Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters
Authors note: thank you so much for the reviews and follows of my story, I will admit to being over the moon to find so many of you liking and following for updates, will try not to disappoint but the updates will slow down after chapter 6 as I'm still writing this. Thanks again.
Jareth waited patiently outside Sarah's front door, wanting to greet her in the correct Aboveground way and had even stopped at a florist to pick up an elegant bouquet of roses, lilies and tulips. He could feel he was nervous which was a strange feeling due to his status as a King but then he was about to begin courting the one woman who had rejected him even if she didn't understand his offer at the time.
Hearing movement coming from inside the house, heading for the front door, Jareth straightened his posture without the intimidating aura and moved the bouquet of flowers behind him. As the door opened to reveal his future Queen(hopefully), Jareth was left utterly speechless at the sight before him. Sarah looked magnificent in the gown he had given her for her birthday and he also made a mental note to reward Fiona for not only pulling out all the stops to highlight Sarah's natural beauty but for also giving Jareth a glimpse of how Sarah would always look if he succeeds in making her his wife and Queen.
Jareth's reaction when Sarah opened the door was all she needed to know that not only was he impressed but that she was truly stunning in her new gown. Jareth also looked very handsome in the black tux he was wearing and Sarah noticed how his also shimmered the same as her gown did. His hair was smoothed back into a neat low ponytail and his mismatched eyes (one hazel, one blue) twinkled as he looked her over.
Knowing she would need to make the first greeting in order to snap the Goblin King back to reality, Sarah dropped into a elegant curtesy and welcomed His Highness.
"Good evening, King Jareth," Sarah said clearly and with a smile, this welcome did the trick and brought Jareth back to the present.
"Good evening, my Lady Sarah," he replied, and bowed in return and then offered her the bouquet he had hidden. "You look truly magnificent this fair evening."
Sarah could only smile and blush in response to his compliment and gently took the flowers that were handed to her.
"Would you like to come in for a moment, while I put these in water?" Sarah asked, while nodding to the flowers.
"Thank you," Jareth stepped through the doorway into her home and followed Sarah into the kitchen and watched as she filled a vase with water before carefully placing her latest birthday gift in the now heavy vase and in the middle of the kitchen table.
"Thank you for the flowers, Jareth," Sarah commented, turning to look at him. "I will take them up to my room later."
"I'm very glad you like them," he responded with a kind smile. "Are you ready to go?" Holding out his arm for Sarah to place her hand in the crook of his elbow.
"Yes," Sarah moved and placed her hand where he indicated and felt a slight tingling sensation in her fingertips but ignored it in favour of her next question; "Where are we going?"
"To my favourite theatre in New York," Jareth answered with a knowing smile, he was truly looking forward to spoiling Sarah this evening.
"New York?" She gasped in reply. "But how are we getting there?" As soon as Sarah asked, she felt rather silly as she already knew the answer would be by using magic.
"That would be telling, sweet Sarah," Jareth teased, knowing she wanted to take back the obvious question. He lead her to the front door but when he opened it, Sarah didn't see her front garden instead they walked straight into the theatre. It was one of the best and Sarah wouldn't expect anything less of Jareth as he was a King after all.
"The tickets are booked under 'Jareth King'" he explained in a low voice as not to be over heard. "Just in case anyone asks."
Sarah nodded her response and couldn't help but look around as Jareth led the way to first collect their tickets then to the private box that he had booked for the evening.
"What are we watching?" Sarah asked after finally finding tongue and was sat comfortably in her seat.
"The Phantom of the Opera, of course," Jareth answered, looking up from the programme he'd been reading. "I hope you enjoy it." Seeing the flush of excitement stain her cheeks. As he went back to reading the actors and actresses names, Jareth saw one name that could put a huge rain cloud over Sarah's evening and decided to bring the matter to her attention rather than her find out in a negative way.
"I owe you an apology, my love," looking at Sarah again. "The actress playing Carlotta is your mother. I was under the impression that she was still ill but it seems she has recovered enough to perform tonight. I'm sorry, if I'd known I would have arranged for us to go to a different theatre." Jareth watched the range of emotions play across Sarah's face; slight shock, hurt, confusion and lastly forgiveness.
"Jareth, you have nothing to apologise for," Sarah smiled, trying to reassure him. "You didn't know, that doesn't mean it's your fault and I still get to spend the evening with you on my birthday. You and my friends are the only ones who have remembered and cared enough to make me happy, that means the world to me."
