Chapter 29 – I Have Missed My Friend

In the Underground, gossip about the new Keeper moved from kingdom to kingdom with dizzying speed. During her first appearance at court, she was reported to have been beautiful with raven hair, a porcelain complexion and sparkling emerald green eyes. The exotic gown she had worn had many court ladies attempting to describe it dressmakers in an effort to emulate the look. Her knowledge about each kingdom had been discussed, admired and questioned while her unfailing courtesy and respect to all present had been commended for a human mortal as well as one so young.

Rumors about a courtship claim between her and Jareth of the Goblin Kingdom also circulated. He had introduced her as "his" Lady, but she had not reciprocated until later in the evening it was whispered. However, she had called him "her" king and they had engaged in a very intimate dance immediately thereafter.

It was noted that King Caedmon had been noticeably taken with the Lady Keeper, but had not attempted to challenge or encroach upon the claim once he heard King Jareth make it. Snickered conversations also had it that some monarchs with unmarried male heirs were less magnanimous of the claim. Marrying their son to the reigning Keeper would create additional alliances and power shifts. Rumors of which parents were not beyond attempts to undermine a courtship claim were part of the court gossip.

A few members of the High Court who were not fans of the exquisite Lady Alleria had noticed her impudence to the new Lady Keeper and had been amused by that worthy's lack of reaction. In fact, the Lady Sarah had made Lady Alleria appear somewhat foolish without ever being anything but friendly and serene.

Even the servant's gossip was making the rounds of different castles. The new Lady Keeper was purported to be sweet and courteous to everyone she had encountered. Furthermore, rumor had it that she had even gotten the goblins to behave and follow her directions, but that was so absurd that the rumors were called into question.

Sarah was oblivious to the gossip circulating Underground or the keen interest the population had in their new Lady Keeper. Her own health and lost memories consumed her time. Although the swelling and soreness had decreased, she was continually exhausted and needed to rest every few hours. The realization about the Labyrinth and everything she experienced there being true only added to her fatigue.

On the positive side, she found Squeeker to be a concerned and helpful companion. She took the time to talk to him and explain her injury and her lost memories. His desire to be helpful was charming and she could see why she had readily accepted him before.

Shortly after Sarah made waffles for breakfast to the ecstatic delight of Squeeker, Marty called to check on her progress. She was glad to take the opportunity to discuss current contracts and schedules and was relieved to discover that she could take a several week break if desired before completing her next contract. Preliminary sketches had already been approved and the time line was adequate for completion of that agreement, so she didn't have the additional stress of an impending deadline to detract from her recovery.

Most of her friends waited one day after she was home before calling to see how she was doing and to offer her help. After the fifth call of the day, Sarah was ready to turn her phone off. It was extremely hard to maintain a positive attitude when she had to explain the situation over and over to her friends. Fortunately, she had known most of them for several years so wasn't dealing with "strangers", but her emotions were still close to the surface and she found herself getting depressed after each successive call, even with the Labyrinth's comfort and support.

"Perhaps I do need to get away for a couple of days" she thought. Agreement and a gentle tug came from the Labyrinth. "I know, you want me to come Underground because I might heal faster" Sarah said with a sigh. Approval and affection flooded her. "Well, I'm beginning to think it might be a good idea. I just need to think about it for a bit."

She tried to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of going Underground. Obviously, if she healed faster that was a huge bonus. Anything that could potentially recover her lost memories was an advantage. And as much as she appreciated her friends, so many calls in a single day were draining. She would be relieved to avoid the calls for a couple of days.

The disadvantage was that she just didn't know what to do about the Goblin King. He had been inordinately gentle, courteous and respectful while they talked. He was obviously giving her the time and distance she needed to get used to him again. But her friends seemed to think they were a "couple". She found it odd that he had prevaricated about their relationship, neither confirming nor denying it. Why?

She could only think of two reasons; either they had become more and he regretted it but was too much of a gentleman to say anything, or they hadn't become more and he wanted it. If it was the former, then she didn't want to reinforce any problems. If the latter, she didn't want to encourage any feelings she couldn't return.

She had the distinct mental image of rolling eyes and laughed. "OK sweetie, what are your thoughts? I asked you once whether there had been a relationship, but we were interrupted." The mental image of a flower bud just barely starting to open appeared in her mind. She considered that. "So our friendship was just starting to blossom into more?" Agreement followed.

