Soaring Higher (Jareth X reader)

The Ruler

*So I started writing this and I added a huge part a few days ago, I went to write today and it turns out that that huge section I wrote didn't save. So now I have to start over. You guys have no idea how mad I am.*

As my hand plunged into the wall of water, it was as if a vortex sucked me through.
It was like I was submerged fully in water. Floating momentarily as my hair glowed around me.
The water seemed to shimmer. It was as if I was in the bottom of a cold pool.

The sensation relaxed my muscles. And all I could feel was pure peace.

My breath came easy, which was weird because I seemed to be underwater.

Yet I knew that nothing in this place was ever as it seemed.
A hand came through the invisible barrier of water. And reached out gently to grab mine.

I was startled for a moment when the hand yanked and pulled me through. Suddenly I was assaulted with a breath of warm air. So different from the place I had been in.

I looked up to see an older man wearing long robes. His beard was gray and he looked down at me thoughtfully. He helped me stand up straight as he smiled.
I looked around.
He led you to a small table with cushions for chairs. You sat down as he did on the other side of the table. The poured some tea from a lot in two little cups with flowers on them. He set the kettle down and gestured to the cup before me.
I picked the warm cup up and rose it to my lips. The tea was hot and went down smoothly. It tasted of flowers and herbs.
I smiled at the taste. I set the cup back down on the table but kept my hands on the cup to warm them. I looked down for a moment, thinking of what to say.
I looked back and he was staring at me. Gently prompting me to speak when I was ready.
I looked around once more, "Where's Jareth?"

It was one of the first things I noticed when I came into the room. He was supposed to be in here with me. He had told me to listen to him. Where was he? Was he hurt? Is he okay?

The man chuckled, "He's fine if that's what you're wondering."

"Why am I here?" I asked. Jareth was always talking about answers. I didn't know what questions he wanted to ask. He never told me.

"He didn't tell you?"

I swallowed. Suddenly second guessing my relationship with Jareth. "Was he supposed to?"

"I just assumed you'd know." He did that thing where he answered every question with a short sentence without really answering the question. It infuriated me a little. Didn't I come here for answers? Isn't that what he's supposed to do? Telling  me what I need to know.

"He's in his room. Preparing."

"For?"

"Dinner presumably."

I sighed, "Aren't you supposed to tell me me something?"

"I'd prefer to tell you and Jareth together if you don't mind."

I rested my hands on the table, "May I ask why I'm here then?"

He smiled and chuckled under his breath, "Just a first impression thing."

"So you know I'm not a bad person or whatever?"

He nodded.

"Can I ask you something?" I really thought it was out of bounds to ask questions like that when you meet a royal but it seemed to slip out.

He nodded again.

"How do you know Jareth?"

He smiled and looked down at his clasped hands for a moment and them back up at me, "Is there anyone in this world that does not know The Great Goblin King?"

You chuckled, "In this world I don't know. I'm not from here."

He grinned, "I can tell."

"Like do you just know him from around or...?"

"Jareth doesn't consider himself as important as he actually is. He rules over the Goblin kingdom and a little area outside of it. He is like the present of your states. There are many of them."

"Leaders." I whispered.

"I'm a leader myself. I own this castle and the land beyond. Jareth is one of the biggest/most important. Why he chooses to downplay his power is beyond me."

"What do you mean? Jareth has always made me full aware that he's The Goblin King."

"That's just his obligated exterior. He is so much more than just The Goblin King. He is partially a leader for the entire Underground."

"I never knew that." You took another sip of your tea.

"So you are the ruler of this area. And Jareth is the ruler of The Goblin Kingdom. How many of you are there?"

"A bakers dosen."

Damn.

Gongs sounded and the man looked distantly.
He stood.
I stood with him and waited for instructions.
"Its time to go back to your room I think." He said and a man who was obviously a servant came through the portal.

"Give Miss Y/N a tour of the castle would you?"

You went with him.
The emperor waved at You, "Enjoy your stay."

The man took your arm and began leading you back through the portal.

Stay? How long was a stay? I had a feeling it was a long time.