Once they were gone, a white owl descended from the tree he had been hiding in and recovered his human form. Jareth frowned as he watched them leave.  What was with that child?  She seemed to be a magnet for annoying creatures such as the Trickster and that blue bell faery.  And where in the Underground was that creature taking his maid?  He rolled his eyes and let out a sigh.  It had been rather easy to find her; after all it was his labyrinth.  However, when he had seen her feeling the music, so serene, he had decided to give her some time...  But then, to his surprise, she had started to cry. The Goblin King tilted his head and a gentle grin played across his face.  Perhaps he had gotten so used to Lucy that he forgot she had arrived only a couple of months ago.  Even though she never complained and she always smiled, it was logical she would miss her family and friends... and that she must feel alone-- Jareth blinked and stiffened.  Had he just admitted he was used to Lucy?  He, who always got quickly bored of all the princesses and Ladies?  True, he did like her -as his maid, of course- but that did not mean that he... He shook his head, confused by the thought and distractedly leaned on the same tree Lili had touched.  Immediately, he relaxed and all his annoyance disappeared, as the music surrounded him and his own happy memories flashed in his mind... He was ten years old again and he was in the same forest with a beautiful woman, his beloved mother.  She was tall and slender, her blond hair reaching her shoulders and her blue eyes had such a gentle look... Unexpectedly, a pair of amber eyes replaced the image of his mother.  A gaze so deep and tender that touched his entire being...  Lucy's eyes! Startled and overwhelmed buy the vision, Jareth gasped and jumped away from the tree.  He stared blankly the trunk and then took a hand to his temples.  What was happening to him today?  For the zillionth time, SHE WAS JUST HIS MAID!  Shaking his head, he turned into an owl and, beating his wings, he went after her. "Is it much farther?" a tired Lili asked her winged friend. She had been following Bell through a bush tunnel for a while and she was beginning to think they would never reach the end of it. Bell giggled and flew around the young woman's head.  "No, it's right there," she answered, holding a strand of Lili's hair. "Are you sure?" the redhead asked and was about to add something else, when the view of an arch covered with white, climbing roses distracted her. They stepped through the arch and Lili's jaw fell open as she suddenly found herself in the most beautiful garden she had ever seen.  It was rather small, surrounded by a bright green hedge, divided in four sections.  Each one had a small fountain surrounded with wild flowers.  Four paths led to a lovely gazebo located in the center and -to Lili's delight- it was covered with white, climbing roses too. Amazed, Lili followed one of the paths and stepped into the gazebo.  She looked around and carefully touched a rose.  "It's so perfect," she whispered in awe, as she smelled it.  The sent was sweet and fresh.  "White roses are my favorites," she added, sitting on a bench.  "Thank you so much for bringing me here, Bell!" "I’m glad you liked it," Bell said, looking tenderly at her.  Then, as she caught a glimpse of white hidden behind a tree, she smiled mischievously and sat on Lili's knee. "What do you think of him?" she asked.  "Lucy!" Bell insisted, rolling her eyes. "Him, who?" Lili asked, the garden occupying all of her attention for the moment. "You know, him, his Majesty, the Goblin King, Jareth!"  Bell said in a louder voice. Lili blinked and looked at Bell.  "He... is not bad," she admitted shyly shrugging and blushing a bit. "Not bad!" Bell repeated, trying hard not to laugh... as she knew there was an extra pair of ears somewhere in the garden. In his hideout, with a slightly wounded ego, Jareth had to struggle for no to fall from the branch he was perched on.  NOT BAD! he mentally yelled.  That child needs a pair of glasses! "Yes, not bad," Lili said with a grin, Bell's amusement not lost to her.  "I mean... he is... well... handsome, but he is also bad tempered... and terribly spoiled... spoiled, big child," she added. This time, Bell could not stop the laughter.  "You described him too well," the faery agreed between giggles, almost falling from her friend's knee. Infected by Bell's laughter, Lili laughed too. Jareth watched them -and heard them- in disbelief, his owl claws tightly -and angrily- holding the branch.  Had Lucy just called him... spoiled child?  Were they... laughing at him?  Him!  Who was one of the most powerful beings of the whole Underground World!  Him!  Who was every woman's -mortal or immortal- fantasy?  No one spoke of him in that way and remained in one piece!  Oh, no!  Lucy would listen to him!  