Jareth appeared in the outer offices of his father's study. The door to the inner sanctum was of coursed heavily shielded.
"Goblin King." His father's female assistant stood and curtseyed. She feigned looking at the floor, but was really eyeing the handsome bastard son of her liege. For that is what he was called behind his back but many, and to his face by a few, including his father.
"Mariana." Jareth respectfully gave her a bow of his head. She was beautiful, as all The High King's assistants were. Everyone was well aware The High King used them for far more than paperwork.
It was a ticket to being introduced to the wealthy friends and underlings within the court, and who could blame them for wanting to not be servants their entire lives when they could marry well and live a leisurely life?
Jareth certainly couldn't. He was just far more stubborn than to be manipulated into marrying a woman his father chose. His father certainly offered many times, even though few women truly wanted to be so far away from the High Kingdom, they would do so, if the king himself ordered it.
"Your father has been waiting. You know how he feels about the summoned being late." She reminded him tersely.
"I had things to do I couldn't just drop. He should know that, as a king himself." Jareth shot back.
Impudent wench.
After standing in the uncomfortable silence for several minutes, his father's door opened.
Jareth knew what his father was doing.
I made him wait, he makes me wait. Always with the mind games, father.
Jareth strode in, standing silently in front of the desk as his father was still writing.
The High King, Jevan, was a tall broad man, with silver hair and bright blue eyes. This day he had his hair pulled back as he casually ignored his son, silently punishing Jareth's lateness.
Finally, finally...he looked up. His sharp eyes taking note of Jareth's disheveled appearance. "You're late."
"I apologize, Father. I was above." There was no sense in lying. The High King would know.
The silver haired monarch shook his head and picked up his, pen. "Yes. You stink of it." He said before starting to write again.
Feeling rebellious, Jareth flopped into the chair across from his father. He twisted into his favorite position, one leg over the arm.
"Enough with this please. What do you want of me?"
Jevan snorted derisively. "Where shall I start?"
"Father. We both have things to attend to."
Jareths father smirked. "How goes the courtship? Your lady, Susan is it? She is lovely, for a human girl. I can understand your...distractions. Even I enjoy the taste of something exotic now and then."
"You know her name." Jareth growled through gritted teeth. "You'll be thrilled to know we have resumed our relationship...after a brief pause. Family issues. For her, obviously. Mine is just fantastic. Loving, kind, all of that."
"Please. Must you whine? You have a kingdom of your own. Not exactly a pauper. I would say I've been rather generous."
His father's words echoed through The Goblin King's head.
I wonder where I've heard that before. So nice to know the fruit doesn't travel far from the branch. Rather sobering. I need to stop saying that immediately.
"Anyway, as you know you are expected to go mediate between The Winter King and The Ogres. Being as that old fool is a friend of yours and the ogres are rough creatures you're more suited to...communicate with, it shouldn't be too difficult. Ephram expects you in 3 days in the Snow Castle. I'd advise you to dress warmly. I'm certain he'll have enough furs waiting once you arrive that you'll be able to bear the cold."
" I had hoped.." Jareth began.
"No, Jareth. I cannot put it off any longer. Surely the girl can wait a few months. I know humans have short attention spans, but if she truly loves you she'll be fine. Unless of course she gets hit by one of those horrid metal boxes they like to roam around in. Wouldn't that be a shame."
He said it in such a way Jareth knew his father would be quite satisfied if something happened to her before she could marry even a illegitimate son of his. "I would kill you, Father, if something happened to her and I had so much a whisper or a rumor you had a hand in it."
This caused the old man to laugh. "Oh my son, you amuse me so. I have no desire to harm a single hair on her lovely head. I just don't understand why all this...drama. Just go get the girl, marry her and quit making such a fuss. You have every right. Just claim her. A word of advice, make sure she is never as powerful as you, or you might find the hilt of a iron dagger between your shoulder blades. Foolish child, all hung up on the human notions like your mother, that your aunt filled your head with. Love...bah. Ridiculous."
"You liked her enough to steal her away and bed her." Jareth reminded him.
"Like I said, I enjoy exotic treats." Jevan countered. "Silly woman. Her human half was her downfall."
"Perhaps it will be my salvation. Once Sarah is by my side, she will be one of us, with the power and lifespan afforded our kind." Jareth reminded him.
The High King's smile only got bigger. "Your kind, not mine. However, it's good enough for a kingdom full of goblins and ragtag creatures. If it wasn't for that blasted maze, you wouldn't matter at all. Fucking gods and their idiotic creations. And their "only one in a generation will have the power to control the Labyrinth" rule. And I'm cursed that it had to be you."