"If you're sure, my dear," Jareth commented, reaching out to gently hold her hand in his.
"I'm sure," Sarah responded and squeezed his hand to thank him silently. The main lights then started to dim and go out leaving only the small guide lights on. The performance started and held the whole of Sarah's attention but she did not remove her hand from his and neither did he.
At the intermission, Jareth asked Sarah if she would like a drink and after she said she would he rose to leave in order to get them both some refreshment. As Jareth was about to completely leave their box through the curtain, he thought of a another question to ask Sarah.
"Sarah?" Sarah turned to look at him. "If you could choose between Raoul and The Phantom, who would you choose and why? You don't have to answer this minute, but I am curious," and with a wicked smile, Jareth left the box to get their refreshments.
Jareth arrived at the bar and ordered a still ice water for Sarah and a gin and tonic for himself. Waiting calmly for the drinks, the last person he expected to stop at the same bar was Sarah's mother, Linda Williams. She happily asked for an ice tea and took in her surroundings, giving Jareth the once over. It took her a minute to recognise him as he was dressed for the Aboveground and not in his black armour.
"Oh my god!" Jareth heard her whisper easily. Jareth couldn't resist the opportunity to confirm her conclusion of who he was.
"Good evening, Ms Williams," Jareth said with a smirk. "It's been a long time, nearly sixteen years, if I remember correctly and I always remember correctly."
"It is you!" The shock and fear in her voice satisfied Jareth's need for revenge on Sarah's behalf. "What are you doing here?"
"I enjoy the theatre and come here as offen as possible, not to mention that the company here is far more enjoyable than at home," Jareth stated, suddenly bored and wanted urgently to return to Sarah.
"You're here with someone?" Linda asked, unsure of how to react to the Goblin King not only standing in front of her or the fact that he admitted to coming regularly.
"Of course," Jareth stated, as the bar man placed his and Sarah's drinks on the bar in front of him. "It is her birthday and I brought her here as part of her birthday present as well as our first date. Hopefully the first of many." Jareth grasped the drinks in his hands. "Now if you'll excuse me, Ms Williams, I believe I have neglected my Lady long enough." And Jareth just walked away, leaving a stunned and very nervous Linda.
Jareth returned to the box to find Sarah deep in thought, most likely about the question he had asked her. He handed her her drink and they talked lightly about the gifts her friends had given her and about his kingdom. Within a short time the lights dimmed again and the second half of the performance started and finished.
"That was outstanding," Sarah commented to Jareth over the applause. "Thank you so much for this Jareth."
"Ah, the night hasn't finished yet, my love," Jareth said with a smile, offering Sarah his arm, which Sarah took happily.
The couple casually made their way back through the theatre, Jareth leading the way back to the door they'd come through from her house.
"Where to now, Sire?" Sarah asked, excitement and apprehension mixing in her stomach as she didn't want the night to end.
"Well, I have reservations at Nerai in fifteen minutes," Jareth replied, looking at his wrist watch to confirm the time.
"The Greek res-"
"SARAH?!" A voice called across the main theatre entrance. Sarah turned startled, to see her mother rushing down the staircase, her face pale with fear and panic.
"Evening Mother," Sarah greeted her as her mother threw her arms around her. "I really enjoyed your performance as Carlotta."
"What are you doing here?" Linda asked, holding Sarah by the shoulders and looking her over. "More importantly, what are you doing here with HIM?" glaring at Jareth.
"Excuse me?" Sarah asked bewildered and turned to look at Jareth, completely confused.
"Well done, Ms Williams," Jareth's voice had gone cold along with his eyes. The Goblin King was now at his full height and the waves of anger coming off him were thick. "If you had just greeted your daughter calmly then there would have been no need to ruin her birthday with talk of the past!"
Linda paled further. Three things clicked into place for her. One; Sarah didn't know anything of the deal and so had not been taken back to the Goblin Kingdom. Two; it was her daughters eighteenth birthday and she'd forgotten. And three; Sarah knew what this man was and didn't mind one whit.
"Would someone like to explain to me what is going on?" Sarah asked calmly, standing slightly away from both Jareth and her mother.
"I've met your mother and father before, Sarah," Jareth said gently, hoping that her birthday hadn't been completely ruined.
