Chapter 35. Overdue explanations
Sarah lay in her own bed sleeping a troubled sleep. She could not get the vision of Dovregubben, out of her mind. Or his words, he'd called her impostor and charlatan. Over and over she heard him say the words, over and over she saw the meaty hand of the Trow King go up and she feared its downward strike. She sat up in her bed and cried out. Daisy was at her side, giving comfort and calming the young Queen. It was hours to dawn and Sarah could sleep no longer. She rose from her bed and allowed the guard and maid to talk her into a warm bath to relax her. Sarah wondered how many baths it would take until she felt the filth of the Trow washed from her.
Daisy motioned the maid, Grimmarl. "See to it that the Queen is not disturbed before the coronation." She warned the maid.
Grimmarl nodded her understanding and looked over at the Queen soaking in the deep tub. "Was it is as bad as some of the maids have said it was?"
Daisy knew too well of palace gossip, she would have chided the other, however she saw that the maid was not looking for thrills or excitement, she was concerned with the state of mind of the young Queen. "It was worse." Daisy placed a hand on the maids are. "Stay at her side, I will return."
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Jareth paced the turret of his tower, alone with his thoughts and his guilt. He leaned on the wall and withdrew a single crystal from the air, "Reveal." He commanded. In the center of the sphere was the face he longed to see, the face that smiled and was safe. Jareth tossed the crystal and watched it disappear. "Safe." He assured himself.
Perrin cleared his throat as he neared the King, knowing it was impertinent to enter the King's private space without warning. "Sire, the hour draws near."
"Perrin," Jareth motioned his captain closer. "Is all in readiness?"
"The word is spread, Dovregubben is dead and you lay claim to his lands and property." Perrin informed his King. "There is the matter of his harem…"
"His what," asked an incredulous Jareth?
"Dovregubben kept a harem," Perrin explained. "He had hundreds of women of many races."
"He seeded them? " The Goblin King didn't like the idea of shedding innocent blood. But no seed of Dovregubben could be allowed to live. "How many?"
"None Sire," Perrin said in a calm tone. "Seems he didn't deem any of the slave women worthy of his seed; he only used them to appease his appetites. However, some of the women are of high rank."
Jareth understood what the captain was saying without saying it out right. The families of the high ranking women of the Harem were refusing to accept the women back into their families. "I see," he sighed heavily. "Give the women sanctuary… there's an estate near the lagoon of Venus… it would make a nice safe harbor for the women. They may have their own community there. Whoever wishes to leave is free."
Perrin leaned closer, "Some fear you are going to…"
"I've no desire to force myself on anyone…" He said strongly, and then added. "Save Sarah."
Perrin shrugged, "I will let the woman know, I fear some will be disappointed."
"I'm sure," Jareth smirked. "Come Perrin, I must change my attire for the ceremony… has my mother arrived?"
"Aye, Sire." Perrin pursed his lips. "At her side is that Knight."
"Matters not who is at her side, today she will answer me!" Jareth led the way out of the turret.
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Sarah stared at her reflection, and didn't look pleased. Grimmarl, standing behind her asked timidly. "My Queen is displeased?"
"Not with you, Grimmarl, never with you." Sarah looked down at her gown. The King had demanded she wear the same gown she'd worn in the Crystal Ballroom. "It's this dress and these." She pulled the sliver ointments from her hair.
The maid fretted, "Oh my Lady, don't… it took me so long to get it just right."
Sarah ripped all the ornaments from her hair and tossed them onto the dressing table. A voice from behind her called out to the maid. "Let the Queen be." Sarah turned to look at Daisy now attired in Goblin armor and looking fiercer, more severe more Goblin. "You are the Goblin Queen… what would you deem proper for your Coronation."
Sarah ripped at the gown, "Not this, this is the dress of a china doll… I'm Sarah!" She growled as she pulled the seams of the gown's sleeves apart. The delicate fabric rent and tore apart. "Take me out of this thing!" she ordered the maid.
Daisy smiled, she knew the King was about to get far more than he'd bargained for. He had wed the girl in a private marriage. This public display was merely to give the crowds reason to celebrate the addition of the girl to the King's household. But this moment she was behaving more like a true Goblin Queen and less the china doll the King was dressing her as. "What would you like to wear?"
