A/N - somehow I deleted the chapter that goes before this one, where Karen has a talk with Jareth about real love...If anyone has that chapter, please let me know so you can email it back to me ::guilty look::

Jareth sat at the dinner table, idly pushing his food around his plate. Robert stared at him, not knowing what to say. He had been troubled that he'd not seen Jareth since their adventure a few nights previously. Jareth had managed to eat dinner in Sarah's room, when he ate at all. He'd made an appearance tonight because it was his last night in the mortal world, but Robert could see Jareth had something on his mind that was troubling him.

Karen had told Robert that Jareth had gone to a picnic with Becca and been kissed by her cousin Elisa. After calming down and understanding that Jareth allowed the kiss to test his feeling for Sarah, Robert wondered if that had made Jareth so moody. Jareth had never loved before, it was all new to him. After a few minutes of silence, Robert took a deep breath and put down his fork. Karen hid a grin and continued feeding Toby.

"Jareth, I - owe you an apology for thinking you were out to harm Sarah in some way," Robert said, taking a sip of his drink. Jareth glanced up at Sarah's father and frowned.

"Apology? None is needed, you were protecting your child."

"Still, I didn't want to believe that you had her best interests in mind. I don't know what your intentions are towards my girl, but I'm keeping an open mind."

"That is quite kind of you, friend Robert. Although I am not certain of my intentions either. Sarah is very young and has her entire life ahead of her. She has not dated at all. I myself have lived centuries though I have not been with many people either, I've been quite the loner. It may not be a valid basis for comparision."

"What does that mean exactly? I admit I wanted you to date Becca, but I do see that you have feelings for Sarah. If you go slowly, she might return them. Unless you are suddenly thinking of dating her cousin."

"Elisa? You misunderstand me. I do not wish a courtship with Becca or her overzealous cousin. I just don't know if Sarah and I are compatible. She has never been in love."

"Love? Are you in love with Sarah?" Karen asked, surprised. Jareth squirmed a bit.

"I do not know. When I arrived here, I only wished to possess her, to rule her as is my right." At Robert's annoyed look, Jareth continued. "But learning of her kindnesses to others, such as Alia, well - that is I mean to say - I find myself quite entranced. She is more than I gave her credit for and still not what a queen should be if you can understand."

"I'm not sure I do," Robert admitted, feeling a flash of anger. "How is she not worthy?"

Jareth's elegant eyebrows rose. "She is too worthy to be a mere queen. She's more worthy than any other woman I've ever met. She's fearless, stubborn, beautiful. She brings light and joy to me simply by saying my name. She confounds me," Jareth said, waving his hands around fiercely. He stood up and paced. "I find myself thinking of her at the most ridiculous times and wishing that she would appear at my side, even if it is to mock me. My peace of mind is almost non existent and she is the cause. I know not how it happened."

" You are in love with Sarah," Karen laughed. Robert nodded and took another piece of roast beef.

"Yep, that's how I felt when Karen came back to me," Robert said, smiling at his wife. "I still can't figure her out, but it's fun trying. How does all of that make Sarah not what a queen should be?"

"A queen should submit to her king's will. Her only thought should be her husband's happiness. Sarah is her own happiness, she has no need of pleasing me or submitting to my commands. She makes all around her submit to her will simply by a smile or carelessly uttered remark. Her power is unmistakable."

"Her kingdom as great?" Karen asked, smirking. Jareth grinned sheepishly.

"Her kingdom is greater. Now I am beginning to question if I am worthy of her. It is madness."

Karen reached over and put her hand on Jareth's arm. "It is love."

"Perhaps," Jareth said softly. "But there is the matter of her heart being tempted, I know that Devlin has spoken with her and will try to claim her. She says she will handle it. What exactly does that mean?" Jareth seemed agitated. "How does a young innocent girl handle this situation? I fear for her being led astray yet wish to be the one who does so - no offence meant," he bowed to Robert who stifled a laugh.

"None taken, I was told she turned down his advances."

"He made such to her?" Jareth's eyes blazed.

"Not physically, no. But he tried to enchant her with pretty words," Karen said slowly, trying to get Toby to not throw food around the room. "I think you know that she did not respond the way he wanted to - she wants you."

"I cannot be certain of that," Jareth said, sitting down again in the beginnings of anguish. "Devlin can be quite persuasive."

"Listen - I may not know anything about Fae or magic but I know my Sarah. She wouldn't be going along with any of this if she didn't have some sort of feeling for you. My advice is to talk to her and admit the part about how she has to choose you within a year."

"And have her choose out of pity or guilt?" Jareth was amazed.

"No, you selfish cretin - so that you have some honesty in your courtship. Unless kings don't go in for that sort of thing with the one they supposedly want as queen." Robert folded his arms across his chest and Toby giggled. Jareth looked shocked. No one had spoken to him like that for years.

"I'm trying to spare her," Jareth growled and Robert glared back at him.

"You are trying to think for her," her father retorted. Jareth sat back in his chair, trying to come up with a reasonable argument. He bit his lower lip in thought - there wasn't a reasonable argument but who would think to argue with a Goblin King? Apparently anyone whose last name was Williams.

"Talk with her tomorrow night at the ball - not to order her around or seduce her," Karen said, ignoring the uncomfortable look Robert suddenly had. "Just talk with her, get to know her better. She may surprise you."

