Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own Characters
Authors note: sorry if how I described Sarah's room confused anyone, but there is only four doors. Any how, please continue to review and here is the one you've been waiting for! Enjoy
Fiona helped Sarah bathe, dress and style her hair and just like last time she had fogged all the mirrors so no one could peek and Sarah was get the full effect when she was finished. Sarah on the other hand was happy to be led around the room and follow Fiona's instructions as her mind was constantly replaying her two kisses with Jareth. The glow of happiness on Sarah's face was all Fiona needed to see to know that things were going well between them.
Once Fiona was finished she manoeuvred Sarah in front of the full length mirror and de-fogged it. Sarah was utterly astounded at her reflection, the dress was a deep ruby colour with long bell sleeves, a scooped neckline and the dress hugged her figure lovingly. On her feet were matching slippers and around her waist was a decorative belt made of sliver circles, it joined at the front where the extra length of the belt trailed down to her knees. There was also sliver stitching around her elbows, wrists and neckline.
Fiona had placed two braids either side of her head to tie together at the back and had curled the rest of Sarah's hair to fall softly around her shoulders and back. Once again, the makeup was light and enhanced her natural features. Sarah had never felt so beautiful and hoped Jareth would approve.
"Thank you so much, Fiona," she said, embracing the woman.
"You're very welcome, Lady Sarah," Fiona blushed at the young woman's enthusiasm and returned her embrace.
A soft knock at the door startled both women and suddenly Sarah was very nervous. Fiona opened to door to allow the Goblin King to enter. He wore his customary black breeches with knee high black leather boots and white shirt but had added a deep ruby vest decorated with sliver stitching and a black coat also decorated with sliver stitching. His hair was in its usual mess and he had added dark red glitter to it and the markings above his eyes were also a deep red.
Sarah was surprised to see that he had dressed to match her, or had he ordered her gown to match his vest, she wasn't really sure and didn't really care as she was secretly pleased.
"My God, you are stunning!" Jareth breathed as he looked her over. "Just when I think you can't get any more beautiful, you prove me wrong and I couldn't be happier about it."
The only response Sarah could give was a blush that not only went up to the roots of her hair but down to disappear under her neckline. Seeing Jareth's teasing smile at her blush, Sarah lightly scowled at him and crossed her arms in playful defiance.
The Goblin King chuckled at her behaviour. He had knowingly teased her to make her more comfortable and bring her fighting spirit to the surface, he wanted everyone in that ballroom to see what a magnificent Queen she would make and that she was all his.
"Shall we go to the ball, my love?" Jareth asked with a smile and once again held out his arm for her to take, which she did after only a heartbeat.
As the couple made their way through the corridors, Sarah started to get nervous again and Jareth figured it out pretty quickly due to the fact that the hand on his arm was trembling. He was suddenly very glad for the ace up his sleeve. They came to a stop outside a set of grandly carved doors, Jareth then turned to face her and held both her hands in his.
"I don't want you to scared or nervous, Sarah-mine," he said softy, looking no where but into her eyes. "You are the Champion of the Labyrinth and, apart from royalty, there is no one in this ballroom above you in rank. Many, both human and Fae, have tried to gain that title but only you succeed in earning it. You are my equal in every way and I am proud to have you by my side as my honoured guest."
"Thank you, Jareth," Sarah whispered, feeling a little overwhelmed at the emotions in his eyes and the response to them in her own heart.
"Formalities must be observed tonight but when we are alone, continue to call me by my given name." And with a light kiss on her lips, Jareth placed her hand back in the crook of his arm and signalled for the doors to open.
As they entered the stunning, Autumn themed ballroom a voice rang out;
"His Majesty King Jareth of the Goblin Kingdom and her Ladyship, Lady Sarah Williams, Champion of the Labyrinth."
At their titles, all heads turned. Many of the fae women looked at Sarah with jealousy and hatred, the rest were highly curious to meet the famed human woman. Sarah, however, noticed none of this as she was too busy trying not to stare and gush at the decorations.
On the far side of the room was the orchestra, all very elegantly dressed while they played their instruments beautifully. There was four trees in the room, an oak, ash, beach and willow, all with gorgeous autumn coloured leaves. Above them was a golden chandelier and leaves were falling from the ceiling but as they came close to the heads of the guests they turned into golden glitter. All the guests were also dressed for the theme and the dance floor looked like a sea of dancing autumn leaves with their colours of red, orange, yellow, brown and burnt orange. Sarah also noticed pumpkins of all shapes and sizes placed around the room, some were painted in different autumn colours with gold glitter and in front of them were the servers.
