Changes
After Ellamora tucked him in, Toby snuck to the window on his sister's side of the loft. Due to the perfect darkness of nights in the Underground and branches of a large tree, the boy could only see bits and pieces of what was happening in the front yard. He rested his chin on his hands and concentrated on listening instead of watching. He was rewarded by hushed voices highlighted with an occasional laugh, and the familiar cadence of the old two-person wooden rocker-swing under the tree.
His attention was caught when a spot toward the ground lit with a shower of familiar glitter. Once the shimmer of the spell was gone, the only things heard below were normal nighttime noises in the bushes and garden. Either the King had taken Sarah somewhere or he'd blocked their voices. "Thanks Goblin King," Toby whispered in relief and slipped into bed. He had a busy morning tomorrow.
"What was that?" Sarah looked around as they were surrounded by tiny sparkles that slowly disappeared. "Did you do something to the crickets in the bushes? They went silent for a moment after you tossed that crystal, but now I can hear them again."
"They aren't crickets. They are Pixies." Jareth frowned in distaste. "I cast a spell to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on our conversation, but I have no wish to be caught unawares. You could scream and no one would hear, but if your brother sneezed, in his bed, we would know." He kissed her temple.
"Ohhh…" Sarah grinned devilishly and dragged her fingernails lightly over his exposed skin at the opening in his shirt. "Are you going to do something to make me scream?"
"E-ven-tu-ally," Jareth slowly drew out the whispered word, enjoying the tiny moan that escaped her lips. "The present spell only precludes sound from escaping. We are in full view of any who choose to look." He reached for her wandering hand and kissed her knuckles. "I need to speak with you."
"Is something wrong?" Bliss that had been sizzling across Sarah's nerve endings died. "Have you changed your mind?"
"Definitely not, My Sweet. You need to know about something from six years ago and I'd rather discuss it in private." His glove-covered thumb moved against the delicate shell of her right ear. "Toby remembers being here. When he lived Above, he thought it only a dream, but since returning, his memories have clarified."
"Oh no," she gasped and wrapped her arms around her middle to quell the feeling of her world falling apart.
"There is noting to be distressed about, Precious." Jareth pulled her up on his lap to hold her as close as possible. "The child retains only positive memories. He bears you no malice." The Goblin King went on to explain the conversation he'd had with her brother earlier in the evening.
"He doesn't think I betrayed him by wishing him away?" Sarah tripped over words. The urge to cry tightening her throat muscles. "He isn't angry?"
"No, he loves you and believes, as I do, that you were both destined to be here. As he so succinctly put it, if you hadn't wished him away, both of you would likely have died in that fire. He most certainly would have, because he would not have been sleeping in your room thus you would not have been able to get to him. You forget, Precious, I witnessed the remains of where you once lived." The Goblin King felt her crying silently against his neck. "I promised young Tobias that I would deal with any tears that might be shed, but he should be prepared to handle his sister's reassuring hugs on his own."
"Only you," She sniffed, as a tiny giggle cut through her sorrow. "Only you could make me laugh and cry at the same time."
"I told you once I would turn the world for you, My Sweet." His lips moved over her cheeks, drying her tears. Moments later his hands tightened around her as he finally covered her mouth with his and kissed her the way he'd wanted to since they left the Valley of the Moon that morning.
Sarah's tongue met his and he made her shiver in delight. She thought she just might scream after all, but in frustration. "This feels so much more intense than before." She gulped in air, her head limp on his shoulder.
Jareth kissed his way down her neck and into the hollow of her throat, before he finally pulled back. "Because we are more intense. Intentions have been stated and agreed upon. Courtship papers have been signed. Our magic is set free." He shrugged elegantly.
"It's a damn aphrodisiac," she mumbled as she kissed him again.
"One could call it that." He growled against her neck, making her shiver in delight.
As much as he enjoyed tasting her skin, the Goblin King had a few other pieces of business to take care of first. He pulled an item from his inner jacket. "This is for you." A finely wrought silver chain rested in his hand. It contained a tiny crystal pendent.
Sarah was reminded of her conversation with Ellamora. "It's exquisite, but…"
"It is not a simple decorative bauble. The necklace contains an extremely powerful protection spell. After wearing it against your skin for a few hours, the power in the pendent will become part of you forever. I have one for Tobias as well." He pulled a leather cord with a small crystal out of the other pocket of his vest. It looked masculine, yet small enough for a boy to wear. "I need to know that both of you are safe even when I am not in the vicinity. My mother still has the one my father gave her. He has been gone for over two-hundred years, but his magic still dwells within her."
