Labyrinth: A Darker Season

Chapter 5

In the Goblin Kingdom, Jareth was sitting laid back on his throne in his traditional white ruffled shirt with his black vest. He had on his gray leggings with a leg thrown over the arm of the throne, moving his foot up and down, looking pensive. He was tapping his riding crop against his boot in deep thought. The tapping was repeatedly thrumming over and over again.

Lord Galvin, Jareth's advisor, came into the throne room dressed in a long red velvet waistcoat with a white ruffled shirt. He had short black pants and white socks to the knee with buckle black shoes. His hair was dark blonde and tied with a black ribbon in a ponytail to the middle of his shoulder blades. He was patiently standing in the doorway and cleared his throat and announced, “Your majesty, Princess Meriwether of the Pixie Kingdom, is here to visit.”

Jareth's concentration broke, and he turned his head to him and asked, “I did not send her an invitation, did I?”

Galvin said, “No, Sire. You did not, but when has that stopped fae royals from… randomly stopping by, on one another.” Jareth huffed. He wanted to avoid entertaining, of all people, Meriwether. She was a status climber and a boring woman, even in bed. She was just constantly trying to convince him what a good fit she would be at his side. Jareth was sick of over privileged women trying to manipulate and play their court liaisons in his presence.

Jareth said, sighing, “Where did you put her?”

Galvin said, “She's in the main drawing room.” Jareth nodded and left to go find out what she was wanting.

Jareth walks into the room stoically and closes the door. He blasé says, “Meriwether, what brings you to visit my kingdom?”

Princess Meriwether stands up from her chair and smiles, saying, “Your majesty, it's nice to see you. I just thought that it's been several months, and I wondered how you were doing. I'm surprised you haven't been accepting invites to the occasional balls or events. You know I would love to go with you if you would only ask me to, right? You still think I'm pretty, don't you?” She was a red corkscrew curled long haired pretty woman with blue eyes, a pert nose, a lithe slim small body and perfect bone structure. She was dressed in a pink satin gown with cream stain around the waist, tied into a large cream bow at the back. Meriwether had overstated jewelry and smelled like she was dipped in a perfume bottle.

Jareth thought, 'There she goes again, too much perfume, fishing for compliments and invites. I wouldn't court her if my life depended on it.'

He put on his best game face and smirked, “Meriwether, are you wanting me to flatter you or are you fishing for a compliment? I told you last time that I dislike those events and balls. I only go to ones my father pushes me into going to, and sometimes not even then. If you want me to court you, I am not interested in courting anyone at this time.” He stood in a proud pose like he was regal and arrogantly intimidating.

Meriwether swallowed hard out of nervousness and said, “Your father told my father to have me come visit you… he… he wanted me to persuade you to court me. I… I told him you did not seem to be interested in going to functions lately…. but he wouldn't take no for an answer from my father and me. Your father said he was going to put his foot down on you soon and force you to marry whomever he picks, if you don't choose soon.” She swallowed thickly.

Jareth was angry about his father trying to intimidate others to force themselves and throw themselves at him. His father was the High King, but Jareth was also a king, even though he was the High King's only son, Jareth could not take the throne until he married.

Jareth said, “You may go home, Meriwether and tell my father that I said to leave you alone.”

Meriwether tried to talk seductively and simperingly suggested, “But, you know, your majesty, I wouldn't mind being with you, if you were to make an offer.”