Epilogue

Sarah slipped the second sparkly silver earring into her left ear and leaned back to gaze upon her reflection.

She had been stressing about tonight for the past month and now it had finally arrived. She hadn't been very productive all day, simply shifting around the house, trying to seem preoccupied while her parents also prepared for the evenings' events. They were nervous, sure, but Sarah was damn right terrified.

It had been just under a year since she returned home, a year since her most desperate wish had been granted. But as comforting as returning to her childhood home had been, there was always cracks in perfection.

For one, there was the time difference. While so much time had passed for her in the Underground, up here, it hadn't even amounted to a day. While this was good news to her parents, who wouldn't have to worry about explaining their absence to friends, family, and employers, Sarah was completely wrong-footed.

Both her father and Karen had been adamant that Sarah take a few days to settle before returning to school. Sarah, however, would hear none of it. She had dreamed of the day she could once again return to the real world for so long, all she wanted to do was jump in head first. And that's exactly what she did. It had not gone well.

She thought she could handle it, however, a few minutes amidst the crowd of bustling teenagers all loudly going about their way, chatting to their friends, complaining about homework, laughing and completely oblivious to the evil that could destroy any of their lives in seconds had sent Sarah into a tailspin. She had panicked, and it had gotten even worse when she saw her best friend Alice. She immediately broke down, running to the girl and crushing her into a hug in the middle of the crowded school, sobbing all over her. Her friend had been confused, to say the least, and Karen had been called in by the counsellor to pick her up because she was deemed 'unfit' for classes. The older woman had held the downtrodden girl tightly in her arms while she wept, feeling an intense sense of failure at her complete inability to function.

She had been so excited to return to normality, she had failed to realise how difficult it would truly be.

She looked exactly the same. Not one of her friends would ever guess how different she truly was. How twisted and disfigured the same happy ordinary girl they had always known had become. How she could never ever be that person again. It haunted her, that realisation, and that day she realised this wasn't going to be easy. Reassembling into her old life, with everything she knew and everything she'd been through, would be difficult no matter how much of a blessing it truly was. She was scarred by her past, and the only way those scars would fade, was with time.

It had taken weeks before she made it through the whole day without a full-on panic attack. But she kept going back. She refused to quit. She had fantasised of the day she could once again walk amongst her friends and peers while enduring so many hours of crushing loneliness; and while it wasn't a fantasy, her dream had become a reality.

Unfortunately, there were also nightmares.

He haunted her mind almost every single night. She would see his cold cruel eyes that promised nothing but pain, feel his fingertips ghost over her skin, hear his brutal commanding voice and she would wake up screaming her lungs out. It was almost every night upon her return and Sarah hated herself for not being able to simply move on. He was gone. Dead. But he was still so vividly alive in her memory.

It infuriated her that he still held so much control, even weeks after her return to her old life. She couldn't even bring herself to step foot inside her bedroom because of what had happened there. Her bedroom was where she had felt the safest in all the world and that safety had been violated the night she was taken. As such, upon returning home she had stepped one foot inside, turned and fled. Her parents had found her sleeping on the sofa the next morning, and while they were worried, they had believed her fear would pass. She, however, held no such optimism. She had stayed on that couch for weeks recurring, had Karen fetch some clothing and necessities and had used the living room as her bedroom from then on. While her parents were understanding of her fears, they were concerned about just how long it would continue. It was only after returning home from school one evening to find Toby sobbing that had finally snapped Sarah out of it.

She had run to him, frantically questioning his well-being and demanding to know if anyone had hurt him, only to be informed that her sweet baby brother had overheard their parents discussing getting Toby to switch bedrooms with Sarah, to which he was absolutely devastated. Staring guiltily at the chubby little boy's teary face, she plucked up her courage and headed upstairs. So frightened was she of the past, the door to her room had to be kept closed at all times, so merely opening it set Sarah's heart to race. Then... there was going inside.

Her breathing was shallow and her palms were sweaty as she yanked herself to the centre of the room. Then, holding Toby's crying face in the forefront of her mind did she stay there, flinching at every shadow and fighting off every tear as she repeated in her mind that she was safe here. Safe, finally, and nothing would ever disturb her safety again. Her parents had come home to the sight, and had held each other's hands while they watched Sarah's shaking gradually cease and her rigid shoulders relax.

From there, just like with school, it was only a matter of time.

A few minutes a day turned into a few hours, then she was able to get dressed and study, and eventually was able to sleep through the night without waking up screaming. She had to have the door wide open and the hallway light on, which was completely embarrassing and made her feel like a frightened child, but there was no other way she'd feel safe enough. She just wanted things to go back to the way they were before.

