A/N: I know, I know…I'm late. I promised to update within a week and it's been a week and a half. I apologize to everyone who's been waiting for this update with baited breath. I hope it's worth the wait. Shout outs go to morgan., sandy162, UndergroundDaydreams, annependragon, Operaphantomgrl, Monochrome-Muse, lady white roses, TinkLuvr16, KraZiiePyrozHavemoreFun, Rayen 'Tora' King, writertron, helikesitheymikey, LydiaLovegood, ShadowHeartofFaith, Kactus Wrynn, jinx1764, lonely 27, CarliAnne, scifigeek10, Diana1621, kshaitan, and gunitatsuhiko for their awesome reviews of the last chapter! Remember, reviews make me happy and happy people update faster.

Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth. I just enjoyed playing there.

The Labyrinth's Queen

I Now Pronounce You

~~~~~~~~ooooo~~~~~~~~

"Where is that blasted hobgoblin?" Sulwyn asked as he paced. This was not like Puck to completely blow off an assignment. Make mischief and mistakes, sure, but to just disappear? No one had seen Puck since yesterday. With this being the wedding day, Sulwyn was getting desperate to find his friend.

"There has been no word from him since yesterday," Keely replied. She could feel that something was amiss. Last night, she had felt the shift that came with reordering time. Things like that just don't happen every day. In fact, the only known people with that kind of power were the sons of Oberon and the High King himself. One thing was for sure, Keely was going to be keeping an eye on Eurwyn. She had always thought the twins were a close pair of brothers, but now she wasn't quite as sure.

"We've still no evidence and that bloody Nymph King has threatened a war should I rescind the pledge," lamented Jareth. He himself had talked to just about everyone he could think of, including his own father. Oberon had sympathized with his son, but told him his hands were tied. In truth, he had dismissed this as a mere obsession with a mortal. One he, himself, had experienced from time to time.

"The wedding is in two hours, Your Majesty," Keely replied. "I think we'd better face facts. You're just going to have to rescind your pledge and let the chips fall where they may."

"You know I can't do that," denied Jareth. The thought had crossed his mind more than he cared to admit, but it was impossible. If he did something this dishonorable, he'd be facing a war with little to no allies. He couldn't subject his Kingdom to those kind of odds.

"He's right, Keely," said Sulwyn. "He still has to put the best interests of his subjects before his own feelings. He is going to have to marry my sister."

"A marriage to your sister will mean the destruction of the entire Underground," Keely cried. "Shouldn't that take precedence over the subjects of one Kingdom?"

"Stop being so melodramatic, old one," Sulwyn scoffed. "Nerys may be many things, but I sincerely doubt that she has enough power to cause such devastation."

"Did neither of you feel the time shift yesterday?" Keely asked.

"What in the devil are you talking about?" Jareth replied. Sulwyn looked at her with a confused expression.

"Someone has been reordering time," Keely explained. "I felt it yesterday. You're telling me that neither of you felt anything?"

"It must have been my father," Jareth said. "I wonder what happened for him to use that kind of power. It's not his usual method for dealing with a problem."

Keely couldn't deny his logic. After all, Eurwyn had never even expressed interest in using his power. Jareth only used it when dealing with a runner. The High King was the most likely to have used it, but for what purpose? This was still unnerving the ancient being more than she wanted them to know.

"I must start getting ready for my funeral," Jareth quipped.

"Don't you mean wedding?" asked Sulwyn.

Jareth raised his eyebrow and smirked. Keely opened her mouth again to beg him to reconsider. She was as close to panic as she had ever been in the long life she had been granted by the Gods. The stern look on Jareth's face was enough to stifle any comment she had been about to make. She shook her head and quelled the tears that threatened just beyond the surface. With a flick of her wrist, she disappeared.

"If you need anything at all," Sulwyn said, readying himself to take his leave.

"I'll call," Jareth finished. The two men embraced and Sulwyn took his leave.

Alone, Jareth could begin to let the emotions that he had suppressed begin to come to the surface. He was more concerned about the reordering of time than he had led the others to believe. Why had he not felt anything? He also felt as if there was something that he should be remembering. It was as if there was a thing of great importance that he had forgotten. A feeling of unease and foreboding was about to overtake him. He dismissed it as just nerves about his upcoming wedding and marriage to Nerys. There was still one more thing he had to do before he got married. It was the thing he truly dreaded the most.

