Ch 9 Peaches and Dreams

Sarah's mind was spinning as she slowly walked home from the library. Jareth's question had caught her off guard, and had made subconscious thoughts start to surface. Of course he was right, words held power. So why had she never used the power of her words to simply banish him back to the Underground?

The truth was, she was starting to admit to herself, maybe she didn't want to.

After dinner, Sarah made her way to her room. Closing her door behind her, she turned around to find a card sitting on her vanity.

'Miss Sarah Williams' beautiful script read on the front. She picked the card up and opened it, sitting down.

'You are personally invited to attend the grand masquerade ball of his Royal Majesty, Jareth, King of the Goblins, in celebration of Samhain.

On this night, the worlds are open to each other. Wish yourself to the castle as the clock strikes 7 pm.'

She closed the card and slumped her face onto her palm, contemplating on what she should do. In all honesty, she hadn't even noticed how close they were to Halloween. It was only a week away. She decided she needed to talk to someone, and although she already knew what side Erin would take, she picked up the phone on her desk and dialed her friend.

"Of course you have to go!" Erin squealed on the other end. "A ball with true kings and queens? Fae and other immortal beings? How magical. And romantic."

"I don't think I want romance" Sarah said sternly on her end. "That's the problem."

"I don't understand why not. You said the bond is real. So, doesn't that mean his feelings are real?"

"He's selfish, arrogant, conceited." Sarah replied, thinking of anything to deter the direction of the conversation.

"Bad habits don't necessarily make a bad person" Erin said. "Hey listen, I need to go finish a paper. But I really do think you should go."

Sarah hung up the phone, sighing in defeat.

She stood by her bed, staring nervously at the alarm clock on her nightstand. The time read 6:58 pm. She smoothed her hands over the front of her gown one last time, and readjusted her mask. She had told her father and Irene she was going to a party with Erin, so they wouldn't be expecting her.

She glanced in the mirror one more time, and knew she was as ready as she was ever going to be. She was nervous about Jareth's reaction to her mask, but when she saw it in a dated costume shop she knew it was perfect. Delicate white and tan feathers framed the white mask, and a beautiful carved jewel emblem sat above the small owl nose. While the influence was clear, it was not overdone.

After her dream, she didn't want to wear white again. Instead, to compliment the mask she found a black dress with tan and white accents. The beaded bodice accentuated her figure, while not being as bold as the dress from her dream.

7:00 pm flashed in red across her clock, and she closed her eyes. "I wish I was in the castle beyond the goblin city" she said as she felt a familiar tugging sensation. She opened her eyes and found herself standing in the castle in front of two large wooden doors. Several goblins were posted outside, and they beamed as they recognized her.

They pulled open the doors to reveal a large ballroom filled with beautifully dressed figures, all in masks. She nodded to them as she entered, and then hugged the wall to her right as she slowly surveyed the room. White and blue crystals hung from the ceiling, sending shimmering waves of light across the room.

She was surprised to notice Hoggle in a dress coat, standing next to a table with crystal goblets filled with a light pink liquid set out. She made her way over to him, and when she pulled down her mask he seemed shock to see her.

"I didn't think you would actually come" he said, giving her a hug as she pulled the mask back on.

"How could I miss a magical ball?" She said. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm in charge of keeping the goblins out of the way" he replied, puffing out his chest some. She laughed as she noticed several under the table next to them. One held out a goblet to her, and she took a sip. It tasted light and sweet, with a familiar undertone that she couldn't quite put her finger on. She eagerly finished the drink and reached for a second one, eyes still surveying the room.

She finally found the figure she was looking for, and her stomach did a small flip. Jareth stood across the room, speaking with several older figures. He wore a deep burgundy coat over a black shirt and pants. His mask resembled a goblin's face, and she found it very fitting.

She watched him for a while, trying to work up the courage to go over to him. It was on her fourth goblet that she noticed a familiar buzzing in her head.

"Hoggle," she asked, "what exactly is this drink?"

"Oh, it's his majesty's special peach wine" Hoggle replied sheepishly, glancing away as he answered and rubbing his head.

Sarah groaned internally. Jareth and his damn peaches, and now she was feeling far more buzzed than she would have preferred being in this situation. She sighed and set the empty glass down as she finally noticed the Goblin King standing alone, deciding it was now or never.

She wove her way through the crowd to his side, giving a deep curtsy as she arrived.

"Your Majesty" she said as she rose back up and he turned to greet her. He had a look of boredom across his face, another guest he had to play nice with, but his eyes momentarily grew wide as recognition crossed his face.

"Sarah" he said, giving her his full attention as she noticed his eyes roam down her body before quickly raising to meet hers. "This is a most pleasant surprise."

Right as he spoke, the music changed to a slower melody, and he held out his hand to her in invitation to dance. She hesitated momentarily before placing her hand in his, and he pulled her out onto the dance floor, his other hand resting lightly on her lower back.

