Edited for spelling: 9 Apr. 2013:

Chapter Forty: Consequences

Jareth appeared in his study with the minor Fae in tow. He sat at his desk, leaned back in his chair, and pressed his fingertips together. The Fae was truly a mess. However, much as he wanted to just toss the fool into an oubliette and be done with it, he needed answers. He also did not think Sarah would appreciate the justice behind dangling him over the Bog until he talked. "Sit," he barked.

The Fae cleared his throat. "As much as I would like to obey, I cannot." Jareth's arched eyebrow hastened him to add, "Er, my Lord. Your Highness. Your Majesty." He cleared his throat again, awkwardly.

Jareth snorted, but his eyebrow lowered minutely and he folded his hands in his lap. "And why not?"

"Whatever substance was poured on my seems to be hardening. And I would not wish to ruin your chair with my... situation."

The memory of the cause of this particular predicament made Jareth smile, which appeared to intimidate the Fae all the more. Excellent. "A chair is easily replaced. Now sit." When it became clear he intended to gingerly balance on the edge of the seat, Jareth rolled his eyes and, with the barest twitch of his fingers, he chair leapt forward to properly ensconce the Fae. "Very good. Now then, what is your name?"

"Kevein, your Majesty."

"Tell me, Kevein, is it correct to assume your venturing Aboveground, violating not only the edict of their Majesties, but also my privacy, her privacy, and nearly endangering the well-being of several young Mortals due to your compete and utter ignorance in regards to their customs was not an idea of your own creation?"

"Yes, your Majesty." He paused. "Er, except for that last part. Maybe." He paused again, feeling as though he was melting under Jareth's stare. "I may have overreacted toward the end there."

"May?" Jareth's eyebrow arched once more. "These Morals may have been blissfully unaware of what you were doing, but I was not. Do you think I would not recognize the beginnings of a battle spell? One generally meant to counter a deadly attack?"

"Well..."

"Has Fae nature changed so drastically that mere water holds life threatening properties?"

Kevein looked properly chagrined and more than a little panic was creeping into his features. No, your Majesty. I simply meant that that was not part of my orders."

"Ah. And what were your orders?"

"Reconnaissance. I was sent to gather information."

The pause in his explanation, though brief, wore at Jareth's patience. "Oh?"

"On the girl." He saw the muscle in Jareth's jaw twitch. "I mean on the lady. Your lady. Her ladyship."

"Get on with it."

"To find out who she is, where she comes from, what about her is it that draws your interest and regard..." He trailed off, aware that none of this was being taken very well.

"And what did you discover?"

"Well, I know I should not like to be on the receiving end of her anger again."

Jareth smirked. "Wise though that sentiment may be, flattery earns you no sympathy. What will you be reporting to your master?"

"What would you like me to report?" Jareth's narrowing eyes told him he should probably stop trying to win him over. "Er, I know her name is Wills. I learned nothing of her background, only that she seems to have the loyalty of all the Mortals who surround her in that place. She is perhaps not without kindness, or mercy. She speaks and acts as one with status, so that would imply she is of great breeding. Yet she resides in that place that exhibits no luxury, little comfort, and complete utilitarianism. Hardly a palace as fitting one of station high enough to be courted by anyone of rank. And..." he stalled.

"And?"

"And you seem to be willing to do her bidding." There was no reaction to that. "Er, when it suits you?"

"I don't suppose you will tell me who it is that you serve?"

Kevein faltered. "Ah..."

"I thought as much." Jareth conjured up a crystal and said to it, "There has been an incident." Then, with a snap of his fingers, it disappeared. He stood, clasping his hands behind his back, and wandered to the window. He regarded the view of his kingdom, of the Labyrinth. He had known it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. The Fae were naturally curious and though his courtship was clearly evident to the entire Immortal Realm, all details were being kept very carefully hidden. Thankfully, this particular situation was easily contained and easily dealt with. Whoever was behind this sent an inexperienced and fairly incompetent servant to do his bidding. But what if it had been someone more well-versed in subterfuge? Or, perhaps worse, what if he and Sarah had not arrived when they did and the inexperience and incompetence evident had led to great disaster?

