Disclaimer: I don't own Jareth, (wish I did) Sarah, or any other character from Labyrinth. They belong to Henson and everyone responsible for creating the movie. I write this solely for entertainment and stress relief.
Chapter 26
It was midday when Sarah and Jareth woke and climbed out of bed. Neither wanted to get up and face what they both knew would be a difficult day. It was the first day of the New Year and Sarah's winter break was over. Jareth would have to return her to her Grandmother's house before too late so that she was there when her parents arrived to pick up her and her brother. Jareth watched her from the bed as she went through her bags, which he had retrieved from the winter house. She gathered clothes to put on and went to the bathroom to change.
With a heavy sigh, Jareth tossed a crystal up and dressed in his normal attire. Never had he wanted to reorder time more than he did at that moment. He wanted to turn time back to the beginning of the week and spend it with her all over again. When Sarah returned from the bathroom, she was dressed in a light blue sweater and jeans. Jareth stood and walked over to her. Cupping her cheek, he kissed her forehead. "Do you have any idea how hard this is for me?"
She gave him a gentle kiss. "Don't be so dramatic. I'm just going home for a while. It's not like you're not going to see me again. Knowing you, you'll be at my bedroom window later tonight."
He chuckled. "You know me so well Sarah." He wrapped her in his warm embrace and kissed her neck. "I suppose we should eat and spend a little time with our guests before I return you to your Grandmother."
Sarah pulled back to look him in the eyes. "See it won't be so bad. You have company so you'll be busy entertaining them."
"You haven't changed me that much dearest. I may bog them yet."
Shaking her head, she took him by the hand and together they went to the dining hall where they found Jaxel, Alastair, Heidi and two people that Sarah didn't recognize. Seeing Sarah enter the room, Jaxel and Alastair stood to greet her. "Hello, Lady Sarah." Jaxel grinned.
"Lady Sarah I hope you slept well," Alastair said as he bowed.
"Afternoon Lady Sarah." Heidi smiled as she watched Jareth pull the chair out for her.
Sarah smiled at them all and sat down. "Hello everyone."
Jareth looked at the table and sighed seeing he had more guests. "Oliver, when did you arrive?"
The Fae sitting on the other side of Alastair smiled. "Last night, we were late and arrived to find the ballroom a mess and your subjects tried to send us away."
"Too bad they failed," Alastair muttered.
"Oh, hush, Al," Oliver told his older brother as he jabbed him in the ribs. "Cousin Jareth would have been greatly disappointed if I left without even saying hello."
Jareth pinched the bridge of his nose. Why must all his family be so bothersome? "Oliver, allow me to introduce the Lady Sarah, the champion of the Labyrinth," Jareth stated as he tried to think of something other than bogging his cousins. "Sarah this is Oliver, my cousin, and Alastair's young brother."
"Hello, Oliver." She smiled. If Jareth hadn't told her that he was Alastair's younger brother, she never would have known it. Unlike Jareth and Jaxel, there was no resemblance between the two brothers. Oliver was larger and his hair was jet black, unlike the others who had light brown or blonde hair.
"The Lady Sarah?" Oliver's eyes lit up. "This is the one that beat you cousin?"
Sighing, Jareth nodded. "Yes, Sarah defeated my Labyrinth in 13 hours. She is my champion and honored guest."
"Sadly Sarah is leaving us today though," Alastair added.
"Oh no, I only just arrived and you're leaving?" Oliver pouted.
"I have to go home. My winter break is over, but I'll be back to visit when I can." Sarah told him.
"Yes, Sarah isn't leaving us forever." Jareth smiled as he took her hand as he sat beside her. He gave it a quick kiss before releasing it. "Now Oliver who is this you've brought to my home?"
"Oh how silly of me. Where are my manners?" He shook his head and then looked to the dark-skinned man in purple that was seated beside him. "This amazing creature is Prince Alucard of the Purple Dragon clan."
