LABYRINTH THE RETURN PT 2
Jareth stopped suddenly. What was he doing? What would he do if
she would reject him? No. He didn't want to think about that now that he
was enjoying himself.
"What is it?" she asked, not wanting to ruin the rest of the day.
She had learned so much being alone with him.
"Your room." he answered.
"Oh." she said sadly. She dreaded the thought of being locked in
her room again.
"You do not have to stay in your room if you do not wish. I trust
you Sarah." he said, starting to walk away.
"Wait a minute!" she called. "Where are you going?" she asked when
she saw him turn around.
"Why?" he asked coolly, a faint smile crossing his face.
"I was just wondering." she replied, as he came nearer.
Jareth stopped in front of her, the smile still creasing his lips.
He could stare at her forever and a day. She consumed his thoughts so
much that he had lost all concentration. What was he to do?
"What now?" she asked, feeling his eyes burn into her soul.
"Only you." he answered.
Sarah felt a twinge of excitement at his words. What was this
feeling she had whenever he was around? It was something that she had
never experienced before. She turned from him to face her door,
feeling her face flush. She was unsure of everything now and needed
time to think it through.
"Goodnight." she said, placing her hand on the knob. She felt
Jareth's hand on her shoulder. "Did you want something?" she asked
as she felt him grasp her shoulder more tightly.
"What I want I cannot have." he whispered softly, spinning her
around to look at her.
"And what's that?" she asked. She now felt exhausted from the
events of the day.
"You Sarah." he replied, staring at her.
"What do you mean? You have brought me here to your castle. What
more is there?" she asked, perceiving now what he meant.
Jareth could resist no longer. He pulled her to him and covered her
lips with his own. The kiss deepened, bringing about a hunger for her
that he had to contain. He felt his lips burning more and more with
each passing moment.
An instant later it was over. Sarah's face was blank. She hadn't
expected him to kiss her so soon. She also didn't expect to enjoy it
as much as she did.
"Goodnight Sarah." Jareth said, leaving her alone in front of her
door.
She watched him disappear down the hall and out of sight. Turning
the knob to her door, she entered her room and leaned against the
door. She lifted her fingers to her lips. She could still feel his
kiss. Her mind was ablaze with everything that had happened today.
Exhausted, Sarah fell fast asleep.
Standing outside her door, lurking in the shadows, Jareth watched
silently. He would always watch over her. He knew her curiosity, so
therefore he would wait until he was sure she was in for the night.
He thought about his day with her. He could tell that she was
enjoying herself. He knew that he could spend countless hours with
her and still want more.
Jareth reflected on the kiss. He couldn't resist his desire any
longer. At first, he felt bad about it, but when he realized that she
wasn't resisting, that pleased him. Her lips still burnt into his.
It was the most gratifying feeling he has had for such a long time.
Never before had he cared so much for anyone or anything for that
matter.
Realizing she must be asleep, he retired to his room, although he
rarely ever slept. His thoughts were filled with Sarah. He only
wished that she would feel the same. In time perhaps, but for now he
had to manage his emotions concerning her. He sat alone in the dim
light. There was nothing in his room but a bed and a night table. It
was as barren as a desert but he didn't care. The only thing in his
room that held any meaning for him was a small photograph of Sarah.
He had it in his possession ever since that night he took her brother
Toby. It was the one thing that nobody knew he had.
Staring at the photo, the same one he had stared at a million times
before, he has come to realize just how much Sarah meant to him. He
knew that he had to have her with him but didn't know the real reason
why. Now he knew. He, of all people, had fallen hopelessly in love
with Sarah. He had never had feelings for anyone before. He never
thought he would. Somehow all that changed when he saw Sarah.
Jareth put the photograph back on his stand and stretched out on his
bed. Relaxed, he fell asleep for the first time in ages. He had
never slept as well as he did that night. He awoke the next morning,
refreshed and feeling like a new man. Never had he felt so good. He
left his room to attend to a few things before he would see Sarah.
~~~~~~
Sarah, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, got dressed within minutes.
Soon she was exploring the castle on her own. To her surprise, she
remembered everything Jareth had told her the day before. She turned
the corner to find herself in unfamiliar surroundings, a part of the
castle Jareth didn't show her. Was he keeping a secret? Driven by
her curiosity, she cautiously moved down the hall.
There was little lighting to brighten the darkness. So far she had
not seen anything and then she saw a door. A single torch was lit
beside it.
Sarah looked at the door. It was covered with gold plating. Looking
closer, she realized she was looking at the labyrinth. She could make
out the faint outline of Jareth's face. Studying the door more
closely, she became aware of her name inscribed on the handle. "This
must be Jareth's room." she said softly to herself.
