A/N: I'm sorry that this took so long to get out, but real-life has taken up my time. Thanks to all my readers who have added this to their favorites and alerts. You fuel the story. Shout outs go to GeeAnnaB, DRose4, and chichi89 for reviewing the last chapter. I hope I answered your questions in this one. Remember – reviews make me happy and happy people update faster.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but this story and my own characters.
Jareth flew back to the Goblin Kingdom and went directly to his chambers. He was always out of sorts when he went to see Sarah. Because she stripped him of his power over her, he was unable to appear to her in person. He could only view her as an owl or through one of his crystals. It frustrated him to no end.
Tonight, he watched as she went to her friend's house. He knew she was still upset over her latest breakup. He wished he could hurt that man as much has he'd hurt his precious Sarah. How could any man be with a jewel such as Sarah and find comfort in the arms of another? It just didn't make sense.
The Goblin King wasn't able to follow Sarah to the club, but he waited for her to return. To get one last glimpse of her. He was confused when he saw the other man walking the two women home. In the body of an owl, he wasn't able to see faces clearly. The man seemed vaguely familiar. If only he could appear to her in person, then he'd be able to see who was courting her this time. The strange thing about the man was the scent of magic clinging to him. It was very curious indeed.
Out of nowhere, he pulled a crystal into the palm of his hand. He looked into it but, like his owl eyes, it wasn't a clear depiction of his beautiful Lady. If she would call on him, he could go to her. He could be with her and make her his Queen. A knock came at the door. Jareth snapped his attention to it and, with a wave of his hands, opened it from where he stood. He made the crystal disappear with a flick of his wrist.
His father, Ryan, walked into his chambers. Jareth looked at him quizzically. His father never made an appearance in the Goblin Kingdom, especially not in his chambers.
"Your Majesty," Jareth said, bowing.
"Jareth, no need to be so formal," Ryan returned. "I'm here on a personal visit."
Jareth indicated to the two chairs by the fireplace. Conjuring up a fire and two glasses of brandy, Jareth took a seat in one of them. Ryan joined his son by the fire. They sat there together in a comfortable silence for some time, just staring at the fire.
"To what do I earn the pleasure of such an unanticipated visit?" Jareth said, finally breaking the silence.
"Can't I just visit my only son?" Ryan asked, innocently.
"No," laughed Jareth. "A visit with you is rarely just that."
"You wound me," Ryan returned with mock pain.
"Really, father, what are you doing here?" Jareth asked, seriously. It was very rare for his father to even visit the Goblin Kingdom on official business, much less for personal reasons. King Ryan had never been King of the Goblins, for he didn't get along with the subjects. Because of the arrogant nature of his son, he had deemed it necessary for Jareth to take over the Kingdom after the last King abdicated his throne without an heir. He thought that this assignment would help his son get over his self-importance and improve his disposition. Unfortunately, it had only made him cruel and impatient as he wallowed in self pity.
"I could never fool you, could I?" Ryan asked.
"No," Jareth agreed
"Have you heard from the Council lately?" Ryan asked. Jareth furled his brow. He should have known that this was about the Council.
"Not since the last full meeting," Jareth replied. As Goblin King, Jareth did have a seat on the full Council. However, he did not have the privilege of being on the more intimate Closed Council. These are the one that made the laws and had the power of rule over the Underground. Only his father had more power. As Crown Prince, Jareth was not allowed to be in this smaller group.
"They have decided that I have ruled alone for too long," Ryan sighed.
"You've only lost mother a hundred years ago," Jareth replied, incredulously. He, himself, had ruled without a Queen for centuries. Of course, now that he met Sarah, he could see no other to rule beside him. She even made the goblins seem bearable.
"I know, but they feel that there must be a High Queen and that I can't rule alone any longer," Ryan said.
"What happens if you refuse?" Jareth asked. His father was the most powerful man in the Underground. It surprised him that he would go along with something as ridiculous as this demand.
"I must abdicate my throne," Ryan replied.
"What?" Jareth asked. This was unheard of in the Underground. No other High King had ever been given such an ultimatum. How could he have been placed in such a predicament by the very people who were supposed to serve him?
"It's true my son," Ryan said. "They are serious about this."
"How much time do you have?" Jareth asked.