"Alucard?" Jareth smirked. "My you've grown. Last time I saw you, you were just a hatchling. Welcome to the Goblin Kingdom."
"Hatchling?" Sarah looked to Jareth wanting to make sure she was hearing them correctly. "Are you saying…"
Laughing lightly, Jareth nodded. "Yes Precious, Prince Alucard is a dragon. Not all of them are like the poor fellow in the Labyrinth."
Alucard bowed his head. "I'm honored to be here King Jareth and it is an honor to meet you, Lady Sarah. Tales of your adventure have reached even the ears of my people in the Outlands. It takes a remarkable person to defeat the challenge of the Labyrinth. I must say the stories never mentioned your beauty though."
Sarah ducked her head, blushing slightly from the compliments. "I had no idea I was so well known here in the Underground."
"It's not every day someone beats the Labyrinth Precious," Jareth told her with a smile. He summoned a crystal and handed it to her. "Think of what you'd like to eat and then toss the crystal up."
Nodding, she took the crystal, thought a moment and then tossed it up. It popped over her and a plate with a salad, baked chicken, and mandarin oranges appeared before her. She smiled as she thought how easy it was to prepare a meal was with magic. "So Sarah have you used anymore magic?" Heidi asked her after plates appeared in front of everyone.
"Not since the barrier," Sarah replied.
"Well other than just now," Jareth smirked.
"What?" Sarah stared at him.
"That crystal was just a crystal." He told her. "You conjured the food, love." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "You thought that was my magic, didn't you?"
She nodded. "Am I going to have to worry about random magic happening when I go home?"
"I doubt it unless you get emotional. Being away from the Labyrinth will make it harder to use its magic, but to be safe I'll give you a charm that should prevent it unless its an emergency." Jareth explained.
"Wait isn't she a human?" Oliver questioned.
"Sarah is still human, but as the Champion, the Labyrinth has given her access to its magic it seems. We only learned of this yesterday." Jareth informed him. "I will be teaching her to control and use her magic. But only when she is here. Too many things could go wrong with her using magic Aboveground."
"And I be der ta help if dat be de case." A voice said from behind them.
They turned to see Vol'sun coming in the door with Sarah's goblins close behind. "Vol'sun." She smiled as she stood to greet him. She surprised everyone but Jareth when she walked over and hugged the large troll. "Its good to see you again."
"Ya be missin' me lil lady?" the troll asked with a grin.
"Of course," Sarah replied. "I enjoy hearing your stories. I was wondering where you were since you didn't need to protect me while I was here with Jareth."
Vol'sun nodded. "I be tending ta some tings." He told her. "I xpect I be needed to watch over yer Lady when she go home?" He asked Jareth.
Jareth nodded as he stood to join Sarah. "I would greatly appreciate it if you continued to keep her safe, especially in light of recent events."
Vol'sun nodded. "I be hearin' da Queen be up ta no good."
Alastair chuckled at the shocked looks on his brother and Heidi's faces. "Lady Sarah has all kinds looking out for her. Auntie won't be able to get to her."
Jaxel's face was tense as he watched the troll. The trolls had only recently joined the court and there was still bad blood between them and the Fae. "Brother are you certain you can leave Lady Sarah's life in the hands of this…troll?"
Jareth sighed. "Jaxel, Vol'sun has been a valued member of my Kingdom long before his people joined the High Court. He has taught me a great many things and more than proven his loyalty to me and my Kingdom. Don't take this the wrong way, but I trust him to protect Sarah more than any other person in this room other than myself of course." He took Sarah's hand and pulled her into his arms. "He's kept her safe and hidden from mother so far. I have no doubt that he will continue to do so. Knowing he is watching over my beloved is the main reason I'm allowing her to return home without a full honor guard following her at all times."
Sarah pulled out of his embrace. "Full honor guard? Really Jareth, isn't that a bit much?"
"Nothing is too much if it ensures your safety, Precious." He caressed her cheek and gaze into her eyes.
"Would you like us to eat our lunches elsewhere cousin?" Alastair teased.
