ETAN

He hadn't been certain of the little man when he'd first walked in, all jests and teases. But when he recognized Etan, and made the connection for Borsche, Etan tensed.

This was no joker. Like Borsche, the man clearly hid a discerning mind behind flippant ways.

Did that mean that he was not as trustworthy as Falek assumed? Or that Falek had chosen wisely. He caught Borsche's eye and raised an eyebrow.

His man sidled closer, but didn't give him a warning.

They would watch closely.

"I assume you have been made aware of the… er… message from the King that came through today?"

Falek nodded, though Jareth had spoken to them all. "That is precisely why we're here," he said darkly.

Jareth nodded once. "I see. But perhaps… perhaps it would be good if you enlightened me. I assume you are here without the royal's knowledge… from either kingdom?"

Falek nodded again. "Jareth, the Prince and Princess have found each other, quite suddenly, during the peace accord. Both have vowed to remain faithful and true. They waited for the Peace Accord, intending to share their joy with their parents after it had been signed. But we believe…"

"The king has likely found out about your subterfuge and is calling Etan back to account for it? That would be my assumption also, knowing this."

"I can't think of another reason why he would call me to account as King, rather than as father," Etan added.

Jareth nodded. "I did find the wording of the message rather ominous. But I hoped it was merely a cultural difference of which I was not aware?"

Etan shook his head. "He has never signed a message, even a private one, in such a manner before."

Jareth blew out a breath, then looked between them all. "So… the young ones wish to marry before returning to their parents, in the hope that this will… sway the kingdom rulers? It's quite a risk, Falek. And frankly, one that I am surprised you would take."

"Their goals are much deeper than merely to join," Falek said quietly. "I would ask you to hear them out, Jareth. Hear their plans, their vision for the future, and what they wish to use their power for. And if you agree… I would ask you bind them legally, and before God."

Jareth nodded again, his eyes wide. But he opened a hand towards Etan. "Very well. Please… explain."

Etan glanced at Ayleth. "It's your kingdom. Your citizen. Do you want to go first?"

Jareth tipped his head slightly, but didn't comment. Ayleth smiled, then turned to the minister. "Before we knew each other well, I listened to Etan speak of his ideas for the Kingdom of the future—a land where any person, male or female, rich or poor—would be given an opportunity to excel in whatever manner they chose. Where their measure would be based on their achievement, not their appearance, or birth. I… I have shared that philosophy for some time, though I rarely speak of it, given my father's adherence to the bloodlines and… well, you know."

"Yes, I do, Your Highness," Jareth said quietly. "I am the bastard son of a Lord, born to a maid of the High House."

Ayleth put her hand to her chest and Etan was forced to look away so he wouldn't be distracted by her skin.

"I am so sorry—" she began.

"Do not apologize, Highness. Were it not for the difficulties I suffered as a child, I would not have found my relationship with the Father of Light, so all is well. But I understand… many do not find their fulfillment as I have. I admire your intention to build a path for them."

She nodded. "Perhaps more importantly, Etan—Lord Summit—shares the goal, and my desire that our kingdoms would find peace. Peace, and unity."

Jareth whistled low and long. Borsche and Falek eyed him warily. "You intend to bring the Kingdoms together?"

"Yes," Etan said. "We recognize it will not happen overnight. There will be time and a lot of… education involved. But our goal is to see the two Kingdoms united and at peace in our lifetimes."

"How?" Jareth asked. "I do not wish to argue with you, Highness, but my mind is boggled. How will you do this impossible thing?"

"First by unifying our families," Etan said firmly. "Then by declaring peace as part of the Accord, and sharing what we have learned of each other and our kingdoms with our people.

"Then by showing those who have not found their… fulfillment, as you said," Ayleth added, "how we might build towards the future. I am convinced if the halls of power, and the masses are of one mind, those in the middle will be forced to comply, or leave."

"And be sandwiched between your two Kingdoms," Jareth chuckled, shaking his head. "This ambition with you both… it is stunning to me. And a miracle answer to prayer. I have prayed for peace in Zenithra for decades. You give me hope I may see it come to fruition after all, thank you, Father," Jareth said with a flick of his eyes towards the sky. "Thank you."

Ayleth blinked, but Etan grinned. "You are a man of the True Faith."

Jareth tipped his head again. "I am. Are you also a believer?"

Etan's smile broadened. "Not only a believer, but a devotee. I know the Father's hand at work. I feel His breath on my face. I let Him light my path."

Jareth laughed and clapped his hands together, opening his arms toward Etan. "I could not have chosen a better mate for our future Queen myself, come, brother! You are welcome here!" He opened his arms to the tiny church and Etan nodded.

"Thank you."

"And you, Princess?" he asked, turning to her. "Do you share your Fiancee's belief?"

"I am… I follow the Goddess," Ayleth said, a slight edge to her voice. "But I have no concern about Etan following another. We will bring both powers to bear and become even stronger through it."

Etan glanced at Jareth, who raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. "Well, this is too much excitement for one day, Falek," he said breathlessly. "It's a good thing the ladies of the council aren't here, they would be swooning for the star-crossed lovers."

"Not. Lovers," Falek said through his teeth.

Jareth's eyes crinkled. "Of course, of course. I meant only their hearts, brother, only their hearts."

Everyone stood a moment, silent, then Jareth took a deep breath. "Well, then… I assume you'll be needing a marriage contract?"