DISCLAIMER: I do not own Jareth (wish I did sometimes), Sarah, or any of the characters from Labyrinth. They belong to Jim Henson and those responsible for the making of the wonderful masterpiece that is Labyrinth. This was written for fun and I make no profit from it.

Chapter 20

Heidi stared up at the ceiling. She couldn't get over the fact that the human had saved her life. It made no sense at all. Did she know who Heidi was or her intentions towards the human? Heidi sat up slowly and looked around. She'd been to the castle beyond the Goblin City many times, but she had never seen any of the bedrooms. Jareth usually sent everyone home the moment the balls or banquets he hosted were over.

Noticing a figure sitting in a chair by the fire, Heidi slowly got up and walked over. Her whole body ached and her head was throbbing, but she didn't want to just lay in bed. When she reached the chair, she found Alastair, sound asleep. A slight smile crossed her lips as she watched him. The human may have been the one to beg to have her saved, but Alastair was the one that had physically saved her life. He rescued her from the dragon and the goblin horde.

Grabbing a blanket from the bed, she covered Alastair with it and then made herself comfortable on the couch. As she gazed into the flames that were dancing in the fireplace, she continued to ponder the mystery that was Sarah Williams.

~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~

Sarah sat across from Jareth in awkward silence at dinner that night. She had barely spoken to him after Alastair left to rescue Heidi. When his cousin returned the medallion to her, Jareth noticed her hesitate to put it back around her neck. He watched her pick at her food, her eyes glued to her plate. Sighing he set his fork down. The silence was killing him. "Sarah." He called out to her. She didn't look up at him at first, but when she did he smiled soflty at her. "Precious, please talk to me. I know you're unhappy with how I handled things with Heidi, but you must understand my position."

She dropped her fork and shook her head. "Jareth how could you just leave her to die?"

"Sarah as I told you, as the King I have to follow certain rules, just as any other citizen of my Kingdom. I'm not allowed to save a runner with out them calling for me." Jareth tried to make her understand.

"You said you made sure no harm came to me." Sarah stated as she stared at him.

"Yes and you were a child, a human child. The Labyrinth itself had no desire to harm you, so my small interferences didn't go against the wishes of the Labyrinth. Heidi is a grown Fae with no respect for the Labyrinth or its Champion. The Labyrinth lead her to the dragon. It was its intent to let her die a painful death." He explained. "I may not like it, but it is how things work."

"Will the Labyrinth be upset that you allowed Heidi to be saved?" Sarah asked.

"I honestly don't know." Jareth responded. "I can still feel the warmth from its magic, not how it responds when its unhappy with me, but time will tell."

Sarah lifted her own medallion and held it in her hand. As Jareth said it felt warm and pleasant. "Jareth if the the Labyrinth..."

He held his hand up. "Shh... no need to worry my dear. It wouldn't be the first time it was unhappy with me." He reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. "Sarah I know things like this are hard for you, but please don't think less of me for it. I truly didn't want her to die, but sometimes there isn't any thing I can do. Being away from the castle made it harder for me to help her. I'm too far to influence the Labyrinth. She knew I was away and ran it anyway." He shook his head. "Foolish woman."

"What will happen to her now?" Sarah asked as she turned her hand over and linked it with his.

"She'll be healed and sent home." He told her. "Now finish your dinner. No need worrying over this any longer. Heidi is safe at the castle. Alastair will take care of her."

Sarah nodded and gave his hand a gentle squeeze before pulling hers away and resuming her meal. They continued their meal in silence, but occasionally both looked up and when their eyes met, they both smiled and continued eating.

~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~

Alastair woke some time later to see Heidi asleep on the couch. He grinned, stood, and took the blanket she had placed over him and laid it on the back of the chair. He stretched and walked over to the fireplace. Taking the stoker, he poked at the dying embers of the fire. He chuckled to himself as he thought of the events of the day. He had seen a side of his cousin he was sure no one beside Sarah ever saw. He also saw the girl do something no one dared to do. She stood up to Jareth and got him to change his mind.

Smirking, he looked over at the sleeping woman behind him. Best of all he got to be the hero that rushed in and saved the girl. He just hoped that saving her was the correct choice. He had known Heidi since they were children. When she set her sights on something, it was damn near impossible to change her mind. But then the same was true for Jareth.