She would learn that-- So annoyed he was, that he suddenly lost his equilibrium... and fell to the ground, painfully... and loudly.  Too dizzy to move, and unable to recover his human form, he just remained on the ground... wondering what those little owls were doing flying over his head... then, every thing went black. "Did you hear that?" Lili asked, rising from the bench and looking around. "Yes," Bell answered with a nod. "What was it?" "I don't know," the little faery said, shrugging, although she could have sworn she saw a white feather floating around. "It came from there," Lili added, leaving the gazebo and walking toward a group of small trees.  "An owl!" she exclaimed when she saw the unconscious bird lay on the grass.  "Poor thing.  What were you doing flying during the day?" she asked softly, carefully picking up the still bird and cradling against her chest.  "Surely it must have collided with a tree," the redhead added, turning to her small, winged friend. Bell's eyes widened.  "Lucy, the owl..." she began to say, a strange twinkle in her eyes. "What is it, Bell?" Lili asked, while she gently touched the bird's wings.  To her relief, they were unharmed.  "Bell?" she insisted, raising her gaze. Bell blinked and, seeing her friend's innocent gaze and how concern she was for the 'owl', she just could not tell her who the owl was.  "Oh... nothing.  Why don't you sit down?"  Bell suggested instead, with her mischievous grin. Lili looked at her with a raised eyebrow, but finally nodded.  "Okay, I must admit this friend here is a little heavy," she said, returning to the bench. "I bet he is," Bell muttered, deeply amused. Slowly, Jareth began to regain consciousness, but he did not open his eyes.  Completely disoriented, he had not a clue where he was, but he felt so warm and safe... He could hear and incredible soothing sound, like a soft drum.  He stirred a little now and a scent of roses, together with chocolate... and cookies reached him Deeply comfortable he moved a wing and-- Wing? he thought, puzzled, and only then he remembered what had happened... and why he had fallen.  But where was he? "Ah, finally you are awake," a kind and familiar voice suddenly said, as the same time a hand gently stroked his feathered chest. Startled, he opened his eyes... only to find his maid's tender -tender!- gaze fixed upon him.  His eyes widened as he finally realized where he was!  To his annoyance, he also noticed that the blue bell faery was starring mockingly at him, seated on Lucy's shoulder. Jareth blinked.  It was obvious that Lucy did not know he was the owl.  Fortunately, that creature had not told her. Unexpectedly, the young woman stroked his chest again and all his annoyance vanished.  In spite of himself, he trembled in delight and melted against her, realizing that the soothing sound he had heard before was her heart beat.  Perhaps he could forgive her for having called him... spoiled child... To his disappointment, it ended too soon, as his redheaded maid carefully placed him over the bench.  He stood there, as proud as he could manage... in his current form. Lili looked at him and, after a little hesitation, she extended her arm and gently ran a hand through his wing.  "Hey, I am happy you are okay," she said with a grin.  Then, she turned to Bell.  "He seems to be fine." "Oh, yes he is!" Bell exclaimed, almost chuckling, earning a glare from the king, who beat his wings in a threatening way. Deeply amused, Bell hid behind the young woman.  Bell knew the girl was only the Goblin King's maid, but she could clearly tell that Jareth would never harm her.  In fact, during the time she had followed them, she had noticed he was almost gentle with her... he definitely had not treated her as a mere servant.  Yes, Puck had been right. "Be careful, Bell," Lili said in a teasing voice, interrupting the faery's thoughts.  "Maybe owls like to eat faeries." "Oh if he knows what is good for him, he would never dare," Bell replied in the same tone. Lili chuckled and Jareth shook his head, truly disgusted by the idea of eating a faery! Then, suddenly noticing the dimming light, Lili eyed her watch and gasped, it was a quarter to nine!  "I have to go now, Bell," she said, rising from the bench.  "It's almost diner time.  Thank you so much for inviting me here.  I hope we can meet again— Hey, you can visit me at the castle.  I will give you delicious things to eat." With a last smile, Lili started to walk to the exit. Bell blinked and quickly flew after her.  "Lucy, are you not going to wait for Jareth?" she asked, placing herself between the young woman and the tunnel. Lili shook her red head and shrugged.  "No.  He obviously forgot about me," she answered matter-of-factly.  "I would appreciate if you show me the right secret passage, though," she added.  "I don't want to end in the infamous bog." "No, you cannot walk through the labyrinth after the sunset.  You must wait here," Bell insisted, giving the owl a quick -and slightly annoyed- glance. Jareth blinked and, as tedious as it was, he had to admit the faery was right.  His labyrinth was dangerous at night... and, besides, he had not forgotten his maid.  He just flew away. "See, even the owl left," Lili said, following the bird with her gaze.  "Bye, Bell." Lili turned to leave... but in doing so, she bumped into someone... a tall someone who placed his gloved hands on her shoulders. Startled, she raised her head and her eyes widened in surprise.  "Your Majesty!"  She exclaimed, jumping a step back and blushing crimson red. Jareth withdrew his hands and looked at her with a bemused raised eyebrow, briefly wondering what her reaction would be if she were to find out he was the owl...  But then, he became serious as he realized he did not want her to know that he had been following her the whole time. He cleared his throat and folded his arms across his chest.  "Can you tell me what are you doing here, with that faery?" he asked, in his full Goblin King mode. Bell just stuck her tounge at him and Lili bit her lip and adopted that grounded child look that he found so amusing. "I was waiting for you... your Majesty.  Bell was kind enough to show me her beautiful garden," she said with an innocent grin. "Yes, you left her behind, alone!" Bell added with a how-could-you-do-that look, putting her hands on her hips and flying in front of his face.  "She could have been hurt!" Jareth slightly stiffened at the faery's unusual powerful and serious tone, but quickly recovered himself.  He looked at his maid.  "I did not leave you behind, child.  In spite of my warnings you stepped way from me," he told her, his gaze softening a bit, earning a surprised glance from her.  Then, he turned to the faery.  "What I do and what I stop from doing is not of your concern," he stated and looked at the girl again.  "And, Lucy, this is my labyrinth, therefor this is my garden.  Understood?" "No, it's mine!" Bell exclaimed, recovering her mischievous glow. Annoyed, Jareth opened his mouth to admonish her, but then decided that the creature was not worth the effort.  He rolled his eyes.  "It is time to go back to the castle, child," he said seriously. "Yes, your Majesty," Lili agreed, mentally smiling at the king's and her friend's exchange.  "See you, Bell." "Wait, Lucy," Bell said and waving a hand, a basket full of white roses appeared at Lili's feet.  "Take those with you... and yes, we'll met again."  Lili's face lit up in excitement.  "They are beautiful!  Thank you, Bell!"  Lili exclaimed, picking up the basket. Bell smiled, pleased.  "I'm glad you like them and, Lucy, you can come here any time you want... after all, this is my garden," she added, looking pointedly at the Goblin King, who just chose to ignore her. "Can we go now, Lucy?"  He asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Of course, your Majesty," Lili said and, after a last good bye to her new friend, she entered the tunnel, closely followed by a serious Jareth. Bell watched them leave and once sure they could not see her, her body began to glow, until a tall, slender woman, with blue hair and violet eyes was revealed.  "Very promising indeed," she whispered mischievously. The young woman and the king walked their way back to the castle in a thoughtful silence.  Lili held her basket tightly and walked with her head bowed, still surprised that he had returned for her.  On the other hand, Jareth also walked with his head bowed, not understanding why the faery's words had affected him so much, to the point that he had given his maid an explanation...  He, who never explained anything to anyone! They continued like that for a moment until a cold wind suddenly blew and Lili sneezed. Jareth rolled his eyes and, convincing himself that he was doing it because a sick maid would not do her job, he materialized a thick, long cape and, to Lili's surprise, gently placed it around her shoulders. "Better?" he asked, as he tied it around her neck. "Yes... thank you, your Majesty," she managed to answer with a shy grin... and red cheeks. Jareth nodded and they continued their way. "Do all your vic-- summoners find Bell's garden?" she asked a couple of minutes later. Jareth lowered his gaze to her.  "My garden," he began to say, emphasizing the word my, "is one of the most secret parts of the labyrinth.  No one gets there unless they are invited." "Bell invited me.  I hope you don't mind," Lili said innocently.  "It is so beautiful..." "Yes," Jareth admitted, smiling back. Lili tilted her head and gave him her best 'may-I' look.  "May I... visit your garden again?" she asked hopefully, her eyes shining. He looked at her, not at all surprised by her request.  