Chapter 5.
The World Tumbled Down.
The sound of her heart pounding so loudly, assured her that she was not dreaming. Neither young nor old, he was a masculine study of eternal male beauty. Jareth was tall for his kind. His power and confidence, evidence of his authority radiated from him within his stillness. Sarah recalled the sensual and erotic dreams that frequently invaded her sleep. Dreams, that teased her with the promise of his intensely passionate connection. He was everything she remembered. Everything she had dreamt. Everything she had fantasized.....and yet everything more.
Jareth smiled then, amusement lighting his eyes momentarily, as though he had read her thoughts. "Welcome home Sarah. I've missed you as well." His voice was beautiful wrapping her in velvet seduction as his lips caressed her hand.
The contact of his lips on her skin caused her heart to slam in her chest hard enough to cause her pain. Realizing guiltily that he had indeed invaded her private thoughts, she angrily pulled her hand from his. Blushing furiously, she stepped back several paces, placing the illusion of safe distance between them, visibly uncomfortable with his invasion of her personal space. Her eyes were flashing murder.
"This is not my home! Send me back right now!" She couldn't believe he had pulled her here. What the hell was he thinking? Yet worse, what were his intentions?
"This is not a good beginning." he thought, his lips tightening into a thin line. "Sarah, you are in no position to make demands of me." His voice was cold and sharp.
"You unbelievable bastard. Send me back." She breathed, eyes narrowed.
Jareth had closed the distance between them so swiftly she had no warning. He stood directly in front of her, affording her an impressive view of his anger. "Remember your manners madam." His eyes softened as she backed away frightened. No, this was defiantly not going well. Softening his tone, he tried to calm his frightened guest. "No one here intends ill for you..especially me, Sarah." His voice was suddenly so soothing and persuasive that she felt her body relaxing, her mind calming itself.
She closed her eyes momentarily, forcing herself to calm down and think rationally. Anger wasn't going to get her very far with him. She remembered her last visit here and how her thoughtless words and feigned bravado had earned her a frantic run from the blades of the cleaners. A cool head and logic was needed. She drew in a deep breath. "Why Jareth?"
"Why have I done this?" without thinking, he reached out a hand to brush a stray tendril of hair away from her face. She had been lovely at the young age of 15. Barely a woman. But now, she was exquisite.
Sarah flinched away as the cool leather briefly touch her skin. Momentary rejection ached in his chest at her reaction to his touch. Obviously she would prove to be more of a challenge than he had initially anticipated. Smiling inwardly, he acknowledged that she would be more than worth the effort. He just had to help her see inside her own heart. Focusing on his task at hand, he slowly started to circle her, "Because you were needed, Sarah. Because you have responsibilities to your subjects, and," he's stopped behind her. His voice was ever so close to her ear, she could feel his breath caress her cheek, "Because it is time for the King of the Labyrinth to claim his chosen Queen."
Her mouth dropped open, anger rising from the depth of her stomach. She turned towards him, not yielding ground, too angry to recognize her fear or screaming voice of self preservation. Her? Queen? That would mean that he would be her......they would be...."Like hell." she said feeling her face flush as the memories of her dreams resurfaced again.
Jareth had watched the play of emotions over her face, as his words registered in her mind. He hadn't missed the way her cheeks flushed and smiled knowingly. Perhaps there was some hope yet.
His eyes settled on Sarah's lips, full and moist. He really didn't want to think how those lips would feel yielding beneath his own, admitting the hard thrust of his tongue, but he thought of it all the same and it had a predictable effect. "Thoughts for a later time." he mused silently.
Back to business, "After all, my Dear," he stated flatly, his eyes becoming cold as ice, "you had a hand in the present situation. I think it only fair that you participate in the solution."
"What are you talking about?" she seemed genuinely offended
"This." He stated ominously, as the room spun. The stone ceiling and walls of the castle vanished to expose the Goblin City, or what was left of it.