Keely went back to her little room and paced the floor. She hated having to deceive her sovereign, but she was held to a stronger edict than the bond they shared. She had sworn to uphold the will of the Gods and she would keep her pledge. Being privy to the whims of the Fates was both an honor and a curse. She was aware of what was about to transpire and tried to change destiny, but now it was too late. The events of that which had been foretold were about to play out. She just hoped to make it through unscathed. Someone would have to be around to rebuild. If things continued to play out as prophesied, she was going to be the witness to the end of the world.

Puck sat in the oubliette and pondered his situation. He knew he should never have agreed to his friend's plans for mischief. Now look where his good deeds had gotten him. He was stuck in this dark, dank, pit of hell. If there was one thing Puck detested, it was being alone with his thoughts. There was no fun to be had by sitting by oneself and thinking. He was a being of action, not one of contemplation.

Then there was a little matter of the treacherous activities of the being he had encountered. He had warned Oberon about the necessity of being careful. Then again, he had given the same warning to Sulwyn with almost the same results. They were going to have to make their own mistakes and live with the consequences. Unfortunately, he worried that the consequences of Oberon's actions would be dire for them all.

For once, he was glad that hobgoblins needed so little to eat to survive. He could last a few months on his dinner from the night before. It was his hope that he wouldn't need to test that theory. With a sigh, Puck stood and dusted himself off. His eyes drank in the darkness like a fine wine. The eyes of a hobgoblin were made for the dark. He could see the clumps of refuse along one wall. He picked through the items lying there, looking for something that might help him out of this predicament.

Jareth always enjoyed the feeling of soaring through the sky. His wings caught the breeze and it took him higher towards the portal between realms. Seamlessly, the barn owl passed through the veil and found himself Aboveground. It was in this shape that he truly felt free. He felt himself drawn towards a brick building among others. He flew towards it and landed in the large tree. He didn't need to be told which window. The power that Sarah had was enough to pull him towards the right one.

Sarah was in her big, fluffy robe after having finished bathing for the day. She was now trying to motivate herself to put on the beautiful silk gown that had been a gift from Sulwyn. This was a day that made her wish she could just go back to bed and pull the covers over her head. Who wanted to see the man with whom they were in love get married to someone else? Still, Sarah told herself that she needed to think of Jareth. She promised to support him and she intended to keep that promise.

A sound at the window made her turn and smile. Perched on a branch, directly outside her window, was a barn owl. Sarah knew that this was no ordinary barn owl. She walked over the window and unlatched the lock. With a grunt, she pulled on the stubborn window until she finally felt it give. Soon, she could feel the breeze on her, still damp, skin. The owl flew in and, before her eyes, transformed into the familiar form of the Goblin King.

"You're him," she quipped. "You're the Goblin King." They shared a laugh.

"Hello precious," he said with a sad smile.

"Hello Jareth," she replied, staring deeply into his mismatched eyes. "I take it you've not come to give me good news today."

"I'm sorry," he said. "All of our efforts to stop this were futile. In less than two hours, I must marry someone I could never love."

"Oh Jareth," she cried, capturing him into her embrace. "I'm so sorry. If I only I had called for you."

Jareth put his arms around her and held her tight to him, relishing her very scent. He let her cry into his shoulder, while he spoke nonsense words of comfort into her ear. This was so much worse than her rejection in the Escher Room. His heart may have been cracked, but now it was shattered. He would leave the pieces with Sarah and move on with his life. There was no way he could ever love again, but he didn't think he really wanted another love.

"Do you remember what you promised me in the tunnels?" he asked, withdrawing from her embrace.

"Yes," Sarah replied. "Do you remember your promise?"

"I do," Jareth vowed.

"I don't know if I can go forward without you," Sarah lamented.

"You have to be the strong woman I know you are," Jareth directed.

Sarah turned from him and said, "Then I, too, must live without the sunlight and love without your heartbeat."