But then one night, a realisation struck. She had awoken from another nightmare, panting and sweating and crying as silently as she could so as not to disturb her poor sleep-deprived family. She had wept into her hands and scolded herself, questioning why she was still letting him control her. Why, after all the time she had spent longing to be back home, was returning to her old life so god damn hard! And in that moment she knew what the problem truly was. She wanted so badly to return to her old life, but it was impossible. She'd never be that bright-eyed, carefree happy teenager again. She'd never be so ignorant of the evil that lurked in the hearts of even the most unsuspecting of people. Even though she was free, a part of her would always carry those chains. The only way to loosen the burden wasn't to lay longing for the past, but to move forward and strive for a better future.

And that's exactly what she would do.

And as the time past, so had her fear. She was able to be in large crowds of strangers without slipping into panic. She was able to speak out against people she disagreed with without fearing the threat of bodily harm. She could make her own choices, plan her own future and do what she wanted without the terror of doing the wrong thing. She was getting her life back. She couldn't be the old Sarah Williams ever again, but that was no reason why she couldn't be better.

And tonight, in the middle of chilly October, all her progress was going to be tested.

"Sarah! Are you ready? The invitation said the celebration starts in fifteen minutes! We don't want to be late!" Karen's stressed voice floated its way up the staircase. Poor Karen. She had probably been chasing after her father to get ready all evening, since her dad wasn't the biggest fan of social events, even family ones. She would have scoffed at Karen's use of the words 'we don't want to be late' but since the woman had likely been dealing with two whiny boys who didn't like being shoved into suits today, she wasn't going to add to the stress. She simply looked herself over one last time, ensured she had everything she needed and made her way down the staircase.

"Have you seen my cufflinks, sweetheart?" She heard her father ask as she walked into the living room. The look on her stepmother's face was priceless, and she was convinced Karen was about to let her father have it when her frustrated eyes caught sight of her.

"Oh Sarah, you look beautiful! That dress... I'm so glad we talked your father into buying it for you!" She practically squealed, pulling her stepdaughter into a careful hug so as not to crease the indeed very expensive dress.

It was beautiful, Karen was right. It was a deep blue sleeveless gown, which wrapped around her bust and then flared out at her hips. The front of her dress was open just at the knees, then cascaded down so the back just missed the floor. It was a silky, satiny fabric which made Sarah feel like she was wearing water, and had been paired off with a pair of dark silver heels. She had fallen in love with the dress upon first sight, and since she had been out with her family at the time, Karen had spotted her staring and immediately dragged her father inside the boutique. She had also lent her expertise to helping Sarah find the perfect matching shoes, make-up and accessories. Now she was displaying the finished product and Karen couldn't have been happier, while her father stood behind her with a proud grin and gave the girl a sly wink, forcing her blush. Their encouragement made her nerves calm just a little.

And then... she heard it.

The trumpets.

She looked at the clock. Ten to Seven on the dot.

Fae were nothing if not punctual.

The whole Williams family moved to stand before the large golden framed mirror in the living room as the surface began to vibrate. All their reflections instantly distorted as the glass shifted and shook like ripples in a peaceful river. From the corner of her eye, Sarah caught Toby bouncing on the balls of his feet. He was always excited when this happened. Even though this had been happening rather often lately, he still loved watching.

The ripples in the mirror grew faster and faster, matching Sarah's heart-rate as she wrung her hands in anticipation. And then, as the invisible trumpets stopped, there stepped a single foot. Toby clapped his hands together in applause as another foot emerged from the glass, then two legs, then a torso, then a head, and finally the full figure of a young fae stood before their eyes. Sarah couldn't help but smile, her tremors instantly at ease. He was here.

Toby squealed, running to the fae and launching himself at his legs. They had grown rather close while the family was in the Underground, and there was no doubt her baby brother was attached, but not nearly as attached as she was.

"How have you been, young man?" Her father asked, stepping forward to shake his hand as he ruffled a giggling Toby's hair.

"I'm doing well, Mr Williams. And please, just call me Jordan."

Sarah smiled a secret smile. She knew her father always forgot his grand error whenever referring to Jordan as 'young man', but she couldn't exactly blame him. Though Jordan had been alive for hundreds of years, he still had the features of a maturing teenager. It was always so hard to remember, as well, given the way he behaved. He was always so cheery and happy, it was difficult to imagine he had been alive longer than the four of them combined.

And tonight was no exception. Despite the fact that she knew how stressed he had been leading up to tonight, his slightly chubby smile lit the whole room, and when his eyes finally turned upon herself, he glowed.

"Sarah."

That was all he needed to say, really. There was no unnecessary small talk. No wafty greeting. No ceremony. In just that one word, she heard it all.

She had missed him too.

The second trumpet was the only thing that tore her gaze from his beautiful golden eyes. They widened in realisation.

"Well, we better hurry. The celebration starts in five minutes! Is everybody ready?"

After receiving reassurance that everyone in the room had everything they needed, Jordan took a step to the side and allowed Robert, Karen and Toby to go first. Sarah bit her lip to keep in a giggle as she watched her father try to appear confident and no-nonsense as he led the pair towards the magic mirror. Keeping a close hold on Toby's hand, did all three take their steps to the mirror and promptly vanish through the barrier.