Alastair had only just met Sarah, but he liked her. He liked how she made his cousin and he liked that she didn't bow down to him like a timid child. He truly wanted things between them to work out for the best. He just hoped that Heidi now would see that she should give up on being the Goblin Queen. He also prayed that his aunt would leave them alone, but he doubted it.

Seeing Heidi stir, Alastair walked over and felt her forehead. She didn't have a fever, which was good. But he still worried that her injuries might not heal properly with out a proper healer. Sighing he left the room to see if any of the goblins were conscious and sober enough to help him. He was happily surprised by who he found in the throne room.

"Well, well, if it isn't the dwarf that likes to lead us through the bog." Alastair grinned.

"Likes?" Hoggle shook his head. "Jareth makes me do it. I hates the bog."

"Understandable." Alastair knelt so he was eye level with the dwarf. "I need your assistance."

"You... you do?"

"Yes, the Lady Heidi is still in a lot of pain and I'm not sure my healing magic will allow her to fully recover. Does my cousin have a healer?" Alastair asked.

"Himself." Hoggle replied. "I say let her suffers. She knew the risks. She should feel extremely luck the King lets you come gets her."

Alastair nodded. "Yes she did make a foolish decision and she is incredibly lucky. If not for Lady Sarah, she would be dead."

"Sarah? What's she gots to do with it?"

"She convinced Jareth to let me rescue her. Anyway, is there a healer nearby other than my cousin?" Alastair inquired.

"No there ain't, and why would Sarah do that?"

"You'll have to ask her that. Now I need you to go and fetch my cousin. I'm hoping you're closeness with Lady Sarah will make it easier for you to retrieve him. Sarah won't let him harm you, and she'll convince my cousin to use his magic to heal Heidi." Alastair explained as he stood.

"Now why should I do that?" Hoggle asked as he put his hands on his hips. "She wants to takes our Sarah's place at Jareth's side. She was nasty to us, and she might hurts Sarah if she has a chance."

"Trust me, my wrinkly friend. I have a plan to convince her to leave Sarah and Jareth alone. Just go get my cousin, and bring Sarah too if you can."

Hoggle shook his head. "I hopes you knows what you're doing." He said before he headed for the door.

"I hope so too." Alastair said with a sigh as he headed back upstairs to check on Heidi.

~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~

After dinner, Jareth and Sarah sat in front of the fireplace. Sarah was laying in front of the fire, a book in hand, reading quietly. Jareth was a few feet away in a chair, just watching her. After their talk at dinner, things were slowly getting back to normal, but Jareth decided it best to give her space, let her come to him.

After rereading the same line for the 5th time, Sarah sighed and closed the book. She looked up at Jareth and shook her head. "You know I can feel you staring, right?"

Smirking, Jareth crossed his legs and shrugged. "What can I say Precious, I can't take my eyes off you."

"Well why don't you come sit with me?" She patted the empty place beside her.

He didn't hesitate for a second. He was at her side as fast as he could be. "Better?"

"Almost." She grinned. She placed the book on the floor and moved so that she was sitting on his lap, her arms around his neck. "There, that's better."

Jareth chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I thought you were still mad at me?"

"I can't stay mad at you, and I don't like being mad at you." Sarah answered. She leaned her forehead against his. "I know its not always easy for you, being King and all. I guess I just get so used to you being, well you..." She shook her head. "You know what I mean?"

He nodded slightly. "You've seen what no one else has. The real me. The me I am when I'm not being a King."

"Exactly." Sarah smiled and rubbed her nose against his. "I'm so used to you the way you are in private that I forget sometimes of the immense responsibilities you have. There are still so many things about you, your Kingdom, and the Underground in general that I don't know about or understand."

He pulled her close, resting his head on top of hers. "I will happily teach you anything you want or need to know. All you need do is ask." He ran his hands up and down her back, rubbing soothing circles. "Thank you for being so understanding. I really don't deserve you."

"Enough beating yourself up Goblin King. You're not as bad as you like to think you are." Sarah replied as she pulled back to look him in the eyes. "You may be a little rough around the edges, but I like you just the way you are." She leaned in and kissed him softly.

Jareth returned her kiss and deepened it, his hands wandering lower and lower. Sarah let out a soft moan as his hands massaged her lower back and slowly went lower until they were rubbing her butt. Sarah ran her fingers through his hair and let her self get lost in the moment. All that she cared about what the wonderful feelings his hands and lips were causing.