She thought about the difference between Adam Kirkland and Jareth; one tried pushing her towards a relationship that didn't exist and one showed consideration and restraint about a relationship that did exist. Plus, she had trusted him enough to go Underground with him to attend a Ball, which her own sketches supported. That spoke volumes as well.

She sighed in acquiescence. She would accept that she and Jareth had developed a friendship and attempt to treat him as such. Since he was willing to wait and see about anything else, she would do so as well.

"Jareth" she said hesitantly to the open air, trusting his comment that he would hear his name being said. "Would you mind stopping by when you are available, please?"

In his study, Jareth stopped speaking mid-sentence to the mayor of the Goblin City when he heard Sarah's request. With a smile, he stood and bowed to the goblin. "The Lady Keeper is requesting my presence, Quarff. Do you mind if we continue this discussion another time?"

The portly goblin immediately began gathering his documents and hopped off his chair. "By all means, attend to the Lady, Your Majesty. Please give her our best." He bowed and left the room.

Within moments of her request, Sarah heard a small pop nearby and turned to see Jareth a few feet away looking regal in black slacks, a midnight blue vest and a white shirt opened just enough to show his medallion. He bowed slightly and smiled softly at her. "Good morning, Sarah. I am always at your disposal. How are you today?"

She smiled shyly. "I didn't expect you to stop what you were doing, but thank you for coming so promptly. May I offer you a cup of tea or anything?"

"I appreciate the offer, but I am fine for now Sarah". He was delighted to see that the bruises and swelling on her face was now gone. She was so beautiful it nearly took his breath away. "You are looking much better today" he said gently.

"Thank you. I'm feeling better. Just being able to wash my hair made a difference in my outlook; I think my vanity was appeased" she replied with a wry grin.

His heart leapt as she grinned with the easiness of one friend to another rather than the shock and fear she had exhibited yesterday. "Sarah Williams vain?" he responded in the same manner. "Tell me it is not so!" He grinned to indicate he was only joking adding "I tend to believe it is a normal reaction to just feeling more like oneself."

She smile and waved him to a chair and sat down herself, noticing again that he waited for her to be seated first. "Jareth…I wanted to speak with you because I was considering what you said about everything yesterday. I'm sorry I don't remember the friendship we established, but based on the actions you've already shown me, you are the type of person I would like as a friend. I hope you will bear with me and be willing to rebuild our friendship."

He felt tension he didn't know he had been carrying dissolve with her simple words. "Little would give me greater pleasure, Sarah." He tried not to overreact but couldn't help saying softly "I have missed my friend."

Sarah was touched by those simple words. Perhaps a Fae King didn't have that many people with whom he could be friends, she thought. She hadn't considered it from his perspective and puzzled over it momentarily.

Jareth noticed her perplexed expression and asked gently "Is there a problem, Sarah?"

"Well, this may sound a bit silly, but I honestly don't know what I have to offer a King. You're you…Fae, magical, a King for goodness sake. I'm just…Sarah."

After a moment's surprise he let loose with a deep unfeigned laugh of pure entertainment. "Oh Sarah, you are you…an intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate woman. You offered me a refuge in your home; a haven to refresh and restore my soul. You have no political agenda that you are pursuing, but offered me your friendship simply because we enjoy one another's company. You are always willing to discuss any topic, and as you have a different background, you also offer a fresh perspective on situations that help me consider different points of view."

He looked at her with affectionate amusement. "And that was before you were the Lady Keeper. If rank is a sincere concern, the Keeper of the Labyrinth is ranked just below a monarch in the High Court hierarchy. You outrank most of the nobility of the Underground, Sarah."

Sarah sat back, trying to hide the effect Jareth's laughter and words had on her. When his deep masculine laugh emerged, it had sent a shiver down her spine. When his face lit up in amusement she had nearly gasped at how handsome and charming he appeared. She had been so focused on him as the Goblin King that she hadn't perceived him as a gorgeous and virile man. And now that she took a mental step back and really looked at him, she had to admit to herself that he was exceptionally attractive.

As his words sank in, she had to readjust her thinking again. "I rank just below a monarch? Oh my word. I think we're going to have to have that discussion regarding expectations and duties fairly soon Jareth" she said looking at him with wide-eyed astonishment.

