Panic

"Well, well, well, Scarlet. Look what we have here," Vera murmured, her gaze fixed on the Phoenix feather. It lay in a small box on the bed, glowing softly. The quill, deep red, faded into bright orange and yellow at the tip, radiating warmth and a sense of ancient magic. The vibrant hues seemed to shimmer in the light, evoking a sense of enchantment. The feather's texture appeared soft and silky, inviting touch, and its gentle glow seemed to pulse with a life of its own.

"How could she even find it?" Vera wondered aloud, touching her chin thoughtfully.

"My lady, you need to present this to His Highness personally. He has always fancied the Phoenix feather," Vera's new maidservant suggested.

Vera turned to face the maidservant, her steps measured and deliberate. She stood before her, extravagantly dressed in an orange gown adorned with intricate beads, a grand crown resting on her head.

"I didn't know you were such a petty thief," Vera said, a devilish smile curling her lips. "But what was I expecting? You will always be one, and nothing can change that."

She turned back to the box, picking up the Phoenix feather. "Let's go with the former gift. I wonder what is so special about this that both His Highness and Scarlet would want it," she mused, caressing the feather.

"Okay, my lady," the maidservant replied, curtsying.

"The arsenic?" Vera asked, stretching out her hand. The maidservant retrieved a small vial from her underwear, handing it over with a look of apprehension. Vera took it with just the tips of her fingers, her expression twisted in disgust.

She tossed it onto the bed and smiled creepily. "Jareth, just you wait."

*****

"What are we going to do now?" Ilvia asked worriedly, scratching her head. She glanced at Scarlet, who was nervously picking at her nails with her teeth.

Ilvia gently tapped her shoulder, snapping Scarlet out of her thoughts. Ilvia raised her eyebrows questioningly. "What are we going to gift His Highness now?"

Scarlet thought for a moment before an idea struck her. She remembered Jareth crying that day when she played the flute.

"I need to change my clothes," Scarlet said abruptly, beginning to undress. Ilvia, regaining her composure, quickly helped with the zipper.

A few minutes later, Scarlet was dressed in a mesmerizing black and purple gown adorned with vibrant purple flowers. The dress featured a captivating floral pattern that added a touch of elegance and femininity.

The luxurious fabric flowed around her feet, creating a graceful silhouette. The lower part was beautifully decorated, complementing each line of flowers perfectly and creating a striking, memorable feature. The classic scoop neckline was flattering and elegant, embodying a simple yet timeless style.

Scarlet smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She had gone through a lot of trouble to find the perfect dress, and now she looked more beautiful than ever. She applied light makeup before turning to Ilvia.

"You look stunning, Scarlet," Ilvia said, raising both hands in a thumbs-up.

Scarlet opened a drawer and took out a flute. Ilvia's eyes widened and asked. "You're going to play it?"

Scarlet nodded with a smile, then looked back at her reflection. "You started this, Vera," she murmured to herself.

She added, "Can you bring Athena here?"

"I'll be right back," Ilvia replied, hurrying out.

***

Both Ilvia and Scarlet climbed into the carriage. Before leaving, Scarlet gave Athena a small nod.

Ilvia opened the curtain, staring out at the bustling world. Today felt particularly gloomy, just as it always did on Jareth's birthday.

Everyone believed it was cursed; somehow, trouble always followed this day, usually leading to war. Jareth was painfully aware of this.

The ride was slow and silent. Outside, the world was eerily quiet. Scarlet was lost in her thoughts. Would Jareth die today? What if her plan failed? What if something went wrong?

She couldn't stop worrying and sighed for the umpteenth time as they finally reached their destination.

People were dressed in their finest clothes, neat and organized. The rich wore extravagant outfits, while the poor tried to look their best but still their status still spoke out. The wealthy gave the poor disdainful looks, they couldn't understand why their emperor always invited the poor.