"You're just jealous it's not you, Father. All your power, and you can't have the one thing you want more than anything else. The magic in that "blasted maze" that only I can use. Even in your brief tenure as Goblin King, you never connected to it as I have. Jareth sneered across the desk.
The High King stood. "Don't test be, boy. You're too uppity for your own good. So go on and be ready to go to The Winter Kingdom in 75 hours. Go to your sweet little peach and gorge yourself upon her. Get your fill and when I call for you to travel, do NOT dare be late."
Jareth got to his feet. "Yes, Father."
I despise you.
His father's brow twitched. Jareth knew he was listening to his thoughts. The Goblin King was typically well guarded, but he let that leak out. It was not a gift his father shared with others, due to the distinct advantage it gave him, but Jareth knew. And it bothered him that Jareth knew any of his secrets.
"You're dismissed." The High King waved him away.
Jareth fled as fast as he could, and as far as he could, back to his castle at the edge of the underground.
Jevan thought a moment, his lips curving into a devious smile.
"Mariana, I need to dictate a letter, and send for Shadyn. I have a little favor to ask of him."
He laughed to himself. "Let's have a little fun, shall we?"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In a good mood, Sarah practically bounced down the street. She had slept in, took a long shower, and got in a good workout. Her body practically tingled with energy and excitement. Jareth was good for her psyche, that was for sure.
As she reached to open the door, a man was there, holding it closed. He was tall, with dark hair and eyes so black she could barely discern his pupils. Dressed in all black, draped in a black leather overcoat. "Sarah Williams?"
Odd clothes for midsummer, Sarah thought.
He reached out and touched her, and his touch practically burned. The unpleasant crawling sensation reverberated all over.
He was underground. She was used to it now, and could sense it. But unlike Jareth or any other she had met in his kingdom, this man was decidedly not welcoming. She instinctually wanted to get as far away from him as possible.
Her eyes narrowed. "Who are you and why are you here?"
His smirk wasn't cute like Jareth's, it was condescending, and nasty. "Ah. Yes. Well then. No sense being coy is there?" He felt her awareness.
The man held out an envelope. "I am merely delivering a message, little one. No need to worry. Not this time anyway. His Majesty simply requested I give this to you."
Sarah knew the man wasn't talking about Jareth. This was from his father. She had briefly met him at the ball in the spring, Jareth being required to introduce her. He had looked her over, licked his lips, and gave her formal welcome, then turned his head to other guests.
Sarah took it gingerly. The man, enjoying his game, stroked one finger over hers, and a feeling of revulsion washed over her. Then he laughed. "Farewell, sweet thing."
She blinked and he was gone.
Shaking her head, she went inside and waved at the doorman who had been watching, concerned. "It's fine."
He nodded and she kept going up the stairs and got into her apartment as quickly as possible. Jareth had never explicitly said, but she knew he had put some sort of magical net over her home to keep her safe when she was there. She had read a book in his library about courtship one weekend, and learned such things were usually done.
She made some tea and sat down at the table, contemplating the large fancy envelope. Her name written in in a script that was strong, and pressed down hard upon the paper. She felt compelled to open it but was able to resist, thanks to The Goblin King's instructions, she knew it was spelled.
Finally, she took a deep breath and broke the seal, pulling the thick paper out and unfolding it.
Miss Williams
I hope this note finds you well. I would hate to think the beloved of my dear son would be anything but hale and hearty.
I feel I should be honest with you. I am concerned for you. While Jareth is of course very dear to me, I know him better than anyone.
You see, I fear there is some information he has kept from you, about your place in our world, about The Claiming, and that he may be playing you for a fool.
You see, it is his right to claim you, as The Labyrinth's only Champion of this generation, whether you comply or not, and I worry that if you refuse him, he will take you against your will.
He is capricious, and selfish. Not exactly evil, but not the good, kind benevolent monarch he lets on about.
Please be wary. I only am thinking of your best interests. If you turn him away, please contact me immediately so I can protect you, I would be the only one who could.
His wrath can be deadly, if he turns on you.
I wish you nothing but all the happiness above or below.
High King Jevan of The Underground.
Sarah sat the note down carefully. She didn't react in the way she knew The high King would be aware of, with all the magic that was woven in every aspect of the letter. The paper, the ink, the wax seal. If she were to violently crumple it up, or burn it, he would know.
She got up and backed away, until she was in the living room, and wrapped her fingers around her necklace. "Jareth, I need you."