Although her other recent visits to the Labyrinth had felt real, being there in her physical body was a completely different experience. She could feel the power rolling off Jareth, and jolts where his hands met her body. She tried to keep a clear head as they slowly spun around the room, but his electric pull alone was almost intoxicating.

"I am a little surprised you came" he confessed after a moment, not taking his eyes off hers.

Trying to use the wine to her advantage, she decided to work up some liquid courage. "I wanted to know what your game was" she finally replied.

He cocked his head slightly to the side, a mischievous grin flashing at her from under his mask. "Why, to win over the great Sarah Williams, of course."

"See" she scolded accusingly, pulling back from him slightly. "That game. What are you really after?"

"Oh precious" he purred, pulling her closer again. "There is no game. Can't you see how everything I've done is for you? All I've ever asked in return is for you to be mine."

"You've had a cruel way of showing it," she replied softly, knowing that she was standing on a dangerous precipice. Her head swam slightly, and she became hypervigilant of the way his warm hand lightly squeezed her own.

"Cruel?" He asked, leaning down and bringing his face closer to her own.

"I was a child" she said slowly. "You kidnapped my brother. You chased me through your Labyrinth. You tried to kill me with your cleaners. You were arrogant, and condescending, and selfish. You drugged me and you tricked me. Only then to ask for my love? You were the villain, not the hero. I would call that cruel."

He chuckled softly as he lightly brushed her ear with his nose, inhaling her delicate scent. "I merely did as I have always done. You wished your brother away, I complied. You ran my Labyrinth, as so many do, and I tried to stop you, as I have done time and time again to others. You were never in real danger, as I would have saved you if need be. Yet you needed no saving, with your fire and your drive. And you then rightly proclaimed I had no power over you, while not realizing how much you hold over me." He began to trace small circles up her back, and she shivered from the contact. "You are right. I have been called selfish, and cruel, and much more. But would you take me any other way? When every other relationship in your life has dulled quickly in your mind and your heart?"

The tempo changed slightly, and he spun her out and in a circle before pulling her even tighter against him. She gasped as she felt his hard body pressed lightly against her own, and she could feel herself melting into him. He nuzzled slightly into her neck, his lips hovering over her skin, warm breath sending chills down her spine. She held her breath, not daring to move on her own.

"I can feel your attraction" he said. "Every hitch of your breath, every stutter of your heartbeat. I am who I am, and the very essence of my being excites you. And have I not played fair? Following your mortal ways, appeasing your wishes to become more acquainted with one another? Even as your own cruel eyes continue to torment me so."

"Imagine" he said gently as the pace of the music slowed once more and his grip on her loosened slightly, "spending millennia feeling the pull of a soul that isn't even born yet."

The song ended, and he pulled away to once again look down at her. She gazed into his eyes, momentarily lost in his confession. She reached up slowly and pulled his mask away, revealing the sincerity on his face.

He cupped her cheek in his hand and traced the lines of her face with his thumb. She leaned slightly into his touch, conscious of the subtle shift in their relationship she was falling into. Suddenly, she felt him stiffen as his gaze shifted over her shoulder. A slight hiss escaped from his lips as his eyes narrowed and his hand dropped from her face.

"My king" a clear crystal voice said from over Sarah's shoulder, causing her to turn and follow Jareth's glare.

A beautiful woman stood a few feet away, tall and regal. Long blond hair cascaded down her back in golden waves. Piercing blue eyes glanced at Sarah momentarily before returning back to Jareth, fixing him in a seductive gaze. "I was hoping you would have time to spare a dance for your betrothed."

Another low curse escaped under Jareth's breath, before he looked again down at Sarah.

"I am sorry, precious" he said softly to her. "For formality's sake, I must. Please, wait for me?"

She nodded numbly, and he briefly lifted her hand to his lips before letting it go and offering the hand to Lady Alvaria. The beautiful Fae briefly smirked in Sarah's direction before allowing Jareth to lead her into the dancing mass of bodies, his mask again covering his face.

Sarah once again stood next to the wine table, the sixth goblet in her hand quickly emptying. Hoggle shifted nervously next to her, uncomfortable in the tense silence that surrounded them.

She glared and downed the rest of the glass as she watched Lady Alvaria ruthlessly pull Jareth into yet another dance. Twice he had escaped her, but other royal guests that had been vying for his attention all night had managed to stop him every time he began in Sarah's direction. Each time they left the vixen had been waiting, ready to pounce.

She handed the empty glass to a passing goblin and grabbed another off the table.

"Maybe you've had enough..." Hoggle began, but was silenced by the hostile stare that momentarily turned his way.

'Who does she think she is?' Sarah thought to herself, feeling her temper flair.

'His betrothed' her internal dialogue answered itself, and she huffed as she took another drink from the glass. She paused as she thought of her current mood.

