A/N: Some time ago my computer decided to sign itself out of order, just when I was finishing this chapter. Since I didn't have any back up files, only drafts, I was forced to write it anew. Gah. I just hate computers, especially when they crash!

09/2008: I slightly modified the chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing of this.

Chapter 25
The Princess

The Goblin King kept his promise to see her that day, not that Sarah would have really doubted him not to. After all, she did recognize the threat in his voice when she left the King and his advisor; which was also the reason she decided to take a small tour around. Besides, she desperately needed some time of her own. Despite that she enjoyed the company of lady Iaras, the wife of king's counsellor, Gwendolyn was a stranger, not a true friend. Not her family… Sarah clasped her mouth tightly shut, vanquishing these thoughts. She couldn't let herself to wail in her pity and misery. The fact was, like she had stated, she was in the Underground, tangled up with a political mess, and personal vendetta she would have gladly kept herself away. And the future hung above her, ominously as if just waiting its turn to crush her beneath. So she left.

And besides, Jareth did give her a permission to wander in his lands, Sarah reasoned. She wasn't practically trying to avoid him. The man would eventually find her. After all, he was the ruler of his country.

After pondering to explore more of the Labyrinth, she finally decided against it, and instead, took a better look of the castle. She wasn't completely surprised to find herself ultimately on the doorsteps of the castle library.

It was where the Goblin King found her.

This time his appearance was done without the sparkling light and diamond dust effect. No, he appeared into the room without any notice. Only a tingling in Sarah's neck, a feeling putting her hair to stand up, revealed his presence.

Sarah straightened her back on the arm chair she had been sitting on. She glanced around her, while she placed down the book she was reading: "An Introduction to History of Underground Politics. Edited and Compiled by C. Cheiron." After taking a deep calming breath Sarah finally stood up, and turned around.

He was leaning against a bookshelf, in the shadier side of the library, his hands clasped behind him and watching Sarah carefully. Maybe it was the tint of his crooked smirk that made her uneasy?

Sarah shifted her weight and eyed the man cautiously.

"I see you've kept yourself busy." He noted casually, straightening his back.

"I kind of…thought to do some studying by myself." Sarah replied, watching him warily.

"And did you find it useful?" Surprisingly, he sounded to be genuinely interested.

"Well…" Sarah shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't get too far, but..." She smiled tentatively, "I learned that the previous demon king was called Samael Lightbreaker. And that his son Ahriman is the present king. Isn't he?"

"Yes," Jareth glanced up, at the ceiling and the chandleries dimly illuminating the chilly room. He frowned. "Although, I suspect his mother is still having quite an influence on the Demon King's decisions."

"Lilith, you mean? The one, the angels call a demon bitch?"

"My, you've truly done your homework." He raised his other eyebrow at her.

"I'm interested," Sarah confessed, caressing the book cover unconsciously at the same time. "It's so odd -- to find out the myths I dreamed as a child are actually real."

"You seriously doubted it?" Jareth snorted. "Especially after your own experiences?"

"I wasn't sure," Sarah confessed silently, turning her eyes away from him. "I didn't want to believe. Not when I had no proof, no certainty. When I returned, the time hadn't passed. And I was so relieved Toby was alright and with me; sleeping in his bed." She bit her lips, lifting her face. "And on the next day my room was just like always. There was no mess, no serpentines; nothing to proof the others, Hoggle, Ludo…my friends had ever even been there."

"So you forgot." Oddly, he sounded almost accusing.

"No." Sarah shook her head "I decided not to remember. That it was only a dream."

Her reply made something to pass quickly on his lips. A smile perhaps?

And just as fast as it appeared there, it was also gone. "I thought you might want to know, the memory charm is completed." He told unexpectedly, examining his gloved hands.

"Oh." Suddenly her mouth felt a lot drier than before. "Thanks. I guess."

"You are quite welcome." He raised his head and looked at her, detaching his body at the same time from the bookshelf he had leaned against, and took a step forward. Did she imagine it, or was the King laughing at her? Sarah decided to let it pass, her thoughts still lingering in the information of the enormous Cheiron's tome.

"So…" She backed away. "Has anyone contacted you yet?"

That stilled him.

"No. Not yet."

"But it's only a matter of time?" She asked wearily, noticing the sudden, haughty expression on his face.

The Goblin King sighed. "Yes, Sarah. It will happen, eventually."

The girl nodded, lowering her gaze. "So I figured." She muttered.

"There is actually one thing I've been intending to talk with you." He said suddenly, and Sarah looked at him. He remained in his place, the dark velvety fabric of his jacket glittering in the dimly lit room, his hands resting on his side.

"What?"

The King seemed to consider his words. "In that case the Court of Justice will be called we need to discuss about … your connection with the Labyrinth."

"What do you mean?"

