The Heart of the Labyrinth Part 2

Chapter 3 Something in the Air

The day after the high Fae king and prince Calden had visited the Labyrinth, Tronin informed Juliet of the motives behind their visit.

"So you're saying the high king, who's only ever seen Jareth a hand full of times, came here out of the blue with his other son, only to yell at Jareth for some reason, unknown to us, and then insist he arrange a giant party for important dignitaries?" The goblin nodded at this, replying.

"Yep, pretty much." Stopping her pacing, the servant shook her head in confusion.

"It makes no sense. None of it makes any sense at all."

"You should know by now, there isn't a thing here that makes any sense." Said the familiar droning speak of the Goblin King. His sudden, unannounced, appearances didn't make Juliet jump as often any more, which seemed to aggravate him. Taking a side step to be able to see Jareth and the goblin, Juliet cleared her throat with a stare at Tronin who was attempting to sneak away. With a hesitant look up at her, the creature took a step back to where he had been and faced both of them, though he didn't look them in the face, rather he stared at his fumbling fingers. All the while the king was watching them closely with how they acted around one another. His studious gaze made the servant girl shift in her stance. To break the increasingly awkward silence that surrounded them, Julie spoke up.

"So, to what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?" Snapping out of whatever observing train of thought, the blond haired man ignored her sarcasm and spoke evenly.

"I see you've discovered the purpose behind the abrupt arrival and leaving of their majesties, my father, and half-brother." At this she nodded. "Because of the... urgency of his... request, we will be leaving for the Summer Palace early this afternoon. A suitcase has been placed in your courters, I suggest you go and pack now. Don't worry too much for formal wear, I'll find something that will suffice for a maid's formal attire." Her jaw set when she heard his off handed words. If she didn't keep her mouth shut she was sure to say something regrettable. At her sides, her hands balled up in fists, all the time her mind reminded herself not to snap at the person who could turn her to dust with a single thought.

Though Jareth did have his good moments, as all people did, he made it incredibly hard to put up with him when the rest of the time he was always such a pain to deal with. He was obviously in pain and lonely, yet at the same time, he always pushed everyone away when they tried to get close to him, as if the thought of someone else knowing him was the worst thing that could happen.

After a few seconds of controlled silence, Juliet strained her voice, with no success to sound even, as she said through her teeth.

"Fine." When Jareth raised an eye brow at her, she resisted the strong urge to roll her eyes while adding with a growl. "Sire." Tronin snickered from his place on the floor.

"Couples." He soon stopped when Juliet gave him a quick kick, to which Jareth said.

"Thank you." After he walked away, Julie hissed down to her short friend.

"What is wrong with you?" Gaping at her, he retorted.

"Me? What about you? You kicked me! In the head no less!" Rubbing her face, she sighed at the goblin, who was in turn rubbing his head.

"I'm sorry, but you really should keep your mouth shut, and keep your opinions to yourself."

"Why should I? You two fight and badger one another like an old married couple anyways." To this the girl did openly roll her eyes. The goblin followed her to her room, where he perched on her dresser as she lifted the hard cased luggage from the ground onto her bed. Rummaging through her dresser to grab the clothing she thought she might need while away, the two continued to converse.