Rolling in the Deep

By: Nikki Kelly

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth.

Chapter 7: Putting Out Fire With Gasoline

"I wish the goblins would take you away… Right now!"

Alyx's jaw dropped at Jaron's words and before she could even clutch tighter to him, she was encompassed in a whirl of goblin magic. The next thing she knew, she was deposited, in a seated position on the floor of the throne room, in Castle Beyond the Goblin City with goblins cackling all around her. They grew silent when they recognized her. Jareth stood before her in his Goblin armor with an amazed and bemused look upon his face at this sudden development.

Alyx slammed one fist on the stone floor. "That asshole!"

Jareth gave her a smirk and crossed his arms over his chest. "Why do I have the feeling that my brother has finally caught up to you?"

She gave him a foul look and tried to use her magic to transport away, but something blocked her spell. Scrambling to her feet, she advanced on Jareth as menacingly as she could, but he was unmoved. Watching her with a smug smile, he changed his outfit to a simple white shirt and dark breeches before he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Why the hell can't I use my magic to transport away?"

"It seems that we have come full circle, Alyxandrea. You were wished away… So, once again, that make you a ward of the Goblin Court… Thus your inability to transport whilst under my charge." Jareth explained, calmly. "My goblins have informed me that Jaron has refused to traverse the Labyrinth to reclaim you."

"What?!" Alyx's jaw dropped. "He's not running the Labyrinth for me?"

"I am afraid not."

"Of all the shifty and shady things to do…"Alyx grumbled and her eyes flashed back to Jareth's amused grin. "Wipe that smirk off your face, Goblin King. There's nothing funny about any of this!"

"I beg to differ." His grin widened. "I find this quite amusing."

"So, what now? You gonna turn me into a goblin?" She snapped crossing her arms across her chest.

"If you keep mouthing off, I just might!" Jareth threatened and then took a deep calming breath. He gave her a sharp smile. "I had forgotten how you earned the name Sharptongue."

She frowned. "I hate when people call me that."

"Well it is a name that, surely, suits you."

She ignored him and asked. "Why in the hell didn't Jaron run the Labyrinth for me?"

"I do not know. He gave my goblins no explanation. Why did he wish you away in the first place? A lover's spat?"

"We are not lovers."

"You are wearing one of his favorite shirts." Jareth returned, rather drolly.

Alyx's cheeks flamed. "The Sluagh had caught up to us. I was refusing to return here for safety when he said the word and sent me here against my will."

"Of course he did. The Labyrinth is one of the safest placed in all of the Underground for you to be. While under my protection, Zefiryn would not dare to touch a hair upon your head."

"Regardless, it should have been my choice to come here! I shouldn't have been wished away like some unwanted child!" Alyx returned. "If he didn't come here, then where the hell did he go?"

Jaron shrugged. "After rescinding his right to run to reclaim you, he disappeared with Captain Squall in tow through a door that my goblins claimed that he conjured from thin air… Hopefully, it led to a healer to get the poor pirate some much needed medical attention by the sound of things."

"Oohh… I'm going to wring his neck the next time I see him!" Alyx bristled. "That brat spends three days seducing me on a bloody beach only to wish me away at a moment's notice?!"

Jareth smirked. "So, you are lovers…"

Alyx threw him a foul look. "We were hiding out in the Genkis. He had no right to wish me away. We had agreed to deal with this Lich together an-"

"Lich? Sir Claec of Volkan is after you?" Jareth peered around the throne room and took the girl by the arm. In a swirl of magic they were in his private study. "You will tell me everything!"

Alyx jerked her arm free from Jareth's grasp and scowled. "Let go! Keep your magical mitts off of me! I don't know what a 'Claec of Volkan' is, but, yes, there's been a Lich following me for a while."

Jareth rolled his eyes at her ignorance of the name of the creature stalking her. "Sir Claec of Volkan is the Unseelie Court's Knight of Death. He is a Lich who's only purpose is to kill those that the queen wishes dead. He is a very dangerous foe."

"That's funny, 'cause he didn't seem so dangerous when I aimed a flaming arrow at his skull." Alyx retorted.

Jareth scoffed. "That's no surprise. It is well known that-"

"-the only thing that can truly end a Lich is fire or a blade made of pure silver. I'm not an idiot, Jareth." Alyx produced a silver dagger from within the loose shirt she wore and slammed it into a wooden beam at her side. "I've done the research and I have held many discussions with your brother on battling Lichs."

"Well, I am pleased to heat that in between your trysts that Jaron saw fit to at least educate you on your adversary." Jareth returned, sharply, and plucked her silver dagger from the wall to study the finely crafted weapon. "My brother made a wise decision to make you carry such a blade, but if Sir Claec was close enough for you to use it, then you would already be dead."

"Jaron didn't make me do anything. I researched Lichs and I had the blade forged myself. Besides, I didn't intend on getting that close to it. Hence, the flaming arrows, smart-ass." Alyx crossed her arms over her chest with a scowl.

"Bravo! The girl can read." Jareth clapped his hands, slowly. "You may have studied the Lich species in general, but, due to your nonchalant attitude towards the creature that stalks you, I do not believe my brother or your studies have made clear about what wretched sort of creature that Sir Claec of Volkan truly is."

"Trust me… I'm quite aware of the vileness of this particular Lich." Alyx's made a face as if she could smell the undead creature that moment and suppressed a shudder at the memory. "It touched me."

"How? When?" Jareth asked, looking her over for wounds.

"I ain't hurt… Not physically, anyways." She batted him away. "It wasn't today. It was before… Months back now. It's how I found out that the damned thing was after me. It stumbled across me in Fin Folk Bay. Lucky for me, I was in disguise and it didn't recognize me, but it was a close call just the same."

"It was not just your handy glass slippers that hid you from Sir Claec… Pardon me, for I do not wish to be rude, but…" Jareth looked her up and down. "You practically reek of Jaron's magic."

"Yeah, your brother has been stalking me for a while now." Alyx groused.

"Funny, the little brat told us that he was going Above for a holiday." Jareth smirked. "He told mother his true plans, but she swore a blood oath to keep his secrets."

"Well, that brat has been posing as a shifty pirate on the Merrow Wind for months! He even had my crew in on his scheme! He's been following me around and being a general pain in my ass. It's been less than a week since I found out who he really was and how he used blood magic to hide me."

"What prompted him to engage in such a rouse?"

"He got worried about my safety after your wedding to Sarah." Alyx's shoulders slumped a little. "Werewolves found me in the Wood sometime after that… I killed them, but they hurt me pretty bad. I-I died."

Jareth cocked one eyebrow. "And yet here you stand."

"Before I black out, I called out to Jaron, and he came to me. To bring me back, he made some deal with the wild magic… My life for the promise of a favor."

Jareth cursed. "Of course he bloody did…"

"I woke up days later to him doctoring me in a brothel on the coast. He had sent for the Merrow Wind so Morven could hide me at sea. That's when he disguised himself and joined our crew."

"Well, my brother certainly has been a busy little bee, hasn't he?"

"And he could be in danger. Will you send me back to Jaron now?"

"No."

Alyx stiffened. "I won't ask again, Jareth."

"What's said is said, Alyxandrea. You are a ward of the Goblin Court and my charge once more. I absolutely refuse to return you to certain death and I order that you be confined within my realm for your own safety."

Alyx's jaw gaped open. "You can't do that! You have no right!"

"You have been wished away to the Goblins and I am the Goblin King. I have every right."

"You release me, right now!"

"Do not presume to order a king to do anything, Alyxandrea. You shall stay in the Labyrinth and that is my final word on the matter. Now, remain here while I collect Sarah and my family. They will be eager to see you alive and well."

In an instant, he was gone in a burst of glitter, and Alyx gave a howl of outrage. With a purposeful stride, she made her way to the nearest door. There was no way she was sticking around and if her magic could not transport her, then she would make her own way out of the Labyrinth. Within moments, she was traversing the halls of the Castle Beyond the Goblin City much like she had almost a decade ago. Her glass slippers tinkled along the stone hallways and startled her with the sound. Looking down, she found that they had changed her from Jaron's shirt and her comfortable pants into a dress.

The champagne colored creation hosted a tight and sleeveless bodice, but the skirt was made of long silk scarves that floated down around her pale feet. Two more strips of the silk were attached at her shoulders to make a light cape-like appearance around her. Pausing at a nearby mirror, she nearly didn't recognize the girl there. Her long dark curls were gathered under a bejeweled hairnet at her nape and a few tendrils floated down around her face. A delicate golden circlet with a single pearl danced across her brow. She frowned and cursed the shoes. Though beautiful, this dress was hardly the outfit to be escaping the Labyrinth in.

