Jareth was sure he had heard Sarah; the sound had only been a small gasp but he recognized her voice. The murmuring had picked up again, making it hard to concentrate and near impossible to locate where the sound had originated. Perhaps he'd only been imagining it…He sighed in defeat, turning back to face his father as the ruler straightened himself and the other judges went back to their seats.
Oberon looked calm but Jareth could see the anguish in his gaze. He knew his father didn't understand. To die for a human, one that had humiliated and rejected him, was a concept that the High King certainly didn't grasp. He wished his mother had been present; He knew she'd try to comprehend his reasoning. But she had fallen ill and hadn't attended so he'd had to stand tall and shoulder the hostile stares from various Fae.
He really hated his kind…Pompous, arrogant and envious, the whole lot of them. Which was why he'd fought tooth and claw against an arranged marriage. If he was to marry, he wanted it to be someone that he loved and that loved him in return. That was also why he wouldn't force Sarah into marrying him because he knew just how horrid an arranged marriage was. And he couldn't bear to hurt Sarah like that, to have her hate him for forcing her into matrimony. All he really wanted was her happiness, even if it left him miserable or in this case, dead.
"Jareth, heir to the High throne and King of the Goblins, you are found guilty of treason and are hereby sentenced to death. Any last words?"
He opened his mouth to speak but a bang at the end of the hall cut him off. Everyone turned their attention to the newcomers, their eyes wide. Jareth froze as his eyes fell upon the two visitors, every muscle in his body tensing. Sarah stood at the entrance, clad in faded jeans and a white V-neck. Her green eyes seemed a bit red and he wondered if she'd been crying. Beside her stood his mother, her smile happy and tears running down her face. Both were out of breath and disheveled, cobwebs decorating their hair.
"Wait," Sarah panted, "Hold everything."
"Who dares intrude in the middle of a trial?!"
Sarah glared icily at the pudgy Fae who'd spoken until he sat back down, "I'm Sarah Williams, the Champion of the Labyrinth."
His father sat up, interested, "Please, come forward."
She strode toward them, head held high. Jareth watched her come down, his heart fluttering happily in his chest. She stopped right beside him, her arm brushing his. He wasn't sure if she had done that on purpose or not but when she made no inclination to move it, he felt a spark of hope ignite inside his chest.
He inspected her face, trying to uncover her thoughts, "What are you doing here, precious?"
She spared a glance in his direction, speaking just as softly as he had, her pale face reddening slightly, "Saving your sorry self."
"So," his father began, drawing their attention and giving the human girl a through look-over, "You're Sarah."
"Yes," Sarah colored then added quickly, "Your Highness."
"Well then, Sarah Williams, why have you interrupted our trial?"
She took a deep breath, the red on her cheeks traveling to the rest of her face, "Because your son is NOT guilty."
There were several shouts of disagreement but Oberon silenced them with a stern glare. Jareth blinked several times, wondering if this was really happening. Once everything was quiet, Oberon motioned her ahead. Sarah threw back her hair, looking every bit like a Queen, "I have reconsidered your son's proposal and have agreed to become his wife."
xxxxxxxxx
Sarah could feel Jareth's eyes on her but didn't dare look up. She was already having a mental breakdown from their arms brushing so she knew that one look up at him and she would most likely faint. Several Fae had gotten up, shouting out against her words. Nadyria had gone up to sit beside her husband, a thankful smile on her face. When Sarah had finally made her decision, she'd bolted from the room even though she had no idea where the throne room actually was.
Nadyria, as if sensing what she was about to do, had run after her and called out instructions, leading her to the throne room and Sarah was glad that they had made it in time. Oberon called for order and it took a few minutes to get everyone to quiet down.
"In light of this new information, the sentence will be dropped as Jareth is no longer breaking the contract he made. You will need to hold the ceremony in a month in order to fulfill all the requirements. That is all. Everyone, dismissed."
Sarah felt relief flood her body, her legs going weak. Strong arms instantly wrapped around her waist, holding her up then pulling her into a warm chest. She breathed in Jareth's spicy and magical scent, letting him hold her and taking comfort from his warmth.
"You've saved me, Sarah-mine," his voice broke slightly, "Thank you."
Sarah shook her head, "If you had told me everything earlier, this wouldn't have happened."
Jareth raised an eyebrow, "Would you really have believed me?"
Sarah sighed, smiling wryly, "Probably not."
Jareth chuckled, hugging her tightly, "Exactly. Though I believe I once told you that things are not always what they seem."
