Ok, I've finally managed to get them as far as the ball, although they're a naughty pair, and Jareth will keep trying to distract me! But they are there now. Woohoo!!
Thanks to all of you who have reviewed so far, and sorry that I have not managed to reply to all of you, but what with writing this and revising for my exams I have been quite busy. Oh well. Please keep reviewing, it helps me keep writing! And in case anyone is worried, this is not the final chapter. Plenty more to come.
Right. Please R&R. Love you all. xxx
Bolts of excitement shot through Sarah as she linked her arm through Jareth's. She was really going to a proper ball! Jareth felt her body tensed with excitement as she clung to him and smiled indulgently down at her. He hoped that she would enjoy the ball as much as he intended to. And he had arranged a few little surprises for her. Through the doors of the castle ballroom escaped the noise of excited chatter and laughter. Goblins in blue and gold livery stood importantly on either side if the large, oak double doors. Jareth nodded to one goblin, who opened the door a crack.
A voice was heard to call from within the room, "Pray silence for his Highness Jareth, Crown King of the Goblins, and his wife, The Lady Sarah."
As Sarah felt her face blush deep red the goblins by the double doors pushed them open, revealing long tables at which were seated, or rather stood as they had jumped to their feet on announcement of the king, the largest variety of people Sarah had ever seen. The goblins were represented by about six of Jareth's cleaner and more trusted subjects but there were also elf like creatures whose pointed ears stuck through their shimmering hair, beautiful fae people who looked noble and resplendent, though with none of Jareth's suavity and ease of carriage. As Sarah swept down the hall on Jareth's arm she also got the impression of mystical faces with dark hair and pointed teeth that made her shiver, as well as an assortment of creatures that she could not begin to describe. The range of beauty and ugliness stunned her, though they were all joined in common by the fact that they were all beaming and smiling as they admired the royal couple, applauding.
As they reached the top of the room Sarah spotted a table that she had not seen before. It stood a little off from the royal table and seated only three people, though a dog shivered and wined beneath it. But there, invited to their ball and given a special place of honour was...
"Hoggle," Sarah cried, "and Ludo and brave Sir Didymus." She could not help but run to them, wrapping her arms round the dwarf, the monster and the little fox-like creature. "Oh, it's so lovely to see you again. Oh come out from under the table Ambrosias, let me say hello." The dog snuffled and licked her hand.
Sarah felt an arm snake round her waist as Jareth whispered in her ear, "Come my dear, the time for chat will come, but it is not now. The guests are waiting to eat, and cannot do so until we take are seats."
Reluctantly Sarah left her friends, promising to come back and speak to them later, in one of the breaks from dancing. As the royal couple took their seats everyone cheered and Sarah whispered to Jareth, "Thank you for inviting them, it means the world to me."
Jareth kissed her briefly on the mouth and answered, "For you, my love, anything." They smiled at each other and Jareth waved his hand in the direction of the tables, which were immediately groaning under the weight of a feast to rival all feasts.
As Jareth observed the assembled company from the royal dais he could not help a smug smile that spread itself across his countenance. He glanced sideways at Sarah, relishing the happy look of innocent enjoyment that she had. As pudding was cleared away Jareth clinked his glass with a teaspoon to get the attention of the assembly. Without rising he addressed the party.
"My friends," he called, his voice rising clear and strong above the chatter, "I must thank you all for coming here today to celebrate with me my marriage to my new queen Sarah." Sarah felt herself blush dark red as Hoggle, Ludo and Didymus jumped about cheering. "I must also thank you all..." Jareth's voice continued but Sarah heard no more.
Jareth's hand, which he had rested on her knee when he had introduced her, had begun to travel up her leg. Sarah bit her lip and stared hard at her goblet of wine, thankful of the rich table cloth that hung down to the floor on the other side of the table, shielding what was happening from the view of the revellers.
"I appreciate that you do not want to listen to me speak all evening," Jareth continued as though nothing was happening, "but I have one or two more things to add."
Stopping his hand as it reached mid thigh he carefully began to gather her dress up. He pushed his hand under the hem.
"My Lady Sarah and I..."
