Teasing Her

In a hushed tone, Scarlet muttered, "What a psychopath," as she smoothed her stray stranded hair backward, hoping Jareth wouldn't overhear her.

"What did you say?" Jareth inquired, drawing closer to her.

"Huh? Nothing," Scarlet quickly replied. 

"We've already consummated our wedding," a flush creeping up her face as she recalled the events that transpired between her and Jareth. Though it may have only been foreplay and held no significance to Jareth, it was meaningful in many ways to her.

"When? We haven't consummated our marriage yet, due to Consort Vera's interference, and marking you as my mate would not put you in danger," Jareth explained in a serious tone, gesturing with his hands.

"What do you mean by that?" Scarlet asked, puzzled.

"I will explain if you agree to it," Jareth stated, raising an eyebrow.

"Forget it then," Scarlet replied, turning away, but Jareth caught her arm before she could leave.

"Let's go inside-" Jareth began, but was interrupted by an annoyed glare from Scarlet, who made a face that could only be described as pure disgust.

"For an explanation," he finished, hoping to appease Scarlet.

As they stepped inside, Scarlet was struck by the beauty of the place. The exterior had been lovely, but the interior was even more breathtaking. It seemed almost magical, something she could only dream of witnessing in her own world.

Surrounding her were flowers she had never seen before, and the compound was clean and serene. It was as silent as a graveyard, but not in a menacing way. Scarlet also noticed a fish pond with electric fish, their vibrant colors swimming and playing freely, unlike the ones in the palace which were drab and confined.

"It's beautiful," Scarlet blurted out unconsciously as she continued to walk, taking in her surroundings.

"Yes, truly beautiful," Jareth echoed, his gaze fixed on Scarlet. He watched as a brightness shone in her eyes, and felt a warmth in his chest. It was hard to look away.

Scarlet, sensing his gaze, turned to face Jareth, who quickly averted his eyes. She couldn't help blushing at the intensity of his gaze, wondering if it was because it was already winter.

Jareth gestured for Scarlet to enter, holding the door open for her. She noticed the absence of a maid and couldn't shake off the discomfort that Jareth's previous remark about consummation had caused.

Will today truly mark the loss of her virginity? She couldn't help but wonder.

"What do you mean I would be in danger if you don't mark me?" Scarlet questioned, perching cautiously on the edge of the bed in hopes of not toppling over.

"Sit comfortably. I won't lay a hand on you without your consent. I am not a beast," Jareth reassured her as he removed his first layer of robes.

Scarlet scoffed at his words, remembering that he was the very person who had tried to forcefully take her virginity that night. And now he was claiming he wouldn't touch her.

Noticing the hurt in Jareth's expression, Scarlet regretted her reaction and adjusted herself in a more proper position.

"You said you would explain," she said changing the subject.

"I couldn't feel your emotions when you were taken away," Jareth carefully explained.

"Is that even possible?" Scarlet focused her attention on him and he nodded.

"I thought it was because of the jasmine scent-" Jareth began but Scarlet's curiosity cut him off.

"Jasmine scent?" She leaned closer to Jareth, her closeness allowing him to catcha whiff of the scent he loved the most.

"It sounds familiar," Scarlet observed, interrupting Jareth's wild thoughts. Suddenly, it clicked in her mind. The events were following the same pattern as the script. She could predict what was going to happen next - Vera would claim to be pregnant and Jareth would foolishly believe her.

"Did you sleep with her?" Scarlet inched closer to Jareth.

"Are you feeling jealous?" Jareth's sly grin prompted a deadly glare from Scarlet.

"No, I did not," he quickly clarified.

Scarlet felt relieved knowing that Jareth had not slept with Vera. Instead of focusing on her original purpose for coming into this world, she had allowed her emotion to control her.

"It wasn't the scent of jasmine, but rather the fact that we haven't consummated our marriage and I haven't marked you." Jareth continued, trying to justify his sudden desire. He didn't understand why he now felt the need to mark her, but all he could think about was protecting her even if she was the daughter of his enemy.