Blushing, Sarah returned to her seat and continued eating. They all chatted quietly over lunch and Oliver, Heidi, and Jaxel asked Sarah question after question, all eager to learn more about the human that had defeated the Labyrinth and tamed the wild Goblin King. After lunch, Sarah said her goodbyes and prepared to return to the Aboveground. Jareth led her back to her room upstairs to collect her things leaving the others in the dining hall. "Why didn't Jareth just summon her things to them?" Oliver asked. "I mean surely it would have saved time."
"Idoit," Alastair muttered as he shook his head.
"I'm sure Jareth wanted a few minutes alone with Sarah before he takes her home," Heidi stated.
"Oh." Oliver nodded and then tilted his head. "Is there something going on between them?" The others all groaned at his lack of observational skills.
Up in Sarah's room, Jareth was sitting on the couch by the fire with his hand held out in invitation to her. "I thought we were leaving?" Sarah questioned as she took his hand and sat beside him.
"In a little bit. I wanted a few more minutes alone with you." He said sadly as he wrapped his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck and inhaled her scent. "Have you decided what you intend to tell your Grandmother?" He asked before kissing her neck.
"I don't want to hide anything from Nanny. I want to tell her that we're dating." She answered.
"Very well. And the rest of your family?" His hands were rubbing up and down her back.
"Not yet. I want to slowly get them introduced to the idea of me dating and to you." She told him as her hands played with his hair. "I want you to see Toby first, without Daddy and Irene around. He still remembers you and I don't want him blurting out something about you being the Goblin King in front of our parents."
He chuckled. "I look forward to seeing young Toby again. He was a lively little chap." He kissed down her neck and along her jaw. "Just tell me when and I shall be there." He covered her lips with his and kissed her tenderly at first, but soon the kiss became deeper and filled with passion. When he reluctantly pulled away, they were both out of breath.
Sarah caressed his cheek as she leaned her forehead against his. "We should get going before we lose control. I don't want to have to explain to Irene why I wasn't at Nanny's."
Smirking, Jareth kissed her nose. "You could always tell her you were wrapped safely in the arms of an incredibly handsome man who loves you dearly."
"Sure and then get lectured by her about having sex before marriage. No thank you." Sarah chuckled.
He kissed her softly on the lips and stood. "Very well Sarah. I shall return you to your Grandmother's." He held his hand out to her and once she took it, he pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her. "Close your eyes."
Sarah closed her eyes and she felt the shift in the air as he transported them back to the Aboveground. Soon she felt herself sitting and heard the engine of a car. When she opened her eyes, Jareth was in the driver's seat, glamoured to look as he had a week earlier, and they were on the side road leading into town. She stared out the window and watched the scenery pass by as the silver car drove towards her Grandmother's house. For the first time since leaving home, Sarah debated not returning to her parent's. The thought ran through her mind that she could go see her Nanny, explain things to her and Toby and return to the castle with Jareth. She knew he wouldn't complain. She glanced at him and sighed.
"Everything alright Precious?" Jareth asked as he reached over and took her hand in his.
"Yea, I'm just dreading dealing with Irene again," Sarah answered.
"Well, at least she won't blow up the room like my mother did," Jareth said trying to lighten the mood a bit. "If you can survive my mother, then your stepmother should be a piece of cake." He glanced at her with a smirk on his face.
She smiled and shook her head at the use of her phrase. "Didn't you learn from me that nothing good happens when you say it's a piece of cake?"
"Perhaps, but then things always work out in the end." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "It will all work out Sarah. You'll see."
Soon Jareth parked the car in the driveway and hurried out to rush around and help Sarah out of the car. He grabbed her bag from the backseat and held her hand as they walked up to the front door. Taking a deep breath, Sarah rang the doorbell and waited for her Grandmother to appear. A moment later she opened the door and greeted them with a large smile. "Sarah, welcome back!" She hugged her granddaughter. "How was your trip?"
"It was magical," Sarah smirked as she looked over at Jareth. "It ended all too soon though."