Breaking the kiss, Jareth started kissing along her jaw, down her neck and softly kissed and licked her skin. He slowly brought one hand around her body and inched it towards her chest. There were so many things he wanted to do with her, to her, and for her. He wanted to give her the most pleasure he could, but he wasn't sure how much she would let him do. Testing the waters, he slowly cupped her right breast and caressed it. Hearing her moan, he grinned and continued. His fingers stroked the area around her nipple while his other handed kneaded the firm flesh of her ass. He continued kissing her neck, her quiet moans only encouraging him to please her more.

"Jareth..." The way she said his name was like music to his ears.

"Say it again." He requested.

"What?"

"Say my name again." He told her as he pinched her nipple between his fingers. When she moaned his name, he closed his eyes in pleasure. He never knew something so simple as hearing her call out his name could give him such pleasure.

Sarah's body felt like it was on fire. Everywhere he touched was almost electric. She wanted him to touch her all over. She wanted to know how his hands felt on her bare skin. With out thinking, she pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it behind her. Jareth was a little surprised by her actions, but didn't let that stop him. He brought his other hand up and massaged both her breasts through her bra. Soon both her nipples were hard little peaks clearly visible through the thin fabric of her bra.

"Sarah, my precious Sarah." He whispered in her ear. She grabbed his hands and pulled them from her breasts. Jareth stopped kissing her neck and looked at her, afraid he had gone too far. He watched as she removed his gloves, one at a time. "Sarah?"

"I want to feel your bare hands on my skin." She said. Her eyes were dark and lust filled.

"Sarah, be careful. I'm not sure I can't stop touching you once I start." Jareth warned.

She ran her hands along the opening of his shirt and slowly unfastened the remaining buttons. "I trust you and I want this. Bottoms have to stay on though."

Jareth nodded and helped her remove his shirt. It quickly joined hers on the floor behind them. Once his shirt was off, Sarah ran her hands along the muscles of his stomach and chest, exploring every inch with her fingers. She had seen him with out a shirt, but she never imagined he would be so muscular or soft to the touch.

A groan escaped his throat as her fingers ghosted over his skin. He leaned over and kissed down her neck and shoulder, slowly moving her bra strap to the side. His lips traveled down along the bra, kissing and licking any skin available to him. He covered her chest with warm kisses as his bare hands explored every inch of her. Deciding to tempt his luck, Jareth pulled one side of her bra down slowly until he could see her nipple. He ran his tongue over the firm little bud slowly.

Sarah's head fell back as she moaned. His tongue felt wonderful on her skin, but the moment he licked her sensitive nipple, she was in heaven. She gripped his hair with her hands, gently holding him in place. "Ohhhh Jareth."

Suddenly there was a banging on the door. Jareth groaned, but didn't stop his caresses. When there was another knock, Sarah pushed him away and got up, grabbing her shirt. "Sarah?" Jareth called as he stood and went to her.

She quickly pulled her shirt on and headed for the door. "I'll kill them. Whoever it is, I will kill them." She grumbled as she headed to the door. Jareth chuckled as he followed her. This he had to see.

Sarah threw the door open. "What the hell do you..." She stopped when she saw who was at the door. "Hoggle?"

"Hi, Sarah." Hoggle said nervously.

Jareth came up beside her and leaned against the door frame. "Well, I'm waiting Precious." He smirked.

"For what?"

"For you to kill him." Jareth's eyes almost seemed to twinkle with laughter. "Isn't that what you said as you made your way to the door?"

Hoggle slowly backed away and watched the door carefully. He didn't think Sarah would harm him, but he never knew what Jareth might do. "I didn't... I mean I said it, but I thought... I didn't expect Hoggle..." Sarah stumbled over her words, flustered by Jareth's unexpected use of her own words.

Jareth laughed and leaned over and kissed her lips. "Relax Precious, I was just as upset to be interrupted." He then turned to Hoggle. "Now this had better be good Higgle."

"Hoggle!" Sarah and Hoggle corrected him at the same time.

Jareth simply continue to glare at the dwarf, ignoring their correction of him getting the name wrong. Sarah shook her head. She knew he did it on purpose, but she would still continue to correct him every time. "Why are you here?" Sarah asked.

"His majesty's cousin asked that I bring him back to the castle." Hoggle answered. He looked at Sarah and avoided looking at the King.

"What does that fool want from me now?" Jareth spat.

"He said that Lady Heidi needs a healer. He injuries from her run were really bad." Hoggle explained.

"Jareth don't you have a healer?" Sarah asked.

Sighing, Jareth ran his fingers through his hair. "I am the healer."

