Abandoned, lost, and broken was the man she had left behind. Alone, he sat, peering out the window within his quarters. Crystal eyes focused on the raindrops, which danced wildly upon the window seal. His left eye, with the gaping black hole, looked to the past. While the other, softer blue, looked to the future. Jareth's kingdom suffered in near ruins since her departure. The young woman had forsaken him. His forlorn hope, of her to return, was the only desire that kept him moving forward. However, his ambition to rule his kingdom had been greatly damaged. Therefore, the goblins, his inferiors, were given new freedom. This new found freedom allowed them to create mischief, and ultimately run amuck throughout the land. On top of that, his kingdom was on the brink of war. Jareth's future looked grim. Without an heir, everything he had created was destined to collapse. Though there were many potential suitors, he would not take another. His heart solely belonged to the girl, named Sarah, who had tormented his soul with rejection. He would have her. A menacing grin pulled across his lips, as he assured himself of that. With her at his side, he would take back all that was his.

Upon escaping the labyrinth, Sarah had never again felt alone. A lingering presence was always about her side. A presence that scarred her soul with its deep impression. Though it had been over a year, she had not fully recovered. Simple pleasures in life seemed dull. The nighttime sky teased her with it's beauty and mystery, for now, she was certain that there was something greater beyond. Yet, this vastness was still beyond her reach. The burden of being a mere mortal kept her from fulfilling her true potential. Life itself began to lose meaning. Her desire for adventure burned deep within. The memory of the man, who attempted to sway her with his alluring charm, lay dormant in her heart. Overwhelmed with regret, she had entertained the thought of having stayed with him. Sarah often wondered what could have become. "No," her conscious rejected such thoughts. Her head slowly swayed from side to side, as she attempted to rid her mind of such immoral thoughts. In truth, she knew, despite defeating the labyrinth, she had not beaten the man. Jareth's memory conquered her heart, plagued her thoughts, and disrupted her way of life.

Falling back against her bed, she looked at the clock that read slightly past midnight. Drowsy eyes as green as the sea blinked, and for a moment the twelve upon the clock had transformed into a thirteen. A gasp pulled past her lips, and she quickly sat up only to discover the clock read the correct time. Feeling startled, she stood and wandered over to her window. Her eyes scanned through the darkness searching for an intruder. However, she was overcome with disappointment at the empty tree, which receded back into the darkness of night. Reluctantly, her hand reached to open the small latch that served as a barrier between herself, and any formidable creature.

Instantly, a gust of wind blew her hair back, and a small white feather wavered down before hitting her bedroom floor. Without hesitation, her knees buckled and she bent down to grasp the precious treasure. Moving back over to her bed, her body plopped itself against the soft cushions. She handled the fragile tuft with immense care, as she pulled its entirety across her soft scarlet lips. Her free hand moved down to her chest and began to unbutton her night-blouse. Mind drifted to her most cherished memory. Sarah recalled the feeling of his body against her own, as they danced. The thought of his hand grasping hers made her cheeks grow warm. The feeling of his eyes locked solely on her, in a crowded room, caused her heart to race. Her body shuddered as she felt an intense longing between her legs, while she remembered feeling his bulge pressed against her. Such thoughts caused her to sensually guide the feather down her bare chest, until it rested against the elastic of her pajama shorts.

Her grasp released the feather, while her fingers ventured to a place they had never before. Softly, they stroked the outside of her most intimate area. Her mind continued to entertain indecent thoughts of the man who had been so forward with her. Such thoughts, caused her to crave release. "Jareth, I wish to see you once more…" words flowed in the form of energy as they traveled to another realm.

Her words interrupted both time and space as they passed through his world's barrier, and penetrated his mind. A shock that nearly brought the man to his knees. While peering into his crystal ball, Jareth spied on the girl. An action he had done many times before. That night he came to her in dreams.

"You're lost, Sarah. Your world has become a labyrinth. One you cannot solve, for it is too simple. Come back to what you understand. Come back to me."

"How can I?" She muttered softly with closed eyes.

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes…"

Suddenly, she felt the impressions of another climbing into her bed. Such a weight was clearly that of a man. The undeniable sensation of having his weight atop hers forced a gasp, but fear kept her from opening her eyes.

