Labyrinth Pt. II

31. Wardrobe Change

The dining hall was bustling with fae and servants preparing for the Prince's entrance. My stomach was empty but hunger wasn't what I was feeling. Excitement to see Jareth stirred in my chest. A small dash of concern was added, since learning about his being tortured.

My mind was confused as to why I was excited to see the creature that caused me years of mental turmoil and was once a villain in my story. The goblin king was once romanticized by a young me, I admit. However, I learned to believe otherwise.

So why the change of heart? Why do I trust him? Why am I wanting, no, needing to see him?

I have seen him in a different light, true. He listened to me when I told him my story. He has been caring towards me in a way I never expected. I once viewed him in the same light as I am starting to see the Fae Prince. I was wrong to believe Nyx's innocent intentions. I almost let myself succumb to his control. I feel sick at the thought.

The bustling stops and the grand doors open to reveal the Prince, but my eyes lock with the equally tall creature behind him.

"Hoggle?" The breath leaves my lungs. Theres no way I wouldn't recognize him.

His saccharine smile throws me. His eyes don't match his mouth, and his now sharp features cause my stomach to roll.

As they approach, my eyes leave the old friend and stare at the place setting in front of my. As if they had the answers to the questions swimming in my mind.

The main doors open again, but no reveal the Goblin King. My eyes water as I meet his bare torso. It's covered in dried blood and thin lines of violated skin. He walks towards the main table, towards his usual seat. His head is held high, and he sports a cheeky grin.

The prince and Hoggle are now seated, one on my left and the other on my right. Jareth approaches the table, to stand across a seated Nyx.

"Please forgive my unsightly appearance, Prince." Jareth dramatically bows while speaking. "I had no time to clean the mess your companion made. Would you grant me a moment to gather myself together?"

"Ancient one, I have no time for your direspect." The fae responed with annoyance.

"I only need a brief moment" He paused before adding. "Youngling."

In a blink of an eye, Jareth's appearance changed. His wounds healed and a black silk shirt covered him. A vest, with the same purple floral pattern as my dress,  covered his shirt. His linen bottoms were replaced with a pair of dark purple trousers tucked in to ankle high, black dress boots. He was stunning.

I almost missed the collective gasp of the hall. My face was hurting from smiling, I met eyes with him. 

I told you I am just fine. He used our connection to speak to me. He winked and turned his attention to the fae in front of him. As did I.

"What is the meaning of this?" The youngling roared. The room's temerature lowered to a chilling degree. Needless to say he was angry.

"I felt it was inappropriate for me to be before you in an unsightly manner." Jareth answered glibly. "You're welcome."

"Your powers should not raise your confidence in this situation. You are still an unwelcome guest. You are dethroned and a worthless creature that is soon to expire."

"Now, now. Don't loose your cool, fae child. Your threats are useless and I simply want to eat my breakfast in decent clothes. Is that too much to ask?" The Goblin King observed the room, which was unmoving and observing the interchange. "I believe everyone here would very much appreciate to break their fast peacefully. Shall we save the dramatics for after? For the sake of your court?"

My stomach chose that moment to respond to Jareth's question with a resounding yes. My face turned red as a strawberry and I looked at the prince.

"We shall eat and address this later." The fae succeeded. "However, mark me, Old One. You try a single thing, you use your power in any way, you breath wrong, my companion will strike your human down."

I quickly turned to Hoggle to find him holding a dagger near my neck and another against my lower back.

"Hoggle, no..." I whispered to him.

"Quiet selfish garbage." He seethed. "Things have changed since you left. I've grown and evolved to something great. No one will take that from me. I will happily kill you if ordered."

My heart broke to see the truth in his words. He is not the goblin I once befriended.  He was the one hurting Jareth, his king, and he was going to kill me if given the chance.

"Relax your princely ego. I will behave like the gentleman I am." Jareth moves to his seat. "Now shall we?"

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