Love without your heartbeat

Chapter 2

Sarah collapsed back on the bed. He was too much…..too much for her to handle this early in the morning. Did he really have to come barging in like that? Was this going to be a regular thing with him? Ugh. She tore at her hair and ran to the full-length mirror that leaned against the left wall. Her dark hair was disheveled from sleep and her face still held that humiliating blush from being held in his arms. Shake it off Sarah! Shake it off! She tried but the blush remained. She tried frantically rubbing at her face. Nothing. She would just have to wait for it to go away naturally. She stuck out her tongue playfully at herself. She tried fluffing her hair in vain and leaned into the mirror, when her eyes crossed and she almost fell over staring at a familiar hawkish nose where her own should be. "Sarah." She stifled a scream and staggered backward against the bed.

"What are you doing in my mirror?" The Goblin King smirked.

"Must I remind you Sarah, that this is my mirror as is the all of the contents of your room." She wanted more than anything to wipe that smirk off his face. She sniffed playfully.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" Jareth chuckled.

"You are of course – without a doubt, my queen." Sarah wasn`t sure if he was just playing along, or if he really meant it – for she had but glimpsed a veiled intense passion behind his playful gaze and tone. "Now, I had hoped to invite you to breakfast, but if you should have other pressing engagements….." he smiled wickedly. "Come anyway." Sarah swallowed with difficulty. "I`ve gifted you some – interesting garments on the bed. Do me the honour of wearing them?" Sarah flushed.

"I`m not agreeing to anything until I have seen said garments." The King smiled and pretended to be shocked.

"Sarah really! Is this what you think of me? I ought to be insulted, but I confess…my enjoyment of your guesses. I must know! What were you thinking I would have you wear that would bring on that lovely color?" Since the Goblin King was occupying the mirror, Sarah could not see herself. She blushed even harder and chucked a pillow at the mirror. To her surprise, it went through to where Jareth was, hitting him squarely in the face. His eyes narrowed playfully.

"You`re going to pay for that one Sarah!" he growled. Sarah stepped backward, thinking that she had pushed him too far. She was up against the side of the bed, fumbling around for a weapon or another pillow or something to defend herself. Her hand landed on something soft and she grabbed it. To her dismay, it was a bundle containing a beautiful sky-blue gown, matching heels, and some jewelry that was fit for a queen. Realizing her danger too late, she scrambled to get away as Jareth came through the mirror, catching her by the wrist. Squealing, she was pulled through the mirror and into his chambers.

"Shouldn`t we be heading to the dining hall…." She said weakly, trying to catch her breath. The king smiled mischievously.

"I thought we should breakfast in here. Why go out there….all those noisy goblins when this is more…..private." Sarah gulped. He clapped his hands and breakfast for two appeared on the bed. Sarah struggled remain nonchalant. To prove she wasn`t to be put-off so easily, she climbed onto the bed first, daring him to try something un-gentlemanly. He moved to the bed with a cat-like grace. He wondered briefly if he had pushed himself too far. Seeing her like this, in his room, on his bed…he shook his head to clear it. They ate quietly, without much talking until Sarah couldn`t take it anymore.

"Why am I here?" Jareth toyed absentmindedly with the stem of his goblet.

"Would it suffice to say I missed you?" She rolled her eyes.

"We both know that`s not true. Now let`s have the real reason." Jareth`s brow creased. "Sarah – I….I have been given three weeks to find a bride. According to the laws and customs of this kingdom, I must marry or else lose my position as king and my powers of…manipulation shall we say, that come with my duties. I do not wish to pressure you into doing something that you are not ready for, but know that you are the only one I have ever wanted to become my queen. You, and you alone have defeated me, proving that you are more than worthy to help me rule a kingdom. I…..I am not asking for your love Sarah, merely for your cooperation. I only ask that you stay for these three weeks and when they are up, you can make your decision. I will respect your wishes and return you to the aboveground if you should desire it." She stopped him with a hand.

"Jareth, I`m flattered, I really am. I want you to understand that even if I refuse you, I will not return to the aboveground. There is nothing for me there – and I don`t want to go back. I will stay here, with you even if I don`t feel ready to become your queen. I will always be a friend and advisor – if you`ll let me." He inclined his head, heart breaking slightly. Coward.

"Of course, Sarah. Thank you. Now -" he got up off the bed, waving the food away. "there is much to be done. You may become my queen yet Sarah, and if you do, there are places you need to see, things you need to know." he held out his hand to her, backing away towards the window, giving her that wicked smile of his that sent chills up and down her spine. "And lessons start….. right…. now."