The sun was low on the horizon casting a reddish glow on the rubble. She glanced around her, taking in the damaged homes and crumbing walls of the city gates. Small tents dotted the city square, clustered in small groups, some with small cooking fires.
She looked at the people around them, all seemingly oblivious to their presence. Numerous goblins patrolled the area, their amour clanking as they maneuvered around the people and rubble. An Elvin woman sat with a group of female goblins and gnomes, all huddled, seeking the warmth and comforting light of the fire. The woman was shivering. From fear or cold, Sarah couldn't tell. Perhaps both. The feeling of hopelessness was pervasive, accentuated by the damp odor of excrement and smoke.
"I caused this?" Horror in her voice, she looked at Jareth, her eyes wide and incredulous.
"Yes." He spoke more sharply than he intended but there was a limit to his tolerance. Best she learn that now.
"What happened?" She said searching his face.
"War, Sarah. The war that started, the moment you returned Aboveground." He nodded towards the destroyed city. The air filled with misery and distant crying.
"Dear God." She whispered.
Choices
Chapter 6.
Her tea was hot and flavored with honey and anise. She sipped at it slowly, cautiously, somewhat worried that she would begin to feel the warm, floating sensation she associated with enchanted peaches.
He had returned them to the Library, explaining that they had a "long chat" ahead of them. The room was lit by torches and copper braziers filled with glowing coals that made the corners of the room gleam like living fire, while filling the rest of it with dancing shadows.
It was luxuriously appointed with carved wooden furnishings, tapestries and delicately woven rugs to cushion the stone floor. Rows of leather bound books lined the numerous cases around the room.
Her mood had not improved since returning to the castle. Questions, she had so many questions.
Sarah thought about what she had witnessed. The destruction, the fear on the faces of the people. Feeling of guilt hesitantly eased into her soul. Had she had some part in this? If she had, and she would make no decision on that until after their "chat", he would be right. She would have an obligation to help correct things.
Jareth had remained quiet as the tea was served. The young male goblin bowed deeply to his King and nodded briefly at Sarah before exiting the room.
As she absorbed her surroundings, he looked at his Sarah. She had matured into a breathtaking woman. As always, the light blue clarity of her eyes startled him. He felt as though he were staring into the heights of the sky at the peak of the day. Her mouth was very full, soft, and inviting. Too easily, he felt his desire stir to feel it beneath his own.
"Sarah, do you know what a Mageocracy is?" he asked looking at her as he placed his cup down.
Hesitantly she met his gaze. "No." she shook her head softly.
"It is our form of government." He spoke coolly, "The lands of the Underground are ruled by Mages, magical beings, like myself. We obtain our kingdoms partially by strength and skill and partially through cunning. We rule the land, ensure the safety of our people and generally live in peace and harmony with each other."
"Among the Mage counsel, the strongest, most wealthy or otherwise most powerful rule, without election, and the general population subdue themselves willingly, because of traditions or other such reasons." He stated pleasantly.
"Where I come from, that's called a dictatorship." She pointedly retorted.
He regarded her with undisguised distain momentarily, then continued, "In orcish societies, for example, the strongest orc is considered the natural leader, so beating the current clan warlord in a fair duel is the way to ascend to power. Rather than being elected to power, or inheriting it, the ruler or rulers have claimed their position either through strength, wealth or power." He nodded towards her, frowning slightly. "You did exactly that during our last meeting, 11 years ago."
Sarah was caught by surprise and uncertain how to respond to the implication of his explanation. "How?"
"When you asked me to take Toby, you called on me personally. When I allowed you to face the Labyrinth, I accepted your challenge to my authority. To my kind however, it was considered a direct challenge to my position as King, and my rank within the Mage Counsel." His eyes hardened at the unpleasant memory of that confrontation. "I made several enemies when I sent you and Toby home."
"They attacked you because I won?" She asked incredulously.
He nodded. "Partially. After you defeated me, news of your victory spread throughout the Underground. Many of the other Mages believed my loss to be evidence of some great weakness and inability to rule this land. Others were upset because they had lost things dependant upon your failure."
