Disclaimer: I don't own the labyrinth or any of the character from it.
A Night to Remember
It was the night of the ball and already it was in full swing. Ann was still contemplating whether or not to attend. She hadn't met up with Jareth since the other day in the garden, and she was sure he wouldn't want to see her. A knock on the door shook her from her thoughts. The little goblin maid, Que, entered, "Ann…what are you doing girl! Master Kyrin is here to pick you up for the ball, but you still aren't even half ready," exclaimed the little goblin while looking upon the young women sitting at her vanity with only her underclothes on and her hair hanging in a mess upon her shoulders.
"Que, I don't know if I should attend, I really think I made his Majesty mad and he probably wouldn't want me to see me," Ann sadly explained while looking at herself in the mirror.
Que quickly walked over to her with her little goblin hands on her hips, "Oh my my…why are you still thinking about that for the love of….just you listen here. Master Kyrin was nice enough to escort you and here you are feeling all sorry for yourself. BUCK UP and get ready and I will tell Master Kyrin that you will be down in a moment", Que told Ann angrily.
Ann thinking about what Que was saying, "You right, I shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself besides it wasn't my fault anyways what does it matter if he is made at me or not….right", she exclaimed more to herself more than the little goblin maid. Que turned and left out the door to tell Kyrin that Ann would be joining him soon. Ann turned and walked over to the dress which lay upon the bed. 'It would be a shame not to wear such a luxurious cloth', though Ann as she reached for it.
Jareth was lost in the mist of a ball in full swing; he was trying to make his way around the room with Selina on his arm, trying to greet each of his guests which was almost impossible with as many Fae, Elfin, and other inhabitants of the labyrinth and the surrounding kingdoms attending. Even though he was busy in this he still couldn't help but think of Ann and if she would attend after he was so harsh to her the other day. After that day, he cursed himself for losing his patience, no one has ever made him lose his control. It was a mystery to him why this human was getting to him. Pulling himself from his thoughts, he looked around and didn't see her…Hmmm he must be kidding himself if he thought that she would be there…
"Jare, are you okay my dear," Selina coed, bringing him back to the situation at hand.
Jareth smiled again masking his emotions, "Yes my dear, everything is fine." Turning back, Jareth maneuvered over to another guest, "Oh hello, King Alistar. The King of the Elf kingdom turned to Jareth, "Ah Jareth, you look happy; I guess congratulations are in hand", said the king of the elf acknowledging Selina with a nod.
"Oh yes thank you, we are glad you were able to attend", Jareth smiled.
"I hope my sons have been of help to you", Alistar jokingly said.
"Of course, you know your sons have always been a help to me", said Jareth with a hint of aggravation to his voice. "By the way I haven't see Kyrin here yet didn't he arrive with you, "asked Jareth anxiously, knowing full well that he had asked Ann to come with him.
Alistar raised an eyebrow, "I thought he was already here, he left in quite a hurry to get here."
"Hmmm…I see, "Jareth muttered.
"Ahhh…here he is ", Alistar said while looking over Jareth's shoulder toward the crowd of people.
Jareth and Selina both turned and followed the gaze of Alistar until it settle upon the couple coming towards them. Jareth couldn't believe his eye's next to Kyrin was Ann in a beautiful jade gown.
The gown was beautiful but it didn't compare to the women wearing it. Ann had very classic facial features with full lips and high cheek bones and big brown eyes that you could get lost in. Her hair was half up on the top of her head with the rest flowing over her shoulder and almost touching her waist. The gown had a low neckline that stopped just about the curve of a pair of very full breast, then coming to a very small waist showing off that Ann have a very shapely figure indeed. The gown then flared at the hip giving the impression of an hourglass shape that most women would kill for.
The couple stopped in front of the trio. Kyrin smiling, "Hello father", said Kyrin then turning to Jareth and Selina, "Hello your Majesty, Lady Selina congratulations.
"Where have you been my boy?" Alistar asked then turned his attention to Ann, "and who might this lovely creature be?"
"I am sorry, father this is Ann one of his Majesty's guest Kyrin explained, "Ann this is my Father, King Alistar of the Elfin kingdom to the north of here."
Ann looking a little shock, finally managed to curtsies, "it is nice to meet you your Highness. Then looking over to Jareth and Selina, a dull ache started in her stomach and seemed to move up to her throat and making it feel like there was something stuck there. "Congratulation" Ann said almost in a whisper.
Jareth didn't even know he had been holding his breath until he had to exhale to be able to say, "Thank you."
Ann didn't see any aggravation or anger in his eyes and felt a little bit better about attending but still felt sad for some reason.
Selina noticing the looks Jareth was giving Ann, "Well, it seems a human can pretty up a little", Selina said mockingly. Jareth turned to Selina and gave an unyielding glare, "My dear, I don't think that was called for."
Ann broke in, "No that is fine, your Majesty, I am sure she meant it jokingly for it would have been very unladylike to actually try and embarrass a guest who was offering nothing but good tidings", Ann smiled. Selina giving Ann that got to hell look said in the sweetest voice she could manage, "but of course, I was just playing, Jare."
"Of course you were", Jareth smirked.
Music began to play and Kyrin turned to Ann, "Well it seems, I must keep my promise and teach you to ballroom dance if you will excuse us", Kyrin nodded to his father, Jareth, and Selina, and extended his arm for Ann to take, "Shall we."
