IV
Sarah woke early and turned to face her still sleeping husband. Running a finger down his cheek she let out a soft sigh. "Sleep my darling Goblin King," she whispered before climbing from the bed. She took her robe from the back of her wardrobe and wrapped it tightly around her. She padded softly down the corner and stepped into the nursery. As she approached the two beds she saw the little girl was awake, staring intently at her. "Good morning, little one," Sarah whispered as she stood before the girl. The girl's face contorted into a pout, "You're not my mommy!" the girl said regarding Sarah with suspicious eyes. "No, I'm not your mommy darling." Sarah sighed stroking the girl's dark curls. "I want my mommy," the girl whined, pushing Sarah's hand away. "Who is your mommy?" Sarah watched as the little girl pushed her blankets away and crossed her arms over her chest. "My mommy is the queen!" the little girl replied matter-of-factly. "Queen?" Sarah stepped back in surprise. "The Queen of Alderaan." The little girl puffed out her chest proudly. "And you must be a princess," Sarah sunk into the nearest chair, struck dumb at the discovery. The fact that the child was royalty changed everything. "Sarah," she heard the familiar drawl from the doorway. "She's a princess, Jareth." Sarah turned to face her husband as the color drained from his face. "Princess?" He repeated. "We must go to her parents. The code demands it," Sarah rose from the chair and took her husband's hand as she spoke. "Why would someone wish away a princess?" Jareth searched Sarah's gaze for an answer but none could be found. "I'll summon Hoggle to watch them as we prepare for the journey," Sarah placed a chaste kiss on Jareth's cheek before hurrying down the corridor for the small cottage on the outskirts of the labyrinth.
Jareth stepped closer to the child who stood firmly before him. "A princess, eh?" He brought his hand to stroke his chin. "Princess of Alderaan," the girl responded firmly, watching him as suspiciously as she had Sarah. "Where is Alderaan, little one?" Jareth moved a step closer. "At the center of the galaxy." She answered, eyes fixed on the Goblin King. "Do you know how you come to be here, princess?" Jareth knelt before her. "You took me away," she frowned, refusing to meet his gaze. "But why, think little one, why would someone want me to take you away?" Jareth took hold of her small hands. "No one." She tried to pull away but he held her tighter. "What are your parent's names?" Jareth pressed. "Why?" the girl tried to tug away once more. "So that I can find them, little one, and bring you home." Jareth released her as the little girl stumbling back. "My mommy is the Queen, her name is Breha. My daddy is the Senator, his name is Bail." She twisted her little hands together nervously. "And what is your name, little one?" Jareth stood. "Leia," she murmured as Sarah entered with Hoggle.
"Hoggle will watch the children while we are gone," Sarah stepped past Jareth and knelt before the girl, taking hold of her hands. "My husband and I are going to find your parents and we shall make sure you get home. My friend Hoggle is going to watch over you until our return. He will keep you safe, I promise." Sarah kissed the girl on the forehead before moving back to Jareth's side. "Are you ready?" He looked to his wife nervously and with a short nod the pair disappeared into a cloud of smoke and glitter.