Sarah placed her hand on the handle and began to turn it when
suddenly Jareth startled her from behind.
"Sarah?" Jareth said softly.
Sarah spun around quickly to see Jareth standing before her. He had
a faint smile on his face as though he were slightly amused.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I-ah, well I kinda got lost." she answered. She didn't want to
tell him she had been snooping around.
"That's obvious."
"What shall I do today?" she asked.
"You shall see a friend."
"A friend? Who?" she asked.
"Come with me." Jareth said. He knew that she now knows that this
is his room. Would she have went in had he not been there to stop
her? Does it really matter?
"Where are we going?" she asked. She would snoop around his room
some other time.
"Do you want to have breakfast?"
"Well, yes but..."
"If you wish to eat then you will have to come with me." he said
coolly.
"Alright. What are you doing today? Is it anything I can help you
with?" she asked pleasantly.
"What I will do, you cannot help with. Besides, I already made plans
for you." he answered.
"What plans?" she asked
"Don't sound so hurt. They are something you will enjoy, I promise."
he replied.
"Well, what are they?"
"Let's just say you will be surprised."
"Come on tell me." she implored.
"Not yet." he answered. He knew that he had peaked her curiosity.
He relished every minute of it. Taking her hand, he led her to the
dining hall. All that time, she kept asking and he kept the secret
well. They emerged in the dining hall minutes later, where the
goblins had already gathered. As soon as they stepped into the room,
the goblins fell silent and watched as their king led Sarah to her seat.
They ate together, again enjoying each others' company. At the end
of the meal, Sarah's surprise came into view. She couldn't believe it.
"Hoggle!" she called across the room.
"He will come to you Sarah. He knows you are here." Jareth said,
glancing over at her.
"How did he know?"
"Why I told him of course. The day I came for you, he knew." Jareth
replied.
Just as Jareth had told her, Hoggle saw her. He made his way across
the crowded room. With a large, warm smile on his lips, he rushed to
greet her.
"How ya doin' Sarah?" he asked in his usual manner.
"Hi Hoggle." Sarah said, beaming.
Hoggle looked at Jareth then back to Sarah. "How are you?" he
asked, concern lacing his words.
"Fine Hoggle." she replied.
"Hoggle, you are to show Sarah around the Labyrinth." Jareth said, a
stern look on his face.
"The Labyrinth?" Hoggle asked, puzzled.
"Yes. Show her everything. Well at least everything you can in the
day." Jareth replied.
"Y-yes your majesty." Hoggle said nervously.
"I shall see you later Sarah. Enjoy your day." Jareth said, a faint
smile crossing his face only momentarily.
"I will."
"Have her back by dinner time Hoggle." he said, with an icy glare.
"Y-yes your highness." Hoggle responded, afraid of his king and what
could happen if he disobeyed.
Jareth left the room without another word. He hated leaving Sarah,
but he had things to do. Soon he would have to have Sarah accompany
him in his duties as soon as she becomes his queen in all aspects. He
hoped it would be soon.
Hoggle sat quietly, unaware that Sarah was ready to leave. She
leaned over and tapped his shoulder. Just as she knew he would,
Hoggle jumped as though he had been alone.
"Why are you so jumpy?" she asked laughing.
"Who? Me?" he replied in a hurt tone.
"Yeah."
"Well, it ain't every day thats the king wishes I come to the castle.
I don't do nothin' to upset 'em."
"Calm down will you? Can we go now?" she asked, already heading for
the door.
"Go?" he asked.
"The Labyrinth. You're supposed to show me around it, remember?"
"Oh yeah." he said with a laugh. "Let's go now. Can't be late
gettin' back." Hoggle said. He heard Jareth's words echo through his
head.
Sarah remembered the room. "Wait a minute." Sarah turned to one of
the goblins she could remember the name of. "Crack."
"Huh?" the goblin answered.
"Where is your king?" she asked.
"Gone."
"Where?" she asked, frustrated.
"Past the wall."
"Are you sure?" she asked, she didn't intend on getting caught this
time.
"Yep."
"For how long?"
"Dunno."
"Thanks." she said with a smile. Goblins weren't very smart. She
wondered how they could have lived so long with what little brains
they had.
Sarah wondered if Jareth would catch her this time. Did she care?
The worst thing he would do to her would be to lock her in her room
again. She could handle that. She had to get into that room. If she
could succeed, she could find out what he was truly like. He had to
have some hidden secret. Every one does. His would be in his room.
Hoggle looked at Sarah. He could tell she was thinking up some idea
that he wouldn't approve of.
"Hoggle, I have an idea." Sarah said with a curious look. That same
look that got them into trouble once before.
"Nope. No way. I don't know what it is but it can't be good." he
replied. Hoggle placed his hands on his hips as if to tell her no way
again.
