Whispers hung heavy about the massive oak paneled room, like smoke in the air. All eyes remained reluctantly fixed on the tall, upright figure standing defiantly in the center, chiseled face turned to stare unwaveringly at the seated council. The charges against the resistant man were on every tongue, as his stern visage was etched on every mind's eye. Most were quite willing to claim him guilty, and be done with it. He had been a thorn in the side of the seven kingdoms for long enough, and this time the council knew they had him right were they wanted him; under their proverbial thumb. Charges of this nature were not to be taken lightly, and even his few supporters seemed hesitant to leap to his defense. Jareth shifted his weight, lacing long fingers behind his back as the administration's members flipped pages in a chorus of ruffling.
"Jareth Velvetsteel, Son of Lukas and Tourmahline, Goblin King, ruler of the Underground and inheritor of the Dream Crystals. This council will ask you again, did you or did you not interfere unsolicitedly with the life of a human being, one Sarah Willams?"
The demanding tone of the aged elf was almost enough to make Jareth growl. Uplifting his chin, a pert smile found his lips as he spoke in tones too casual for the situation.
"And I will tell you again, I did not."
A counterpoint of barely restrained mumblings rose about the hushed crowd. One of the magistrates stood in what seemed to be a rather uncalled for anger, stabbing a finger at the faintly smiling Goblin King.
"Velvetsteel you will not commit perjury in this council's court! Do I make myself clear?"
Livid amber eyes rolled almost imperceptibly in response. This was ridiculous. He knew in some manner they were correct, only in the most general manner however. He did interfere with her life, but it was not unsolicited. She had called him, after all. But the goblin king was not about to lay his ace on the table just yet. Not until it was absolutely necessary. His mouth pulled into an unmistakably contemptuous grin.
"But I haven't."
This was too much for the already frazzled nerves of the head chancellor.
"Jareth Velvetsteel you have been uncooperative from the start. I'm holding you overnight for contempt of court. This litigation is hereby postponed, to be continued tomorrow at the 13th candlemark."
Chapter Two