The Labyrinth – do not own it and I never have, but I can dream.

A/N : If you should happen to notice any similarities to Jane Austen's 'Persuasion', I would like to say that I did take some inspiration from that story but in no way should anyone believe this is a copy of that story. I adore Austen but the plot is mine.

Chapter Seven – Dance Magic Dance

Sarah hadn't learned nearly everything she wanted to learn about the Underground, but there was one new thing she had learned for certain: she hated dress fittings. It wasn't that the elf seamstress wasn't perfectly charming and it wasn't that the gown wouldn't be beyond beautiful once it was finished. No, it was standing on this stupid pedestal and having pins poking her anytime she even breathed that she had already come to hate.

Ciara was about the nicest person she had met that wasn't part of the royal family. Her blue hair and lavender eyes made her quite unique looking and she chatted with Sarah like they were old friends. And her taste in style and color for the gown she was making was absolutely perfect. She had selected a midnight blue silk organza with a sheer overlay sparkling with stars. It made the dress look like it had been fashioned from the night sky. The bodice was corseted to fit her perfectly with a deep sweetheart neckline and two thin straps over each shoulder that crisis crossed in the back. There were no actual sleeves but she had made wristlets that covered three quarters of her arms from the same midnight blue fabric. The skirt was draped down from her hips in layers upon layers of fabric gathered up at her right hip to reveal a silver underskirt. Even unfinished as it was, it was the most amazing gown she had ever worn, making the white peach dream gown pale in comparison.

"Ciara, this gown is far too fine a garment for me. This is something a princess or a queen should wear, not a common woman like me." She glanced at her reflection and gently shook her head.

"Lady Sarah, I can assure you that this gown is exactly what her majesty requested be made for you. She was quite specific and adamant that you look as beautiful as any woman at the ball if not more so. She mentioned something about wanting to please his highness, Crown Prince Jareth. Are you interested in courting him?" She looked at Sarah, not like someone looking for gossip but like someone with genuine interest in the royal family. "I am sorry if I am prying but I have known the royal children since they were babies and love them like they were my own. I can remember making some of the court clothes that the crown prince wore when he was young. He has such a love for gems, sparkle and lace." The loving expression on her face showed her true feelings. "I wish to see Prince Jareth happily married, so if you feel comfortable answering, are you looking to have him court you?"

Sarah blushed and looked at her feet. "Yes, I would like very much to have his majesty court me." The blush spread from her cheeks to her whole face. The elf maiden smiled happily.

"You're in love with him!" She danced around the pedestal, laughing and singing in some strange language that Sarah assumed must be Elvish. "Oh how wonderful. A woman that truly loves him, not some arrogant, spoiled princess looking for power and wealth. Oh, may the gods and goddesses bless you both!" Ciara hugged Sarah, driving several pins into her waist and causing her to shriek in pain. "Oh, forgive my carelessness. I am most sorry. I forgot about the pins." She let go of the young woman and hung her head.

"It's okay, Ciara. You forgot and I am fine. I am glad that you want his majesty to court me, too. I hope your prayers will be heard." She said nothing more as the door burst open and Vinny and Deeny ran in, looking very concerned. Seeing Sarah was alright, they smiled and left to return to their own fittings.

Ciara found herself liking the human woman in front of her more with each passing moment. She was kind, sweet and even tempered. She did not put on airs and seemed to be fair minded. And she was very beautiful and if she became Prince Jareth's wife, they would surely have beautiful children and add to it that since Lady Sarah was human, they would not have to struggle with fertility like many other Fae couples.

"Alright Lady Sarah, the dress is all pinned and now there is only the sewing that needs to be completed. She helped the woman out of the gown and carefully laid it across the sewing table as Sarah slipped on a silk robe and tied it over her corseted waist.

"So, the gown will be all finished in time for tomorrow night's festivities?" She had no concept of how long it would take the seamstress to finish with the alterations.

"No fears, my lady. The gown will be ready and you will be a vision. Prince Jareth fancies this shade of blue and will not be able to keep his eyes off of you. Have a good evening, my lady." The elven maiden bowed to Sarah and Sarah bowed back, still unsure as to what she was supposed to do. Court protocol was very confusing.