"It means a great deal to me that you thought of both of us." She reached up and cupped his cheek. "Of course, I will take it and Toby's too. Would you help me with the clasp?"
"Turn around." He requested and kissed the back of her neck before fastening the chain. "When you wake in the morning, the spell will be part of you. The same is true of your brother's."
His lips moving over the back of her neck short circuited Sarah's thoughts. It took her a moment to remember what she wanted to say and how to approach it. "I know our agreement states you will provide for my needs during our courtship. My practical side knows it is essential, if I am to accompany you to necessary functions. I will need…well… I'm not sure what items I will need, but I know it is likely an extensive wardrobe. I doubt sincerely my salary would cover it.…This is hard…but Ellamora suggested that I should tell you. In the Aboveground a woman who accepts numerous expensive gifts from a man she has yet to marry is not thought of well. She is believed to be a gold digger. It doesn't help that in these situations, it is usually a younger woman and an older man."
Jareth threw back his head and laughed. "I am certainly older than you, but I do not think you are a digger of gold, My Sweet." He pulled her close and thought for a moment. "This is an issue that bothers you, so I propose this: we shall both attempt to be reasonable. Me, by reining in my normal desire to shower you with gifts. You, by remembering that you will need many items for our courtship to proceed in the accustomed fashion. It may help if you keep in mind that in the Underground it is expected that the male provide for his potential mate. If I, as King of the Goblins, did not, it would bring doubt upon the stability of my Kingdom. There would be whispers that it had grown shoddy under my management and my coffers depleted to the point that the possible future Queen is not shown the respect her position demands?"
"I never thought there would be political ramifications. So…when you put it that way..." Sarah huffed out a breath. "I will do my best."
"And so, shall I." He caressed her cheek.
"You're very different from the Goblin King of six years ago. I understand why Toby was confused. For the record, the man before me now is the superior version." Sarah clasped her hands gently behind his neck.
"Possibly because back then my persona was influenced by the expectations of a fifteen-year-old girl whose greatest desire was an adventure that led to defeating a fairytale villain." He suggested with his arms around her waist.
"I…ah…possibly," Sarah agreed. "But what is it I am after now?" she teased.
"More kisses. We will see where they lead." He nibbled at her lip and felt her breathing increase. "Though I plan to save your screams for a time when we are not in the open as we are now." He looked every inch a wicked sorcerer, planning to ravish an innocent maiden. Her eyes dilated in response to his words and his touch. "But I would not mind a few more of those extremely alluring moans of yours." Jareth's mouth had just covered hers when his body reverberated with the ancient call of the Goblin Kings. A child had been wished away.
"What's wrong?" Sarah immediately sensed tension in his body. His muscles were on alert.
"I…" He knew this would come sooner or later, best it happened now. It would surely be a true test of what was to come for them. "I am sorry, My Sweet, but I must leave."
He snapped his fingers to break the soundproofing spell and a moment later stood beside the swing. The blonde Fae was outfitted in the full battle armor of The Goblin King. The wind increased. It sent his black cloak ruffling out behind him and his hair swirling about his perfect face.
"Oh," Sarah's mouth dropped open. He looked exactly as she remembered him, right down to the the haughty expression. She quickly stood at his side.
"Precious, you've always known this is part of who I am." Jareth looked down his finely chiseled nose and maintained cool strength. His duty as King and Emperor had to come first. In this case even above the woman he loved. The Underground depended on him. "You have always known."
"Hush," she soothed with a gentle hand against his lips. She stood on her toes and kissed his arrogant mouth. "Be safe in the world of iron. If you can, let me know when you have returned. I will worry less."
"Sweet, you disarm me." He returned her kiss adding a spell for calming sleep that night. "Go to Corramar, if you wish in the morning. You will be safe there, but do not venture to the pond you enjoy so. It is too near the maze. Tell Toby that I will reschedule his time with the cleaners." He kissed her again. "I have tarried long enough, Precious."
"Just don't dance with any pouty teenaged-girls in a peach dream." Sarah called out as the wind increased. A laugh caressed her ears. Before she could respond Jareth was gone and a large white owl called out to her as he rode air currents high above her head. He rose higher with quick flaps of strong wings until he was silhouetted against a moon that turned orange as he disappeared.
