Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 09: Royals

The chandelier in the dining room was as exquisite as he’d believed it would be, completely radiant, every candle alight, the crystals sparkling and bringing the room to life. The polished surface of the table glowed and the crystal candelabra everywhere sparkled. The room was indeed fit for a king.

There were numerous persons inside. Tobias noted that all turned their gaze towards he and Jareth as they entered. Those seated at the table stood, and in a flourish, Jareth guided him to a seat just beside his own throne-like chair. It was unlike him to be shy, but Tobias found himself keeping a downward gaze. He spotted a few servants coming and going with covered dishes, placing them here and there on the table and leaving for more. Obviously everyone was waiting for this to be done. Chancing an upward glance, Tobias spied Lyn near a small side exit he hadn’t noticed before. She was clearly directing the servants who scampered in and out with the dishes. She spotted him and waved happily. Tobias couldn’t help but smile and wave back.

“You know her?” Jareth asked, his voice smooth. He was leaning forward, his elbows on the table, his chin resting in his hands.

Tobias nodded, speaking quietly so that his words might be for the king’s ear alone, “I wandered into the kitchen while she was working earlier today.”

It sounded as if someone huffed in response, but when Tobias turned, he couldn’t tell who’d spoken. Whoever it was, it was rude as hell. He silently surveyed each of them. There was space really for eleven others at the huge U-shaped table, but there were only six, all seated on the outside extensions of the U, leaving the four inside seats as well as the one on the other side of Jareth empty. It was amazing really, these people all seemed to glow, they were so beautiful and well dressed in the same old-fashioned garb. None of them could compare, of course, to Jareth, but it made Tobias wonder if any of them were truly human as he or Lyn or the servants surely were.

Lyn clapped twice, gaining everyone’s attention, “Okay, dinner’s served! Enjoy!” And with that she was leaving the room, closing the door behind her. The servants were all gone and Tobias noticed suddenly that all the dishes were open, their covers gone. He wondered when that had happened? Had he been staring so at the others seated about him? He hoped they didn’t think he was weird or rude.

The food smelled pretty good considering most of it looked kind of gross. He recognized a large roast that had to be some sort of pork. It didn’t look too appetizing. He’d never been a big fan of meat anyway. He did like chicken now and then, and spotted some sort of foul down at the end, but it was cooked with the bones in it, and that was kind of grossing him out now too, plus he didn’t want to have to ask for it. Looking to what was nearest him, he decided on the salad, a strange mixture of exotic plants and vegetables he’d never seen along with some he had, and several rolls, bread that smelled divinely sweet. He waited until the others started loading up their plates before he did. Everyone was pretty quiet, he wondered if that was normal or if it was because of him.

After everyone had started eating, one of the young women spoke up, “Okay, I can’t stand it anymore. Who is he, Jareth?”

The king set his silverware down and sat back, seeming calm yet menacing, “He’s my guest, Wren.” The woman’s name was spat out. Tobias guessed it was in response to the woman having used the king’s name.

She glared, “Perhaps you could introduce your guest, Sire?” Her voice was sweet and fake and a bit frightening. Tobias tried to memorize her name and face. She was Wren, and her hair was a brilliant carrot-red. She had big, brown doe eyes and millions of tiny freckles making her appear lovely and exotic in her dainty form. The appearance was rather fooling, since she was so forward and demanding and even a little rude. Tobias guessed this had been the one who’d huffed earlier at his statement.

The king leaned forward again, “Very well. Everyone, this is Tobias. He’s my guest from the surface. Tobias, this is Wren, and Dr. Lazlo, our physician…”

Dr. Lazlo was an older man with laugh lines and slight wrinkles at his eyes and upon his forehead. His hair was a medium brown, very shiny and cut short, neatly combed. He appeared a humble man with gentle, light brown eyes and wire-framed glasses.

“…and Talbot. He’s something of an advisor I suppose…”

Talbot was elderly, but handsome none-the-less. His silver hair was long, almost reaching his shoulders, combed back from his forehead and curling at the ends. Even the man’s eyebrows were silver. Tobias wondered how old he might be.

“…and this is Merik…”

Merik was seated on the other side of the table, rather near Tobias. He was a young man with a friendly face. His hair was a dark mahogany brown, slightly long and very unruly, sticking up and out here and there. He was obviously built, his form well defined. Tobias suspected he was either a hard worker or a soldier of some kind.

“…and Trei. He heads up my military forces…”

Trei was even more well built than Merik, a muscular man indeed. Trei was young and handsome with a square jaw and long, dirty-blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. His eyes were hard and green. Tobias didn’t doubt that this man could be very intimidating or even frightening.

