Chapter 10 – A Human Party With a Fae King
Sarah cleaned up her painting supplies early on the afternoon of the cocktail party and then popped a large pan of popcorn to Squeeker's joy. Then she took five brown paper bags and sketched the face of one of "her" goblins on each bag while Squeeker watched in amazement.
"That's ME! That's Squeeker!" he exclaimed in excitement and hugged the first bag tightly, watching as she drew the other four goblin faces on their respective bags.
She grinned at him and filled each bag with popcorn, folded them over, and then put all five in one larger bag. "I thought I would give you an extra treat since we aren't having dinner and movie night tonight" she explained.
He wiggled in pleasure, but then tipped his head at her. "But we still get the extra special treat tomorrow, don't we Lady?"
She chuckled at him. "Yes, we'll have the extra special treat tomorrow and maybe a few other things as well." The little goblin's eyes widened even further with pleasure and he jumped from foot to foot in anticipation. "You go ahead and take these back to the others and I'll start getting ready for the party."
After he disappeared, she began her preparations for the party, beginning with a long hot shower, relaxing with the scent of the vanilla scented body wash she used. After blowing her hair dry, she applied light make-up, outlining her eyes with mossy green eyeliner and creating a smoky look with shades of bronzed brown. A rose-tinted lip gloss completed her look.
Slipping on the red silk dress, she added ruby and diamond earrings and a matching bracelet. Taking two silver hair combs, she pulled the hair away from her face, and then used her curling iron to create a tumble of curls down the back. Finally satisfied, she went into the living room just as Jareth arrived.
He looked at her in admiration, bowed and took her hand. "You look lovely tonight, Sarah" he murmured, brushing her fingers with his lips.
She smiled, ignoring the flutter in her stomach at the huskiness in his voice, instead dropping a slight curtsey saying "Thank you kind sir." He seemed loathe to relinquish her hand, stroking it lightly with his thumb.
Noticing the diamond and ruby jewelry he commented "You have beautiful jewelry, Sarah. Are they a gift from an admirer?" He realized he did not care for the idea that other men could be have so close a relationship with her as to give her gifts.
Sarah raised an eyebrow at him. "I don't accept costly gifts from men, Jareth. I've been successful enough in both business and my financial investments that I can afford to acquire the luxury items that appeal to me." She was mildly annoyed at him for his comment.
Realizing that he might have upset her, he hastily said "Please forgive my assumption, Sarah. My ignorance of Aboveground customs is a poor excuse for offending you. I did not mean to do so."
Sarah's irritation immediately dissolved at the sincerity in his voice. She realized he was right in that there were many differences between their cultures. Smiling at him ruefully she said "I understand, thank you Jareth. I should remember the differences between the Underground and Aboveground, myself."
"Michael dropped off a GQ magazine for you to select your own attire." She nodded at the dining room table and the magazine. I marked two pages you might like." They had agreed that he would use a magazine as a reference for appropriate human clothing.
He reluctantly released her hand, turning to the magazine. He looked at the two pages she had marked and waved his hand over his torso, transforming his normal attire into a charcoal gray Armani suit with a fitted black silk shirt. Looking at her, he winked and changed the white pocket handkerchief to match the color of her dress. She smiled and moved to the still fresh flowers he had given her for her table, selecting a ruby red bud, snipped the stem and slipped it into his lapel buttonhole.
Jareth closed his eyes and breathed in her scent as she added the boutonniere. She was exceptionally alluring tonight, he thought. Her eyes were extraordinary, her figure exceptional. The tousled curls made him want to run his hands through her hair. His eyes snapped open when she said his name.
"Jareth, you don't have your gloves."
He inclined his head. "I wanted to be sure my attire was appropriate for a human gathering."
"I don't think I've ever seen you without them. Is it a cultural preference or is there another reason you typically wear them?" She was curious as he had beautiful hands; strong with long fingers. "A pianist's hands" she thought.
"It is both cultural and a courtesy among Fae", he explained. "My people are somewhat sensitive to touch, acutely sensitive actually, and gloves help to avoid inadvertent exchanges or discharges of magic, which could be uncomfortable. Removing one's gloves among other Fae is a mark of extreme trust, but I am happy to adapt to Aboveground culture for our evening." He smiled at her.