"Oh my, that's what it looks like when he crosses-over," Sarah's heart pounded and her hands trembled. She leaned against the support structure of the rocker-swing and contemplated what had happened. It only took her an instant to know that her reaction was honest. Her worry for the Fae King she loved far outweighed any for a possible runner in the Labyrinth.
She yawned, suddenly feeling very tired and headed into the cottage.
Sarah woke to an eerie orange glow cast by the rising sun and reflected by the setting moon. It was painfully familiar. She stood on her tip toes as she looked out the window to see into the distance. Usually she could see the tops of the spires of the Goblin City and Castle Beyond, but this morning the whole area was covered in haze.
"What's going on?" Sleepy-eyed Toby joined his sister. "It looks strange out there."
"I believe that is a signal that there is a wisher-away in the Labyrinth."
"Oh," He looked her in the eyes to be sure she was all right. "It's okay you know. It's not like…well you know." Toby whispered and accepted the squeeze he received from his sister.
"I do," she smiled gently. It was as close as they would get to talking about what she had done in the past. She was relieved to see for herself that it did not bother him. "You and your friends have to stay home today, though your community service will be rescheduled."
"I'm glad we aren't going in there today. It looks creepy out."
"It does." Thinking back six years ago, Sarah remembered the hill above the Labyrinth had the same orangish glow, but not the Maze. It supported her theory that the strange coloring was a warning to stay out of the Labyrinth.
"What's this." Toby picked up the leather thong with a small crystal dangling from it. His sister had left it on the little square table between their beds.
"It's a protection spell from His Highness. That one is for you." Sarah pointed before pulling hers out from under the collar of her nightgown. "He gave them to me last night. Once you've had it on for a few hours, it doesn't matter if you wear the charm or not, you are protected by his magic."
"That's cool." Toby quickly put it over his head and dropped the crystal under his sleep shirt. "King Jareth is the best."
"I am rather fond of him." Sarah laughed at the understatement.
"I guess." Toby rolled his eyes. It was so good to hear his sister laughing again.
"Do you want the bathing room first?" She asked as she gathered her clothes for work. "I'm going to check on Magic, Jareth said it is safe.
Before the boy could answer a deep almost inaudible gong sounded. Sarah felt the sound vibrate in her bones. It wasn't painful, just strange. Orange tinged sunlight evaporated and the morning was sparkling and bright.
She quickly calculated how many hours had passed and nibbled her lower lip in worry. "It's too soon. It hasn't been thirteen hours since the Goblin King was called."
Moments later someone knocked on Ellamora's front door.
Sarah pulled her dove-gray cape over her nightgown and went down the ladder as fast as she could.
"Lord Galen." She greeted the Fae standing in Ellamora's doorway.
"Lady Sarah," he bowed in respect due her elevated status, since the courtship documents had been signed. "I realize mine is not the face you were hoping to see."
"Just tell me that he is safe." Sarah felt Ellamora's arm around her waist and was glad for the support.
"His Highness is tired, and would have come to you, but he had one final duty. He is taking the little girl to her new home. He requested that I assure you of his wellbeing and relay his invitation for dinner at eight tonight."
"Dinner sounds like a wonderful idea." She smiled softly, her eyes bright with joy. "Wait…what happened? The runner wasn't in the Labyrinth for thirteen hours? Are you allowed to tell me anything?"
"You would hear of it anyway. I think gossip travels on the air currents." The king's aide was suddenly all business. "You are very astute. The woman did not complete her time. She had been traveling in circles for hours in the outer maze, when she came upon Agnus the Junk Lady. An argument ensued and escalated. It was necessary for His Majesty to intervene. Because of the physical nature of the attack, the mother forfeited her remaining hours and was sent home immediately."
"Is Agnus going to be all right?" Ellamora worried. She knew Goblins were almost indestructible, as were most of the Labyrinth residents. But the odd injury arose every few hundred years.
"She received some scratches, a few bites and there was some hair pulling, but the Junk Woman gave as good as she got. His Highness saw to it that she was left with a supply of healing tea. I believe Agnus is resting in her home entertaining her friends with tales of taking on the evil wisher-away." Galen told his mother-in-law.
After spending the morning with Magic and Moonbeam, Sarah had lunch with the Dowager Queen.
"I am very happy for you." Livia beamed with joy. They ate cool fruit soup and dainty sandwiches filled with savory vegetable pâté.