“…and last but not least, Julianne. She likes to play gardener.”

Julianne was a lovely young woman with a head of rich, dark chocolate curls that hung surely past her waist. She had slightly tan, olive-toned skin, enchanting hazel eyes, and lovely round curves. She appeared to be rather graceful and seemed the kindest of them all.

“Satisfied?” Jareth asked, turning to Wren.

The petite woman’s eyebrows drew together, “Of course not! What do you mean he’s your guest from the surface? There’s no such thing. If he’s from the surface, he’s human, right? Why’s he sitting at your table then? And dressed so odd?”

Jareth sighed, seeming on the verge of laughter, “Must I explain myself? He’s my guest because he wants to be here and because I want him here.”

It seemed Wren was going to demand more, but the king gave her a look that said he’d had enough. She closed her mouth and sat back, working again on her dinner.

Merik laughed out then, “Really, Jareth, you can’t blame her for being curious, can you? This is rather unlike you.”
The king smirked, “Is it?”

Tobias felt uncomfortable so he renewed his downward gaze. They were talking about him while he was sitting there, as if he were an object. He wasn’t full, but he’d had enough, leaving half of his salad on his plate, he pushed it back slightly.

Jareth turned to him then, “That’s all you’re going to eat?”

Tobias nodded, reaching out for his glass, hesitant to touch the delicate crystal. It had to be wine, but he couldn’t be sure, he’d never had wine before. Whatever it was, it didn’t taste very good. It barely touched his tongue before he withdrew and set it aside.

“Would you prefer something else?” Jareth asked, watching him with concern perhaps. It made Tobias happy, but in a small way, it annoyed him. What was he to this king? A pet perhaps? Though honestly, he wasn’t complaining.

Tobias simply shook his head, though he’d really have liked some water.

“May I ask you a question, Tobias?” It was the lovely Julianne that had spoken. Her voice was deep and soft, sexual and sweet.

He nodded.

“Your hair is a lovely shade, but it’s false, isn’t it? Why is that?”

“That’s two questions, Juli, three if you count the first one.” Wren said, an evil little smile on her pale lips.

Julianne threw the redhead a playful glare before turning again to Tobias, awaiting an answer.
Tobias swallowed, “Well, I don’t like my natural hair color. It used to be blonde then turned light brown, and there are so many people I know with similar hair. I don’t like most of them, and I don’t want to be like them. Plus, I really like this color. I think it looks good on me. I’ve been doing it for more than two years now.”

Jareth leaned forward and rather close, “So you’re saying you don’t like people with blonde hair?”

Tobias blushed, “I… I don’t like most people.”

The king’s eyebrows rose, “Including me?”

Tobias remained silent, fighting the heat in his cheeks.

“Oh, Jareth, stop it.” Julianne said through a giggle, gesturing for the king to cut it out with a wave of her hand. “You’re so cruel.”

This made the Goblin King grin in a toothy fashion, obviously pleased as he leaned back in his chair, slouching down and crossing his legs beneath the table.

Tobias was startled when Jareth’s leg touched his and flinched but didn’t move. A slight warmth began to build at their contact, and Tobias found himself concentrating on it completely. He wondered if there’d been such innocent contact when they’d been sleeping. Had he rolled over, his leg bumping Jareth’s, their limbs resting together? It was a lovely thought, imagining their legs intertwined.

He was pulled from his thoughts when a hand reached out and carefully tucked his hair back behind his ear. He looked up to find Jareth gazing at him.

“Juli asked you a question, little one.”

Tobias sat up, looking to the lovely brunette.

She giggled, “I was wondering if you’d like to see the garden? You haven’t been out of the castle have you?”

Tobias wanted to say yes, he’d been in a courtyard, but that didn’t seem to matter. He’d been so dazed, it was more like a dream. He wanted very much to go with this kind woman but wasn’t sure if he could. He looked to Jareth, and the whole room burst into easy laughter.

“You needn’t his permission.” Wren managed through her laughter.

Jareth smirked, “Doesn’t he?”

Everyone quieted a bit. “Not if he’s your guest.” Merik said, reminding the king what he’d said only moments ago.

The Goblin King moved to stand, everyone following suit. He reached down and brushed the stubborn hair back from Tobias face again, “Yes, you may go with Juli. I’ll see you later tonight.”

Tobias watched quietly as Jareth strode out of the room with big, graceful, almost feline steps. His entire form seemed to sway with the slight movement. With his exit, the others followed. Wren’s immense, olive green skirts swished as she hurried out. Once alone, Julianne moved around the table. Her dress was drawn tight about her bodice, generous enough to cover her breasts modestly. Her sleeves were loose and delicate, her skirts flared from her waist, flowing down to her ankles, all of it in muted browns and beiges.