"Oh come on Hoggle. Where's your sense of adventure?" she asked, a
smile crossing her face.
"I ain't never liked adventure. You knows that. I knows what I can
and can't do. I ain't doin' anythin' different." he replied, folding
his arms across his chest.
"Not even for me?" she asked with a pouty look.
Hoggle's attitude softened. "Well, maybe just this once." he
responded hesitantly.
"Great!" Sarah exclaimed, flashing him a warm smile. She knew he'd
do it. "Let's go." she said walking out the doorway.
"Where?" he asked, following her.
"There is something I want to check out here in the castle before we
head for the Labyrinth." she said, careful not to tell him exactly
what it really was.
"What?" he questioned.
"A room." she answered, not revealing who's it was.
"What kinda room?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.
"It's just a room Hoggle. If you don't want to come in with me, you
don't to." she said, picking up her pace.
Hoggle walked hurriedly behind her, scarcely having time to speak.
He followed her down hallway after hallway until finally, she stopped
in front of a door at the end of the hall. Hoggle took one look at
the door and stepped away from it. He knew what the room was and now
he feared that Jareth would find them there. Hoggle could feel the
wrath of anger Jareth would display already.
"No Sarah. Don't go in there."
"I'm going in there Hoggle. I have to."
"Why?" he asked.
"I must. I can't explain it right now Hoggle, but the only way I'm
going to find out what I need to know is if I do this." she said
softly.
"What do ya want to knows? Ask me, I'll tell ya all about 'em." he
said nervously.
"No. There are things that nobody can possibly know and they are
behind this door." she said, turning the knob slowly. "I'll only be
a minute."
The door swung open. Sarah peered into the room through the vast
darkness. She took a step forward and stopped. Sarah grabbed the
torch from the hall and carried it in with her. The door swung shut
behind her. Startled briefly, she quickly regained her composure and
searched the walls for a switch. So far the wall had been bare.
Finally she found a switch and within seconds, the room flooded with
light. Sarah could hardly believe what she saw. The room was empty
except for a small table and a bed. Nothing else was visible anywhere.
She crossed the room toward the bed. Sitting down, something caught
her eye. It was a picture of her. He kept her picture beside his
bed. She wondered why. She was beginning to understand how much she
really meant to him. She put the picture back and walked to the door.
Hoggle was waiting outside.
"Can we go now?" he asked, watching the hallway for any sign of
Jareth.
"Yeah, sure." Sarah replied, her mind still on her picture.
Hoggle quickly led her back down the hallway and out into the
Labyrinth. He didn't say a word, but Sarah wouldn't have noticed
anyway.
Sarah felt the sunlight on her face. It was a welcomed warmth. The
Labyrinth was just as she remembered it. It hadn't changed a bit.
Following Hoggle throughout the day, Sarah learned more and more
about the place that she would spend the rest of her life. She
wondered if she would like it here for that long.
Sarah had never realized how much there was to the Labyrinth. She
learned all that she could before they had to return to the castle.
She held a new respect for Jareth's Labyrinth that she might never
have thought possible. Before her eyes, a wondrous new world opened
up to her for the taking. It was unlike anything she had ever known.
Returning to the castle was easier than she thought it would be. She
remembered everything Hoggle had showed her. She led him back with
ease.
Walking into the castle, they joked about their day, unaware that
Jareth was watching. He envied Hoggle's friendship with Sarah. He
had to learn to control his emotions where Sarah was concerned.
Jealousy held no place with her, but friendship meant a great deal.
Jareth knew that he would have to get use to the friends she made when
she was here. Friendships can last a lifetime.
Jareth disappeared into the darkness of the shadows and back to the
throne room. Lounging on his throne, he waited for Sarah to appear.
He could hear laughter from the hall. He would have to be nice to
Hoggle now, for Sarah. He hated the word 'nice'. He had never in all
his years been nice to anyone. He never thought he would have to. It
didn't seem to matter, now that Sarah was here with him.
Jareth heard their laughing grow louder in the hall. Sarah entered
the room with Hoggle. She could light up the room just by being
there. Jareth saw her look at him. It filled him with a pleasant
warmth.
Flashing Jareth a warm, happy smile, Sarah sat at the table with
Hoggle beside her. Jareth returned a smile of his own. She looked so
happy to him making him wonder what they had done all day. Should he
care? After all, isn't her happiness the most important thing? He
knew that it was. She was the one person he would trust.
Jareth could scarcely believe how happy she appeared to be. Not at
all as mean and hateful as when she first arrived. Gazing at her
beauty, he hoped that he would one day be as happy. He wondered what
happiness felt like. He had never once been truly happy. Getting up
from his throne, Jareth walked over to Sarah. He didn't have to say a
word, she knew he was there.