Cautiously, as though testing unknown waters, she asked, "Surely they understood that I had no other choice but to challenge you? I had to win Toby's freedom, Jareth."
He nodded solemnly. "Yes, that was clear to them. However, there was more to our contest than you were aware of."
"I'm not sure I understand completely." She puzzled leaning forward in her chair. "Besides trying to turn Toby into a goblin, what else were you required to do?"
Jareth raised his cup to his lips. He was about to drink when he hesitated. "Your little brother would never have become a goblin, Sarah. The children wished to me become one of us in name only. But, more importantly, is did you learn the moral of the lessons you traversed here?"
Uncomfortably she looked into his mesmerizing eyes. Their masculine beauty captivated as they probed. She shook her head clearing it of the spell he seemed to weave when he looked at her. Damn him. He would bring this up. "I learned not to take things, or people for granted." Sarah replied coolly, refusing to show how deeply his presence unsettled her.
He tsked. "That was the mechanism." He chastised, his tone challenging. "What was the lesson?" He asked pointedly.
"That I nearly lost my brother due to the consequences of a moment of self- centered stupidity." she said, honestly.
Her courage pleased him but he was careful not to show it. Shrugging, he said, "Also mechanism. Come now. You're an educated woman. Look deeper. Beyond the obvious"
She looked at him pointedly, tiring of 20 questions. "That things and people are not always what they seem."
His eyes hardened, as his head tilted slightly to one side. "Think on it." He stood and walked a few paces to an open window.
She thought deeply of her lessons. Friendship overcoming differences, courage overcoming fear. To what end though? To save the brother she loved so dearly. His eyes glittered with encouragement. "That love really does conquer all, including you." She was amazed at how powerful the admission of this realization was.
"Well done, Sarah."
The silence drew out between them. Sarah broke it. "So how do we stop the hostilities?" she asked
Pleased at the use of "we" rather than "I" or "you", he looked at her directly, eyes serious and cold. "I must fulfill my obligation to the Counsel." he stated. "As lord protector of the Underground, I am charged to protect our land from knowledge within the above world."
"By allowing you to come here, attempt the Labyrinth, and win back your brother, I violated a very important law, Sarah." He sighed, resigned to having to tell her the full story. "Your ancient history and myths are full of stories about the Fae. All myths have some basis in fact. We, the Fae, lived between the two worlds for millennia. Our peoples peacefully coexisted, cared for the lands together, and traded skills and goods freely." He gazed wistfully out of the window into the midnight blanket of stars.
"Several thousand of your years ago, circumstances changed. The map of your world was changing, theologies evolved that left little tolerance for the Fae or our society. We became monsters to the new leaders of your society. Creatures of evil used to frighten children and adults into submission. We were hunted down and slaughtered, by the thousands, villages, cities, wiped clean......." He inhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain calm at the horrible memories.
Sarah felt sick with shock. He continued, turning to face her. "We escaped underground through large portals that connect our two worlds, several staying behind with our human friends, to seal the doors shut. They were aware that they would certainly die for their bravery." He paused, compelling her to meet his gaze. "To ensure that it never happens again we keep our contact with the above world rare. Laws were passed requiring mortals granted entrance to our world, to stay. I broke that law by sending you and Toby home when you won."
She felt her face flushing with shock and anger. "I can't go home again." She stated flatly. It wasn't a question. "
He moved to her chair and placed a hand on her shoulder as she turned to look at him. As their eyes met, his softened, seeing the barely contained tears in hers. "No." he stated regretfully.
"What about Toby." She asked, fear filling her eyes.
"He was young enough to not remember his time here. I have secured an agreement with the Mage Counsel for his freedom." He spoke mildly, his thumb feathering back and forth across the skin of her collar bone, sending waves of reassuring warmth through her bloodstream. "But, you're still in danger Sarah."
She looked up, her frightened tear-filled eyes meeting his, "What do you mean?"