"You?"

He nodded. "I have a kingdom of goblins. They hurt themselves all the time. I learned quickly to heal minor wounds. Over the years my skills at healing have become efficient enough that I could be called a healer. Most of the magic I use to heal comes from the Labyrinth." Jareth informed her. "I suppose you wish me to go an heal her?"

Sarah looked from him to Hoggle. "Are her injuries really that bad?"

"I honestly can't say. His cousin claims they are. He also asked that you come too Sarah."

"Me? What can I do?" Sarah was confused.

"Perhaps Alastair believes I will only heal her at your request and wishes you to be present to convince me." Jareth suggested.

"Would I need to be there to convince you?"

"No." Jareth shook his head. "If you wish me to do so, I will do it."

"Please go and heal her Jareth." Sarah told him.

Jareth nodded, kissed her cheek, and went inside to grab his shirt. When he returned it was once again on and buttoned. "I shall return as soon as I can. Hoggle, stay with Sarah until I return."

"Yes, majesty." Hoggle bowed his head and waited for him to leave. Jareth went down the steps and then turned into an owl and flew towards the castle.

Sarah watched him fly off and then looked to Hoggle. "Come on inside Hoggle. I'll get you some hot chocolate." Hoggle nodded and followed her inside, closing the door behind him.

~*~*~*~/.../~*~*~*~

When Jareth arrived at the castle, he found the goblins passed out of stumbling around drunk. "Imbeciles." He muttered as he stepped over the sleeping pile of goblins around the throne room. "Alastair!" He called as he headed upstairs.

Alastair met him in the hallway with a smile. "Cousin, you got here faster than I expected. Is Lady Sarah with you?"

"Sarah remained at the house with her dwarf friend. I will heal Heidi and then you will take her home." Jareth said it more as an order than a request.

"Understood. She's resting in here." Alastair led Jareth to the room he had placed Heidi in and stood by the door when he went in.

Jareth walked into the room and went straight over to the woman lying on the couch. "It appears my cousin was rather rude, making you rest on the couch."

Heidi looked up when she heard his voice. "Jareth." She sat up the best she could. "No, Alastair has been wonderful to me. Far better than I deserve."

Jareth knelt by her side and held a crystal in his hand. "Alastair asked me to come and heal the rest of your wounds. I'm here to do that and then my cousin will take you home." He started moving the crystal over her body slowly, focusing his magic into healing the wounds.

"Did she ask you to do this?" Heidi asked.

"What?" Jareth stopped what he was doing.

"The human, the one you care for, did she ask you to come heal me?" Heidi asked again. When he didn't answer she continued. "Alastair told me what happened. He said that you were going to leave me to die. You're right it would have fitting that I die for trying to defeat the Labyrinth. It was my arrogant pride that lead me to it. I thought if I human child could do it, then surely I could. I was wrong." She turned her head. "What I don't understand is why she begged you and Alastair to save me. Doesn't she know I wanted to take the throne? Does she know I would have killed her to get what I wanted?"

Jareth pulled a chair over and sat by her. "Sarah is very aware of who you are. She knows about the arranged marriage and I'm certain that she is aware that you would harm her if given the chance."

"Then why?"

Jareth sat back in the chair. "Sarah is a very special woman. She doesn't believe anyone should die, no matter what they may or may not have done."

"That's foolish. To get anywhere you have to be willing to die or kill for what you want." Heidi scoffed.

"Sarah doesn't believe so." He sighed. "I once thought that being intimidating and kicking or bogging them was the only way to keep them under control. But Sarah," He stopped and chuckled, a wide grin on his face. "my precious Sarah can get them to obey her faster than I can and all she has to do is be kind to them. She says please, thanks them, hugs them. Sarah treats them with the love and care you would give your own child, and they love her for it."

"Kind to goblins?"

"She's kind to everyone and everything. Would you like to know how she beat the Labyrinth? She befriended the very creatures that were supposed to stop her. She turned my subjects against me. She outwitted me with love and kindness." Jareth leaned forward and held out the crystal again. "Now sit still and let me do what must be done."

Jareth healed her wounds completely. Not a single cut, bruise, or ache was left. When he was done he told her to rest on the bed for a few hours before taking the trip home. He left and Alastair returned to the chair by the fire, staying nearby in case she needed him. As she thought about what Jareth had told her, she smirked slightly. "Who would have thought it. The Goblin King, outwitted by love and kindness."