The bookcase in the goblin king's sitting room had many rare books on its shelves, but there was a middle shelf that held several crystals. These crystals were memories that Jareth wanted to be able to revisit. He picked up one on the far right of that shelf. As he twisted his wrist, the clear orb started to fill with a white fog and then he was able to see the ballroom of Sarah's dream just like he was watching it on a movie screen. She had been so wrong when she thought the peach had created that dream. The peach contained the memory spell that was designed to make her forget about Toby and forget about completing the labyrinth. The dream was all of her own creation, he merely gifted her a dream, not the contents. She wanted to be the princess at the ball; she had wanted to dance with the king. And when he saw her dream, well, he just couldn't resist stepping into it and being a part of her fantasy. He was after all, also called the King of Dreams, so it was not difficult to be there in the ballroom.

She was so innocent and yet she had begun to understand what she wanted, what she had been feeling. She had wanted his touch, his kiss; she was lusting for him, even though she could barely fully comprehend those emotions. And he wanted to give her all she was wishing for. He played the cat-and-mouse game with her, hiding among the masked courtiers as they danced and engaged in a bit of debauchery. But he tired of the game quickly.

He could smell the pheromones pouring off of her and it was heady and intoxicating. When he finally stood in front of her, he warred with himself, wanting to take her into his arms and ravish her or merely dance with her. They waltzed around the room and he sang to her, a song had he been composing. He wanted to kiss her as they danced in the circle and thought she might let him, but she heard the clock strike twelve. Blast! Why had she put a clock in her dream? And then it hit him: of course, Cinderella. She had blended her fantasy of dancing with him and the human fairytale. It hadn't been a rejection of him, at least not in the dream. No, she had rejected him after she destroyed his Escher room. He started to throw the crystal but stopped himself just in the nick of time.

"No, I want to keep that memory. It is the fondest memory I have of her, when she wanted me and I could imagine she returned the love I had felt." He sighed as he carefully place the orb back on its stand, it once again looking like any other crystal he had conjured. He needed to focus on this ball he was required to attend. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He could at least dance once with her; maybe having her in his arms he could finally get her out of his heart. Walking to his armoire, he pulled the carved doors open by the brass handles. He ran his hand over the many formal coats he had, trying to think which would be the best for this particular event. "Hmmmm, maybe green to match her jade eyes?" Then again, he had the coat from the dream dance. Yes, that would do nicely. She would likely recognize it and he did cut a dashing figure in that coat. Pairing it with his usual black trousers and boots, a dove grey ruffled shirt and dove grey gloves and the look would be nearly identical to her fantasy dream. Perhaps he could ease the pain he lived with if he danced with her. He had grown weaker over the years because of that pain.

The invitations had been received by every member of the nobility and everyone had responded that they would be in attendance. Those who had not been in attendance at the council meeting were curious to meet the champion and even the lucky few who had seen her wanted to get to know the beautiful human woman that was requesting to emigrate. There were several eligible Fae males that Queen Saoirse had made a point of inviting: Lord Kevan, the nephew of the Pixie queen. He was about as tall as Sarah, with wavy, shoulder length brown hair and warm hazel eyes. He was charming and an excellent conversationalist and a favorite of the high court. She had also specifically asked for Duke Oran, the cousin of the Gnome king, to come. He was a bit taller than Jareth, broad shouldered and very muscular, with deep golden blond hair that he wore in a braid and kind grey eyes. He was the strong, silent type and many females thought him an exceptional catch. And the last male that Saoirse had to make sure was at the ball was the high king's nephew, Jareth's slightly older cousin, Lord Padraig. He took after the king's family with medium length, pale blond hair that he wore in a ponytail and he had bright indigo blue eyes. He was engaging, flirtatious and scholarly, loving books and knowledge, but most importantly, he and Jareth had been romantic rivals, often chasing after the same young woman, and it had come to blows on more than one occasion. The queen couldn't help but hope that Sarah would enjoy the company of Padraig since they had so much in common. If that didn't get Jareth's attention, nothing would. Oh, there would be fireworks, of that she was almost certain.

Last evening she had discussed the plans with Jardeen after the others had turned in for the night. Saoirse had ask that Sarah's gown be made to please Jareth's tastes, knowing that with her natural beauty and charms enhanced in a gown of his favorite style and color he would find himself looking at her every chance he got. And she knew how possessive Jareth had always been and in fact still was: possessive and jealous. He had unwittingly bound himself to the human woman and his heart and his desire would be burning passionately and the flames would be stoked by jealousy. He might not declare himself to her, but he would do everything in his power to try and keep others away from her. And hopefully, in a moment of weakness he would let it slip that he loved her. Maybe. He was just so uncommonly stubborn!

