The following seven days passed by in a blur for the ones who lived in the castle beyond the Goblin City and soon the expected night of the Masquerade Ball arrived... Completely clad in black with a long, elegant cape flowing behind him, a dragon-like mask covering his face and his pendant sparkling on his chest, Jareth the Goblin King, made his way to the ball room.  He was passing outside the library, distracted, when suddenly someone steeped outside said chamber and bumped into him. "Puck!" Jareth exclaimed, annoyed, rolling his eyes and fixing his mask.  "What in the Underground are you doing here?  The ball room is downstairs." The Trickster too fixed his mask and smoothed his dark-green, elegant suit and cape.  "Forgive me, oh, Dark One," he apologized and then he smiled brightly.  "I am waiting for my date, of course," he said seriously, but with impish eyes, emphasizing the word date.  "Or do you expect me to let Lucy arrive at the Ball alone?  What kind of escort would I be then?" Jareth shook his head and opened his mouth to tell him the kind of escort he already was, when quick footsteps and an agitated breathing interrupted him. "Please, forgive my delay," a soft -and slightly embarrassed- voice said from behind them, "But Bell insisted... well... in... dressing me up." Jareth and Puck turned... and their jaws hit the floor when they saw the stunning young woman that stood before them.  She was disguised as a flower.  Her dress was a combination of emerald green and shimmering white, forming the sepals and petals.  The skirt was flowing and the bodice comfortably tight, with a heart-shaped neckline and thin straps.  Her usually straight hair was slightly curled and decorated with small roses.  She wore long, white gloves and a rose-like mask covered half of her face.  The only jewel she wore was her ever-present medal hanging from the delicate golden chain. For once, Jareth could not say a word.  Was she the same girl who cleaned his castle and cooked for him?  Was she the same child... who was not even his type? Lili blushed furiously under their stares -especially Jareth's- and, nervous, she cleared her throat.  "Well... am I... properly dressed... for the occasion?" she asked, biting her lower lip and smoothing her skirt. Puck was the first one to recover, never had he thought she would look so... spectacular...  If she were not her friend, he would-- He shook himself and bowed to her.  "You look beautiful, Young One," he said sincerely, "Or should I say Lady Rose?" Lili blushed even more and chuckled.  "Puck!  There is no need to tease me," she said and then, a mischievous grin played on her face.  "By the way, you look cute too," she added. "He look ridiculous and you look... presentable enough!" Jareth abruptly stated dryly and without another word, he strode away from them, his cape like a dark shadow. Lili blinked in surprise at his violent reaction and followed him with her gaze.  Her smile faded and she seemed to wilt.  "I don't think this is a good idea," she whispered, bowing her head and unable to hide her sadness.  In spite of herself she had had the stupid wish that he would dance with her, but now it seemed that he did not even want to see her.   "He clearly doesn't want me there, Puck.  I... will... not go..." Puck sighed.  His plan was going well, but why did Jareth had to be so... rude to her?  Had he not realize how sweet and sensitive she was?  He approached his friend.  "Of course you will!" the Fae exclaimed, placing his hand under her chin and gently forcing her to look at him.  He smiled.  "Listen to me, Young One.  You do look beautiful and you will come with me tonight.  You will see, we will have a great time together and every man present in the room will envy me," he said, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Why?" Lili asked, puzzled, still not fully convinced. His grin widened.  "Well, for being with the most beautiful woman at the ball, of course!" he answered and, before that a flushed Lili could protest, he slid his arm under her own, holding her slender hand, and happily began to walk to the ball. Surrounded by a dangerous aura, Jareth strode through the corridors toward the ballroom.  He balled his hands into fists as he struggled to control his dark temper.  How dare they... flirt like that in HIS presence?  How dare Lucy ignore him -her King!-and call the Trickster... cute?  She was his maid.  She was his! The Goblin King stopped dead in his tracks.  What had he meant with that?  Jareth stiffened and gasped in shock as he suddenly recognized the feeling and the reason of his anger.  He was... jealous. "THAT IS RIDICOULOUS!" he barked and taking a deep breath to calm himself, he decided to use his magic.  He simply vanished. "Wow!" Lili whispered in awe as they enter the elegant chamber.  