Keeping Secret!

In the script scarlet had read, Jareth was to be poisoned on his birthday, the poison meant to weaken him, making it easier for Vera and Ralph to kill him. She had to stop it, no matter the cost.

"What's wrong, Scarlet?" the Empress Dowager called out.

"Mother, please forgive my rudeness, but I must leave," Scarlet said, her voice trembling. Without waiting for a response, she dashed out.

She barely heard the Empress Dowager's faint call, her mind focused on saving Jareth. Reprimand be damned, his safety was all that mattered now. She knew Vera and Ralph had conspired to poison him with arsenic, and she couldn't let that happen.

Rushing through the palace, she saw maidservants whispering near Jareth's chamber. Ignoring their startled looks, she burst into the room, her desperation driving her forward.

Jareth looked up, surprised by her abrupt entrance. Scarlet's breath came in gasps as she met his gaze, her determination clear.

"Jareth, we need to talk. Now," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

Her eyes darted to the bed and she gasped, her heart pounding at the sight before her. Elora lay unconscious on the bed, her lips pale, as the royal physician checked her pulse.

"What's wrong with Elora?" Scarlet stammered, moving closer, her eyes wide with fear.

"Go outside, Scarlet," Jareth said firmly, stepping in front of Elora to shield her from view. He didn't want Scarlet to feel any unnecessary guilt.

"This can't be happening. She's not dead, right? What happened?" Scarlet's voice cracked, her eyes darting between Jareth and Elora. Her brows furrowed, and her mouth hung open in shock, a deep crease forming on her forehead as she tried to understand.

"She's fine, Scarlet. I'll explain later," Jareth reassured her, gently trying to guide her outside, but Scarlet stood her ground.

"No, I want an explanation now. What happened to Elora?" she demanded, blocking his path.

The royal physician interjected, "Princess Elora is asleep and will be fine when she wakes up. Her memory might take time to return, but taking her to a familiar place could help, Your Highness."

The royal physician finally left, the tension in the room lingering long after. For Scarlet, each second had felt like an eternity.

"Nothing happened to Elora, Scarlet," Jareth said, trying to sound convincing.

"But what did he mean about her lost memory?" Scarlet pressed, her worry etched on her face.

"Elora can't remember Raynell. That's why I called for him," Jareth lied smoothly, though it pained him. The truth was that he had failed to protect his sister from Edward's clutches once again, and the name filled him with anger.

Before he could say more, Scarlet wrapped her arms around him. For a moment, he froze, then a warm sensation spread through him. He slowly returned the embrace, a smile forming on his lips. His heart pounded, and a soft blush tinged his cheeks. 'I could get used to this,' he thought, holding her a little tighter.

After a while, Scarlet pulled away, flashing a bright smile that revealed her white teeth. Jareth's heart ached with yearning as he found her even more endearing with her little fringe framing her face.

"Elora will be fine, right?" Scarlet asked, her voice trembling slightly with hope.

"Yes, she will be," Jareth assured her, though the weight of his own doubts pressed heavily on his heart.

Jareth nodded absently, his eyes lingering on Scarlet. Her mind raced back to a memory of Kayla, reminding her of the urgency to save Jareth. She pondered if she could convince him to skip his birthday celebration, but uncertainty gnawed at her. Somehow, she had to protect him.

Jareth noticed her distraction and asked gently, "What is it, Scarlet?"

"Nothing," she replied, awkwardly.

"Did you come because of Elora?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," she answered, trying to sound convincing.

An idea struck her. "Jareth, can you appoint Athena as your bodyguard?" she asked, her voice pleading.

"Why? Is there a reason I should?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Scarlet's heart pounded as she sought the right words. "I can't tell you now, but I promise to tell you later. Just till your birthday and she can stop being your bodyguard."

Jareth studied her face, sensing her sincerity. "Alright, if it means that much to you."

Relief washed over Scarlet, but the fear of impending danger still lingered. She had to find a way to keep Jareth safe, no matter the cost.

Scarlet nodded, offering him a grateful smile, before moving closer to Elora. She took Elora's hand gently in hers. "I wish you could remember your past, Elora, and stop hurting."

"She will, Scarlet. She just needs time and our love," Jareth said, placing a comforting hand on Scarlet's shoulder.

Scarlet turned to face him, her eyes soft. "You should stay with her. She needs you the most," she said before leaving the room. Jareth watched her go, a mix of emotions swirling inside him.

---

"You don't have any right to question me. Only His Highness can do that," Vera said, lounging in a wooden chair. She had repeated this to Raynell countless times, but Raynell wasn't backing down.

"I think he has the right since I gave him permission to question you, Consort Vera," Jareth said, his brow furrowed.

"Your Highness," Vera exclaimed, standing up and attempting to fall into Jareth's arms, but he gave her a slight push with his finger.

"Your Highness, I didn't kill her. You know I can't hurt my childhood servant, and there's no reason for me to do so," Vera said, tears welling in her eyes.

"Tell me another lie, Consort Vera," Jareth said, sitting down and leaving Vera standing alone.

Vera clenched her fists in anger. If not for Scarlet's presence, Jareth wouldn't treat her like this. She thought bitterly, smirking before masking it with a shaky voice, "It was Scarlet."

"What do you mean?" Jareth asked, his eyes narrowing.

"You need to believe me, Your Highness. Ever since Scarlet woke up, she isn't the person we knew. She's keeping a secret only me knows about," Vera stated, trying to sow doubt.