Before, Jareth's castle was never really empty. The drunken, and overall jubilant goblins that were always running about. Because of this he was never truly alone, but... still, he felt the crushing weight of loneliness on his back.

Sarah's rejection had stung him deeply. And perhaps it always would - it was natural to, after everything he had offered her. All the chances that he gave her, every special favor done by him personally. Those rocks didn't roll to her on their own, now did they?

And yet he had been cast aside like yesterday's leftovers. Left to rot alone. All for a baby.

It was not a stretch to say that he had gone through a period of reflection. On his own motives and feelings. In this journey of self discovery, he'd discovered something else as well.

You.

Upon seeing you, he hesitated. You reminded him just a little of Sarah. Not in appearance, but in character and bearing. That was what made him hesitate - the painfully fresh wound that felt like he would die if it was reopened. If he was rejected again after giving someone every gods-forsaken part of himself.

But you weren't like Sarah. You could sense him, and you did not run in fear. There was no stealing of a baby required to convince you to return to his castle with him. You had just come. No questions. No interrogation.

Just faith.

You had settled into his life so seamlessly he sometimes wondered whether he was dreaming. There was no resistance. Your items appearing in his wardrobe. On his dresser before the mirror. Your perfume lingering on the pillows in the bedroom. It was all so... perfect.

He treated the goblins better because you disliked when he was overly cruel to them. And he'd do anything to please you, even being kind to those idiotic little creatures. That was just the kind of lover he was. He'd be your slave if you asked.

He was sitting in his throne room when you came in, dress rustling softly. "Pet. There you are. Where have you been?" He inquired, though he knew you would tell him all about your day in just another heartbeat.