Servants had begun to file in, just a few, collecting dishes. Tobias watched as Julianne approached, she stopped with a comfortable amount of space between them. She was about his height, maybe slightly taller. Tobias couldn’t help but smile in return as she beamed at him. Her entire demeanor just glowed.

“Come.” She said, her voice a bell. Tobias nodded, following her as she turned to go. He’d hoped to spot Lyn , but she was elsewhere.

Julianne led him down the corridor towards the throne room. Tobias was shocked to see the room littered with goblins as they passed. He’d yet to really see any of the little creatures. Some weren’t so little at all. They were everywhere, busy in all sorts of ways. Julianne continued on, stopping once she realized Tobias had frozen before the immense entrance, starring. Some of the creatures were rather frightening. Others were even cute. They were all different, in different stages of dress. Several chickens were skittering about, causing the little goblins to erupt in laughter. It was so frightening and yet so curious. Tobias spied Jareth amidst the rabble, lounging in the immense throne like some kind of giant cat. His eyes were closed, his ankles crossed, his blonde hair hanging down in his face.

“Come.” Julianne whispered, breaking his stare. Tobias turned from the scene, hesitant to walk away. It was beautiful, like something from his imagination, from a canvas, come to life. He didn’t want to disturb it, but didn’t want to leave either. He could linger on such a scene for hours, enamored.

But Julianne’s voice beckoned sweetly again, and he felt suddenly he had no choice but to leave. They continued on down the hall, passing smaller passages and a few doors, finally going down a narrow flight of stairs. There was a sharp turn at the bottom that opened into a wide corridor, large wooden doors lined along one side and open to the outdoors. Tobias glanced out these open doors to see the courtyard from the day before. The fountain was on.

“This is the outer wall.” Julianne explained, “This courtyard is rarely used by anyone except Jareth. I’ve found him out there several time simply thinking. As you may know, Jareth’s sitting room upstairs has a balcony that overlooks this courtyard, as do Jareth’s own bedroom windows. I don’t know why he likes it. Too much stone if you ask me.”

“What’s on this floor?” Tobias asked, curious.

“Oh, mostly quarters. Myself and the others at dinner all have rooms upstairs. Other important military personal as well as many servants and goblins have rooms here. They also have their own kitchen and dining room and what not. None of us every really spend time wondering these halls.” She waved it off as something of little interest, but Tobias could see down little halls to distant rooms and other halls, and he liked the look of dirt and grime and wear.

They turned another sharp corner, and suddenly the scenery outside the doors lining the wall changed. Julianne stopped and smiled brightly, “The garden. You’ll find me here often.” With that she stepped out, and Tobias followed. There was a small overhang roof with columns and stone benches much like it had been with the courtyard. They stood in the shade, looking out.

Though it was night out, the moon shone brilliantly, and it was clear to see, everything was green. Tobias counted four fountains adorned with marble statues of beautiful women in different poses, pouring water from jugs. The garden itself was immense, much larger than the courtyard. The edges were lined with flowering hedges, different color blooms brilliantly covering the stone walls. There was something like ten trees of different species Tobias couldn’t recognize towering over them.

Julianne removed her satin slippers before stepping out onto the lawn. Tobias wanted to as well but decided it wasn’t such a good idea considering his ankle an heel. Smaller trees were everywhere, surrounded by little flower beds.

“Are these fruit trees?” Tobias asked, reaching out to finger a half-formed peach-like fruit.

She nodded, her smile brightening again, “Yes, though they’re just for pleasure. We don’t actually use the fruit from these trees in the castle.”

They walked the entire perimeter, finally coming to rest on a large, delicate, wooden bench carved with small buds and leaves and vines. It was a peaceful place indeed. Tobias could hear birds chirping somewhere in the branches high above.

“Why am I here?” He asked suddenly, softly. He was calm and relaxed, slouched down in his seat, curious at this strange turn in his life.

Julianne sat up, “Because you want to be, no? That’s what the king said.”

“Yeah, I want to be. I don’t know how many times I tried to wish myself here. I just… I don’t know why. What do I expect to happen here? What does Jareth want with me? I just… I’m so confused.”

She reached out, covering his hand with her own, “Don’t worry on such trivial questions. What’s important is that you enjoy your stay. I can see that Jareth’s taken a great liking to you.”

Tobias blushed, “Thank you, but… I don’t even know how long I’m going to be here.”

They spent another hour roaming about, Julianne pointing out particular flowers she considered more lovely or little flower beds she herself planted and arranged. They talked easily about the castle, she telling him how best to navigate it.

