Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 15: Reunion

Sarah ran her fingers through her long, dark hair again in a vain attempt to straighten it. Courtney Underground? She couldn’t think of a single student with that name. But the last name… Underground. She hadn’t admitted any of her visitors, preferring to just be alone, but this one, how could she refuse?

Aaron was still trying to convince her to take stronger drugs. He already had her on something or another to keep her calm. Often she got upset during their talks when he refused to believe her. It was a horrible feeling, having something supernatural happen to you and have absolutely no one believe you. Even her parents suggested she try the drugs.

No. This really happened to her. The labyrinth, the goblins, the king, the Underground… It was all real! And Toby! Poor Toby. He was lost from her. She’d cried out that she hadn’t meant it, that she wanted him back. She was willing to fight for her little brother again, but she got no response.

Now there was someone, this Courtney Underground. Perhaps she’d been there, perhaps she’d believe!

A slight knock on the door before Aaron opened it. He was always so polite, “Honey, this is Courtney. I’ll leave you two to talk. Just call if you need anything.”

The girl stepped forward with a bouquet of flowers, wearing dark colors, lace, and huge boots. At once she recognized the girl. She had her in a class. Sarah nodded to her husband and waited until they were alone before speaking, “Court, what is this? Your last name isn’t Underground.”

At once the girl grinned, quietly hurrying over, “I know, Mrs. Stevens. It’s just, I had to say something to get you to let me see you. Because, believe it or not, Tobias is back!”

Sarah’s eyes went wide, and she rose from her plush office chair, not caring that her student was seeing her in an old, worn T-shirt and pajama pants with holes.

Court eased closer, “Shh… He doesn’t want your husband to know he’s here.” She said, setting the small bouquet atop the desk.

Sarah watched in amazement as the girl went around her to the window, going about opening the curtains and unlocking the window as if she owned the place. She was about to speak up when Toby’s face came into view. He was gently tapping at the window as Court struggled to open it.

The task finally accomplished, the girl helped Toby climb in. Sarah stood back, staring. Her brother’s roots were showing a good two inches or more. With his hair pulled back, she could see a large, dark hickey on his neck, but she didn’t think too much about it. He was here! Right before her!

Tobias rushed forward, wrapping his arms about his sister, fighting the tears, “You know I don’t hate you, right? I was just saying that. I’m so glad you wished me away.” He whispered in a rush.

Sarah returned the embrace, “Oh, Toby! I’m so sorry!” The tears were free flowing as she pulled back, taking in her brother’s appearance a little more carefully. He was wearing a sweater way too tight for him, he looked thinner, his complexion was much lighter… And he was happy. She’d never seen her brother smiling so. It made her heart lift effortlessly.

He took her by the hands and led her to the small, leather couch against the wall. They sat together, facing one another, “There’s a lot to talk about, Sarah.”

“I know, I know…” She said, speaking up before he could go on, “First, tell me if it’s true. Where you there? Did you go to the Goblin City? Underground?”

Tobias smiled softly, nodding, “Yes. That’s where I’ve been these passed four months.”

Court took a seat in the office chair, lifting the bouquet from the desk to her lap. She was leaning forward, listening while picking at the flowers. She hadn’t believed anything Tobias had explained to her earlier, but now she wasn’t so sure. Mrs. Stevens seemed enrapt in the very same story.

“Are you okay? You weren’t hurt were you?” Sarah asked, worried.

Pulling at his sweater, Tobias shook his head, “No, no… It was wonderful. You don’t understand, Sarah. I stayed in the castle as the Goblin King’s guest. I made lots of friends.”

Sarah sat back, “You mean, it was like a vacation? What the hell’s going on? Why did he take you there?”

It was really warm in the room. Tobias could feel sweat beading up along his spine. He pulled at his sweater again, “I didn’t understand at first either. You see, Jareth kept an eye on us because we’re the only ones to have escaped so long ago. And I guess he became interested in the kind of person I am. All those dreams I was having and all that…? He was seducing me, trying to bring me to him. Well, it worked, and it turns out he’s completely hung up on me. So, we’re like, going out now.” Tobias explained, blushing in the end. It sounded so odd to hear himself say it out loud. He and Jareth were going out.