Looking up at him, she couldn't have told him how she felt because
she didn't understand it completely herself. All that she knew was
that she would never want to leave this place. She didn't know if she
could leave the possibility of a relationship with Jareth. He was the
only man that has ever cared so much about her, the one man that has
made her care for something other than herself. She wasn't sure what
love felt like but was certain that she could fall for Jareth.
"Are you hungry?" Jareth asked.
"Starving. What about you Hoggle?" she asked in her usual tone.
"Don't matter." he replied.
"Don't say that. It matters to me." Sarah said, looking up at Jareth.
"Stay and eat with us Hoggle." Jareth said cordially, catching
Sarah's hint.
"No I-I can't." Hoggle replied nervously.
"Nonsense Hoggle." Jareth replied. "Sam set another place at the
table beside Sarah. Hoggle will be joining us." he said to a large
goblin at his right.
"Yes, your highness." Sam responded, trotting off to do as he was
told.
"Well, I 'spose I could stay awhile longer." Hoggle said
cautiously, wondering about the kings' change in behavior.
"Great!" Sarah exclaimed happily.
Hoggle looked at the king. Jareth was watching Sarah. He noticed
that Sarah was happy with the king but wondered why. Hoggle never
thought the king could ever find someone that would want to stay here
with him. He was happy that it was his friend that Jareth picked.
Deciding to leave the two of them alone for awhile, Hoggle got up and
went to talk to one of the goblins. If this is what Sarah wanted,
then he would be happy for her. He only hoped that she knew what she
was getting into.
"Thank you." Sarah whispered to Jareth, who was now sitting beside
her.
"You are welcome." Jareth responded softly, reaching over to take
her hand. Holding her hand in his, he leaned over and nervously
whispered in her ear. "I love you."
"I know." she whispered back. She couldn't tell him that she loved
him back. It wouldn't be fair to him. She wasn't sure if it was love
that she felt or if it was just infatuation. She had to be sure
before she could tell him anything.
Jareth smiled at her, kissed her gently on the cheek and stood up.
He had never told anyone that he loved them. It almost seemed
impossible, but he did truly love her. He couldn't imagine her not
being here with him.
"Where are you going? Please don't go." she said not wanting
anything to ruin the moment. This was the first time that Jareth had
genuinely showed his true self, and he was leaving.
"I shall be right back. I promise." he replied. Jareth crossed the
room and walked out the door.
Sarah watched him leave then walked over to Hoggle. She sat down and
rested her head in her hands. What would she say? She couldn't talk
to him could she?
Hoggle noticed the look on Sarah's face. He had never seen that look
from her before. She looked so distant like she was in a far off
place with almost no hope of getting back. Hoggle couldn't stand it
any longer. He had to know why.
"Sarah, anythin' wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing." she replied solemnly.
"Come on Sarah, tell me." he said in a concerned voice.
"Nothing really. I'm not sure about something and I don't have
anyone who would understand. I don't have anyone I can really talk
to about it here. Oh, I wish my mother was here." she replied with a
sigh.
"And what am I?" Hoggle said, somewhat upset. "I'm your friend
ain't I?"
"Well, yes. Of course you're my friend. You're my best friend
Hoggle." she said.
"Well then, you can talk to me." Hoggle said, proud of his
friendship to her.
"But what do you know about love?" she asked, frustrated.
"Plenty. Just because I don't have someone of me own doesn't mean
that I don't know nothin' about it."
"I'm just confused." Sarah said.
"About what?"
"Oh, everything. My feelings, Jareth, me, what am I supposed to do?
I'm not sure of anything any more." Sarah said, burying her face in
her hands.
Hoggle scratched his head in thought. He hated seeing her like this.
It was upsetting. "It's not 'sposed to be easy. Me mother always
said that nothin' good comes easy." he said finally.
Sarah raised her head to look at him. A small smile creased her
lips. He sounded like her father. Oh how she missed him.
"You see, you're 'sposed to be confused so that you think about it.
You can't do anything important unless you have thought it completely
through. Then and only then will you know it is right." Hoggle
told her. He too had loved, but he lost his love many years ago.
"Thanks." Sarah said happily. His words were words of wisdom. He
was more knowledgeable than he let on. She was feeling better now.
"What are friends for?" he responded, smiling widely.
"What about Jareth?" she asked.
"What about him?"
"I know he loves me, he said so himself." she began.
"So?" Hoggle questioned.
"Well, why would he want to be at my side one minute, then choose to
leave me alone the next?"
"It's like this. The king has never loved or cared about anyone or
anything before in all his life. It is a new feeling for him and he
has to get use to it. He's changed, we can all tell. Every goblin
here knows. I know. The change is because of you Sarah." he said.