He squeezed her soft thigh, fingers stroking at the smooth flesh. He glanced sideways at her out of the corner of his eye and was amused to note that her expression was one of rapt attention, as though listening carefully to his speech. He continued speaking. His hand continued its journey towards the apex of her thighs, and as his hand reached its goal, pulling aside the skimpy knickers to touch bare flesh, though his voice continued in ease and elegance he distinctly heard her breath hitch. He schooled his expression to one of serene authority.
Jareth's speech was reaching its climax and the thronging assembly where cheering their king. Jareth's fingers left her tightened clit, which they had been pinching and rubbing as he spoke, gliding lower and demanding entrance at her slick opening. Sarah's face was flushed a deep red, but she shifted slightly, allowing him the access he requested. As two fingers entered her, withdrawing the cylinder and laying it on the edge of the chair between her legs so they could plunge deeply into her, Sarah barely managed to stifle a gasp.
Hoggle turned to Didymus. "Whats do you thinks is up with Sarah?" he whispered. "She's is awfully flushed."
"Indeed," Didymus replied in an undertone, "she does seem somewhat flustered of countenance."
"Sawah shy," Ludo suggested, having overheard the conversation the other two were having."
"Thou speakest wisely, brave Sir Ludo," Didymus acknowledged, "our Lady is scarest used to appreciation of her valiant qualities and marvellous beauty."
Hoggle nodded in agreement with his friends' hypothesis. He himself would have fainted with all those people looking at him.
"And so," Jareth concluded, "my noble friends, join with me in celebration." As he said the last few words he withdrew his fingers, grasping the cylinder and pushing it rather forcefully back into Sarah, crushing the pad of his thumb against her clit before withdrawing his hand and sweeping to his feet. "My noble friends, if you would be so good as to rise..." there was a scraping of chairs as all assembled rose to their feet, hooves, claws or paws. Jareth waved his hand and the tables vanished while the chairs lined the edges of the room. The lights dimmed and a mystical orchestra struck up a beautiful melody.
"My dear," Jareth said turning to Sarah and bowing. "May I request the honour of the first dance?" He took her hand and raised it to his lips before drawing her out into the centre of the dance floor.
Sarah's knees still felt a little weak and she had only just finished readjusting her clothing. As such she found herself dancing very close to Jareth, pressing her body against his and clinging to him for support as he guided her elegantly across the floor in a breathtakingly romantic waltz. The guests seemed to vanish as Sarah stared up into his beautiful eyes. He met her gaze with his own filled with love. Slowly he sank his head, claiming her lips as the continued to dance, each caught up in the perfection of the moment. Watching at the edge, Ludo shut his eyes while Hoggle mimed being sick into his wine goblet. Didymus stared at the couple in rapture.
"Ahh..." he sighed, "The fair maiden has found her handsome prince." And he turned away brushing a tear from his eye.
As the music ended Sarah and Jareth separated, maintaining eye contact as he bowed low and she curtseyed deeply. The moment was broken as the guests broke out into tumultuous applause sweeping onto the dance floor to claim partners of their own. Sarah found herself swept up into the arms of a devastatingly handsome fae. Although not a patch on Jareth she added to herself. He was tall and slender with thick dark hair that fell over his startlingly blue eyes. He grinned down at her, before bowing as the music started.
"So Lady Sarah," he called as twirled her, "has my good for nothing cousin been good to you? Or should I be offering you quarters in my stately home but a few miles from here?"
"You're Jareth's cousin?" Sarah blurted out before she could stop herself.
"That I am, My Lady," crooned the fae in an estimable impression of Jareth, "and the delights I offer are many," he whispered, pulling her tightly against him as the dance demanded a waltz hold.
This time Sarah was in no doubt, the cylinder thing inside her had definitely just moved, and not only that, but it appeared to have expanded slightly. It was now stretching her slightly, impossible to ignore. Sarah schooled her features into a mask of indifference, seeking to hide this development for the man with whom she was dancing.
"Then as Jareth's cousin you will know he is the jealous type My Lord," she replied smoothly.
"Please, call me Raemon," her dance partner lilted into her ear, lowering his hands until the rested just above the swell of her buttocks, pulling her tighter to him.