Gently, his fingers tangled in her silky hair, his thumb caressing her temple in soothing circles as he spoke. The gesture was intimately protective.
"Right now the mages know of your presence here. They will demand that I lay charges against you for leaving 11 years ago, despite the circumstances. The law is very strict. However, the law also states that members of the royal families are exempted from prosecution. As they are the leading members of this society, they may be required to attend to pressing matters above ground when needed. If they find you my Queen, the charges will have no substance. You will be safe, honored, protected from prosecution, and the alliance I proposed with those who defy me will be as it should be."
"You mean, marry you?" She could barely breath.
"Yes. You must let them find you my Queen, Sarah. It's the only way."
She paled. He had cornered her in his game of chess. But did she want to forfeit the game to him? There was something about him that made her feel safe and secure yet threatened at the same time. Something sensual that pulled at her soul. So what would her choice be? Overwhelmed by fear and the unsettling emotions she decided. "I can't marry you."
He had expected this and was prepared for it. "If you refuse, Toby will be whisked here and I will be forced to charge both you and he with treason. I will refuse of course and the Underground will erupt into full scale war. Please Sarah, reconsider."
"No." Her voice shook as she began to cry. He had checkmate. Humiliated at showing weakness before him, she reluctantly struggled against him when he gently gathered her into his arms. The gentle caress of his hand on her back soothed her into releasing the bottled emotions, as her cheek fell against the silk covering his strong muscles.
He held her then as the storm swept through her and he knew that she was truly seeing what he had conjured not merely with words but with the steel- stark truth of his intent. For if she refused, what he had promised, what had been shown to her in her dream, would come to pass as surely as they stood in this room. Guilt ate at him. He would have no other choice.
"Fine. Damn you." she whispered, knowing that she had no other choice. She would never allow anything to happen to Toby. She couldn't let the Labyrinth and the being in it die. But, damn Jareth for placing her in this position. The frustration of the day erupted and with no warning at all, she pulled back her fist and slammed it straight into his jaw.
***
The World Tumbled Down.
The sound of her heart pounding so loudly, assured her that she was not dreaming. Neither young nor old, he was a masculine study of eternal male beauty. Jareth was tall for his kind. His power and confidence, evidence of his authority radiated from him within his stillness. Sarah recalled the sensual and erotic dreams that frequently invaded her sleep. Dreams, that teased her with the promise of his intensely passionate connection. He was everything she remembered. Everything she had dreamt. Everything she had fantasized.....and yet everything more.
Jareth smiled then, amusement lighting his eyes momentarily, as though he had read her thoughts. "Welcome home Sarah. I've missed you as well." His voice was beautiful wrapping her in velvet seduction as his lips caressed her hand.
The contact of his lips on her skin caused her heart to slam in her chest hard enough to cause her pain. Realizing guiltily that he had indeed invaded her private thoughts, she angrily pulled her hand from his. Blushing furiously, she stepped back several paces, placing the illusion of safe distance between them, visibly uncomfortable with his invasion of her personal space. Her eyes were flashing murder.
"This is not my home! Send me back right now!" She couldn't believe he had pulled her here. What the hell was he thinking? Yet worse, what were his intentions?
"This is not a good beginning." he thought, his lips tightening into a thin line. "Sarah, you are in no position to make demands of me." His voice was cold and sharp.
"You unbelievable bastard. Send me back." She breathed, eyes narrowed.
Jareth had closed the distance between them so swiftly she had no warning. He stood directly in front of her, affording her an impressive view of his anger. "Remember your manners madam." His eyes softened as she backed away frightened. No, this was defiantly not going well. Softening his tone, he tried to calm his frightened guest. "No one here intends ill for you..especially me, Sarah." His voice was suddenly so soothing and persuasive that she felt her body relaxing, her mind calming itself.
She closed her eyes momentarily, forcing herself to calm down and think rationally. Anger wasn't going to get her very far with him. She remembered her last visit here and how her thoughtless words and feigned bravado had earned her a frantic run from the blades of the cleaners. A cool head and logic was needed. She drew in a deep breath. "Why Jareth?"
