Jareth pounded down the stone hallway to his doctor's quarters.

"Why didn't someone wake me," Jareth growled to Evitt, who was nervously trying to keep up with the Goblin King's demanding pace.

"She wasn't found but 15 minutes ago," Evitt explained for the second time. "We assumed you would want to dress before coming anyway."

"You assumed wrong," Jareth snipped. "From now on, any matters that concern the girl, especially where her health is concerned, are to be brought to my attention immediately."

"Yes Sire," Evitt relented as Jareth flung open Doctor Duncan's large door.

The aged doctor jumped as the door slammed against the inner wall of his chambers. He had been placing a linen cloth doused in the Labyrinth's most effective healing herbs on Sarah's forehead.

Jareth walked purposely over to the waist-high examining table Sarah was laid out on. Her skin looked deathly pale, her eyes closed. Every so often, a moan would escape her lips and her brow would furrow as if she was fighting some horrid nightmare.

"Sire," the doctor began gently, "she is weak, but recovers with each passing second," he said quickly, noting the king's angry expression.

Jareth eased, slightly annoyed that his usually stoic face had revealed so much emotion.

"What happened," he asked through clenched teeth.

"Transporting is difficult for humans," the doctor replied, going over a chart with medical information Jareth could not decipher. "It seems what while in the act of transporting she…"

"I gave no orders for transportation of this girl," Jareth barked. "Who dared to defy me?"

Evitt and the doctor exchanged a worried glance.

"Sire," Evitt cleared his throat. "It seems Sarah transported herself."

Jareth looked from his assistant to Sarah in amazement. "She did this alone?" He gawked. Both men nodded.

"Leave, at once," he commanded. "And give me that," he said to the doctor who handed over the linen cloth.

Once Evitt and the doctor had made a hasty, much appreciated exit, Jareth eased himself into a chair that had been placed at Sarah's side. Knowing that the herbs would do much to restore her energy, he began sweeping the cloth gently down her exposed arms and legs.

As he moved to her face, he noticed her eyes were open; she was staring at him with a strange expression on her face.

"I…what…where am I?" Sarah squeaked, her voice no more than a harsh whisper.

"You are in the chambers of my personal physician," Jareth replied, forcing his voice to be void of emotion. "It seems you've discovered a new talent."
Sarah looked at him in confusion, trying to pull herself up into a sitting position and pushing his hand from her arm.

"You are to allow me to continue this," Jareth said, gesturing to the linen cloth and gently easing her back down.

"I didn't mean to do it," Sarah began, trying to ignore the sensual feeling of Jareth's hand touching her through the cloth. "I…I didn't think I could do it, I mean," she stammered.

Jareth sighed. "I suppose this is one of those times where it is necessary I supply you with some further explanations." As he spoke he continued gently wiping her skin with the herbal rub.

"You are in possession of certain powers," he said bluntly.

"Magic?" She whispered in awe. Jareth nodded.

"I knew you had it prior to your return, however I was unaware of the magnitude," he continued. "Only a select few of the Underground's citizens are able to transport."

Sarah's mouth fell in awe. "Really?"

"Yes, really," he replied. "But you must be careful, Sarah. Magical powers, while helpful and necessary, are only as functional as the person who wields them." Sarah looked at him confused. "What I mean is, you are new to the powers you possess, and without training and experience they will remain unpredictable and unstable. All inhabitants of the underground who possess powers must attend a sort of school that instructs them on appropriate management of magic at a very early age."

"Am I to attend such a school now?" She asked, unable to contain her excitement over this news.

"No," Jareth said. When her face fell, he added, "I will see to it someone instructs you on how to control your magic."

"Evitt?" She pressed.

"No, not Evitt. Me."

Sarah looked at him intently for any sign of sarcasm. There was none. She nodded, unsure of the tender feelings she was sure were oozing off of the king. He suddenly cleared his throat and stood, throwing the linen cloth into a nearby hamper.

"Are you feeling well enough to stand?" Jareth asked, extending a hand. "I would simply transport you, but I don't think that's the smartest move given the circumstances."

"I feel fine," she replied, sitting up and hopping off of the table a bit quickly. The sudden movement caused her to swoon, her legs instantly buckling. Jareth instantly caught her. She raised her head to look into his eyes, which were markedly concerned.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I suppose I'm not quite 100 percent yet."

"So stubborn," Jareth replied, looping an arm around her waist in support. "Can you walk?"

"Yes," she replied, hating to have to be so dependent on this man.

"Good. Perhaps it is time you returned to your chambers," he replied, leading her into the hallway. "It appears I need to keep a closer eye on you," he added.

Sarah bit her tongue, stuffing down her hostile feelings before they bubbled over.

Through hallways and secret doors they walked slowly. From time to time, Jareth would take a moment to point out an important tapestry, or to explain what a particular room was used for.

Sarah had been particularly interested in the ballroom, a room that had not been used in what appeared to be quite some time. She had begun asking many questions, questions Jareth had not been prepared to answer. Eventually he had snapped, informing her that the ballroom was none of her business.

They walked the rest of the way to her chambers in silence.

Once inside, Sarah flopped down on the first chair in sight, worn out by the long walk.

Jareth looked at her, his arms crossed over his chest, his face unreadable.

"Why are you so angry?" She asked before she could stop herself.

Jareth's eyes darkened, but he uncrossed his arms. "I'm not," he replied. Sarah shook her head.

"Yes, you are. You're the angriest person I ever met."

"Anger and strength are often confused," Jareth replied, wondering if her constant questions would ever cease.

Sarah remained silent. She was feeling stronger every moment, almost as if whatever she had lost when she transported herself was slowly returning to her body. She was still extremely tired, but she chalked that up to the fact she hadn't yet slept since her arrival in the Underground. After another few seconds, she got up and stretched her back.

"I feel better," she announced.

"I'm thrilled," Jareth replied, moving towards the door.

For some reason, Sarah was not ready to let him leave.

"So, this power I have, is that the reason you've brought me back?" She asked just as he laid a gloved hand on the doorknob.

He turned to face her. "It is a part of the reason, yes," he replied honestly.

Then she surprised him by not asking a follow up question.

"You are to remain in this room, is that understood?" Jareth asked menacingly. "And no more transporting," he added for good measure.

Sarah felt as if a parent was scolding her. Yet she nodded, too tired to fight.

"I will send Rina in to see to breakfast," he said.

"Don't bother," Sarah replied. "I'm just going to crash."

"Crash?" Jareth repeated, not liking the sound of that.

"Yeah, crash," she said, yawning and moving over to the bed. "You know, hit the hay. Catch some Z's. Sleep."

Jareth suppressed a smile, slightly aggravated that he was happy to see her back to her normal, annoying self. "My shirt looks ravishing on you, by the way," he said, unable to resist.

"This is yours?" Sarah asked, looking down at the nightshirt she still wore. Jareth nodded.

"Figures," she said, laying back into the plush pillows and closing her eyes. "Only you would own a shirt that showed this much cleavage."