"I can't live within you, Sarah," Jareth finished. Sarah turned and they embraced for a final time. Both knew that they were saying their final goodbyes. Sarah's heart felt like it was being ripped from her chest.

"I'll never love another," Sarah pledged.

"I'll love you forever," Jareth promised.

"It's not long at all," Sarah said, placing a soft kiss against his cheek.

Jareth kissed her forehead, eyes, cheeks, and finally placed a chaste kiss upon her lips. He turned and walked towards her window, afraid to look back and forget himself. Transforming into his owl shape, he took to the air and flew towards home. Sarah allowed herself to cry for a moment longer, but quickly squared her shoulders and prepared to face this head-on. If she was going to be a witness to this fiasco, she planned to do it with as much dignity as she could muster.

Jareth's return to the castle was met by Sulwyn. He'd noticed that his friend was no longer in the realm and had a pretty good idea of where he had gone. The look on the Goblin King's face sent waves of sorrow rushing through the Nymph Prince. Not knowing what else to do, he embraced his friend. Jareth needed all the strength he could get to make it through this day. Sulwyn would let him borrow some of his own.

"How is Sarah?" Sulwyn asked, stepping back.

"She is upset, as one might expect," Jareth replied.

Jareth called for his valet to assist him out of his current attire. He noticed that Sulwyn was already dressed in his royal finery. Sulwyn sat down on the chaise in the dressing room and watched as Jareth transformed from broken hearted man to stoic groom. Each new garment added a new measure of resolve. Sulwyn admired his friend and could only hope that he would be able to do his duty someday with the same poise and distinction.

When he was done, Jareth turned to Sulwyn for a final appraisal. The Nymph Prince grinned and nodded. He stood, ready to leave, when Jareth stopped him. Sulwyn turned and tilted his head.

"She made a pledge to me," Jareth said.

"Who? Nerys?" Sulwyn replied.

"Sarah," Jareth clarified. "I asked her to promise to move on and give herself to another."

"Why would you do that?" Sulwyn asked.

"She deserves to be happy," Jareth replied. "If I can't make her happy, someone else must."

"Jareth," Sulwyn began. Jareth put up his hand to stop him from saying anything else.

"I know, my friend," Jareth acknowledged. "Go to her, support her, and help her to love you."

"How did you know?" Sulwyn asked.

"You're transparent, brother," Jareth smirked. "As if you could hide the way you feel from me. I see everything."

"Very spooky," Sulwyn quipped. Jareth simply raised one eyebrow and smirked. Sulwyn laughed and shook his head.

"Take care of her," Jareth said, turning serious.

"I give you my vow," Sulwyn pledged.

Jareth nodded and turned. Sulwyn understood it as a dismissal and left. With one last look in the mirror, Jareth left to join his father in the lounge to wait for the beginning of the ceremony.

Sarah looked every inch the Lady that she was in the beautiful silk gown the color of precious emeralds. Her hair was up and curls fell along the sides of her face and at the nape of her neck. A piece of black velvet ribbon was tied around her neck as her only accessory. A quick flash of glittery light alerted her to her escort's presence. She turned to meet him

"Hello Sully," she said, smiling.

"Sarah, my dear, you look beautiful," he replied, breathlessly.

"Thank you," she said. "You're not looking too shabby yourself."

"You're in good spirits today," he remarked. He saw the shadow cross her face, but then she shook her head and smiled.

"I've just made up my mind that I can't allow myself to sink into despair," she explained. "What good would that do? I've got to be strong for him. He needs me right now and I intend to be there for him."

"You are indeed a very special girl," he replied.

"I'm no ordinary girl," she agreed. "That aside, I intend to see this through. I'm not perfect, nor do I plan to become a martyr. I just need to get through this day and be the stubborn woman that I am. I can cry tomorrow."

"I'll see you through this, Sarah," he pledged. "I won't let you down. You can count on me being the best friend I can possibly be to you."

"Thank you, Sully," she replied. "You and your friendship mean a lot to me."

"Shall we, my good Lady Sarah?" he asked, offering her his arm.