"Why have I done this?" without thinking, he reached out a hand to brush a stray tendril of hair away from her face. She had been lovely at the young age of 15. Barely a woman. But now, she was exquisite.
Sarah flinched away as the cool leather briefly touch her skin. Momentary rejection ached in his chest at her reaction to his touch. Obviously she would prove to be more of a challenge than he had initially anticipated. Smiling inwardly, he acknowledged that she would be more than worth the effort. He just had to help her see inside her own heart. Focusing on his task at hand, he slowly started to circle her, "Because you were needed, Sarah. Because you have responsibilities to your subjects, and," he's stopped behind her. His voice was ever so close to her ear, she could feel his breath caress her cheek, "Because it is time for the King of the Labyrinth to claim his chosen Queen."
Her mouth dropped open, anger rising from the depth of her stomach. She turned towards him, not yielding ground, too angry to recognize her fear or screaming voice of self preservation. Her? Queen? That would mean that he would be her......they would be...."Like hell." she said feeling her face flush as the memories of her dreams resurfaced again.
Jareth had watched the play of emotions over her face, as his words registered in her mind. He hadn't missed the way her cheeks flushed and smiled knowingly. Perhaps there was some hope yet.
His eyes settled on Sarah's lips, full and moist. He really didn't want to think how those lips would feel yielding beneath his own, admitting the hard thrust of his tongue, but he thought of it all the same and it had a predictable effect. "Thoughts for a later time." he mused silently.
Back to business, "After all, my Dear," he stated flatly, his eyes becoming cold as ice, "you had a hand in the present situation. I think it only fair that you participate in the solution."
"What are you talking about?" she seemed genuinely offended
"This." He stated ominously, as the room spun. The stone ceiling and walls of the castle vanished to expose the Goblin City, or what was left of it.
The sun was low on the horizon casting a reddish glow on the rubble. She glanced around her, taking in the damaged homes and crumbing walls of the city gates. Small tents dotted the city square, clustered in small groups, some with small cooking fires.
She looked at the people around them, all seemingly oblivious to their presence. Numerous goblins patrolled the area, their amour clanking as they maneuvered around the people and rubble. An Elvin woman sat with a group of female goblins and gnomes, all huddled, seeking the warmth and comforting light of the fire. The woman was shivering. From fear or cold, Sarah couldn't tell. Perhaps both. The feeling of hopelessness was pervasive, accentuated by the damp odor of excrement and smoke.
"I caused this?" Horror in her voice, she looked at Jareth, her eyes wide and incredulous.
"Yes." He spoke more sharply than he intended but there was a limit to his tolerance. Best she learn that now.
"What happened?" She said searching his face.
"War, Sarah. The war that started, the moment you returned Aboveground." He nodded towards the destroyed city. The air filled with misery and distant crying.
"Dear God." She whispered.
Choices
Chapter 6.
Her tea was hot and flavored with honey and anise. She sipped at it slowly, cautiously, somewhat worried that she would begin to feel the warm, floating sensation she associated with enchanted peaches.
He had returned them to the Library, explaining that they had a "long chat" ahead of them. The room was lit by torches and copper braziers filled with glowing coals that made the corners of the room gleam like living fire, while filling the rest of it with dancing shadows.
It was luxuriously appointed with carved wooden furnishings, tapestries and delicately woven rugs to cushion the stone floor. Rows of leather bound books lined the numerous cases around the room.
Her mood had not improved since returning to the castle. Questions, she had so many questions.
Sarah thought about what she had witnessed. The destruction, the fear on the faces of the people. Feeling of guilt hesitantly eased into her soul. Had she had some part in this? If she had, and she would make no decision on that until after their "chat", he would be right. She would have an obligation to help correct things.
Jareth had remained quiet as the tea was served. The young male goblin bowed deeply to his King and nodded briefly at Sarah before exiting the room.