Sarah moved to the armoire containing all the garments the King had presented to her. "None of this is right!" She pulled everything from the rods. "He thinks I'm some kind of frekin' Barbie doll!" She turned to both the maid and her guard. "I'm not a doll; I'm Sarah Williams, the girl who beat the Labyrinth!" Her eyes blazed with anger, she was seeing a truth and not wanting to admit she'd seen it, not just yet. "He wants a Goblin Queen, but God and Goddess that's what he'll get." She ripped another gown, "Daisy, get me some Goblin Armor! Find something with Goblin emblems on it, and a Goblin cape!" She turned to the maid, "I need something that says Queen, not something that says pretty baby." The maid was staring at her as if she'd gone mad. Sarah turned back to the armoire; certain she'd seen a riding habit. She found the midnight blue habit toward the back of the clothing cupboard. She pulled it out, "Grimmarl, find the boots, now!"
The maid jumped and began searching for the boots that matched the riding habit. Meanwhile Sarah was searching for the proper undergarment to wear.
Daisy returned with her arms full of armor and two female goblin lackeys also carrying armor. She looked at the items that the young Queen was assembling and understood what she was doing. "Rook," she ordered one of the lackeys to her. "Go down to the laundry, see if the King's poet shirt with the French lace cuffs is ready, if it is have it brought here to the Queen."
Sarah looked at Daisy, "Thank you."
"I've a stake in this as well," Daisy said lounging on a chair, watching Sarah strip out of the rest of the gown's finery.
"What would that be?" Sarah asked.
"Keeping Captain Perrin at bay." She said, pointing at Grimmarl, Daisy went on. "He's asked the King's permission to court your maid with the goal of wooing her to his bed and becoming his wife."
"I didn't know that." Sarah now fastened on the new undergarments she'd chosen, a corset made of fine linen instead of the lacy thing she'd been in before. "What does that have to do with you?"
"Captain Perrin wants his cake…" she rolled her eyes heaven ward. "He wants two wives. One that is a fine buxom bedmate, and I've no doubt that Grimmarl would be that and more…" she teased seeing the maid come into the room and blush. "However he wants a second wife, one with and understanding of the military and a devotion to the crown."
Sarah frowned, turned to her maid, "Are goblins polygamist?"
The maid looked at her with calm; "From time to time."
Daisy turned the Queen and began to pull the corset strings, "I however have no desire to be Perrin's trophy."
Sarah nodded as they helped her to don the outfit she was fashioning, "I understand that completely! That damn white dress declared me just that, Jareth's trophy."
"The King does not understand," Daisy said working her fingers along the corset. "You are far more than just a pretty girl with big green eyes and dreams that feed his soul. You are his match."
Grimmarl, nodded in agreement. "That is why the Labyrinth helped you to win against its own King and master."
Sarah looked at her reflection once the riding skirt and poet shirt were on; "Let's get me into the armor, and fix my hair. Let's show Jareth just what it means to be The Goblin Queen."
Daisy smiled, "As you wish."
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Linda and Jeremy were seated in the King's own chapel. One the opposite side of the isle was the King's mother and her Knight, also the High King and his Queen. Behind Linda and Jeremy were seated honored guests and dignitaries from the Goblin Court. On the other side were dignitaries from other Fae Realms and the five Kingdoms of the Underground.
The Dwarf Hoggle was seated behind Linda; he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and patted her. She placed her hand over his and let him know she appreciated his concern. Sir Didymus, seated between Hoggle and Ludo found himself misty eyed at the thought of his Lady Sarah becoming his Queen.
The Arch Druid led the procession of the King and his retainers entering the chapel. He was dressed in a long white under robe and an over robe of blood red. His long beard was born by two goblin Pageboys.
Jareth entered the chapel in full Goblin King Regalia, looking dashing and dangerous and more then merely regal. He was knightly, romantic and forbidden. His face was haughty, thinking he had the upper hand. Perrin in his best armor entered at the Kings side. Together they stood before the Arch Druid. Jareth, arms crossed and that cocky smile on his lips Perrin mirroring him. Neither turned when the trumpet announced the arrival of the King's bride until the saw the surprised smile form on the lips of the Arch Druid; both King and Captain turned as if they were one.
Sarah stood in the entryway of the King's Chapel, as a gust of wind seemed to burst in announcing her presence. Curtains that had been parted to allow entry now fluttered on the wind that had come out of nowhere. In the entryway stood a woman, not a child, not dressed in the white confection of lace and gossamer wings. Rather a woman in dark Goblin Armor that mirrored that of the man she was publicly taking as spouse this day. Her hair was not adorned with sliver leaves and vines and pretty bobbles, but rather it was held in place with pins with crystal heads that shimmered in the lights of the chapels' candles. Amused Sulis turned to look at her son, his face delighted her.
Sarah accompanied up the isle by her person guard, moved slowly, deliberately and proudly. She didn't hurry her pace, but moved like a Queen. Upon reaching the front of the chapel she bowed, not to the King but to the Arch Druid.
