"I'm sorry for crossing the line earlier on. We can't. I got carried away and... " he sighed as he spoke, still holding her close.

It was hard for him, he could simply take advantage of her but he didn't want to. The last thing he wanted was her falling in love with him and him, her.

"It's okay."

His eyes widened, not believing she accept it. "She took it just like that?" He thought.

"This was a mistake. I understand." She pulled off him and stood before him. With her head down, she didn't dare look him in the eyes or it would spill.

Once again she felt hurt, but tried not to let the tears fall. It was a mistake for her to think that he developed feelings for her.

He reached for her arm to comfort her, but she just turned and walked away.

The last thing she wanted was for him to see her this way. She didn't want him to think of her as a weak girl and more importantly she agreed to not jeopardise their friends.h.i.+p.

The best thing was to walk away now before something else happened.

Jareth in turn didn't want them falling in love with each other, but he didn't want to hurt her either. Something about the way she left made him hurt.

"What the heck is going on?! Have I fallen for her? No, no, no! It can't be. After we part it would all be okay," he thought.

"Urrghh!!" He lifted in hands in frustration. He smoothened his hair, letting it fall back and down over his shoulders.

"No one has ever made me feel the way she does. Just a touch from her, sets my body aflame. Keep yourself in check, this can't happen," he cautioned himself.

By the time he looked up, she had gone and disappeared into the trees. He sighed then sat down for some minutes, just watching his surroundings and lost in thoughts.

Later he hot up and went to relieve himself before heading to where the others were.

------------------------

~Human Kingdom - Princess Cyrena's Chambers~

In the dead of the night, Cyrena and Amelia sat across each other as they discussed their next move.

"Yes, that was why I made those accusations and said the story the way I did. If you had seen his face, he was angry, my words got to him. So what better way than this, at least you have identified the voice, it was him."

"Yup, I can never forget that voice. It instilled fear and dominance on his hearers."

"Hmm!" She picked up a gla.s.s of wine from the table and drank.

"By the way Princess. Are you sure he would reveal everything to His Majesty tomorrow? Ain't this a big gamble?"

"It is, but what other choice or evidence can I use against Mr Brandon? That stubborn old goat still feels he can escape. He wouldn't come clean unless... "

Both ladies stopped and looked at each other, "Unless we get that signed contract, proving he did ask someone to steal the money," the both said in unison.

"Perfect. Why don't we pay the Void a visit Amelia. I was thinking of a better excuse to make him spill d beans this night and admit but, this sure is good."

"Yes Princess. Things are finally going our way."

She used her free hand to rub her chin in a thoughtful manner. "Hmm, the Void, such lovely eyes," she whispered.

"Pardon!"

"Ohh nothing. You've never seen him right? You'd be shocked." Her lips curled up into a pleasant smile.

"Prepare, we leave in an hour. Meet Mr Irving and I at the West gate at twelve midnight. Don't be late."

"I won't, Your Highness."

"Good."

"I would take my leave now."

She bowed to Cyrena before making her way out the princess's chambers.

"Be prepared Owen. I am just steps away from removing you as crown prince and taking up the t.i.tle for myself,. Just you wait brother," as she said this, her lips curved upwards into a side smile and a dark glint shone in her eyes.

**************

Princess Cyrena, Amelia, Mr Irving and two other men dressed in black stood by the west gate at exactly twelve midnight.

"Nice that we all arrived on time. Let's set out," Princess Cyrena addressed them.

"Yes Princess," they all chorused and everyone set out.

**********

At a corner down a alley after a bar, two men are seen talking yo each other, one a bit taller than the other.

"What else do you want from me? State whatever you need, anything. I would give anything you want," the older man of the two men said.

"Anything! Anything you say?" the other man asked.

"Yes anything, but not turning myself in."

"Sorry, I cannot do that."

"What?!"

"It over for you, Mr Brandon. Just give up, an innocent man is in prison because of you."

"Because of me?!!" He scoffed and continued, "Wasn't it you who stole and framed him. Anyway I am here for the contract."

With stretched out arm and furrowed brows, Mr Brandon demanded, "Hand over the contract to me,"