"A month," Ryan replied.
"A month? That's ridiculous," Jareth cried.
"I know, but I am prepared to face this challenge," Ryan said confidently.
"Who is she?" Jareth asked, a sly smile on his face. He could tell by the confidence in his father's voice as well as the smirk on his face that he had already chosen someone to rule by his side. Father and son were not so unalike.
"I dare not say until it is official," Ryan said. "You will meet her soon. I promise this my son."
"I will hold you to that," Jareth replied, amiably.
Sarah woke up the next morning in a strange bedroom. It took her a moment to realize that she had fallen asleep in the guest bed at her friend's house. She sat up in bed and stretched willing herself to wake up and face the day. As her hand passed her face, she noticed the ink. With a smile, she remembered the handsome man who walked her home last night.
Stepping out of bed, Sarah forewent her normal routine of washing her face in order to preserve the number on her hand. She walked into the kitchen where the smell of fresh coffee lured her. Amy was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee and reading the paper.
"Good morning," Amy said, smiling.
"Morning," Sarah replied.
"Did you have fun last night?" Amy asked with a smirk. Of course, Sarah could tell to what she was alluding.
"I did, thanks," Sarah replied. "It was just what the doctor ordered."
"This sudden change in your disposition wouldn't have anything to do with a certain hot guy who walked you home last night would it?" Amy asked, her smirk growing.
"Maybe," Sarah answered coyly.
Amy reached out and grabbed Sarah's hand. Giggling, she read the name and number written upon it. Sarah snatched her hand back and grabbed a pen and scrap of paper. She copied the name and number and put it in her pocket. Pouring a cup of coffee, she joined her friend at the table.
"Do you think you're going to call him later?" Amy asked.
"I don't know, I might let him wait for awhile," Sarah replied. "I don't want him to think I'm desperate."
"Sarah, let me give you some friendly advice," Amy requested.
"I've gotta hear this," Sarah muttered.
"Don't play games," Amy advised. "They really only lead to trouble. If you like the man, call him today. Don't make him wait to hear from you."
"I guess you're right," Sarah conceded. It wouldn't make her look desperate if she waited until later this afternoon to call the man. He'd know she was interested, but not a game player. That suited Sarah just fine.
"Where are you off to next?" Amy asked, changing the subject. In all honesty, she really enjoyed hearing about Sarah's travels as a journalist.
"I'm supposed to cover the presidential elections in Russia," she said.
"When do you leave?" Amy asked.
"They're being held on June 16," Sarah answered. "I have to fly out there the week before to begin covering the candidates and gathering material. It's pretty routine stuff. Everyone believes that Yeltsin is going to be reelected, but I think that Zyuganov may give him a run for his money. "
"That means you're gonna be home for a few weeks then," Amy said.
"Yep," Sarah replied. "I'm taking some time off between assignments. Last year I was all go, go, go. The presidential elections are this fall and pretty soon I'm going to be mired in that."
"Want to see a movie later?" Amy asked.
"I don't know, what's out?" Sarah replied.
"Let's see," Amy said, opening the entertainment section of their local paper. She looked at the movie times and found a few she liked. "The Truth About Cats and Dogs has been out for awhile. Last Dance could be good. Twister just came out. That one looks really good. I know how much you like Helen Hunt."
"How about Twister," Sarah suggested. A good action movie is just what the doctor ordered.
"Sounds fly," Amy replied. "It starts at 4:10. I'll pick you up at three so we can get there early enough to get good seats."
"Fly?" Sarah asked, rolling her eyes. "You've been teaching too much. You're starting to sound like the kids you teach." Amy laughed. "Alright, I'm going to head home to take a shower and change. I'll see you this afternoon."
Sarah gave her friend a hug and left to walk the few blocks to her house. On the way there, she could have sworn that she was being watched. She'd stop and look around, but saw no one there. Admonishing herself for letting her imagination run away, she continued on her way.
Ryan was in his office, looking over paperwork. He sighed when a new batch materialized on one corner of his desk. A King's work is never done. He laughed at all the people who thought that being High King was a glamorous job. It did have it's perks, but most of the time it was no different than any other job. Paperwork, duties, and settling disputes were just a fraction of the more tedious side to being King.