It wasn't something you saw every day. Unless you were in the Williams household.

Now it was her turn.

"Are you ready?" Jordan asked as she took a step forward. She heard his silent question even though he didn't speak it. He knew how nervous she was about tonight. He knew the nerves had been building relentlessly ever since she had received her invitation. She tried to reassure herself that everything would be fine. Her stomach was not buying it.

"Hey," He cooed, taking her warm clammy hands in his cool gloved pair, he softly rubbed the trembling skin while looking deeply into her eyes. "You'll be just fine."

She nodded as though she believed him, but in her mind, she knew she wasn't fooling anyone. She hadn't confided in her parents of her fears, knowing they were excited about tonight and not wanting to spoil it for them. She felt guilty for feeling afraid, because tonight was supposed to be a celebration. A happy night. A night that had no place for her nightmares.

But she just couldn't help herself.

She had fought so hard to return to some kind of normalcy. She didn't want one single night to undo all of her progress. She would have just stayed behind, but she knew how important this night was. Not just for the fae, but for her as well. It was a test. A test of all her strength and will. If she could make it through tonight, she could make it through anything.

"Okay," She breathed, almost to herself. "I'm ready."

With an encouraging squeeze and a soft smile, Jordan led her through the mirror.

It was an odd sensation, Sarah mused. It felt rather like she was being squeezed through a dark, slimy substance. But it didn't hurt, and nothing was out of place as she stepped through the other end.

She hadn't been back here once since she and her family were returned to their home. Not just this kingdom, but the underground, at all. She had her concerns at first, mainly because, if she was gone, what would become of the Labyrinth? How would it survive if she wasn't here to keep it connected to humanity? Wouldn't leaving put the world at risk, just like Heart had told her? But she had been reassured that the mighty structure would be just fine without her presence in this world. That it would continue to feed off her energy and remain strong, and powerful, as long as she was alive. Even without a kingdom.

The giant crater that remained of the once noble Goblin Kingdom had been left untouched, and so the Labyrinth now stood alone. She had expected someone to attempt to take control of it as soon as its power was revealed, but luckily, this was not the case. Apparently, it was widely believed around the world that the Labyrinth itself had been responsible for the Goblin Kingdom's destruction. Every creature residing within its walls spoke up about its power, and what they witnessed the day of the explosion. Even the Unseelie soldiers who survived the fight testified that the Labyrinth had been working against the Goblin King that day, and as such, not only was Oberon not held accountable for its destruction, which Sarah was certain would have led to war, but everyone was too afraid to attempt to claim it in fear of its power being turned on them as well. All of this also meant that no one would ever know her role in the matter, and even though she was plagued with guilt, she was grateful. She didn't want anyone coming after her, and she was grateful to the Seelie High King for supporting her, and ensuring that no one would ever learn the truth, of who and what she was.

Her connection to the giant formidable structure still intimidated her, and she still had her doubts about its place in her future, but she hadn't allowed herself to dwell. She figured, if it ever needed anything from her, it would call.

But it hadn't, at least not yet, and so tonight was her first visit to the Underground in almost ten months.

Right into a bustling ballroom.

It was beautiful. Alight with gold and glitter and splendour. The hall was a large marble structure, that practically screamed 'royalty', with its massive three-story pillars, huge bejewelled windows, magnificent artwork coating every golden wall and a lovely colourful mural painted on the ceiling, descending into a gigantic ten tier diamond chandelier. Hundreds of finely dressed people graced the wondrous room, all talking and waiting for the festivities to finally begin.

It was like a scene from a movie.

Sarah was overwhelmed.

Perhaps foolishly, she hadn't expected there to be so many people.

Her eyes hunted the room almost at once, searching for her family in the throws of such a large crowd. She wanted to keep them in sight at all times tonight, even though their safety had been guaranteed. She practically reeked of anxiety, and breathed a deep sigh of relief when she caught the three of them gathered around the large golden stage the two magnificent royal thrones sat upon. They obviously wanted to get a close 'seat'.

Feeling the air ripple behind her, she felt him appear right at her back. She knew it was him. She always knew. And she sighed as she felt his thumb gently rubbing over her sweaty palm in a silent reassurance that if she needed him, he would be right by her side.

She was so grateful. She'd definitely need him tonight.

Just as her eyes had begun to adjust to the climate, a loud clock chimed through the room. All talking immediately ceased, and everything was suddenly silent.

"Welcome," A familiar voice boomed from the front of the room, and Jordan pulled her forward so they weren't caught hiding in the shadows. There were hundreds of people in front of them, all facing the stage on which the man stood. He looked a little tired. Perfect, in his dark suit and his hair neatly groomed, but tired none the less. He also looked far happier then Sarah could ever remember seeing him. She guessed the reason was rather obvious.