"Whenever you desire, Sarah, but until you are healed, no one has any expectations of you. And if you do feel pressured by anyone about anything, just let me know and I will help…educate…the person in question. And please, if you ever feel any pressure from me, do not hesitate to let me know." He smiled at her as he continued "I value our friendship too highly to permit any word or action on my part to undermine it."

She felt her cheeks warm at his sincerity and decided to change the subject. "You suggested that I might heal faster Underground. The Labyrinth seems to believe that as well." She was interrupted by the telephone ringing again and she sighed in mild exasperation. This was the sixth call today. "Excuse me please" she said rising to answer the phone.

Jareth reseated himself as she walked out of the room, taking pleasure in just watching her and knowing he was now welcome as a friend again. Her acceptance of him made him almost lightheaded with pleasure and relief.

"Hello?" She paused to listen. "Good morning Mr. Kirkland." Jareth's eyes narrowed in displeasure at hearing the human man's name and forced himself to unclench the fists that had involuntarily formed.

"I am fine, thank you." He realized that her voice was frosty and smirked slightly. "Tell me Mr. Kirkland, did it ever occur to you that I might keep a journal? And that I know exactly what happened to us in the past even without remembering?" Jareth raised an eyebrow and felt a surge of hope. Did she keep a journal? If so, wouldn't it have information on their courtship?

"Mr. Kirkland, please do me the courtesy of supporting my recovery and refrain from contacting me again outside of business requirements until I regain my memories."

"Yes, thank you. Goodbye".

Sarah came back rolling her eyes. Reseating herself she looked at Jareth and asked curiously "Did you meet Adam Kirkland, Jareth?"

"Yes, we met at the cocktail party and then again at the hospital" he said cautiously.

"And what were your thoughts?"

"I thought you could do much better than him" he replied as neutrally as he could. "Sarah, do you keep a journal?" He had a hard time keeping the hope from his voice.

"Unfortunately not" she admitted ruefully. "I just wanted to shock him as I believe he's been less than honest with me. He immediately began trying to backtrack and justify his actions when I said it."

She smiled tentatively at him. "I wish I had, though. I don't like the idea that I've forgotten our friendship." He returned her smile and she thought he should smile more often. He was truly gorgeous when he smiled. Giving herself a mental shake, she continued "As I was saying before the telephone rang, one reason I wanted to speak with you was that I've been thinking about what you said about returning Underground to see if it would facilitate my healing."

"You have a suite of rooms at your disposal in the castle Sarah, and are welcome any time. I would be honored to transport you whenever you choose. As soon as you are further in your recovery, I would be pleased to help you learn how to transport yourself so that you may come and go as you desire."

She blinked in surprise at the later part of his offer, including the implication that she could visit his kingdom whenever she wanted. "You're very kind, Jareth and I appreciate it. I have an early morning appointment with Dr. Fraser, but would be available any time after that is finished and then have two days before I have another appointment. Would it be all right for me to stay for several days?"

Jareth had to hide another chuckle. All right? He would move the stars if she asked him to do so and she wanted to know if it was all right to be near him! With an effort he replied calmly "That sounds like a good plan, Sarah. Would you object if Lady Kiril, the healer who came Aboveground to treat you, stopped by while you were there to satisfy herself on your progress?"

Sarah cringed at meeting yet another person she didn't know, and immediately felt a wave of comfort from the Labyrinth. She let it wash over her and recognized that she did owe a debt of gratitude to the healer. "If she would like to see me, just let me know when, and I will make myself available" she said, pleased that she sounded composed and not as petulant as she actually felt.

"Then I will stop by mid-morning tomorrow and take you Underground. You can be as quiet or as busy as you choose to be. If you want to simply sit and watch the clouds go by, paint, read, talk to your friends or play games with the goblins, you may do as you wish with no demands or expectations." He stood to leave, not wanting to overstay his welcome.

Sarah rose as well and then surprised them both by stepping forward and laying a hand softly on his arm and saying quietly "Thank you Jareth. I do sincerely appreciate your friendship."

He gently lifted her hand and brushed his lips delicately across the back and bowed. "It is my pleasure to be at your service" he replied lightly and disappeared.

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