A few minutes later he appeared. "Sorry love I was in the bath what..." He stopped and was completely still. "Was my father here? This whole place reeks of his magic!"
Jareth was livid. How dare he.
She stopped him by placing a hand on his chest. "No. He sent me a letter. It's in the kitchen."
Jareth practically flew into the next room. He spied the folded paper on the table, but didn't touch it.
"He'll know I saw it if I do, damn it. The insufferable ass. Do me a favor, and copy it to a plain piece of paper."
Sarah wasn't sure what to say. The words in the letter shook her. She didn't want them to, but they did."I...i'm not sure."
"Sarah.." His eyes softened. "Please love, don't let him affect you. This is what he wants. Please." He implored her.
Her mouth tightened but she agreed to do it. She unfolded the paper and grabbed a notepad, copying it down. When she was finished she handed it to him and walked out of the room to gather her thoughts.
She sat on the couch and waited. She knew Jareth read very fast, so after 10 minutes and he didn't come to where she was, she slowly got up and went back. He was sitting at the table, his head in his hands.
"Jareth?" She just stood in the doorway.
His head snapped up and took her in. Her huge eyes, clasped hands, the nervous lip biting.
The bastard had shaken her confidence in him. He opened his thoughts and projected clearly.
If I could kill you, I surely would, you petty, evil man. How dare you?!"
All he felt was a pleased silence.
"Sarah...you cannot take in one single word that comes from him. He dislikes you on principle, but his hatred for me runs far deeper. This wasn't about you at all. Don't let him get into your head."
"What's "The Claiming" Jareth?" She asked, making air quotes around the words.
"A stupid tradition I'm fighting against with every fiber of my being, because I don't want that sort of life. I want our union to be real, loving, and sacred to us." Jareth closed in and grabbed her arms, his eyes pleading. "I love you Sarah, and you told me you loved me. I am the opposite of him and want to be so in every way I can. All of *that* is how he is. Not me.
I am no angel and I have my selfish ways, I have always been honest with you about that. But I would never, ever hurt you. Even if you rejected me and turned me away. I swear on that.
My mother suffered until they as good as killed her, though I get the blame for it, then they killed my aunt. Her whole family is exiled to the other side of the underground and I can't ever even contact them, my own blood. He is doing this to me, not you.
He wants me to choose one of his simpering synophants, put her in power so she can do away with me somehow."
Her face relaxed slightly. "But still, what is it?"
"Can we sit?"
She agreed and they sat on the couch facing each other.
"The Claiming is a decree, that once a generation, a human girl can become The Champion, making her The Mistress of The Labyrinth. As The Master of The Labyrinth, I am given the right to claim you as my bride, regardless of your willingness to comply."
Sarah started to speak but Jareth laid a finger over her lips.
"I did not want that life for you. Forced marriage, forced children, hatred and misery. I cared for you, you were such a lovely young woman, you impressed me and intrigued me for many reasons. Your ability to bend my subjects to your will by just making friends, your kindness. I could have forfeited it, let you alone, and complied with my father's wishes to marry one of his choice. If I had, The Labyrinth would have broken the magic that binds us. "
He touched her face gently. "But you, you were my only chance to avoid such a fate and find real love. I invoked my right to court you, but chose to do so this way, letting you decide, not myself."
He pressed her hand to his chest. "I love you so very much. If you wish me to go, I will. I'll never return is that is what you want. I'll swear on my life, on my kingdom. Please just don't let him get to you. All he wants is me, miserable, and if he has any say, dead."
Sarah rubbed her fingers over the bare skin revealed by his open shirt. "I...I just wish you would have told me all of this."
"I wasn't trying to keep it from you, I just wanted to avoid the whole ugly thing. I hate that it even exists." To Sarah he looked like he wanted to spit out something nasty. "I hate that my father stole my mother and forced her to live like that. He raped her until she was pregnant, then discarded her. She was shut away in a cold dusty wing of his castle, with only 2 servants for company, until she convinced my father to send for her sister, who was a midwife. She died with only my aunt there, cradling me in her arms. I am the evidence of his crimes and the only proof she ever existed in his life. Yet, I'm his blood and he doesn't want to have mine on his hands. It wouldn't look good to the courts, and could cause a call for his removal because killing your offspring is worse than just about any other offense in the underground. But if my wife he chose, were to kill *me* in, shall we say, self defense, knowing the rumors my father has convinced everyone of about me, no one would blink an eye."
"Damn. That's fucked up Jareth." She said.