"So, you have come calling on my betrothed in his own home now?" A sweet voice sounded and Alyx whirled to find Lady Wren watching her from a few paces away. The Fae was in a red empire style gown with a solid golden diadem at her brow. "I would hope you will make other visits with more discretion once we are wed so that we can avoid scandal."

"I have more right to be here than you, charlatan." Alyx frowned and straightened her shoulders. She was not about to be intimidated by this scam artist. "I don't know who you really are, but I'm damned sure you're not Jaron's bride-to-be."

"Oh? The little mouse does have teeth…" Wren gave her a smirk. "I had heard tales of Alyxandrea Sharptongue, but I must admit, I did not believe them."

"Who are you and what do you want with the Goblin Family?" Alyx hissed.

"My dear girl, I do not give a fig about the Goblin Family… I am here for you."

"Me? What could you possibly want with me?" Alyx's eyes widened and she took a step back as realization came crashing down upon her. "You are the Swamp Witch."

"You are a clever girl… I can see why you bested Mab for so long." The Swamp Witch tapped one of her own pale cheeks with a long red nail. "Here I thought that I had outweighed my welcome in the Goblin City with no hopes of finding you here and suddenly you drop into my very lap. What a brilliant stroke of fate!"

She raised her chin and straightened her shoulders. "I'm not afraid of you."

Zefiryn's pale eyes narrowed on the defiant girl before her. "You should be."

She began to advance upon Alyx and the girl quickly scanned her surroundings for something to use as a weapon. All that was within reach was a small suit of Goblin armor. Grabbing the helmet, she threw it with all her might at the witch, but Zefiryn merely used her magic to cast it away before it even touched her. Alyx grabbed the short spear from the armor, toppling the suit in the process. She held the weapon out in defense and Zefiryn cackled.

"You dare to assume to harm me with that toothpick?"

"You come near me and I'll gut you like a fish with this toothpick." Alyx threatened.

"Stupid child. I will slit your throat myself!" Reaching out with her red nails, Zefiryn, suddenly, stilled as if frozen in time.

"I am afraid that you are quite right in the fact that you have overstayed your welcome in my realm, Zefiryn Nightshayde… Especially under such dubious circumstances." Jareth stepped forward and cast the witch backwards with the flick of one wrist. She landed on the floor in a heap and glared at the unwelcome royals. Sarah and the rest of the family was there with him, angry looks upon their faces. Both Jareth and Jorall wore their royal Goblin armor and stood to shield Alyx from the disheveled witch.

"I thought that I noted a spark of recognition in your mother's eyes on the day that I arrived." Zefiryn rose and curled one lip in a sneer. "How long did it take the rest of you to piece together the puzzle? I do remember that the Goblin Family has always been quite fond of games."

"Go back to your queen and master, Swamp Witch, and never be welcome in my halls again." Jareth snarled.

"I have no master and you speak to a Queen, you glittering fool!" Zefiryn hissed, her blue eyes icy with fury. "Hand over that girl and forgo my wrath."

"Alyxandrea is a ward of the Goblin Court and under my protection. She is bound to stay within my Labyrinth."

Zefiryn sneered. "Ah, so your Brat Prince has wished her into your protection? How long will that last? How long can she be a bird in a gilded cage? Even now, I can hear how her little heart thunders for freedom. You will not be able to keep her penned for very long."

"Leave witch! Leave my realm or I shall bring down the wrath of the Goblin Horde upon you!" Jareth thundered and the halls shook around them.

Zefiryn smirked and looked to Alyx. "We shall meet again… Very soon."

She snapped her fingers and disappeared in a swirl of dark smoke. Alyx did not even realize that she was shaking until she felt Sarah's arms wrap around her in a comforting hug. Tears rushed into her silver eyes as she dropped the spear and returned the hug as enthusiastically as the Goblin Queen.

"Oh, Alyx! I've been worried sick about you!" Sarah leaned back to study her friend, cupping her face in her hands. "You look beautiful! Like some kind of princess in a fairy story!"

"Yeah, a princess that's a prisoner in the tallest tower." Alyx looked to Jareth and was not relieved to see his sorrowful face. "She was right wasn't she? I really am little more than a glorified prisoner here."

Jareth gave her a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. "That is what I attempted to explain to you, Alyx. The moment that Jaron denied to run for you made you a denizen of the Labyrinth and my ward… If ever you should leave the gates of my realm, then my magic would no longer protect you, and Zefiryn could capture you."

"Ooh! Jaron…" Alyx scowled and yelled. "I wish to speak to the Goblin Prince, right now!"

Jareth winced and rubbed one ear at her deafening voice. "I am afraid that you are merely wasting your breath and damaging my eardrums… Somehow Jaron is no longer subject to the summons of the Goblin Family."

"Oh, I'm going to murder him… I'm going to wring his scruffy little throat!" Alyx raved. "Why would Jaron do this? He knows how much my freedom means to me! How could he do such a thing?"

Jiera stepped forward to take the girl's hands into her own. "Trust me when I say that I understand your animosity towards my youngest son, but also believe that he did what he did to save you. There is nowhere safer for you than the Labyrinth, right now."

"Jiera, I can't spend eternity haunting the halls of the Castle Beyond the Goblin City or wandering the winding paths of the Labyrinth like some kind of wraith." Alyx replied, shaking her head sadly. "What kind of half-life would that be?"

"Rest assured, Alyx, that I intend on doing everything in my power to resolve this." Jareth assured her. "Until then you are my most honored guest."

"She is more than an honored guest. Alyx is family." Jiera corrected him and placed one hand on Alyx's cheek. "You are with family here, my sweet. Please, do not think of this as a prison."

"Family is not bound to one kingdom for the rest of their days." Alyx moved out of the dowager queen's grasp, hugging her own arms to herself, as she stepped away. "I understand the safety here, but I didn't come here because I chose not to bring the wrath of the Unseelie Court down upon my friends and family. Jaron knew that, but defied my feelings and forced me here against my will."

"It is not forever."

"Isn't it? No one would dare murder Zefiryn for fear of retaliation from the Unseelie and no one just dies of old age around these parts." Alyx replied, sarcastically. "The days will span to weeks and the weeks until years, until the world crumbles to dust around me."

"I refuse to let you walk out to your own death." Jareth said, firmly. "That is the last I will say on the matter. Do you understand me?"

Alyx squared her shoulders and raised her chin to glare at him. "Then, just show me where my cell is and leave me be. I want a shower and to sleep in a proper bed."

"Ever the dramatic teenager." Jareth returned and snapped his fingers, transporting her to her room with his magic.

Sarah gave him a foul look. "Jareth! She has every right to feel how she does!"

"Would you rather your friend end up dead?"

"I believe that we all are underestimating Alyx." Jiera broke in with a smile. "She is quite fierce and should not be taken lightly. You shall have a tough time on your hands with her, Jareth."

The moment that the words had left Jaron's lips, he felt ashamed. It tore his heart in two when he saw the look of disbelief on Alyx's face before the goblin magic tore her from his grasp. Morven stared at him, gape-jawed. He was astounded that Jaron had made such a decision against Alyx's will. Ignoring the bewilder pirate, the prince turned to the tiny goblin that appeared before them.

"I refuse my right to run for her. Let the Goblin King keep her." Jaron stated before the tiny creature could even squeak out one word. Turning away from the goblin, he began to draw a doorway on the wall nearest to him with a small piece of colored chalk.

Morven gave a low whistle. "So, ya wish her away an' ya ain't even gonna run to get her back… Boyo, she really is gonna slit ya from nuts to neck fer this one."

"If incurring Alyx's wrath is what it takes to keep her safe, then I'll gladly take it." Jaron grumbled as he drew a series of ruins over the door, each letter glowing gold as he finished them. When he was finished, the entire spell burned, brightly, and became a real door. "Come, before the Sluagh returns."

The tiny goblin stared at the magical door and the prince in shock until Jaron shooed him away. The goblin saluted and there was a great sound like a single clap of thunder. With that the goblin was gone. Jaron helped the injured pirate up and the pair walked through the door which now led onto the deck of the Merrow Wind. The ship was at sea, headed south from the Genkis on Morven's last orders. As the door closed and disappeared behind the pair, they were amused to find Gero there, mop in hand and his jaw agape in shock. The Changeling had been, absentmindedly, swabbing the deck when the glowing door had appeared and opened to reveal his wounded captain being supported by the Goblin Prince.

"What? Ya ain't never seen no magic doorway 'fore? Send Krollin an' Quigli to me! On the double!" Morven barked and Gero nearly knocked himself out with his salute.

"Aye, Cap'n!" The Changeling yelped and rushed off to do his captain's bidding.

"Sometimes, it's good to be Cap'n." Morven gave Jaron a pain-filled smirk as the younger Fae helped him to his quarters. "Gods alive, me bones hurt…"

"That's because most of them are likely broken." Jaron retorted and rested the captain in his chair. While Jaron fetched supplies, Morven took the bottle of rum from his desk and pulled the cork out with his teeth. Spitting the cork away, he downed three healthy swigs, and groaned in sweet agony at the burn the liquor left in the pit of his belly.