"Me?" she replied, surprised.
"Yes. Don't tell me you haven't noticed. Why he'd do anythin' you
ask him to." Hoggle answered.
"You really think so?" she asked, unsure.
"Of course, why else would he have had me stay to eat? He knew it
would please you." Hoggle said.
"You're probably right."
"I knows I am." he insisted.
Sarah smiled her usual smile and Hoggle chuckled. With the serious
talk over, they chose to talk of lighter subjects. They were still
talking and laughing when Jareth came back. They watched him as he
walked near. Sarah's heart pounded with each step.
Jareth held his hand out to her.
Sarah looked at Hoggle, who nodded, then took Jareth's hand. He
pulled her to her feet and led her to the throne. She sat down as he
called the goblins' attention. The room grew quiet.
"Sarah, they would like to give you a gift." Jareth said.
"What?"
"Hoggle, would you do the honors?" he asked pleasantly.
"Yes your majesty." Hoggle answered.
The goblins cleared a path for Hoggle up to the throne. They all
watched closely without a sound. The goblins were anxious to see her
receive their gift.
Sarah wasn't sure what was happening until Hoggle placed something on
her head. She reached up to touch it. It was a crown. She couldn't
understand why they would give her a crown but was overwhelmed by the
gift.
The goblins all cheered as Jareth helped her to her feet. She stood
beside the king and the goblins bowed down out of respect.
"You are their queen Sarah." Jareth said, looking out over the
goblins.
"But we aren't married or anything." she replied.
"It makes no difference to them. As soon as you set foot back in my
kingdom, they considered you their queen." Jareth explained.
Sarah looked out at all the goblins. "Thank you all for your
wonderful gift."
"Spoken like a true queen." Jareth whispered.
Sarah didn't reply. Was there some hidden motive behind this? Did
he wish to rush her decision of whether or not to marry him? She had
only been there for two days. Was it some sort of game? She didn't
know and didn't want to think about it right now.
Sarah caught a glimpse of something, rather someone peculiar at the
back of the room. Someone she had never seen before.
"Jareth."
"Yes?" he answered, caught up in the event. "What?"
"Who is that? I don't remember ever seeing them before." Sarah
replied.
"Where?" Jareth asked, now growing serious.
"At the back of the room, by the doorway."
Jareth looked and saw her. His expression turned to disgust. He
knew who it was. He saw Hoggle approaching. He too had seen her as
did Crack and Sam.
"Sam!" Jareth called.
"Yes your highness." he answered, coming before the king.
"Jade was just here. Find her and get her out of my castle." Jareth
commanded in an angry tone. "Take Hoggle, Crack, and a few others
with you."
"Yes your highness." he answered obediently.
Sarah was confused. She watched Hoggle and the goblins leave the
room and looked to Jareth. His expression was unlike any she had ever
seen. She didn't know what to do. She watched him stand there in the
middle of the room and wondered if he would tell her what all this was
about.
Jareth noticed her glance. Walking to her, he took her in his arms
and held her tight. He said not a word.
Sarah felt his strong arms around her and felt safe. Whoever that
was must have upset him tremendously. He has never held her like this
before. It felt right. She now knew what love felt like. She knew
that no matter what happened, she would never leave him. She realized
that even though she had not been here long, she had fallen in love
with him and wouldn't want it any other way. It didn't take weeks,
months or years. It only took a couple of days for her to know what
she felt.
Jareth stopped suddenly. What was he doing? What would he do if
she would reject him? No. He didn't want to think about that now that he
was enjoying himself.
"What is it?" she asked, not wanting to ruin the rest of the day.
She had learned so much being alone with him.
"Your room." he answered.
"Oh." she said sadly. She dreaded the thought of being locked in
her room again.
"You do not have to stay in your room if you do not wish. I trust
you Sarah." he said, starting to walk away.
"Wait a minute!" she called. "Where are you going?" she asked when
she saw him turn around.
"Why?" he asked coolly, a faint smile crossing his face.
"I was just wondering." she replied, as he came nearer.
Jareth stopped in front of her, the smile still creasing his lips.
He could stare at her forever and a day. She consumed his thoughts so
much that he had lost all concentration. What was he to do?
"What now?" she asked, feeling his eyes burn into her soul.
"Only you." he answered.
Sarah felt a twinge of excitement at his words. What was this
feeling she had whenever he was around? It was something that she had
never experienced before. She turned from him to face her door,
feeling her face flush. She was unsure of everything now and needed
time to think it through.
"Goodnight." she said, placing her hand on the knob. She felt
Jareth's hand on her shoulder. "Did you want something?" she asked
as she felt him grasp her shoulder more tightly.