He turned away and ran a hand through his hair. "Tell me about it."
"Who was that man who gave this to me? He was creepy." Sarah asked.
"Dark hair, tall?" She nodded. "One of my father's assassins. Creepy doesn't begin to cover it. He sent that one because he knew you would tell me and he wanted me afraid. His name is Shadyn, and you don't want to know more except stay far away from him and if he approaches you again call me immediately. Even the act of holding that pendant in your hands will keep him at bay. My father really must think I"m fucking stupid if he thought I would leave you unprotected."
"I'm sorry for letting him get to me. Please just, if there is *anything* I need to know, tell me. I don't like being surprised like that." Sarah answered. Her words surprised him.
"Then you...believe me?" He asked.
"Of course I do. I trust you. You've answered every question honestly all these months. Maybe I shouldn't, and if it was just words, but, between you and I, there is far more than that. I just know. I feel you. Your truth is pretty obvious to me. I know your aren't an angel, and you're tricky, snarky, and certainly petty and selfish sometimes, but seeing this...I sort of get why you would have to be the way you are with everyone else to survive. Just...please, don't keep things from me. You don't have to be that way with me. I hope we can always be honest."
Jareth visibly relaxed. "Agreed."
Sarah got up and kept hold of his hand. ""Let's go get something to eat, then come back here and spend a quiet night in. Sounds like you need it."
"I wholeheartedly concur." He squeezed her hand as he rose.
"What about the letter?"
He smirked. Unlike the other man, Jareth's made her feel extra warm and tingly in the best way. He flicked his wrist and it appeared between his fingers. He then set it afire and made sure the ashes would rain down upon the High King's desk.
"Done. Perhaps it will catch his favorite shirt on fire and he will learn not trifle with myself or you. I truly despise that man. He deserves a long, miserable torturous existence in the deepest dungeons of hell."
Sarah snorted and laughed. "Tell me how you really feel."
"Oh, let me tell you of my earlier meeting. But tomorrow, let us enjoy our time together." He often her is arm, and they left the building as the sun was setting behind the buildings.
Jareth spent the rest of the weekend, with a long kiss goodbye before Sarah left for work Monday morning. He told her his elf aides would have a constant line of communication with the Winter Castle, if she needed to get a hold of him and he wasn't immediately available.
Sarah trudged to work, missing him already. He told it would at least be a week before he may get a few minutes to check in.
It was going to be a long week.
King Jevan waited patiently, knowing his son would be on time for final instructions. He had chosen to meet the younger king in the courtyard.
When Jareth appeared, he was in full regalia, carrying a cape of thick silver fur over his arm. The monster it came from was one Jareth had killed with his own hands, deep in the blackest forests, during his trials. Only 3 men had ever slain one of these creatures, and two of them were standing facing each other.
"Father." Jareth bowed formally, but the malice in his eyes was clear. The incident with the letter would not be spoken of in such formal company, but both knew and understood why Jareth quietly seethed.
The High King handed Jareth several scrolls. "These are maps, settlements, and standing issues as they are. Starting points for the negotiations from each side, and I trust you can find some sort of compromise from each. "
"i will do my best, My Lord Father." Jareth took them. "As decreed by the courts."
"I have confidence you will get this settled posthaste. After all, you have something important to return to. It would be a shame if either party were to develop wandering eyes and hearts. But, as the humans say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, does it not?" His eyes gleamed with nasty mirth, but he would never laugh in a situation such as they were in at the moment. He would save it for later.
Jareth practically shot flames out at him. "So I hear." He could barely get the words out through his clenched mouth.
"Then go now, give all involved the regards of the High King."
"As you command...Father." Jareth bowed once more and was gone to perform his duties.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It had been far more than one week.
In fact it had been nearly 3.
Sarah had received a note once a week faithfully, sending word that Jareth was fine, working hard at negotiations, proclaiming his love, and that he missed her. Each came with a single rose. Not crystal encased like those she had upon her dress in their vase, but all three were still alive and well.
She wished silently that it would all be over soon. She didn't say it out loud, because it would make things hard on Jareth. He explained her wish magic only pertained to him and The Goblin Kingdom, so any magical doings she might partake in could have unexpected consequences in the situation he was currently in.
So she caught up with friends, with her summer reading list, and did a great deal of walking around the city.
Her family when to California for a couple of weeks, visiting Karen's family. They suspended Toby's grounding since it had already been planned. They had been back a couple of days and Sarah planned on making the month trek to see them before school started again for her brother.