"I'm not sure what is expected of me. In my—where I grew up, our version of courting wasn't as involved as it is here." The dark-haired girl fretted. "I'm used to taking care of myself and making my own decisions. I know customs are different here and I don't want to embarrass him."
"You will be fine. The dinner party I am giving in five days is the formal announcement of your courtship. Your official invitation is likely waiting for you at home, though Jareth has accepted on your behalf."
"He has?" Sarah's brows rose in surprise. "This is the first I've heard of it."
"I realize this is happening quickly." The Dowager Queen read irritation in the girl's eyes. "In the normal course of events the two of you would have gone to the same social events over the last months or even years. It wouldn't take hostesses long to notice that the King of the Goblins was squiring you about the dancefloor more often than the one-dance protocol required of him. It would progress so that when one of you would arrived at a gathering, your eyes would seek out the other's. Not long after, the two of you would be seen having quiet private conversations in discrete corners of crowded rooms."
"Is that how it was for you, when you moved toward courtship with King Mesmer?" Sarah felt a lump form in her throat at the description of a couple falling in love as the Underground watched. It swept away most of her annoyance at Jareth's high-handed attitude.
"Yes," Livia's eyes sparkled, but no tears fell. "I was young, fifteen. It was my first year in society. He was High Prince of the Goblins, heir to the throne. We took one look at each other and never looked at another. It was very romantic. I'm sorry you and Jareth missed the experience."
"Instead, I literally fell into the Labyrinth and attracted the attention of the King." She thought over the times they had been seen together. "Am I causing gossip?"
"Not you." The Fae smiled gently at the young Human. "My son tends to cause talk wherever he goes. His has a stubborn nature and has refused to give any of the coy maidens who eye his titles and lands a second glance. It has ruffled a few feathers, though I am in total agreement with him."
"I'm stubborn, as well." Sarah smiled when a solution presented itself. "Your Highness, Livia, Dowager Queen of the Goblins, I gladly accept your invitation to the courtship party you are giving in five days."
"Oh, my dear, I can see what attracted him to you in the first place. Your will is as strong as his." She laughed in delight. "Please do not be hard on him about not telling you sooner. It would have been presumptuous to begin arrangements until papers were signed and he was summoned very soon after."
"I know." Sarah plucked her protection charm from under the bodice of her dress. "He gave me this and one for my brother. Then we ran out of time." Touching the delicate crystal made her feel close to Jareth. Unbeknownst to her, her face shone with joy. "He is the King of the Goblins. I know that despite all else, his duties come first."
"You appear to understand the Royal and the Fae. As his mother and one of his subjects that makes me very happy." Livia saw Sarah's cheeks shimmer at thoughts of Jareth. "It is good to see he is taking proper care of you." The Dowager Queen nodded toward the pendent and hid her smile behind her tea cup as she realized the double meaning of her words. "But there are some things that spells and magic will not shield. Careful planning and resourceful political maneuvers can ease an unusual situation." Jareth's mother advised. "Lord Galen posted the papers last night, so the Underground has been informed. It will establish the two of you as an official couple."
"It would have been better if we had gone the route you and King Mesmer did?" Sarah's voice was filled with disappointment.
"Not better, just different. My son has a reputation for being slightly unconventional." She shrugged. "Besides, what's done is done. You and Jareth will have time alone until after the dinner. I realize it is only five days, but you won't have an audience as you move through the first tentative steps of being a couple. As romantic as my experience was, yours will be far easier. After the party, there will be a great many who wish to curry favor by entertaining His Highness and the lady he is courting."
"Ok, all right," Sarah nodded and refused to be overcome by the odd formal rules of dating a male of her choice, or the fact that her pride was slightly dented because he had spoken for both of them. "I can do this." She raised her chin in determination. "I will do this."
"I believe you can do anything you set your mind to." The older Fae woman was very happy with her son's choice. "It is important to remember that once all the entertaining starts it can put a stress on courting, especially among royalty. When an irritant occurs, don't consider it a setback, simply deal with it and get on to the next task. As much as the Underground looks and feels like a fairytale to new arrivals, it is also real life."
"You're right." The dark-haired young woman looked amazed. "That makes so much sense. There is a saying in the Above: 'take things one day at a time'. I like to add another to that: 'plan carefully for possible contingencies and then put them aside and don't worry'."
"Excellent, advice." Livia nodded in agreement. "One more important adage, which is unique to the Underground: 'do not confuse magic with power'. The words are often used interchangeably but in the most important sense, one has nothing to do with the other."