As she absorbed her surroundings, he looked at his Sarah. She had matured into a breathtaking woman. As always, the light blue clarity of her eyes startled him. He felt as though he were staring into the heights of the sky at the peak of the day. Her mouth was very full, soft, and inviting. Too easily, he felt his desire stir to feel it beneath his own.
"Sarah, do you know what a Mageocracy is?" he asked looking at her as he placed his cup down.
Hesitantly she met his gaze. "No." she shook her head softly.
"It is our form of government." He spoke coolly, "The lands of the Underground are ruled by Mages, magical beings, like myself. We obtain our kingdoms partially by strength and skill and partially through cunning. We rule the land, ensure the safety of our people and generally live in peace and harmony with each other."
"Among the Mage counsel, the strongest, most wealthy or otherwise most powerful rule, without election, and the general population subdue themselves willingly, because of traditions or other such reasons." He stated pleasantly.
"Where I come from, that's called a dictatorship." She pointedly retorted.
He regarded her with undisguised distain momentarily, then continued, "In orcish societies, for example, the strongest orc is considered the natural leader, so beating the current clan warlord in a fair duel is the way to ascend to power. Rather than being elected to power, or inheriting it, the ruler or rulers have claimed their position either through strength, wealth or power." He nodded towards her, frowning slightly. "You did exactly that during our last meeting, 11 years ago."
Sarah was caught by surprise and uncertain how to respond to the implication of his explanation. "How?"
"When you asked me to take Toby, you called on me personally. When I allowed you to face the Labyrinth, I accepted your challenge to my authority. To my kind however, it was considered a direct challenge to my position as King, and my rank within the Mage Counsel." His eyes hardened at the unpleasant memory of that confrontation. "I made several enemies when I sent you and Toby home."
"They attacked you because I won?" She asked incredulously.
He nodded. "Partially. After you defeated me, news of your victory spread throughout the Underground. Many of the other Mages believed my loss to be evidence of some great weakness and inability to rule this land. Others were upset because they had lost things dependant upon your failure."
Cautiously, as though testing unknown waters, she asked, "Surely they understood that I had no other choice but to challenge you? I had to win Toby's freedom, Jareth."
He nodded solemnly. "Yes, that was clear to them. However, there was more to our contest than you were aware of."
"I'm not sure I understand completely." She puzzled leaning forward in her chair. "Besides trying to turn Toby into a goblin, what else were you required to do?"
Jareth raised his cup to his lips. He was about to drink when he hesitated. "Your little brother would never have become a goblin, Sarah. The children wished to me become one of us in name only. But, more importantly, is did you learn the moral of the lessons you traversed here?"
Uncomfortably she looked into his mesmerizing eyes. Their masculine beauty captivated as they probed. She shook her head clearing it of the spell he seemed to weave when he looked at her. Damn him. He would bring this up. "I learned not to take things, or people for granted." Sarah replied coolly, refusing to show how deeply his presence unsettled her.
He tsked. "That was the mechanism." He chastised, his tone challenging. "What was the lesson?" He asked pointedly.
"That I nearly lost my brother due to the consequences of a moment of self- centered stupidity." she said, honestly.
Her courage pleased him but he was careful not to show it. Shrugging, he said, "Also mechanism. Come now. You're an educated woman. Look deeper. Beyond the obvious"
She looked at him pointedly, tiring of 20 questions. "That things and people are not always what they seem."
His eyes hardened, as his head tilted slightly to one side. "Think on it." He stood and walked a few paces to an open window.
She thought deeply of her lessons. Friendship overcoming differences, courage overcoming fear. To what end though? To save the brother she loved so dearly. His eyes glittered with encouragement. "That love really does conquer all, including you." She was amazed at how powerful the admission of this realization was.
"Well done, Sarah."
The silence drew out between them. Sarah broke it. "So how do we stop the hostilities?" she asked
Pleased at the use of "we" rather than "I" or "you", he looked at her directly, eyes serious and cold. "I must fulfill my obligation to the Counsel." he stated. "As lord protector of the Underground, I am charged to protect our land from knowledge within the above world."