"You have all been invited to celebrate a most momentous occasion. One I could not be more pleased to share with each and every one of you. However, I believe my wife would bar me from the bedroom if I stole all her attention." He joked, causing appreciative laughter to spread through the hall. Sarah too giggled, a little stunned at how much the man appeared to have changed. He really was happy. Even with everything that had been happening in the Underground in the last year, she had never seen the Seelie High King smile so.

"So, without any further delay, I am exceptionally proud to introduce my beautiful wife Titania and our stunning daughter, Princess of the Seelie High Kingdom!"

The entire room erupted with applause, every invited guest clapping at the formal announcement of the first royal heir to the Seelie throne. Sarah cheered right along with them, knowing just how much this meant to everyone in the kingdom and beyond. Her previous anxiety was forgotten as she watched Titania grace the stage where their two thrones sat, holding a small baby girl in her arms. She seemed to beam with joy. It shone from every part of her. If Sarah thought she had looked happy the day she announced her pregnancy, it had nothing on this moment.

Sarah knew how long the queen had been waiting for this. She still remembered how the woman had looked longingly upon the playing children the day they had their heart to heart in the gardens. Ever since she learned she was pregnant, she'd been wanting to shout it from the rooftops. Unfortunately, due to the high mortality rate amongst infants born of fae, it was tradition to wait exactly one month before formally announcing the child's existence to the entire Underground. The wait had been hell, according to the queen, but judging by the way she smiled down at her little bundle, Sarah guessed it was a hell she would gladly endure again.

The little princess was adorable. She had the chubbiest cheeks and sweetest dimpled smile Sarah had ever seen. She had her mothers fair hair and soft features while even from this distance Sarah caught the vibrant ocean blue of her father's eyes. Dressed simply in a frilly white gown, she laughed gaily at all the attention she was receiving from the audience while playfully clutching at her mothers long plaited hair. The way Titania and Oberon stared at the child... there was no doubt in Sarah's mind she would be so, so loved.

"Thank you all for coming here and helping us welcome our precious baby girl into this world. But there are two in attendance tonight who I believe I owe a special thanks. It is because of these two amazing people I am now favoured with this extraordinary blessing."

Sarah's eyes popped at the queen's words. No... surely, she wouldn't. She looked over at Jordan in panic, silently begging him to tell her the queen wasn't going to do what she feared she might do, only to be met with a boyish grin and a wink, as though he had a secret he was just busting to expose. No, he wouldn't do this to her. Please...

"I'm sorry to say that neither were comfortable enough to accept my thanks publicly, but I believe they both deserve the utmost honour and respect I can give them. And so, in their honour, I would like to formally introduce, Princess Giselle Sarah Georgina of the High Seelie Kingdom! May you live long and flourish!"

Applause thundered through the ballroom once more, but it barely registered in Sarah's stunned mind. Looking over at Jordan's grinning face, she could tell he knew about this, and had been keeping it from her for however long, just so Titania could announce it at this moment.

She couldn't believe it.

The night Jordan was dying, and Sarah took his hand, their bond had spread throughout the whole room. She had put the pieces together that night, without even knowing it. All the stories of the two brothers who died on the battlefield came to her all at once and she made one single, startling discovery. That night, those two brothers joined hands and their bond eradicated everything around them, including themselves. Because of this one story, she had believed the magic of the bond was a destructive power at its core. It always felt so overwhelming, whenever they joined hands, the bright fire making her feel like she was seconds away from being consumed. But that night, as Jordan lay withering away, his life draining with every second she grew stronger, she knew the truth. And as she took his hand, and the two rose to the sky, she knew the truth. The bond wasn't destruction. It was cleansing.

And as it cleansed the battlefield of all the brother's enemies, so did it cleanse Jordan of all weakness. It had saved him. But unbeknownst to the two friends who were locked in each other's embrace, the powerful magic had attracted the attention of the group of adults lingering outside the doorway. The queen was the first to burst through, only to be knocked back by the force of the bonds magic. A few weeks later, she realised she was pregnant.

Cleansing, not destruction.

Sarah knew the queen believed the pair of them responsible for her unexplained ability to produce such a gift, but had no idea she was planning this.

Giselle Sarah Georgina.

She felt tears prick her eyes as Jordan's hand rubbed her back comfortingly.

"Hey, are you alright?" He asked hesitantly, thinking that perhaps she was a little too overwhelmed. Thinking maybe he shouldn't have made this a surprise, as tonight was already stressful. But she surprised him. Turning around to face him fully, he was startled by the happy expression beaming from her face. She smiled like she had never smiled before, and Jordan couldn't help but swoon. She was beautiful.

"Yes." She took a deep breath, wiping the tears away. "Yes. I'm perfect."

