Chapter 35

The darkened castle was quiet, except for the sounds of the soldiers patrolling the corridors. The city beyond was much the same. All within the City's outer walls and the Castle knew the War was going to reach the walls of the Labyrinth. It was only a matter of when.

Jareth stood slightly bent over the desk in his study. On its surface was a map covered with what appeared to be army men. He couldn't help smiling. Sarah was following and recording the news he was sending. She was still surprising him. Yes, she had sent him notes, but to know she was actually creating a battle map, was beyond ecstatic.

Sighing, Jareth sat down in his chair. He wouldn't be able to stay long. Hopefully, he would be able to see Sarah before he left, but he doubted it greatly. The reports from Wilhelm's men stationed outside the Labyrinth had him worried. Something was killing the plant life along the walls of the outer walls of the Labyrinth. That did not bowed well. Soon he would be forced to pull forces from the Palace, without looking like he was. Garen could not be alerted.

Jareth groaned. This was not going to be over quickly as he had hoped, but he would not allow innocent people to die because Garen was power hungry and an idiot.

He reached for his sword when he heard the click of the lock. Jareth moved quickly into the shadows as the door from the corridor slowly opened. Slowly, the moonlight revealed the lone figured walking into the room. Jareth placed his sword back into its scabbard, hoping not to frighten her.

"You know it would have been nice if you had sent word you were coming home."

Slowly, he moved out of the shadows. "I doubted you would be awake." Jareth walked over and kissed his wife.

Sarah glared at him, crossing her arms. "Not good enough."

Jareth sighed. "I won't be here long. I'm here to be sure the defenses are still strong."

Sarah nodded. "I've read the reports. Jareth. They do come here sometimes before I send them out to you."

Jareth moved back to his desk. "I had figured as much when I saw your map."

Sarah followed after him. "I had to do something."

Turning towards her, Jareth frowned. "Why are you still up?"

Shrugging, Sarah sat down in the chair behind the desk. "I've been having trouble getting much sleep in the last month or so."

"Sarah, what's wrong?" She could still get ill, but thanks to her elven blood , most things couldn't kill her.

Sarah smiled weakly. "I'm fine. My dad already had me checked out by a ah healer. There's nothing wrong. It's just stress."

But he had noticed something different when he kissed her. It could mean that he would be pulled more in two than he already was. He forced the thought out of his mind. "How are the magic lessons coming along?"

"Good. I think. Vivienne's been very sweet with it all. Elwyn has been helping, too."

Jareth nodded. "You could get some help to get some sleep."

Sarah shook her head. "I think it has to do more with the naps I'm taking. Really, I'm fine."

"Sarah, something is off."

Sighing, Sarah reached for his hand. "Well, what do you want me to do, Jareth? I already had Clarence examine me."

Jareth raised an eyebrow. "Sarah, Clarence would only be able to tell you if something is seriously wrong or just a bit sick. He deals mostly with the goblins."

"So what does that mean exactly? I'm fine. Even if he deals mostly with the goblins, he said I'm perfectly healthy."

Jareth smiled weakly. "You are going to go see Rosina right now." He pulled her out of the chair.

"Rosina?" Sarah stood looking at him with wide eyes. "Jareth, it's late!"

"Doesn't matter. She'll understand." With a wave of a hand, Jareth transported them outside a slightly opened door on the eastern side of the Castle. Jareth gave the door a quick knock. "Rosina, a moment of your time please."

The door opened wider revealing an Elven woman who looked around the same age as Sarah's father.

"What is it, Jareth?" She leveled her eyes at him. "It's late." Rosina looked past him and then back at him. "What's wrong?"

"I need you to give the High Queen a complete examination."

Rosina looked past him again and sighed. "Well, come inside." She moved out of the doorway.

Gently, Jareth lead Sarah into the room.

Rosina almost groaned when she saw Sarah completely. "You couldn't let her get dressed first?"

"Does it matter?" He smiled at her.

Sighing, Rosina moved towards her small hearth. "Take a seat, My dear." She stirred the fire.

Jareth steered Sarah to an armchair beside the hearth. "Clarence has already seen her, but I want you to do a more though examination."

Rosina nodded. "It won't take me long." She turned back towards the. "Who took her to Clarence anyway?"

"My father-in-law didn't know where to find you it seems."

Rosina again nodded. "Or he knew, but didn't want to face me." She shook her head. "I can't blame Robin for wanting to be sure his daughter is healthy, but Clarence can't do most of the things that she needs."

Jareth nodded. "That's why I brought her to you."

Rosina walked over to Sarah and gently picked up her hand. After a few moments, she released Sarah's hand and then gestured towards Jareth as she moved away. Jareth followed after.

Rosina whispered into his ear. "Clarence would have definitely have missed it."

Jareth nodded and whispered back, "so my feeling was right?"

Rosina nodded. "Yes, I suggest you tell her. I'll come see her properly in the morning."

Jareth nodded. "Thank you, Rosina."

Rosina smiled. "Get going. Take her home and get some rest. King or not even you to sleep."

Jareth sighed. "I'm returning to the Palace in the morning."

Rosina sighed. "Still get some rest. You look horrible."

"I'll try." Jareth walked back over to Sarah.

Sarah glared at him. "Jareth, what's wrong?"

Jareth smiled. "Nothing is wrong. Rosina just helped me feel better."

"Jareth?"

"Let's get you home. We have a few things we need to discuss before I leave."

Sarah slowly stood up. "You better believe we have a lot to discuss."

Jareth sighed. "Not here, Sarah." He gently took hold of her hand and transported them back to his study.

Sarah slowly moved away from him, forcing Jareth to release her hand. "Jareth, what is going on? What did Rosina say?"

"Sarah, you're fine."

"I already knew that! You even said Clarence would have told me if something was wrong." She took a deep breath. "Jareth, what's happening?"

Jareth walked over to her and gently took hold of her hands. "Sarah, you're pregnant."

"What?!" Sarah tired to take a step back, but Jareth held firm to her hands.

"That's more than likely why you've been feeling out of sorts."

Sarah began to breathe quickly. Gently, Jareth lead her over to a sofa.

"Slow your breathing, Sarah."

Sarah sat down on the sofa. She took a deep breath. "I have a feeling we can't just announce it."

Sighing, Jareth kneeled down in front of her. "More than likely, yes. We won't make a formal announcement. Your father should know though." He frowned. "I'll need him to help since I more than likely will have to stay at the Palace at least for now."

Sarah nodded. "This sucks."

"I know, but we don't have a choice."

Sarah sighed. "Now what?"

Jareth smiled. "We prepare and celebrate when we can."

Sarah smiled weakly. "We always seem to have horrible timing."

"Or we have excellent timing, and we cause everyone else's timing to go off."

Weakly, Sarah laughed. "Maybe."

Suddenly, Vivienne opened the door. "Jareth, they've breached the Palace!"

I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 35. The War is really going to pick up now. There may be a delay for Chapter 36 I want to try and get Chapter 1 of The Goblin Princess up first. Also, I'm beginning a new one shot series. It's mostly just for fun. I'm planning to upload the first one shot soon. It's something to write when I need a break from this and TGP.

Visit my blog for more info.

Review if you please.

CL

Edited: 6/16/14