"Vacations always end too soon." Her grandmother commented as she pushed Sarah in. She turned to Jareth. "Good to see you again Jareth. I'm glad to see you're not the type to simply drop her off and leave."
"Oh heavens no." Jareth sounded hurt that she would even think such a thing. "I've enjoyed every moment you've allowed me to have Sarah and I'm in no hurry for it to end. I would never simply drop and run." He followed the ladies in the house, placed her bags down, and closed the door behind him.
Sarah hung up her coat and took Jareth's and did the same with it before taking his hand and following her grandmother to the living room. "Well, I'm glad you two had fun." Her Grandmother smiled as she noticed them holding hands. "So what all did you do?"
"Well, Jareth took me to his winter home in the mountains. We went for walks in the snow, made snowmen, had snowball fights, and then warmed ourselves by the fire with hot chocolate." Sarah told her as she sat on the couch.
Jareth chuckled remembering it all as he sat beside Sarah, their hands still interlaced. "Sarah even talked me into playing hide and seek with the goblins."
"Goblins?" her grandmother questioned.
"He means the neighborhood children," Sarah said quickly trying to cover his slip up. "They were running around being silly and I jokingly called them goblins."
"I see." Her grandmother said with a look of suspicion. Sarah had a feeling her grandmother didn't believe her, but she had no idea why.
Jareth pulled Sarah's hand to his lap and patted it with his other hand. "Anyway, I believe there's something you wished to tell your grandmother. Right Precious?"
Sarah nodded. "Nanny, well... Jareth and I are dating." She looked from her grandmother to Jareth who was grinning at her.
"About damn time." Her grandmother replied. "If you two kept being so lovey-dovey and still insisted you were just friends I was tempted to beat you both."
"Nanny!" Sarah couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Jareth laughed. "It's alright Sarah. I believe your grandmother was quite aware of my feelings after our first meeting." He released Sarah's hand and stood. He knelt by her grandmother. "I had been wanting to court dear Sarah for a while, but I wasn't going to rush her. She finally gave me her permission to court her. As the only member of her family that she's allowed me to meet, I hope you'll give us your blessing. It would mean a great deal to me knowing that you approve and I'm certain Sarah would be thrilled as well." He bowed his head to her. "So I ask you, please, grant us your blessing."
"Jareth..." Sarah covered her mouth as she fought back tears. She knew he was serious about wanting to be with her, but she never expected him to kneel to her grandmother and beg for her blessing. Seeing the mighty Goblin King on his knees like that made her heart flutter. If she hadn't already admitted loving him she would have done so then.
Sarah's grandmother eyed the man before her. "You're a formal one aren't you?" She smirked as she studied him. "You would think you're asking to carry her off and marry her the way you're pleading for my blessing." She sighed. "I know my granddaughter cares deeply for you and I'd be a fool to try and stop her from seeing you. Just know this, if you harm her, I will hunt you down. Nowhere on Earth or any other realm will be safe for you."
"Then I have your blessing?" Jareth asked as he raised his eyes to look at the older woman.
"Yes, you have my blessing and my word that I won't tell a soul about you. I'm sure Sarah wants to introduce you to Robert and Irene when she's ready."
Sarah nodded. "Yeah, I want to slowly get daddy used to the idea of me dating."
Jareth took the woman's hand and kissed it. "Thank you for once again entrusting your granddaughter to me."
"Enough of your silver tongue. Save it for Sarah. I'm sure you'll need the sweet talk when you butt heads." Sarah's grandmother chuckled.
Jareth stood and returned to Sarah's side. "I'm sure we'll butt heads now and then, but it will be worth it to have her by my side."
Sarah's grandmother stood and headed for the kitchen. "I have something for you." She called over her shoulder before disappearing into the other room.
Sarah and Jareth looked at one another and shrugged. "Maybe she made Christmas cookies," Sarah suggested.