Immediately Sarah felt the cylinder twist within her. To make matters worse it now seemed to be covered in small bumps that rubbed against her inner walls as it moved, making her breath come faster. Raemon noticed the change, seeing her eyes gazing over his shoulder as she attempted to remain in control.
"My fair Lady, you seem flustered. Perhaps you are tired from the dancing. I will take you somewhere quiet where you can rest." He smiled slyly down at her but she was not looking at him. Instead, her gaze was locked on Jareth's who dancing elegantly with his partner only a few feet away from them. His eyes held a mischievous glint and as he cocked his eyebrow at her she felt the cylinder begin to vibrate within her. Jareth gave her a wolfish smile before spinning his partner away and vanishing into the crowd.
Sarah clung to Raemon's shoulders to support herself, fighting against the feeling of arousal that the cylinder was eliciting form her. She was going to kill Jareth, she decided. After she'd kissed him senseless first of course, she added as an afterthought.
Jareth laughed to himself as he spun his partner away, pulling her sensuously to him and swaying his hips in time with the music. He had always been a fantastic dancer, leaving his partners desperate for more and swooning. He was really enjoying himself. The look of horror on Sarah's face had been priceless. He chuckled again. He was not worried about his cousin Raemon. The man was all talk and no action, or he would not have been so willing to play Sarah as he had at a time when she was in another man's embrace. The music ended and he bowed to his partner, turning away only to be swept up by the next eager woman, a stunning nymph like creature with pale green skin and leaves for hair. He smiled again. He really was having fun.
As the music ceased Sarah curtseyed to Raemon and, promising later to a handsome young elf, went in search of her friends. She found them sitting against the wall, watching the dancing with interest. Hoggle was resting his head against Ludo while Didymus was standing on his chair dancing a lively waltz with an invisible partner. Sarah sat down next to them, glad that for the time being Jareth had seen fit to stop manipulating the cylinder.
"Fair maiden," Didymus exclaimed, "is it not a most exquisite occasion."
"Yes it is," Sarah agreed, looking at Hoggle who was slipping sideways down Ludo. "Hoggle are you drunk?"
The little dwarf drew himself up slightly unsteadily, looking at her through unfocussed eyes. "I's am not," he slurred. "How dares you suglest...sungrest...supflest such a things." Waved a finger at a point two feet from where she was sitting. "You, young hic lady, need to watch your manners." With that he slid slowly off his chair and onto the floor, where he promptly started snoring. Sarah giggled and Didymus shook his head sadly.
"I fear that noble Sir Hoggle as indulged of slightly too much Goblin Ale. For a noble character such as himself it is somewhat strong."
Ludo regarded his feet thoughtfully, and then stared at Hoggle. "Hog get trodded on," he muttered.
"Gosh Ludo you're right, what with all these dancing people. Come on, help me move him." Ludo lumbered to his feet and his tail promptly knocked over several nearby couples who started to protest violently until they saw Sarah. "On second thoughts Ludo, you just watch," Sarah said guiding him back to his chair.
Sarah pushed and pulled the inert dwarf as Didymus leapt round, baring his teeth and snarling at anyone who came too close. Eventually Sarah managed to push Hoggle under a row of chairs. "At least no-one will be able to stand on him there," she said to Didymus.
"A perfect solution My Lady," he exclaimed as bent into yet another sweeping bow.
As Sarah laughed she felt an arm snake round her waist and a hand flatten possessively over her rib cage.
"I am truly sorry, my noble Sirs to deprive you of my wife's riveting company," lilted the Goblin King as pulled Sarah back against him, "but I am afraid I must steal her away for a dance."
So saying, he spun her around to face him, catching her hand and tightening his arm around her waist.
"Jareth you idiot," Sarah hissed as they swung away into the stream of dancers, "I nearly melted all over your cousin because of your little joke."
"My darling Sarah, how could I not do something to rescue you from my foolish cousin, riveting though his company may be." Sarah glanced up to see his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Oh you..." Sarah muttered, frustrated, "You're intolerable."
"And yet you can't get enough." He began to snake his hips, moving sinuously in time to the music, holding Sarah close against his chest, fingers interlocking with hers. He traced a line down her spine, allowing is hand to rest at the cleft of her buttocks.