"You will likely be expected to shake hands with strangers during the evening, Jareth. I think you should wear them. It will not be all that unusual, especially if you forego leather for something more compatible with your suit."
"Are you certain, Sarah? I would not want to embarrass you this evening."
She smiled up at him. "I insist. It will make me more relaxed knowing that you are comfortable."
"In that case, I cannot refuse, Precious" he remarked with a soft smile and gloves matching his suit appeared on his hands. He was actually relieved, especially if he would be expected to shake hands during the evening.
A 30-minute cab ride later, they arrived at the high rise building of the event. He wondered at how humans could live with their tight buildings, crowded roads and insane drivers. He was certain they were going to be hit several times during the journey, and was relieved to finally arrive at their destination. Once inside, they took an elevator up.
The cocktail party was in a large corner conference area, with windows covering two walls. A series of round linen-covered tables with candles were placed in the back and along one side. Two bartenders were stationed at a refreshment center creating and serving drinks. A large hardwood floor was in the center, set apart for dancing. A table was set up to one side with some form of equipment, and he caught Sarah's eye and questioned it with a lift of his eyebrow.
Glancing over, she recognized a DJ and let Jareth know that person would be playing the music for any dancing, versus a live band. He was curious, but accepted it.
They were barely into the room when they heard "Sarah! I'm so glad you made it."
Turning, they saw a middle-aged man and woman come towards them, him with his arms outstretched. He gave her a brief hug and kiss on the cheek. "You remember Carolyn of course?"
"Good evening, Marty, Carolyn. It's good to see you both." She hugged Carolyn after Marty. "Jareth, this is my agent Marty Robinson and his wife Carolyn. Marty, Carolyn, this is my friend Jareth."
He smiled and shook Marty's hand. "Jareth King" he said smoothly and watched as Sarah hid a chuckle. He leaned over Carolyn's head and brushed a kiss above it. "My pleasure to make your acquaintance, madam."
Carolyn blushed, then eyed Sarah with a "where have you been hiding him" look. "Sarah, why do your dates always make me look bad" Marty complained.
"Forgive my ignorance, but what does an illustrator's agent do?" Jareth asked Marty.
"I handle the business contracts and negotiations, review requests for her services and forward those I think will most interest her. It's getting to where she's getting more requests that she will be able to handle. She's already the favorite artist for half a dozen authors, and more requests are coming in all the time."
Marty laughed and then added "Don't tell her, but I don't think Sarah really needs me. She's caught some things in contracts that I missed and has added points I hadn't considered, but are now part of the basics I demand. She's one of the best clients I've ever had."
"Don't need you? Don't be silly Marty. I couldn't make do without you!" He beamed as Sarah smiled at him.
"Uh oh, Adam Kirkland's coming up behind you Sarah. Want me to head him off?"
She sighed. "No, but thank you Marty."
Jareth stepped closer to her and turned as a cultured voice said smoothly "Good evening Sarah. Good evening Marty, Carolyn". Adam Kirkland moved with the self-assurance of the wealthy and powerful. He was tall, with dark curly hair, deep brown eyes and broad shoulders, dressed in a well-cut black suit that fit his frame perfectly.
"Good evening, Adam" Sarah said politely. "Jareth, this is Adam Kirkland, Executive Vice-President for Jansom House Publishing. Adam, this is Jareth King."
Jareth eyed the newcomer. This man had insulted Sarah's friends and thought he had a courtship claim on her? With an impassive face he bowed slightly, but did not offer his hand. Adam dropped the hand he had begun raising, a sneer appearing on his otherwise handsome face.
"You'll save me a dance or two for me this evening, Sarah? Perhaps a tango. I know how much you enjoy a tango."
"I'm sorry Mr. Kirkland, but Sarah already promised all tangos to me this evening. It is our favorite dance." Jareth smiled down at Sarah, putting an arm loosely around her waist.
"Another dance then, Sarah. I will come find you." Nodding at the four of them, Adam moved off to greet a new couple arriving, only the stiffness of his shoulders showing his irritation at being denied.