Sarah took his arm with a smile and a nod. Sulwyn couldn't help but be proud of the woman on his arm. She was like a warrior heading into battle. Her head was held high and her shoulders conveyed a confidence that he, himself, felt he was lacking. He sincerely hoped that she could keep her promise to Jareth. There was no one else in the world that Sulwyn could be with now. She had spoiled him for anyone else.

With a flick of his wrist, they were transported to the Goblin Kingdom. Sarah watched as beings, so beautiful it hurt to look at them, passed her by. It was an awe inspiring look into the world of the Fae. What little joy she might have felt at being in a place of her dreams was squelched by the reason for her visit. Still, she continued her walk of confidence. She could feel several eyes on her and Sulwyn and knew what a striking couple they made. She only wished she could feel something more for him than mere friendship. Telling herself that time heals all wounds, she held tightly to his arm and allowed him to escort her to a seat near the back of the Fae temple.

Sulwyn spent their time waiting trying to distract Sarah with stories about the various Fae within the temple. Soon, he had her giggling about one Lord's failed attempts to secure himself two wives. The men and women around them watched, amused. It was obvious, to them, that the mysterious woman at his side had captivated the young Nymph Prince. She was a beauty, that was quite plain to see, but her identity was not so easy to discern.

Feeling his companion stiffen beside him, he looked to see what had caused such a reaction. He put his arm around her in comfort at the sight of Jareth being led down the aisle by the temple priest. Jareth tried not to look for his beloved. He didn't trust himself to go through with this debacle if he did. For her part, Sarah was intently watching him as he got closer to the altar. On her face, she wore a supportive smile and willed herself not to cry. She could feel the comforting caresses that Sulwyn was providing.

Soon after Jareth reached the altar, ethereal music began to play. The sound of the doors opening pulled everyone's attention to the back of the temple. Nerys stood there with several attendants and began the slow procession to her intended. Sarah watched as Nerys' gown floated around her, giving her the appearance of floating on air. She had to admit that the woman made quite the lovely bride. A quick look at Jareth told her that he was working very hard at keeping his emotions from crossing his face. Still, Sarah could tell that he was miserable.

When Nerys reached her betrothed, the music was silenced by the priest's hand. Jareth took her hand and they kneeled before him. He began a prayer to the Gods in the ancient language of the Fae. Sarah didn't understand the words, but she could appreciate the sentiments. The priest placed a hand on each of their heads and spoke a blessing over them. They were both asked to raise one of their hands and a silver bonding cord was tied around each of their wrists. A blessing was again said over their joined hands.

The priest brought over a chalice of blessed wine and they each took a drink, working together with their bound hands. They were then asked to stand and face each other. Their vows were exchanged and recorded by the scribe. Sulwyn looked over and was astonished to see Sarah's eyes stayed dry throughout the ceremony. He knew the hardest part was still to come. Holding her tighter to him, he vowed to continue giving her strength to make it through this day.

"Vows have been exchanged and accepted," the priest said. "The couple will now seal their vows with a kiss."

Jareth took a deep breath and captured his new wife's lips with his own. It held very little romance, but everyone knew that this was not a love match. Feeling the comforting presence of Sarah made it possible for him to finish the ceremony. The priest waved his hand over the bonding cord and it disappeared, sealing them together. They faced the crowd, who stood and bowed before the King and Queen of the Goblin Realm. He allowed himself to search the crowd and saw Sarah dipped into a deep, respectful curtsy. Sulwyn held a supporting arm about her waist and was also bowing deeply. Both of them understood the strength it took for him to do his duty.

The newlyweds walked back down the aisle, followed by the priest. Soon, everyone followed to greet them in the receiving line. Sulwyn stood and offered his hand to Sarah. She took it and stood next to him. He escorted her out of the temple and into the line. His distracting stories made the wait more pleasant, though her heart felt heavy in her chest. When it was their turn to congratulate the new couple, she stepped forward gracefully and with dignity.

"Congratulations," she said. "I wish you all the happiness in all Realms. May your union be a blessed and fruitful one."

Nerys was taken aback by the sentiment, but allowed herself a smile of triumph. She had the man and soon she'd have control of the Kingdom. Her plan was coming together just as she dreamed it would. Jareth simply gave her a sad smile and nodded. He couldn't help but think of the Queen she could have been. He watched as she and Sulwyn disappeared into the crowd to await the wedding ball.

