Author's notes: you lot owe this one to too much Sweeny Todd and one too many episodes of Law and Order: SVU. Expect tones of drama, loads of angst, and of course a balance of good and evil. Cheers!

One

1

"She was found to be tainted!"

Sarah felt her head resting against a cool surface. The sensation was welcoming. The cold helped to ease the fire that was raging inside her. The man's voice boomed causing a thud-like vibration on her forehead. The sound reverberated until she could hear the mad rhythm in her ears.

"I asked specifically to be brought into the company of a virgin," continued the man. His tone was beyond angry, near threatening. "She-!" He paused. Sarah felt a hand roughly seize her arm and pull her up right. The room spun. Were there people in long colorful robes? Were they angels? The man holding her squeezed her limb his fingers leaving deep impressions. She winced. "She is not a virgin!" he yelled.

Virgin. At the mention of that word Sarah became aware of an oddness between her legs. It was as if the heat that so burned her was radiating from her crotch. She ached there too. What had happened to her? Surely the events that had transpired were just remnants of a horrid nightmare. The man released his hold and she crumbled face up on to the cool floor.

From the crowd a man moved forward. As he hovered in and out of focus, she realized he was intently studying her. "Lord Edenberge," he addressed the man next to her. "Are you not accustomed to caring for what you claim?"

"I brought her here didn't I?" Edenberge replied dryly. "It's not as if I left her to fend for her self. Surely someone here has a need for a new mortal servant or can inform me on how to send her back."

Another voice interjected, "Did you give her any food or drink?"

"No."

The first man raised his right hand into the air. "It matters not," he said. "I shall take her."

It mattered very little to Sarah what happened to her at this point. If the humiliations were true, if what had happened to her was reality then there could really be no worse. Still though, she forced her eyes to focus on the man leaning over her. "Hello Sarah," he said before she was unconscious.

2

Outside the air was crisp and Chilly. Jareth observed the other court members as they dispersed. Some shot him quizzical glances- what would the Goblin King want with a mortal? Others smirked suggestively as if they were envious of his new acquisition. 'If you fools only knew,' he thought as he adjusted his black gloves over his fingers. His fellow fae had no idea what past relations he had had with this mortal.

Coming out behind him was Jewels his male servant. Cradled in his massive brown tinted arms was Sarah Williams. She looked all most doll like compared to his massive build. "Jewels," called Jareth. "Have Tokein help you to lay the girl in the carriage. We must hurry home now."

Inside the compartment seated across from her, he examined her condition. To say that Lord Edenberge had been harsh with would have been an understatement: her lower lip was swollen and her right eye was bruised. He inhaled deep breathing in any telling scents. Edenberge had known her sexually. Then why had the man been raving on about her virginity?

Leaning back he brought his hand to his mouth thoughtfully. 'What did you do Sarah Williams?' he mused. 'And how did you get involved with the likes of Lord William Edenberge?' Despite her injuries, the marks and cuts he could still perceive the beauty she naturally possessed. While Lord Edenberge may have denied her food or drink, five years ago she had tasted fae food. He, the king of the goblins had given the pretty mortal an enchanted piece of fruit. The fact that was once more she was in the Underground did not surprise him, but her means of arrival certainly did. 'Now, what to do with you?' he thought. 'In five years much has changed Sarah Williams.'

He glanced through the carriage window. The country side whipped past, the greener hills of the high lands giving way to the desert of his realm. The fine gold sand dusted the glass. The cloud came covering the carriage, transporting them instantaneously and safely through the Labyrinth. As the cloud dispersed he lowered his eyes: the voices were very curious. The Labyrinth wanted to know who he had brought with him.

Jewels was at the door the moment they came to a halt. Lifting Sarah he asked where he should take her. "Up to my chambers," he ordered heading inside. "And have the physician called for immediately. I shall join you momentarily." Inside he was met by his advisor Kastrel. He was just the man he was looking for. The stout little goblin held a tablet in his hand and appeared to be ready to inform his king of a new appointment or meeting. "Cancel all of my engagements for the day," Jareth instructed moving past him.

Kastrel sputtered following after him. "B-b-but sire today is the day in which the Wimberlys are seeking an audience."

The Wimberlys, a royal family interested in investing in the goblin kingdom. "Not today," he snapped.

"They bring their daughter sire," reminded Kastrel poignantly.

Jareth abruptly stopped. He needed the Wimberlys, but he also needed to see about Sarah. "Send my regrets," he explained. "If they arrive beforehand, then see to their needs and I will make an appearance as soon as possible. Make sure," he hastily added. "that Miss Leslie Wimberly is comfortable." He then left Kastrel and made towards his chambers.

Sarah was just regaining consciousness when he entered. His massive bed draped in white linens made her appear to be floating on a white cloud, in contrast though her battered face stood out in a clear picture. Having dismissed Jewels he approached the bed cautiously. Through slits she saw him and moaned. "Of course," she mumbled in disdain. "Just, just get whatever you want to do over with," she told him.

He cocked an eye brow. "Are you sure?" he asked.

Every fiber of her being was sore. She winced and closed her eyes again. "Yes, then I can die."

"Oh," he remarked. "And here I was considering healing you."

Her eyes opened. From this close proximity she could see his two toned pupils regarding her, indifferent and calm. "You've been waiting for this day," she bit out.

He knew he was goading her. If he was going to figure out what to do with her though, or understand what had happened… "And just what makes this day so special?"

"I've finally been broken."

His scoff surprised her. "Damaged," he corrected leaning closer over the edge of the bed. "Abused even, but hardly broken. You are going to live Sarah Williams," he assured her.

She looked apprehensive. Waving a hand she tried to dismiss his promise. The motion made her nauseous. "No, no I don't want to make any deals with you. You never do things for free."

"Sarah Williams you are in the Underground, the realm of the fae, so you have two choices: you can either let me heal you and you live, or I can dump you out in the middle of the desert where you can wander and die. Death on a soft silk bed is not part of the equation," he added as she shifted her weight.

"And if you… heal me… then what?"

"Oberon only knows what I'm going to do with you once I get you functional again, but I can assure you it's better than the alternative. Now here is my physician." A man, an elf, with long blonde hair appeared at his side. She squinted at him. "This is Bartholomew and he will see to your wounds." She was too weak to protest.

Bartholomew informed the king that the Wimberlys had indeed arrived and were waiting for him. With the king gone he drew his attention to the woman on the bed. She had been hit several times across her face and chest area. There was bruising on her knees as well. "My lady," he spoke softly as he produced a couple of instruments. "I don't know whether or not you can hear me, but I will inform you of everything I do." He held a pair of scissors. "I am going to have to cut what is left of your garment away." She spoke not a word, but laid there with her eyes closed. Having removed her top, he turned his attention to the rather short skirt she was wearing. As he lifted her hips to move the fabric she groaned quite loudly. He paused. "Does that hurt my lady?" he asked. With gentle pressure he placed one hand over her lower abdomen- her skin felt as if it were on fire. Risking hurting her again he again maneuvered the fabric away from her. Dried blood was smeared across her inner thigh. "The Seven Graces preserve us." He looked at her battered face. "You were raped."