"Hmm," Sarah listened carefully to what she was being told. "Very interesting and helpful."
"I would like to help you begin to build your arsenal of power." The Dowager Queen stated. "Tomorrow is rest day. My dressmakers are coming the day after to go over specifications for my gown for the party. I invite you join us. You need some things and I can aid in making decisions, you if you like. That would normally be your mother's job, but I'll gladly stand in her stead."
"Thank you, Your Highness. You're very considerate of my situation and it means a great deal. Karen, Toby's mom, my step-mother would have loved to be present for what is happening. She always worried that I was letting life pass me by, that I wasn't dating, looking for a wonderful man."
"She didn't realize you'd already found him." Livia said softly.
"Ah…well…sure," the dark-haired Human tripped over her words. "Karen knew, but never understood that I cared for the characters in my books, especially my favorite fairytale." She was not going to admit anything, though she was almost positive that Jareth had confided in his mother.
Livia nodded her head in agreement at the young woman's wise choice of words. "And what of your real mother?"
"The woman who gave birth to me left when I was not much older than Toby is now. It was hard at the time, but as I matured, I understood it was for the best." Sarah shrugged, not wanting to speak badly of Linda who had died in a car accident two years earlier. "In a way it helps me understand why bringing wished-away children here is a good thing. Not everyone is meant to be a parent and I think sometimes they don't realize it until it is too late. It is better for a child to be with a family who loves and cares for him or her. My father always made me feel loved and once I stopped fighting, and let Karen in, so did she.
"For someone so young, you are a very wise woman, Sarah Williams."
"Your Royal Highness, you honor my home with your presence." Ellamora curtsied as she opened the door for him. Sarah stood behind the Elf's shoulder, wide-eyed and beautiful. A split second of surprise crossed her face, before the dark-haired girl remembered Underground etiquette and swept into a deep curtsy.
"Mistress Kilhaggen, Lady Sarah, and Master Tobias," the King acknowledged the residents of the cottage with a slight bow, but couldn't take his eyes off the young woman he'd come to see. "Are you ready, My Sweet?"
All she could do was nod as he put his arm around her and led her from the house after wishing the Elf and the boy a good evening. Sarah was filled with relief. Given Jareth's flamboyant style, she had no idea how he would dress for their dinner. When he'd walked in the door wearing simple dark breeches, boots and an ivory shirt, it made her heart thunder with joy.
Before they left the yard, Jareth took a moment to cocoon them in a discretion spell that was specific to the two of them. They could speak to others and be heard, but when conversing together no words would escape the barrier. "We may speak freely all evening. The spell will last until I bring you home." He explained as he put both arms around her for transporting.
Seconds later Sarah felt firm marble flooring under her feet instead of grass and gave the Goblin King an enthusiastic hug. "Thank you. You remembered that my closet is rather bare and you dressed according." Toby had warned her about soldiers guarding the King, but she had forgotten and pulled back when she saw two tall Goblins standing at attention.
"Pay them no mind." Jareth indicated their small audience. "They are magically bound to never speak of anything learned while in service to their King, so you may hug me if you wish." He opened his arms and she stepped into them. "You look lovely, no matter your apparel. We will have many evenings for formal attire, tonight is just for us." He ran his forefinger down her check and enjoyed the feel of her silky skin.
"It's my best dress." She admitted. The finely-woven deep green cotton made her eyes sparkle like emeralds. "Ellamora has been teaching me the art of tailoring, but until recently, I've been more concerned about Toby's needs than mine. He's at Corramar's village school five days a week. And young boys are rougher on their clothes than adults."
"Over the years, I've found joy in thinking of you wearing those unusual Aboveground blue breaches people of your realm are so fond of. As a girl of fifteen, they were very complimentary to your figure. Now you would be delectable." He scrutinized her slim form from head to toe.
"Thank you." She felt her cheeks turning rosy with a blush no matter how much she fought it. "I'm not used to compliments like that, but I find I enjoy them from you." Her eyes flutter and she refused to shy away. "I'm sorry to disappoint, but the pair I was wearing when Toby and I escaped were damaged beyond repair."
"What a pity." Magically produced clothing tended to falter when least expected, but it might be worthwhile to try his hand at reproducing those Aboveground breaches. It could be interesting, very interesting indeed. "The males of your old world may not have commented on your lovely form within your hearing, but I am sure it was on their minds."