"How do you know Alvin?" Scarlet inquired.

"Alvin is the lowest-ranking demon, and we have despised each other since childhood." He replied, averting his gaze to hide his vulnerability. However, Scarlet suddenly remembered everything.

She had read about Jareth's childhood struggles in the script. How could she have forgotten? They had once lived together, alongside Alvin and their parents. They were once like a family, but that bond was destroyed after the tragic incident that left Jareth's parents dead.

Memories of Jareth's past flooded Scarlet's mind. That once cute, chubby face that would light up at the sight of his mother, now filled with pain as he was bullied by his peers for not being able to control his powers.

Her heart ached at the sight of him like that, and a tear escaped her eye. She wiped it away in shock, not realizing that she had cried. It felt so vivid, like she was inside those memories.

Jareth watched her in astonishment. 

That was his home since the beginning even if there was rank between them they lived in unity, until his parents' demise. His people showed no concern, as though they waited for his family to perish. Soon, Scarlet could no longer contain her emotions, and her tears flowed unchecked. Jareth embraced her in an attempt to offer comfort.

After several minutes of crying, she felt a sense of relief.

"My dearest consort surely takes delight in shedding tears for me," Jareth said, trying to lift her spirits. In response, he received a gentle nudge on his shoulder.

"We should return. I want you to meet someone," Scarlet said, rising to her feet.

"Who?" Jareth inquired.

"Athena. She rescued me and Ilvia."

"Athena," Jareth repeated, the name rolling off his tongue like he didn't want to forget the name.

"I trust her, and she can serve as my bodyguard. You don't need to worry about my safety," Scarlet said, smiling.

"Well, I don't trust her, but if you insist, I will consider it," Jareth retorted, a sly smirk creeping onto his face as he contemplated teasing Scarlet.

Scarlet eagerly prepared to leave, but Jareth suddenly grabbed her hand, pulling her onto the bed with him. Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed as she felt a surge of heat throughout her body.

This time, his touch was gentle and tender. Scarlet squeezed her eyes shut and lifted her head, anticipating his lips on hers. Instead, she heard his voice, "Let us spend the night here."

He rolled away from her and lay on the bed, tapping the spot beside him.

Why did she close her eyes? Was he teasing her? Scarlet inwardly groaned and laid far from him instead he shifted her closer to him. She attempted to move away from him, but Jareth's grip on her waist prevented her.

"We could sleep in separate rooms. I noticed there are plenty rooms available," she suggested, trying to quell the heat coursing through her body.

"I sleep better when I am with you," Jareth declared, his eyes still closed and his hand resting on Scarlet's waist.

Scarlet blinked in speechless surprise and gazed at Jareth's peaceful, slumbering face. 

She longed to caress his face, to convey that all was well despite his pretense of being fine. Deep down, she knew the truth.

Jareth's eyes snapped open, startlingly scarlet, and before she could fully register the sight, he was on top of her, his dominance evident.

"You shouldn't have looked at me like that," he said with a sly smile, his breath ragged. "You awakened the beast within me, craving your touch and your body."

"Your highness," Scarlet said, but Jareth furrowed his brow in annoyance.

She always called him that, and it irked him. Couldn't she just call him Jareth?

"From now on, call me Jareth and I'll set you free," he said, still scowling.

"Wh- Jareth," Scarlet quickly corrected herself, sensing the dangerous glint in his eyes. One wrong move and he could damn her to hell.

He smirked at her compliance and freed her from their compromising position. It wasn't the first time she had called him by his first name in such a situation, but it pleased him that she would no longer use the formal title of "your highness," Instead call him by his first name.

They both lay back down, Scarlet was relieved that he hadn't gone further. Scarlet could feel the wetness in her panties, evidence of his behavior on her. In the comfort of each other's embrace, they both drifted off to sleep, unaware of what was to come.

Jareth woke up to an empty bed and an empty arm. "Scarlet?" he called out, his voice weak.

Where had she gone?