Jareth watched as Ann glanced over in his direction for just a moment then excused herself and took hold of Kyrin's arm and walked off toward the other dancing couples. The moment Ann grab Kyrin's arm Jareth felt resentment toward Kyrin.
Selina glad that Kyrin and that disgusting human women had left from them she turned to Jareth, "My dear, shall we dance", Selina coed pleadingly. Jareth just smiled and nodded excusing himself to Alistar while letting Selina take hold of his arm and made their way to the dance floor.
While Kyrin and Ann were dancing, Ann couldn't help but sneak peaks over to Jareth and Selina while they were dancing. Selina had on a beautiful deep blue dress which complemented her fae figure. Jareth on the other hand looked drop dead gorgeous; He had on a deep blue jacket which was adorned with many gem, with a white blouse underneath with frill around the collar and at the wrist, which on any other man would look quite feminine but not on him, and to finish the ensemble was tan breeches which looked to be a little tight in all the right places. His sharp features and beautiful mismatched eyes made him look very striking. He and Selina danced across the floor as if they learned to dance before walking. Their movements were fluent and flowing with no mistakes. Ann started to feel very awkward at that moment looking back to Kyrin who was very handsome in his formal attire but just couldn't compare to the man who keep dragging Ann's attention away.
The music changed movement and Ann notice that everyone was changing partners causing her to relinquish Kyrin to another dancer. Ann turned not knowing who she was about to dance with but hoped that person wouldn't hold it against her if she were to step on their feet. A hand came around and settled on her waist while the other hand closed over hers, Ann looked up to see mismatched eyes staring back at her.
Moving to the music the best she could with her eyes fixed on their feet, not daring to look him in the eyes. "Ann, I don't recall being taught to look down when dancing", Jareth taunted.
Ann smiled a little and thought,' 'he must be in a good mood to be teasing me like this.' "Well your Majesty, if you don't want to be incapable of walking because of me crushing your feet, I would suggest letting me continue making sure I don't step on them", Ann said teasingly but serious. Jareth hooked a finger under her chin and made her look him in the eyes, "I think I will take my chances since I wouldn't be able to admire how lovely you look tonight."
Ann blushed profusely and whispered under her breath, "thank you". Ann couldn't believe he said that ,but then just put it off since he probably was just trying to make her feel more comfortable while dancing.
Jareth couldn't help but look at her lord she was beautiful and holding her while dancing was almost painful, why, why did this human make him feel such emotion when around her. Finally, the dance was over and Jareth reluctantly let go of her, but also notice how very flushed she was, "I think you need a breath of fresh air you look as if you are going to faint", said Jareth with worry in his voice. Jareth took hold of Ann's arm and guided her to the nearest exit which leads them out into the garden.
Once in the garden, Ann walked over to the railing at the end and leaned on it. She did feel a bit flushed and tired but it was her first time dancing in such a crowd and wearing a dress that weighted as much as it did. Jareth walked over to her, "Would you like a drink of something." Ann nodded. So, Jareth held out his hand and made a crystal appear then turning the crystal skillfully in his hand it turned into a goblet filled with a clear liquid. "Here," Jareth said while offering the drink to Ann. Ann took the glass gratefully from his hand and took a sip. The drink was cool and sweet tasting and seems to have bubbles in it that would burst in your mouth. "Mmmmm…This is nice, what is this", Ann asked while looking at the goblet.
"It is elderberry wine", Jareth said.
"It is very good."
"I am glad you like it", Jareth looked out over the garden while Ann took a couple more sips. "Listen, I am ….sorr..
"Jare, there you are. I have been looking everywhere for you", Selina spat while walking over and standing between Ann and Jareth. My parents have been wanting to talk with you about some more wedding plans."
"Oh, okay I will go and have a word with them", Jareth hesitated then looked over to Ann, "I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening", then he turned and walked back into the castle.
Selina lagged behind and when Jareth was out of sight turned on Ann. "Listen here, I have warned you, you human bitch. Stay away from Jareth. I am tired of you I warned you that things happen here so if I were you I would watch my back", Selina hissed then turned and walked back into the castle leaving Ann without giving her time to say anything.
Ann just shook her head. Selina may be pretty but her demeanor was dreadful, thought Ann, 'anyways Jareth seemed like he was going to apologize before Selina had ruefully interrupted them. It might be that he felt guilty for treating her the way he had the other day, this thought made Ann feel a warming sensation come over her. 'Perhaps, no.. Ann thought he was only being courteous there is no way he could feel anything for her …or is there.
Kyrin found Ann a few minutes later and had asked her if she was having a good time. He also noticed that Ann did look a little flushed and told her that perhaps she should go rest instead of going back to the ball. Ann feeling a little feverish though maybe she had overdone it a little and agreed to Kyrin to turn in. Kyrin and Ann went in and told Jareth and Selina that he would be escorting Ann back to her quarters to rest.
Jareth worriedly asked, "Are you ill, Ann, should I send a healer up to your quarters."
"No I will be fine I am just not used to dancing so much but thank you," Ann said graciously. Ann then nodded to Jareth and Selina and again congratulated them and turned to Kyrin and took hold of his arm and they walked out of the ballroom.
Selina thought wickedly, "Hmmm….just you wait human…… your pain is just beginning….
Enchantress of Dreams: Another chapter done. I hope you enjoy it. Review if you want. Thanx.