Sarah decided two could play that game, vary glad the guards could not hear what she was saying, even if they could see. She strolled casually around the King of the Goblins. Her eyes lingering on the small of his back where it met his well-shaped behind. "You are right, it is a pity that jeans aren't available here. You would look very fine in a them."
"Come," he reached for her hand. "We should eat before you seduce me in the main entrance hall of my castle."
"But…but, I am an innocent maiden and you are the all-powerful Goblin King." She fluttered her lashed and grinned, enjoying their light banter. "How could I possibly…"
"Do not defy me." He uttered words from long ago, but tonight his smile was enticing instead of malicious.
"When you put it that way." Laughter danced in her eyes. "Which way to dinner?"
They ate in his private dining room. Conversation flowed easily, free in the knowledge no one would overhear them. Sarah had many questions about what the next few weeks would entail. She was nervous but determined and he was very proud of her.
"We will be fine." He slowly ran his gloved fingers over her left hand when she inadvertently gripped the edge of the table.
"That is what your mother said." She sighed.
"The Dowager Queen is a very wise woman and skilled in political tactics despite her country widow facade." It pleased Jareth that his mother was showing support for Sarah. "Would you like to see what the castle really looks like? The spell I used tonight accompanies us."
"That would be great." Sarah took the arm he offered and they left the dining room. She'd had a quick view of the changes a few days before when he had brought her to see that the Escher room was intact. That peek had not prepared her for vast transformations in a building she had thought she knew.
"It is different from how you imagined it in your youth." He grinned at her as they entered a two-story library. The Goblin King closed the door, leaving their entourage of two armed soldiers at in the hall.
She gazed in awe at Jareth's huge collection of books. Comfortable reading chairs were placed strategically about the room alone and in groups. There were work tables and glass fronted cases that held ancient tomes and maps. "I never imagined a room like this. I would have been surprised to find so much as one book when I was fifteen. I really misjudged you."
"Since I am neither The Beast nor Prince Charming, you pictured a scoundrel with magic at his fingertips." He mused. "But it would be hard to be a heroine when even the Beast appears gentle because he is well-read, thus my castle contained no library."
"Scoundrel…Hmmm?" Sarah grinned, thinking of the sexy kiss Princess Leia received from Han Solo when they worked on the Millennium Falcon after their escape from the ice planet Hoth. "That might have some interesting side benefits."
"Don't forget, Sweet. In order to carry out one of my most important duties there must be a bit of wicked within me." He reminded her. His life was real, and scoundrel or not, he had responsibilities.
"Once upon a time I may have believed that was all you were." She thought for a moment to gather her right words. "You are the King of the Goblins. Ruling your lands and subjects takes courage, strength, and determination. Dealing with wished-away children and the people who wish them away is a task many would find arduous and often repugnant." Sarah cupped his cheek as he looked at her with eyes that gave nothing away. "I have seen you in difficult situations and you have seen me at my worst. We came out the better for it. The rest does not matter."
Jareth leaned in, running his hands through her hair. His lips so close they moved against her brow as he spoke. "You are truly my Chosen One to understand me so well."
She rested against him and enjoyed the feel of his body pressed against hers.
Jareth kissed her once more before they reluctantly disentangled. "I have something to show you." He nodded toward a set of glass doors at the end of the room.
"That isn't a very original line." Sarah gave him a flirtatious side-long look in hopes it would get her an intense kiss like the night before.
"My Sweet, you wound me." He placed his hand on his chest as if bleeding from the heart. "I am the Goblin King and am nothing, if not original. I brought you this way to show you a special garden. Or perhaps there was something else you would rather…examine." He growled.
"Your Highness, are you trifling with my affections?"
"No, Precious, I am most serious about them." He led her out onto the darkened stone-patio. As the doors closed behind them he pulled her close and kissed her soundly.
As he held her in his arms with his lips covering hers, Sarah slowly melted, against him. "Hmmm," she sighed and slipped wide-spread fingers, through his fine blonde hair.
When his right hand slid against her cheek to pull her closer, she realized his gloves had vanished. Her skin tingled at his touch. His left arm supported her head while his tongue swirled with hers. She ran her free hand against silk that cover the strong lean muscles of his back.
"You taste of the peach liqueur we had after dinner. Don't let this be a dream." She begged and gasped for breath.
"No dream, Precious, I promise." He kissed her slowly but didn't deepen it this time.
