Jareth's mother, the Queen Karis, was quick to pull Sarah aside to a couch once they had entered the castle's parlor while Maitland took Jareth over to the window, presumably catching up on latest bit of politics.
"Here." The pleasant, bright eyed woman handed Sarah a cup filled with a ruby liquid which lacked any sort of a smell. Hesitant, Sarah glanced sideways at the queen who continued, "It's a fruit cordial of sorts. Native only to the Underground. You'll like it, I think." She poured herself a cup and sipped on it before settling back against the cushions of the couch.
"Thank you, your majesty." Sarah replied quietly as she sipped the drink, finding she did enjoy the fruity taste combined with a tangy flavor.
"Please, call me Karis. I don't stand on ceremony like Jareth's father. Besides, we'll be related very soon, correct?" Her eyes inquired more than her voice and Sarah smiled faintly before turning away her face from the woman.
"In a few months. I have requested some time to accustom myself to this idea of being queen. And, well, this place. It's nothing like I've ever seen before." The queen laughed and patted Sarah's shoulder.
"The Underground is unique. There is nothing like it and never will be ever again. In that way, it's not so different from your Aboveground. It too is unique and inhabited by the unusual. At least to us. I hear you have horseless carriages and pictures inside of boxes." Sarah couldn't help but chuckle at Karis's description of cars and televisions.
"Yes, we do. Do you have things like them?" The maid inquired and the queen nodded.
"Not exactly but things which complete the same purpose. Our preference are projections for amusement and teleportation is far more advanced than traveling by a metal monster." With that, Sarah had to agree.
"Well, back to the wedding. Have you solidified any plans as of yet?"
"No, Ma'am. I've been here a few days and I suppose Jareth has been kind to me by not stressing me out too much over the developments."
"I understand. This is a lot to take in so quickly. Soon though, it will become second nature to you. Nothing will seem abnormal. Give yourself a few hundred years." Her reassurance reminded Sarah at that moment of her own late mother and a genuine smile crossed her lips, softening her eyes. Most any nerves she had previously possessed about her new family virtually melted away.
"I will."
"Good." The queen might have gone on to say more but Jareth and his father made their way back over to the pair of women, Jareth with a slightly frustrated frown on his face and Maitland's expression not have changed since their departure.
"Shall we go to our room, precious? You look tired." He reached forward and with a gloved finger brushed her cheek. Sarah nodded and he enfolded her hand in his.
"Good evening, Mother, Father. We shall see you in the morning." With a puff of glitter, the pair of the vanished as Jareth transported them away.
Sarah gazed about the room and frowned softly to herself. It was a nice room and looked comfortable but the style didn't fit her. The dark olive green, tan, and black furniture was made up of odd angles and sweeping circles, all of which stole her visual balance if she turned to quickly.
It slapped of her fiancé.
"This is your room isn't it?" Jareth chuckled and led her over to the bed where he sat her down on the dark comforter.
"Yes, I know it isn't your preferred style but it is considered the finest suite in the whole of the castle." Sarah nodded absentmindedly.
"Where is your suite?" She inquired innocently only to be greeted with a laugh from the blond Fae. Offended, she shot a scowl his way. She was tired and in no mood for his games.
"We will be sharing this suite." Before his bride-to-be could make any objections, he held of his hand to silence her. "It is tradition. An odd tradition that goes against your human sensibilities but one I can't alter. I must remain in your room." He left her sitting on the bed and approached the odd couch.
"I will sleep here and you will sleep there. Will that appease you?" Sarah once more conceded and soon they were both tucked in their respective beds.
It was several hours later when Sarah was awoken by an unearthly screeching. The sound pierced the air like a knife and black shadows darkened the windows in their room for a moment before vanishing to show the moon once.
Sarah, bold though she was, squeaked, curling up in her bed. The screams had cut to her very heart. Over her pounding heart she heard the shifting of a body and a voice say, perfectly calm abet slightly frustrated,
"Banshees. Don't they no better than to interrupt a person's sleep."
"Banshees?" Sarah whispered, turning to see Jareth pulling on his leather jacket before turning towards her.
"Yes. Banshees. Dress quickly. They don't come unless there's trouble."
Author's Note:
Dear Readers,
Yes, I know this was kinda short and boring but I promise you it will get more interesting! I'm having to take time building backstory. I promise it will get better soon.
sarahandmarquis