"Hold still and let me heal that arm." Jaron ordered, running his hands over the pirate's broken bones letting his magic knit them back together. "You'll be a mite sore yet, but the bones are mending well."

"Now, I remembers why ya were once me favorite First Mate 'fore Alyx… She's quite the healer, but the gal never quite got the knack fer mendin' broken bones as good as you."

"That is because she did not spend the better part of a decade studying under the elves of Elroen at the Healer's Citadel." Jaron replied with a wry smile. "Had I paid more attention to my studies, you'd have no pain left at all."

"Hey, I'll take what I can get." Morven grimaced and took another swig as Krollin and Quigli entered his quarters. "There's me crew! An' prompt-like as usual!"

"What in the hell are ya doin' back 'ere, Squall?" Quigli asked, his pipe clenched between his teeth as he looked between the pair. "an' yer supposed to be guardin' Alyx!"

"That Lich found our trail…" Jaron replied. "She's safe in the Goblin City."

Krollin frowned at him. "Ya wished her away then… She's gonna be pissed."

"Couldn't be helped." Jaron shrugged as he healed Morven's ribs. "Regardless of her feelings on the matter, we all know that she is safest as my brother's ward. It is what's best for her right now."

"Oh, yeah, she's gonna be mightily pissed. 'Specially if ya explain it to her like that." Quigli chuckled as he took a seat in one of the empty chairs. He proceeded to pour himself a drink from Morven's bottle, ignoring the captain's dirty looks. "Is yer ears a-burnin', 'cuz I'll bet me wages that gal is cursin' yer name as we speak."

"Likely, but seeing as how I am no longer bound by the summons of Goblin magic, I don't have to hear it." Jaron replied, dryly.

"Oh-ho? So, it's true then?" Quigli gave a chuckle. "It's true what them fairies an' goblins on the mainland say?"

"That depends on what the fairies and goblins are saying." Jaron replied, carefully, eyeing the curious dwarf.

"They say yer tower exploded in the Goblin City an' put itself back together in Allerleirauh. They say the ruins of Tangleroot Palace 'ave begun to reshape themselves 'round said tower…" Quigli snorted at Jaron's dismissiveness. "Bucko, I see that shiny new bauble ya gots 'round yer neck as plain as day. 'Tis the sigil of the Forest Court ya wear over yer heart."

"The Forest Court, eh? Now, things be gettin' interestin'." Morven quirked one eyebrow at Jaron and shooed the young man away from healing him further. "I'm knitted back together proper-like now… 'Sides, ya best be explainin' yerself, boyo."

Jaron shot the pirate a foul look and shrugged. "I know as much as you do."

"Uh-huh… I'll believe that when goblins fly ov'r the Bog." Morven whirled one finger towards Jaron's chest with a smirk. "An' where'd that shiny new necklace come from then?"

One of Jaron's hands clasped over the medallion at his chest and he took a deep breath. "I don't know. It appeared when I saved Alyx at the keep."

"I think it be time ya tell us just exactly what happened that night. Spare no details, lad." Quigli ordered.

"I do not relish reliving that night." Jaron spat out.

"Oy, ya 'eard him, lad… Ya need to tell us everythin'." Morven ordered, softly, and nudged the bottle of rum in Jaron's direction.

Jaron cursed in Goblinese and took a healthy swig from Morven's bottle to fortify himself before he began his tale. He grimaced at the taste and sucked in a deep breath. "Well, she was dead by the time I got there, wasn't she? I tried every spell that I could think of to revive her, but by then her lips had gone blue and her blood was tacky against my skin. Then, for some ungodly reason, I remembered that I was in the Enchanted Wood… So, I took a chance. I used my blood as an offering and called out to the wild magic… We struck a fair deal."

"Bloody hell!" Quigli nearly spit his drink out over the table. "Are ya mad?!"

"Good Gods, ya woulda been better off usin' necromancy than makin' back alley deals with wild magic." Morven grimaced and made the sign of the evil eye. "Ya know ya canna trust no dealin's with the wild magic. They be called wild fer reasons!"

"Well, I didn't have much choice, did I?" Jaron snapped.

"Yeah, ya did! Ya coulda just let that lass cross into the fade!" Quigli snapped back.

"Take that back, dwarf…" Jaron growled.

"I'm right an' ya knows it! What if the wild magic demanded yer life in exchange fer the girl?" Quigli frowned.

"Then I would have gladly given it."

"Ya have! Listen, ya can keep ignorin' that bauble round yer throat as much as ya like, but it don't change the fact that yer the bloody heir to the Forest Throne. I was there meself when Queen Allie made the announcement all them bloody years ago… 'Fore the court slipped into a slumber."

"And your point is?"

"Damn it, Jaron!" Quigli slammed his fist down on the table. "I love that gal as much as you or anyone else in this room, but is one girl worth the complete extinction of the Forest Court?"

"I would destroy all of this world and the next if it meant saving her." Jaron replied, grimly. "What use is this world if she is not here with me?"

"That's the geis still speaking. Ya gave yer will to the girl, and now yer bound to her!"

"It is not the geis. Alyx had my will long before that night. I'd die for her."

"What did the wild magic demand?"

"A mere favor."

"Ain't nothin' mere when it comes to the wild magic. Looks to me like in exchange fer the girl's life, it demanded a king."

"I don't know…" Jaron's voice was soft. "No matter how often I walk there, I have never made the fountains flow for me."

"With that shiny trinket 'round yer neck, I donna think you'll 'ave to wait fer it much longer." Quigli replied. "Ya got me steel, fer what it's worth. Quigli of the Allerleirauh Grayfingers will fight fer ya, me liege."

Jaron quirked one eyebrow at him. "All that fuss and you'd just swear fealty to me just like that?"

"Just wanted me opinions known."

Jaron gave the dwarf a weak smile. "I am no king, Quigli."

'Not yet, anyways. 'Sides, it donna matter what ya think, lad. It only matters what that wild magic thinks." Krollin broke in. "Ya got my steel as well, bucko."

Jaron shot the Genki a thankful smile and nodded.

"Well, bloody hell… If everyone else is throwin' their blades into this twisted monarchy, count me in!" Morven replied, jovially.

"Do you three know what you're saying? You fools are bending the knee to a king who's yet to be crowned." Jaron replied. "I don't know what dark days await me."

"We've done said our oaths to ya an' ain't nothin' gonna change that." Morven returned, curtly. "Face it, matey… We're followin' you an' that lass to hell an' back if we gots to. What be the orders… Me liege?"

Jaron eyes grew distant as he thought for a moment. "I must go inland… To Magesblood."

"Oh, so we're just stormin' right into the viper's nest then? That sounds 'bout right." Morven spat, sarcastically.

"No. I will go to Magesblood. I want you three to go to the Labyrinth. You are to protect Alyx at all costs. I hereby knight you three as the Queen's Guard of the Forest Court and my royal council."

"Now, that's a lot of title throwin' fer a boy who don't even really believe he's king yet." Morven teased.

"Well, I might as well act the part, I suppose." Jaron gave the pirate roguish grin. "Since the three of you believe it to be true."

"Don't the king need his self a guard as well? 'Specially, since he's headin' to the belly o' the beastie?"

"This will be an informal visit between sovereigns. They would not dare to strike against me and risk war."

"That sounds like puttin' an awful lot o' trust in places an' people ya'd be ought not to." Quigli warned.

"If anything should happen to me, you three are to take Alyx to Tangleroot Palace in Allerleirauh." Jaron ordered.

"Yer bein' a fool boy." Quigli continued.

"He's right. Last I knew, Tangleroot ain't nothin' but weeds an' ruins. It ain't nowheres near safe to take that lass there." Morven said.

"My magic is more powerful in the Wood and Tangleroot Palace would protect her. My tower is there."

"Holy shite…" Krollin fell back into his chair, heavily. "Then it is really happening? The revival of the Forest Court?"

"Possibly… Providin' the king-to-be don't do somethin' stupid an' get his self killed." Morven replied, drolly, and smirked at Jaron's frown. "Oy, I only be sayin' what we all were thinkin'."

"Perhaps, I was a bit hasty in appointing my council?" Jaron asked, wryly.

"Listen, lad… Ya dinna make us yer council 'cause ya thought we'd kiss yer wee rosy arse. Ya picked us cuz we'll tell ya when yer bein' a twat an', frankly, yer bein' a twat. You'll take one o' us with ya to Magesblood or ya won't go at all an' that's me final word on the matter."

Jaron began laughing again and clapped Morven upon his shoulder. "Then so it shall be. You'll accompany me. I dub thee, Sir Morven Squall, Lord High Chancellor to the Halfling King."