Jareth and Sarah walked around the room, stopping to speak with several authors and publishing house officials with whom she worked. She maintained an amiable manner with everyone they joined, introducing Jareth easily, initiating topics that facilitated conversation. He realized that while she may not enjoy these types of gatherings, her friendly banter helped everyone enjoy one another's company.
Eventually, the music started and Jareth escorted her to the dance floor for the first waltz, surreptitiously removing his gloves and putting them in his pocket. Hel settled his right hand on her hand, holding his left for her. She accepted it, placing her left hand on his right shoulder, looking first at his ungloved hand, and then up at his face. He smiled down at her moving her in a spin and then began moving counter clockwise around the room.
"Is there much of a difference between this and Underground waltzing" she asked, enjoying their gliding movements.
"It depends on who is hosting the ball, actually. At times it is quite sedate and disarming, yet on other evenings it can be quite insidious and seductive. Of course, it might depend on the partner in one's arms." He moved her into another graceful spin.
"Based on the other night, I know you are quite good at dancing, but do you enjoy it, or is it just something that royalty needs to do?"
"When I'm dancing with a giggling chit who can't string five words together, it can be a nuisance. However, when the partner is as lovely and graceful as you, it is quite addictive."
Sarah chuckled, enjoying the compliments and trying not to blush in pleasure.
Jareth noticed Adam Kirkland watching them from across the floor, and leaned down to mention it, asking quietly whether she wanted to dance with her former suitor that evening, As they completed another spin, she looked over Jareth's shoulder, noting that Adam was indeed watching them closely.
Sighing softly, Sarah commented that she was willing to behave in a mature manner as long as Adam was a gentleman.
"I can always send the goblins after him if he doesn't behave", Jareth remarked lightly, pleased when she responded with her rich velvety laugh.
From the side of the room, Adam Kirkland frowned at the pair as they laughed and twirled around the room.
Marty claimed Sarah for the next dance, a foxtrot, and Jareth requested the pleasure of his wife's company on the floor, putting his gloves on without anyone noticing. He noticed she was competent at the dance, but didn't have the lightness or elegance that Sarah radiated. Without appearing to watch Marty and Sarah, he still ended the dance next to the other couple. They chatted for a moment until the strains of the next dance began.
Adam Kirkland approached and looking only at Sarah said "May I have the honor, Sarah", although his tone implied it wasn't a request. Sighing and deciding to get it over with, she smiled apologetically at Jareth and accepted.
He didn't recognize the dance they began and leaned against a column watching. Kirkland put his right hand just below Sarah's shoulder blade, his left hand clasping her right, their elbows touching. She placed her right hand on his arm. It had a slightly familiar rhythm, but he noticed their steps followed one slow, two quick and one slow as they danced with smooth and flowing movements, He kept his face impassive as he watched their hips move from side to side.
Looking at their faces and then watching Sarah's form more closely, he realized that her back appeared stiff, her face carefully indifferent, while Kirkland was speaking with quiet intensity. Jareth began moving around the room to be close when the dance ended.
As the last notes were played, Kirkland pulled Sarah a little off the floor towards the wall. As Jareth approached them, he heard the other man say passionately "We are made for one another, Sarah. I don't understand why you fail to see that."
"Adam, we've gone through this. You proclaimed your love for me without knowing me as a person at all and showed no inclination to actually learn about me."
"I know you very well, Sarah. My connections would only help your career while your grace and beauty would help mine. You can keep those gay friends of yours if they mean so much to you and I won't say another word about it."
Sarah took a deep breath; she would not allow him to infuriate her again. "Adam, what is my favorite color?" He looked at her with a surprised frown. "You don't know, do you? Who are my favorite authors? What is my favorite food?"
"What possible relevance does that have with this discussion?" he demanded.
"It has everything to do with this discussion. Please, prove me wrong. Name just one of my life goals, whether it's spiritual, career, family, financial, physical or public service oriented, whether tangible or intangible."
He glared at her in frustration. "Don't play games with me, Sarah" he snapped.
She shook her head and said softly "I'm not playing games Adam and this is what you don't understand. You don't know anything about me. How then can you say that you love me when it never even occurred to you to ask a single question about what I want in life? You have your goals and assume mine are the same. They aren't."
She sighed at him. "I don't love you Adam. I never will. And I won't enter into a loveless marriage. You will make someone an excellent husband I'm sure, but it won't be me. Please don't ask me again."