Sarah stared at her brother. All this time she’d imagined the most horrid things he could be going through. Alone in the labyrinth, captured by goblins, tortured by the Goblin King, etc.

Court sat up, “Who’s Jareth?”

Tobias turned to the girl, “He’s the Goblin King, same person.”

“So, you’re saying this is the king that gave you that monster hickey? This is the guy you’re going out with?” She couldn’t help but tease, it was like some kind of gay, gothic fairytale.

Turning back to his sister, Tobias noticed her strange expression, “Sarah? Look, I’m sorry. I wanted to come back sooner, but it was complicated. Everything’s okay now.”

She nodded. That’s right. It didn’t matter. Toby was back and happy and obviously in good health. Everything would be okay.

“I know you were upset that I was missing, that you were trying to help, but… I don’t think we should tell anyone about this anymore. I’m going to go home and tell Mom and Dad that I ran away after our fight. Is that okay? Then you can ‘get well’ because of my return.” He suggested, wondering why the hell Aaron kept it so damned warm.

Sarah thought it was a pretty good idea and was going to make some suggestions herself, but her thoughts were interrupted as her brother proceeded to remove his sweater. It was kind of funny at first, watching him try and maneuver the thing. Then he finally caught hold of the hem and began pulling upward. The little T-shirt beneath went up as well, baring his stomach and chest. There were so many marks; hickeys, scratches, bites. Sarah gasped, covering her mouth with her hands, eyes wide. Tobias finished removing the sweater, pulling his dark violet T-shirt back down into place. Normally she’d marvel at the nifty spider web print, but she was still in utter shock. She glanced at Court to find that the girl had seen what she’d seen and was also staring in awe.

“What’s wrong?” Tobias asked, confused.

Sarah moved closer, carefully taking hold of her brother’s T-shirt and easing it up somewhat. A small hickey on his stomach surrounded by teeth marks came into view, “Toby, you’re covered in marks.”

He blushed like a madman, “Oh, I hadn’t realized. I’m sorry.” He pulled his shirt down, regretting having removed the sweater at all. The entire night of making love to Jareth was no doubt the cause of these numerous marks. He really hadn’t noticed.

“Oh my God, Tobias! So, you were living like newly weds all this time?” Court asked, rising to her feet, taking hold of his shirt and lifting it to peak at his back. It too was littered with little red welts, the skin so close to having been broken in some places. There was one bite mark in particular on his shoulder blade that had indeed bled. “I didn’t think you were the type to like it rough. Wow.” She said, finally releasing his shirt,

Tobias stepped away from the girl, “Hey, that’s none of your business, okay?”

“But, is this what you like? You weren’t used?” Sarah asked, her voice soft, her shock still pulsing in her brain. What was going on here?

He went to his sister and hugged her again, “Oh, no… I’m not being used. This is what we both want. Please, don’t worry.”

She couldn’t help but hug him back, she loved him so dearly, like a son. Still, it was so hard to think of her little brother and the Goblin King together. They’d had sex, this roughly? She wasn’t completely convinced Toby hadn’t been used. After all, the Goblin King was an evil man with evil intentions. This she knew for sure.

They all grew silent upon hearing approaching footsteps. Tobias dashed to a small closet near the door, slipping in just in time.

“I thought you two would like something to drink.” Aaron said as he entered, having gently knocked first, of course. He looked up to find Sarah’s face tearstained. She was sitting on the leather couch looking shocked and slightly horrified. The young girl that had come to visit was standing, her expression nonchalant.

Aaron remained calm, entering further. He sat the small tray with the tea and cups upon the desk before he turned to the girl, “Courtney, was it? I think it’s time for you to go. Mrs. Stevens needs her rest.”