The ball went by in a whirlwind of dancing, eating, and table discussion. Sarah had to admit she was having a good time despite the circumstances. She danced with Sulwyn, Eurwyn, and Bledig. Each man vied for her attentions and she felt like the belle of the ball. She noticed Keely standing in the corner and went over to have a talk with her.

"Enjoying yourself Sarah?" Keely asked.

"More than I thought I would," Sarah admitted.

"I saw you dancing with Eurwyn," Keely said. Sarah nodded, not knowing what else to say. It was quite eerie dancing in the arms of someone who looked so much like the man she loved. "Please be careful, Sarah. We still don't know where Puck is or who reordered time and why."

"Do you really think it was Eurwyn?" Sarah asked.

"I don't know, Sarah," Keely replied. "A storm is coming and I'm scared."

"I'll keep my eyes open," Sarah promised.

Bledig quickly approached and requested another dance. Sarah looked to Keely, who nodded. The couple danced to a slow waltz. Jareth tried not to stare, but he couldn't help it. Something was needling him and it went further than jealousy. Danger was approaching and he could feel its approach.

"Are you having fun, my dear?" Bledig asked as they danced.

"Yes," Sarah affirmed. "I love to dance."

"This is not the only kind of dance I enjoy," he purred, looking at her with lusty eyes.

"This is the only kind of dance I know," Sarah replied.

"Perhaps you just have not found a suitable partner," he said, lowering his eyes to her full lips. "I would enjoy teaching you all kinds of new steps."

Sarah's face flushed and she stilled. Her eyes narrowed as she said, "Sir, I do believe our dance has come to an end. If you would excuse me." She didn't give him time to respond as she turned and left him standing by himself. Sulwyn watched the exchange with suspicious eyes. He went to retrieve Sarah and find out what happened.

"Would you like some air," Sulwyn asked, coming to her side.

"That would be lovely," she replied. He led her outside to the terrace. The cool breeze felt good on her heated cheeks.

"What happened in there?" he asked.

"I think Bledig was propositioning me," Sarah explained. "He intimated that he could teach me a different style of dance."

Sulwyn's eyes narrowed and he felt anger burning a course through his veins. How dare that cad try to make time with his girl? Of course, she wasn't his girl exactly. That wasn't the point! He was still her escort. Sarah could feel the anger beginning to radiate off of him. Diffusing his anger, she gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek and placed his arm around her waist. She was willing to allow him to show possession if it meant that Bledig would be kept at a distance. She didn't trust the man. He escorted her back into the ball, making everyone assume that they had been out there for a tryst. Sarah played her part by placing her head on his shoulder as they made their way to a table. To everyone, it looked as if they were lovers.

Both Eurwyn and Bledig noticed this display. Keely watched each of their reactions. Eurwyn was smirking and raised an eyebrow to the couple. To Keely, he seemed amused, but not threatened. Bledig was giving off an air of indifference, but an undercurrent of resentment was coming through to the Labyrinth. She began to wonder if things were really as they seemed. Shaking her head, she took her leave. She needed room to think.

The ball lasted until nearly thirteen o'clock. Sulwyn kept a close watch on Sarah, allowing her to dance only with Eurwyn. Sarah enjoyed the company of Jareth's brother and the two made plans to go riding with Sulwyn the next week. Perhaps it was because of his resemblance to a certain Goblin King, but Sarah found Eurwyn's presence to be comforting. Sarah and Sulwyn said their goodbyes and he escorted her back to her room.

Sulwyn made his farewell to Sarah, promising to see her again tomorrow. Sarah looked around her room, glad to be alone again. She hardly remembered what her roommate looked like now that she had moved in with her boyfriend. Sarah quickly changed into her nightgown and got into bed. Soon, she sunk into a troubled sleep. A single tear slipped down her cheek and soaked into her pillow. Only the room was witness to the malicious smirk on the blond man's face as he watched her sleep. He folded himself into his cape and disappeared, leaving Sarah alone with her nightmare.

A/N: Please don't hurt me. I told you this story was going to be unpredictable, but would have a happy ending. This isn't the end…not for Jareth and Sarah at least.