Jareth spun her and guided her, his suave elegance drawing admiration from all. Sarah was lost in the whirling speed of it all, with eyes only for Jareth. As the thirteenth hour struck and passed, neither noticed as the guests started to trickle back to their carriages, none wanting to interrupt the peace and intimacy of the couple locked together and swaying on the dance floor. Didymus rose, sighing and called Ambrosias to him as he and Ludo took a final look at the happy pair, before they too left.
Jareth tilted Sarah's head up from where it had been resting on his shoulder, running his thumb across her lower lip and smiling into her eyes.
"Sarah, my love," he said.
"Thank you Jareth, for a perfect evening." She stretched up on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his. Their tongues met and began to dance a dance all of their own, spontaneous and unchoreographed. His hands ran up and down her back, holding her body against his while her arms twined round his neck.
A loud snore interrupted the pair.
"Hoggle!" Sarah exclaimed, breaking away from Jareth.
He caught her arm laughing and waved his hand in the dwarf's direction. Hoggle promptly vanished.
"Where have you sent him Jareth?" Sarah begged to know, concern written all over her face.
"Do not worry, my heart," soothed Jareth, pulling her arms round his waist, "when he wakes up he will find himself wrapped up cosy and warm in his own bed in the Goblin City." Sarah breathed a sigh a relief. She had worried that Jareth may have sent Hoggle to the bog for disturbing them at a time like that. She need not have feared. "And speaking of bed..." Jareth added, a mischievous look in his eye. Sarah smiled cheekily up at him as he transported them out of the empty ballroom, landing them in the middle of Jareth's chambers.
No sooner had Sarah's feet touched firm ground than Jareth's mouth was on her, devouring her neck, nipping and sucking at the tender skin. Sarah knew he would leave marks but she got not bring herself to care as she let her head fall back to allow him better access. His hands consuming her breasts and her whole body felt as if it was on fire. She hung onto his shoulders to keep herself from falling.
"You...were...amazing...tonight," Jareth gasped between kisses as he kicked off his boots and shrugged off his jacket. Tearing his shirt off, he ripped Sarah dress over her head before collapsing her backwards onto the bed. He felt Sarah moan against his mouth, and smiled wickedly against her lips as he leant over her. Tuning into the cylinder he caused it swell, heat up and start to throb. Repositioning the bumps on its surface he instructed it to vibrate before bringing his hands back to her breasts, and pumping his tongue in and out of her mouth, mimicking an act that would soon follow. Sarah writhed and gasped under his ministrations, feeling the pressure build before she cried out her release. Reaching down Jareth tore off her bra and thong, plunging his fingers into her and removing the cylinder. Pushing her fully onto the bed he vanished the rest of his own clothes before plunging brutally into her, desperately seeking his own release.
Sarah felt hot and disorientated. The blood rushed in her ears and she couldn't think straight. All she knew was pleasure. Pleasure of the highest kind. She was vaguely aware of Jareth thundering into her, in a crazy, fast rhythm but as she was barely through her first orgasm she could feel her second building. As Jareth felt her walls tighten round him he dropped his hand between them and pressed her clit hard. Sarah's world shattered around her and she was only vaguely aware of Jareth's strangled cry as he too plunged over the edge.
Jareth withdrew from Sarah, relishing her moan at the loss, and flopped onto his back, staring at the ceiling. He slipped one arm beneath her neck, to cradle her as she returned to coherent thought. Yet again, for the umpteenth time since he had started on this roller coaster ride that was his love for Sarah, he wondered how she managed to completely turn his world around. He moved the stars for no-one, and yet between them they seemed to manage to reach those self same stars. He lay and puzzled over this until a soft sigh, and a movement of Sarah shifting slightly called him back to reality. Turning to her, he glanced over. She had fallen asleep, a contented smile still ghosting her lips, her breathing deep and regular. Jareth lifted his hand and brushed away a lock of hair that had fallen across her face, before moving over and kissing her gently on the lips. As he pulled back her lips twitched and she smiled in her sleep.
"Sleep well my dear," Jareth whispered, "I love you."