A moment later, Sarah's grandmother returned carrying an iron rack filled with sweets. There were cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and fudge. "Sarah tells me you have a sweet tooth. Help yourself. Lord knows I shouldn't be eating any of it." She grinned as she placed the rack on the table.
"Nanny, when did you make all of this?" Sarah asked as she eyed the sweets.
"Yesterday. Toby helped as well." She answered.
Jareth cautiously grabbed a cupcake. He was very aware of the fact that the rack was made of iron. All of the food was wrapped in paper or sitting on plastic trays so no chance of any getting on the food, but he wondered if the use of the iron rack had been deliberate. He eyed Sarah's grandmother as he unwrapped the cupcake. "Sarah I shall have to go on a diet for the rest of the year if you and your family keep spoiling me like this."
Sarah giggled. "Like you would actually get fat. I don't think you have any fat on your body."
"I will after eating all these sweets. Cookies from you, several delicious meals you made for me, now all of this. If I didn't know better I'd think you wanted to fatten me up." Jareth teased.
Chuckling, Sarah used her finger to steal a bit of frosting from his cupcake. "Oh, hush. You love it and you know it." She licked the icing from her finger and smirked at him.
Jareth shook his head and looked to her grandmother. "Could I trouble you for a glass of milk?"
"Sure." She stood and headed for the kitchen.
As soon as she was out of the room, Jareth turned to Sarah. "Vixen. I'm trying to behave." He said as he pulled her on his lap. "Keep teasing and I may carry you off again."
"As tempting as that idea is, you know I have to go home." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "And I'll behave." She gave him a quick kiss and leaned her forehead against his.
"I should go soon. I know you don't wish your parents to see me yet." Jareth said softly.
Nodding, Sarah stood and held her hand out to him. "I'll tell Nanny you had to leave."
Jareth stood and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'll see you later tonight Precious." He kissed her forehead and then tossed a crystal at the rack making it vanish. "I'll send the rack back in a day or two." He informed her.
She nodded. "You should probably drive the car away just in case."
"Very well Precious."
Sarah followed him to the door and helped him with his jacket. As he went to open the door, Sarah's grandmother returned. "Leaving already?"
Turning back, Jareth nodded. "Sadly I have to be off. Duty calls and the longer I'm here the harder it is to leave sweet Sarah."
"Well be careful going home. It was a pleasure to see you again." The older woman said as she took the glass of milk and went into the living room.
When she was out of sight Jareth and Sarah stepped outside. "I'll walk you to the car," Sarah said.
"No, you don't have your coat, Precious. I'll be fine." He cupped her chin with his gloved hand. "I'll see you soon love." He kissed her softly as he held her tight. "I love you." He whispered before he kissed her again tenderly. Pulling away he turned and headed to the car. Sarah waved as he got in and then headed back inside.
Sarah found her grandmother sitting in the living room drinking the glass of milk. "So, when are you going to see him again?"
Shrugging, Sarah sat across from her grandmother. "Soon I hope."
Her grandmother nodded. "I see he took the treats, rack and all."
"He promised to have the rack and trays back to you in a couple days," Sarah informed her.
"That's fine. I'm just surprised he took the rack, especially since it is made of iron." The older woman smirked.
"Iron?!" Sarah tried not to panic. "Uhh... what does that have to do with anything?" Sarah rubbed her arm nervously.
"Oh its, just I don't want your boyfriend thinking I was trying to kill him." Her grandmother replied as she gulped down the last of the milk. "I'm sure he was well aware that it was iron. I simply wanted to use it as a warning."
"What kind of warning?"
"That I'm not afraid of his kind and I know just how to deal with them if needed." She stood and headed for the kitchen. "I believe his majesty got the message." She said as she walked away.
Sarah sat a moment processing what her grandmother had just said. "Nanny!" Sarah called as she hurried after her.
~*~*~*~/…/~*~*~*~
When Jareth returned to the castle, he found Alastair and Heidi sitting in the throne room by the window. "Ah cousin, you've returned." Alastair greeted Jareth with a grin. "Lady Sarah is at home I take it?"