“Oh, no, Aaron, I’m fine.” Sarah said, rising to her feet, resting a hand on her husbands forearm.

“No, I insist. It’s best if you get some rest now.”

Court nodded, “Right, no problem.” She picked up the dropped and forgotten flowers from the floor, placing them on the desk before turning to go, “Hopefully I’ll see you in class real soon, Mrs. Stevens.”

Sarah nodded, “Yes.” She whispered, watching the girl go, Aaron following her out. The petite Goth was a real cutie. She waved over her shoulder before disappearing from sight, Aaron closing the door behind them.

The instant they were gone, Tobias emerged from the closet, hurrying over to Sarah. Sweater in hand, he moved to pull it on over his head, “I have to go. Aaron’s going to be back. I’m going to go home and tell mom I’ve been with some guy somewhere, that I ran away after our fight. I’ll say me and the guy broke up and that’s why I came home. I’m sure they’ll call you right away. Then you can come over, and we can spend more time together.” It was said in a rush as he finally got the sweater on and went to the window.

Sarah could hardly speak, she didn’t know what to say. So, she only nodded, following her brother to the window. He climbed out with grace, landing on his feet, looking up at her with a grin. A grin! When had she last seen him smile so?

The footsteps were returning again. Quickly, she closed the window, waving to Toby before closing the curtains as well. She was seated on the couch as she was before when Aaron came into the room.

“Are you alright? Did that girl upset you?” He asked as he approached her.

Sarah shook her head, “No, it’s just… She made me realize how much I miss teaching.”

He sat down beside her, placing a hand on her knee, “Oh, that’s wonderful!”

Sarah, smiled, nodding. Her husband really was a handsome man. He had lovely complexion, sandy hair, a kind face, and dazzling hazel eyes. He’d always been good to her, loved her and their daughter unconditionally. But now… She wondered if could ever be the same after this? He hadn’t believed her and never would. It would be something between them always, something she’d always have to be cautious never to mention.

Perhaps she could have lived with it before, but she’d seen the way Court had so easily accepted Toby’s words. She was a darling girl, a perfect match for her brother.

She placed her hand over her husband’s. No, this marriage wasn’t going to last. She could see it as if his eyes were crystal ball and she was seeing into the future. There were too many worries now though. Such things could wait. She smiled and leaned forward, kissing him chastely on the lips. She had kissed him once in these passed months. He was obviously pleased.

Now she just had to wait. Tobias would get home and her stepmother would be calling soon.

………………………………...

Tobias met up with Court on the sidewalk, “I’m going to head to my house now.”

“You want me to come with you?” She asked on tiptoes.

He shook his head, “Nah, it’s going to be a mess. My mother’s going to be yelling and calling everyone.”

“Well, I could offer moral support or something, you know?”

Tobias smiled and leaned forward, kissing her on the cheek, “Court, I’m head over heels for Jareth. You don’t want me anyway, you deserve better.”

She blushed, it wasn’t something she did often, but she couldn’t help it. Tobias had never spoken so sweetly to her. She nodded.

“Besides, I don’t want my parents to know about you. If there’s trouble or whatever, your place will be my get away. Is that okay?”

“Duh!” She exclaimed, playfully shoving him.

He nodded, turning to go. Court watched as he hurried off, practically jogging. He really looked silly in that sweater. She watched until he turned a corner before starting off for home herself. All this running around in the freezing cold, she really was going to get sick.

………………………………...

The house looked quiet from the street. One would think no one was home, but Tobias knew his mother was in there somewhere. He built up his courage and climbed the steps. He wasn’t sure if he should knock or not. Deciding against it, he pulled the screen door open, that familiar creak horribly loud in the quiet.

Footsteps were approaching as he opened the door. He stepped inside and closed the door, glad again to be out of the cold. He took two steps towards the kitchen and stopped, his mother having come into the doorway.

She threw her hands up to cover her mouth as she gasped, eyes wide, “Toby?”