Eventually they parted when he claimed his foot was hurting. Though it was aching, it was a dull pain that hardly bothered him. Mostly he just wanted some time to think. She remained in the garden while he started back. While heading towards the stairs, he spotted several goblins skittering about in little off-shot hallways. He pushed back the fear and walked on, reminding himself that these creatures lived here among others like himself. They weren’t to be feared.

Upstairs, he stopped again before the throne room. Jareth was no longer there, and the number of goblins was greatly diminished. Only a handful remained, clearly intoxicated, laughing amongst themselves. Tobias could hardly understand their words, their voices deep, grating, and slurred.

He cautious continued on down the hall, not wanting to gain their attention. He stopped in the library, finding Talbot seated in a corner chair, a lamp on beside him, a large book open in his lap. The old man smiled up at him, nodding before returning to the his book. Tobias admired his lovely silver hair for a moment, turning then to browse the volumes upon the shelves. There were a number of books written in a foreign text. Of the titles he could read, most were tales, perhaps history.

Tobias wanted to linger longer, but didn’t feel completely comfortable in Talbot’s presence, despite his silence. Wondering about a bit longer, Tobias found that passed the bedrooms he’d come upon before. He understood now that these were the bedrooms of those he’s just had dinner with. One door was ajar and inside he could see grand furnishings, obviously a woman’s room. Candles were everywhere, the room well-lit. He stepped closer, wondering if maybe this was Julianne’s room. He noticed dark throw carpets of burgundy and endless jewels and bottles upon a lace-draped side table.

The door was pulled open then, Wren starring out at him, her orange hair loose and wild, “Excuse me, it’s rude to peer into a woman’s chamber without permission!” And with that she slammed the door in his face.

He passed by the sitting room, but didn’t enter. He could see the balcony from the hall and didn’t want to look out over the courtyard. That was a dreamlike memory and he didn’t want everything he’d experienced recently to seem dreamlike.

He continued on to the study. It was clean an bare really. The massive mahogany desk was filled with everything one might need, but it was all unused, clean, and untouched. Tobias sat down and opened a few drawers, examining the contents. He selected a large sheet of blank paper, obviously stationary but thankfully free of lines. Finding a pencil, Tobias leaned over his page and went to work, sketching furiously. Within minutes he had a rough, messy outline of the scene he’d come upon earlier of Jareth lounging in the throne room amid the number of goblins. It must have taken some two more hours to finish it out in pencil, but finally he was satisfied. It was something like twelve by twenty-four inches, so it was rather small for great detail, but Tobias managed to include a fair share. The figure of Jareth was most appealing of course, completely sexual in nature. He shaded it carefully in a dark, sensuous way. God, just looking at the drawing made him horny. Or was that Jareth’s presence?

Tobias shrugged it off, leaving the drawing on the desk as he rose to leave. With little other choice, he headed for Jareth’s bedroom. It was late no doubt, just hours from sunrise. It felt strange feeling physically tired come morning. How odd it was this life!

Tobias wasn’t completely surprised upon finding Jareth in the room, but he did audibly gasp.

Jareth was leaning over his desk, writing in a seeming bored manner, his letter strokes long and lazy. He still wore his boots, but he’d changed his shirt, this one something like a mini-robe, loose and unadorned and worn open. Jareth turned to Tobias upon his entry, laying down his quill pen. The shirt fell open and Tobias got his first glimpse of the man’s bare chest in it’s smooth, pale glory.

“Did you get along with Juli?”

Tobias nodded.

“I thought you would.” Jareth looked back at his cluttered desk and sighed, closing the large ledger he’d been writing in with a loud thump, “Let’s get to bed then.”

Tobias tried not to react to the words but had a time hiding it. His cheeks were aglow as he moved to the bed, sitting to remove his boots. It hurt to do so and Jareth noticed, coming around, now barefoot himself, to kneel down. He lifted Tobias’ foot and ran his hands over the injuries, “It still hurts?”

Tobias shrugged, fighting the tightening in his groin, “Just a little. It’s okay.”

Jareth nodded, rising, wearing now only his tight pants, sagged down a bit, hanging on his hips.

Tobias looked away, closing his eyes, “What’s going on?”

Jareth stood back, smirking, waiting. When Tobias finally opened his eyes and looked up, he leaned down, bringing their faces close together, “I’m ready for bed and waiting for you to remove your clothes.”

Fighting his arousal, Tobias stood, walking around Jareth and heading straight for the restroom. He closed the door behind him, breathing at last. He pulled off his silly, big-sleeved shirt, not bothering with the knot. He was tempted to leave his jeans on but knew they were beyond dirty now. He removed them, snatching an article of clothing that was draping over the tub. It was another large shirt, white and rather plain, clearly for bed. He pulled it on, glad it hung down to his knees since he wore no underwear.