A few hours past, and Sarah felt herself relax. The ballroom was full of fae, all merry and cheerful at the announcement of the royal heir. She knew it had been a long time worry amongst the fae weather Oberon would ever have a successor to the throne. Due to the low pregnancy rate amongst fae, it was generally considered the norm for fae men, especially kings, to breed outside of their marriage in order to produce an heir. But Oberon loved Titania. Loved her with all his heart and soul and as such would never stray, even with her permission. The relief amongst the fae community was palpable, since an unclaimed throne could be grounds for war everyone now looked at baby Giselle as a miracle. A living breathing miracle that was birthed in one of the darkest times in fae history, and as such, was destined to bring new light.

A light that was already spreading.

Though Sarah tried to ignore it, she had noticed some of them here as well. They weren't lurking in the shadows or prowling on the sidelines ready to strike at the unsuspecting guests. They were mingled with the lot of them. Talking and dancing, and cautiously accepted if not welcomed. Oberon had been doing a wonderful job by everyone's standards, and it was no easy task, she knew. Bringing the Seelie and Unseelie together, after all the hate he'd harboured for them, was an honour to his character.

A few weeks after her return home, Sarah had begun receiving letters. Most were from Jordan, with the exception of Titania who enthused about her unborn baby. The letters described all the things Oberon had been doing to end the feud between Seelie and Unseelie. She knew such a feat would not be easy, that centuries of mistrust and resentment wouldn't just disappear in one night, but he had been trying his hardest.

After coming to the realisation that the years he had dedicated to the extinction of all Unseelie fae had been a waste, he had to surrender to the fact that the Unseelie were in the Underground to stay. But that was no reason there could not be peace. There was peace before the war, and, according to Jordan's letters, Oberon, and his council hoped to rebuild once again.

And so, he had individually approached every Unseelie king, one at a time, to try and rebuilt the burnt bridges. Most of them still held hostility towards him for 'launching an attack' on the Goblin Kingdom the day it was destroyed, and even though hardly any of them, apparently, believed it was his doing, they still sought retribution. Oberon's answer was simple. He told them that war would only bring more death. More orphaned children. More childless families. More unnecessary loss, pain and sorrow on both sides. Finally, he proposed peace. That they not make the mistakes of their ancestors by trying to destroy what little of the world had been left to them. That they not leave their children to suffer in the wreckage they were left to survive in. His message was sent to all Unseelie kings, telling them that he would not engage in war. That he wanted better. For his future, and the future of his child. It was an incredibly risky move Oberon had made, telling the kings of his unborn heir. If just one of them decided to disregard his proposal, assassins would be at their doorstep every day attempting to take Titania and the baby. But Oberon was adamant. He was going to be a father, and he did not want his child to suffer the same way he suffered. Alone, angry and without guidance.

This also meant that Oberon may never know who it was that murdered his older brother. But, Sarah supposed, just like herself, the king had come to the conclusion that in order to build a future, he had to close the door on his painful past.

The peace treaty had yet to be signed, and there was still an awful lot of things that remained unresolved between the two fae breeds, but Oberon had taken the first step by inviting the Unseelie nobility to the celebration. Sarah even recognised a few faces, but was steering clear. One of the main reasons she'd been so nervous tonight was because she feared what would happen if someone recognised her. She didn't know what would happen if one of them somehow discovered she was the reason there was no longer a Goblin Kingdom, but she sure as hell didn't want any of them to start making guesses. So she stuck to the sidelines, keeping close to Jordan and her family as the fae danced and drank, ate and merrily invited the young princess into their world.

She had even gotten teary when Toby was invited to the stage to hold little Giselle. The young boy had beamed happily before proceeding to present the little princess with a gift. A sob had broken through as Toby pulled out Lancelot. Knowing just how much the stuffed bear meant to the pair of them, she was touched that Toby had given it up so selflessly. She couldn't help but envelop her little brother in a hug as he proudly skipped down the stage steps, and he beamed up at her before running off to play with a few fae children who had been brought along as well.

Everything was going well. Sarah felt like she could finally relax and start enjoying herself, and then… someone in the distance caught her eye.

It was a woman. She was obviously of a wealthy family as she was dressed in a finely sown lilac coloured ball gown that flowed down her shapely body and gave the appearance she was floating. She had equally graceful features Sarah had come to associate with the fae, with rich amber skin, soft eyes and a sharp pointed chin that only made her face that much more striking. For only a few moments, Sarah wondered why she was staring. Then she remembered.

She was standing in the throne room, scantily clad in a two-piece bathing suit a human model might wear if determined to show off as much of her body as possible. But this was not her choice. He had forced her to wear it.

She shifted uncomfortably. Not only had she been standing beside his throne in this wretched thing for hours while he conducted court, but she was already aching. He had been rough this morning, and last night, and despite how much she hated it, she would have happily taken a day of simply lying on her small bed in her cell, recovering as much as possible before he came for her again later tonight. But no. Instead, here she stood; uncomfortable, cold and trying her hardest not to cover herself up. It was bad enough to be displayed like this in front of the dozens of people present in his court, but then the trumpet sounded from the doorway.

