Hoggle knew Jareth had been looking for him, knew by the way the king's command had come from Jareth's advisor, Raptor. He never received a royal summons from the advisor's office unless Jareth was feeling particularly cruel. Hoggle had avoided Jareth the night before, just barely, by going out to get more fairy dusting supplies, but he knew his short reprieve was over – he'd have to go face Jareth.

He handed his paperwork to the clerk on duty. The goblin looked it over, then stared at the dwarf. After a moment, Hoggle was waved past and went through the magic detector at the door. It had been installed after Sarah's visit to make certain only authorized beings entered the throne room. It had been a good investment so far.

Slowly entering the quiet room, Hoggle noticed the king was sitting sideways on his throne, staring at a crystal that spun like sunlight between his fingers. There weren't any goblins or chickens around - another bad sign. Hoggle thought that maybe he'd be able to sneak away again, after all – he had come, right? He went to turn towards the door when Jareth's easy going voice stopped him.

"Higgert, please. Enter at your leisure. Your king desires your sparkling company." Jareth's bored tone told Hoggle that something bad was about to happen. The king was not looking at him, choosing to focus on his crystal.

"You called for me, Majesty?" Hoggle's voice came out forced and perky, sure signs that he was nervous, Jareth noted. Good, he deserved to feel that way.

"I did. Tell me Hogberg, do you think me a fair king?" The question took Hoggle by surprise and he floundered a few moments, searching for an answer.

"Fair? Um, well - you haven't killed any of us yet, I suppose that's about as fair as you're apt to get."

Jareth spun the crystal away and sat up straight. He looked at Hoggle with barely concealed emotion.

"You knew Sarah was being trained. Why did you not tell me? What more are you hiding?"

"I knows nothin' about no training. She had a book and I told her I didn't give it to her. That's all I know and that's all I'm saying."

"Why Hibble," Jareth said smoothly as he stood up, moving towards him like he was about to decapitate him where he stood. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were lying. The girl was not meant to have those books until she realized her place was here. The Labyrinth would not have sent them to her otherwise. Someone's been telling tales and I want answers. Now."

"I don't know why she's got the books now. Maybe she wants to come back and doesn't know it."

Jareth stood there, a bit stunned. A slow wicked grin crossed his face and he glanced out his window to see Sarah's castle completed and glowing with a faint golden light.

"Then perhaps it's about time she did know it. She'll be here shortly for the wedding. She'll be staying here."

"But her own castle," Hoggle protested before his king cut him off sharply.

"She has no claim to that castle until she is Queen of Wishes. And until she makes her claim, she is - my guest."

Hoggle didn't want to bring up the next point, but someone had to do it. He sighed loudly.

"But the challenges would have to be completed before that could happen. That takes a long time, doesn't it?"

"We have forever Hobble or hadn't you realized that yet? My dear Sarah has quite the journey ahead of her if she thinks she is going to win my affections so easily this time around."

Hoggle shook his head in frustration. Things were about to get a lot more complicated for everyone once Sarah arrived.

JSJSJS

Sarah stood under the shower, letting the last of her drunkeness drain away from her. She'd never been so embarrassed in her life. Drinking too much wine and falling all over Doug like that.

Thank god he was a gentleman and put her into a cab. There were unspoken questions in his eyes, but she knew he wouldn't ask them. Especially since she'd used him and called out someone else's name. What had she been thinking?

She hadn't been thinking - that's what happened. She let jealousy and anger cloud her judgement. And over someone who didn't matter to her - had never mattered to her.

She got out of the shower and towelled off briefly before pulling on some shorts and a tank top. She crawled into bed, her foot hitting something. Frowning, she reached down into her blankets and pulled out a large envelope addressed to her. Actually she was a bit surprised at the name on the envelope.

"Princess Sarah, presumed Queen of Wishes"

Tearing it open, she looked at the invitation and screamed in frustration.

"You are cordially invited to the wedding feast of the King to Lady Genevieve."

She was about to throw it away when a thought hit her. She would go to this wedding and put him in his glittery pants place once and for all. Then she'd never have to see him again.

And if she was lucky, there'd be cake.