"She's at her grandmother's house at the moment. She and young Toby will be going home from there." Jareth answered as he flopped onto his throne.
"Who's Toby?" Heidi asked.
"I believe that would be the child Lady Sarah wished away. Am I correct brother?" Jaxel asked as he walked in the room.
Jareth nodded and summoned a crystal to his hand. "Correct. Young Toby is Sarah's baby brother. He's a charming child, full of energy and at one time I thought of naming him my heir. That was before I realized that I needed Sarah in my life."
Jareth smiled as he gazed into the crystal. Jaxel walked over to see what he was up to and shook his head. "Really Jareth? You just left her and now you're spying on her?"
Heidi chuckled. "Missing her already Jareth?"
"Of course he is," Alastair smirked. "I'm sure he'll slowly return to his rude, cranky, cantankerous self the longer he goes without her."
"Gods, please tell me Lady Sarah is returning soon." Jaxel groaned. "I don't want to suffer through watching him be a lovesick fool before going into a rage for no reason."
"I could bog you now if you'd prefer brother-mine." Jareth glared at his sibling.
"Ughhh why do you keep that horrid place around Jareth?" Heidi asked.
"It's a good place to throw those I wish to be rid of. The threat alone helps keep the goblins in line. Also, there are certain plants used for various potions that only grow by the bog. I have several alchemists that come by from time to time and pay to be allowed to gather the plants." Jareth explained.
"What kind of potions?" Jaxel questioned.
"I didn't ask," Jareth replied. "I only let them take a small amount at a time. The rest is stored in my private vault to be given to someone who can determine the true value of them." Jareth tossed the crystal up and it vanished. Standing, he walked to the door. "I'll be in my study if you need me."
The others watched him leave and Jaxel shook his head. "He's not pleased that we're here."
"Of course not," Alastair commented. "Jareth has always been a very solitary and independent man. He prefers to be alone. That's part of why he doesn't mind being the ruler of this Kingdom. He's left to do as he wishes most of the time."
"It seems the only person he wants near him is Lady Sarah," Heidi stated.
Alastair nodded. "My cousin is madly in love and he doesn't know what to do with himself when she's not around. After 3 years of not being able to see her, I believe he's become slightly addicted to her presence."
"That can't be good," Jaxel said as he glanced out the window. "What if she changes her mind?"
"She won't." Heidi smiled. "She loves him just as much. I can see it in her eyes. She said she had to finish her schooling, but as soon as she's done I'm sure she'll be here to stay." Heidi looked out the window at the clouds and sighed. "I envy her."
"You? Envy a human?" Jaxel nearly fell over from shock.
Heidi smiled sadly. "Yes, I envy her. She has someone that loves her as much if not more than she loves him. I hope I find someone one day that will treat me at least half, as well as Jareth, treats Sarah."
Alastair watched her quietly and Jaxel simply nodded. "Perhaps one day we all shall find love and if we're lucky it will be as wonderful as the love between Lady Sarah and my brother.
~*~*~*~/…/~*~*~*~
Sarah wasn't able to talk to her grandmother about Jareth as Toby rushed in the back door as she chased the older woman to the kitchen. He nearly tackled his sister to the ground when he saw she was back. While he was extremely upset that her friend left before he got to meet him, he soon forgave her when she pulled several presents from her bag for him.
Jareth insisted on being allowed to spoil Toby a little. "A way of making a good impression on the lad." He had told her as he placed the gifts in her bag. Sarah had watched as Toby opened the gifts and simply shook her head. Jareth had given him all the Back to the Future toys he could ever want. She knew Toby wanted most of them, others she hadn't even seen before and wondered if they were even available in stores.
Almost 2 hours after Jareth left, Sarah's parents arrived to get her and Toby. Irene made a big fuss about hurrying home. She claimed she had a migraine, but Sarah was certain she had a hangover. Robert helped Sarah load the car while Irene used the restroom and freshened up a bit.