The doorman proudly announced the arrival of Duchess Charlotte of the Evergreen Kingdom. Curious despite herself, Sarah took a quick peek at the beautiful fae woman gliding majestically towards them before hastily returning her eyes to the floor. After being punished for getting caught staring longingly at the sun through the large open window, she was ordered to keep her head down at all times until told otherwise. She was already in enough pain. The last thing she wanted was to be spanked in front of an entire hall of onlookers again.

"Welcome, Lady Charlotte." He drawled casually, as though he barely cared for the woman's presence at all. If the woman noticed the coolness of his tone it didn't present in her greeting.

"'Tis a pleasure to be back in your kingdom Your Grace. Thank you terribly for having me here."

Sarah almost cringed at the smouldering heat in the woman's thick voice. She was just like the others. A few times he had brought her out of her box she had encountered women like this. Women who would try their hardest to seduce him or attract him to their beauty. What baffled Sarah the most was that all these women appeared to come from higher class, wealthy families who would likely know exactly what kind of person he was. They all seemed intelligent, so how was it possible none of them could see it was a monster they were trying to ensnare.

"I do hope you enjoy your visit." He said, as though he could care less either way.

"I hope you enjoy having me." The duchess purred sultrily. The double meaning of her words heard by everyone.

Sarah felt like screaming. Here she was, practically naked, chained to his throne and would willingly give literally anything to get away from him. And here this noble woman was, free as a fucking bird and actively trying to get the King's interest, probably in some misguided hope that he would marry her and make her a queen, which was what all these crazy women seemed to think would make their lives complete. They had no idea. None.

Part of her wanted to yell at the woman to run, because the absolute last thing she wanted was a man like him interested in her. Yet another part, a desperate part, a part she wasn't proud of at all, hoped the Goblin King would take interest. That this woman with her noble family and her outstanding beauty would entice him enough that he would choose her, and finally allow Sarah the freedom she so hopelessly craved.

She wished she had the freedom this woman so thoughtlessly took for granted.

She wished...

"Sarah, come back to me." She heard his voice, and the present came thundering back in vivid colour. Jordan was before her, his hands on her shoulders, his soft caring eyes staring deeply into her own. How long had he been standing there?

"Hey. It's alright. You're not there any more. You're here, with me." He cooed calmly, his tender voice tearing her away from the nightmare. She knew coming back here would bring all these memories to the surface. Suddenly the grand ballroom seemed far too crowded. Hot and uncomfortable.

Seeming to read her mind, Jordan removed his hands from her shoulder to cup her wrist.

"Come with me."

She followed him silently as he led her out two large glass doors to a balcony with a stunning view of the Seelie Kingdom. But he didn't stop. He took her down some steps, the chilly night air cooling her senses as she breathed in deeply. She didn't care where he was taking her, so she let him lead her blindly as she tried to calm herself down.

She had been fretting over this evening for months, purely because she knew how hard it would be to keep herself together. She had feared something would go wrong, like the Unseelie attacking the party or someone recognising her as the murderer of the once powerful Unseelie King and going after her. But she also recognised that those fears were only inflated in her mind, and the one thing she truly feared was that coming back to the Underground after a year of being home would bring her crashing back to how she felt the first time she had been brought here.

She knew it was completely different circumstances. She wasn't forced this time. She wasn't a prisoner. She was free to leave any time she pleased and could do so unharmed and with her family in tow, but that didn't stop the fear. She was afraid that all the progress she had made would be completely undone. Afraid that she would once again revert to being that scared, lonely, frightened girl, chained to a bed, tortured and all alone. She never wanted to be that vulnerable again, and even though it wasn't the same, being back here, she just couldn't help but remember...

"How are you feeling?" A voice asked from beyond the fog.

Looking around, she realised he had taken her to a beautiful garden. She recognised it as the garden she had read about in Titania's letters. It had been a wedding present from Oberon, and apparently only bloomed based on her feelings of happiness and joy. Ever since she had learned of her inability to produce children, the garden had been barren. As barren as she was, according to her. But apparently, the day she had visited her healer in regards to how strangely sick she was feeling, and was given the good news, her heart exploded with happiness. And as such, so had the garden.

It was gorgeous, with every type of flower anyone could possibly dream of alive and thriving despite the cold time of year. There was a small stream that flowed through, with moss covered rocks guarding the sparkling waters safe passage. Bushes sculpted into shapes of people and animals. Little birdhouses and huts in the trees. Tiny lights speckled around every branch and flower. It was far enough away to be secluded, but close enough that she could still hear sounds of the celebration in the distance.

The perfect place to talk. If only she could find the words to say.

"It's alright. We can stay out here for a bit if you need to. It's a little strange for me as well. Did I mention that my brothers are here?"

Her eyes snapped up to his immediately. "What?" She gasped, shocked that he hadn't said a word about them before now.