The warmth of his breath was soon upon her neck, and he whispered softly, "a baby… There has to be a baby, Sarah."

"A baby?" Her words trailed out with an uncertainty.

Long fingers gently brushed through dark locks. "Ah, my dear Sarah. Too old to keep, and too young to take. Yet, it was you who summoned me. You- who teased me with your playful curiosity. Admit it, Sarah. You knew that I would be watching...wanted me to see." His free hand graced her inner thigh, only to discover the evidence of moisture. "You have always been so cruel to me. Perhaps, it is my turn. I warned you... that I too, could be cruel."

Eager lips grazed lightly at her jaw before they moved swiftly against her neck. He allowed his teeth to trace the fluid motion of her vein. The feeling of blood pulsing made him smirk, and Jareth nibbled and sucked on her sweet porcelain skin. He wanted to mark her...wanted others to know that she belonged to him. Just as his lips plunged down to her collarbone, those hands were fast, experienced even, at undoing the rest of the pearl buttons of her floral blouse. Though she did not look upon him, she could feel his leering eyes gazing at her bare chest. Behind closed lashes, she could see his grin and knew that he must be quite pleased with himself. "Wake up, Sarah." His voice seemed to echo.

When her eyes opened, she found herself behind a white silk sheet. The bed was made of soft feathers and confined in a room of stone. Candlelight glistened through the dark sheer fabric, which masked the silhouetted figure who stood near the window. "It's only a dream, Sarah. As I've told you, there must be a child."

"But, I'm awake."

"Are you?" He questioned with confidence. At last, the man, who wore a loose white cotton tunic moved from the shadows. The gold embellishments on his shirt shimmered under the dim light. Soon, he presented her with the globe of glass, which seemed to dispute her words entirely. For, within the ball, she was sleeping in her own bed, undisturbed. "Do you want to play a game, Sarah?"

When he came nearer, she pulled the silvery sheet to her neck. "What kind of game? I am almost certain, that I do not."

He chuckled. "No need to shield yourself from me. Besides, it would take more than a cloak to keep me from you. The game is simple enough. I, I will be king. And you, you will be queen. It's only a game, my dear. You do like games, don't you?"

She nodded with a bit of apprehension. "What would you have me do?"

At that, his lips pulled into the most devious smile. "It's not what you can do for me, but I-for you." His knee bent and he kneeled to her. "What is it that you desire, my queen?"

Sarah bit down on her lower lip and contemplated. Every thought, that had ever encapsulated her mind, seemed to suddenly be forgotten. Slowly, her hand graced the tender skin that his lips had ventured. "A... kiss?"

That grin faded into a more serious expression. "Don't taunt me, Sarah."

It was easy to get lost within his eyes. She felt hypnotized by the ghostly hue of blue, and unknowingly let down the sheet, her shield. Sarah hadn't realized that this would invite him in, not until she felt her body lifted from the bed. Despite his slender physique, he was strong and carried her with ease. While drifting up endless stairs, she felt like that white feather, just waiting to be plucked.

Sarah unexpectedly found herself on solid ground in a lush garden. His castle rose high above into the nighttime sky, and Jareth looked far off at the distant sunrise. Time was running out, but he could not reorder it, not this time. From seemingly nothing, a crown of flowers, that matched the colors of the northern lights, laid within his grasp. Sarah watched his naked chest beneath unlaced string as he walked to towered over her, much like his castle. She sensed a carefulness, that was almost startling when he placed the crown upon her head. He tugged that same white cloak from his shoulders and clasped it around her neck.

That powerful hand cupped her cheek, while the other ventured behind her back and pulled her body against his. The look in his eyes was the same as the time at the ball. The only difference was that, this time, she was ready. When his lips found hers, she felt her heart sink into the pit of her stomach. Her small hand clenched his sleeve when she felt his tongue invade her mouth. Such longing made her knees feel weak.

Before she knew it, she was falling backward. Not the jarring kind of fall, but the kind that makes your head spin. He was gracefully guiding her down upon her own bed, which felt cold beneath her silk shield.

