That night we spoke very little. He had been with the elves and goblins for the rest of the day. There was much clamoring and yelling: those gathered looked anxious for battle. The elves were regal in their armor, showing harmony in shape and form. The goblins looked half-hazard with their make shift helmets and weapons, but they stood together as one. All of them held the king's colors. I prayed that there would not be any untimely summons. In those last few precious hours of day light I spent my time with Heather reviewing some basic Underground laws. She was woman of immense knowledge and patience. Without hesitation I named her my main advisor. Come the evening Jareth and I both comprehended the weight that had fallen over the kingdom.
Lounging together on the small couch after dinner I enjoyed the soft crackling of the fire. The weather had turned bitter cold. He had his pipe and after very little imploring from me he brought back to life the graceful smoke dancers. They tumbled and twirled before my eyes- still holding me just as captivated. They smelt like cherry blossoms blowing freely in the wind. He made them dance while smiling. I closed my eyes, breathing deep the scent. I wondered to myself if I peeked out would he be intently leaning forward close as he done that one night- challenging and tempting me. Lingering over the thought I lay back against the cushions.
He moved away from the couch, standing. I heard the soft tapping as he knocked his pipe clean. The fire hissed and crackled. He was again on the couch, leaning near. Opening my eyes I saw him reclining, smiling. He looked unabashedly happy sitting there. It made my heart swell to see him so. He looked care free as if there was no impending war. How does he live so well in the moment? I asked myself.
"You're staring girly," he quite suddenly said. I blinked. "You just can't keep your eyes off of me can you?"
I smiled faintly. "Your ego never ceases to amaze me." Then adding more sweetly, "Just creating a good memory for while you're away."
His face showed concern. "Come, come now." His hand was at my cheek. "This uncertain gloom of your's is so unlike you. Where is that fire that I adore?" I shrugged, not understanding my near faint heartedness. "You're a brave woman."
"Am I now?" I asked sincerely.
He nodded leaning his face closer. "You came here, into the unknown, trusting me to keep you safe. You have dealt with creatures other mortals would have fled from. You even danced with the enemy," he added his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Now myself, though a king, I," he paused. "I have need of your bravery." Something moved through his eyes- it was near scared and very vulnerable. I dared not press the matter. His eyes flickered away. When they looked at me again the expression was gone. Gently his thumb ran over the skin of my cheek. "I have need of your fire." I felt his lips softly on mine. It was a tender and imploring kiss.
I looked at him. My hands twisted his shirt. "I don't know how to be brave right now."
In response he kissed me again- more imploringly, more filled with desire. My heart pounded loudly. He pulled away while moving his body still closer. He took my hands from his shirt and brought them around his waist. "Make love to me as if we had all the time in the world. No kingdom affairs, no laws, no wars…"
"No kings, no threats, no impending departures," I added.
"Just time and lots of it. Give your fire to me Rebekah. Give to me." I lifted my head seeking his lips.
He relinquished control that night. He encouraged me to use him for my own benefit; to utilize his body for my pleasure in order that I would kindle my own fire. At the time, lost amidst limbs and blankets, I was unaware of the lesson he was teaching me. Confidence needs control, as much as control needs confidence- the experience both excited me and left me fumbling at certain moments. I had to listen for as well as feel his responses; my actions and reactions influencing the motions. There would come a moment though when I would have to act alone, make a decision, and execute it. Straddled against him, I finally made the decision and time lost all boundaries and it was just the moment of intense, sweating, breathing, pleasurable passion. He looked up at me again with that honest and open look of happiness- living in the moment. I lay on top of him and held him close.
Time soon resituated it's self and he was dressing to join his men at arms. I accompanied him as he walked out. The air smelt of battle- spears, armor, swords, and horses. Men bowed as we passed. We found ourselves standing under a covering, where Bartholomew and his kinsmen were seeing to some last minute provisions. Jareth called for his armor and several goblins appeared and helped secure the hard leather casing about his chest. I stood there slightly shivering in the pre-dawn air. Then King Oberon was there and the company gathered as close as they could near and around the covering. Jareth moved close to me- I could smell the leather and spice- and rested a hand on my shoulder. King Oberon spoke, "Hear me, my children!" he called out. "You all are going to battle, a fight which you will perform with honor and dignity. You who are here do not bear the sword or arrow in vain. Protect the land you love! Protect the king you serve! For the Underground!" He punched a fist into the air and the company jeered and yelled in response. Everyone dispersed very quickly after that. I heard horses hoofing and neighing. Jareth turned me towards him. "Four days- I swear," he said taking my face into his now gloved hands.
"Kiss me and be gone before I loose control."
He gave me half a grin. "Gladly." I felt his lips and tongue all at once. Then he was walking away, not looking back or hesitating. I watched him mount his horse and ride to the front of the company. Oberon was at my side. "For the Underground," I whispered.
The castle was far quieter than usual. I hated it. I had Oberon and Heather both join me in Jareth's study. I couldn't just sit around and wait, I had to busy myself. Despite my total lack of sleep I wanted to begin going over more laws. Heather looked at me questioningly. "Don't argue with me right now," I snapped. "If I don't occupy myself, I'll just sit around worrying. Come on- what do I need to know?" Scrolls and books were pulled out. Oberon began giving a brief over view of standard practices and acceptable behavior.