Being completely consumed with appreciating the decorations, Sarah wasn't paying all that much attention to where Jareth was leading her till he whispered her name. Coming back to her senses, Sarah noticed that they were about to stop in front of the High King and Queen.
"When we stop, I will bow and you will curtesy," Jareth whispered, very softly. "Then when we are dismissed, we will be free to enjoy our evening."
Doing as she was told, Sarah curtsied as Jareth bowed and they said together; "Good evening, your majesties," and with a nod of approval, they were dismissed.
"May I claim the first dance, my Lady," the Goblin King asked, turning on his charm and led Sarah out onto the dance floor without an answer.
He nodded discreetly to the conductor of the orchestra and as a new tune started, Jareth led Sarah in a simple waltz. Only after a few steps did Sarah recognise the music being played, it was the same music as in her dream ball when she was fifteen. When she looked up at Jareth, it was to find him smiling lovingly down at her, he then leaned in close and sang softly for her:
"There's such a sad love
Deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel
Open and closed within your eyes
I'll place the sky within your eyes"
"There's such a fooled heart
Beating so fast in search of new dreams
A love that will last within your heart
I'll place the moon within your heart"
"As the pain sweeps through
Makes no sense for you
Every thrill has gonst
Wasn't too much fun at all
But I'll be there for you-oo-oo
As the world falls down
Falling
(as the world) falling down
Falling in love"
"I'll paint you mornings of gold
I'll spin you valentine evenings
Though were strangers till now
Were choosing the path between the stars
I'll leave my love between the stars"
"As the pain sweeps through
Makes no sense for you
Every thrill has gone
Wasn't too much fun at all
But I'll be there for you-oo-oo
As the world falls down
Falling
(as the world falls)
Falling
Falling
As the world falls down
Falling
Falling
Falling
Falling in love
As the world falls down
Falling
Falling
Falling
Falling in love
As the world falls down
Makes no sense at all
Makes no sense to fall
Falling
As the world falls down
Falling
Falling
Falling in love
As the world falls down
Falling
Falling
Falling in love
Falling in love
Falling in love
Falling in love
Falling in love"
As the song came to an end, Sarah couldn't help the tears that came into her eyes. Seeing his worried frown, Sarah raised herself up and whispered;
"They are tears of joy. I always wanted to finish that dance with you and now I have. Thank you so much."
Jareth smiled at his love, his heart close to bursting at the joy he had given her and they continued to dance not noticing anyone else. It was only when Jareth's father, High King Mabon, asked to cut in did they realise how absorbed they had been in each other.
"I have never seen my son so happy," High King Mabon said, looking at Sarah with a fatherly glance. "Thank you, my dear. It has been along time since his mother and I have seen him so carefree."
"That is high praise indeed, your Majesty," Sarah replied, happy that Jareth's family had accepted her so easily. "I can only hope to continue to make him happy they way he makes me happy."
"My queen and I have no doubt in this," the High King stated with a smile and handed her back to Jareth at the end of the song.
The evening continued and was second only to her birthday as she'd had Jareth all to herself that night. The Goblin King showered attention on his Lady for the rest of the evening, making it his mission to keep her smiling and he succeed admirably.
At just gone one in the morning, Jareth noticed Sarah getting tired and gently escorted her back to her room. Standing once more outside her door, the couple held each other's hands and foreheads resting lightly together neither wanted the night to end.
Seeing Sarah struggling to keep her eyes open, he placed a sweet and loving kiss on her lips before whispering goodnight and wishing her pleasant dreams before leaving her to get some rest. Sarah didn't enter her room till Jareth was out of sight and when she did she couldn't for the life of her stop smiling.
After changing into a pale blue silk nightdress that she found on her bed, Sarah noticed the crystal on her vanity table. Jareth had called it a memory crystal and had told her to hold it to her heart as she fell asleep. Picking it up, she carried it with her to bed, wondering if tonight was the best time to see her past. However, fate had other plans, for as Sarah settled against the pillows, exhaustion took over and she fell fast asleep with the crystal cradled over her heart.
