy to take back the Kingdom. Philo warned them not to over play their hands, nor to give their strategy away. He reminded them that the Fae were a crafty and cunning lot.

"As are we," Lutin mused. "But look at them; they don't even notice we are here."

Philo frowned, "Some notice," he was looking at the face of the Fae woman, daughter of Talagon. "She was trouble before, and she's still trouble."

"King Jareth will handle her," mused one of the Hobs as he turned to leave the gallery. "I have leather to work," he stated. "The King must be properly attired when he goes into battle."

Lutin and Philo alone were left in the gallery, side by side watching.

--

Tanya batted her lashes at the King and pouted prettily. "I thought you would never return," she said in a breathy little voice.

"Did you?" Jareth asked amused.

"I don't see why you needed to leave at all," she lamented. "After all couldn't a servant be sent to hunt down your little slave? I mean she's only human, how hard could it be to track her down?"

Jareth chuckled. "Indeed." He teased her gently. "I wasn't gone that long was I?"

"I missed you, I was enjoying our dance," she confessed forgetting protocol.

"I'm here now," he murmured moving closer. "Tanya," he breathed in her ear. "Do you think the sight of a coil would still drive you screaming into the night?" She blushed and giggled nervously. "Or do you think you'd like to feel what it's like to be the King's paramour?"

Tanya stumbled, faltering in her steps. "Paramour?" her disappointment was clear as her pretty eyes looked up at the hard eyes leering back.

He stopped dancing, looked at her with a scornful smirk; "Isn't that what you've been angling for? A chance to dance in my bed?"

"No," she gasped dropping her hands from his. "I mean, yes, but not…"

"Yes, no… which?" he purred. "I find I have a opening this evening… if you'd care to fill it."

Tanya blushed and pulled back. "Sire, that's totally inappropriate."

Enjoying her discomfort, Jareth extended a hand to her elbow, directing her toward a darkened nook off the dance floor. He knew eyes were following them, and he knew the girl was upset enough not to notice. Once he had her in the dark he pulled her into an embrace. "Come now, you know you want to."

"What I want is to be your Queen," Tanya pouted. "You already have a sex toy."

"One can never have enough toys," he purred as he nuzzled her neck and let his hands move over her to come to rest on her gown's bosom. He gave the mounds under his hands a rough squeeze, heard her gasp and then felt her hand sting as it slapped him. She huffed and shoved him away from her as she exited the dark nook. He held his cheek and laughed loud enough for the guests dancing to hear. 'Good shot, Tanya,' he thought to himself as he congratulated himself. When he emerged from the darkness a moment later, he saw the disapproval on Oberon's face. He shrugged, before he strolled over to where Circe was seated sipping from a goblet. He took a seat on the table, and relived her of the goblet which he then downed.

Circe let her eyes move toward where Tanya was seeking consolation and reassurance from her shocked mother. She looked back at Jareth with wicked eyes. "Poor little thing didn't understand the game?"

"She's young," he suggested as he handed back the goblet to the woman.

Long lashes swept down over silky cheeks. "Indeed she is." She let her gaze move down over the King, she could not resist letting herself take in his manly budge.

"Care to play?" he teased.

"As I recall," she whispered suggestively. "You didn't care for how rough I play."

"I've grown up a bit since then," he said reaching out to capture her wrist and pull her roughly to her feet. "I play a lot rougher myself now."

Circe was surprised by the gasp that had escaped her lips, and the excitement it betrayed. The fool King was indeed more interesting now, she admitted. He was no longer just a pretty face in a sea of all too pretty faces. Her heart quickened a beat, and she looked wide eyed at the expectant face of the King.

"Dance," he purred intriguingly.

"Delighted," she purred back.

--

Tanya watched in horror as Circe moved to the dance floor with Jareth. She cried bitterly into her mother's arms. The Duchess looked toward the Duke and implored him silently to do something. Winderspire looked wordlessly to the High King who was glaring at his son. He chose not to speak, fearing being a target instead of a bystander.

Donatien saw Lady Rosalind moving with Talagon toward the garden door, he chuckled softly and promised himself that he would personally reward her for her devotion to the King and the Kingdom. He snapped his fingers and more of his minions filed into the great hall, giving screening to the Goblin King as he danced with the wicked Circe.

--

Jareth had expected Circe's movement to be suggestive and sexually mature. He was not disappointed. "You're no child," he mused.

"Neither are you," she stated.

"I don't want a Fae Queen," he told her. "I don't need a wife."

Circe laughed a throaty laugh that filled the room. "Is that what sent that silly child running back to her mommy? Did you suggest she come dance in your bed?"