"So how was your trip?" Robert asked his daughter as she handed him bags to load into the trunk.
"It was a lot of fun." She smiled. "Its always a blast staying with Nanny."
"How's your friend?"
"What friend?" Sarah questioned.
"The one that gave you that necklace, and I'm guessing the new bracelet too," Robert replied as he pointed to her wrist.
Sarah looked to see the silver chain around her wrist was hanging over her jacket sleeve, the little owl charm dangling in the frigid air. "Oh, yeah he gave me this." She held her arm close to her chest and ran her fingers over the owl. Jareth had given it to her during lunch. He said the charm would prevent her from accidentally using magic.
"So am I going to get to meet your fella?" Robert inquired, pulling Sarah from her thoughts.
Looking up, she nodded. "Soon. He promised to visit soon so I can introduce you to him."
"Am I meeting a friend or is this someone I should sit down and have a long talk with about his intentions towards my daughter?" Robert teased.
Sarah didn't catch his smirk and didn't realize he was teasing her. "I'm sure he'll want to have a long talk with you and his intentions are honorable."
"Wait, so he is your boyfriend?" Robert nearly fell over.
Sarah nodded. "Yea, we're dating, but don't tell Irene. I don't want a lecture from her."
Robert hugged Sarah and kissed her forehead. "I won't say a word, but she'll have to know sooner or later."
"I know Daddy, but I want you and Toby to meet Jareth before that. Then I'll let him sweet talk her."
Robert chuckled. "So he's a sweet talker, oh lord..." He paused. "Do we have to have the talk?"
"Daddy!" Sarah turned her head embarrassed.
"I know it's usually your mother's job to do it, but well... if needed I can tell you about the birds and the bees."
"It's fine daddy. I did take sex ed in school. I know how it works and what not to do. Also, Jareth isn't that kind of guy so you have nothing to worry about." Sarah explained.
Robert sighed in relief and wiped his brow. "That's good to know. I was worried for a minute that he might have stolen your first kiss."
Robert didn't see her turn red as he headed back inside for more bags. Sarah's finger brushed over her lips as she thought about Jareth's kisses. He hadn't been her first, but he was certainly the best. She smiled and followed her father inside.
Once all the bags were loaded into the car and Sarah and Toby said their goodbyes to their grandmother, everyone climbed into the car and headed home.
~*~*~*~/…/~*~*~*~
Jareth sat in his study, crystal in hand, and watched Sarah and Toby. They were in the backseat of her father's car and Sarah was entertaining him with a book. Jareth smiled as he watched and he was once more in awe at her natural talent with children. She was going to be an extraordinary mother one day. When a knock on his door, interrupted his thoughts, Jareth sighed and tossed the crystal up, making it vanish. "Enter." He called in a very annoyed tone.
The door opened and Prince Alucard stepped in. "Apologies Highness. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No, no. Come on in and have a seat, my friend." Jareth motioned to the chair across from his.
Alucard nodded and sat across from the Goblin King. "While young Oliver wished me to come with him last night to speak to your mother, I actually came here to warn you."
"Warn me? About what?" Jareth asked.
"While its true my people don't interact with any of the High Court often, I've heard rumors that an emissary of the High Queen went to see the Black Dragon flight and left with one of their best assassins," Alucard explained.
"What?" Jareth's eyes were wide. "Mother has enlisted the services of a black dragon assassin?"
"It seems that way. I do not know for what purpose, but given all that has been going on, I felt you should be warned. You've always been an ally to my people and we cannot thank you enough for all the aid you provided us over the years. And taking my uncle to your Labyrinth so that he didn't have to be killed… well, I'm eternally in your debt for that." The Prince aid as he bowed his head.
"No thanks are necessary. I only hope that if I were ever in need I can count on the same kindness from your people and others that I consider my allies." Jareth stated as he stood. "I thank you for warning me about my mother. I don't know what she's up to now, but it can't be good."
"If there's anything else I can do all you need do is ask," Alucard told the King as he stood.
