Inside the Goblin King's Castle, the dining room was vast, with towering arches carved from smooth stone and lit by flickering enchanted sconces. Shadows danced along the walls as Diana and Toby sat at an intricately carved wooden table laden with an extravagant feast.

Diana's fork hovered mid-air, her chocolate-brown eyes flickering to the room's edges where small goblins peeked curiously from behind pillars and furniture. Their snickers and whispers were barely audible, but Diana noticed their mischievous grins and sparkling eyes. She swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel amused or alarmed by their antics.

Toby, however, was unbothered. He was happily munching on a slice of bread slathered in a glistening golden jam. Crumbs dotted his cheeks as he swung his legs under the oversized chair, oblivious to his mother's inner turmoil.

"Mummy," Toby chirped, his silver-brown eyes wide with excitement, "did you see the food just appear? Poof! Just like that!" He waved his small hands animatedly.

Diana forced a smile, her voice gentle but tinged with unease. "I did, Sweetheart. It's... magical." She placed her fork down and rested her hands in her lap, her gaze drifting to the grand double doors at the room's far end.

She still couldn't wrap her mind around the truth—Jared Lewis, who had stolen her heart years ago, wasn't just any man. He was Jareth, a Fae King with powers beyond her understanding. And now, he was back in her life as both the ruler of this strange world and, who is also, Toby's father.

Diana sighed softly, brushing her wavy brown hair from her face. She glanced at her son, inspecting a golden goblet filled with sparkling juice. He was the only reason she felt grounded in this overwhelming situation.

Her thoughts spiraled as she recalled her reunion with Jareth. His silver-brown eyes—so much like Toby's—had stared at her with a mixture of longing and hurt. She had seen his hands tremble when he touched her cheek as if she might vanish again. And yet, despite their history, she couldn't ignore the power he exuded, a regal presence that both mesmerized and unnerved her.

"Are you okay, Mummy?" Toby's small voice broke through her thoughts.

Diana blinked, her focus returning to the present. She gave Toby a reassuring smile and brushed a crumb from his cheek. "I'm fine, darling. Eat up. We need to keep our strength up."

Toby nodded eagerly and took another bite of his bread, but his gaze lingered on his mother. "Mummy... do you think Mr. Goblin King is nice?"

Diana froze momentarily, her heart beating at her son's innocent question. How could she answer? Was Jareth nice? She had loved him once, deeply. But now... she wasn't sure who he was anymore. A ruler? A father? A stranger?

"I think..." Diana began carefully, her voice soft, "he's complicated. But he brought us here after what your Aunt did to us, and he promised to keep us safe. That's what matters right now."

Toby tilted his head thoughtfully, his messy blonde hair falling into his eyes. "Do you think he likes me?"

Diana's heart ached at the question. She pulled Toby into a warm hug, kissing his unruly hair. "Of course, he does. How could anyone not like you?"

Before Toby could respond, the heavy doors creaked open, and Jareth entered the room. His commanding presence filled the space as his boots clicked against the stone floor. His silver-brown eyes swept over the scene, softening slightly as they landed on Diana and Toby.

Diana straightened in her chair, her wariness returning as she watched Jareth approach. He stopped a few feet from the table, his gloved hands clasped behind his back.

"Are you settling in well?" he asked, his voice smooth but tinged with something unspoken.

Toby perked up immediately. "The food is yummy, Mr. Goblin King! Thank you!" he said, beaming.

Jareth's lips twitched into a small smile. "I'm glad to hear that, young Toby. And please, you may call me Jareth."

Diana's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed the exchange, unsure whether to trust Jareth's kindness. "Jared... I mean, Jareth?" she called out, her voice steady but cautious.

Jareth's gaze shifted to her, and something vulnerable flickered in his eyes briefly. "I understand you have many questions regarding my true identity...when you're ready, Diana. I shall tell you everything."

Diana nodded stiffly, her protective instincts kicking in while looking between Toby and Jareth. "We'll talk. Soon."