"That's not the dress I picked out for you," Jareth said tightly as they knelt when directed by the Arch Druid.
Sarah gave him a haughty sideways glance. "No," she agreed. "It is not."
He fought to keep the corners of his lips from the upward climb into a smile, but lost the battle. "Nice armor." He growled softly.
"Thank you," she growled back no longer looking at him.
The Arch Druid raised a brow, inquiring if they were finished with their conversation. He saw that they were, "We come together this day to bless the union of King Jareth, and his Mortal."
Jareth bowed his head, praying that Sarah would do likewise. He didn't wish to tarnish the solemn ceremony. Sarah knowing how important this was didn't make an objection or balk, but rather also moved into a position of prayer. The Druid placed one hand over each of them, and began the blessing. Bells began to peal outside the chapel proclaiming that the land had not only a bride for the King, but a Queen.
Sarah took her place at the King's side on the baloncy as he presented her to the Kingdom. She waved to the cheering crowds.
Perrin took hold of Daisy's elbow, pulling her slightly aside from the royal couple and their families as they waved to the happy crowds cheering; "Was this your doing?" he asked coolly.
"Not at all," Daisy said in truth. "But I do approve." Her eyes were just as cold as Perrin's.
"You're telling me that girl came up with this; on her own?" Perrin asked in disbelieve.
"How little you men know of her." Daisy said in a disappointed sounding sigh. "She is no trophy, Perrin; she's the girl who beat the Labyrinth. Both you and our King would do well to remember that."
The Captain looked at the woman at the side of his King, his new Queen and he narrowed his eyes. "What does she know, Daisy?"
"Everything," the woman said firmly. "She has yet to admit it, or acknowledge it, but she knows everything. God help you and the King when she confronts him." She pulled her elbow out of the grip of the Captain and moved to stand behind the Queen.
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The dignitaries gathered in the Crystal Ballroom, and began milling about awaiting the entrance of the Royal couple. Sulis with Ellery at her side was making light conversation with Linda. "I must say, your daughter has the most delightful sense of drama and flair."
Linda saw the less than amused look on the face of the High King. "I hope everyone finds her so."
Sulis looked at the High King and patted the Actresses arm. "Don't worry, he but ate a sour grape."
Ellery covered his mouth, faking a cough rather than be caught in a snicker at the High King's expense.
Linda nodded softly. "Yes, I fear he's about to get an entire bunch." She looked at the Goddess of the Well, "I would not antagonize him were I you."
"Ah," Sulis sighed, "You are not me." She moved slightly to the side. "And I've waited years for him to meet his match. How fitting it should be a girl from the line of the maid who refused him."
"Refusing the offers of Fae Kings seems to run in my family." Linda admitted quietly.
A fanfare announced the Royal couple, Jareth, his hand extended out with his bride's covering it, descended the winding staircase acknowledging the thunderous applause they were being given. Sarah made little acknowledgment, with exception to an occasional inclination of her head. When they reached the bottom of the stair, Oberon was awaiting them. Both went to their knees before the presence of the High King. He in turn placed his hands over them and gave his blessing. None now could object to the Goblin King's rule or to the choice of bride. They stood up and moved toward the dais with the seats that were awaiting them. Jareth lounged casually in the throne like seat provided by his minions. Gazing at his bride and Queen with a darkly approving gaze, Sarah sat rigidly at his side, ignoring him.
He smirked, and pulled a riding crop out of the seat of the chair, he tapped his boot with it as he appraised the woman at his side. She was not a child, nor was she still too young to keep, he was sure. No, this was a woman with a fiery core that would melt his icy heart. He watched her as the music shifted and a waltz began to play. "We dance to a waltz here once before." He reminded her.
"Did we?" she responded coolly.
"You know we did," He tossed the riding crop down as he stood up; extending his hand to her he didn't bother to look at her. "Dance with your King." He commanded. Sarah rose to her feet, her hand in his. Once on the floor, dancing in the company of the assembled guests he looked down into her eyes. "You still dance well, my dear."
"I don't dance to the same tune, Sire." She addressed him coldly.
"I thought you were fond of that tune," he teased knowing she was about to erupt into a torrent of words that would begin a battle that would be amazing.
"You used that tune to tempt me, and make me forget my purpose in being here." She accused keeping her voice monotone.
Jareth was surprised, and pleased by her restraint. "Your purpose in being here, was to please me Sarah, nothing more, nothing less." He pushed the envelope.
"My purpose was to take back my brother," she disagreed softly, demurely and looked up at him, her green eyes fired with knowledge. "You thief," she mouthed.