So she settled in for another night of pizza and television. It was Friday, and she just wanted to relax.
As she searched the channels for something interesting there was a knock on the door.
"Well there goes that idea." She got up and looked through the peephole.
"What the..?"
She opened it to Toby, carrying a backpack.
"Toby?"
"Can I stay here for a few days?"
He walked in a collapsed in her couch and ran his hands through his hair as he sat back.
"How come you didn't call...wait do mom and dad know you're here?"
"Nope. They had a business dinner, or something. I just left. We fought all day and I had to get out."
"Well, Toby you're always welcome, but you need to call mom and dad they'll be frantic with worry!"
"Chill out. I left 'em a note."
Sarah sighed. "You can't just run away from home. You need to call."
"Trust me, they don't care. Well dad doesn't. He flat out told me if I can't adhere to what he says I can leave. So I left." Toby replied. "Can I have some pizza? I'm starved."
"Yes, but we need to discuss this, and Dad didn't mean it, he w as just upset. He loves you so much."
Toby stopped mid-chew. "Then he needs to give me the respect he keeps harping on."
"Toby!" Sarah couldn't believe the words coming out of her brother's mouth. Granted he was a 14 year old boy. "What the hell is wrong with you. You *know* dad loves you. Why are you being like this?"
"He...hit me, Sar. I couldn't..." Toby dropped his pizza. She could see tears in his eyes.
Sarah was shocked. Her father was traditional, but not *that* traditional. No matter how much he ever yelled or scolded, he never struck his kids nor believed in physical violence.
"I'm sorry Toby. Still you need to work it out. You can cool off for the weekend here but after that you need to go home. I'm sure he's sorry." Sarah sat next to him and put an arm around him. "It'll be okay."
"You think Jareth would let me go live in his castle? I could work for him." Toby wiped his face.
"No, I don't think that would be something he would agree to. You can't just escape and forget, sweetie. I know it's tempting." She gave him a half smile. "Besides he's not there right now. He has business underground he's attending to. I haven't seen him in weeks myself."
"Oh. Too bad."
The phone rang and Sarah jumped up to answer it.
It was Karen, frantic.
Sarah calmed her by letting her know Toby was there.
"Your father is...Sarah I've never seen him like this. He so angry, but he is silent. He is just sitting in the dark in his study, drinking." Karen whispered. "I'm honestly afraid. Not of him, but...there is something very wrong here. It's beyond this thing with Toby."
"Do you think it's this thing with Jareth? Be honest, Karen." Sarah asked, hesitant.
"I honestly don't know what is wrong. I've been trying to get him to see someone, a psychologist, even to go see his doctor. He's changed recently. He's always been tough, but fair. Now it's..." her voiced drifted off. "Anyway, I'll come and get Toby on Monday, Sarah. As long as he is safe. Just don't let him wander the city by himself It's bad enough he walked to your apartment from the bus station."
"Definitely work on that." Sarah urged. She didn't say anything out loud so as not to upset her brother, but she felt her stomach tighten in sudden dread. Her father was tough, and strict, but that he had struck her brother bothered her for a few reasons. Not just because it was wrong, but because it was not something her father would ever do. So she thought.
"Thank you for taking him in for a few days, Sarah. I'm sorry you're getting dragged into this. We love you."
"Love you guys too. I'll call you tomorrow." Sarah hung up the phone.
"Guess what? "She said brightly to Toby. "Your mom says it's okay as long as you stay around here. We can watch a bunch of movies and eat junk food. So let's find a movie to watch and dig in to the pizza! I have ice cream in the freezer too. Rocky road!"
"Sounds good to me. Got any horror movies or are they all fantasy stories?" Toby went to her shelf with her DVD's on it and began pulling them out.
"There are a few, but maybe we should go for a comedy. Grab the box with the Mel Brooks movies and bring it over here. Time to start getting you into the classics."
"Oh ugh. come on." He reluctantly grabbed the box and sat next to her. "Old movies?"
Sarah took out Young Frankenstein. "You'll love them. Trust me."
She was right. Toby passed out in the middle of the 3 movie, so she turned everything off, threw a blanket over him, and went to bed. Listening to her brother laugh was wonderful. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed himself so fully. She was glad she could do that for him.
She went to bed smiling for the first time in 3 weeks.
She called Karen the next morning, and asked if she could take Toby to a movie and lunch, which Karen approved. She sounded odd and distracted, her mind elsewhere. Sarah asked if anything was wrong and Karen waved her concerns away.