Morven blanched. "I dinna mean me! I meant fer ya to take one o' them fools with ya!"

"Come on, Morven." Jaron teased the pirate captain. "Don't tell me that the thought of protecting your sovereign and his queen don't give you an itch for adventure."

"It sure don't!"

"I'll make you Admiral of my royal armada." Jaron offered.

Morven gave him a dirty look. "You ain't got no royal armada."

Jaron gestured to the ship around them. "The Merrow Wind is a great start."

"One ship an armada do not make." Morven snorted as he took a long swig from his bottle.

"I did say it was a start. What do you say, Morven. Want to go on a royal visit to Magesblood with me?"

Morven groaned. "Ya ask like I gots a choice in the matter. 'Course I'll go with ya, ya lout… Can't have ya getting' yerself killed 'fore ya even get to wear a fancy crown. 'Course, I'm gonna complain the whole time… An' the first sign o' trouble, we'll be hightailin' it outta there, ya hear me?"

"That's exactly why I made you my right hand man, Morven."

"Funny how them tables turnt after time. It'll be entertainin' to watch Morven take orders fer once." Krollin snickered at the pair.

"Oy, just 'cause he's a king don't mean I can't bust ya down to cabin boy, Krollin." Morven warned.

"Aye-aye, I hears ya, Cap'n… 'Twere only a bit o' teasin'. Me an' Quigli will send the ship south after we make port in Amarantha, an' then we'll hightail it fer the Labyrinth an' Miss Alyx."

"Take the Changeling with you and make sure he doesn't leave Alyx's side. You never know when his shapeshifting ability could come in handy." Jaron ordered.

"An' tell that lil' runt to stay outta the goblin ale while he's at it. He's pert near useless when he's swimmin' in that rotgut." Morven added passing out glasses of his private stash to everyone. "How many days 'til we make port in Amarantha?"

"Three or four if the winds serve us." Quigli replied.

"Then I suggest we rest while we can… I've gots me a feelin' that we ain't gonna be doin' much of that fer awhile. To us, lads… May lady luck shine upon us poor, unfortunate fools."

The foursome raised their glasses and toasted.

Though it infuriated her that she was unable to abscond with the Girl after having Alyx fall so neatly into her lap, Zefiryn remained calm upon her return to Magesblood. She called Harkin before her and ordered spies to be placed outside of the Labyrinth's walls. If Alyx escaped Jareth's clutches, the Swamp Hag wished to be the first to know. When she asked of her Lich, she was told that Sir Claec had returned from the Genkis wounded and the healers were doing the best they could with him.

"Have him brought to my quarters. Those fools know nothing of Lich flesh." Zefiryn ordered and once Harkin was gone, she was left alone with Willow. "Fetch my chalice, girl. I thirst."

The girl did as she asked with trembling hands. Scoffing at the frightened girl, Zefiryn took the chalice and sent the child away from her. Crossing to the bed that still held Mab's wasting form, she cut again at the mad queen's arm to add to the potion in her glass. Mab groaned at the pain, but made no movement, save the rolling of her eyes in her skull. Zefiryn grimaced at the stench that wafted from the bed and closed the curtains quickly.

Sir Claec staggered into the room, half an arrow still lodged in his eye socket. At least the healers had managed to remove the others from his body. He knelt, clumsily, before her. "My Queen, I found-"

"I already know of your lost quarry. I see your wounds, but I do not understand is why there was not a scratch upon that girl's fair skin when I saw her today in the Castle Beyond the Goblin City?"

Claec grimaced at her harsh words. "I had caught the pirate, Morven Squall and was preparing to torture him for information about the girl and she ambushed me."

"That mere slip of a girl ambushed you? My Knight of Death?"

"She had fire, Your Grace."

"So, you fled a little girl and her matches? Coward." Zefiryn scoffed and gripped the arrow shaft in his eye socket with one fist. Wrenching the arrow free, she let it clatter to the stone floor at their feet. She bent down to stare into his good eye. "She is now a ward of the Goblin King. The girl will tire of the Labyrinth soon enough and once she steps out of their borders, she will be mine."

"And I will bring her to you, Your Grace… I swear it." Claec placed one hand over his un-beating heart. "If you will give me another chance to serve you."

"If it were not for your years of faithful service, I would deny your request and send you from my sight for a few centuries…" Zefiryn pursed her blood red lips and smirked. "Yet, seeing how repentant you are, I am inclined to give you another chance. Stalk the outer walls of the Labyrinth and the first time that girl even steps a toe outside its boundaries, you shall bring her to me. Do as I command and I shall gift you with her pretty silver eyes to replace the one that she has stolen from you. Do you understand, Sir Claec?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

Placing her hands upon him, she used her dark magic to heal all wounds but his eye. She dismissed him with the wave of her hand and he disappeared into the shadows. Zefiryn downed the rest of her potion, feeling her youth and vitality once again restored, even if only temporarily. She grimace at the tainted taste that Mab's blood had left in her mouth. The Unseelie Queen was dying and the power of her blood was waning. It would not be much longer and the bitch would be of no use to her. She would need a new source for her potion until she could get her hands on that girl. A slow smile came to her lips when she remembered that Morgan le Fey was currently in irons in her dungeon. Her blood would do quite nicely.

Within moments, Zefiryn was in the dungeons and opening the cell that caged the Sorceress and Enchantress of Sirocco Forest. A stream of lantern light covered the bloody and bruised Fae woman where she was chained to the floor. Harkin and his men had enjoyed abusing the sharp tongued woman in the week that she had been their captive. Morgan winced against the bright light with her eye that wasn't swollen shut and gave Zefiryn a sneer when she saw her.

"Did your plan to masquerade as the Goblin Prince's betrothed not go as planned then?" The Sorceress quipped.

Zefiryn did not reply, but instead backhanded Morgan hard enough that it split her lip and knock her to the dirty floor. Groaning in pain, the Sorceress spit out a mouth full of blood and gave a condescending laugh.

"I'll take that as a no?" Morgan gave the Swamp Witch a smirk.

Grasping her arm in a bruising grip, Zefiryn produced a dagger to cut a thin line down Morgan's arm to fill her chalice. Morgan cried out in pain at the cut, but was unable to get away from the sadistic queen.

"Finally, I have found the best way for you to serve the crown, Morgan le Fey." Zefiryn gave her an evil smile as she tightened her grip on Morgan's arm to make the blood flow faster into the cup.

"Where is Queen Mab? You have no right to name yourself Queen Regent!" Morgan hissed.

"I do when my dearest daughter-in-law is deathly ill with an unknown illness. Rest assured that my healers are doing everything in their power for her…" Zefiryn replied, sarcastically, as she released Morgan's arm and lifted the filled chalice to her lips. "But between us girls… It's not looking good. I hope you are enjoying the dungeons, Morgan… I intend for them to be your home for the rest of your existence… However long or short that might be."

Alyx was given her former quarters in the Castle Beyond the Goblin City and was soon settled in. She was surprised to find that all of her important possessions from the cove had been placed in her room. The sight of her things had sent her into a rage and she spent the next twenty minutes cursing Jaron in Goblinese. Her fingers danced over the familiar wood work of the bed before she stripped down and buried herself under the covers.

Alyx slept on and off for three days.

At mealtimes, food was delivered at her doorstep, but most remained untouched. Even in her conscious hours, she did not feel the need for nourishment. It was only after her supper had been left undisturbed on the third day that Sarah decided that an intervention was needed. Stalking to Alyx's room, she slammed one palm upon the door three times. She only relented in her assault when she heard vague noises from inside the room. Soon Alyx was there, peeking out the doorway and half asleep. She had long since discarded her glass slippers and only a thin shift covered her body. She blinked, wearily, and combed her long hair from her face.

"You thundered, Your Grace?" Alyx replied, sarcastically, and Sarah brushed by her into the room.

"I did. You've been asleep for three days and have not taken enough meals to feed the smallest of goblins. I'm worried about you… We're all worried about you."

With a sigh, Alyx sunk back down into her bed and curled up with her pillows. "Do you realize that it's been nearly a decade since I've felt such a wonderful bed? Hell, I've been lucky to have a bed some nights."

Sarah climbed into the bed with Alyx and wrapped her arms around the girl. "Don't deflect from me. I'm your friend… Tell me…"

Alyx took a deep breath as if to speak, but then collapsed in sobs. Sarah curled up as close as the developing baby in her belly would let them, wrapping her arms around the miserable girl. The Goblin Queen's soothing hands detangled Alyx's knotted hair and held her close as the girl wept.

"I've fought so hard for my freedom all these years and Jaron has taken it away with ten simple words." Alyx spat, angrily wiping away her tears. "I can't believe that he did this!"

"You know exactly why he did it." Sarah responded, gently.