The crowd moved hesitantly, as if they wished to be anywhere but not near their emperor. He was considered a devil, rumored to have killed a maidservant on his birthday. Being here only heightened their anxiety. Parents clutched their daughters' hands tightly, hoping to keep them unnoticed as they shuffled into the grand hall where the birthday ceremony would take place.

After what felt like an eternity, Scarlet finally reached her destination. She had to take a long detour to avoid being seen among the people. She glanced around at the guests, who were busy with drinks and conversation. The hall was spacious and beautifully decorated.

As soon as she entered, she caught the attention of most men. Instantly regretting her choice of attire, she bit her lower lip, feeling self-conscious as the center of attraction. Lustful gazes followed her, and whispers about her identity spread through the room.

"What is a beautiful lady like you doing all by yourself?" a soft, gentlemanly voice spoke from behind, startling her.

Scarlet turned and her gaze traveled down to a man with a gentle yet masculine face. He was undeniably handsome, but Scarlet couldn't help but think Jareth was more so. He had parts of his waist-length hair packed up while some were left down.

A smile tugged on his lips, and Scarlet felt uneasy. It was just a smile, but it seemed to hold something more, something she couldn't quite place.

"You flatter me, my lord," Scarlet said, curtsying elegantly.

He chuckled, "If this beautiful lady would grant me the pleasure of a drink with her."

Scarlet nodded without a second thought. It was just a drink, after all.

"So, what is a beautiful lady like you doing here alone? Didn't you bring a date?" he asked.

A sad expression crept onto her face, knowing that Jareth wasn't meant for her alone and that he might choose Vera as his date today because he loved her. But she couldn't let that affect her mission.

She scanned the busy room, searching for Vera. Neither Vera nor the other consorts, Belinda and Corinna, were anywhere in sight. It seemed strange.

"Is milady looking for someone?" the man asked, following her gaze with his deep blue eyes, so much like Jareth's.

"No, my lord," she answered, refocusing on him.

"Spare me the 'my lord.' Call me Lucas. What should I call you?" he asked, moving closer with a seductive gaze. Before she could answer, an announcement echoed through the hall.

"The emperor is here."

The room fell silent, and even a pin drop would have been loud. Everyone held their breath. Jareth walked in majestically, with Vera trailing behind him.

Scarlet's eyes flinched for a second seeing them together. She bit her lip until she tasted blood. Just then, Jareth's gaze met hers, and it felt as if the world around them vanished. It was just the two of them in their own world.

Her heart screamed for him not to come closer. "Please don't come," she begged silently. But he did, stopping right before her, his eyes drifting to Lucas and then back to her, filled with a desire that made her heart race. Seeing her dressed like this only intensified his longing for her.

Her heart stopped, and she pressed her lips together, fidgeting with her hands. She had been avoiding Jareth ever since the fight between him and Edward, and seeing him now made her realize how much she missed him.

He stretched out his hand, raising his brows in a questioning manner before glancing down at his hand. Scarlet scratched her neck, unsure of what he wanted.

Taking a wine glass from the table, she handed it to him. Instead of accepting it, he swept her up in his arms, carrying her in a bridal style. Scarlet blushed deeply as the hall fell silent.

"My empress can take the wine if she wants," he declared loudly, ensuring everyone in the hall heard. A roar of surprise rippled through the crowd. Whispers filled the air, some admiring her, some supporting Vera, and others disagreeing with the fact that Scarlet would be the future empress. Jareth noticed every reaction, even the quietest whispers.

Vera clenched her fists and stomped off to sit with her friends, her jealousy flaring as Scarlet basked in the attention.

Jareth gently placed Scarlet on the grand throne, and she sat down stiffly. Despite her discomfort, she understood the advantage of sitting beside him. The ceremony soon began with the arrival of the prince, consorts, and the empress dowager.

Gifts were presented one by one. The ministers offered theirs with forced smiles. The three princes followed. Riley gave Jareth a drawing of himself, which Jareth accepted with a genuine smile. He had feared his brother would dismiss it, but he was pleased when Jareth expressed his appreciation admiration for the drawing.