He nodded, approaching her, “Hi, Mom.”

She shook her head, the tears flowing now. Without warning, her hand flew forward, and she slapped him hard, his head tossing to the side.

Tobias instinctively reached up to gently touch his cheek, no doubt glowing red. His mother surprised him then, launching forward and hugging him fiercely, “Where have you been! Do you know how worried we all were!” She repeated this over several times, pulling back and shaking him a bit by the shoulders.

“Mom, Mom… I’m sorry.” He answered again and again.

She took his hand then and led him to the living room, sitting on the couch and pulling him down with her. The tears had slowed considerably, and she was wiping at her cheeks, “Tell me, right now. Where were you?”

Tobias lowered his head, feeling more guilty than he’d expected to, “Me and Sarah had this big fight… I left with this guy.”

“I knew it! I knew you ran off with some man! He was older wasn’t he?” She continued when he nodded, “Where were you staying? What town?”

“Renaurd.” He answered, giving the name of a nearby, small town.

She sighed, slouching, “All this time…”

He sat up, reaching out and taking her hands, “I’m sorry, Mom! It’s just… He and I aren’t getting along right now, and I felt so bad about the fight with Sarah and leaving you guys… I…” His eyes watered up. He honestly hadn’t realized his leaving would cause so much pain.

“Oh, Honey!” His mother said, hugging him again, crying again, “As long as you’re safe and home, that’s all that matters. Just… Don’t ever do this to us again! You hear?” She pulled back then, looking him in the eyes.

He nodded, “I promise.” And he meant it.

“Now, I have to call the police and let them know you’re home. We filed a missing persons report. Oh, and your father! And I have to call Sarah! She’s been so upset. Are you hungry? I’ll make you something. You’re awfully thin.” She trotted off for the kitchen, and Tobias followed.

He sat at the table, watching as she hurried about, obviously making a loaded sandwich while simultaneously cradling the phone with her shoulder. She indeed called everyone, even the school, informing them he’d be returning within the week. He really wasn’t hungry, but he ate the entire sandwich anyway, glad to see his mother so pleased.

No more than an hour later, his father was rushing through the door. There was yelling followed by embracing again. Tobias took it all as he felt he deserved. His father had taken the rest of the day off work. They all sat together in the living room once his mother returned, having just finished answering the phone.

“That was Aaron. He said they’d come over tomorrow, he wants to break it gently to Sarah.” She explained, sipping her tea.

Tobias nodded, “How is Sarah? I heard she wasn’t doing so well. I feel so bad.”

Doug shook his head, “She’s been wrapped up in this crazy fantasy. Aaron said it was her way of dealing with your disappearance since she blamed herself.”

The tears welled in his eyes, “I wish I’d come back sooner.”

“Why didn’t you?” Karen asked gently.

“I guess I was being selfish. I was so wrapped up in…” He trailed off, not sure how to say such things to his parents. It felt odd to discuss his relationship with them.

“Just don’t you run off like that again.” Doug said, his voice stern, “And I’d like to have a word with this young man.”

Tobias quickly shook his head, “No.”

“Why not! He deserves a good talking to. How dare he take our baby away?” Karen insisted, her voice passionate with anger.

Tobias shook his head again, “Because I know you won’t just talk. You’ll probably try to break us up and press charges and everything else.”

“Damn right!” His father said, slamming his fist on the coffee table, the china clattering.

“He didn’t take me away, I left. I wanted to go. Besides, we’re having a little trouble right now anyway. I just… I don’t want to talk about it, okay?” He said, speaking in half truths, finding it more than difficult to keep from saying too much.

“How much older is he?” Karen asked, her voice gentle again, almost a whisper.

Tobias shrugged, “I don’t even know.”

She sighed, “Just don’t you go running off again. Remember, you promised.”

“I know,” He answered, “I won’t.”

A pleasant silence followed, each of them lost in their thoughts. Tobias could tell more questions were coming though and excused himself, claiming he was tired, that he wanted a nap. It wasn’t a lie, he really felt exhausted. They watched him climb the stairs, his mother calling that she’d wake him for dinner.