His movements seemed to pick up exactly where he had left off, with a trail of kisses. This time, he didn't stop at her neck, but moved down her chest… conquered and teased her perfect bosoms with his mouth. Jareth seemed to have a talent for seamlessly removing her clothes and his own. The rest came in stormy waves. Like waking up from a dream, only to find you are within another. His assault with his mouth didn't stop, but found its way between smooth trembling legs. She felt under some sort of spell, as pleads for more escaped her own mouth. Such sounds were followed by an intense release that she had never known. Sarah couldn't stop him… She couldn't stop herself. The magic man had gotten into her very being with his touch. It was as if he knew her body better than she... knew how to get it to betray her will. He was inside her mind, and soon to be inside her body. "Say yes, Sarah." His words came out in the form of a demand, while his chin rested against her thigh.

"Yes...my king."

Such a line would drive the man wild. He positioned himself between her leg and held her wrist far above her head. It was hard for him to penetrate her tight barrier with ease, but he forced himself to. He could have burst within her, right then, but managed to maintain a slow and steady pace. His gentleness allowed her time to get used to his size, and for his hands to explore her untouched skin. When the sunshine began to penetrate the window shade, his movement became much harder and fast. Moans of pleasure were muffled under his wet kiss. She could taste herself on him. When he felt her inner muscles contract, he allowed his seed to spill within her. Even so, Jareth managed to keep his rhythm going, but this time his hand slipped between them and rubbed her swollen nub. He leaned his face against her ear, and the sounds of his own sharp breaths drove her over the edge. Their eyes met, and he looked at her with painful yearning. This was only a temporary victory. One that was soon to end. As if he knew it was his last chance, his body raced against the sun and soon released himself within her once more. His lips pressed against hers for a final time, and he disappeared.

With a sudden jolt, her eyes opened and it was morning. "A...dream?" She managed to stutter behind a growing smile. Her bare feet took her down the cold wooden hallway to get to the bathroom. Once the door was secure, she started a warm bath and walked over to the mirror. On the sink, laid a vintage hairbrush that had been gifted to her by her mom. Such a thing of beauty was only a nagging reminder that it had been over four months since she spoke to her mother. Last she heard, she was traveling to perform in Paris. When she looked at her own reflection, she felt that she could never live up to her mother's reputation. She recalled all the articles about her. The beautiful heroine, they called her. In truth, she felt she was neither half as beautiful nor courageous. Sarah couldn't recall her mother ever having such doubts. For a moment, she wished she could smash the brush in the mirror. Instead, she made a promise to herself. A promise that when she was older, she would beat her mother at the one thing she had failed at… motherhood. If she had learned anything from solving the labyrinth, it was that love and loyalty were above all. Sarah would never fail a child, as she had been failed.

With that declaration made, she began to pull those soft bristles through her long dark locks. Once her hair was pulled back into a loose bun, she felt something tangled in the crown of her head. Carefully, she unthreaded the foreign object, only to discover it was a pink blossom that had yet to fully bloom. "The crown!" She thought. All at once, her vision blurred and she felt an intense heat rise within her. Her small hand clenched the bulb into a tight grasp, while the world seemed to move in spirals. The growing pain in the pit of her stomach did not deter her from rushing back into her bedroom. With a quick hard pull, her quilt was stripped from her bed. Under it laid the evidence she was looking for… a stripe of scarlet stained into her bedsheet.

She didn't have the mind to even try to conceal what had happened. Her thoughts were elsewhere as she climbed into the bath. Water spilled over the edges onto the sleek tile floor, but she paid it no mind. The sound of a hard knock on the bathroom door was all that broke her from her trance.

"Sarah?" Her step-mother said. "I noticed blood on your cover. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine!" Sarah snapped. "I just got my period, ok? Why are you even in my room?" Sarah hadn't used that tone in a while, but she would say anything to get her to go away...to keep her from questioning her further. Her room had always been her sacred space. Even now, she didn't like people snooping through her stuff. However, that fact mattered very little to her now.

"Well, bring them downstairs and I'll wash them." Her footsteps faded down the hall.

The water turned cold as she contemplated how it happened...how he bested her. While solving his labyrinth, Sarah had already lost a bit of her innocence. Could she really help but want to hurry into womanhood...with him? Her body shivered as she recalled their night together. Jareth had told her it was just a dream. He had lied. But, what is a dream, Sarah? She knew he'd say. He had a way of twisting ideas and reality. Sarah knew that she dreamed even when she wasn't sleeping.

…