Jareth rubbed his forehead with his gloved fingertips. He hated Tithe-nae and it's thrice-blasted royal court. Even if they were family. He began to wonder if he really were so badly off in his own little kingdom. After all he was rarely bothered by the goings on of the Seelie court or the High King. But if he wanted his plans to succeed, this was where he had to be, and it was the High King himself whom Jareth had to speak with. He sighed. If this blasted waiting wasn't going to be the death of him first!
A messenger stuck his head out of the door and cleared his throat, signifying a need to speak.
"What is it?" Jareth growled.
"Um, .. Ah… yes.. Well…" The man stuttered.
"OUT WITH IT!" One more delay and Jareth was definitely going to lock the man away into a crystal, he'd have preferred an oubliette, but sadly, there were none available here.
"The.. Uh… The High King is too busy to speak with the Goblin King, however the High Queen requests an audience…erm… right now." The terrified man squeaked.
Jareth sighed once more. Well at least he had something. Perhaps his mother could explain what was wrong in this confounded country of hers that had everything so fouled up.
"Fine. Lead the way then and be quick about it." He snapped.
The messenger nodded and showed the rather high strung royal down the hallway to the Queen's royal chambers.
"Come in," a low feminine voice sounded at the first knock on the door.
Jareth entered, and, after shutting the door stood there looking rather perturbed rather than taking the seat that was offered him.
The woman who sat at the vanity before him was fair skinned and her blonde hair was the exact shade as Jareth's but it was her cerulean blue eyes that stood out the most, exactly matching one of Jareth's own.
"I take it then that Astrith relayed our message for you to come to Tithe-nae, my son."
"Sadly, no." Jareth replied. "I came on my own for matters of business. Though, I must wonder what could be so bad that you would send for me to come directly to Tithe-nae, mother. Indeed I must also wonder why you are suddenly so… keen on reminding me of our blood-tie. You never were before."
"Indeed. Your father sent the message. He believed you should be here for your brother's upcoming coronation as High King."
"Ah yes, the golden son." Jareth sneered.
"You should not be so uncivil to those who would offer you aid my son. As it happens I believe your brother would ruin the Underground if he became High King. And as the eldest, you are first inline for the throne."
"Impossible." He sighed. "I was exiled, if you don't recall, for the crime of being different."
"It was more than that and you know it. However-"
Jareth raised his hand, cutting her off, "Father wanted an excuse, a valid one to be rid of me. However, I take it from your tone of voice you have a plan?"
"Yes I do, if you would but let me speak. As I was saying, you are inline for the throne, but you lack one thing."
"A queen. I see we are on the same page. As it happens that is why I came to Tithe-nae. The woman I would marry, who by rights, having defeated my labyrinth and should be my queen, comes of age in the mortal realm today. I came here to pursue my suite with her and claim my throne."
"I shall search the Aboveground for her. You say she bested you correct? So she should carry a trace of your powers." Cerulean eyes closed, and the old queen gasped.
"It seems your bride to be is closer than we thought. She is here, in Tithe-nae."
Jareth's face fell, his eyes darkening with emotion.
"Astrith."