"Yes… My safety." Alyx sighed. "Isn't it odd? I wished myself away all those years ago and here I am… The proverbial bird in a gilded cage all over again."

"I wish there was more I could do for you, but know that you're not a prisoner here. It's only for your safety that Jareth wants you to remain within the walls of the Labyrinth." Sarah gave her friend a comforting smile and repeated with emphasis. "Within the Labyrinth."

Alyx gave her friend a questioning look and slowly realization came over her face. "The Labyrinth… You're saying that I, basically, have free run of the Labyrinth!"

"And who better to take you on a guided tour, but the Goblin Queen and Champion of the Labyrinth herself? Well, of course after you eat and bathe…" Sarah wrinkled her nose and laughed. "You smell like a Bavol boar!"

"Trust me when I say that they smell worse on the inside than the outside." Alyx replied, wrinkling her nose.

"I'll take your word on it. You go get cleaned up and I'll have Abby bring up something from the kitchen for you. Then we can have the whole afternoon to wreak havoc in the Goblin City and the Labyrinth." Sarah promised.

Alyx nearly flew into the bathroom and enjoyed the first real bath she had had in ages. Once she was finished, she slipped into her glass slippers, only to be irritated at the elaborate gown they cast upon her. It was a fancy and flowing number made of sky blue lace. She felt like she was playing dress-up as a princess. At least the blue set off her midnight hair and silver eyes. Again the shoes had adorned her head with a silver diadem fashioned like a flowering vine growing in her wild curls. Sarah gave her an approving look when she came out of the bathroom, but Alyx huffed.

"It's those damn glass slippers. They do what they want at times."

"Well, they did a fantastic job! You look beautiful!" Sarah beamed and uncovered the tray on the table before her. The smell of their lunch wafted under Alyx's nose and her stomach grumbled in response. "Abby brought us a late lunch, but she wasn't sure what you would want."

Alyx shrugged. "As long as it isn't fish, I don't care. I've had enough fish to last a lifetime!"

"You're in luck then! Thanks to my crazy pregnancy cravings, I taught the big hobgoblin chef how to make BLTs… Well, the mayo is kinda different here and he makes it with jowl bacon, but its close enough!" Sarah beamed, happily. "And between the Abby and me, we even managed to get some potato chips from the Above!"

Alyx dove into her food, surprised at how hungry she really was. Chasing the sandwich with a large glass of milk, she sighed, happily. "This is the best sandwich ever!"

"You really have been out to sea a long time…" Sarah chuckled.

"You can say that again." Alyx gave her friend a sly smile. "You and Jareth didn't waste any time did you?"

Sarah blushed and brushed crumbs from her protruding baby bump. "I blame the Genkis! I swear they put something in the water there."

"Ugh, don't say that… I've spent three days on a secluded beach with the Goblin Prince in the Genkis and the last thing I need is to get myself knocked up." Alyx returned. "Know if it's a girl or a boy yet?"

"My bet is a girl, but Jareth is convinced that it's going to be a little Goblin Prince."

Alyx scrutinized her friend's belly. "You're carrying kinda high. I'd bet girl too." Sarah gave her friend a bemused look and Alyx shrugged. "When I ran with the gypsies, they taught me a lot about pregnancies."

"Wow, you were a true to god gypsy and a pirate… I bet you got some good stories." Sarah grinned over her cup of tea.

"Me? You're Queen of the freaking Labyrinth! Plus, everybody heard about you burning down Jareth's hedge maze some years back!"

"That was an accident! I didn-"

Abby peeked her head in the door, interrupting Sarah's protests. "Begging your pardon, my ladies, but-"

Vesper pushed her way past Abby, tears coming to her smoky eyes when she saw Alyx. With a cry, she enveloped her daughter into her arms, and tears ran down her pale cheeks.

"My dearest heart… I had thought you dead." Vesper sobbed.

Alyx broke free from her mother's embrace, a scowl upon her face. "I thought that I made it quite clear that I wanted nothing to do with you."

"Lady Moraine is also a ward of the Goblin Throne." Sarah explained, gently. "She defected from the Unseelie before our wedding."

"Great, so not only am I stuck here, I'm stuck here with you." Alyx glared at her mother.

Vesper did not respond, but merely stared. Her daughter was beautiful and looked like royalty standing before her. She nodded her head. "I will keep my distance from you, Alyx. You have my word… I just… I just had to see that you were alive with my own eyes."

Alyx raised her chin and gestured to herself. "Well, take a good look then, because I want you out of my sight in sixty seconds."

"Alyx!" Sarah admonished. "If it wasn't for your mom then we would have never gotten wind of Zefiryn and Mab's foul plans for you!"

"Yeah… In return for her own safety, right?" Alyx turned her attention back to her mother. "You were never in my life before and I sure as hell don't need you now!"

Vesper surprised everyone by reaching out and taking her daughter's hands into her own. "I am so sorry, sweetheart. I'm sorry that I was never there for you when you needed me, but I swear that I will do everything within my power to make sure that you are safe again."

Tears burned at Alyx's silver eyes and she gave a half-hearted attempt to free her hands from her mother's. "Let me go."

"No… Not until, I've said what I mean to say! You may not believe me, but I've sought the ability to cross the worlds ever since I first landed in the Underground so that I bring you here. All that I have ever wished for was to be able to reappear in your life and whisk you away to this world." Vesper tightened her grip on Alyx's hands as tears began to slip from her daughter's eyes. "Yet, now that you are here, I have still failed you as a mother over and over by not keeping you safe. I'm so very sorry, but know that from here on out, I vow to do everything within my power to keep you safe. I love you, sweetheart, and no matter how you feel about me is ever going to change that."

Alyx struggled for only a moment before her own face crumpled and with a sob, she sunk into her mother's arms. The action shocked Vesper, but quickly she enveloped the girl into her arms. She began to run comforting hands over her child's dark hair and pepper kisses upon her brow.

"There, there, my sweet…" Vesper murmured as Alyx sobbed against her breast. "Mama's here and I'll never leave you again."

Over the course of the next few days, Alyx began to spend more and more time with her mother. They took things slow, but the obvious connection of mother and child was still there. Often Vesper joined Alyx and Sarah in their daily treks through the Labyrinth and there were evenings they dined together as well. There was still a long road ahead of them, but the groundwork had begun for them to rebuild their relationship. By the end of the third day, they had begun trading stories of their separate experiences in the Underground.

It was not long before Telyn heard news of Alyx's return to the Labyrinth and returned to the Goblin City to spend time with her. In a very short amount of time the Castle Beyond the Goblin City became full and active once more. Sarah was delighted. Jareth was much less thrilled to have an entire castle full of friends and family again, but took it all in stride. Sarah filled in Alyx about the disappearance of Jaron's tower, showing her where they had to rebuild the wall, but reassured her that it had reappeared in Allerleirauh.

"Jareth believes it is because Jaron is the heir to the Forest Court and that's why that his magic would go there, just like it did when he was banished." Sarah explained as Alyx's worried eyes studied the place where Jaron's tower once stood. "Jareth thinks that Zefiryn tried to get past the fairies that guard the tower and they used magic to move the whole damn thing to Allerleirauh. The palace there is rebuilding around the tower as we speak."

"What did Zefiryn want in his tower?"

Sarah shrugged, resting her arms on her belly. "We figured she was hoping to find something that led to you. Jaron had all kinds of weird magical knick-knacks in there."

Alyx rested her hand on the wall where Jaron's tower once stood. "The wild magic did this to protect him… He owes it a favor."

"He owes the wild magic a favor?" Sarah gasped. "How-"

"I was injured in a werewolf attack sometime after your wedding, but Jaron heard me call for him and came to rescue me… Only by the time he could get past my wards and protection spells, I was already dead." Alyx hugged her own arms and frowned. "Then the idiot made some crazy deal with the wild magic in exchange for my life. As of when he wished me here, it hadn't asked for the favor yet. Whatever it wants, I'd bet my glass slippers that it has something to do with Allerleirauh."

A small and wobbly paced Goblin came tumbling into the room at their feet. "Beggin' yer pardon, Miss Queenie and Miss Girl-Who-Loves-Goblin-Prince, but the Kingy wants ya both in the throne room. There are guests!"

Both girls gave the elf a quizzical glace and asked, in disbelief. "Guests?"

Once they had landed on the mainland in the small coastal hamlet of Tam's Landing in the Highlands, Jaron had somehow found reliable mounts for them all. He ordered the other trio to the Labyrinth as fast as they could travel. Morven and he took the remaining horses and they took off for Magesblood. Though they had to ride around the great Enid Lake, they managed to make excellent time. It had taken him and Jaron nearly four days of hard riding from the coast, but by dusk on the third day, they had Magesblood within their sights.