She got Toby to get up take a shower and get dressed, and took him to see his favorite kind of flick, a double feature of cheesy zombie horror movies. Next was a big late lunch which for her at least doubled as dinner, letting him have his fill of burgers and fries. Sarah marveled that after eating a tub of popcorn and a monster soda that he could wolf down all that food. She made him accompany her with a walk around the park to burn off a few calories.
Ahh to be 14 with that metabolism.
They made it back to her apartment as it was getting dark, where Sarah had planned on a couple of more comedies and an early bedtime for both of them.
It had been a good day, but a tiring one. She figured she would make up for it by taking him to a couple of museums the next day, if Karen agreed, which she likely would.
When she got into the apartment she saw there were several messages on the machine. Toby went intot he bathroom and shut the door, and Sarah pressed the button.
It was Karen's voice. "Sarah..oh God..Sarah. I'm at the hospital with your father. Something has happened. They don't know much yet. I had to go grocery shopping, and when I came home your father was unconscious on the floor. They say he may have had a massive heart attack, maybe a stroke, they just don't know. He wasn't breathing and they had to do CPR. They got his heart started but...please come home. Bring Toby. St. Anne's Memorial. Please."
There were 3 others saying essentially the same thing.
"TOBY!" Sarah yelled though the bathroom door.
After a minute opened it. "What's up?"
She was frantic. "Get your stuff. We need to get over to the garage to get the car. Dad is in the hospital and we need to go. NOW."
Within 20 minutes they were in the car, Sarah driving as fast as was safely possible towards home.
As they approached the hospital, Sarah tried not to panic.
"What if...what if dad dies?" Toby asked. He had been silent almost the whole trip.
Truthfully she was afraid of the same thing. "He'll be fine Toby. Don't let yourself think those things. They'll treat him and he'll be up and around soon. Dad is tough."
"But if he does, I mean, I know I've been..it's my fault."
"No, it's not. Toby. It's no ones fault. These things happen. Dad is in a high pressure job. He ate too much red meat. Drank too much scotch. Smoked cigars. All sorts of things. It wasn't you. He loves you." She got a tag from the parking attendant to put in her window, then parked the car. "Let's go. Your mom is waiting."
As they walked to the building, Sarah held her brother close and guided them inside. She kept smiling at him re-assuredly so not to show how scared and panicky she was.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXC
It had been 3 weeks, and they had made little headway. The Ogres were stubborn and The Winter King spent much of the time drunk.
Jareth liked the old man, but it was getting on his nerves. Kind Ephram keep cancelling the sessions and The Goblin King had at this point, spent most of his stay in his rooms staring at the fireplace, daydreaming of Sarah.
He had read every book on the shelf in his borrowed suite several times, and had in the past 3 or 4 days changed up the scenery of his reading and fireplace staring to the old library that hadn't added to their collection of reading material in far too long.
The ogres were becoming frustrated and on the verge of declaring war. The most diplomatic activity Jareth had been doing is trying to prevent it.
"Goblin King, we appreciate your efforts, but we *need* that land. Much of our kingdom is barren, that strip of fertile ground will go a long way to feed our people. Our residents are all subsisting on what we can trade from your Kingdom and a few other generous monarchs, and a small population of game that does not go very far without wiping out the herds for future generations, The Winter King wanders around the castle swigging wine! We offered what we could afford to lease the lands, we have nothing else to offer."
"I understand that, Prince Herok. If you need more grain delivered perhaps I can.." He began.
"Let's face it, Jareth. Your father would dearly love to see the ogres disappear. We are a "lower" species after all. But I will accept a shipment of grain, as I have no choice but to humble myself. At least our children will have bread and porridge to survive a while longer."
"It will be done, I'll send word immediately. Lord Ephram is a good man and I am not certain what my father's stance on this is. He also could be ordering Ephram to hold out until you simply give up. It's not unheard of, this tactic."
It was well known among the lower kingdoms The Goblin King was far from his father's favorite, and vice versa. It was one of the reasons he was trusted among them. "Then what are we to do?" The Ogre Prince asked. "What choice do we have?"
"The Underground army would destroy you all if they were called in, and no one wants to see that here." Jareth assured him. "I will try to speak to Ephram this day."
They all stood. Jareth reached out and the ogre engulfed it with his own larger one. "Thank you, Lord Jareth."
He was walking towards the elusive Lord Ephram's chambers when he felt it. A ripple of fear that was not his own.
He stopped in his tracks. "Sarah." He closed his eyes and reached out. The distance form his kingdom and her both muted the sensations, but it was there. Fear, panic, worry.