She rested against him, letting him support her weight, relieved that her days of waking and discovering her happiness had all been an invention of her sleeping mind were over.
"Turn around." Jareth held her elbows once she turned and pulled her tight against his chest. "This garden blooms only at night." He informed her while he nibbled at her ear.
"The fragrance is wonderful, but not overpowering."
"There are plants from all over the Underground. It is only during the coldest months that the garden lays dormant." He turned slightly and pointed upward. "Those windows and patio high above are part of my private chambers. Magic as old as the Underground is ensconced in this section of the castle and its grounds. It has protected generations of Goblin Kings and Queens as they slept and relaxed. That is the reason there are no guards posted at this entrance."
"Did you have this garden planted below your windows on purpose?" Sarah couldn't take her eyes off the area above.
"Over the generations various Goblin Kings and Queens have added an item or two that caught their fancy." He watched her watch his windows and balcony and could almost see her thoughts. "But six years ago, I was given incentive to have the gardeners put more vigor into the endeavor. What you see now is tripled the size of the one that existed."
"The timing is curious." She murmured and pulled her gaze from above to meet his eyes.
"I would say it was auspicious, My Sweet." His words pored over her like warm honey. "On warm summer nights, the scent from below drifts upward. It is a wonderful way to fall asleep."
"I'm sure." Sarah's voice was husky as she imagined sleeping in his arms while they were bathed in the gentle perfume from below. "Is that an invitation?"
"Not for tonight. I can tell by the look in your eyes that the idea excites you, but you are not ready yet." Jareth held close with his chin resting on the top of her head. "We have waited this long. A few more days, even a few weeks is a tiny span of time compared to forever."
"You're correct." Her voice was low and gravelly with desire. "But you make me feel things I never even imagined."
"Good, that means I will be in your thoughts, like you are in mine." He kissed her forehead and opened the door. "There is one more room I would like to show you and I think you will find it most interesting."
Down a long hall from the library and around a corner there were a series of large double doors. Jareth opened one set, and instructed his guards to stay in the corridor. He pulled a crystal from the air and tossed it high above them. As glitter sprinkled down, candlelight from five massive chandeliers glowed bright despite the high ceilings.
"A ballroom." Sarah gasped in delight, though a tiny piece of her wished she was dressed more formally. She turned around and around trying to see everything at once. "It's amazing." Dark wood flooring shone. One long wall was covered in floor to ceiling mirrors the opposite contained large windowed-doors. "Where do they lead to?"
"They open onto a large walled-patio above the public lawns and gardens. In good weather they can retract to enlarge the room, or be left closed so couples can sneak out for a private tryst. We are not going out there tonight because I am not confident in my resolve."
"I promise not to lead you astray." She laughed feeling the best she'd felt in years.
"Ahhh but you see, I can not make the same promise." Jareth moved closer to kiss her again, when he suddenly stopped. "Sarah?" he ran his right forefinger over her cheek.
"What? Do I have food on my face?"
"No, come here." The Jareth held her hand as they walked to the closest mirror. He guided her in front of him so she was inches away from their images. "What do you see?"
She looked up and met his eyes in the looking glass. "A beautiful Fae King who takes my breath away."
"Look again, this time at my Precious One." He requested as he kissed her shoulder.
Sarah surveyed her image, but wasn't sure what he wanted her to see. Her eyes looked bigger than usual, but she attributed that to finally getting rid of the dark smudges that marked her sleepless night. Maybe there was something to the expression 'beauty sleep'.
She tilted her chin to the right and then the left, raised her head, exposing her neck and then lowered it to see her forehead. Her reflection told her that her hair looked as good as it had when she combed it after dressing…she really needed to thank Ellamora for that great shampoo. Whatever herbs it contained had repaired all the fire damage and made the dark brown masses look thick and heavy. Her skin was pale, but she'd been avoiding the sun… "Oh," She gasped when she finally understood what he wanted her to see. "That can't be." She ran her finger over her cheekbones and above her eyelids. The skin in both areas was luminous, with a sheen that almost sparkled. "Did that rub off from you, when we were kissing?"
"No, it is you, all you. It is the outward sign of your magic. As your powers grow there will be more changes. It is apparent you have accepted the Underground, just as it accepted you long ago. It does not rub off."
"Wow." She stood there for a few moments simply staring at her reflection. "Is that why my hair is different too?" Sarah laughed with delight. "I've been giving Ellamora's herbs credit for that."