He stroked his chin, as if he were considering her question.  "Yes, but only after your duties," he said at last, trying in vain to seem stern. "Of course, your Majesty!" Lili exclaimed, a wide grin on her face.  "Thank you!"  With that, she happily continued walking by his side. Jareth just shook his head as he realized that more than tolerant, he was being generous with her... and the strangest -and slightly annoying- part was that he... actually liked it! That night, when Jareth entered his chamber, a soft scent of roses greeted him.  He could not help but smile as he saw a flower vase with those flowers placed over his desk.  He chuckled.  Surely Lucy would fill his castle with them now.  Not that he minded it, though.  He sat on his bed and tilted his head, for the first time allowing his mind to freely ponder the subject of his redheaded maid. What was with that child that made him act almost like a human?  What was it about her that... touched him?  She was not stunningly beautiful; in fact, with her freckles and short hair, she was not even his type.  Her temper was too soft, she was not a challenge to him -and he loved challenges.  She neither was one of his summoners nor was she a dreamer. They were lots of things she was not... things that he considered necessary in any woman that should spark his interest.  On the contrary, she was extremely kind and gentle, even with his goblins.  She was respectful and she never complained...  Not to mention her bad taste in clothing... Jareth shook his head and sighed.  Yes... what is it with you, child? he thought with a resigned smile. In her room, Lili arranged her roses before climbing into bed.  She stifled a yawn as she pulled up the covers.  A dreamy grin played on her face as she thought about the past day.  She had visited an amazing place, she had met a new friend, Bell, the mischievous faery; but she knew that was not the reason for her current smile.  Oh, no.   Lili blushed furiously and let out a resigned sigh as she finally admitted to herself that Jareth already had a big part of her heart... "Stockholm Syndrome," she muttered, turning off the lights and closing her eyes.  "Great." Time passed and everything was relatively clam... considering the ruler's bad temper, the hyperactive subjects and the frequent visits Puck and Bell paid -to Jareth's great annoyance- to their redheaded friend.  One day, however, the... 'Peace’ was shattered by the arrival of unexpected letters... "Lucy, Lucy!" Pete exclaimed, as he hurried into the kitchen. "What is it, Pete?" Lili asked, leaving a knife and the apple she had been pealing over a dish. "This arrived for his Majesty," he informed, showing her a green, sealed envelope. "Well?  Why don't you take it to him?" she asked, even though she knew the coming answer. "No!  You take it," Pete insisted, clearly frightened by the idea of giving his king the letter.  What if he... didn't like it?  "He never gets mad at you, but if I go, he may... send me to the bog!" Lili chuckled and rolled her eyes.  "Okay, just let me wash my hands."  Once she was finished, she took the envelope and, after giving it a curious look, went to the throne room. Jareth lay sprawled on his throne, distractedly watching a pair of goblins run after a chicken, trying in vain to catch the nervous bird. "Hey, come here!" one yelled. "Stop! Lucy promised she would give us cookies if we keep you out!"  The other one exclaimed.  "Chocolate cookies!" the first one added, running faster. Jareth rolled his eyes and mentally smiled.  I seemed that his subjects paid more attention to Lucy than to him. Suddenly, the distressed bird collided with a wall and continued its erratic flight... until it landed on his Majesty's head.  The goblins froze and stared afraid at their master. Jareth opened his mouth to admonish the stupid creatures, but was abruptly interrupted by a stifled laughter.  Annoyed, he turned his gaze to the door and saw his maid looking at them with wide opened eyes and a hand on her mouth.  Jareth stiffened slightly.  She was shaking... with barely contained laughter! Without a word, the unfortunate goblins and the bird disappeared.  "Do you want to join them?" he asked then, a serious expression on his face. Lili cleared her throat and, gathering all her will power, she finally could stop the laughter... but she could not hide her amusement.  "Of course not your Majesty.  I am sorry," she apologized respectfully. "Good," Jareth said, trying hard to ignore her merry eyes.  "Is there anything that you want?" he asked, still keeping his Goblin King mode. "Yes, your Majesty," she said with a grin, approaching him.  "This letter has just arrived for you," she said, giving it to him. Deeply curious, he read the remittent.  To his surprise, it was from Thelian, the Elven King.  