Empire

I closed my eyes briefly. "Look, I asked you here because I thought you might have useful experience with this kind of thing."

"Your asking seems a lot like summoning." Jareth sketched a mock bow as an afterthought. "Your imperial majesty."

"Oh, stuff it, your majesty. If you're not going to help, you can just leave."

"When I can stay and pester you? Hardly. This is far more diverting."

"You're insufferable. I can't believe I thought it was a good idea to ask you for help."

"So why did you?"

I took a breath and lifted my chin. "My strategic battle planning skills need improvement. I'm more of a small skirmish kind of girl. Lead from the front, et cetera."

He nodded sagely, steepling his fingers together. "Not wise for larger maneuvers."

I snorted. "Don't I know it. I've been trounced the last three battles, and my people are losing faith. I can't afford another failure." I smiled slightly, trying not to grit my teeth. "I need your help."

"What will you give me for helping you?" He peered over his fingers, eyes alight with Faerie mischief.

I tilted my head. "What do you want?"

"Mmmm, your undying love and fealty?"

I snorted. "Seems like a poor trade when you already have it." I held up my wedding ring and waggled my fingers at him. "You can do better than that, your majesty."

"How about a proper date night this week? Steaks, good music? We were sadly interrupted last time."

"That I can do."

"Very well— I accept your terms. Tell me about your campaign, oh Empress."

"Insufferable," I muttered. "Alright, the Rebellion troops are in these three spots, and I have two actions per move, and one move before they respond. I have a semi-operational Death Star that delivers a major morale hit, but it's slow."

"Can you pan the view this way? Mmm. I see. You're in a bit of a pickle, aren't you? Any other assets?"

"A Sith Lord of questionable reliability named Vader."

"Tricky. But not impossible." He leaned over so one arm was on either side of me, his breath hot in my ear. "I have a plan for you."

"I knew I married you for a reason."

"More than one, I hope."

"Definitely more than one."