"I invited her," Jareth acknowledged with a wicked gleam in his eye. "She declined."

"She's a fool," Circe stated coldly. "I would never turn down an invitation of such… importance."

Jareth moved his hand from the small of her back, downward to the roundness of her womanly derrière. "Being invited to be one of the king's paramours is not insulting to you?"

Icy eyes looked at where his hand had migrated to, "Not in the least," she assured him.

"Care to give your neighbor a little taste of your wine?" he said loud enough to be over heard as they spun past the Winderspire family.

Circe saw the look of shock on the Duchess' face, and the horror in the eyes of poor innocent little Tanya. "Taking a sip before you buy the bottle?"

"It may not be to my taste," he quipped guardedly.

The Fae woman felt excited beyond the point of being careful, "Would the King want me to display my… attributes for all to see?"

Delighted with the dark thought of Circe naked for all to see, Jareth smiled wickedly, "An interesting suggestion," he squeezed the fleshy roundness of her bottom, "Would you?"

"If it would please you," she murmured mysteriously with intent of exciting the man holding her.

Jareth moved forcefully, his steps guiding her to the same dark nook that Tanya had fled. She threw back her head, laughed wickedly as they disappeared into the darkness. Tanya watched, with her mouth dropping open to object. Her mother hushed her, seeing no need to make a scene.

Oberon could not believe his eyes, had his son just waltzed Circe into a shadowy nook for a bit of thrill seeking spontaneous sex? He looked with troubled eyes at his wife who was keeping her face schooled, as if nothing had happened.

Donatien was careful not to chuckle as he stood in the shadows watching the King with the harlot. He was there to protect the king if the Fae witch caught wind of his real intent. He had positioned himself as soon as the King had taken the wench to the dance floor in the prearranged position. He could clearly see and not be seen.

Jareth had paused before they entered the nook, placing on hand on Circe's bottom and patting it expectantly. She mewled as they walked side by side into the darkness, unashamedly. Jareth wore a cryptic smile, finding himself taking a strange pleasure in this little conquest. This woman was plotting his death, and he found he wanted to give her a good reason to plot his end. He crooked his fingers and stoked her face; admittedly it was beautiful, but cold and without any redeeming features. She was a self serving harlot, and he was not going to forget it. "Have I told you how lovely you look this evening?" He asked.

"You may have mentioned it upon my arrival," she mused turning her cheek into his stroke that began to move down to her throat. "However I do enjoy being told again."

His hand moved down to the draping over her bosom, "You know you're sinfully beautiful, don't you," his voice was husky with lust.

His touch was pleasant she found, "Sinfully?"

"Very," he pulled the laces behind her back and the gown slipped off her shoulders to reveal the bounty of her breasts. "Lovely," he said with a wicked smile. "Makes a man wish to be a babe, suckling."

Circe had not expected to shiver at his words, nor had she thought she'd desire to feel this fool of a man planting his lips on her skin, let alone fastening to her breast. Without hesitation she lifted one rounded mound with a hardened peak, "Care to take a sip?" she murmured intriguingly.

Donatien watched, knowing the King's plan to expose the witch to humiliation. He held his breath, praying the King could continue to play this wicked game without giving away his true intent.

The leather fingers of his glove slipped over her hand, "Don't mind if I do," he teased threateningly. His grip tightened and she lowered her hand, closing her eyes. His fingers moved to the nipple, pinching it forcefully between thumb and forefinger. She gasped loudly, and he chuckled in a sinister way. His tongue flicked out to tease the rosy tip that was now jutting upward. She shivered, over and over as he tormented her nipple before drawing it into his lips over sharp jagged edges of teeth. She let out a startled yelp as he clamped down hard and solid in an unbreakable seal. With no taking into account of its effect on the woman, he bit down. She shivered and he knew she was riding the wave of an orgasm she'd not expected but was enjoying. She was deep in the thrall of his foreplay that she'd not realized he'd maneuvered her so that she was bending backward now over the balustrade and was visible as he molested her.

Donatien turned his attention to the guests, some had seen, and had turned respectfully and discreetly away from the view of the King's sex play. Others were staring in disbelief. Swift as the current of rapids, Jareth pulled her snapping upward and clamped his mouth on hers. Her arms wound involuntarily about him as her mouth hungrily sought his. Her enthusiasm was difficult to miss as her moans and sighs carried long distance. The Master of the Guild admired his King's skills, noting how the King swept the woman away on a wave of sexual arousal only to leave her panting and awakening to wanting nothing more than pleasing him. Jareth withdrew from her, smacked his lips and murmured, "Very tasty indeed."