She walked to Sarah's chamber and knocked on her door. A sweet voice called out from inside, bidding the visitor to enter. Saoirse came into the room finding Sarah seated at the French doors, book in hand, reading a 'A History of the Underground's Royal Families'. Odd, but that book was written in Gaelic. Did Sarah know how to read Gaelic?" Sarah, how are you doing this evening? I had no idea that you could read gaeilige?"

Sarah was curled up on a chaise lounge in her lavender cotton nightgown, as she looked up from her reading, she smiled at the queen. "Saoirse, I am doing well. I feel unworthy of your kindness, the gown is truly too much." She was careful to not thank the queen: Fae did not like to be thanked, it was considered bad manners and Sarah wanted to fit in to this world as best as she could. "And I have been studying Gaelic for years now, I am just not very fluent in speaking it as I really didn't have anyone to practice with. I hope to get more chances now that I am here."

"Well, you may be disappointed, as aside from here at court, most kingdoms speak the language of their subjects; Elvish in the Elf kingdom, Troll tongue in the Troll kingdom and so on. But it is a valuable skill nonetheless." Jareth had definitely chosen well. She was sweet, compassionate, fair minded, kind, loving and smart. An excellent balance to Jareth's determined, organized, rigid and hardheaded attitude. Together they would be exceptional monarchs to the Underground once Jarrold was ready to step down. "And the dress is necessary for the ball. None of the gowns in your armoire are suitable for this occasion. And, my darling Sarah, you are practically like a daughter to me already, so of course, I wish to see you look stunning." The way she looked at her made Sarah understand that there was no point in trying to refuse her kindness.

"Alright, I will wear it with pride. Now, tell me, what will you and his majesty be wearing? And the princesses? They wouldn't tell me and I have to say it is quite irritating hearing that it must be a surprise. I feel I will die if I don't know ahead of time." She was being so melodramatic that Saoirse decided to, at least reveal that she planned to dress of light blue, since her husband was partial to that color and the king would be wearing a gold formal coat, a black tunic and white trousers. "Oh, and Sarah dear, you must dance the first dances with Jarrold and Jareth. After that you can dance with whomever you choose. It is tradition. And, since you are not courting or betrothed, stay away from the balconies and alcoves. Some of the men get a little carried away with the strong drink and might get handsy!" Now, there was just one more rather delicate question she needed to ask her. "Sarah, as we are both females, I wanted to ask you one very specific, delicate question."

This line of questioning puzzled Sarah. Where could she be possibly going with this. "I will answer any question I can." She scratched her temple absentmindedly.

"You see, here in Fae society, we aren't very strict with rules about sex. Our younglings engage in sexual activity as soon as their bodies are matured. We have no particular requirement that a bride be virginal as that is not something prized here." She watched Sarah for any reaction and seeing no outward sign of one, continued. "That being said, I was wondering if you had ever been with a man, sexually."

Sarah looked at her closed book, a deep blush on her cheeks as she opened and closed her mouth several times before she finally answered. "Well, not exactly. I mean, some groping but I've never had intercourse if that's what you are getting at." Gods but that was beyond embarrassing.

Saoirse felt for the child, being a mother of daughters, but she wanted Sarah to know a few things. "I have asked you this because there are some things you need to understand. Being that you have never had any sexual contact, if you and Jareth, well, should you have sexual intercourse…" This wasn't going how she wanted it to at all. "Let me start over. You have read many books on the Underground and Fae customs, have you not?" Sarah nodded. "Do you know what happened when Jareth had Hoggle give you that peach?" She again nodded. "You see, the Persephone rule went into effect. But more than that happened, do you understand?"

"You mean dancing through the fairy circle and his singing Fae song? Yes, I know he bound us together but I also know that can only happen when both people's hearts and souls are open to the binding. So I am not angry or upset that he did it, if that is your concern." She really wasn't at all. She loved him before he gave her the peach and, subconsciously, probably understood the whole thing without being told and that's why she ate it.