He furrowed his brow with his stature appearing somewhat tense. For a moment it almost seemed he wouldn't reply. Then he let out a small sigh.

"If I'm right, the link between you and the Labyrinth has grown stronger these last days...during your stay in the Underground."

"I don't know," Sarah replied guardedly. "I haven't felt any difference."

That brought a smile on his face. "That's because you deny and defy everything and everyone, Sarah."

"Oh really?" Sarah snapped, offended.

"Yes, really. It's in your nature. You can not fight it." The look in his eyes made her silent. "And because of it, I am fairly certain that unwarily you are also banning the Labyrinth out of your mind." He continued his expression thoughtful.

"I fail to see the problem." Sarah frowned at him. "I feel fine. At last there haven't been any explosions, besides the ones your goblins created. Haven't you noticed it?"

"Yet you are making the Labyrinth mad."

"Come on, Jareth!" Sarah snorted. "How could I make it mad? It's a construction, for God's sake! Even if it had awareness of its existence, I seriously doubt it could become mad."

"Not at you," Jareth replied solemnly. "But it can, and will become angered, if you keep on denying its presence."

"You're not making any sense!" Sarah groaned. "Yes, it's true. I don't want to have this…link, this, this…connection." She hissed bitterly. "But if you're right, it doesn't matter what I want. It's still there, isn't so?"

It seemed the king was trying to contain himself. "Yes," He snapped. "But being and accepting something are very much different things. You of all should know that."

For some reason, that calmed her.

"I can not force you to believe, Sarah." Jareth told finally, irritated. "That is your own decision. But as a king of this country I have responsibilities towards its residents. And you, as a keeper, who denies your own part in it, are endangering them all." He took a deep inhale.

"Tell me, Sarah." Jareth demanded harshly and took a step closer. "How would you react if someone or somebody you cared deeply, maybe even loved, would only reject you; keep you out of your life?"

Sarah stared the Goblin Kind, wide-eyed. Why was he telling her this? Was he maybe suggesting something? She blinked her eyes, keeping her eyes fixed at the King, and finally sputtered, "I…I would be disappointed. Angry. I couldn't understand it… " Her words died out. She remembered the words she had shouted at Heidi. She had been so mad then, not to Heidi, but to herself, and to Mathias. Rejected. Feeling betrayed. And since she couldn't accept the truth, couldn't handle her feelings, she took it out on her friend. Sarah closed her eyes, finally realizing. She had hurt her friend, and only because she had been herself hurt.

The tension in his shoulders eased. "So, now you know how the Labyrinth is reacting."

Sarah gasped in dread, understanding at last. "Could it hurt them? My friends?" Hoggle, Ludo, Didymus…

Jareth shrugged. "I don't know." He confessed.

"But what can I do?" Sarah asked, troubled. "I don't even understand how this…bond works. Not to mention, how would I be able to communicate with it."

"That is something, we truly should discuss about." The King replied calmly, and walked past her to the doors. And after waiting a little time, hesitating, Sarah made her mind; and followed him out of the room.

They had barely made their way out of the library, when they were suddenly interrupted.

"Jareth!"

Sarah jolted and turned around, just in time to see a young woman running toward them.

She appeared to be younger than Sarah. Apparently…Sarah thought. Since the girl might also have been older. It was evident she wasn't a human. Sarah stared her mouth half-open, and felt a stabbing of jealousy. The woman-- the girl was gorgeous.

Honey-gold hair flew around her delicate face, going in curls all the way until her waist. Tiny white pearls decorated her pale violet dress covering her slender body. Sarah had never seen lovelier girl in her life. The girl had beautifully shaped eyebrows that gave her little questioning expression; their shape reminding Sarah about birds' wings.

She had something Sarah couldn't trace or put a name on. It was like an inner glow; a purity almost. The girl looked just like a princess; and suddenly Sarah remembered she was wearing her jeans, sneakers and her college shirt.

Her mouth fell wide open when the girl reached them, and jumped straight into the arms of the Goblin King.

"Jareth! I've missed you!"

"Ailene," the Goblin King sounded pleased of her presence, embracing her. The tenderness in the King's voice caused a small twinge in Sarah's stomach.

"How nice from you grant me a visit," Jareth continued, placing the girl back on the floor. "But pray, whatever made you to return?"

"You ask me seriously?" The girl, Ailene, grinned; stroking locks of her blond hair away, and turned to look at Sarah. She gave her a warm smile. "You must be Sarah…?" She glanced slyly at the Goblin King. "Jareth's been terribly secretive about you, like you would be a demon with horns and a mouth of breathing fire." She grinned. "I can't see why. You seem like a charming girl."

"Trust me," Jareth sounded dry. "She's like fairies; beauty outside, sharp teeth inside, and knowledge how to bite."