"You did," Sarah giggled, still feeling giddy with relief. Being in Jareth's arms felt natural and perfect, just like it had when she'd danced with him 5 years ago in that stuffy ballroom. He touched her cheek with a leathered finger and she looked up at him, uncharacteristically shy. Most everyone had left the room, including the King and Queen though Sarah had not seen when they'd left.
"I'm sorry I involved you in this," his smile was sad and bittersweet, "I apologize for forcing you to…"
She impatiently pressed a finger against his lips, irritation making her frown, "You didn't FORCE me into anything, all right? It's my decision. I can't let you die because of me."
He frowned as well, averting his gaze, "I don't want you to marry me out of guilt or obligation, Sarah. I would rather die than see you make this kind of sacrifice."
Her anger sparked and she took a step back, meeting his gaze squarely, "Listen here, you ungrateful brat! I didn't do this out of guilt or obligation! If you'll recall, you were quite cruel to me in the Labyrinth so guilt or obligation were the furthest things in my mind when I entered this throne room. I did it because…because I couldn't stand the thought of you dead. As much as I thought I hated you, just thinking that you'd be hurt or gone scared me. A world where you didn't exist seemed empty."
"But you don't love me," he stated bluntly, though the words came out more like a question than an actual statement and she could see the hope and fear warring in his expressive eyes.
She looked down then looked back up, her eyes sincere, "I…I don't know. You haunt my dreams every night and I'm always disappointed when I wake up and you're not there. Every guy I've gone out with has never been good enough. And even though I'd convinced myself I despised you, I'd always secretly wished that you'd show up again."
"That was your own fault. You told me I had no power over you," Jareth grinned toothily, his sharp canines flashing in the light, "Why do you think I let your traitorous friends come and go as they please? I had to keep tabs on you somehow."
Sarah just sighed, glaring at him halfheartedly, "You didn't let me finish…Where are your manners?"
Jareth blinked, surprised, "There was more? I daresay, that was quite a lengthy love confession, Sarah-mine. If you continue on like that, you'll make me blush."
Sarah flushed red, irritated by the teasing tone in his melodious voice, "You're impossible!"
But she realized he was right. Now that her feelings had been put into a very clear perspective, both for the King and for herself, she realized that she had somehow, irrationally and undoubtedly, fallen in love with the charismatic Goblin King.
Jareth chuckled, his eyes sparkling as he brought her close again, so close Sarah could hear his rapid heartbeat "Forgive me, precious, but I'm just a bit overwhelmed right now."
Sarah huffed but her heart was tap-dancing in her chest in consequence to how close they were standing, "So you tease others when you're overwhelmed?"
He gave her a patronizing stare, "How would you feel Sarah, if the person you'd loved for years suddenly admitted, though in not so many words, that they returned your love?"
"I'm not sure as he hasn't really said anything yet," Sarah muttered quietly though Jareth had already made it quite clear of his feelings for her. Still, she wanted to hear him say it. She selfishly wanted to hear those three words fall from his lips even though he'd already admitted that he loved her. He tensed and she snapped her head up to look at him, worried that perhaps she'd offended him.
"You know," a mischievous smirk slowly spread across his face, "I find that actions sometime speak louder than words."
Without warning, he bent his head down and kissed her lips, teasing and light. The moment their lips touched, Sarah's mind short-fused and she'd roughly pulled on his royal clothes, a searing heat engulfing her. Jareth didn't seem surprised by her reaction, his gloved hands holding her to him while his lips expertly guided her along.
They broke apart and she blurted out the first thing that came to mind, "You kiss really well."
He grinned predatorily and Sarah shivered, feeling feverish, "That's not all I can do well."
"Pervert," she teased though inside, her senses had all gone into hyper drive, all acutely aware of the Fae. His grin widened and he bent down further to brush his lips lightly against Sarah's neck, making Sarah gasp as another wave of heat rushed through her body.
"You have no idea," he growled softly into her ear, chuckling darkly when she shuddered against him.
A dry cough drew their attention to the short dwarf who'd questioned Jareth during the trial, "If I may be so bold, your Highness…Perhaps you'd want to continue this charming conversation elsewhere."
"Yes…You have a point there, Nitrug," Jareth mused, his fingers absently running through Sarah's long dark hair.
"It's, uh, it's Norton, you're Highness," the dwarf corrected, fixing his glasses.
"Whatever," Jareth waved it off, ignoring the dwarf's huff of indignation, "Now, precious, shall we go? I'm sure the throne room is in absolute chaos and I still have to reprimand your three useless friends for not taking care of you properly…Don't worry though, as a token of my gratitude I won't dunk them in the Bog."
