The Labyrinth Sequel

Chapter 11

He looks a tad bit annoyed with me. "I told you before that I had to keep up with the latest trends in men's style if I am to keep control over this place. This seems to be the most pleasing form of style in these times. I see by your reaction that I made the right choice..."

I don't say anything. I just look away embarrassed. He certainly is attractive, but there is no way I am feeding his ego on tonight of all night.

"Come, let's go to our seat." He says taking my limp hand in his.

"What do you mean, OUR seat?" I demand, still allowing him to lead me through the crowded room.

"You will be sitting with me for dinner, of course. I couldn't have you sitting with Goblins, or worse, those awful fieries. Besides, I will need to feed you and I have trouble trusting anyone here to do it properly for you."

"I could always sit with Hoggle and Ludo, you know. They are capable of taking care of me." I point out.

He snorts. "I wouldn't trust that dwarf as far as I could throw him. He would probably just spill the food all over the place and laugh."

"Hoggle wouldn't do that!"

"And that monster's hands would crush any spoon he dared to pick up. If you have seen him eat, you will know he eats like a dog." He says, completely ignoring me.

"But I want to sit with my friends..." I whine.

"Well, am I not you friend?" He asks. I can't tell if he's serious.

"I want to sit with my other friends..." I try to play off the comment to avoid answering directly. I honestly don't know what I think of him anymore. After all, I haven't seen him for so many years, and we certainly didn't get along last time.

He seems put out by my rejection, but tries to play it off smoothly.

"Too bad, you will have to do with me for the night. Oh come now, don't look so down. It is only for a few hours tops before you see them again at the ball. You will be able to dance with them all night long." He rolls his eyes.

"The ball doesn't sound like it is going to be fun."

"What about it doesn't sound fun?" He asks, shocked.

"The last ball I went to wasn't fun at all." I mumble.

"Then you just didn't have the right partner." He declares.

"You can say that again..."

I let that set in for a moment, and then he looks down at me with surprise in his eyes. He might have wanted to argue, but he held himself back. He was silent as we sat down at the table in the center, which had an assortment of goodies laid out.

There is chicken, some salads, punch, and lot's of sweets. Looking out into the crowd, I notice that we are the only table that has any pastries on it.

"The Goblins are not allowed sugar." Jareth says, clarifying my thoughts.

"Oh..." I say.

I make a mental note to slip some rolls to Hoggle and Ludo after dinner is over. Toby isn't allowed any candy, but there is no reason that they shouldn't be allowed. Then a thought hits me.

"Where is Toby, any way? The Goblins said that we was supposed to be coming here tonight." I ask, looking around trying to spot him.

"Your... friends... will be looking after him tonight. While I would wager he isn't coming to the ball, I saw no reason to deprive him of a meal. After this I will have someone take him back to his room to rest while you enjoy the rest of the night." He settles in beside me.