"Well, what I was trying to get to, if you have sex with Jareth you will complete a bond that most Fae couples never enter into. You would be soul bonded in a manner that does not allow for a dissolution of the marriage. We do not have divorce but for royalty, sometimes, due to treachery, marriages have to be dissolved. If you give your virginity to Jareth, you create a blood bond that is unbreakable. I know you love him, but I truly want you to have a complete understanding. No surprises. Do you understand?" She again watched for any indication that she needed to stop.

"I read something about that, but I appreciate you providing me this information. If Jareth ever wishes to make me his wife, I am fully prepared to be his and only his. I would pledge absolute fidelity and expect the same in return." The determination in her eyes gave the queen all the answers she needed.

"The fates have chosen you for each other. I have never seen two so ideally suited for each other. I will help in any way I can to try to overcome my son's stubborn nature and see you two together." She rose, going towards Sarah and sat next to her on the chaise and gave her a hug. "Sleep well, my child. Tomorrow things will be quite lively."

The morning of the ball started like every morning had since she came to the palace six days ago. It had almost been a week already and she had only seen Jareth twice. The second meeting had been a bit more pleasant but she didn't feel very encouraged with his attitude towards her. She just had to keep pushing on through and trust that it would all eventually work out in the end.

The palace was a beehive of activity, as the servants and staff hurried about with a definite purpose: the ball. The banquet hall was set up with tables and chairs for the guests to be able to sit and eat as well as rest between dances. The musicians had been tuning their instruments and rehearsing most of the early afternoon. Guests that had to travel greater distances to attend the event, were ushered to rooms that had been prepared to accommodate everyone at a level comfort that was suitable for the station and caste to which they belonged. In short, nothing was to be overlooked or neglected.

The princesses had convinced Sarah to spend the day being pampered and primped for the ball. And how they loved having someone to help with makeup and jewelry. It was absolutely crucial that she look exquisite. Her chocolate brown hair had been curled and piled on her head, loose ringlets hanging down, creating a lovely frame for the fae-like makeup that Jarvinia was helping apply. "You see, Sarah, we can give you eye makeup that is very reminiscent of our natural look. We all wear makeup at court, even the males, as you have seen. I think you should just use a silver and white eye color and this shade of lip tint should look good." She applied a cranberry red tint to her full lips, which was most becoming.

She could hardly believe the reflection she saw in the mirror was her! Her makeup was almost exactly like Jareth's, only it was silver and white, her eyebrows penciled to have just a hint of a upsweep. She had crescent moon shaped diamond earrings and a matching diamond crescent moon on a midnight blue velvet choker. And to top her look off she was wearing the most delicate and intricate diamond and silver chained circlet. She couldn't help think it made her look like the Child-like Empress from one of her favorite fantasy movies, 'The Never-ending Story'. "Wow." She gasped.

"Wow, indeed, my child." Queen Saoirse had to agree with the woman, as she most certainly was beautiful beyond words. "If he can even look at another female tonight, he is a fool." She offered Sarah her hand as she stood to walk with the queen out the double doors followed closely by Jardeen, who was resplendent in pale sage green and Jarvinia dressed in violet purple. Four fabulously beautiful women ready to command the attention of the entire ballroom.

The ballroom was already full of the guests and nobility, only the High King and his family would be introduced and then the guest of honor. King Jarrold and Queen Saoirse were the next to be announced, as they strolled through the double doors, nodding to the gathering as everyone bowed to them. Next was, of course, Crown Prince Jareth, the only time it wasn't mentioned that he was the Goblin king. The last to enter were the lovely High Princesses Jardeen and Jarvinia. Everyone in the room stopped and stared at the open doors as a hush fell over the gathering. "Announcing the Lady Sarah, daughter of Robert and Linda of the Above, Champion of the Labyrinth." All but the royal family bowed and curtsied to her as the particular guest of the High court. She curtsied back and smiled a radiant smile at the entire gathering.

King Jarrold approached Sarah, nodding to her as she curtsied and he then took her into his arms as the first waltz of the night started. You could have knocked Jareth over with a feather, he was standing in the same spot, like a statue. It was fortunate that he didn't have his mouth hanging open. The murmurs going through the crowd were that Jareth was secretly courting the Lady Sarah since they were wearing the same colors. This was generally only done to denote family ties such as marriage or betrothal or courting. The first waltz ended and still he stood, glued to the spot, barely hearing his mother as she attempted to engage him in conversation.