"What I want I cannot have." he whispered softly, spinning her
around to look at her.
"And what's that?" she asked. She now felt exhausted from the
events of the day.
"You Sarah." he replied, staring at her.
"What do you mean? You have brought me here to your castle. What
more is there?" she asked, perceiving now what he meant.
Jareth could resist no longer. He pulled her to him and covered her
lips with his own. The kiss deepened, bringing about a hunger for her
that he had to contain. He felt his lips burning more and more with
each passing moment.
An instant later it was over. Sarah's face was blank. She hadn't
expected him to kiss her so soon. She also didn't expect to enjoy it
as much as she did.
"Goodnight Sarah." Jareth said, leaving her alone in front of her
door.
She watched him disappear down the hall and out of sight. Turning
the knob to her door, she entered her room and leaned against the
door. She lifted her fingers to her lips. She could still feel his
kiss. Her mind was ablaze with everything that had happened today.
Exhausted, Sarah fell fast asleep.
Standing outside her door, lurking in the shadows, Jareth watched
silently. He would always watch over her. He knew her curiosity, so
therefore he would wait until he was sure she was in for the night.
He thought about his day with her. He could tell that she was
enjoying herself. He knew that he could spend countless hours with
her and still want more.
Jareth reflected on the kiss. He couldn't resist his desire any
longer. At first, he felt bad about it, but when he realized that she
wasn't resisting, that pleased him. Her lips still burnt into his.
It was the most gratifying feeling he has had for such a long time.
Never before had he cared so much for anyone or anything for that
matter.
Realizing she must be asleep, he retired to his room, although he
rarely ever slept. His thoughts were filled with Sarah. He only
wished that she would feel the same. In time perhaps, but for now he
had to manage his emotions concerning her. He sat alone in the dim
light. There was nothing in his room but a bed and a night table. It
was as barren as a desert but he didn't care. The only thing in his
room that held any meaning for him was a small photograph of Sarah.
He had it in his possession ever since that night he took her brother
Toby. It was the one thing that nobody knew he had.
Staring at the photo, the same one he had stared at a million times
before, he has come to realize just how much Sarah meant to him. He
knew that he had to have her with him but didn't know the real reason
why. Now he knew. He, of all people, had fallen hopelessly in love
with Sarah. He had never had feelings for anyone before. He never
thought he would. Somehow all that changed when he saw Sarah.
Jareth put the photograph back on his stand and stretched out on his
bed. Relaxed, he fell asleep for the first time in ages. He had
never slept as well as he did that night. He awoke the next morning,
refreshed and feeling like a new man. Never had he felt so good. He
left his room to attend to a few things before he would see Sarah.
~~~~~~
Sarah, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, got dressed within minutes.
Soon she was exploring the castle on her own. To her surprise, she
remembered everything Jareth had told her the day before. She turned
the corner to find herself in unfamiliar surroundings, a part of the
castle Jareth didn't show her. Was he keeping a secret? Driven by
her curiosity, she cautiously moved down the hall.
There was little lighting to brighten the darkness. So far she had
not seen anything and then she saw a door. A single torch was lit
beside it.
Sarah looked at the door. It was covered with gold plating. Looking
closer, she realized she was looking at the labyrinth. She could make
out the faint outline of Jareth's face. Studying the door more
closely, she became aware of her name inscribed on the handle. "This
must be Jareth's room." she said softly to herself.
Sarah placed her hand on the handle and began to turn it when
suddenly Jareth startled her from behind.
"Sarah?" Jareth said softly.
Sarah spun around quickly to see Jareth standing before her. He had
a faint smile on his face as though he were slightly amused.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I-ah, well I kinda got lost." she answered. She didn't want to
tell him she had been snooping around.
"That's obvious."
"What shall I do today?" she asked.
"You shall see a friend."
"A friend? Who?" she asked.
"Come with me." Jareth said. He knew that she now knows that this
is his room. Would she have went in had he not been there to stop
her? Does it really matter?
"Where are we going?" she asked. She would snoop around his room
some other time.
"Do you want to have breakfast?"
"Well, yes but..."
"If you wish to eat then you will have to come with me." he said
coolly.
"Alright. What are you doing today? Is it anything I can help you
with?" she asked pleasantly.
"What I will do, you cannot help with. Besides, I already made plans
for you." he answered.
"What plans?" she asked
"Don't sound so hurt. They are something you will enjoy, I promise."
he replied.
"Well, what are they?"
"Let's just say you will be surprised."
"Come on tell me." she implored.
"Not yet." he answered. He knew that he had peaked her curiosity.