Jaron rode proudly into the city and all eyes were upon him as he made his way to Taveres Castle. All the eyes and whispers made Morven a mite nervous, but Jaron's concentration never broke. Even the guards at the gate to the castle were so amazed that they opened the gate without question. Jaron dismounted and slapped his reigns into Morven's hand.

"Start riding south for the Labyrinth and I'll meet you long before you leave Darkwood Copse. I won't be long."

"Oy, that weren't the deal." Morven replied with a frown. "You ain't going in there all by yer lonesome."

"I know how to sneak around Taveres Castle, do you?" Jaron snapped, his voice low. "I spent years here in my youth and I know the secret passages like the back of my hand."

"What are ya gonna be doin' sneakin' 'round in there?"

"I'm going to get some answers. A pair of Satyrs in Tam's Landing told me that no one has seen Mab in months and that Zefiryn is ruling as regent… Something is wrong with this picture."

"After what she did to you, why would you give a flyin' fuck 'bout that ravin' queen bitch?" Morven spat.

Jaron shook his head. "Mab was different once… I'm hoping that if I can speak to her, then I'll be able to reason with her. We were actually quite close once."

"Yeah, an' now she's loony as can be! She's liable to throw ya back in her dungeons."

"She could try." Jaron smirked. "I'm much more powerful now that I've got my magic back, you know."

"And a might dumber as well!"

"Just head south, Morven. I'll be fine." Jaron did not even wait for his answer before turning and striding into the palace. A small orc watched him approach, with his mouth hanging open and raced to follow him. "Your Majesty! What an unexpected surprise! Please let me announ-"

"No need. I can do it myself." Jaron replied as his magic washed over himself. He threw open the doors to the throne room. Zefiryn's head snapped up as he approached with a smirk on his handsome face. His magic had dressed him for the occasion. He wore a sleeveless vest over his bare chest that was patterned like the leaves of fall and displayed the tree of life pendant over his heart. Tanned pants encased his legs and ended in sturdy boots. The Swamp Witch gave him a pleasant smile as he approached the throne.

"How delightful to see you again, dear Jaron…" Zefiryn pursed her ruby lips. "I wondered how long it would take be before you reared your curly head in my halls, child."

"Hello, Zefiryn. It's been quite some time." Jaron returned, giving her a slight incline of his head and short bow. "You're looking well."

"Your words have grown more honeyed since your time spent within my Court…"

"Your Court? I was under the impression that Mab was Queen of the Unseelie."

"Queen Mab is… Indisposed… I am serving as Regent until such time as she is able to rule."

"How… Convenient."

She waved one hand. "Enough with the frivolities… Why are you here, Goblin Prince?

"King." Jaron corrected her with a smile.

"Pardon?"

"I am a king these days, Zefiryn."

She gave him a once over and scoffed. "A king? You are merely a crown prince who will never see his coronation… You are still the same thing you have been since the day Allerleirauh faded away. An heir to a dead throne."

"And king just the same." Jaron held out his arms with a smirk. "Behold me in all my wonder."

"Vanity must be a common trait that you share with your brother, Jareth." Zefiryn laughed. "I care not about what fancy bauble you wear around your neck, child. Until you bear the weight of the Forest Crown upon your brow, you are no equal to me. Until the fountains flow in Allerleirauh, you are naught but a squatter in a long dead kingdom."

Jaron clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Such disrespect would incite war to some nobility, Swamp Hag."

"You haven't a warrior's bone in your body, Brat Prince." She hissed and gave him an evil grin. "You did not come here to debate politics… State your business in my halls."

"I've heard tale that you have been masquerading as my betrothed while I've been away… Quite a novel idea." Jaron locked his mismatched eyes upon her. "Did you expect that it would send Alyx running to you like a rabbit from the nest?"

"I had hoped, but instead I find that she is wished into your brother's care instead. That was quite wicked of you to do to me… Smart, but wicked."

Jaron gave her a pointed smile and then sobered. "I've come to speak sense to both yourself and Queen Mab."

"So, now we get to the meat of the matter… You want me to stop hunting for your little trollup, hmm? And if I refuse?"

"I offer no ultimatums, Zefiryn. The girl has done nothing to you."

"Except make a fool of this Court and its Queen time and time again. She is an enemy of the crown and shall be dealt with as such."

"Let this go, Zefiryn. If Alyx has slighted anyone, it was Queen Mab and you know as well as I do that she's gone mad."

"Yes, and whose fault was that? What do you expect a woman spurned by her lover to do?" Zefiryn sneered. "You should be so flattered, child… That a woman would go mad over your affections."

"My patience wears thin. Stop this now, Swamp Hag. Stop before you go so far that you can never come back." Jaron warned.

"I am far past that point. Your audience is over." She said, airily as she waved one hand to dismiss him. "Unless you fancy a tumble betwixt the sheets with a true Queen? It's been sometime since I have had a lover with your rumored prowess. If you are not looking for that, then vacate my palace or I shall set my guard upon you."

With a speed that startled her, Jaron was inches from her, grasping her wrist in a bruising grip. She gave a nervous gasp and tried to pull her wrist from his iron hold. Wild magic radiated from him in waves that made her tremble, despite her steeled heart. She fought against his grip. He had changed much since his first time within her court. She could feel it.

He snarled as he leaned in close to her. "Call them then."

"Release me!" She hissed, baring her teeth back at him.

"Gladly." With a disgusted look, Jaron released her hand and took a step back from the furious witch. He wiped his hand upon his vest as if he had touched something foul. "I would be a corpse before I ever shared your bed."

"That could be arranged. I've had more than a few Lich lovers." She retorted, trying to cover how nervous the volatile young Fae had made her.

"Even as a Lich I wouldn't fuck you… I would murder you." Jaron promised.

"You haven't the heart for murder."

Grasping her by the chin, Jaron forced her blue eyes upon his face and growled. "Try me."

Zefiryn called out for her guards, but he was gone in a whirlwind of leaves and feathers before the words even left her lips. She collapsed back into her throne as guards came piling into the throne room.

"You fools! Comb the castle and make sure the Goblin Prince is not still skulking about the place!"

When Jaron disappeared, he did not go far. There was something was suspicious about Mab's absence and he intended to investigate. He quickly cloaked himself in black, and transported himself to the balcony of the Queen's Chambers. Wary, he entered the dimly lit room. With the flick of one wrist, he illuminated the candles on the walls and reignited the fireplace against the damp of the room.

A low moan sounded.

He froze in place. His eyes went to the canopied bed and the source of the sound within. The curtains were drawn and waved in the breeze from the open windows. Drawing a dagger from his waist, Jaron crept closer to the bed. Another moan sounded and he froze, his free hand poised to jerk back the curtains. He took a deep breath and threw open the canopy. He nearly vomited at the sight and stench before him.

What was left of Mab Nightshayde was festering in the bed, her stick-like arms and legs bound to the four posters. She was alive, but barely. The stench of death was upon her. Slowly, her head lolled in his direction. Her skin was pulled tight over her skull and her cheeks sunken in. Jaron could not help but feel pity for his former lover. Long ago, before jealousy and madness had consumed her, the pair had quite enjoyed one another's company for a time. Despite her faults, no one deserved to be drained in such away and tainted with unholy madness. Her red eyes flickered over him and a spark of recognition flashed in them.

"J-Jaron?" Mab's dry tongue darted out and licked at her cracked lips. "Is it really our sweet Goblin Prince?"

"What has that witch done to you?"

"What she does." Mab cackled and her thin frame was racked with a coughing fit. "You must listen closely…"

"Shh… I will cut you free." Jaron drew a dagger from his cloak and went to work at the ropes binding her to the bed. Once her hand was free, she reached out and with surprising strength grabbed his shirt to still his movements.

"Stop being a fool and listen to me!" She hissed, pulling him close to her. "That witch means to tear the Underground asunder. She must not eat your Alyx's heart."

"I know of her plans and have placed Alyx in safety. Let me free you and I shall take you to-"

"Shut up, you great glittery fool!" Mab ordered and grasped his chin in her boney fingers. "Our future is already set upon its path and fate will not let us deviate. Zefiryn has already drained me and if she gets her hands on the girl then the entire Underground will fall. Once she rules below… She aims to go Above and conquer the mortal realm as well. No matter the cost, you must not let her get to that girl… No matter the cost!"

"I swear it." Jaron promised, putting one of his hands over Mab's frail one at his cheek.

Her gaunt face softened and Jaron saw a glimpse of the young Queen he had once cared for. She gave him a weak smile and ran her fingers through his long hair. "You were my favorite once and I ruined everything by letting madness control me… I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I would spend eternity begging for it, just the same. We had fun once, did we not?"

"You need to rest while I-"

"You handsome little fool… I am not long for this world and you know it… You can smell death upon me already."

"You smell like you always did… Of lavender and belladonna."