"Knowing the medicinal abilities, she has, I wouldn't be surprised if her potions helped ease your body's acceptance of the physical changes it is, and will, go through." He ran his hands through her dark tresses.
"When did this happen?" Sarah was still stunned. Granted her mirror was tiny, but she looked into it each morning after brushing her hair.
"This is the first I have seen changes that I can definitely attribute to the touch of the Labyrinth. You've been looking healthier as you recover from the terror and loss you went through. I surmise the changes occurred first on the inside. When you first returned, they happened slowly but then you relaxed and accepted that magic was within your reach." He thought, and tried to picture Sarah over the last few days. "This evening when I saw you standing behind Mistress Kilhaggen at her door, my first thought was that you looked radiant. I attributed your glow to happiness."
"I am happy. The day you showed me the puzzle room opened a door." She turned in his arms trying to grasp the changes. "That was the day I let you in and the soul numbing grief I'd been carrying began to ease. But it wasn't that long ago."
"In the time since then, you have been present when a unicorn mated. You have spent over thirteen hours in The Valley of the Moon, a place known as a bedrock of ancient powers and is in close proximity to dragons. And last night you entered into a courtship agreement with a Fae King. Any one of those activities could have given you a large dose of magic. Combine all three and it is no wonder you have developing at an accelerated rate."
"Do I have to worry about losing control and harming someone?"
"No," he smiled. "Powers in my Kingdom are restricted by the rules my great-great-grandfather laid down. If you are not a citizen, or still maturing, magic can grow and you can be instructed in its use, but you are only capable of small harmless spells until the King sets it free."
"That's a relief."
"This calls for a celebration." Jareth pulled a crystal out of the air and ran it over his ungloved hands and wrists. He threw it to the floor and magic filled the room.
Suddenly there was music.
"May I have this dance, Lady Sarah?" Jareth bowed, brushing his lips against the back of her hand, and looked up at her with a knowing grin.
"Yes, Your Highness." She curtsied and stepped into his arms while imagining she was dressed in a lovely gown she'd seen in the window at Bloomingdales not long before the fire. When they took their first steps, Sarah felt a shiver down her back. "What…what…" she gasped as she looked down. Gone was the simple green cotton and it was replaced by the one Sarah had wanted to wear. A slim column of deep green silk flowed softly from the top of her breasts to her waste. The skirt flared over hips, becoming fuller as it continued to the floor where it brushed the tops of a pair of silver high heels. Her arms and shoulder were bare except for tiny straps. "How did you know about this dress?" She was thankful there were no poufy sleeves with multiple layers of skirts like the dress that had been a fifteen-year-old's dream. Instead she looked like a woman.
"Not I, Precious. That is your magic." He gave her a mischievous looked. "Since you insist on donning formal attire, it is only fair that I join you. Some glitter swirled around him and he was outfitted much as he had been in that ballroom so long ago.
As she moved, the green silk clung gently to her curves. When she twirled in a circle the skirt flowed outward, swished elegantly about her until she laughed with joy. "I didn't know…How did I…?" Suddenly her magic gown changed into the cotton she'd been wearing. "Oh, no." Disappointment was evident in her tone. She concentrated on her clothes, but unsure how it had happened in the first place, was only able to cause her attire to flicker between the silk and the cotton.
"You are very new at this and magicked clothes sometimes have a mind of their own. Once you are adept at it, it is wiser to pull something from your wardrobe and change in a blink of an eye as I have just done. Would you like my assistance in maintaining the spell?" The King asked. When she nodded in approval he placed his hand on her shoulder, dusting glitter from his fingers to add his magic to hers. The beautiful silk creation stabilized.
"Thank you."
"Shall we dance, Sweet? Your dress is amazing." He put his arms around her and led them in a waltz. Sarah laughed when she realized that he intended to make full use of the entire room. She longed to see her reflection in the mirrors as they moved passed, to a see what she had created, but was too unsure of her dancing to look. "Will you teach me how to do this?" Green eyes met mismatched ones.
"Instruct you about which? Magic, dancing, or…loving."
"All of the above." She whispered.
"We shall start with dancing tonight, Sweet, though you seem to be doing very well without lessons. The magic will take some work, but you have an instinct for it." As they began down the long side of the room covered in crystal doors he added. "You must promise not to put a chair through the glass and escape this time."
"I do not want to escape." She lay her head on his shoulder and let him lead her where he wished.
TBC