He nodded gingerly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah. My oldest brother is pretty high ranking in his kingdom. He works right under the king, so he was invited. Obviously, he brought Silas to. I don't think any of us were really ready to be in the same room together. Even after Oberon's proposed peace treaty."

Sarah simply stared with a wide-eyed gape. He looked uncomfortable just talking about them. How had she not noticed him acting this way?

Oh, right, yeah. Because you're still super self-involved.

She internally cringed. He had told her about his brothers, and their strained relationship a while ago. But it had apparently only gotten worse when the brothers learned of their father's death. He had died in the cells of the castle along with every other being in that kingdom, and as the brothers knew Jordan was there during the final fight, they had laid the blame at his door. Sarah didn't understand it, and had told Jordan she was more then willing to admit the truth if it meant them finally burying the hatchet. But he had refused. He had told her he and his brothers had never gotten along anyway, and that there really was no relationship to save. Despite this, he had to have been just as nervous as she was tonight, yet he hadn't let it show. He'd been completely attentive to her and her needs. As always.

He had been there for her. Every day since she returned home, he had been there. According to Oberon, the Labyrinth had once again performed a time shift the minute of her return. Time between the Underground and her world, which had always been unbalanced, had now completely correlated. According to what Heart had told her a year ago, it was all down to the preference of its ruler, and since the Labyrinth no longer had a kingdom, or a king, it now answered entirely to her. And apparently, the preference of Sarah was that everything be aligned. Now both worlds spun together, one day at a time, and it had certainly made keeping in touch with Jordan that much easier.

It was the main reason she'd been reluctant to return home, when the option was finally offered. She didn't want to leave him. Lose him. She didn't want years to go by before even a day had passed for her. She wanted him to stay with her, but his place was here. The time shift, therefore, had been an immense relief.

He had been with her. Every bad dream, every hard day, he'd been right by her side through it all. The mirror had been a gift, a token of gratitude from Oberon and Titania in their mysterious role in the queen's pregnancy, and so he had been there, every other day. And they had only grown closer.

So He'd listened every time she had spoken of her fear of returning, and he hadn't once felt comfortable enough to tell her about his brothers. Gosh, she was such a bad friend.

Friend.

She remembered thinking one time, when she looked upon his face, into his deeply natural caring eyes, that she'd never be capable of experiencing love. That the Goblin King had ruined her so completely that any romantic relationship would be impossible. But she wasn't so sure about that any more. They hadn't exactly spoken about that night. The night they had held each other and confessed their love. They had both been rather busy this past year, after all. Sarah had been readjusting to her human life and Jordan had been aiding the king in his new mission for peace. Yet though they hadn't spoken the words, Sarah felt as though they didn't really need to. That putting a label on whatever it was they shared between them was completely unnecessary. She cared for him more deeply then she had anyone who wasn't her family, and she knew he felt the same without questions or interrogations. She knew what she felt, when she looked into his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She asked.

The boy merely shrugged.

She huffed.

"You can tell me about these things you know? I'm not as delicate as everybody seems to think I am. I've spent this last month telling you how frightened I was to come back here, did you feel like you couldn't get a word in with me yammering all the time?" Though she tried to hide it, her feelings were hurt. She wanted to be there for him like he always was for her. She'd hate to be one of those people who only had time for their own problems and completely uncaring for everyone else.

Jordan's eyes widened at the girl's sorrow.

"Sarah, no! Of course, that's not it! I didn't tell you because it truly doesn't matter. I've never been a part of my brothers' lives, nor them mine. My father literally raised us in separate rooms. They never liked me. What happened with my father only gave them validation. They've always pretended I don't exist. Frankly, I would have been more surprised if either of them had come within a metre of me, let alone caused a scene. I wasn't really worried about them. I've only been worrying about you."

"You shouldn't have to."

He shared her sad little smile.

"I can't help it. I care far too much about you not to worry."

Sarah could have melted at his words. His breathtaking sincerity. He truly was the best man she had ever met. She was so so lucky to have him.

"And speaking of caring..." His tone quickly turned from tender to cheery. Sarah's eyes bulged as he tipped her a cheeky grin and pulled a velvet box from the contents of his black jacket pocket.

"Happy Birthday Sarah."

Sarah was horrified.

"How did you-"

"Your parents. They told me. They also told me that you told them not to mention it, or to celebrate it in any way. You had to know that wasn't going to happen."

Sarah flushed a deep dark red at the playful accusing look on his face, before averting her eyes to the box in his hand. It was true, she had told her parents she had no desire to celebrate her birthday this year. Not only because it happened to fall on the same night Oberon and Titania had chosen for this celebration, but there was also a far more sinister reason.

Her last two birthdays hadn't exactly been days to celebrate. Both had ended with her in the arms of a man who had stripped her of every last freedom she ever had. She hadn't wanted any more reminders. Simply braving the Underground had been enough pressure for her.