"Am I jealous?" She didn't realize she had spoken the words out loud until she heard Hoggle scoff next to her. She shot him another look, but lost her footing for a moment and realized she should probably sit down. She handed him her half full glass, noticing a look of relief on his face, and used the wall to guide herself to a bench in the corner.

She contemplated on her thoughts as she watched the couple spin around the room. Jareth's posture was stiff and formal, but his partner was practically throwing herself at him. She wrapped her arm around his shoulder, and Sarah watched as she played with a piece of hair at the nape of Jareth's neck.

SHE should be playing with his hair, not this harpy that had flown in to steal what was clearly hers. The room spun momentarily as she pondered on her possessive feelings. She closed her eyes to steady herself, and opened them back up to see that Jareth and Lady Alvaria had danced closer.

The music ended, and Sarah watched as Jareth bowed his head and attempted to pull away. However, Lady Alvaria kept a grip on his hand and attempted to pull him back in, flashing him a tantalizing smile as she batted her eyes at him. Sarah could feel the anger growing in her, and decided it was time she get her second dance.

She stood and walked to the couple, attempting to keep her posture straight. "Excuse me" she said resolutely as she reached them, causing Lady Alvaria to turn in her direction. "I believe I am long overdue for another dance."

Lady Alvaria expression soured at the interruption, but Jareth's eyes sparkled as he grinned at Sarah's words.

"She is right" he said formally, dropping the Lady's hand. "I must attend to all my guests." As he moved to pull away, Lady Alvarie put a hand on his arm to block his way.

"Surely this little girl isn't worthy of the great Goblin King's time," she replied seductively, running her other hand lightly up his chest. He scowled, and grabbed her wrist to stop her hand's ascent, but Sarah stepped in before he could make any further moves.

She placed her hand on his other arm and moved in between his body and Lady Alvaria, glaring at the beautiful Fae woman. "I believe it is clear he is choosing to dance with me" she said sternly, raising her chin to meet the woman's eyes. "So, if you would be so kind as to bugger off, I would like to enjoy my time with my King."

Lady Alvaria looked between the two momentarily before storming away, a look of annoyance clear on her face. Sarah followed her exit before turning to look back at Jareth, and caught him staring at her with a look of pure amusement and adoration.

"My king?" He asked with a chuckle, lifting an eyebrow at her.

Sarah hiccupped nervously, hoping he wouldn't notice. "She's rather pompous" she finally replied, trying to focus on her words as the world once again spun around her.

Jareth chuckled again, before seemingly noticing her intoxicated state. "Sarah, dear, are you alright?" he began when she suddenly felt a small heave in her stomach.

"I think I'm going to be sick" she said quickly, putting her hand to her mouth as a look of horror flashed across his face. She briefly noticed him lift his hand before she closed her eyes to stop the spinning, and she felt her world falling around her as her being was tugged in every which way, spinning towards the ground.

Suddenly the falling stopped, and she felt as if she was surrounded by clouds. Was she floating? She felt a warmth pulling away from her, and she instinctively reached out to it. She opened her eyes and found herself in her room, laying on her bed. Jareth was leaning over her, and she realized he must have brought her here and carried her to bed. She groaned slightly as the vision again spun, and closed her eyes.

She heard a soft chuckle as she felt him brush a strand of hair out of her face. "What is it with you and peaches?" She croaked, refusing to open her eyes.

"I see you enjoyed my wine" he said, amusement in his voice.

"It's horrible vile stuff" she replied, suppressing another wave of nausea.

"There is a glass of water next to your bed" she heard his voice, much closer than she anticipated as she felt his hot breath along the side of her face.

Jareth knelt and placed a light kiss on her forehead, memorizing the feeling of her soft skin beneath his lips. He stood and turned to leave, but a soft voice pulled him back.

"Don't leave?" He was unsure if it was a question or a demand, but turned back to see Sarah staring at him from under a wave of dark hair that had fallen in her face. He paused for a moment, before returning to the bed and sitting down. He leaned back against the pillows piled against the headrest, and noticed her hand gingerly sliding towards him. He laughed softly as he gathered her in his arms and pulled her to him, laying her head against his chest. "Whatever will the court say, once they realize the Goblin King has left his own party?"

Sarah simply shrugged as she settled down into the warmth, feeling her stomach calm as she relaxed. She felt his hand smoothing her hair, and closed her eyes. She felt his chest vibrate as he began to hum a familiar tune to her, and she lifted her head to shoot a sharp look at him.

"I thought you said you didn't have any control over your drugged peach-induced dream" she accused. "How would that song have been in it then?"

He chuckled softly as he continued to stroke her hair, settling her head back on his chest. "I didn't control anything you dreamed. However, that doesn't mean I didn't sing to you as you slept."

Sarah decided it was probably best to just accept his words for now, and slipped into a deep sleep, dreaming of nothing that night save a long, continuous dance under the stars.