"You've done plenty, my friend. I just ask that you let me know if you hear anything else about my mother's schemes." Jareth smiled and patted him on the back. "She doesn't know when to quit, but I make sure to stay several steps ahead of her."
Alucard nodded. "I shall keep you privy to anything we hear. Now I should get back before Oliver misses me. He seems to panic when I'm gone for long periods of time. I don't quite understand it."
Jareth smirked and shook his head. "Well my cousin always did prefer the company of men and he seems to favor you. If he offers you a pomegranate, don't accept it." When the Prince gave him a confused look Jareth continued. "It's a Fae thing. Part of our courtship rituals. An enchanted fruit is given to your intended. The fruit is that of the Fae's choice. I prefer peaches, but I hear my cousin uses pomegranates."
"Ah, I see." Alucard nodded. "Thanks for the warning. Goodnight majesty."
"Goodnight Alucard," Jareth called after the purple dragon as he exited the study.
~*~*~*~/…/~*~*~*~
When they arrived, Irene carried the sleeping Toby in and put him to bed while Sarah and Robert unloaded the car. When everything was inside, Sarah gave her father a quick kiss and headed up her room. She told him she was going to bed early as she was exhausted. The truth was she had spotted a certain owl by her window and she wanted to hurry up to see him.
Once she was in her room, she closed and locked the door and dashed to the window. As soon as she opened it the barn owl flew in and changed. Sarah didn't even have time to turn around before his arms were around her, pulling her close against him. "Hello, Precious." He purred in her ear.
Leaning back against him, she smiled. "Hi, Jareth."
"I've missed you so much." He whispered as he kissed her neck.
"Its only been a few hours." She chuckled.
"Felt like a lot longer to me." He said as he turned her to face him. "What have you done to me you cruel, precious thing?" He asked, but obviously wasn't expecting an answer for he covered her lips with his before she could answer. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he held her tight as he caressed her lips with his own. Sarah's arms soon found themselves around his neck, her fingers entangled in his blonde locks.
When he pulled away, they were both out of breath. They gazed into each other's eyes and Sarah had to cover her mouth to keep from being too loud when he swept her off her feet and spun around with her in his arms. "What's gotten into you?" she asked with a giant grin.
Smiling like a kid in a candy shop, Jareth chuckled and sat on the bed with her on his lap. "I never thought I could feel this happy. I know I can't carry you off again, but knowing you're mine and I'm yours fills me with so much joy I can't contain it." He kissed her again and ran his hands up and down her back. "I love you my precious Sarah." He whispered as he leaned his forehead against hers.
"I love you too," Sarah replied as she touched his face gingerly. "As much as I don't want you to leave, I really do need to get to bed. I have school in the morning." Sarah said sadly. "I didn't think Daddy and Irene were going to be so late getting to Nanny's."
Nodding, Jareth rubbed his nose against hers. "I knew I wouldn't be able to stay long. I needed to see you though." He kissed the tip of her nose before he let her go. "Tomorrow I need to see to repairing the castle and figure out something to do with my unexpected guests."
Sarah jabbed him in the chest with her index finger "No bogging them."
Laughing lighting, he scooted her from his lap onto her bed. "Fear not, I won't bog them, well my brother might wind up there, but I promise the others are safe."
"No bogging him either." She scolded.
Shaking his head, he took the hand that was still jabbing his chest to emphasize her point and raised it to his lips. "Very well, I give you my word I won't bog any of them, including my brother." He promised before kissing her knuckles.
"Good." She replied. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow night then?"
Jareth stood and nodded. "I'll be here the instant you call." Leaning over he kissed her softly. "Goodnight my love."
"Goodnight Jareth." She said softly as she watched him walk to the window.
He opened it and gave her a soft smile before changing into his owl form. The next instant he had flown out and the window magically closed behind him. After watching him go, Sarah changed into her sleep clothes and climbed into bed. Sarah closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep with visions of a certain glittery monarch going through her mind.