"So, there you have a way to entertain yourself," Ailene blurted, and Sarah felt a rush of blood heating her cheeks. She was painfully aware of the sudden smirk appearing on Jareth's face.

"Ailene…" Jareth reprimanded her gently, but she just shook her shoulders.

"Don't fuss Jareth!" She exclaimed half-heartedly, and Sarah found the words oddly comforting, as well as amusing. "You're soo boring sometimes!" She turned to look at Sarah again. "So, how did he drag you here this time? I hope he didn't use that book again, I really hate when the goblins made their appearance. They always mess everything in the castle."

"Ailene," Surprisingly Jareth sounded somewhat desperate, and Sarah stole a quick glance of him. She could not have imagined there would be anything to make him desperate.

"The goblins you so kindly called stupid, happen to be my subjects, and I hope you wouldn't insult them; not at least in the presence of my guest."

Ailene snorted with a very unlady like manner. "Oh, are you denying that they smell bad, eat disgustingly, and noise and drink way too much?"

Silently Sarah couldn't but agree with her. Earlier today, during her exploring she had found the throne room. To her amazement, it was precisely the way she remembered. The chickens, chicken poo, hay piles and barrels of beer were dispersed all over the room. But whereas last time the room had been silent and void of any habitants, it was now full of small dirty goblins; laughing, farting and shouting, creating a hideous ruckus. How on earth could their king keep his sanity in this kind of environment?

"No Ailene, I'm not denying that. That's their job", Jareth interrupted Sarah's thought, answering somewhat grimly. "After all, they are goblins. And goblins are supposed to create mayhem."

"Yet it doesn't mean I would have to like them." Ailene replied quickly. "And despite of what you say, it doesn't change the fact that they smell too bad. Besides…" she sounded smuggle, and Sarah realized she was only teasing Jareth. Apparently they were very good friends. "They are definitely too rude for my taste." She wrinkled her nose in apparent disgust, and smiled at Sarah.

"So, tell me Sarah. When did you arrive? Where are your quarters? Have you liked your stay in the Goblin Kingdoms thus far?"

"Err..." Sarah mumbled, overwhelmed by her sudden appearance. Who was this girl?

"I hope Jareth has been most civil to you. Has he?" Ailene asked suddenly, sounding worried.

"You're afraid I wouldn't behave?" Jareth answered on her behalf; amused; and turned to look at Sarah. "And that I would take an advantage of my guest?"

Sarah met his mismatched eyes, and recognized the teasing tone in his voice. He was baiting her on purpose, again.

"I have been very generous, haven't I Sarah?" He smiled at her with a small innuendo, and Sarah blushed. She didn't need to be reminded about their kiss. She still remembered it very vividly. After all, she had stayed wide awake half of the night, mulling over her confused feelings toward the enigmatic Underground ruler.

By the sight of her unease Ailene exclaimed loudly: "Jareth!" She flourished her finger at the Goblin King. "Don't tease the poor girl! She must be confused already, things as they are…"

Sarah glanced at the girl sharply, before looking at Jareth. She pursed her lips together, noticing he was avoiding her eyes. Did the whole Underground know about her bonding with the Labyrinth, but her?

His face turned sombre. "That's not all Ailene. There is one thing I have to tell you…" Jareth's words sounded to be genuinely regretful, continuin "Gaway found her first. And he succeeded to put a claim on her."

The girl turned white, and turned to look at Sarah. She had violet eyes, Sarah noticed suddenly, as the colour bleached away from girl's lovely face. Her expression turned hollow, and there was a numb look on her eyes.

"I'm so sorry." Ailene whispered hoarsely, all colour and life fleeting of her. "You had the most unfortunate fate to meet my fiancé then…"

Sarah stared at the girl, recognizing her at last. "You're the daughter of the king!" She exclaimed and blushed. "Umm…I mean…" ashamed of her outburst she tried to correct her words, but the girl, the Princess, just smiled gently.

"Yes, I'm Princess Ailene of Theria, the daughter of King Oidin and Bride-to-Be for Gaway de Menchen." She said and something sad appeared briefly in her eyes. "And you are the famous Sarah Williams of the Aboveground, champion of the Labyrinth."

Sarah looked fleetingly at the Goblin King, but the man was looking at another direction, and Ailene's smile deepened.

"Jareth and I are very old acquaintances," the girl simply said.

"You make it sound like I would be more than centuries old…" Jareth commented dryly, and Ailene grinned.

"No, Jareth. I say as it is. You are more than centuries old."

The man sighed. "So this is where we end up at once again."

"With me, always!" Sarah could not but smile at the lively girl, who spun around and turn her back at the Goblin King, wrapping her hands around Sarah's arm and pulled her along. "So, tell me, Sarah of Aboveground, how have you found your stay at the Goblin Kingdom thus far…"