He relished every minute of it. Taking her hand, he led her to the
dining hall. All that time, she kept asking and he kept the secret
well. They emerged in the dining hall minutes later, where the
goblins had already gathered. As soon as they stepped into the room,
the goblins fell silent and watched as their king led Sarah to her seat.
They ate together, again enjoying each others' company. At the end
of the meal, Sarah's surprise came into view. She couldn't believe it.
"Hoggle!" she called across the room.
"He will come to you Sarah. He knows you are here." Jareth said,
glancing over at her.
"How did he know?"
"Why I told him of course. The day I came for you, he knew." Jareth
replied.
Just as Jareth had told her, Hoggle saw her. He made his way across
the crowded room. With a large, warm smile on his lips, he rushed to
greet her.
"How ya doin' Sarah?" he asked in his usual manner.
"Hi Hoggle." Sarah said, beaming.
Hoggle looked at Jareth then back to Sarah. "How are you?" he
asked, concern lacing his words.
"Fine Hoggle." she replied.
"Hoggle, you are to show Sarah around the Labyrinth." Jareth said, a
stern look on his face.
"The Labyrinth?" Hoggle asked, puzzled.
"Yes. Show her everything. Well at least everything you can in the
day." Jareth replied.
"Y-yes your majesty." Hoggle said nervously.
"I shall see you later Sarah. Enjoy your day." Jareth said, a faint
smile crossing his face only momentarily.
"I will."
"Have her back by dinner time Hoggle." he said, with an icy glare.
"Y-yes your highness." Hoggle responded, afraid of his king and what
could happen if he disobeyed.
Jareth left the room without another word. He hated leaving Sarah,
but he had things to do. Soon he would have to have Sarah accompany
him in his duties as soon as she becomes his queen in all aspects. He
hoped it would be soon.
Hoggle sat quietly, unaware that Sarah was ready to leave. She
leaned over and tapped his shoulder. Just as she knew he would,
Hoggle jumped as though he had been alone.
"Why are you so jumpy?" she asked laughing.
"Who? Me?" he replied in a hurt tone.
"Yeah."
"Well, it ain't every day thats the king wishes I come to the castle.
I don't do nothin' to upset 'em."
"Calm down will you? Can we go now?" she asked, already heading for
the door.
"Go?" he asked.
"The Labyrinth. You're supposed to show me around it, remember?"
"Oh yeah." he said with a laugh. "Let's go now. Can't be late
gettin' back." Hoggle said. He heard Jareth's words echo through his
head.
Sarah remembered the room. "Wait a minute." Sarah turned to one of
the goblins she could remember the name of. "Crack."
"Huh?" the goblin answered.
"Where is your king?" she asked.
"Gone."
"Where?" she asked, frustrated.
"Past the wall."
"Are you sure?" she asked, she didn't intend on getting caught this
time.
"Yep."
"For how long?"
"Dunno."
"Thanks." she said with a smile. Goblins weren't very smart. She
wondered how they could have lived so long with what little brains
they had.
Sarah wondered if Jareth would catch her this time. Did she care?
The worst thing he would do to her would be to lock her in her room
again. She could handle that. She had to get into that room. If she
could succeed, she could find out what he was truly like. He had to
have some hidden secret. Every one does. His would be in his room.
Hoggle looked at Sarah. He could tell she was thinking up some idea
that he wouldn't approve of.
"Hoggle, I have an idea." Sarah said with a curious look. That same
look that got them into trouble once before.
"Nope. No way. I don't know what it is but it can't be good." he
replied. Hoggle placed his hands on his hips as if to tell her no way
again.
"Oh come on Hoggle. Where's your sense of adventure?" she asked, a
smile crossing her face.
"I ain't never liked adventure. You knows that. I knows what I can
and can't do. I ain't doin' anythin' different." he replied, folding
his arms across his chest.
"Not even for me?" she asked with a pouty look.
Hoggle's attitude softened. "Well, maybe just this once." he
responded hesitantly.
"Great!" Sarah exclaimed, flashing him a warm smile. She knew he'd
do it. "Let's go." she said walking out the doorway.
"Where?" he asked, following her.
"There is something I want to check out here in the castle before we
head for the Labyrinth." she said, careful not to tell him exactly
what it really was.
"What?" he questioned.
"A room." she answered, not revealing who's it was.
"What kinda room?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.
"It's just a room Hoggle. If you don't want to come in with me, you
don't to." she said, picking up her pace.
Hoggle walked hurriedly behind her, scarcely having time to speak.
He followed her down hallway after hallway until finally, she stopped
in front of a door at the end of the hall. Hoggle took one look at
the door and stepped away from it. He knew what the room was and now
he feared that Jareth would find them there. Hoggle could feel the
wrath of anger Jareth would display already.