"Liar." Her hand grasped the pendant at his chest. "You are King at Allerleirauh now?"

"I do not know."

"This sigil speaks for its self." She cupped it in her palm. "Grant me a boon, Halfling King?"

"If I am able."

"Let me die on my own terms and not those of that witch. Be the one who takes my last breath and make sure that it happens far from this room. Grant me this last mercy." Mab whispered, fiercely. "I wish for you to kill me far from this room, Jaron."

There was the rush of magic and she could see the stars above Jaron's head. There was the gentle lap of water and she knew she was near a lake. Though she was still in great pain, she could feel that her wounds were clean and she was dressed in the finest of silks. Plush pillows supported her broken frame.

"Where are we?" She whispered.

"Darkwood Copse. We are on the south eastern shores of Still Lake and north of the city of Grimbold Mire."

"Our first secret tryst… How fitting." He grunted an incoherent answer and in the darkness, she could no longer see his face. Her hand, weakly, went back to his cheek and she was surprised to find it wet with his tears. She clucked her tongue at him, disapprovingly. "You are wasting tears on someone who ruined your life for many years, you silly boy."

"These tears are not for the mad witch-queen who imprisoned and tortured me… My tears are for the would-be queen that a young and frightened Goblin Prince met on his very first evening in Magesblood. I cry for the girl who taught me how to navigate through the Unseelie throng with ease and often comforted a homesick little boy." Jaron confessed, and used his sleeve to wipe his face. "They are two very different women."

"Just as I am an entirely different woman even now… How our lives could have been forever changed if I could have only resigned myself to being the mere wife of a Goblin Prince."

Jaron gave a laugh. "You'd never have done it. You hate goblins."

"True, but I did love you once and for you I would have tolerated the disgusting little creatures…" She gave him another weak smile. "For a time."

"You never loved me enough to wed me, Mab. We both knew that."

"Of course… It's why you never asked."

Jaron shifted and soon her frail body was resting against him. His arms wrapped around her for comfort. With a sigh, she rested her head against her old lover's chest and he ran one calloused palm over her thin red tresses.

"Does it hurt to cross to the fade?" She asked, a shade of fear to her voice.

"I do not know." He answered, truthfully. "But, I will do my best to cause you very little pain."

Her laughter was bitter. "You give me better than I deserve. See, that is why we were never meant to be. I never deserved you."

"Everyone deserves happiness, Mab. I was just never yours."

A low sound carried across Still Lake and her weak heart fluttered at the sound. The Rusulkas sang as if they knew that their Queen was near her end. She grasped at Jaron's shirt and looked up at him, taking in how his solemn face looked in the moonlight.

"Give us a smile? I do not wish to die without seeing that charmed grin once more." She asked and Jaron gave a chuckle. He obliged and she, weakly, returned his smile. "Hear my words and remember them well, sweet Jaron. Your path ahead will be wrought with sorrow, but it is Fate's design to take you down those crossroads. As a Sindhe you have at least some mastery over time… Remember that the way forward is sometimes the way back."

"I do not understand-"

"You will… When the time is right." She smiled again. "Do you know how to make the Fountains of Allerleirauh flow?"

"No."

She laughed. "Yes, you do… You just don't realize it yet. Now, grant me my boon, sweet Jaron."

He pressed a kiss upon her brow. "Know with your last breath that I forgive you, Mab Nightshayde, Queen of the Unseelie Court, for your transgressions against me. I hope that you find peace in the fade."

With that, Jaron slid the iron blade in his hand betwixt her ribs and into her heart. She gasped and stiffened in his arms, but Jaron's blow struck true. Life faded from her red eyes as they closed for the last time. When she had finally when slack in his embrace, Jaron withdrew the dagger. Movement in the lake caught his attention. He saw a group of the Rusulka there, their faces only halfway out of the water and their long hair floating around them. Taking Mab's body into his arms, he waded out towards them. A few hissed and dove into the depths, but three stayed, their dark eyes upon their dead sovereign.

"Mab is dead and let all the Unseelie know by whose hand their Queen fell. Make it known that the same fate will fall upon anyone else who threatens the life of the Girl Who Loves the Goblin Prince." Jaron ordered and relinquished Mab's body to the trio.

Wading back out of the water, Jaron sat down upon the shore, heavily. He watched as the Rusulka retreated with Mab's body, their soft voices singing out into the news out into the night. With one shaking hand, he combed back his sweaty hair and spat against the foul taste upon his tongue. Zefiryn was right. He did not quite have the heart for murder. His mismatched eyes stared off towards the lights of Magesblood and the enemies he had made that night. Within moments, he was in bird form, and flying south.

The news of Mab's death spread across the Underground like wildfire. The Unseelie as a whole both grieved and celebrated the loss of their mad Queen. Soon the entire Underground was in an uproar. It had been quite some time since the death of a monarch, let alone a monarch being openly murdered. Zefiryn wasted no time in proclaiming herself the reigning Queen of Air and Darkness and labelling Jaron a murderer who was now wanted for regicide by the Unseelie Court.

Though she remained calm in the eyes of the courtiers, Zefiryn was furious that Jaron had dared to steal Mab from under her very nose. Though his actions sped up her ascension to being the true power of the throne, she had hoped to the young queen's life herself. She vowed then that she would make the fool pay for crossing her. His years as Mab's prisoner would be a delight compared to the future that she had in store for the brat. Not only would she break him and transform him into a Lich to serve her dark purposes, but she would make him watch… She would force him to watch as she sacrificed the girl and ate her heart

It would be glorious.

The Plains of Crom Cruach were ready and waiting for the sacrifice. The dark soil nearly thrummed in anticipation as she built the altar and began her spell work. She could feel the pulsing power of magic and it called to her blood. Once the girl was hers, she would have limitless power and potential. All would tremble before her and all the kingdoms would fall at her feet. All that was needed was the wretched girl. She was bound to slip up and leave the Labyrinth. Zefiryn was a patient witch.

Jareth glared down at the three pirates standing before him. Upon their arrival, the pipe-smoking dwarf and bossiest of the three, demanded an audience with Alyx. At Jareth's immediate refusal, the foul little man had thrown out a barrage of foul names in Jareth's direction, until the Genki, the politest of them, managed to calm him. The Genki again asked Jareth for an audience with Alyx and explained that they were from Captain Squall's ship. The most terrified member of their trio, the Changeling, merely hid behind the Genki, and shook upon the sight of the mighty Goblin King. Intrigued about what Morven was scheming, Jareth had agreed and sent Abby to bring Alyx to them. Upon seeing the trio, Alyx had let out a cry of happiness and was immediately in their arms.

"Would ya look at ya! Ya look like a real lady!" Quigli gave the girl a broad smile. "I don't think we ever seen you in no dress 'fore today!"

"Oh, my blasted shoes keep dressing me up like a bloody princess!" Alyx laughed and gave him a twirl in the emerald silk gown she wore. Another dainty diadem of silver vines was at her brow and her curls were plaited down her back.

"More like a queen." Krollin gave her a warm smile.

"Ya ain't hurt are ya, lassie?" Quigli asked, giving Jareth a hard glare. "'Cause I ain't a-feared of no glittery Goblin prat."

Alyx laughed as Jareth scowled at the dwarf. "I'm fine, Quigli. I swear it. Is Morven okay?"

"He'll be just fine. Jaron patched him up right good." Krollin promised.

Alyx's eyes darkened at the mention of his name. "I'm gonna strangle Jaron when I get my hands on him."

"He were only doin' what he thought best for ya an' ya knows it." Quigli admonished her. "'Sides, it were him that sent us three to protect ya."

She gave the dwarf a foul look. "I'm in the safest realm in the Underground. Why would I need more protection?"

"Ya never can have too much protection, lass." Quigli looked prouder than he had ever been in his life. "Yer lookin' at bona fide knights."

"Knights?" Alyx looked to Krollin. "How hard has he been hitting that fire grass on the way here?"

"Quite hard, but he ain't delusional. We were knighted by the King o' the Forest an' we be under oath to protect ya 'til such time as he gets here to do it his self." Krollin explained and even puffed his own chest a bit. "I ain't never been knighted 'fore now."

Alyx's brow furrowed in thought. "I don't know any King of the Forest."

"Oy, ya ain't in any position to be denyin' the added protection of a powerful benefactor. Don't go lookin' a gift horse in the mouth, lass." Quigli puffed on his pipe with a smug grin.

Alyx's frown grew. "Is this some silly ploy of Jaron's?"

"Oy, it ain't no silly ploy. The lad thunk it through… Mostly."

With a groan, Alyx put her face in her hands while Jareth covered his amused grin with one gloved hand. Even Sarah was fighting back giggles at the comment. Giving the Goblin royals a foul look, Alyx rested her hands on her hips.

"Your brother is a menace." She groused.