"Jareth. Jareth!" He stared at Sarah as she was surrounded but a number of young swains, asking to be put on her dance card. Saoirse tried again, this time grabbing his arm. "She looks beautiful tonight. Don't you think?"

"More beautiful than I ever imagined she could." He answered most sadly without thinking what he was saying. He was bewitched by the ravishing beauty standing just six feet away, smiling and giggling at the many younglings who were also enthralled by her jade green eyes and luscious red lips. His hands were clenched in fists as his eyes burned with jealousy.

"Son," she touched his arm again, "you are next on her dance card. Please do not embarrass your father and me; go dance with her." She pulled at his arm as he finally moved towards the stunning lady. She looked like a goddess clad in the night sky.

"Lady Sarah." He bowed deeply before her, as he spoke again, "I have the pleasure of claiming you for the next dance." He smiled at her, a genuine smile of triumph, as the other males around her groaned in displeasure. He extended his hand and when they touched, Sarah went weak in the knees from the electric shock she felt, nearly falling into his arms. Luckily he caught her and with their faces mere inches apart he felt compelled to kiss her and nearly did, but she righted herself before he could.

"Thank you, King Jareth. I assure you the pleasure is mine. She flashed him a devastating smile and his heart skipped in his chest. Gods, what was she doing to him? Where had his resolve to be indifferent towards her gone? They reached the center of the dance floor as the next song started and he guided her around the room as if they had been dancing like this for an eternity. She felt glorious in his arms and he pulled her closer than was considered appropriate for non courting or non married couples. The rumors continued to fly around the gathering that they must be secretly betrothed for him to allow himself such liberties.

Gods, she smelled heavenly and he wanted to bury his face into her hair. He could feel himself being consumed by a desire he had never experienced before, far stronger than the attraction he had experienced in the dream dance. The song was drawing to an end and he would soon have to release his hold on her. The sadness that brought made the pain he felt almost unbearable.

Sarah looked into his eyes and smiled but the pain caused him to grimace and suck in a gasp of air.

"Are you alright? Can I get someone to help you?" He noted real concern in her voice and a frown pulled the corners of her lips down. "You look positively peaky. Come, let us go over to the bench and sit, please?" He wanted to argue back, but the pain prevented it. He allowed her to escort him to the cushioned bench.

Sarah sat next to Jareth, frightened at how much pain he seemed to be in. "Jareth," her voice a hushed whisper, "do you need a doctor? I cannot bare for you to be in so much pain."

"Really? You know the source of the pain, do you not?" His voice a strained whisper.

"Yes, I know I am the cause of the pain you feel. Will you not give me a chance to take the pain you feel away?"

He looked at her, tears threatening to spill forth from shining green eyes. "Sarah, it is too late. My heart has been irreparably broken. I'm afraid I am a lost cause. Do not waste your efforts on your villain." He is breathing was labored and he looked utterly defeated.

"I don't believe that, Jareth. You remember the red book I used to never be without. 'The Labyrinth'? But what no one knew was that the goblin king had fallen in love with the girl." The tears started to fall down her cheeks, unbidden. "I didn't understand. I was so young and needed to get Toby back. But," she brushed the tears off her cheeks and looked determinedly into his mismatched eyes, "it didn't take long for me to realize that I had feelings for you, too. I grew to understand that I had fallen in love with you, too." There, she had finally said it and now he knew. What would he say now?

"If what you say were true, why didn't you call for me like you called for your friends?" He grabbed at his chest, the pain burning so intensely he thought he might pass out.

"I listened to someone who advised against it, because they thought you weren't to be trusted. I shouldn't have taken that advice. I should have trusted my instincts. I should have called you to me and confessed my feeling years ago." She took a deep breath before she continued. "Please, I love you. It isn't too late, is it?"

He gazed into her eyes and noted she spoke truthfully. He did not believe his heart could be mended. "Sarah, there is no going back for us. I am a lost cause. Go back to your world. You have no future here." He struggled to stand and righted himself with great effort. He walked away with heavy footsteps as he headed back to his chamber.

She watched until he was out of sight and stood up to declare, "no, Jareth, your heart isn't a lost cause. It belongs to me and I mean to mend it and make you remember that you love me if it's the last thing I do! Nothing will stop me. Nothing!"