Path To Slavery:

A bead of water moved slowly down the curve of a nude back. The wet trail drying quickly as the drop slid between the hollow and crease at the base of the back.

Small goose-bumps appeared upon the milky skin, slowly being smoothed away by the warm hands that massaged sweet smelling oils into the flesh.

“Is M’Lady sure of this?” The young fae girl who kneeled, working the oils into a curving leg, spoke softly. It was easy to hear the girl’s anxiety in her voice. Ayodele Castle had been in a silent uproar over the news of their Lady’s courtship. Whispers of her cousin, the High King’s intentions of a betrothal, moved swiftly from servant to servant.

Fachtna was as liked by the Court as a diseased chicken. Even less by the servants who always bore the brunt of his anger and cruelty. Just the thought of someone so kind and delicate as Lady Naomh within his grasp was disturbing.

“I have to be. Cailin, this is not about whether it is the right thing to do, or if I want it. I am the last of my line, no longer protected by my father, among other things.

“Further more The High King has ordered it, do not be foolish enough to think that I could refuse his ‘offer.’” Offer indeed, she could no more refuse him than she could choose to live without breathing.

“Now, we must hurry, His Majesty shall be arriving soon.”

Fachtna slid his fingers along the black velvet curtain of his carriage, the fabric tickling his skin. He could feel as the horses slowed to a quiet gait as they approached Ayodele.

He had been counting on the sense of duty that had been driven into his cousin since birth. She would accept his courtship, just as she would the hasty marriage he had planned. She would be his wife in just a fortnight, crowned High Queen and as long as his plan succeeded, pregnant and bound to him eternally within a year.

The carriage stopped with a small jolt, announcing their arrival. Fachtna ran his fingers through the flaxen curls that fell to his shoulder blades. Each ringlet bouncing slightly as they toppled back from his hands.

Fachtna, while resembling both his father and older brother, had a more classical beauty to him. Both Jareth and Ardghal were seductive, their eyes and bodies made to tempt and arouse. Fachtna on the other hand was almost angelic in his beauty, he mesmerized and enchanted. He always found it comical in a way. His father and brother may have looked like cats on the prowl, but they were gentle and kind lovers. He though, while luring in with his innocent façade, was harsh. Human and fae alike still had not learned that true evil hides behind masks of pure white.

Fachtna knew how to use this to his advantage, he had used it to gain lovers, to hold control over the Council, and now he would use it to possess his cousin and all she owned.

Jareth paced back and forth in his study, his fingers clenching and unclenching as he thought over the past week.

He knew his brother had to have killed their father, but sadly he couldn’t prove it. Not just because Fachtna was sure to have already disposed of the body, but also because he had to be holding something over on the Council. They would rather the Underground rot under his brother’s rule than have their dirty deeds exposed.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that his brother was up to something much more dangerous than just stealing the throne from him, but what was what was worrying. He had nearly exhausted himself going over every possibility he could think of.

There was no doubt Fachtna wanted power, but the problem with power was that once one had it they always wanted more. How far would he go to satisfy that hunger?

The scary thing was Jareth knew without a doubt Fachtna would go to any length, sacrifice anyone and everyone to get what he wanted. If only he could figure out exactly what it was he could figure a plan to stop his tyrant brother.

Naomh sat primly upon the small, but elegant throne that sat at the far side of Ayodele Castle’s great hall. The servants were skittering around like little ants making ready for the royal visit.

Flowers were placed on every table, the burgundy rugs were brought out and draped over the floor. The tapistries had been beaten and re-hung, fountains were placed within the hall’s corners, and the sounds of chimes rang out from their conciled spots within the high arched windows. Everything was set; everything in their place, including the Lady, draped and wrapped in silks of gold and orange.

“M’Lady, His Majesty has arrived.” Sir Caedmon bowed before Naomh, his eyes conciled beneath his bangs as he gazed longingly at his Lady. She was beautiful, like a sunset made in flesh. He was in love with her, had been since she was just twenty, but since her birth she had been promised to another and so he had hidden his feelings.

She had once been betrothed to her cousin King Jareth, but after his run in with the once mortal Sarah, the marriage contract had been dissolved upon request of the late High King. It was after that that Caedmon had begun to hope. Before Lord Elisud had died there had been talk of a marriage between the two. It would have been a benefit to both families, even though Naomh would not be High Queen, she would still be aligning herself with a powerful and old family. Sadly before the contract could be drawn Lord Elisud perished, Lady Naomh had never known. Nor would she ever, Caedmon knew he would be in danger should he get in the way of the High King.

“Thank you, Sir. Do show His Majesty in.” Naomh stilled her shaking hands, it would not due to show her fear of this man. She knew her cousin, he wouldn’t think twice before killing her.

The mumbling which had filled the hall for the past hour died down quickly, only to be replaced with the sharp echo of thick soled boots upon the stone floors. With the grace of a queen, Naomh stood from her throne, her hair toppling down to cover the red crystal dangling from her neck.

Fachtna smirked at his cousin, she was the epitome of grace and regality. She would be perfect.

“Cousin, I thank thee most kindly for allowing our visit, for it being as hastily as it was announced.” Naomh painted a soft smile across her lips. Oh he was charming; like a cobra.

“Think nothing on it Your Majesty. You and your Court are most welcome here anytime you wish. I do hope you find everything to your satisfaction.” A shiver ran up her spine at the look her cousin was giving her, his eyes roamed from top to bottom and back again. He looked like he wished to devour her right there.

“I am sure everything will be perfect. Now, let us dispense with the formalities. It is no secret why I am here, and I loath the primness most couples display in courtship.