"It was along time ago," Linda spoke up, realising her mistake and wanting to correct and rescue what was left of her daughters birthday. "You were only little." At the comment Sarah figured it out.
"Who wished me away?" She directed her question to Jareth and ignored her mother's gasp of surprise.
"Your babysitter." He answered, looking into her eyes and silently begged her to let him explain properly when he took her home.
"Why do I have a feeling this will take awhile to explain, not to mention the number of questions I will have that will need answering," Sarah said, pinching the bridge of her nose and tried to remain calm.
"If you want me to take you home and explain everything, you only have to ask," Jareth stated sadly. He was still hoping that they could have dinner, but it was a dying hope at best.
Seeing the sadness in his eyes, Sarah made a decision.
"No, let's put this subject to the back of our minds for now and continue with our evening," she placed her hand on his arm and smiled at Jareth before turning to her mother.
"It was lovely to see you mother and I truly loved the play, but Jareth and I have reservations at Nerai." And just like that the couple left the theatre through the same door they came through only to end up arriving at the restaurant.
True to her word, Sarah put the information of the past to the back of her mind and continued her evening with Jareth. The restaurant was white and black with carved wooden dividers, it was quite busy with a line of customers leading just outside the door but Jareth led Sarah straight to the seating hostess at the front.
"καλησπέρα (Good evening), Mr King," greeted the hostess, with a polite bow. "And κυρία (Madam)?" Turning to Sarah.
"δεσποινίδα (Miss) Williams," Sarah corrected kindly with a smile.
"καλησπέρα, δεσποινίδα Williams," the hostess greeted with a smile of her own. "Please follow me." And she lead them to a table in a private corner, carved red wooden dividers on the one side connecting them to the restaurant and a wall on their other. Once seated, she handed them their menus and left.
"Jareth this is amazing," Sarah whispered, clearly impressed. "Do you come here often too?"
"Are we impressed, my dear Sarah?" Jareth teased, with smirk looking over his menu, seeing a blush stain her cheeks. "Yes, I always come here after going to the theatre, it's the best."
A server came over and asked for their drinks order. Sarah ordered a Forbidden Fruit cocktail and a glass of water, after all she was under age though the server didn't check. Jareth ordered a Gin and Tonic and a bottle of white wine for their meal. With a polite bow, the server left to fill out their drinks order, saying he would come back soon for their food order.
"I didn't realise you spoke Greek, Sarah," Jareth commented, watching her with curiosity in his eyes. "What other languages to you know?"
"It's not my best or favourite language," she explained, feeling rather shy. "I also speak French, Irish and Welsh. Currently I'm learning Spanish."
"You're quite the linguist, Sarah-mine," pride laced Jareth's voice and Sarah blushed at the complement.
The server returned with their first course and for a short time, a comfortable silence settled over the couple, till Sarah remembered the question Jareth had asked her.
"I've been thinking about your question," Sarah said, slowly sipping her cocktail in between bites of her first course.
"Have you now?" Jareth knew which question she was talking about, if she could choose between The Phantom or Raoul, which would she? "And what is your answer?"
"I don't have to choose," Sarah replied, earning a puzzled look off Jareth. "Raoul is a gentlemen who protects those he loves unconditionally, where as The Phantom is a dominate man who can be cruel in his love for those he loves, do these qualities remind you of anyone, Jareth?"
"I'm sure you will enlighten me, my dear," Jareth said coolly taking a drink of his wine.
"I don't have to choose because you are both men," she explained, suddenly very nervous about how he would react. "You are kind yet cruel, dominating but gentle and you protect those you care about no matter the cost to yourself." Sarah finished in a whisper.
Jareth sat back and observed his future bride. He was, to say the least, un-nerved to find that Sarah could see through him so well, not to mention very impressed that she would look for those qualities in him and not be afraid of him either. She was nervous that much was clear but she was not afraid, but then she hadn't shown any fear of him when she was just a toddler.
"Interesting answer, precious," Jareth smiled and winked at Sarah to put her a ease. Seeing her relax then smile at his wink also helped him to relax back into their evening and enjoy it to the full.
At the end of the evening, Jareth magically took Sarah home and promised to return when she was ready to hear about her past encounter with him. Jareth then placed a gentle and lingering kiss on Sarah's cheek before leaving her to the peace and quiet of her home.