"By allowing you to come here, attempt the Labyrinth, and win back your brother, I violated a very important law, Sarah." He sighed, resigned to having to tell her the full story. "Your ancient history and myths are full of stories about the Fae. All myths have some basis in fact. We, the Fae, lived between the two worlds for millennia. Our peoples peacefully coexisted, cared for the lands together, and traded skills and goods freely." He gazed wistfully out of the window into the midnight blanket of stars.
"Several thousand of your years ago, circumstances changed. The map of your world was changing, theologies evolved that left little tolerance for the Fae or our society. We became monsters to the new leaders of your society. Creatures of evil used to frighten children and adults into submission. We were hunted down and slaughtered, by the thousands, villages, cities, wiped clean......." He inhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain calm at the horrible memories.
Sarah felt sick with shock. He continued, turning to face her. "We escaped underground through large portals that connect our two worlds, several staying behind with our human friends, to seal the doors shut. They were aware that they would certainly die for their bravery." He paused, compelling her to meet his gaze. "To ensure that it never happens again we keep our contact with the above world rare. Laws were passed requiring mortals granted entrance to our world, to stay. I broke that law by sending you and Toby home when you won."
She felt her face flushing with shock and anger. "I can't go home again." She stated flatly. It wasn't a question. "
He moved to her chair and placed a hand on her shoulder as she turned to look at him. As their eyes met, his softened, seeing the barely contained tears in hers. "No." he stated regretfully.
"What about Toby." She asked, fear filling her eyes.
"He was young enough to not remember his time here. I have secured an agreement with the Mage Counsel for his freedom." He spoke mildly, his thumb feathering back and forth across the skin of her collar bone, sending waves of reassuring warmth through her bloodstream. "But, you're still in danger Sarah."
She looked up, her frightened tear-filled eyes meeting his, "What do you mean?"
Gently, his fingers tangled in her silky hair, his thumb caressing her temple in soothing circles as he spoke. The gesture was intimately protective.
"Right now the mages know of your presence here. They will demand that I lay charges against you for leaving 11 years ago, despite the circumstances. The law is very strict. However, the law also states that members of the royal families are exempted from prosecution. As they are the leading members of this society, they may be required to attend to pressing matters above ground when needed. If they find you my Queen, the charges will have no substance. You will be safe, honored, protected from prosecution, and the alliance I proposed with those who defy me will be as it should be."
"You mean, marry you?" She could barely breath.
"Yes. You must let them find you my Queen, Sarah. It's the only way."
She paled. He had cornered her in his game of chess. But did she want to forfeit the game to him? There was something about him that made her feel safe and secure yet threatened at the same time. Something sensual that pulled at her soul. So what would her choice be? Overwhelmed by fear and the unsettling emotions she decided. "I can't marry you."
He had expected this and was prepared for it. "If you refuse, Toby will be whisked here and I will be forced to charge both you and he with treason. I will refuse of course and the Underground will erupt into full scale war. Please Sarah, reconsider."
"No." Her voice shook as she began to cry. He had checkmate. Humiliated at showing weakness before him, she reluctantly struggled against him when he gently gathered her into his arms. The gentle caress of his hand on her back soothed her into releasing the bottled emotions, as her cheek fell against the silk covering his strong muscles.
He held her then as the storm swept through her and he knew that she was truly seeing what he had conjured not merely with words but with the steel- stark truth of his intent. For if she refused, what he had promised, what had been shown to her in her dream, would come to pass as surely as they stood in this room. Guilt ate at him. He would have no other choice.
"Fine. Damn you." she whispered, knowing that she had no other choice. She would never allow anything to happen to Toby. She couldn't let the Labyrinth and the being in it die. But, damn Jareth for placing her in this position. The frustration of the day erupted and with no warning at all, she pulled back her fist and slammed it straight into his jaw.
***