She Isn't Yours!

With urgency and haste, Jareth rushed out to the court. The huge doors opened before him, revealing Edward lounging on his throne, legs crossed. Anger flared in Jareth's eyes as he clenched his fists and furrowed his brows, his face a mask of fury.

Edward whistled and wiggled his leg in front of Jareth, a smirk playing on his lips.

Jareth's mouth twitched in annoyance. "I didn't know you desired my throne."

"Your throne is not what I seek," Edward replied, smiling slyly. "I want something else from you."

Jareth felt a prickle of unease at Edward's words but masked it with bravado. "And what could this emperor possibly want?"

"Something I have always desired. If you give it to me, I guarantee you a peace treaty," Edward said, mischief glinting in his eyes as he polished his shiny shoe with a handkerchief.

Disgust twisted Jareth's features. "I can't promise to honor any agreement after you attacked Elora."

His words stirred a murmur of chaos in the courtroom. Edward scoffed, his glare intensifying the tension. "This won't end with a fight, Jareth."

Jareth raised his hand, signaling the guards. "I don't think that place suits you, Edward," he said, raising an eyebrow. The guard, trembling with fear, approached Edward, but before he could act, Edward stood up.

With regal poise, Jareth moved to his throne and sat down, exuding confidence and pride. "You may proceed, Edward," he said, adjusting his golden belt at his waist and using informal speech to emphasize his authority.

Edward scoffed at Jareth's arrogance and declared, "It's Scarlet."

Jareth froze, stunned. He thought he must be hearing things or that Edward was playing a cruel trick.

"I want Scarlet!" Edward repeated, this time with more confidence.

Jareth let out a deep, mirthless chuckle. The court fell silent, eyes darting between Jareth and Edward, some in shock, others staring at their seemingly mad emperor. 

"You want Scarlet in exchange for a mere peace treaty, Edward?" Jareth laughed until his cheeks hurt.

Edward's face twisted in disdain. "I think you heard me right, Jareth."

"Oh, I did," Jareth replied, his smile fading, replaced by a deadly seriousness. "But I advise you to take back your words before it's too late." The chilling menace in his voice sent shivers down everyone's spines; they knew blood would be shed today.

Edward scoffed again. "What, are you afraid to fight me?"

Jareth's voice boomed through the hall. "Prepare for a fight between me and Edward! If I win, we sign the peace treaty. If you win, you take scarlet."

Whispers rippled through the court. Jareth would never give his mate to another man. Never. Scarlet was his, and she would forever be.

Edward sneered, his face contorted in disgust. "I didn't know Scarlet meant so much to you after her father killed your parents."

---

Inside the dressing room, Jareth slipped into his robe, feeling the cool, enchanted fabric against his skin. The durable, dark green silk shimmered with an ethereal glow in the flickering torchlight. Despite its delicate appearance, the fabric was reinforced with a fine mesh of enchanted threads, providing both flexibility and protection. 

Intricate patterns of silver and gold adorned the edges, depicting his power. The robe had long sleeves, and the hem, which fell below his knees, was slit on both sides up to his thighs. Hidden between the sleeves were several small, concealed pockets, perfect for storing daggers.

He walked into the battle ring with immense pride, where Edward awaited him reluctantly. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a ray of light on each of their faces.

Jareth, taller and more muscular than Edward, looked intimidating with a devilish grin and a smirk that hinted at untold malice.

Everyone's attention was riveted on the two kings, eager to see who would win. The prospect of a battle between a devilish emperor and a cunning emperor was beyond their wildest imaginations. News had traveled far, and it seemed like the entire village was present. Jareth scanned the crowd for Scarlet, hoping she hadn't heard about the duel.

"Jareth," Edward hissed, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Don't waste your efforts on something you never cared for and isn't meant to be yours," Jareth retorted, laughing—a sound that echoed through the ring. "She isn't yours, Edward, she is mine. You're delusional. Wake up."

Edward's eyes narrowed, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You're a fool if you think you can take what's mine. I will tear you apart."

With vampire speed, Edward aimed a lethal blow at Jareth's throat. Jareth sidestepped with supernatural grace, catching Edward's hand and twisting it with bone-cracking force. Edward's low growl of pain was met with Jareth's mocking laughter.

"Is that all you've got?" Jareth sneered, tightening his grip. "I expected more from the so-called king of vampires."

Edward wrenched free, the pain only fueling his fury, his eyes blazing with anger. He launched himself at Jareth again, their movements a furious blur of claws and fists.

Each strike landed with the force of a thunderclap, reverberating through the crowd.

Edward's claws raked across Jareth's chest, drawing a painful hiss and a gush of blackened blood.

"Bring it on, you devil," Edward said, pleased at the painful expression that flickered across Jareth's face.

"It feels good seeing you in pain," Edward taunted, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure.

Jareth's eyes blazed with fury, the thought of Scarlet, his mate, falling into Edward's hands if he lost fueling his rage. He attacked harder, his primal nature taking over.

"You think you can scare me with your threats, Edward? You're nothing but a parasite that feeds off humanity," Jareth snarled, smirking defiantly.

With a guttural snarl, Edward unleashed his strength, launching another vicious attack.

Drawing on the last of his reserves, Jareth surged forward, driving his fist into Edward's gut with bone-shattering force. Edward staggered, shock and anger appearing on his face, but Jareth didn't relent. He unleashed a relentless barrage of blows, each one fueled by his hatred for Edward.

"Scarlet," Edward called out, spotting her shocked expression in the crowd. The sight distracted Jareth for a split second.

Edward seized the moment. "Die!" he roared, his fangs inches from Jareth's throat.

Jareth's mind raced, his thoughts consumed with protecting Scarlet. With a burst of adrenaline, he twisted away from Edward's fangs at the last second, grappling with him fiercely. The crowd gasped, the tension in the air palpable as the two combatants clashed with anger.