He was about to open it, when a goblin entered the chamber, carrying two more letters.  A minute later, two dwarves came in, each one with a bag full with sealed envelopes.  The strange arrival continued for a while, until Jareth had twenty huge bags full of envelopes at his feet. Jareth blinked and looked questioningly at his maid.  She just shrugged, her curiosity twinkling in her amber eyes.  "There is only one way to find out," she suggested. After a little hesitation Jareth opened the envelope he had in his hand and began to read, his face becoming more puzzled with each passing word.  "We are honored and we gladly accept your invitation..." Jareth read aloud in disbelief.  Quickly he opened another envelope, and another... and another... To his surprise, all of them were elegant notes... confirming the attendance to his birthday ball... that would be taking place the next week! "What is the meaning of this!" he barked, agitatedly worrying one of the letters. Intrigued to say at least, Lili dared to pick up one of the open letters.  "I didn't know it was your birthday... or that you would be giving a ball," she said, looking at him. "It is not and I am not!" Jareth yelled, getting angrier with each passing second.  He threw the letter he had been holding to the floor and balled his hands into fists.  Who would have dared to do such a thing?  To send invitations... using his name!  HIS NAME!  Who-- As the answered suddenly hit him, he paled in anger. "PUCK!" he thundered, causing Lili to go a couple of steps back and the goblins to fly out of the room. "SHOW YOURSELF, TRICKSTER!" he yelled again. "Okay, okay, here I am.  You do not need to raise your voice, Oh Screaming One," a patronizing voice said, as the mischievous Fae materialized before the king. He gave a quick -amused- glance at Lili and then looked at the not so amused Goblin King.  "What can I do for you, Oh Angry One?" Puck asked, his face the mask of innocence. Jareth mentally counted up to ten so as not to vaporize the insolent Fae before getting his answers.  "Do you have anything to do with these?" he asked, indicating the bags. Puck blinked and took a hand to his chin.  "I do not know...  Perhaps you should get poor Lucy a vacuum cleaner," he said seriously. Lili gasped and Jareth did not say a word, however, his eyes glowed and several thunderclaps could be heard in the distance. Suddenly realizing that he was pushing the king too far, Puck bowed in respect and cleared his throat.  "They are greeting cards, are they not?" "Yes," Jareth said dryly.  "A confirmation for my... birthday ball to be precise," he added in a threatening tone. "Well, there is your answer," Puck said, picking up one of the letters.  "Ah, the Lord of Darkness will come too....  Congratulations, Oh Annoyed One, your birthday ball will be a great success!" "Except that I never sent an invitation!" Jareth thundered, grabbing Puck by his collar and lifting him up. "Perhaps... I took the... liberty," the Trickster said, gasping for air.  "But if you... do... not like the idea... you can always... cancel it." Jareth dropped him and shook his head.  "You know that I cannot do that!  One cannot simply... cancel the invitation to the whole Royal Court!" he barked. Puck fixed his wrinkled clothes and gave Lili a reassuring wink.  He folded his arms across his chest and tilted his head.  "Oh, come on!  When was the last time you actually attended a ball?" he asked. "That is not your concern!" Jareth stated, realizing with a start that the last time he had been in a ball... it had been during Sarah's fantasy. "See?" Puck said with a knowing look,  "it's a ball, nothing more..." he added, clearly mimicking him. Jareth glared at him and sighed, defeated.  "I should kill you," he hissed, earning a gasp from Lili.  He gave her a quick glance and then continued.  "But on a second thought, you will have to take care of everything.  Do not dare to fail me this time, Trickster," he said in a warning tone. Puck's eyes twinkled merrily, as always.  "Of course not!  The ball will be a success, as I have told you.  Besides, I already know who will be my date." "You do?"  Jareth asked suspicious, curious in spite of himself. "Yes, Oh Curious One," he said and, to Jareth's astonishment, Puck turned to his maid and bowed to her.  "Would you like to accompany me to the ball, my Lady," he asked to a startled Lili. She blushed furiously and opened her eyes wide.  "But... I... " "Please, say yes, Lucy," Puck insisted with a grin.  "But... his Majesty..." "You may go if you wish," Jareth interrupted her, unexplainably... uncomfortable with the idea. Lili blinked in surprise and looked at her boss.  "I... can?" Mollified -and slightly amused- by her startled expression, Jareth could not stop the smile dawning on his face, and nodded. "Yes.  It is set, then!" Puck exclaimed happily, his eyes more impish than ever.