I must speak to Their Majesties about having her presented. He rolled his eyes again. Pomp and circumstance with no purpose other than to satisfy those who are not remotely involved.

"True." There was amusement in Titania's voice. "Nevertheless, it is necessary."

Jareth knew without turning around that the High King and Queen had appeared, she sitting at his desk and he standing at her shoulder. I do wish you would not do that, he thought, though without resentment.

I know, came the reply, but at times it is necessary as well.

"We expect a certain disregard of formality from the King of the Goblins, but you have not been gifted with that luxury and will stand in the presence of Our Queen." Oberon's voice held no amusement.

Jareth did turn around at that. He could tell Kevein was truly attempting to stand, but the glue had finally set and he had been rendered completely immobile. The panic was evident in his eyes as they flicked back and forth between the other three people in the room. "Should I assist him, Your Majesty?"

"Is that pity for the poor creature that We hear in your voice, Jareth?" Titania looked over her shoulder at him, eyes twinkling.

"Perhaps," he shrugged, before grinning wickedly. "Though it does not completely motivate my offer."

"No? Then by all means." She gestured toward the Fae whose desperation was growing increasingly evident.

Jareth looked at Kevein, then swept his hand around in a movement akin to beckoning him forward. Kevein immediately stood ramrod straight, and every piece of clothing that had bent when he was seated cracked wide open. He had the grace to look mortified.

"Oh. I see. On second thought, Oberon, perhaps I will return home while you deal with..." she gestured again, "this one. I am not keen to witness more of his embarrassment," she paused, considering. "At least, not at this time."

"As you wish, my queen."

"And, Jareth. We shall speak of that other thing later. Perhaps when she visits next?"

"Your Majesty." He bowed his head toward her, not breaking eye contact. Troublemaker, he heard her say as she vanished.

Oberon took her place in Jareth's chair. "Explain."

"Well -" Kevein began.

"Not you. The Goblin King."

Stifling another chuckle, Jareth summarized all that transpired to bring them to this moment.

Oberon eyed Kevein thoughtfully before pressing his fingertips against Jareth's desk and rising. He leaned forward ever so slightly, giving the appearance of looming over the nervous Fae. "Your error in judgement, though perhaps We will concede it being the error of the one you serve, was in acting as though there would be no consequence."

"I was only supposed to garner information, Your Majesty. The fault of the rest lies with me."

"It is true merely spying would be no great cause for punishment under normal circumstances, even factoring in going Aboveground. However, We happen to like her. She is special, particularly in Her Majesty's estimation. And, quite frankly, We are inclined to agree." Oberon straightened and pointed directly at Kevein. "You will take that piece of information back to your master after which he will be your master no more. You will then report to Our palace where your fate will be decided."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Kevein tried to lower his head. "But, do you not wish to know who my master, er former master is?"

"If you believe We do not already know, that is more your folly. Now go." He snapped is fingers and Kevein disappeared. Oberon turned to Jareth, who leaned against the window with his arms crossed. "Need you be reminded to not seek vengeance?"

"Not that your asking is a reminder."

Oberon smiled. "No, of course not."

"Curiosity is what it is. I cannot keep her hidden forever, much as I would prefer to."

"And would you like to be party to whatever further punishment is in store for young Kevein?"

"Something tells me having to appear as he did in front of Yourselves, then run back to Gestrel after having been caught and still appear as he did is punishment enough."

"First pity, now compassion. Growing soft?"

Jareth snorted. "Her opinion matters and I sense she would not approve of my involvement in anything further so long as he knows to keep his distance." He chuckled openly. "And I believe she incited enough terror in him that he would never dare do anything but."

"Indeed?"

"If only you had seen it." He launched into a more detailed telling of what went on, as well as summarizing what he overheard Sarah's residents tell her they had done.

"Mortals are not as meek as they once were," Oberon said once they had finished laughing at Kevein's expense.

"No. Not all, in any case. And I hope it is to their betterment."

"True."