She turned aside, but he reached for her arm to detain her. Jareth immediately started forward, but Sarah turned icy eyes on the hand on her arm and stared until he removed it. "Good bye, Adam" she said with absolute finality.
Turning, she saw Jareth coming up and gave him a warm smile. He returned it and offered her his arm, saying "I'm hoping the next dance will be a tango. Would you care for something to drink while we wait?" and led her to the bar, leaving Kirkland behind in the shadows.
When they reached the bar, Sarah suddenly grinned mischievously at Jareth and requested two "fuzzy navels" from the bartender. He tried not to look appalled, but couldn't help saying "Sarah, that sounds like something the goblins would drink…"
The bartender laughed and gave them each a drink. He cautiously lifted the glass and inhaled tentatively, laughing with her as he smelled the peach scent. She sipped her own drink as they moved to the side and found an empty table. "It's peach schnapps and orange juice" she explained. "My guess is that peaches are fuzzy and oranges have navels, so it's a fuzzy navel, but trying to understand how drinks are named will only give you a headache."
He chuckled and sipped the drink. "I might have to bring some of this to the Underground" he admitted, tipping his head at her. "I'm surprised you don't object to peaches after our last encounter involving peaches and dancing."
"Well, I did avoid them for a year, but by the time I was old enough to drink alcohol, I had overcome it. Schnapps has less alcohol than most liquor, and I prefer that."
She frowned slightly over his shoulder and turning his head he saw Kirkland taking an older woman out on the dance floor.
Touching her hand lightly, he asked "Are you all right, Sarah? Do you want to leave?"
Smiling at him, she said "I'm fine, but thank you Jareth. Adam only cared about the fact that he enjoyed my company; he never thought about me as a person. I don't know how one could build a long-term relationship on such inconsequential knowledge of a person, do you?"
"Not unless it was an arranged marriage" he agreed, surprised and thoughtful at her comments. "By the way, what was the dance you and Kirkland were executing? I didn't recognize it."
"It was a rumba, another Latin inspired dance. It can be quite enjoyable with the right partner. I would be happy to teach you if you would like."
"That would be a great pleasure, Sarah" he said, and then smiled as he recognized the music that was starting. "May I have the honor of this dance, Precious?" he said standing and extending his hand to her as a tango started. She smiled and took his hand, noticing that his gloves suddenly disappeared.
Moving to the floor, he placed his hand on the middle of her bare back, feeling her shiver as a brief but intense current passed between them when their skin met. Their torsos touched and he inhaled her scent deeply and then began moving forward smoothly. As they moved together in a consuming impassioned dance, they weren't aware that they were gaining more and more of the dance floor to themselves.
Spinning her away with the hand on her waist, he pulled her back to him with the hand holding hers. Their legs intertwined, their hips touched in tantalizing movements, he dipped her deeply supporting her only with the strength of one arm, pulling her back. His eyes smoldered as she slid a leg up his leg to his hip, then spun and kicked it back out. He left her go and twisted away, feeling her come up behind him pressing her hands on his shoulders and whirled around, taking her in his arms, pulling her backwards letting her stalk him, then immediately reversing and stalking her.
As the music reached the end, he pulled her a series of spins then dipped her deeply again, just as it ended and they paused for several seconds, breathing deeply totally engrossed in one another's eyes. He pulled her back up as they heard applause around them, and he brought her hand to his lips. "Definitely a dance you need to reserve exclusively for me, Precious" he smirked.
She chuckled and curtseyed to those applauding them while he gave an elegant bow, before escorting her off the floor.
"We never practiced some of those moves" she murmured to him. "We only watched them on the video. Are you sure you haven't been doing this for years? Heaven help me, I'll never be able to keep up once you become experienced" she smiled up at him still breathing deeply from their exertions.
Although her senses were still tingling after that impassioned dance, she turned as someone called her name.
"Miss Williams, Tyler Richardson" he said shaking her hand. She introduced Jareth and waited. She was aware he was an author, but she had never worked with him before.
"I was hoping you would be here tonight, Miss Williams. I've seen your work. I would to talk to you about possible creating the cover for my next novel."