Demurely Circe shrugged back into the top of her gown, "Could you lace me up?" She requested turning her back to him and lifting her long locks of hair out of his way.

"Do I look like a lady's maid?" he teased as he pulled the lacing tight. He gave her rump a sound thumping smack with the flat of his hand before sliding a hand to her waist and pulling her out into the great hall once more. She had yelped a pleasing sounding squeal when his hand landed upon her back side. She giggled unrepressed as they strolled back into the public view. She didn't object as his hand moved upward from her waist and cupped her breast.

Using another passage, Donatien moved into the great hall and moved toward the pair as if he were coming from another corridor. "Sure, there's a little matter that needs your attention."

Jareth looked at Circe with an affectionate expression. "Later," he mouthed before he moved off with the Guild Master. He motioned Philo, once they were out of the great hall and Fae hearing, "Get me something to wash the taste of that bitch out of my mouth."

"Right away sire," the steward nodded.

"Be thankful her nipple was all you needed to taste," Donatien remarked dryly.

Shuddering, repulsed at the thought of a more intimate taste of Circe, Jareth glared at the Hob. "You try sucking on that witch's tits!" He spat violently. "The things I'm willing to do for this Kingdom."

Donatien snickered, "Yes, the things…"

Philo rushed to his King's side, in his hands was a bottle of mouth wash. Jareth grabbed the bottle away from him and began to down the contents and gargle loudly.

--

Tanya pulled away from her mother and stormed over toward Circe. "What are you doing?" she demanded.

"What you were too scared to," Circe taunted the girl. "Too bad, he's not half bad… you'd have enjoyed it." She turned to leave.

"You're a whore," spat the younger Fae woman for all the company to hear.

The daughter of Talagon lifted her brow as she turned to cast as disparaging look over her shoulder at the younger woman. "And you're just a want to be whore," she simpered. "Maybe next time you won't be such a scare-baby." She sauntered off allowing her back side to shake at the girl. "Take a chance Tanya, you might find it's a pleasant change from the boredom of being a good girl all the time."

Tanya knew many of the men in the room were watching Circe saunter by with lusting eyes. It surprised her to find her father was among them.

--

Devon paced the dungeon. "I wish I knew what was going on."

"I'm glad I don't know," Bryn said now comfortably seated in a gilt chair sipping a cup of tea. "I sincerely doubt I'd approve."

Devon waved the hand that a moment ago had been at his lips, "That goes without saying," he agreed.

Bryn pointed toward the entry way where movement was. "We have company."

Jareth moved forward, past his cousin with his hands extended toward Bryn. "My dear, I do hope you'll accept my apology for having been so rude in my use of you earlier."

She looked at him with apprehension and calculated what refusal would cost her. "I suppose I have little choice," she said at last while he held her hands.

Jareth gave her a wink as he agreed, "Very little," he looked over at his cousin, "None the worse for wear?"

"Disgruntled," Devon pointed out; "And a bit incensed at being odd man out."

"There was no time to warn you," Jareth stated. "The plot fell together rather quickly." He motioned them both to sit with him. "And for the sake of the Kingdom I fear I must ask you to remain guests here in the dungeon."

"Couldn't we just be under house arrest?" Devon requested in what he thought sounded like a reasonable and respectful tone.

"Unfortunately not," Jareth said in a peaceable manner. "I will however make this as pleasant and comfortable for you as I can. Donatien is going to move you to a rather secluded portion of the dungeon that few know of… I've had an apartment, a royal apartment set up there for you. And you'll be pleased to know there is even a little terrace where you can breathe fresh air." Jareth turned to Bryn, "I am sorry for the fright I gave to you, Lady Bryn… it was necessary I assure you."

"Does Sarah know she carries your child?" Bryn asked.

"She does," Jareth stood, making himself imposing.

"Does she know you're pulling out all the stops?" her voice faltered. "That you're declaring total sovereignty away from the Seelie court?"

Mismatched eyes narrowed, and judged the young human witch. "You are going to be family and for that reason alone I am allowing you to question me," he warned.

"Does she know?" Bryn stood and glared right back at him.

"She suspects," Jareth blinked.

The Welsh witch placed one hand to her hip as the other went into the king's face with a wagging finger. "Listen up fancy pants," she barked. "Anything happens to her and you're going to be sorry."

Amused Jareth smiled. "Yes ma'am." He looked at his cousin and laughed. "She's a real red head."

"Indeed," Devon placed an arm about her before contritely looking at Jareth. "Jareth, about my request to your father… it was habit."

