Aberdon stared down at the fragile blonde woman in his arms, not moving. Her eyes had the same strange glow they'd possessed since her transformation back to human. He could lose himself in those eyes and if he was honest, he was already lost.
"What did you just say?" he asked, not daring to breathe. She glanced at his lips, and he felt himself harden. He could take her now if she continued to look at him like that. His breathing slowed even as his heart rate sped up - she was looking at him like she'd never seen him before. Was that good?
Annie licked her lips and panic set in as she tried to move away from him. He held her to him, willing her to look at him. She swallowed, then coughed, then tried looking anywhere except his hawk like gaze.
"Say it again," he commanded, ghosting his lips over her ear. She closed her eyes and let the sensations overcome her. He was so near and she was so stupid.
"I - I don't love him," she repeated. He smiled wolfishly and leaned in to kiss her ear now, letting the tip of his tongue dance around the elegant shell. Heat rose up in her from deep inside and the room seemed to spin. She held onto him so that she wouldn't fall to the floor in a heap of emotion.
"And?" Aberdon prompted, gliding his hands down her back to pull her in even closer. She gasped, wanting those hands on every part of her.
"And, he's pretty happy with Lydia," she said, nervously looking around her. Aberdon almost purred as he kissed her throat.
"I'm sure he is," Aberdon agreed. "But that's not what I asked. Say it again, little one, please." There was a hidden urgency in his words and she found the courage to look up at him then and gasp at the naked longing she saw in his silver eyes.
"I can't love him the way he deserves because it's the way I love you," she said quietly. Heedless of the party goers Aberdon dipped his head to hers and took possession of her mouth, sliding his tongue effortlessly between her parted lips to taste her fully. One of them groaned and grabbed onto the other, details were cloudy. One of them hissed the other's name as hands wandered into dangerous territory. After long moments, they broke apart to breathe and she swore she heard singing in her mind.
"And you will be mine, then? No running away anymore, no pretense of mere friendship?" His eyes seemed to beg her for the truth and she was speechless. He seemed to want her, after all she'd done, after everything that had happened he still wanted her. Could this be happening? Where was her bravery now when she needed it?
"Please dear Antoinette, answer me before I die from the waiting," he hissed, kissing her again and leaving her breathless as his hands roamed her, claiming her on the dance floor. Her heart made her decision for her and she broke off the kiss, panting.
"I can't answer you while you are kissing me, your highness," she laughed, stepping back from him and backing away. "But if you catch me, I'm sure you'll find a way to get me to say whatever you want. Perhaps even do - whatever you want."
She ran from the ballroom and he watched her in shock. After a minute to clear his fogged brain, his grin became feral and he stalked his prey with a single purpose. To consume her fully.
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"Jareth, could you get me some punch? All this dancing has left me thirsty," Sarah asked, smiling up at her betrothed.
"Of course, my love. But stay near to the others, I do not wish to confront Talon at your welcoming ball."
"I'll be fine for the two minutes it will take you to return," she smiled wickedly. "Did you know that your bathtub looks big enough for two? And you make me want to lick you all over when you bathe alone calling my name?"
"Really - wait, what are you saying?" Jareth looked down at her, heat in his gaze. "You'd like to do what to me? I'm not sure I heard your innocent lips form those words."
"I'll explain after you get the punch," she promised and he smirked back at her as he went off to find her a cup of punch.
A woman walked up to her, in a faded yet still lovely ball gown and bowed to her. She seemed familiar, but Sarah couldn't tell from where.
"Princess Sarah, I am Lady Felecia, an old friend of your grandparents. Welcome," the older woman said, smiling wide.
"Um, thank you, it is good to meet you," Sarah smiled back at her, feeling a bit uneasy. Must just be nerves, she thought.
"I have an early birthday gift for you, as I will be - out of town the night of your birthday party. Please accept it with my sincere wishes for a lovely party." A small parcel was slipped into Sarah's hands and the woman disappeared back into the crowd. Shrugging, Sarah slipped it into her small clutch purse and looked for Jareth.
"Miss me, love?" Talon's breath ghosted over her ear and she spun to face him.
"Must you sneak up on people? I'm looking for Jareth, you may remember him - the man I'm going to marry?"
"Time will tell, won't it, lovely flower? I could please you in ways your Jareth could not even dream about if but given the chance."
"Don't embarass yourself, Lord Talon - the girl obviously has no use for you," Teramin said, spinning Sarah onto the floor and away from the glaring man.
"Do all of Jareth's brothers feel the need to save me?" Sarah asked, eyes flashing fire. "I could have handled the man."
"Of course you could have," he agreed, "but I wished to dance with my new sister. Would you deny me the pleasure?"
His eyes of coral, so deep and rich mesmerized her and she laughed. King of all the creatures of the seas, his eyes swirled like whirlpools and she felt a bit dizzy.
"You are all just overgrown boys, you know that? Each and every one of your brothers join you in that accomplishment."
Teramin grinned. "I shall take that as the compliment you obviously meant it to be, sweet Sarah."
"You're not fooling me at all you know. I understand how you all look out for each other - it's very noble," Sarah said, eyes softening. "And I appreciate that you consider me worth watching over even if it is because I'm with Jareth."
"You are the Champion of the Labyrinth, future Queen of the Goblins and in line for the Above Ground's throne," he admitted. "But before all of that, you were Sarah Williams, brave girl who found her way into a future that would have frightened most others off. You are brave and have fought well for our family as well as your own. You honor us with your acceptance of Jareth, and of us all. Never doubt your own worth, Sarah - you are more than you know."
Sarah gazed up at him, awed that the shy, quiet Teramin would open up to her at all, and say the things he did. She smiled and let her brother lead her around the dance floor, all worries forgotten in the music of the night.
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Sir Didymus watched Sarah dancing and was well pleased. She had the air of a princess and all who were there admired her. A tall man walked up to him and bowed.
"I have been told you guard the fair Sarah with your life," he said smoothly.
"Why yes, I do - I am Sir Didymus and you are?"
"My name is unimportant. Tell me, are you sure you know where she will be at all times? Where she will eat? Where she will sleep?"
"Well she eats with her family of course and she sleeps in her mother's rooms upstairs."
"Really, well - thank you, Sir Didymus. You've been most helpful." The man walked away and the fox terrier shrugged. So many people here concerned for the lady's welfare. How lucky she was, indeed.