A crystal appeared before him, floating in the air. "Yes, Gallagher," he sighed.
"Your Majesty," came the disembodied voice of his servant, "I'm sorry to disturb you but King Shaun is here to see you."
"Send him in," Ryan replied. The crystal disappeared and Ryan attempted to make his desk a little more presentable.
The tall Fae stepped into the office a moment later. Ryan gestured to an open chair and the red-head took a seat.
"Hello Ryan," Shaun said smiling.
"Hello Shaun," Ryan replied. "What can I do for you?" It wasn't every day that a member of the Closed Council came to see him. He had to admit that he was more than a little curious to see what he wanted.
"I just came to check on your progress towards finding a new bride," Shaun said. Ryan frowned. He wasn't used to people checking up on him. He'd been High King for almost 1000 years. Surely, he didn't need a babysitter now.
"Why the concern Shaun?" asked Ryan testily. "I've only just begun the task you gave me. I can assure you that I'm well on my way towards having a new wife."
"May I ask who you have selected?" Shaun asked, ignoring the frosty tone of his High King. It wasn't as if he had asked for this assignment. To be honest, Shaun had been against this test from the beginning. There was no law that said the High King had to have a wife. Unfortunately, he'd been shot down and had to acquiesce to the majority. He couldn't be certain, but he thought there had to be an ulterior motive in creating this task for the High King.
"You may ask, but I will not yield the information," replied Ryan. He wasn't going to give this Fae spy any more information to take back to the Closed Council. It was obvious that someone on the Council was out to get him. He preferred to play his hand very close to the vest.
Shaun nodded as if this was to be expected. He couldn't begrudge the High King. If it were him, he probably wouldn't be willing to give out the information either. This was going to make his task that much harder. He was supposed to find out who the girl was and return to the Closed Council with the information. A crystal appeared before them. Ryan mentally cursed. Who could that be?
"If you would excuse me," Ryan said pointedly.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Shaun replied. He stood up and exited the King's office. This wasn't over. He would not be allowed to return to the Council empty handed.
Ryan didn't recognize this crystal. "Yes?" he asked cautiously.
"H-hello," came the voice of a young Lady. "Is this Ryan?"
"Well hello," said Ryan, pleased. He couldn't help but recognized that voice. "How are you today Sarah?"
"I'm fine," she replied. "How did you know it was me?"
"I have a very good memory, when it suits me," he said. She giggled, her laughter ringing through the room like the tinkling of bells. He found that the sound pleased him.
"I wanted to thank you for walking me home last night," she said. Sarah hated this part of a relationship. The first phone call was the most nerve wracking. She felt like a blathering idiot on the phone.
"No thanks are necessary," he protested. "It really was my pleasure."
"It really was nice to meet you," she said, struggling with finding something to say that sounded somewhat intelligent.
"Likewise," he replied.
"Well," Sarah said, after a pause. "I guess I'll let you go. I just wanted to say thanks." Goodness, why couldn't she have honed her flirting skills like Amy did?
"Before you go Sarah," Ryan replied, not wanting to waste this conversation. "Would you like to join me for dinner?"
"I'm going to a movie with my friend Amy this afternoon," she said. "If you wouldn't mind eating a late dinner, I'd love to go to dinner with you." Sarah felt so relieved. She was worried that he had given her his number by mistake.
"That would be fine," Ryan replied, smiling. "Shall I pick you up at 7:30?"
"Ok," she said. "That will work. I live at 1002 Vine. Do you know where that is?"
"I will find it," he replied. "I'll see you tonight."
"Oh wait, before you go," Sarah said suddenly. "Where are we going? I just want to make sure I dress appropriately."
"I'll surprise you," he replied. "Just wear something that is dressy, yet casual."
"Alright," she agreed. "I'll see you tonight. Bye."
"Goodbye Sarah," he replied. The crystal disappeared, leaving him alone again with his paperwork. He looked forward to his dinner with Sarah. Now was the time to get to work. Not that he would consider wooing work. More like a pleasurable hobby. One he hadn't engaged in in many years. He just hoped he wasn't too out of practice. No matter, he got the first date. That, in itself, boded well for his chances. He went back to his paperwork with a newfound energy and zeal. Tonight couldn't come soon enough.