It was a huge room, surrounded by alabaster columns and the roof was, in fact, a dome completely made of crystal.  She looked everything wide opened eyes.  The ball had already begun and several couples were dancing in the center of the room; the ladies dressed in beautiful gowns and the men in elegant clothes.  "This is amazing," she added, allowing Puck to guide her inside. "Yes it is," he agreed with a smile, already noticing the furtive glances the elven Lords gave his rose-like friend.  He chuckled, but knowing how shy she was, he decided not to tell her.  "As I told the 'gentle' Goblin King, this ball will be a complete success. Everyone who is anyone in the Underground is present here," He said, with the gossipy tone that Lili found so amusing.  He became more serious and his eyes shone mischievously.  "Now, Young One, let me introduce you to some interesting people." "But what will you tell them?" Lili asked, a bit alarmed. Puck laughed and slid his arm around her waist, as if he were stopping her from running away.  "Well, the truth of course.  That you are my friend!" And so, Lili soon found herself talking with really interesting people: powerful sorcerers, Elven Lords, Fae like Puck, intelligent and beautiful Ladies and, to her delight, healers... like her.  She enjoyed their company and they enjoyed hers.  After a while, every one was asking who the mysterious Rose-Lady that had come with Puck was. "Shall we dance, Young One?" he asked with a bow as a song started. She chuckled and nodded.  "It will be an honor," she said, taking his hand. "Shall we dance, my friend?" Titania asked a quiet Jareth.  They had been talking for a while on the other side of the room and, as the queen of Avalon had noted, the Goblin King had been unusually... distracted.  "Jareth," she insisted and, as he didn't answer, she followed his gaze and a knowing smile played on her face as she saw the reason of his distraction: a Lady disguised as... a rose.  "Do you know who is the Lady that is dancing with Puck?" she asked innocently.  "Jareth?" This time, he heard her and turned to her.  "Pardon me, Titania?" he apologized with his best charming smile. Her grin widened.  "I was asking you if you knew the Lady that is dancing with Puck.  You had been looking at her the whole night," she said, with the same tone as before. "I was not looking at her!" Jareth exclaimed a bit loudly and then calmed himself.  As annoying as it was, that had been exactly what he had been doing.  The Trickster had dared to slide his arm around Lucy's waist!  If Puck--  He stiffened as an idea suddenly occurred to him.  What if Lucy... met someone...  an Elf Lord or a Fae to whom her social status as a servant would not matter?  What would he do then? Would he just... let her go? And why should I care? Jareth thought darkly.  She is only a servant.  I can get another one at any time! "Jareth!"  An amused Titania repeated. He blinked and shook himself.  "Sorry, Titania.  Yes, I know her.  She is my... maid," he answered seriously, suddenly feeling like a child whose candy had been abruptly stolen. Titania tilted her head, a strange twinkle in her violet eyes.  "Well, she does not appear to be a servant to me," she noted. "No, she does not," Jareth said in a low voice, but quickly recovered himself.  He smiled again and, gallantly, offered his arm to her.  "Shall we dance?" Puck gently made her friend sway across the room, fully aware of the murderous glances Jareth was giving him.  Unable to stop himself, he laughed. "What is it?" Lili asked, suspicious. "Oh, nothing," Puck answered innocently, as he guided her toward the center... In a couple of songs, Titania managed to take -the still distracted and annoyed- Jareth right where she wanted him...  "May I?" someone suddenly, asked behind Jareth. The Goblin King turned and smiled when he saw who it was.  "Oberon," Jareth greeted him.  "I was... entertaining your wife," he teased the powerful Fae. Oberon just rolled his eyes, knowing that his friend would never do such a thing to him or Titania.  "So I arrived just in time, it seems," he said, taking his beloved in his arms. "Indeed," she whispered in his ear. Oberon gave her a puzzled look. Titania just smiled.  "Would you excuse us?" she asked Jareth then.  As an answer, the Goblin King bowed.  They bowed in return and walked away. Jareth followed his friends with his gaze and sighed.  All his annoyance had turned into an unexplainable sadness.  Feeling suddenly very alone, he turned to leave... when unexpectedly someone bumped rather violently into him... "Puck, stop, you're going too fast!" Lili begged him, trying hard not to release his hand. "Trust me, Young One," he said with a grin, and to Lili's alarm, he just let her hand go... "No!" she exclaimed, panicked, unable to stop herself, completely convinced that she would fall.  