Of course, she hadn't had the heart to explain any of this to her parents, so why had she expected them to listen?

"Hey," He murmured, his gentle voice reaching through her depression, his smooth gloved hand cupping her chin.

"I'm sorry if I'm overstepping any boundaries here but... you have to know, that that night, exactly one year ago, even though it may not have been enjoyable for you, was the best night of my life."

Sarah raised her gaze in both confusion and shock. What does he mean?

"It was the first time I saw you. When you walked into that throne room and I saw your face, I was blown away by what I felt for you. I'd never felt anything so strong, and I knew I needed to know you no matter what happened. You could say it was just me reacting to the bond for the first time but... I knew it was something deeper. Looking at you, I knew my whole life was about to change. That I wouldn't be scared and lonely any more. All because of the mysterious green-eyed girl who danced." He smiled like it truly was a fond memory.

She remembered that night as well, and while it wasn't a fond memory for her, she also had to admit, that the moment her eyes swept over his face, not really noticing or lingering, she still felt different. The first time in months she really felt a sense of peace as she danced before him and everyone else who was watching. The first time in months a voice in the back of her head started telling her to be strong. He affected her long before she knew of the bond or felt its influence, so she knew what he was trying to say. Destiny had brought them together. Two lonely broken people, wanting nothing more than happiness.

She watched with a bittersweet smile as he opened the velvet box to reveal a simple silver bracelet. It was small, would fit her wrist perfectly, with a smooth exterior, and a fine silver latch. Her heart froze at how similar it looked to...

Instinctively, her eyes shot to her left leg. She sighed in sick relief as she saw her naked ankle, free of any burden as it had been all these months. With her breath caught in her throat she raised her head back up to her friend, eyes narrowed accusingly. He looked almost guilty.

"I know you don't like jewellery much, but I thought, if it came from me... maybe... maybe it would... I don't know... erase the bad memory, and replace it with something good. You don't have to wear it if you don't want to, but I would like you to keep it with you, and know that this was made completely with love."

He handed her the box and, giving in to his hopeful puppy dog look, did she hesitantly reach out to take it.

"Happy Anniversary Sarah." He said.

Sarah didn't really know what to think. The bracelet truly was almost a replica of the shackle that had marked her as a slave. The only real difference besides the size, was the clasp. The fine delicate little clasp. So she could release the bracelet at any time, and reclaim her freedom.

...

Of course.

Sarah felt a sting in the back of her eyes.

This was perfect.

Watching as he shuffled awkwardly from foot to foot, looking as though he half expected her to throw the box in his face and start screaming at him, she released a breathless little chuckle. He is perfect.

By taking something so horrible and turning it into something strong, meaningful and beautiful, he single-handedly fortified something she'd been battling with since the moment she had awoken that night all those months ago.

She still carried the guilt over all that had happened. All those innocent people who had lost their lives because of her smashing that vial. She always would. But she also heard his words. Alone together in that light white room, she heard his confessions of love. She heard him tell her how he had mutilated his soul with dark magic just to be powerful enough to claim her again. She had wondered hundreds of times what he had meant when he said those words. Wondered if it truly was his love for her that had driven him to that level of evil and madness. But strangely, unlike when she mourned for every being in his kingdom that had perished because of that spell, she felt no guilt over him.

It had taken a long time to reach the point where she could tell herself it wasn't her fault, and mean it. But now, after all this time, after all the agony and self-loathing she had suffered, she could confidently say that he had made his own choices. He had offered the world to a child who was far too young and naive to understand what he was offering or give him what he wanted in exchange. He had experienced life a thousand times over before standing before her at the tender age of fifteen, and he should have known better. But he had let her rejection consume him, and had made himself into a monster. That was not her fault. Nothing he had done was her fault. She could only take responsibility for what she had done, she refused to carry the burden of his crimes as well.

But just staring at this little silver bangle she realised that, while she may never be capable of forgetting him, she had to stop remembering him with malice and hate. She wasn't a saint, she knew it would be impossible to forgive him for all he had done, but keeping hold of her hatred and rage would only allow him to retain his control. She had to let it go, one small piece at a time. It was why coming back here tonight was so important. She wanted to know that she could confidently stand before the fae, and not see him on every face. Not fear him even though he wasn't there. And even though he wasn't there, she wanted to show him, as well as herself, that he had no more power over her.

She was living her life. Planning her future. She was happy.

She was free.

"Happy anniversary Jordan. Happy anniversary."

So... that's it. A project I thought would only last a few months has taken me three whole YEARS to finish. But now its all done I feel like crying. I want to thank all the readers that stuck by me even when I was writing without a plan. I deeply appreciate all the feedback and support I received, as well as the critics that helped me improve my work along the way. And now Sarah's journey has officially come to a close.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas, and remember, if you enjoyed my work, I'm still writing my Beauty and the Beast fic Frosted Rose, so if you haven't already, hop on over and check it out!

Thanks for reading.

KJ out.