Jareth inclined his head as though granting her control over the moment. "Very well. Until then, enjoy the feast." He turned to leave but hesitated at the doorway, glancing back at Toby. "And Toby, if you have any requests for tomorrow's meal, let the Castle know. The Castle can conjure anything you wish."

Toby's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Even chocolate cake?"

Jareth chuckled softly. "Even chocolate cake."

As the doors closed behind him, Diana let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Toby grinned up at her, oblivious to her unease. "Mummy, I think he's nice."

Diana forced another smile, though her thoughts were far from certain. "We'll see, Toby. We'll see."

Jareth strode through the shadowy corridors of his castle, his boots echoing faintly against the stone floors. The flickering light from enchanted sconces cast long, dancing shadows on the walls, but his thoughts were elsewhere, far from the Goblin Kingdom. His gloved hands were clasped behind his back, his silver-brown eyes distant as memories of Diana surfaced.

She doesn't trust me, he thought with a pang of regret. And why should she? I spent four years in her world, hiding my true identity, living as Jared Lewis—a facade.

Jareth's jaw tightened, and he stopped for a moment. His gaze drifted to one of the tall windows overlooking the vast expanse of the Labyrinth. It stretched endlessly before him, twisting and turning, much like the tangled web of emotions he now found himself navigating.

He hadn't planned to fall in love when he first met Diana. It was supposed to be a brief escape from the burdens of his princely royal title, a chance to experience life in the mundane world per his Mother's wish after she died. But then Diana walked into his life, and everything changed. Her laugh, sharp wit, and passion for literature had all drawn him in. Before he knew it, they were dreaming of a future together, of a family.

And then... my father.

The memory of receiving the news of his father's death by his childhood best friend, Lord Byron, struck him like a cold blade. He had left Diana that day, torn between his grief and his duty to return to the Fae World and protect his kingdom from his scheming uncle. He had promised himself he would tell her the truth once things had settled, but life in the Goblin Kingdom had been far from simple.

She was pregnant, he thought, his heart clenching painfully. Our child. And I never knew.

Jareth resumed walking, his pace slower now, his shoulders tense—Diana's explanation for keeping her pregnancy a secret replayed in his mind. Knowing the weight of his responsibilities due to his father's passing, she hadn't wanted to burden him. He believed her, yet the knowledge stung. He had missed so much—the chance to witness Toby's first cry, his first steps, his first words.

But now they were here, both of them. Diana and Toby, safe in his castle.

His gaze softened as he thought of his son, a perfect blend of the two of them. Toby's unruly blonde hair, mischievous smile, and silver-brown eyes reflected Jareth's own. In contrast, the innocent sparkle in those eyes and tender gaze mirrored Diana's spirit—a child born of their love, a bond neither time nor worlds could sever.

He bit his lip, a rare flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. How do I win back Diana's affection? How do I earn her trust again?

The throne room loomed ahead, the heavy doors slightly ajar. Jareth paused before entering, taking a steadying breath. He knew Diana's trust would not be easily won. Her wariness, protective nature for Toby, and lingering hurt were barriers he would have to overcome.

But Jareth was nothing if not determined. He had faced treacherous paths, unruly goblins, and labyrinthine mazes. However, winning back Diana's heart would be his greatest challenge yet.

Straightening his posture, he pushed open the doors to the throne room, his sharp gaze falling on the large crystal orb suspended in the air. Within it, he saw Sarah navigating the twisting pathways of the Labyrinth. Her progress was slow but steady, and her determination was evident.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Jareth's lips, though his thoughts remained with Diana. He would deal with Sarah and her journey through the Labyrinth. But when the time came, his focus would return to the one thing that truly mattered: earning a second chance with Diana and proving he could be the man and the father they both deserved.

In the dining room, the clinking of silverware and the soft hum of Toby's cheerful chatter filled the room. Diana sat with her back straight, her gaze drifting between her son, happily devouring a slice of fruit, and the grand, unfamiliar surroundings. Though the feast before her was luxurious, her appetite was faint, her mind preoccupied with questions about Jared—about Jareth—and the strange world she now found herself in.