Somethig was very wrong.
He rushed to The Winter King's rooms and pounded on the door..
After a moment th door cracked open.
He flew in to find the old king sitting in front of the fire sipping wine. "Jareth, I..."
"Ephram, please. I need to leave. We need to get this done. My betrothed, she is...in need of me."
"You are wondering why, aren't you. I have no issue with the Ogres, Lord Jareth. You know this. But your father..."
"Fuck my father." Jareth blurted out. "I'm so tired of my life revolving around trying to please a man who will never be satisfied. Ephram I beg of you, settle this, or call for a moratorium, something. I need to leave as soon as I can. I will return, but...there is something wrong."
"You've been spending far too much time among the humans, Jareth. Such language." Ephram took a long pull of wine. "Anyway...I would end this tomorrow if I could. I've been ordered to draw it out as long as possible. Even I must answer to your father, Jareth."
"He is only doing it to play with my life." Jareth pointed out. "He couldn't care less if thousands of ogres starve to death, as long as I'm unhappy."
"Perhaps I have an idea. If you're willing to play along. It can delay things a week or two. You know I want to give the ogres that land, Jareth. I wanted to forgo all of this, but your father insisted we negotiate and get as much from the ogres and necessary. And you know what he wants."
"The mines. He wants the one thing ogres have. He doesn't even want possession he wants the ogres to do all the work and hand all the gold over to him. And if he presses enough..."
Ephram took a deep pull of wine. "He'll get the ogres to hand over the mines to me for the land so we would be technically in charge but of course most will go to the royal coffers, the ogres will make a pittance in royal wage, and be unable to buy seed, and the land goes fallow anyway. Your father is...not a nice man."
Jareth snorted derisively. "What do you propose?"
"As of this moment I'm not feeling well, Jareth, and believe I will need a week or two to recover. This will give you time with your little mortal, and time to contemplate the next step. He is obviously trying to get you to rush this through with as quick of a solution as possible thinking you will hang the ogres out to dry for your betrothed. I have my spies hard at work for anything that will make your father back away. We need more time and the ogres are running out."
"I'm sending a shipment of grain to the ogres." Jareth told him.
"Aye. I will match that and send a load vegetables and tubers. I will call my healer and have him confirm my terrible illness. He is intensely loyal."
Jareth stood and bowed his head. "Lord Ephram. I will await the announcement of postponement in my suite and be ready to depart."
"Many Blessings upon you and your beloved, Jareth."
************************************************************************************
Sarah paced back and forth as Toby sat in a chair staring at his shoes. It had been hours and no word. Karen stood staring out the window watching the sun rise. The doctors suggested they get some rest but none could sleep.
"I wish..." Sarah whispered, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She missed Jareth, and she was terrified her father would die. She just wanted someone to put their arms around her and make her feel safe. And the two men who were always able to do that weren't there.
The elevator dinged behind her and she sighed. "I just don't want to be alone right now."
Arms wrapped around her. "You are never alone." a warm voice said in her ear.
Sarah gasped and turned in his arms. "Jareth! How did you..!"
"I felt your distress. I was able to work something out. I took the liberty of listening to your machine and with a little help, was able to find where you were and rushed here as fast as I could. How is your father?" Jareth asked as he stroked her hair and face, his eyes full of concern.
"We don't know. They got him stabilized but that's the last we heard. He's been in surgery for hours." Sarah answered, trying not to sob.
"Oh my love. I'm here. It will be alright." Jareth cradled her against his chest. letting her cry as she needed.
He spied Toby sitting in the chair nearby. "How are you, Toby?" He inquired to the boy.
Toby looked up. The distress in his eyes obvious. "It's my fault."
"Toby..." Sarah started to speak.
"Well it is! You know it!" Mom knows it! Why shouldn't he know it too!" He got up and fled to the bathroom nearby.
Karen had watched him go, sad for her son. "I just don't know what to do. To say. He keeps repeating that no matter what I tell him."
Jareth offered an arm to Sarah's stepmother, who took a quick hug and stepped away. "May I speak with him, Mrs. Williams?"
"Yeah. Go ahead. And please, it's Karen. Thank you. For coming I mean, and...trying. With Toby." She wrapped and arm around Sarah as Jareth stepped back. "We'll be okay here."
*********************
When Jareth entered the restroom he sealed the door behind him to be able to talk to the boy privately. "Toby?"
He heard quiet sobbing in the far stall. He could have opened it easily locked or unlocked but would not invade Toby's privacy like that.