Ralph and Sirius presented jewelry, their smiles insincere. Jareth, with a disgusting face, asked his eunuch to collect the gifts on his behalf. The consorts then offered their presents: Corinna with a perfume, Belinda with a golden cup set, and Vera with a sword.

The crowd buzzed with curiosity, wondering whose gift Jareth would personally accept. It was well known that giving a man perfume was a declaration of love, while a sword symbolized bravery and admiration of strength. However, Jareth chose to have his eunuch collect all the gifts, revealing nothing about his true feelings.

Vera sat down, consumed by shame, her glare fixed on Scarlet. A smirk played on her lips, relishing the fact that Scarlet seemed to have no gift for Jareth.

In a loud voice laced with mockery, Vera spoke out, "Our future empress seems to have forgotten her gift for his highness. Or perhaps, she has none?"

Scarlet's eyes locked with Vera's, a smile slowly spreading across her face. Without hesitation, she rose and made her way to the center of the hall.

Taking the flute from Ilvia, Scarlet closed her eyes and began to play a melody, one she had played for Jareth on that memorable night. With elegant poise, her fingers danced nimbly over the keys, her eyes half-closed, lost in the music, lips gently pressed to the mouthpiece.

Each note flowed effortlessly, weaving a hauntingly beautiful melody that filled the hall. Scarlet swayed subtly with the rhythm, her every breath controlled and precise. The audience watched, spellbound by the blend of skill and passion in her performance.

All eyes, including those of the empress dowager, were fixed on Scarlet in astonishment. The song was familiar to Empress Dowager, and it was a surprise to see Scarlet play it when no one else knew about it.

As she finished, Scarlet opened her eyes to find Jareth's soft gaze fixed on her before looking elsewhere. Unmoved, she met his gaze before the room erupted in applause, acknowledging and appreciating her talent.

Vera scoffed and muttered under her breath, "Is this all she can offer? What's so special about it?" Deep down, however, she felt a pang of hurt, realizing that Jareth's full attention was on Scarlet.

As the applause subsided, Scarlet bowed gracefully and spoke, "I hope his highness will accept this as his birthday gift. The original gift was stolen, so this impromptu performance was my only option."

All eyes turned to their emperor, awaiting his response. With a nod, he signaled his approval, and a wave of happiness swept through the crowd.

Scarlet settled quietly next to Jareth, expecting him to say something after her performance, but he remained silent. Soon, the feast began, and Scarlet smiled at each maid who brought food to her.

As the meal progressed, Scarlet's heart raced when Jareth's food was served. She hoped Athena had followed her instructions. Searching for Athena but all in vain, Scarlet's anxiety grew. Just as Jareth was about to eat, Scarlet's hand halted his spoon mid-air.

Swallowing hard, she asked, "Can we step outside?"

"I thought you were avoiding me," he remarked.

"That was beca—" She struggled to gather her thoughts and words.

"May his highness feed me?" she interjected, batting her eyelashes and pouting playfully. The hall watched as the two seemed lost in their own world, sharing a moment of intimacy amidst the festivities. Some casted a pitiful gaze at her while some ladies were busy admiring their emperor.

Scarlet had anticipated that Jareth might decline, but to her surprise, he picked up the spoon. He was going to feed her, right there in front of everyone. A blush tinted her cheeks, and her heart raced, not from fear but from the intensity of his gaze.

With a playful gesture, he drew her closer and raised the spoon to her lips. She accepted it, chewing slowly, savoring the moment.

"I missed you, Scarlet," he confessed, further stirring her heart. Caught off guard, she choked, spitting out some food onto his face. Her cheeks puffed up as she blinked in surprise.

Before Scarlet could recover, a scream pierced the air. Both couples turned to see Riley clutching his stomach, blood splattering from his mouth.

"Riley!" Scarlet shouted, shock and disbelief washing over her. This couldn't be happening. Why? How? The questions raced through her mind as panic set in.