All was silent, save the wind rustling the fresh leaves, and the heavy breathing of slumbering creatures, desperately trying to catch another second of their dream before day break. But for them, at least, it was too late - the sun sprang from the horizon, eagerly chasing the night away. Its beams raced playfully across the Labyrinth, illuminating its twists and turns, and leaving sleepy-eyed Goblins and Faeries stumbling reluctantly in its wake.

The subdued whispers of Goblin children elevated into screams of laughter as the rays drenched the City. The older Goblins rubbed their eyes as they wondered into the streets, evidently not as passionate about the fun that the day would bring.

Racing up the towering castle walls, the beams bounced off an ornate glass door as it swung open. The young woman stepped out onto the stone balcony in her long white night dress, her bare feet tingling from the cold sensation. Stretching her arms out, she took a deep yawn as she surveyed the scene.

"What a glorious morning!" She smiled, amused by the reluctant movement in the City below. "Don't you think?" She was given no reply - she turned back into the room and bounced heavily on the bed. "Isn't it simply perfect? Jareth are you listening?"

"Yes dear... and it's all very nice, though I can't help the feeling that your precious sunrise rears its ugly, dazzling head earlier each morning." His face began to emerge from underneath the covers - his eyes squinting, trying to adjust to the sudden influx of sunshine. His expression was comical, and she unconvincingly stifled a laugh.

"You know, if anyone else saw you holding such a face, you'd lose your Kingdom for sure - you're not a 'morning' person at all..."

"Oh, unlike you my dear Sarah - I will never understand your fascination with the sunrise... pretty as it may be, I'd much rather have an extra 5 minutes rest." His head relaxed against the pillow, intent on catching up on his lost time, though this proved difficult when Sarah began shaking his shoulder rather violently.

"Oh no you don't! We're both going to savour every second of today - I've been looking forward to it for months... now get dressed."
She sprang from the bed and was half way to the closet when she dived back to his side. He determined that any more sleep was impossible when she kissed him on the cheek with a lively 'good morning' and promptly stole his pillow.

***

Sarah was always in good spirits, though today more than ever. Jareth's stories of the other Underground Kingdoms had fascinated her and this evening, their many Lords, Ladies, Kings and Queens would all journey to the Labyrinth in honour of Jareth's recent marriage.

Behind the cool, indifferent façade, Jareth was looking forward to it too. The forced politeness and smiles would be endured for the chance to proudly show off his new bride.

Sarah dressed quickly - her long garnet medieval dress was hastily taken from its hanger - her necklace and hairpin seized so that they be fitted in the corridor on her way to breakfast. Despite her original eagerness to enjoy every moment, she realised that the quicker she rushed this day, the sooner it would be evening.

As she walked into the breakfast room, smoothing the velvet around her waist, she saw Jareth sitting at the table. He was dressed with black tights and boots, with a cream poet shirt, looking perfect as usual.

"You know," she said, sauntering to her chair "you're going to have to teach me that trick."

"Trick? Trick! I, Mi'Lady, do not perform 'tricks'" He retorted with mocking air of flamboyance. She smirked back in silence, raising a lady-like brow in a gesture studied through close observation.

"Don't look at me like that!" he said, trying to sound hurt. "You've got to walk before you can run, run before you fly, and fly before you translocate. Sadly my dear, in Underground terms, you're still a toddler."

"My my, full of confidence today aren't we?" She was given no reply save a sly smile, though she hadn't expected retaliation. "Tell me more about who's coming to the Ball... aren't the neighbours going to be there?" She asked, shifting the topic to one of her favourites.

"Lord Kardallen is hardly a 'neighbour', though I suppose he is closer than any of the others" Jareth replied.

"Right, a neighbour then" she persisted. "So, have you known him long?"

"Oh, only a couple of centuries," he smiled, though continued "our families have been acquainted since his father took that kingdom."

"Ooh, sounds interesting..." Sarah replied teasingly, yet was prompting him to continue.

"The whole Underground used to be controlled by Lord Villdon, a real tyrant," he began. "He was incredibly powerful, and his family name was one of the oldest in the Underground. Villdon hated the mortal realm and killed anyone who so much as spoke of it," explained Jareth. "The Labyrinth was his home - the capital of the Underground. When my father reclaimed this kingdom, Villdon was forced to retreat to Kardallen's kingdom - quite a step down if you ask me... anyway, Kardallen's father defeated Villdon. With his base disrupted, it allowed other noble families to force him out of their kingdoms, and Villdon's influence was removed once and for all."

"Well, with morals like that, I can see why people were glad to see him evicted," commented Sarah.

"Beheaded in battle, actually," Jareth corrected, with a cool matter-of-factness as though asking Sarah to pass the salt.

"So you'll be happy to see Kardallen then, if he's an old friend?" She continued.

"Hardly," he scoffed. "Old Kardallen died soon after his victory, though the son wasn't content with the lands of his new throne, and decided to help himself to mine. There is a large meadow, known as 'The Planes' in the outer provinces. It borders the two Kingdoms, though it didn't take long for that snake to enclose it and use it as his own. It's been the source of many arguments ever since."

"Well, don't start one tonight," she commanded sternly. "Or else."
Jareth looked up from his goblet and cocked his eyebrow. "Well then, if you put it like that... but maybe it would be worth the defiance just to see what would come of your threat." Sarah tried to look unimpressed, feeling his remark unworthy of any answer. Jareth stifled a smile and continued with his breakfast.

***

The day that followed was relatively uneventful, Sarah paced up and down, wishing the time would pass quicker, and Jareth looked on, highly amused by her impatience. He took the utmost delight in teasing her at every opportunity. His most valiant attempt took the form of a suggestion that all the guests be made to navigate the Labyrinth in order to reach the Ball. 'That way' he had said, 'we need only give food and wine to those worthy of audience'. Sarah, to Jareth's delight, was less enthusiastic about the scheme.

At length, the hour came when Sarah could retire to the Royal Chamber and get ready. Jareth could have used his powers, of course, though that would have left even more time to occupy, and would rob her of the well-loved ritual. As she walked into the chamber, she was confronted by a dressmaker's mannequin in the middle of the room. A lavish ball gown hung from its shoulders. It was made from exquisite cream silk - a low square cut neck was hemmed with delicate burgundy embroidery. The waist was closely fitted, and its skirt followed the line, flowing gracefully to the floor with subtle folds. Around it was an ornate silver waist-chain, fastened with a clasp like Jareth's amulet, a deep burgundy gem set in the middle. A long chain flowing from the clasp sat perfectly in the folds of the dress, weighed down by a small crystal, encased in loosely woven silver.

The sleeves were long and slender, ending in a point that would rest on the back of the hand. Each cuff was decorated with more burgundy embroidery. As Sarah circled around it, it glistened, as though woven from an enchanted crystal. She neared the dressing table, and a single cream rose caught her eye. It rested on a piece of parchment, and Sarah recognised Jareth's elegant hand:

"My Mother always had good taste. I hope you approve... Love Jareth xx"

She looked at the gown once more and smiled, never having seen anything so beautiful. In a land of fairy tales, Cinderella really would go to the Ball