"Devon," he placed his hand on his cousin's shoulder lightly. "I gave her to you… you want to marry her, you don't even have to ask. You are citizens of my realm."

"Pax?" the lord Baron asked.

"Pax," Jareth assured. He looked at Bryn, "He loves you, don't disappoint him."

Bryn sighed, "She was a child your majesty… she didn't know."

"She's not a child now," Jareth stated. "Go with Donatien, and don't leave until I send him or Daisy to get you. No one, I mean it, no one else has my clearance to bring you back. If someone else comes in there, do what you have to… but don't leave that apartment until I send for you." He nodded to them and watched as they went off with the Master of the Guild. Once they were safely on their way he returned to the great hall and began to bid good night to his guests.

--

Circe could not find her father, she searched high and low. Jareth found her looking about for him and greeted her with a chuckle. "Lose something?"

"My father," she said with a grimace.

"He's in the garden, thinking he's hidden in the arbor," remarked the King. "He has company." He added as the woman headed toward a door that would take her into the garden. "Lady Rosalind is allowing him some…indiscretions."

Circe pursed her lips, "It does not bother you that your one time paramour is handing out favors?"

"Rosalind is a free agent," Jareth remarked motioning for a servant to bring wine. He offered a goblet to the woman. "Free agents," he toasted.

"Free agents," she raised her goblet to her lips and sipped deeply. "Did your little play mate go home?"

"Tanya?" He looked bored, "Yes, mommy and daddy won't let her play dangerous games."

"Dangerous games are the only ones worth playing," quipped the saucy woman.

"I agree," Jareth rested his goblet on the nearest table. "Perhaps after tonight we can be" he paused. "Better neighbors."

Casting an eye toward the garden, Circe frowned. "You'll never find my father to be a good neighbor, Jareth." She sighed and looked at the King. "But I think you and I could forge a new treaty." She gave him a smoldering look; "One that benefits us both."

"I suggest we work on that goal," he simpered back. He motioned to the door where Talagon and a very disheveled Rosalind were entering by. "I bid you good night, Circe."

"And you your majesty." She curtseyed low.

Jareth nodded toward Talagon as he passed him by. Rosalind excused herself to repair the damages, and waited until Talagon and Circe had exited the castle. She then advanced on the King, "You so owe me!" she said firmly, as she ripped the gown off her and stomped on it.

Jareth watched in a pleasant lustful stupor. "You are free to remove any other article of clothing you like," he teased.

Rosalind growled, "Don't tempt me," she barked. "That bastard ruined my favorite gown. I can never wear this again!"

The Goblin King sat in one of the chairs and pulled her roughly down into his lap. "Rosey my girl," he murmured against the skin above her corset. "I'll buy you a hundred gowns, as many as you like."

She smiled, tickled by his breath. "Yes you will."

His hands moved about her waist, "I do believe you are enjoying this intrigue."

Her mind back on business her smile faded. "He has your Harpy," she said flatly. "He practically boasted to me of taking the bird right out from under your nose. He's got her locked up in a cage, and thinks he's going to turn her against your Tagaan or Rhuukarlaan."

"You did well," Jareth praised her.

"There's more," she took his face into her hands. "He plans to set himself up as Goblin King, once he's set you up to kill yourself. He's found a means to make it look like you're unstable and that you've killed yourself like…" her voice trembled.

"I understand, my dear." He assured her so she didn't have to voice the rest. "I'm prepared."

Draping her arms over his shoulders she looked at him with appealing eyes. "Jareth, I know you don't want me as your queen… or even as a full time lover." She kept her tone soft and alluring. "Let me stay tonight," she asked softly. "And you can keep your gowns…"

"A sweet offer Rosalind," he replied eyeing her with lust.

"I've made no secret of my desire to be bedded by you," she murmured placing her forehead to his. "I don't even mind that I'm not the only woman who you use in that bed."

Jareth stood up, the comely Fae woman still in his arms. "I will never marry you, Rosy-posy." He took a step and when she didn't reject him or the idea of a one night stand, Jareth laughed coarsely. "Fine, wench," he growled as he strode off with her in his arms. "I'll give you the bedding you so richly deserve. You can be one of my harem girls." Rosalind laughed as he tossed her over his shoulder and soundly brought his hand down on her bottom.

--

Sarah had watched the guests leave, frowning at the sight of one last carriage. She looked at Daisy, tempted to ask. The captain of the guard didn't appear to be concerned, so Sarah walked away from the window and prayed once more that Della the Harpy would be returned safely to her. For reasons she could not fathom she missed the Harpy's insults and sass.