Fortunately for her, nothing happened as she bumped into someone, a tall someone who placed his hands on her arms to steady her. Embarrassed beyond words, she raised her head to apologize, but when mismatched -and truly surprised- eyes met her gaze, she gasped in shock.  "Your Majesty!" "Can you tell me what is all this about, beloved?" a puzzled Oberon asked his wife, as he saw Jareth holding a flower-like Lady. Titania laughed softly and -to her husband delight- she lay her head on his chest.  "Would you like to hear a story, My Lord?" As Jareth looked at her, he finally had to admit that this had been exactly what he had wanted to do during the whole ball... hold Lucy in his arms.  Her innocent eyes stared intently at him, making his heart skip a beat.  He mentally smiled, completely defeated.  There was no point in denying it any longer...  In spite of himself, he had fallen in love... with his maid.  As he did not say a word, Lili assumed the worst, a quick visit to the Bog of Eternal Stench, to be precise.  What have you done, Puck? she thought, annoyed and desperate.  She bowed her head and a sad sigh left her mouth.  "I... am sorry, your Majesty," she apologized in a low voice, "I... I will leave right now." She quickly turned to go, but Jareth just did not release her.  Puzzled, she looked at him again. "I have not dismissed you, child," he said seriously, but with a strange glow in his eyes. "I... am... sorry," she repeated, lowering her gaze for the second time, truly mortified by now. "Lucy," Jareth began to say in a surprisingly tender voice.  "Do not be sorry," he added, taking her chin in his hand and gently forcing her to look at him. Lili blushed furiously, completely taken aback by his tone and by the gesture.  "Do you... want me to... stay?" she asked in disbelief, her heart beating faster.  "But you are angry with me," she stated, biting her lip, unable now to hide the sadness that caused her. Jareth shook his head and smiled kindly.  "Of course not, child.  I thought you would be used to my bad temper by now..."  He paused for a moment and, before that she could say another word, he slid his arm around her waist and gently pulled her closer.  "But I do owe you an apology.  You do look beautiful," he added softly.  "Shall we dance, Lady Rose?" Overwhelmed by the emotion, Lili opened her eyes wide and just kept staring blankly at him.  Had he just called her... beautiful?  Had he just asked her to... dance with him? Seeing her startled gaze, Jareth chuckled and rolled his eyes.  "Well?  Do I have to make it an order?" Lili finally smiled and shyly took her hand to his shoulder.  "That will not be... necessary, your Majesty," she said softly.  "I... want to dance... with you." Deeply touched by her obvious embarrassment, he tenderly held her free hand and, as he gently made her sway across the room, a song began... There's such a sad love Deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel Open and close, within your eyes... Lili opened her eyes wide as she realized it was his voice.  His lips were not moving, but she knew it was him who was singing.  "Just for you," he whispered with a charming grin. Lili blushed even more -if that was possible- and smiled back, wondering if she was dreaming.  She shook her head and decided that it did not matter; she would allow herself to be a dreamer tonight... Oblivious to the other guests, they only danced...  Once the song was over, they stopped and Jareth guided her to the balcony.  They were greeted by the blue full moon and by the spectacular sight of the labyrinth bathed in its silvery light. "It's so beautiful," Lili whispered in awe, as she leaned her hand on the handrail. "Yes it is," he agreed, but he was not looking at the moon, he was staring at her.  He smiled.  "Lucy." "Yes, your Majesty?" she asked, turning to him. "Let me see you," he said, taking off his mask and, before that she could answer, he carefully removed her mask from her face.  He made them disappear.  "Better," he whispered and, very slowly, he leaned forward and kissed her on her lips... Lili opened her eyes wide and stiffened, as she felt his lips against hers, but then, she closed her eyes and timidly returned the kiss, trembling... as Jareth kissed her for the very first time... in her life. "I do not know how you did it, child," Jareth said softly, a moment later, as he hold her tenderly.  "But you stole my heart." Lili just listened to him, still shaking; her head leaned on his chest.  She simply could not believe this was happening to her!  He had kissed her!  The Goblin King had kissed his... maid-- That sudden thought brought her abruptly back to reality.  She froze in his embrace.  To him, she was just his maid... but what was worst, as far as he was concerned, she was Sarah's sister! Lili simply panicked as dreadful ideas assaulted her mind.  