Two
Count and Countess Wimberly were of an old family that resided in a near by kingdom. They had rich land that thrived on agriculture, a commodity that Jareth's kingdom was in great need of. The desert sand of his land made it hard to sustain many crops, it was for this reason alone that he entertained the Wimberly' advances. Yes they were refined people, and yes their daughter was Leslie was appealing to the eye, but had there not have been a need he would not have bothered. 'Waste not, want not though,' he thought as he sat with them in the solarium drinking tea. He would have been a fool to ignore such promising circumstances.
Leslie was discussing with her mother the idea of a ball, a celebration to welcome the Winter Solstice. Admittedly he was only half listening. The last ball he had attended would have been… 'Well five years ago,' he thought. He remembered that night. Sarah had been young and radiate then. Leslie's hand was on his arm, he smiled at her. "Do say that you will host a ball Jareth?" she asked.
He looked at the woman sitting next to him. Her light brown hair was braided and twisted up into an intricate hairdo. She was an attractive woman. "How could I refuse?" he asked in return.
"Wonderful!" agreed her father. "In a month then our kingdoms shall join in the celebration!"
Her mother raised her tea cup and smiled cryptically. "To the joining of the kingdoms!" She sipped her drink. "Now, when it comes to decorating my Leslie will not fail you Jareth."
"My dear countess, do not so hastily brush aside my sense of fashion. I know how to throw a proper ball."
"But Jareth," exclaimed Leslie incredulously. "when have you ever thrown a ball?"
"It has been some years. But I should think that betwixt the two of us we shall throw a grand celebration. If the company will excuse me though," he said rising. "I do have other business to attend to today. I have made accommodations for you for the evening and the night. If there is anything you desire please don't hesitate to call for one of my servants. Lord Wimberly." He bowed. "Lady Wimberly. Miss Leslie." Having bowed a third time he left the room.
Alone in the hall he shook his shoulders and head. It mattered little what happened five years ago. In the here and now he had his kingdom to consider. As soon as Sarah Williams was well enough he would find her a situation in which she could earn a modest living and have her out of his home. 'Just how soon will she be well enough?' He turned to head towards his chambers.
Bartholomew placed the sponge back in the bowl. She was clean now at least. He had never performed a rape kit before, had always dreaded the possibility. In his bag were three vials two of which contained liquid- one blood, one a bodily fluid- and the other a hair that was obviously not the woman's. He sighed. He had considered the possibility that the woman had been a willing partner; considered until he had seen the bruising and vaginal tears. This woman had been forced into intercourse. Where had King Jareth found her?
When Jareth entered he saw Bartholomew whispering a sleep enchantment over Sarah's head. She at least looked comfortable now. "She will need your blessing to finish healing," Bartholomew informed him. "Sire," he paused approaching the subject delicately. "Where did this woman come from?"
"Why does that matter?" he asked still looking at the bed.
"I had to perform a rape kit on her."
That startled him. His eyes left the bed. "What?" he demanded. "Did she speak to you?"
"No, no. While in the process of removing her garments for examination she exhibited lower abdominal discomfort. I collected these." He produced the vials. "I'd wager that is semen," he added indicating the vial containing the near clear liquid. Jareth picked it up to examine the contents. "She has all the markings of having been forced."
Jareth lowered the vial, concern showing on his features. Well maybe he wouldn't kick her out immediately… He huffed. "How soon will she be able to talk?"
"Tomorrow at the earliest. Whoever it was also set into motion her changing."
"I can guarantee that we are dealing with two different instances."
"Sire, forgive my boldness, but am I to understand that you know who this woman is?"
Jareth handed the vial back. "I know a good deal about her Bartholomew. Yet it has been some time since I have seen her. Her current state surprises me. The Wimberlys are currently staying with us," he added. "Her presence should not be made known to them."
"Of course sire."
He looked at the bed again. "See to her every need. I shall return to her this evening."