The quiet creak of the dining room door drew her attention. Diana turned her head to see a stout, weathered figure step inside. The magnificence of the room dwarfed Hoggle's small frame, but he moved with purpose, his expression a mix of curiosity and determination as he took in the scene.

Toby was the first to notice him. "Mummy, look!" he exclaimed, pointing his sticky fingers toward Hoggle. "It's the man with the funny hat!"

"Hoggle," Diana murmured, recognizing him from the hazy moments she'd first awakened in Jareth's chambers and remembering his name when Lady Eleanor spoke to him. She straightened, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and offered him a wary but polite smile.

Hoggle inclined his head respectfully. "Milady," he said, his gruff voice softening as he spoke. He glanced at Toby, who was staring at him with wide, curious eyes. "Young Master."

Toby tilted his head. "What's 'Milady' mean?" he asked, his childlike curiosity breaking the formality of the moment.

"It's a fancy way of saying your mum's important," Hoggle replied with a faint grin, earning a giggle from Toby.

Diana's curiosity deepened as she observed Hoggle. A warmth in his demeanor made her feel unexpectedly at ease. "Hoggle," she said, her voice steady but inquisitive, "it's a pleasure to meet you properly. I... I think I owe you my thanks for looking after me earlier."

Hoggle waved a hand dismissively. "No thanks needed, Milady. I was only doin' what's right."

Diana studied him momentarily, then gestured to the empty seat beside her. "Would you care to join us? I'd like to know more about you... and about the real Jareth."

Hoggle hesitated but eventually nodded, pulling out the chair with a grunt and sitting down. He glanced at the spread of food but didn't touch anything, instead folding his hands in his lap. "You've got questions," he said, meeting Diana's gaze directly. "And I'll answer 'em if I can."

Toby leaned closer, resting his chin on his tiny hands. "You know the Goblin King?" he asked excitedly.

Hoggle chuckled, his weathered face softening. "Aye, lad. I know him better than most." His gaze turned thoughtful, and he glanced at Diana before continuing. "I raised him, y'see, after his mother, Queen Celeste, passed away. He was just a boy then, not much older than you."

Diana's eyes widened slightly. "You... raised him?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise. It was difficult to imagine the image of the commanding, mysterious Jareth as a child under Hoggle's care.

Hoggle nodded solemnly. "Aye. His father, King Declan, was a good man, but the crown burdened him. When the Queen passed, he asked me to watch over Jareth and ensure he grew up strong and smart enough to rule one day." He sighed, his gaze drifting to the ornate chandelier above. "I saw him through the hardest times of his life, includin' when we buried his father."

Diana's heart ached at the thought. She glanced at Toby, listening intently, and then back at Hoggle. "That must have been difficult for him. For both of you."

"It was," Hoggle admitted, his gruff voice softening. "He loved his parents dearly, especially his mother. Losing her so young changed him, made him... guarded." His eyes narrowed slightly as if remembering something painful. "But even with all that, he always had a good heart. Still does, though he doesn't show it as much as he should."

Diana leaned back slightly, her fingers toying with the edge of her plate. Hearing this made her see Jareth in a different light—not just as the mysterious Goblin King or the man she had loved, but as someone shaped by loss and responsibility. "And now... Toby and I are here," she said softly. "I don't even know what to make of it all."

Hoggle looked at her kindly. "Your sister selfishly wished for the boy to be here, Milady. Your love for your child brought you here. Knowing Jareth, he will protect you and the boy, no matter what. That much I can promise."

Diana studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Hoggle. I hope you don't mind if I ask more questions... about him, about this place."

Hoggle smiled faintly. "Ask all you like, Milady. The more you understand, the better you'll be able to handle him."

Toby grinned. "I like him already, Mummy!" he said, pointing at Hoggle. "He's funny."

Diana laughed softly, her tension easing just a little. For the first time since arriving in the Goblin Kingdom, she felt like she wasn't entirely alone. Hoggle's presence, though unexpected, was a welcome one. Perhaps through him, she could begin to unravel the mystery of Jareth—and decide what kind of future lay ahead for her and Toby.