"You write sci-fi, if I remember correctly Mr. Richardson?" At his nod she asked "Have you thought about what feeling you want people to think the book will provide as well as how you want them to feel upon completing the book?"
"Why do I feel as if this is a question that may decide whether we can work together or not?" he said with a smile.
Sarah chuckled. "It's not a deciding factor, but it helps me understand what you are looking for, what your vision is." She chuckled again as he took a small notepad out of his pocket.
"What other questions do you ask when you first talk to an artist?"
"What is your focus? Is it on the technology, on new cultures, the relationships of your characters or how the main protagonists handle their encounters? Do you have an image in your mind of what your characters look like, how they walk, how they stand, how they sit, how they sleep?"
"Actually, I do, although I'm willing to negotiate some points. I like the feeling I get when I look at your work, Miss Williams. It draws the viewer in; it makes them want to pick up the book, to like the story and the characters. Even when the subject isn't as friendly, your artwork grips the viewer. The cover for "Burning Crescendo" was riveting, even though it was disturbing. That's what I want."
Sarah smiled at the intense author. "If you would send a story synopsis and your comments to Marty Robinson, I would be happy to consider working with you Mr. Richardson."
"Excellent! You are my first and best choice. I would be sorry if I had to work with a lesser artist or professional."
"Flattery doesn't always work, but it doesn't hurt either" she laughed at him. "I look forward to hearing from you through Marty."
"You have an interesting way of gathering information and making decisions, Sarah. And yet people are pleased to share their thoughts with you." He smiled approvingly at her, continually intrigued by the many aspects of her personality.
Sarah was claimed by several authors and publishing officials for dances during the evening, usually more sedate waltzes and foxtrots. If the man requesting her hand had a female companion, Jareth invited her to the floor, always ending their dance next to Sarah's partner. If Sarah's partner was alone, he leaned against a column or wall and enjoyed watching her float elegantly around the floor. Even with poor partners, she moved with grace and style.
When they finally left the party, they turned down a hallway with no one else in it. "Hold tight, Sarah and close your eyes" he said taking her waist. She felt the world shift and tilt, then it settled and she cautiously opened her eyes to find them back in her condo.
Smiling up at him, she said "that's an excellent way to avoid long cab rides".
"Especially on crowded streets with insane drivers" he said with an elegant shudder.
"May I offer you a nightcap?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I doubt that means a cap to wear to bed, but do enlighten me." He smirked as she blushed.
"Would you like a glass of wine or perhaps a cognac?"
"Ah, now I understand. A drink to end the evening. Yes, thank you, a cognac would be pleasant." He removed the jacket he was wearing and laid it over the arm of the sofa, then removed his gloves, laying them on the jacket before sitting in the chair that was rapidly becoming "his".
Giving him a glass with cognac, he inhaled the scent, but waited to let it breath before drinking it.
"Thank you for escorting me this evening, Jareth. I am sincerely impressed with how easily you mingled and made small talk with people you didn't know, roles you aren't used to and unfamiliar customs. Was that part of your training as a young royal, how to adapt to all situations?"
He laughed in easy good humor. "I found it an enlightening evening and am glad to have had the experience. Do not forget, Sarah, you will be in the same position soon. The High King will likely be scheduling a ball soon, and I will look to you to protect me from the unmarried ladies and their marriage-minded mothers."
She chuckled warmly. They chatted companionably about upcoming events in the Underground, the reasons for different balls, the nobility that might be invited and his relationship to the different kingdoms and their rulers.
He finally finished his cognac, and waving his hand over his torso, his clothes changed back to his normal Underground attire, including the jacket on the sofa.
"I will bid you good night, Sarah. Thank you for saving your tangos for me" he murmured with a smile.
"My pleasure, Jareth. Oh, before I forget, I'm making ice cream treats for the goblins tomorrow…well, actually this afternoon since it's 3:00 AM…and of course you're always welcome."
"Ice cream? That must be a dessert if it's a treat. I'm not familiar with it. But thank you for the offer."
He took her hand, again brushing her fingers with his lips, then to her surprise, turned her hand over and pressed a kiss into her palm.
"Sweet dreams, Sarah" and he was gone, leaving her feeling slightly bereft at his absence, realizing she would very much have liked a good night kiss or three from her extremely handsome escort.
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