"Indian giver," he mouthed.
"Cheat." She whispered.
"Tart." He alleged softly.
"Lying bastard," she pulled her hand free of his.
"Spoiled brat." He said louder. As her hand came up he grabed the wrist, pulling her forward and as their faces came closer he taunted. "What's said is said, pet. You gave him to me. And I was only too happy to take him for you… remember... Everything, everything I did was for you."
"That's a lie," She spat at him. "I know the truth Jareth."
"Truth, pet? What truth?"
"I'm not the wished away child as everyone assumes…. Toby is… and you never intended to give him back… you still intend to take him away. Don't you?" she pulled free of his grip.
"Toby is my heir," Jareth said coolly. "On his eighteenth birthday, he will come here to begin his training and on his twenty-first birthday, he will be crowned the new Goblin King."
The room had hushed; all eyes were on the royal couple.
"You used me as bait with the Trow prince and King to protect Toby…" Sarah said crossing her arms looking very much like Jareth.
"Yes." He admitted.
"Would you have even cared if I had been killed?" she didn't wait for him to answer, rather she turned on her heels and began to climb the stairs. "I've had enough of your party." She announced leaving the ballroom.
Jareth watched her go, a smile on his face. "Damn she's beautiful when she's furious."
Oberon moved to his side. "My boy, don't let her go to bed mad."
"She'll keep," The Goblin King said turning to look in the direction of his mother. "This won't." He glided forward. "Mother, confess. Who is my father? Oberon or one of your other lovers?"
"Other lovers?" she asked amused, "My dear boy, I've had but two loves in my life…Oberon and Ellery."
Ellery and Jareth looked at each other with horror and disdain. "No," they said in unison. Oberon stood beside the High Queen, his mouth agape.
Jareth recomposed himself quickly. "Which of these is my father?" he demanded. "It is my wedding day mother and it is my right to ask."
Seeing no reason to give a quick answer the Lady of the wells asked her son, "Which do you think it is? Which of these do you see yourself mirrored in?"
The three men looked at one another and all three were frowning.
"Oberon," Tatiana said sadly.
"Ellery," whispered Peasblossom from behind the High Queen.
"A Goblin," Perrin offered. "He is his own man."
"Lady," Oberon turned to the lady of the Wells. "Which of us fathered this boy?"
"You both did." She said taking a stance that was stronger than any King's.
"What," a trio of voiced barked.
"Here me out," said the Lady of the Wells. "I have had but two great loves, the High King, and this noble Knight. But I'd a vow never to wed… and the High King was already married to my friend and sister Tatiana. Still I'd a hunger in me to have a child. And so I took from each of you aspects I admired, and created this my son… who developed aspects of strengths that are only his own… You both are his father."
Jareth began to snicker and then laugh, while the High King and the Knight looked horrified; "Mother that is truly twisted!"
"Thank you son," Sulis crowed.
Ellery shook his head, "I don't see it… I see Oberon, but I don't see me."
"Matters not," Oberon said at long last. "I am proud to claim him." He placed a hand on the shoulder of the Goblin King, "My son."
Tatiana gave a wistful smile, "Fitting… very fitting."
Jareth looked about himself, his mother, his fathers both of them, and his court and guests. "Mother, thank you," he kissed the brow of the woman. "Gentlemen," He addressed both the High King and the Knight. He looked over at the Captain of his guard who was smirking at him. "Pray stay and enjoy yourselves, I've a bit of unfinished business with my Queen." He turned and stalked off toward the direction that Sarah had used to escape the room.
Ellery moved to halt the boy and give him advice, only to be stalled by the High King. "Let him go, Ellery…" he suggested softly. "He must find his own way where the Queen is concerned. Advice from either of us at this point would be… aimless."
Ellery pulled back, "I suppose you're right." He watched the young man mount the stairs and turn into an owl. "He's his own man… and always was."
Perrin looked at Daisy, "Not going to protect the Queen?"
An expression of mock surprise covered her face; "From the King are you mad? I like my goblin hide far too much for that kind of foolishness." She turned to move away.
"I'm rather fond of your hide as well," he quipped.
Daisy halted her steps and looked over her shoulder, "I castrated a King, and you think I'd do less to you?"
"I'd take my chances." Perrin moved closer. "You're worth a few stitches here and there."
Daisy laughed, "Go to your willing little maid, Grimmarl, Perrin. I have no desire for a fickle cad like you."
Perrin, unaffected by her words teased. "You've no idea of what you're missing, Daisy."
"I'll live," she said walking away briskly. "I'll live."