There was no way he would love her! "Lucy, what's wrong?" Jareth asked, feeling that her body had gone tense. As an answer, Lili broke free from his embrace and looked at him with troubled, misty eyes.  "I...  I...  This is so wrong," she whispered and without another word, she ran away, leaving a startled and worried Jareth behind. Puck watched in surprised as his friend hurried out of the chamber, as if she were escaping from something... or someone.  "Jareth," he muttered, shaking his head.  Deeply concerned -and curious- he started after her.  A slender hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Don't," a soft but firm voice said.  "Leave them alone." Puck turned to Titania, a serious expression on his face.  "But I..." "Did I not tell you to be careful?  Jareth went too fast.  He scared her.  But you should not worry, I have the feeling that our friends will be fine," she soothed him. Puck just nodded, but his concern remained. Lili ran, without looking back, until she reached the main entrance.  All that she wanted to do was to leave the castle.  She opened the heavy doors... and gasped in shock.  Jareth was right there, waiting for her. He walked toward her, forcing her backwards, until she had her back against the wall. Unable to look at him, and fighting the tears, Lili bit her lip and bowed her head. He looked intently at her for long minutes before talking.  She seemed a child to him now more than ever.  She was trembling, with her hands nervously clasped before her and he could tell she was about to cry.  He sighed.  Maybe he had pushed her too far. "Why did you run away from me, child?" he asked softly, fighting the urge to touch her.  She did not say a word, neither raised her gaze, but he knew the answer, though. She was simply... afraid.  "Do not be scared, Lucy," he said, still without touching her. "Oh, but I am, your Majesty," she admitted in a barely audible voice, clearly ashamed.  "I... am." "What is it that you fear?" he insisted, truly moved by her honesty. Lili took a deep breath and looked up at him.  She blushed and smiled sadly.  "You," she said simply, tears falling from her eyes.  "You will break my heart; of that I am certain." Jareth stiffened at her answer.  "Lucy, do you still not realize that I--" "Please, your Majesty," Lili interrupted him, shaking her head.  "Don't you see it?  This is not me," she said, gesturing with her hands, indicating her elegant dress.  "This is just a disguise.  I am not a Lady... I... am only a... servant... who had the bad... luck to fall... for her... king..."  She paused for a moment to try to control her sobs, still not believing she had just admitted her feelings for him.  She braced herself.  "Now... if you excuse me, I am tired." "You are so wrong," he said, drying her eyes and then placing his hands on her shoulders.  "Do you really think so little of me to believe I will only be interested in... your dress?" he added in an offended tone. Lili opened her eyes wide, but did not say a word.  Could it be that he-- NO! She shook hear head. Sensing her inner struggle, Jareth smiled.  "Lucy, I have had hundreds of servants and maids before you and, believe me, I never treated them as I have treated you...  Or do you think I am so tolerant with every one?" Lili actually had to smile at that and looked at him with a bemused raised eyebrow, but by the stories Puck had told her, and by what she had seen, she knew he was stating the truth.  He had been a... perfect gentleman with her.  "Generous," she whispered with a hint of mischief. Jareth rolled his eyes, but his grin widened.  "Yes, Lucy.  Since the first time I saw you and since you first called me your Majesty, my heart went to you.  I admit I did try to deny my feelings for you, but... they turned out to be too strong.  I love you, child.  Do you believe me, now?" As an answer, Lili threw her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his chest. "I will take that as a yes," a relieved Jareth said, tenderly stroking her hair.  "I love you," he repeated and then, unable to stop himself, he gently pulled her back... and kissed her for the second time in her life. As he kissed her, Jareth unconsciously transported them to his room.  However, he immediately regretted it as she abruptly bowed her head and started to shake.  "I am so sorry," he said, as he carefully helped her to sit on his bed.  "I should have not used magic on you.  Are you all right?" he asked kneeling before her, a serious expression on his face. After a couple of minutes, she raised her pale, but smiling face to him. "Yes, your Majesty... I just got dizzy, that's all.  I... am allergic to magic, remember?" The Goblin King smiled back, relieved, and then an amused twinkle appeared in his eyes.  "I believe you can call me Jareth now," he said, taking her hands. Lili blinked and flushed a bit.  "As you wish... Jareth," she said softly and then, she tilted her head.  "I guess I will take a time to get used to call you by your name," she added with a shy grin. "I can give you the whole eternity," he whispered, leaning forward.  "The whole eternity," he repeated, as his lips found hers. As the kiss deepened and his hands began to slide down her shoulders removing the straps of her gown, Lili gasped and stiffened.  Immediately he pulled back. "Do not be afraid," he soothed her, tenderly stroking her now flushed face.  "I would not do anything that you do not want me to." She bit her lower lip and nervously played with a strand of hair.  "No... it's okay... It's just that I... don't know... I mean I know... but I have... never... I..." She just finished with a helpless shrug. "I know that, child," he said softly, as he embraced her again.  "I am... not afraid," Lili whispered and, to confirm her words, this time she kissed him... and melted against him... Far away from there, in Avalon... The crystalline waters showed the soon to be lovers.  The blond King gently embraced the beautiful, redheaded young woman and-- The image abruptly disappeared. "What!" Puck exclaimed, disappointed and annoyed.  A soft chuckle made him turn.  When he saw who it was, his annoyance vanished and the mischievous grin returned to his handsome face.  "Why did you do that, my Queen?" he asked, a petulant look on his face. Titania smiled and raised a hand.  "This moment is only for the Goblin King and for the human child, understood?"  She said gently, but with a warning twinkle in her violet eyes. "Of course, my Queen," Puck respectfully replied.  "But... are you not a bit curious?  After all, Lili is our friend and--" "Puck," Titania interrupted him in a warning tone and then shook her head.  "Yes.  Lili is our friend.  Do you truly believe she would like you to... spy on her?" "I guess not," the Trickster said innocently. Titania rolled her eyes and walked away... but she had to admit that she was a bit curious too. Puck let out a sigh and folded his arms across his chest.  "I am really happy for you, Lili... but when will I get some fun?" he muttered, as he floated cross-legged. As an answer, a musical voice suddenly spoke.  "Oh... Puck..." He blinked and smiled mischievously.  "Coming, my sweet lady," he said.  Not one to waste time, he vanished. Back in the castle, several hours later... Jareth lovingly watched the redheaded woman sleeping by his side.  She had her head resting on his chest and her hand on his shoulder.  He still could not believe he had been so blind.  No.  It had been his stupid pride.  Why had he not allowed himself to accept the feelings he knew he had for her?  "Well, now you are mine," he said softly, carefully running his hand through her short hair.  "Maybe I can convince you to let your beautiful hair grow," he added, as he watched the red strands slid trough his fingers.  "I can be pretty persuasive, you know." She stirred a little and snuggled against him, a small grin playing on her face. Jareth stroked her cheek and then lowered his hand to her shoulder.  "Are you dreaming of me, child?" he asked in a whisper.  He smiled tenderly as he said to himself that she was not a child anymore.  "Not at all," he added, a bit wickedly, as he recalled how she had -pleasantly- surprised him once she had overcome her fear and shyness...  His eyes twinkled. It was clear to him now that there was so much more about her that he needed to know... and so much Lucy had to learn about him.  He needed to demonstrate to her that he was not just a bad tempered king... or a 'big spoiled child', as she had once put it. Suddenly an idea occurred to him.  There was something very precious to her that he had taken away the first time they met.  In a blink of an eye a glowing crystal materialized in his hand... her memory sphere.  He smiled in delight; its glow was more intense than ever... but then, his grin faded and guilt raised within him as he remembered how much it had frightened her when he had cast that spell on her.  He shook his head.   "Never again, love."   At his unspoken command, the crystal moved toward her forehead and softly entered her head.  She stiffened slightly, but then she relaxed again.  Pleased, he held her tightly; he could already picture her surprised expression when she learned her family remembered her again, that they would just believe that she was travelling... Yes, she would be so happy... He kissed her forehead and let out a content sigh.  Never in his life had a woman made him feel so loved and whole.  And, never in his life, he had loved someone so much... not even Sarah.  In fact, now he realized what he had felt for Sarah had been just an infatuation...  Nothing to do with the strong emotion he felt for the woman lying by his side.  "We are soul mates, beloved" he breathed, and after giving her a last tender kiss, he felt asleep.