Chapter Sixty.
The King of Hearts
Garrett was in his dressing room with his valet when Aubrey appeared in full dress. "Father," he greeted as the valet held his vest out to him.
Aubrey looked at his son's attire. "The King of Hearts, how delightful." The older man teased. "And is our Sarah coming as the Queen of Hearts?"
"Of course." Garrett waved the valet off. He took a seat and looked at his father who also sat. "How is Colin adjusting?"
"Well." Aubrey said smoothly. "He is overcoming the years of being without his Fae. The anger and pain are all but forgotten. He is much more at peace within himself. The Greenbrier accepts him completely. He is a natural. The Lady of the Greenbrier choose well, poor creature."
"And Mora, his sister?" Garrett was concerned about the girl's welfare.
Aubrey sighed, "She does not fair as well. She mourns Miles."
"There's a waste." Garrett moaned.
His father was more sympathetic to the girl. "She can not help where she loves, Garrett."
The younger man sighed. "I wish he'd seen that hers is a love worth pursuing, and had left my Sarah alone."
"I know." His father said. "How is she doing?"
"She's driven." Garrett smiled. "We've only seen each other a few times since the Miles incident, and she refuses to speak of it. She's keeping busy with wedding plans." Garrett stood up and went to the dresser, picking up a little ring case. "I'm giving this to her this evening."
Aubrey opened the case; a perfect emerald stone sat in the center of the exquisite ring. "It looks perfect for Sarah. It will go well with her eyes." He handed the box back to his son who placed it in his vest pocket. "Does she know what is happening here this evening, whom will be here?"
"She knows only that she will be seen by my relations. She does not even know that you will be here."
"Good, good," Aubrey said. "If all goes according to plans, it will be a most pleasant evening."
"Bad news, cousin." They heard the voice before the young man appeared. "Miles has escaped the Between."
Garrett looked at William. "How?" He demanded not bothering to greet his cousin.
William shrugged. "He has his ways."
Aubrey frowned. "Garrett, there is but one thing you can do."
Garrett nodded, "I have to bed the wench."
William smirked. "You don't have to sound so depressed about it. I'd gladly do it for you."
Garrett glared at him. "Sarah wanted to wait." He let out an exasperated sigh. "The only way to put an end to any more challenges and attempts to take her away from me is to join with her."
Aubrey drew a vial out of the air, "You may find use for this."
"What is it?"
"Maidens call it Love-in-idleness." Aubrey said. "The juice of it will make a man or woman madly dote upon the next live creature that it sees."
Jareth chuckled, imagining Sarah's face if he used the vial. "No, Father. I've something else in mind. Something familiar and yet not. Now away, both of you. I've work to do to prepare for the taking of Sarah." A moment later he was alone in his chamber. " Tonight Sarah, you become a Queen." He sighed. "Such a pity." He looked at the mask that lay on the dressing table and began to laugh. "Of course, I should have thought of it before." He moved toward the wall of the sitting room. "Incased in glass that she may see, bring the Crystal Dream mask and coat to me."
Against the wall in a shimmering light, stood a handsome display case. Inside was the Venetian Mask he'd worn six years ago, below it the handsome frock coat. Seeing it he smiled, "Let the rooms be set, let the masks be placed to please her eyes."
