Chapter VIII
Jareth sat brooding in the silence of his chamber,
a half-empty bottle of wine at his side. His thoughts swirled uncontrollably
inside his mind. He considered Talius' words, wondering if--perhaps the
old doctor was right. What if Sarah did feel something for him? Something
scratched at his consciousness. A sound--tapping at the door. "Come in."
The door glided open on its hinges, but Jareth heard
no one. Turning, he looked to see what had caused the disturbance. Sarah
stood in his doorway, clad in an ornately embellished dressing gown. The
deep sapphire blue of the silk against the creaminess of her skin was breathtaking.
Lengths of her dark hair hung loose about her shoulders, the curls framing
her face. She came to his side, her bare feet making no sound against the
cool marble beneath them. "Sarah…why are you here?"
She said nothing, extending one hand as if to lead
him. He grasped it, rising from his seat. She tugged gently, leading him
to the windows overlooking the Labyrinth. She released his hand, staring
out. He heard only her breathing.
"I want it."
Her words shattered the stillness. Puzzled by her
statement, he turned his eyes on her. (Which, in his mind, was the lovelier
view.) "What is it you want?"
"It." She pointed. "The Labyrinth."
"Sarah--I cannot understand…"
She gazed up at him. "I want the Labyrinth, Jareth.
I want to rule it."
"Sarah…"
"Make me its Queen."
He was taken aback. *What is she asking?* He knew
of two possible interpretations of her request, one of which made his chest
ache with hope and apprehension. He hesitated. "How?"
"How? How else?" Her lips began to curl into a smile.
"You are the Goblin King. I want to be Queen. What exactly do you think
that desire entails, Jareth?"
"It would mean the joining of you to me…as my partner,
my--bride."
"Would you like that? For me to be your partner?
Your wife?"
Jareth stiffened, dragging his eyes from hers and
turning his gaze to the Labyrinth. "I think that I--would…however…it cannot
be."
"Why? Why can't it?"
Jareth glanced down to the floor before meeting
her stare. "I would rather be certain that you were happy elsewhere. You
are not of this world, and it was wrong of me to bring you here."
"Jareth, please. Listen to me. I am happy
here. This is my home now. What more could I desire? I have everything
I could possibly want…"
"Everything?"
"Everything."
Jareth was quiet for a quick moment, then quirked
an eyebrow at the woman before him. "There is…nothing…you want?"
"No. I have all that I want. There is nothing else
to desire."
He leaned close to her ear, murmuring softly. "Are
you absolutely certain that you desire nothing else, Sarah?"
She tilted her head slightly, cutting her eyes at
him. "Well…there might be one thing left…"
His fingers intertwined with hers, drawing her closer
to his warmth. "Pray tell."
"A ring."
He froze mid-motion, puzzled. "A ring, Sarah?"
Long fingers slid under his coat, tracing slow lines
along his lower spine. "Yes, a ring. A very special ring. And everything
it entails." She paused, her other fingers outlining the embroidery of
his waistcoat. "A crown…a home…a partner…a husband…" She stood on tiptoe,
her breath on his face, her voice dropping to a whisper. "A bed to share.
A life."
"Is that all?" She swore his voice shook.
"Maybe. Maybe not. But I'd love to find out."
He released her hands from his grip, his fingers
finding their way to her face. Cupping her chin, her drew her to him, their
lips meeting in a soft, breathless kiss. Arms sliding around his neck,
Sarah leaned into him, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"Jareth--I--"
"Say nothing. I know what you're about to do--apologize
for the ill will that has been between us. It is nothing. We are of the
here and now. You are my life's blood, Sarah. Join me--be my partner, rule
the Labyrinth by my side, bed with me of nights. Be my bride--my Queen."
His hands were in her hair, on her back, caressing her arms--his lips were
at once on hers, then kissing her fingertips, her throat. It was an intoxication
unlike any other. The rippling haze wavered and Sarah replied.
"Of course."
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