"She usually does," Jareth conceded and smiled when Toby threw his peas up in the air.

JSJSJS

Sarah put on a warm cloak and summoned a carriage. She was going to see Sir Didymus and figure this all out before the ball tomorrow night.

The cool night air hit her cheeks, and she closed her eyes for a moment. Not telling the High Queen she was going out instead of going to bed was not the most honest thing she could do, but she needed answers from someone she could trust.

The Crystal Palace was miles away, luckily the little knight liked to camp between the two palaces so he could be available to either kingdom. The driver took her deep within the dark woods. A flash of movement was beside her and she glanced over to see Devlin in the carriage. Stifling a scream, she hit his arm.

"You could have given me a heart attack. What are you doing here?" She paused. "How are you here?"

"Lordos can teleport just as well as Avians, dear Sarah. Jareth isn't the only one who can appear to tempt a young girl."

"Tempt? Is that what you think you're doing? And Jareth doesn't tempt me."

Devlin smiled, showing sharp fangs. On Jareth, they looked almost sensual, but on Devlin the effect was a bit dangerous. She leaned back slightly.

"He doesn't? Sad to say as he is courting you. Perhaps you need to rethink that situation. Seeing how he goes around kissing other girls when you are away."

"Jareth isn't my husband. I'm only fifteen - if he wants to kiss someone else that's his business." Her eyes clouded and Devlin noticed. He grabbed her hand.

"It should be your business. Courting is serious, Sarah. It is not a time to trifle with a beloved's affection. It is a time to strengthen the bond between two lovers." Sarah blushed. "It is a time to learn your chosen one's soul," he caressed her hand. "And their willing body." Sarah jerked her hand free.

"I appreciate your concern, but I'm on my way to visit a friend and it's going to be a private conversation. So if you don't mind?" She stared at him and he smiled.

"Of course, I only wish for your happiness. But remember this - Avians are of the air - they are meant to be free. They are not known for how you humans word it - settling down."

"Thanks for the warning."

"Hmm, well have it your own way. I shall see you tomorrow night at the ball and we can continue this conversation. Just ask yourself why Jareth would take an interest in a human girl who beat his Labyrinth." He took her hand again and kissed it, before turning it over to watch the vein in her wrist as if it held a millions secrets. Again, she pulled her hand back and glared.

"I hope you come with someone who appreciates you," she said and he grinned, glancing down her body.

"I certainly plan on it," he smirked and disappeared into thin air. The implication he had made caused Sarah to blush again and she wondered just what Devlin was after.

They arrived at the small camp and Sir Didymus came out to greet Sarah, ushering her into his rather large tent.

"Are we alone?" Sarah asked, glancing around.

"Besides a few guards that are out on patrol and your own driver, my lady." His one good eye watched her carefully. "The king has spoken to you."

"King - oh you mean King Logan. Yes, but I'm not sure about what he told me."

The old knight sighed and sat upon a wooden stool. He motioned to Sarah to sit on a more comfortable looking cushion nearby.

"Sarah, you must understand. The Goblin King does not trust easily. His kingdom is one of games and tricks. He is guarding more than his homeworld. He guards his heart."

"Everyone does," Sarah said but the dog held up a paw.

"You don't quite understand, my lady. The Labyrinth is a test true, but at its heart, in the castle - is the source of Jareth's power. Anyone who beats the Labyrinth has a right to share in that power. They also have the right to claim it if anything were to - er - happen to Jareth."

"Happen? Like get hurt?" Sarah's large green eyes filled with worry.

"Yes - or, er - die. You have beaten the Labyrinth. You are the only one to have done so in many years. The High Queen was the last one to do so. When she had Jareth, she gave him the control of the place as is his right as first born son."

"All right - he rules the Labyrinth."

"She also gave him full control over its secrets when he became Goblin King. Before his unfortunate time in the Goblin prison camp, he was a spoiled, selfish boy with too much power and not enough responsibility. Once he obtained the heart of a goblin, much was forced upon him. He never found a reason to fall in love because love is his greatest downfall."

"What do you mean?"

"If the woman he loves does not love him back, he will die."

"King Logan mentioned that. It's true then?" Sarah held back tears.

"Very true. But there is more. If Jareth dies, the winner of the Labyrinth becomes its next master. Or in this case - mistress."

Sarah was stunned. "Me?"

"Yes, my lady. His magic would fill you but his knowledge of it would not. It would be quite simple for someone less ethical to bind themselves to you for such power. You would be - well - up for grabs."

"Karen wouldn't allow that - or the High Queen," Sarah said quickly but Didymus sighed again.

"If Jareth dies and someone claims you before you assert your right to the throne, they become Lord of the Labyrinth. And you will be their mate. But it would not be an easy life. You'd be more like a slave to whoever stole the magic."

"Why would Jareth do something like this?"

"Obviously he plans to wed you."

"Just so he can keep his power?" Sarah glared.

Sir Didymus frowned. The girl was not understanding. "No - it's not like that."

"I think I've heard enough. Thank you, Sir Didymus for being honest with me. I'll see you at the ball tomorrow."

He nodded and bowed, not sure of Sarah's mood.

As Sarah made the long journey back to the castle, her mind was a blur. Could Devling been right somehow? Was Jareth trying to marry her to keep his power intact? It was too much to consider tonight, but tomorrow night - well, Jareth was going to have a lot of explaining to do.