Alone in his room, he flicked the lights on and sighed. If only he’d realized… He’d have insisted on returning much sooner if he’d known everyone was so worried.

He went to the stereo, rifling through a pile of CDs before inserting one. He punched the shuffle button, checked that the volume was fairly low, and went for his closet. The soft sounds of Phil Collin’s “In The Air Tonight” drifted through his room, soothing him instantly. It was as if the music were warm air moving in a slow, circular motion, drifting passed him like gentle waves. He’d forgotten how much he missed his music.

He pulled off the tight sweater, letting it drop to the floor. His T-shirt fell victim next followed by his pants and flip flops, which he kicked off. He stood naked, listening as the beat picked up. He swayed to it, closing his eyes, wondering if Jareth could hear this through his mind.

The song ended, and he realized he had tears in his eyes yet again. Shaking his head, he snatched up a pair of striped, black, white, and grey pajama pants, pulling them on carelessly. The next song was Pink Floyd’s “Learning To Fly.”

He found a plain black T-shirt in his dresser and pulled it on, not realizing until he was lying in bed that he hadn’t pulled on any underwear. He’d grown accustomed to going without.

Not bother with the covers, he turned on his side and imagined Jareth behind him, spooning him. Three songs later, he was drifting, and as sleep came, he felt he could really feel Jareth’s warm body pressed against him, arms about his waist, holding him close.

………………………………...

Sarah stepped from the shower, wrapping her hair with one towel while drying with another. Today they were going over to her parents for dinner. She’d had a time of it trying to appear surprised when Aaron “broke the news” to her. Her performance must have been just the reaction he’d wanted, because they were going. She’d honestly thought he wouldn’t allow it for a while.

She pulled on her underwear, applied deodorant, and opened the door. As expected, Claire was standing there dressed and waiting, “Ready Mommy?” She was wearing a lavender sun dress built for comfort Sarah had purchased last spring. It was too cold for such an outfit, so she was wearing a pair of thick, white stockings underneath and a white sweater left open.

Sarah laughed, “No, I have to get dressed silly! Can’t go like this.” She said, gesturing to her nudity.

This must have been terribly funny, because Claire bust out in laughter. Sarah walked passed her, selecting a pair of nice blue jeans and a green, silk, button-up, long-sleeve blouse from her closet. It was one of her favorite shirts, accentuating her green eyes, which everyone complimented.

She went back into the bathroom then, Claire following. The steam had dissipated, and she went to work blow drying her hair and coming it neatly. That accomplished, she applied a little makeup, Some black eyeliner and mascara and a some pink lip gloss.

“Me too!” Claire whined, rising onto her tiptoes.

Sarah tsked, “Don’t whine, Baby. Just ask.” She said, bending over to apply some of the gloss to her daughter’s lips.

Aaron was waiting for them downstairs, ready to go in khaki slacks and a striped dress shirt of red, green, and white. The drive was short as always, and Karen was waiting for them on the porch, wearing a short-waisted, long-sleeve, navy jacket over a full length, cream-colored dress. Damn. She’d gone all out. Sarah figured as much though. They hadn’t been able to have a happy dinner together in a long time.

The hurried inside and into the warmth, greeting one another as if nothing had ever been wrong, as if they’d never suggested she could be losing her mind. Her father was dressed similar to Aaron, his shirt a solid navy, matching Karen’s jacket ridiculously.

“Toby!” Karen called up the stairs, and is if he’d never left, he came out of his room and started down the stairs. He was wearing a pair of black jeans barely hanging in his hips and a leopard print, long-sleeve T-shirt. His hair was pulled back loosely, a few strands gracing his fine-featured face, his roots still showing.

Claire launched into his arms once he reached the bottom, “Look Toby! I’m wearing makeup!” She exclaimed, pointing to her shining lips.