After washing up and relieving himself, Tobias returned to the bedroom with his black jeans in hand. Jareth was in bed, uncovered, half nude. Tobias had to blink several time and finally advert his gaze in order to speak, “I want to keep my jeans.”

Jareth patted the empty space beside him, “Don’t worry about it. I plan to arrange clothes your accustomed to tomorrow when we wake. Come.”

Hesitant, Tobias placed his jeans on the floor near the bed, trying in vain to distract himself from the beauty in the room. No candles were lit in the room, only the rising sun’s rays through the curtain-drawn windows illuminating the room. It was a lovely really, Tobias had a time of not looking at Jareth. In bed at last, he slid his feet beneath the blankets, careful to keep himself covered.

Jareth moved onto his side, resting on an elbow, smirking at the boy, “Might I touch you, Tobias?”

Tobias almost jumped out of his skin, “What?”

Jareth didn’t ask twice, leaning forward and pressing his cheek to Tobias’, running a hand down the other side of his face to the boy’s neck, fingering his collarbone.

“Is this why you wanted me here?” Tobias whispered.

“Perhaps.” The Goblin King whispered, pulling back to speak directly into his eyes.

Tobias found himself lost suddenly, looking at these lovely eyes. One with a normal pupil the other abnormally large. He noticed even that while both eyes appeared a light blue at a distance, one was in fact greenish. Tobias reached up without really knowing he was doing so, brushing the long, black lashes of one eye with his thumb.

Jareth didn’t blink, watching instead the boy’s fascination grow and transform into something more. He leaned closer, easing the boy’s hand from between them, pressing their lips together. The meeting was warm and chaste, and Jareth knew at once that Tobias was inexperienced.

“Do you love me?” The Goblin King whispered.

Tobias nodded, saddened.

“What is it?” Jareth asked, curious now, concern adorning his expression.

Tobias pulled his hands up before his face, wiping at his eyes, embarrased “I’ve only ever loved my sister, no one else, and no one has ever loved me.”

Jareth leaned down again and Tobias was highly aware of his naked arms touching the man’s naked chest and the coolness of the king’s skin. It warmed at once, but was strangely cool. He deliberately lifted a hand to touch Jareth’s upper arm. Cool. How strange indeed. Silky lips pressed against his own and Tobias’ thoughts left him. His second kiss so soon after his first!

Jareth nibbled at the boy’s upped lip, delighted in it’s fullness and the way it was larger then the other. He pulled back without intruding the boy’s mouth, “I want to make love to you.” He whispered, speaking directly into Tobias’ ear.

His cheeks aflame, Tobias turned his head hard to the side, a vain attempt at hiding his face, “You haven’t already?” He asked, his breath coming hard, his groin aching.

Jareth laughed and sat back, “The dream?”

Tobias was startled enough to come back to himself, sitting up and scooting back against the headboard, “I had marks on me.”

Jareth shrugged, “They were real enough, but I put them there with magic, not with my own hands.”

“But it felt…” His blush returned immediately, and Tobias drew his knees up along with the blanket.

“Good? Real?” Jareth suggested, filling in the blank, “Little one, it feels so much better than that.” He was moving close again, running a finger tip over the boy’s covered legs.

Even through the blankets, Tobias could feel the touch and shivered, “God…”

Through a smirk, Jareth began to pull at the inferring bedding, watching as a bare knee came into view.

Tobias snatched at it then, “No! Not yet.”

The Goblin King sat back, surprised but willing to wait.

“I… I don’t want to until you love me.” Tobias whispered, desperately grabing for an answer to cover up for the strange feeling blossoming in his chest. He had to explain his sudden refection.

This caused Jareth’s expression to grow serious, his smirk finally falling away, “As you wish, child.”

Tobias watched in relief as the Goblin King moved to his side of the bed, remaining atop the covers as he turned to go to sleep. Tobias had never been around someone so utterly sexual! He was having trouble keep his thoughts in order around the man, but it was true. He didn’t want to have sex with Jareth until he knew what the hell was going on.

After ten minutes or so, Tobias slouched down, again careful to keep his shirt from riding up. For all he knew he’d awake back home in bed, or more likely, strapped to a gurney in a mental institution. Sleep finally came to him as he stared at Jareth’s sloping shoulders and narrow hips in the faint sunlight. Perhaps he’d figure things out when he woke.

To be continued…

Well, was it too horrible? I’ll try better next time. Promise! Until then…