"Toby, it's Jareth. I need to speak to you." He leaned against the wall.
"Don't bother, Jay, just go away. I'm a terrible son and person."
"Oddly enough, Toby, I understand the conflicts between father and son more than you could ever know. I will tell you something I've learned. We all make choices. Fathers have choices too. They can choose how they treat their offspring and some choose to treat them horribly. Now, I don't believe that was your father's intention at all, but, he most certainly had ideas of what he wanted his son to be. and unfortunately for both of you, you couldn't be that." Jareth said.
"And it made him have a heart attack." Toby said.
"No, Toby. What caused your father's illness was not your doing. From what I've observed, and what Sarah has told me, your father lives a very intense, very high pressure life. His job, not taking enough time away, all the stress, and knowing something of human physiology, even genetics could play a part. You can't make a person have a heart attack just by disappointing them."
"Does your dad hate you too?" Toby sniffed.
The stall door unlocked and Toby stepped out, wiping his face with sleeve.
"My father's despises me, Toby, for many reasons. Not the least of which is my very existence. However, your father loves you. He wanted you. This I know. Unique to our shared past, I know your parents doted upon you, both of them. "
Maybe he did, but he doesn't now." Toby said stubbornly.
Jareth laid and arm on Toby's shoulder, leaned in and looked him in the eye. "Yes, he does. I believe you will discover him changed after this, and perhaps he will be able to tell you himself. Near death does this for people. Make that which clouds their vision clear. He may not always agree with your choices, but I know a warrior's spirit when I meet one. He would fight for you, would *die* to protect you if that's what it took. I have much respect for your father."
"I don't know..." Toby sighed.
"Will you trust me?" Jareth said. "Your mother and your sister need your strength now. You all need each other's strength."
Toby said nothing for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I trust you."
"Good." Jareth dropped his hands. "Shall we go then?"
"Is he going to die?" Toby blurted. "You have magic, can you save him?"
"I am not allowed to interfere with the natural order of human lives, Tobias. I can say while I feel much death in this place, none of it seems to be connected to your family. I take it as a good sign."
"You can feel death?" Toby was surprised.
Jareth steered him towards the door and opened it. "It's hard to explain. Death is not what humans think it is, it's not the ending most assume. It's...a doorway. I can feel it open, hear the call. I do not hear your father's name upon the lips of those who open it and do the calling."
"Oh. Okay." The two entered the waiting area just as the doctor was leaving, having just talked to Karen and Sarah.
Karen was crying." Oh Toby! He's going to be okay!" She hugged her son to her tightly. "It was bad, but they were able to repair most of the damage!"
"Most wonderful news to hear." Jareth said. Sarah rushed to his arms, once more crying into his chest.
"They said he is going to have to make a lot of life changes, but if he follows orders, he will be able to make a full recovery." She told him through her tears.
"Can we see him?" Toby asked his mother.
"He is still in recovery, but soon." She promised. "We'll wait right here, okay?"
Toby nodded.
Jareth helped guide everyone to chairs and they sat, waiting for the nurses to come and lead them back to where Robert was resting from surgery.
********************
That evening at the Williams' home, after being forced to leave by the doctors and nurses to go get rest, Karen got Toby to sleep and collapsed into be herself.
Downstairs, Jareth cradled Sarah against himself as he curled on the couch together.
"Will you stay here with me?" She asked him as she nuzzled int ohis chest. "You smell so good. I missed you."
"I have a few days reprieve. It's a long story and irrelevant considering what you are dealing with. We can speak about it later. You need sleep."
"I need you" Sarah replied. She draped over him and kissed him deeply. "Please. Love me."
"Sarah..." He was tempted. "Come." He got up and swept her into his arms. Carrying her up the stairs and into her old room like she weighed nothing.
"I want nothing more, but you do need rest. I understand that primal drive after these kinds of events, to affirm life. Any other time I would ravish you and vice versa, but now..." with a little magic she was in her pajamas, and he in a pair of cotton sleep pants.
He pulled the covers back on the guest bed and placed Sarah under them, then crawled in and pulled her close. "Tonight, you will sleep." He placed a finger on her forehead and she yawned, instantly sleepy.
"You did it again, didn't you." Sarah said as she snuggled into his chest.
"Yes. Now, sleep." He commanded. And she did.
Jareth soon followed, content to just be next to her. to be there for her, with her, when she needed him.
Finally got it done. Let's just say I've been writer's version of "cockblocked" for a while. One thing after another.
Thank you to all who read, review, and enjoy! Much love to every single one of you!