"How merciful," Sarah rolled her eyes to which Jareth just chuckled, conjuring up a crystal and smashing it. They were soon enveloped in glitter, vanishing with a small pop. They materialized in his throne room, which was surprisingly not as chaotic as they'd expected.
"Ah! You're Highness! And…My Lady! What brings you here and arriving with our dictator as well?"
"Sir Didymus," Sarah greeted the furry creature, "It's good to see you! Well, I had to go and save your dictator and as thanks he gave me a ride."
"Not only that but Sarah wanted to explore her new home since she will be moving in as my wife in a month," Jareth completed, sounding pleased, "Splendid job by the way, fox-knight."
"What? Is what he speaketh true, milady?"
Sarah had turned red, biting her lip in embarrassment, "…Yeah."
"But…Didst thou not loathe our oppressive ruler?"
"You'd do well to remember that the oppressive rule is listening," Jareth growled irritably, his icy blue eyes flashing.
"It's complicated, Sir Didymus but uh…I don't hate him," she flushed, brushing away a few strands of hair that had fallen in her face, "I actually really like him now."
Sir Didymus stayed silent for a few minutes before shouting gleefully, "Why, then I must congratulate you! Both my fair maiden and our king!"
"Sawah!"
Hoggle and Ludo shuffled into the room, both looking relieved, "Thank goodness…You alright, Sarah?"
"Ah, Hedgewart," Jareth stood over the dwarf menacingly, the aura around him murderous, "How kind of you to join us. I thought I gave you specific instructions to keep Sarah safe…"
Hoggle cowered down, trembling, "It ain't my fault! I couldn't just say no to the High Queen!"
Jareth picked him up by the collar and Hoggle yelped but the monarch paid it no mind, "Since I'm feeling particularly generous today, I'll let it slide and won't bog you."
He suddenly let go and Hoggle crashed to the floor, though the fall was somewhat cushioned by Sir Didymus, who'd been standing underneath. Sarah gave the King a reprimanding stare, checking to see if her two friends were all right.
"I really am sorry Sarah," Hoggle apologized, wiping his nose with his arm, "Havin' that dirty rat bring you back."
"You know, Higgle," Jareth mused from a few feet away, "The bog is still an option. Don't tempt me."
Sarah rolled her eyes then patted the dwarf's shoulder comfortingly, "It's alright, Hoggle. It's a good thing I went with the Queen or something terrible might have happened."
"Yes, yes, but now we must get to work," Jareth collapsed onto his throne, making himself comfortable, "We only have one month to prepare for the ceremony."
Hoggle tensed, looking up at the King suspiciously, "Wha' ceremony?"
"Why, a wedding ceremony, my dear fellow," Sir Didymus crowed, shaking with excitement, "Milady Sarah and our ruling monarch will be united in the holy bonds of matrimony!"
Hoggle's eyes widened, "Wha? But…Sarah, have you forgotten everything he did to ya? Did 'e force ye, is that it?"
Sarah smiled, shaking her head, "I haven't forgotten but I understand why he treated me that way. And he didn't force me Hoggle. I accepted of my own free will. It's hard to explain but I love him. I think I always have, even when he was just a fictional character in my book."
Jareth suddenly materialized behind her, lips by her ear, "My, my. We're full of love confessions today, aren't we precious?"
She turned in his arms, smiling sheepishly, "Yeah, well, I have to make up for lost time, don't I?"
He smirked then bent down to give her a mind-numbing kiss that fried all her brain cells and turned her into a pile of goo. Jareth chuckled, holding her close, "Troublesome trio, escort my fiancée home. It's late and she needs her rest."
He gave her a last quick kiss before releasing her, smirking triumphantly when she wobbled unsteadily. Ludo was soon at her side, supporting her. They walked up to the large mirror behind the throne, Jareth watching them from afar. Sir Didymus hopped in first then Hoggle. Sarah waved Ludo on then turned back to Jareth, "Jareth…I lied. When I said you didn't have any power over me…I lied."
Jareth blinked then smiled fondly, "And I lied when I said I wanted you to fear me, love me and do as I say. I just wanted you to love me…That was it. I was already your slave from the beginning."
Sarah grinned happily, "I don't really want a slave. Just a husband is fine."
"Your wish is my command," he bowed down, his icy blue eyes sparkling, "Until later, my Queen."
Sarah paused then blew him a quick kiss, her cheeks pink, "Until later."
With that she stepped into the mirror, looking forward to the month ahead and all the years to come.