"Indeed. Shall I have rooms prepared for your chaperones in your wing of the castle, milady?" Jareth teased with a sharp grin. "I must say… A Genki Elf, a Dwarf, and a Changeling… What a band of bodyguards…"

"Goblin King or not, I'll rip out that pretty blonde hair if you keep making fun of me." Alyx warned.

"You would not." Jareth replied with a chuckle.

Alyx returned her attention to the pirates. "You three can tell Jaron that I said to 'shove off' and get your mangy hides back to the Merrow Wind! The only thing I need is for him to rescind that wish and let me get back to my life!"

"No can do, missy." Krollin shook his head. "We gots orders from the King an' them orders supersedes yers on this day… Whether ya be our First Mate or not."

"What?!" Alyx gaped at the normally obedient steward. "What bloody king?! I don't know any Forest King!"

"Well, you must because he's sought your hand in marriage." Krollin interjected with a sly smile.

"Marriage! Are you insane?"

"Marriage is not a horrible idea…" Jareth shrugged. "If you were married to a king then you would be under his protection and-"

Alyx stopped him. "If it's Dymek of Taureg, you can tell him that I said no before and my answer hasn't changed."

"Dymek is a prince. All rulers of Taureg are merely princes… I said king."

"What fucking king would want to marry me?"

"The Forest King."

Alyx groaned in frustration. "Who the hell is this king?"

Quigli gave her a surprised look. "Why Jaron is o' course."

Alyx froze in disbelief and then her thoughts flew to the tree of life pendant that she had seen around Jaron's neck. "Jaron's been made a king?"

"Well, not officially. He ain't been crowned an' them damn fountains ain't dripped a drop, but-"

"Where is he?"

"He an' Morven went north to Magesblood. Jaron wanted to try an' speak some sense to Zefiryn and Mab."

Alyx's heart plummeted in her chest. Immediately her shoes recognized her change in mood and changed to reflect that. Her dress molded in an instant to durable pants and a cowl shirt that bared her midriff. She began to stride towards the doors to the throne room and Jareth shut them in her face. Whirling around, she snarled.

"Open the doors, Jareth. I'm going after him."

"Your days of rescuing Goblin Princes have passed, my dear Alyxandrea. As long as you are my ward, you are to remain within the walls of my Labyrinth."

"Oy, if he donna show up here in a few days, we're to take her pretty arse south to Allerleirauh!" Quigli cast his angry glare at Jareth and put one hand on the hilt of the sword at his hip. "If that gal goes beyond the walls, she goes with us!"

"If I go anywhere, I'll go by my damned self!" Alyx interjected. "Everyone seems to forget that I am not some damsel in distress and that I am more than capable of making decisions for myself!"

"Decisions that are likely to get you killed." Jareth pointed out. "You are hot-headed, Alyx."

"I've been wished away to the Goblin King by his bratty baby brother and held captive in the Labyrinth… I think I've got every right to be more than a little pissed off!" Alyx crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm sick and tired of running. I want my life back. I demand the right to leave the Labyrinth."

"And I refuse!" Jareth thundered. "I'll not just give you your way because you demand it. Regardless of your bravado, you are unable to take on all of the Unseelie by yourself."

"Well, obviously you weren't there when I saved your brother. Legends are sung of that night." Fire flashed in Alyx's eyes and the air began to grow thick with magic.

Jareth's nostrils flared as he caught the heady stench of wild magic building around her. "Do not do anything rash, Alyxandrea."

"Then open the fucking doors, Jareth. You think it was bad when Jaron's tower disappeared or Sarah burned down the hedge maze? Try pissing me off." The doors opened behind her and she gave Jareth a smug smile. "Wise choice."

The Goblin King returned her smug smile. "You are not unable to leave this palace Alyxandrea… Only my realm. Traverse the Labyrinth as much as you please… It will not let you beyond its walls."

"We'll see about that." Alyx retorted and strode out the doors. Quickly, the pirates moved to follow her, but she slammed the door shut in their faces. Jareth gave an agitated sigh and turned to his beautiful wife.

"Care to go and try to talk some sense into her, precious?"

"I'll try, but I promise nothing." Sarah gave him a kiss and left to follow Alyx.

"Oy, glitter-face! Open them doors so we can follow that lass!" Quigli ordered.

Jareth frowned. "Ease your nerves, dwarf. There is nothing in my Labyrinth that will harm her."

"An' you ain't the king I swore me sword to!" Quigli argued.

"Calm yerself, matey." Krollin said, placing one hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "Jaron told us to keep an eye on her unless he went missin'. Then we're to take her to Allerleirauh."

Jiera burst into the room, her face filled with panic. "Jareth! Mab is dead!"

"What?"

"Mab is dead… Murdered…" Jiera was stricken. "They say that Jaron did it!"

"Impossible! Jaron ain't fool enough to murder the Unseelie Queen." Quigli scoffed.

"The news is spreading across the Underground like fire. He slipped an iron blade into her heart upon the shores of Still Lake and threatened the same fate to anyone else who dared lay a hand upon Alyx. Zefiryn has taken the Unseelie crown and declared him an enemy of the Unseelie Court… She's offered a king's ransom in gold for his capture and demanded that the Seelie Court hand over the Goblin Prince for his crimes." Tears threatened in Jiera's mismatched eyes. "Oh, Jareth, what will we do?"

Jareth gave a small laugh of disbelief and sat down on his throne. He shook his head and a smile came to his lips. "Jaron's not the Goblin Prince anymore."

"What in the Under are you talking about?" Jiera asked, confused.

"I was a fool to not realize it before. That's why the tower disappeared to Allerleirauh and he no longer has to answer the summons for the Goblin Family. He is not the Goblin Prince. The Forest Court truly intends to crown him."

"That's what we've been tryin' to tell ya!" Quigli spat out as if it were common knowledge. "Is all you royals this dense or-"

"Are you aware that your king has just effectively declared war against the Unseelie Court?" Jareth asked the dwarf.

"Hey, I said he were a king, but I dinna say he were a good one."

Jiera sighed, heavily. "I swear that boy ages me prematurely… How can he be so foolish?"

"Well, you know Jaron… He never quite thinks things through."

"This is not some simple prank! He has declared war without a kingdom to stand behind him! Oberon will not be able to lift a finger to help him without dragging our entire realm into war!" Jiera gave a great shudder and wrapped her arms around herself. "I am to lose my son again…"

"Yer Grace, ya must realize that Jaron had to 'ave had reasons fer what he did." Krollin spoke gently to the Dowager Goblin Queen.

Jiera looked to the trio of pirates, truly noticing them for the first time. "Who in the bloody hell are you?"

Quigli puffed out his chest a bit. "We be the knights of yer son's kingdom, milady. His Queen's Guard specifically."

Jiera sunk down into the nearest chair. "I am quite confused."

"Alyx! Slow down!" Sarah huffed, trying to keep pace with her friend as she strode down the streets of the Goblin City and towards the Labyrinth. "It's not nice to make a pregnant lady run, you know!"

"Go back, Sarah." Alyx tossed over her shoulder as she made her way through the marketplace.

"It's dark! You won't even be able to see!"

Alyx snagged a torch from a nearby wall. "Problem solved."

"You don't have supplies!"

"I've done more with less."

"The Labyrinth will never let you outside the walls!"

"Then I'll blow a hole in the wall."

Sarah groaned in frustration. "It doesn't work like that and you know it!"

"I wasn't stuck in the Labyrinth before."

"You wished yourself here before! When you found the centaur statue and go out, you basically ran the Labyrinth for yourself!"

"And I'll do it again."

Sarah grabbed her friend's arm and spun the girl around to put them face to face. "You aren't even listening to me!"

Alyx's face was tearstained and Sarah's heart ached for the girl. Shaking her arm loose, Alyx sniffled and wiped her wet face with the back of one hand.

"Please, come back to the castle." Sarah pleaded. "We will all sit down and discuss your options like civilized adults."

"I can't just sit around while Jaron is out there risking his life for mine." Alyx brushed at her face again. "I'm going into find my way out of the Labyrinth and there is nothing anyone can do to stop me."

Alyx turned and strode through the gates of the Goblin City and gave a groan of defeat when she found herself back inside Jareth's throne room. She whirled around to give Jareth a piece of her mind, but her words fell flat when she saw the grim look upon his face. Something was terribly wrong and she had a feeling that she would not like the news she was about to hear.

"I'm sorry to cut your adventure short, dear Alyx, but there has been a bit of disarming news." Jareth said, his voice stoic.

"Jaron?" Alyx breathed, her hands beginning to shake.

"He is alive as far as I know… Queen Mab has been murdered and Zefiryn has crowned herself as the new Queen of Air and Darkness."

Alyx's jaw fell agape. "But, who killed Mab?"

"My brother."