“You shall be Naomh, and I, Fachtna.” He took a step forward, and with the bold arrogance he was known for, took her hand and brought it to his mouth. His lips brushed over her fingers one by one until he reached her thumb only to turn her hand over and press a hot kiss to her palm. Even though she knew he was playing her she could not help but feel weak-kneed as his lips seared into her flesh.

“Well then Fachtna, welcome to Ayodele.” Teeth as sharp as fangs peeked out from red lips as a cruel and deviant smile spread across the High King’s face.

Sarah relaxed back against the curled end of her favorite chaise, her feet curled up underneath her. Jareth seemed so preoccupied lately. She understood when his mood was rather down, he had just lost his father. But this was much more. He was angry and thoughtful. There was something she was sure he was not telling her.

From what she had been able to gather from his now constant mumbling, was that he suspected his brother of far worse than just stealing the throne for the mere power over the Underground. She wasn’t sure exactly what it meant, only that if Fachtna’s intentions were such, blood would be flowing in rivers.

A soft knock came from the dark wooden door to her chambers before it opened to reveal the slim figure of Sarah’s personal maid, Una.

The young fae girl was a good foot taller than Sarah, her hair falling to her mid-back in sable tresses, and eyes such a dark green they almost appeared black. She glided over swiftly to the Goblin Queen, the autumn red of her swirling dress making her appear as one of the wood nymphs that resided within the Labyrinth.

“Lunch, Your Highness.” Sarah remained silent as the girl set the silver tray on the short table before her. There were an array of finger sandwiches, fruit, and various cheeses. She remembered when she had first returned to the Underground, the food within the Goblin Kingdom was almost inedible. One of the first things she had changed once she became queen was to hire elf chefs to replace the goblins in the kitchen.

“Thank you Una.” The fae smiled sweetly and curtsied before turning to leave.

“Una, a moment please?” Una halted in her exit and turned gracefully to face her Queen.

“His Majesty has not been himself, and I fear he has not been allowing his goblins to bring him food. Could you please make up a tray for him and inform him that it was I who sent it? If he gives you any trouble, please inform me.” With another curtsy Una left for the kitchens.

Sarah hoped he would take the not so subtle hint. He had eaten very little in the past few days, and she was worried about him.

Naomh took in a deep breath as she tried to still her nerves. The song of the birds, the cool grass beneath her feet, all of it faded away leaving only the feel of Fachtna’s arm as it twined with her’s. She should not have accepted when he suggested taking a turn around the gardens. They were mostly alone there, and that was something she was just not ready for.

“Are you alright My Dear? Not tiring yet, are we?” A small smirk spread across Fachtna’s handsome face. He knew he was making her uncomfortable, that was something he was counting on. If he could keep her off balance it would be easier to gain what he wanted, what he needed.

“Oh, no. Just enjoying the day, the gardens are one of my favorite places.” Oh, how she wished Caedmon was there. She never found it difficult to speak to him. She hadn’t seen her cousins for years. Sure she had keep correspondence with Jareth, she enjoyed his tales of the goblins. But Fachtna was a different matter all together. He never showed much interest in her, it only confirmed in her mind what he was up to now.

“Is that so? Well then, you will enjoy Glyndwr. Our gardens are said to be the finest in the Underground. My favorite would have to be the White Garden in the southern grounds of the castle.

“Its beauty can only be seen though at night. There are moonflowers half as tall as you, and they glow so brightly in the moonlight.” Fachtna may have been a ruthless man, but he did at least appreciate beauty, and the gardens of his castle were exquisite.

Naomh smiled as though she agreed with what he spoke of, she really could care less.

“I do think we should have our ceremony there, after sundown of course.” Naomh stopped abruptly, he had only been there a few hours and he was already speaking of their wedding?

“Ceremony?” Taking a deep breath to calm his voice, Fachtna had to rein in the urge to snap at her.

“Ignorance does not become you My Dear. You know of what I am speaking, why I am here.” Naomh had to make sure she didn’t raise her arm to rest her hand against the necklace dangling at her breast.

“Of course, I guess that I had not expected to be discussing the details of our bonding so soon.” A soft laugh bubbled up around the two as Fachtna patted her hand.

“I think, My Dear that a short engagement would be best. The public already asks for a High Queen, and it will not be long before they will want an heir. The longer we wait, the more unease will be within the people.” A sound argument to be sure, but Naomh knew it to be rubbish. The people were too scared of Fachtna at the moment to speak out against him.

“Very wise. Then it shall be. Pick a date and I will have my things prepared.” The hand wrapped around his forearm lifted as he brought it to his lips in a warm kiss that left Naomh weak-kneed.

“I shall accept no longer than a fortnight. Now that we have that settled, shall we continue with our walk? Your gardens are magnificent.”

Author's Note: First off, before anyone comments on how fast the engagement and marriage between Fachtna and Naomh is going, remember that one; this story was inspired by Hamlet and while not a Labby version of the play it does follow a lot of the story, just sort of screwed up and that to make it into what I want. And Two; this is not to be a marriage of love, what it is for will be fully revealed in while. But feel free to make guesses, the reader who gets it right will get a Oneshot of their choice written for them just cause, well I feel like it. :)

Now all the important characters have now been introduced, all new characters after this chapter will not play a big part. Also I'm not sure how I like the last part of this chapter, it is what gave me the most trouble when writing.

Also, once I am done with "This is My Winter" I plan on writing another Labby, in fact I have I don't know how many lined up. On my Author's Page there is a poll. Click the links to find a journal entery to a preview of the story. I have four up and I have everything ready to write each of them. I thought I would allow the readers to choose which one they would like to read next. I will write the one with the highest votes next. The poll will be open until I finish "This is My Winter" So far "Jet" and "Velvet Underground" are tied.