He chuckled, “I see that. You’re growing up so fast. You’re taller too. Did you know that?”

She stood straight and tall, nodding, “Grandma says I’m a young lady now.”

Tobias nodded, chuckling again, reaching out to trace his little niece’s jaw, “You really are.” He kissed her on the cheek then, delighting in the grin that spread across her face.

“Oh, Toby… You know I hate that shirt.” Karen muttered, fingering the hem.

He stepped back quickly, fearing a repeat of yesterday’s revealing, “I like this shirt.” He replied, looking to Sarah then. This was supposed to be the first time they’d seen one another in a while. He approached her, hugging her hesitantly. She pulled him to her instantly.

They embraced for some time, quietly holding one another. The other’s excused themselves finally. Aaron took Claire with him into the family room to play while he and Doug talked. Karen went to the kitchen, letting everyone know she’d call when dinner was ready.

Sarah and Tobias remained in the living room, moving to sit on the couch, “How’re you doing?” Tobias asked sincerely.

She smiled, “Much better. I’m so glad you’re back.”

Tobias nodded, “We have so much to talk about.” He wanted to tell her he planned on going back, but he wasn’t sure how she was going to react. He wanted to tell her when they were more alone, without prying ears. Until then, he’d just have to keep that from her.

“Tell me everything.” She said, scooting closer, pulling her legs onto the couch, careful to keep her boots off the cushions.

He sighed, smiling, seeing the curiosity and wonder in his sister’s eyes. She really believed now. “Well, I stayed in the castle. I made a lot of friends.”

She laughed, “You’ve told me this already.”

“There’s just so much. I met others like Jareth that live in the castle. I’m not sure what they are. They’re not human. I made friends with a woman named Julianne. She’s so sweet and so beautiful. I met a woman named Lyn. She cooks and cleans and plays mother to the entire castle. And I met the goblins and made friends with them. At first I was scared of them, but I hadn’t known they were really human children.” He took a deep breath.

Sarah motioned with her hands for him to go on.

“Umm… There’s one woman that doesn’t like me, Wren, because she has a thing for Jareth. Oh, there’s this awesome garden. Julianne loves the garden. I did a lot of painting. And I went to a ball.”

“A ball?” Sarah asked , remembering the ball she’d gone to, but that had been so confusing. It was more like a spell than something that actually happened. Still, the thought of a ball in the Underground frightened her.

Tobias shook his head upon seeing his sister‘s expression, “Oh, no… It was nice. Did you know there were lots of kingdoms there? This was the Autumn Queen’s ball, and everything went well except… Well, the Great Queen doesn’t much like me. She’s Jareth’s stepmother.” He stopped, laughing once he realized he’d been rambling.

Sarah was amazed, “Wow, it sounds like a lot happened.” How could this be? It seemed her brother had had a pretty fabulous time in the land of nightmares. It was so confusing! She was horrified and intrigued at the same time.

Before she could ask more, Karen called that dinner was ready. They had fettuccine Alfredo, garlic bread, red wine, soda for Tobias and Claire, and cheesecake for dessert. They chatted idly over nothing of importance. Tobias found it pleasant enough, but missed the dinners he had Underground. He wondered if Jareth glanced at his empty place often?

He was sad to see Sarah go, but they made plans to go out alone together the evening after next. They wanted to do something sooner, but Aaron wouldn’t allow it. He watched from the window as they drove off, turning away once they’d disappeared from sight. He found his parents in the kitchen and bid them goodnight.

Alone in his bedroom, he changed into his pajamas and climbed into bed, leaving the lights on. He left the stereo on again, the volume down low, his Gorillaz CD on repeat. Sleep settled over him by the third song.

………………………………...

Deft hands traveled his body, fingering his collarbone, armpits, nipples, navel, and at last, his erection. Tobias moaned and opened his eyes to find Jareth hovering over him, that cruel smirk in place, those mismatched eyes staring down at him. They were both naked, legs entangled.

Tobias reached up, pulling the king down upon him, “I miss you so much!”

“As do I.” Jareth whispered, teeth coming down on his neck, biting gently at his flesh.

A hand was placed before his mouth, and Tobias quickly went to work sucking Jareth’s fingers, coating them generously with saliva. When the hand was removed, it was replaced with Jareth’s mouth, their tongues dancing at once. Tobias opened his mouth as wide as it would go, simultaneously spreading his legs, puling his knees to his chest, offering himself completely.

He moaned as Jareth prepared him, those wet fingers working magic, taking longer than necessary. Jareth removed his hand then, using it instead to hold the flesh of his thigh, pushing his legs further apart.

Tobias sucked in a breath as the Goblin King pressed into him, slow but steady until they were connected completely. He panted, readying himself for the thrusts there were soon to begin.

Jareth leaned over, kissing him, caressing his face with one hand, the other still gripping his thigh. The pace was slow for only a short while. Tobias found himself writing beneath his lover, his hands gripping the sheets, his head tossing, his breath hitching.

“Soon.” He managed, gritting his teeth and arching his back. Jareth’s hand came down on his weeping erection, and then he was coming, Jareth following close behind, filling him with that glorious heat.

Tobias closed his eyes, relishing in the feel of his lover’s body atop his own, racked with exhaustion. Jareth’s lips were near his ear, “Tell me.” Came a whisper.

He knew instantly what Jareth wanted, “I love you, I love you, I love you!” He chanted, moving to sidle up against his lover as Jareth moved off of him. He knew this was a dream, a spell. It was fabulous, of course, but it still wasn’t as good as being with the Goblin King for real.

Tobias found sleep again fairly soon, the warmth of Jareth beside him never leaving him until morning.

………………………………...

Wren was back to her usual haughty self, no doubt due to Tobias’ absence. She attended dinner and conversed with the others as if the boy had never been there at all. Julianne was worried, because she knew Tobias would be back. Her friend wasn’t the same person she remembered from childhood, and now that she thought about it, Wren hadn’t been the same for a long while. The redhead’s infatuation with the Goblin King had become and obsession that transformed her.

Julianne expressed her concerns with the king, but he didn’t seem concerned. In fact, he too love sick to be concerned with much. He carried out his duties, saw to the castle and the goblins but did little else. Julianne wondered what he had planned for the upcoming Winter Ball. Did Jareth already know how he was going to argue for Tobias’ return? Was he prepared to discuss the matter of a fiancé with the Great King and Queen? No one knew, not even Merik.

The ball was just two days away. Julianne decided to speak with her king this night. Up ahead, she saw a goblin scamper out of the throne room to hurry down the stairs.

Trei mentioned once that the little goblins missed the boy. That made Julianne smile after having heard the little creatures refer to Tobias as the human goblin.

Inside, she found Jareth draped over his throne as usual. There were few goblins present, most of them having retreated downstairs since the sun was going to be rising soon.

“Sire?” She called out before entering further. No response. Had he fallen asleep? She approached him to find he was indeed awake, eyes open, staring. “Are you okay?” She asked.

Jareth said up, nodding, looking about him.

“Have you been sleeping all night?” It seemed it was all he did.

He nodded again, “I am with Tobias this way.”

She blushed, “Oh. Well, I was wondering if you were prepared for the Winter Ball?”

He looked up at her, glaring.

“You’re going alone, yes?”

Yet another nod.

“Do you know what you’re going to say to the Great King and Queen?” Julianne asked hesitantly, finding this was a rather touchy subject for her king.

Jareth scoffed, rising to his feet, “What more can I do but plead my case?”

It was Julianne’s turn to nod, keeping her gaze downward as the king stormed out of the room, his steps silent. Perhaps that was all he could do. She only wanted to provide her support. She didn’t take his harsh manner too seriously, knowing he was missing Tobias.

There was still an hour before sunrise. Merik was going to meet her in the garden. Without another thought, she left the horrid throne room.

To be continued…

This one was longer, ne?