"No Sarah. Don't go in there."
"I'm going in there Hoggle. I have to."
"Why?" he asked.
"I must. I can't explain it right now Hoggle, but the only way I'm
going to find out what I need to know is if I do this." she said
softly.
"What do ya want to knows? Ask me, I'll tell ya all about 'em." he
said nervously.
"No. There are things that nobody can possibly know and they are
behind this door." she said, turning the knob slowly. "I'll only be
a minute."
The door swung open. Sarah peered into the room through the vast
darkness. She took a step forward and stopped. Sarah grabbed the
torch from the hall and carried it in with her. The door swung shut
behind her. Startled briefly, she quickly regained her composure and
searched the walls for a switch. So far the wall had been bare.
Finally she found a switch and within seconds, the room flooded with
light. Sarah could hardly believe what she saw. The room was empty
except for a small table and a bed. Nothing else was visible anywhere.
She crossed the room toward the bed. Sitting down, something caught
her eye. It was a picture of her. He kept her picture beside his
bed. She wondered why. She was beginning to understand how much she
really meant to him. She put the picture back and walked to the door.
Hoggle was waiting outside.
"Can we go now?" he asked, watching the hallway for any sign of
Jareth.
"Yeah, sure." Sarah replied, her mind still on her picture.
Hoggle quickly led her back down the hallway and out into the
Labyrinth. He didn't say a word, but Sarah wouldn't have noticed
anyway.
Sarah felt the sunlight on her face. It was a welcomed warmth. The
Labyrinth was just as she remembered it. It hadn't changed a bit.
Following Hoggle throughout the day, Sarah learned more and more
about the place that she would spend the rest of her life. She
wondered if she would like it here for that long.
Sarah had never realized how much there was to the Labyrinth. She
learned all that she could before they had to return to the castle.
She held a new respect for Jareth's Labyrinth that she might never
have thought possible. Before her eyes, a wondrous new world opened
up to her for the taking. It was unlike anything she had ever known.
Returning to the castle was easier than she thought it would be. She
remembered everything Hoggle had showed her. She led him back with
ease.
Walking into the castle, they joked about their day, unaware that
Jareth was watching. He envied Hoggle's friendship with Sarah. He
had to learn to control his emotions where Sarah was concerned.
Jealousy held no place with her, but friendship meant a great deal.
Jareth knew that he would have to get use to the friends she made when
she was here. Friendships can last a lifetime.
Jareth disappeared into the darkness of the shadows and back to the
throne room. Lounging on his throne, he waited for Sarah to appear.
He could hear laughter from the hall. He would have to be nice to
Hoggle now, for Sarah. He hated the word 'nice'. He had never in all
his years been nice to anyone. He never thought he would have to. It
didn't seem to matter, now that Sarah was here with him.
Jareth heard their laughing grow louder in the hall. Sarah entered
the room with Hoggle. She could light up the room just by being
there. Jareth saw her look at him. It filled him with a pleasant
warmth.
Flashing Jareth a warm, happy smile, Sarah sat at the table with
Hoggle beside her. Jareth returned a smile of his own. She looked so
happy to him making him wonder what they had done all day. Should he
care? After all, isn't her happiness the most important thing? He
knew that it was. She was the one person he would trust.
Jareth could scarcely believe how happy she appeared to be. Not at
all as mean and hateful as when she first arrived. Gazing at her
beauty, he hoped that he would one day be as happy. He wondered what
happiness felt like. He had never once been truly happy. Getting up
from his throne, Jareth walked over to Sarah. He didn't have to say a
word, she knew he was there.
Looking up at him, she couldn't have told him how she felt because
she didn't understand it completely herself. All that she knew was
that she would never want to leave this place. She didn't know if she
could leave the possibility of a relationship with Jareth. He was the
only man that has ever cared so much about her, the one man that has
made her care for something other than herself. She wasn't sure what
love felt like but was certain that she could fall for Jareth.
"Are you hungry?" Jareth asked.
"Starving. What about you Hoggle?" she asked in her usual tone.
"Don't matter." he replied.
"Don't say that. It matters to me." Sarah said, looking up at Jareth.
"Stay and eat with us Hoggle." Jareth said cordially, catching
Sarah's hint.
"No I-I can't." Hoggle replied nervously.
"Nonsense Hoggle." Jareth replied. "Sam set another place at the
table beside Sarah. Hoggle will be joining us." he said to a large
goblin at his right.
"Yes, your highness." Sam responded, trotting off to do as he was
told.
"Well, I 'spose I could stay awhile longer." Hoggle said
cautiously, wondering about the kings' change in behavior.
"Great!" Sarah exclaimed happily.
Hoggle looked at the king. Jareth was watching Sarah. He noticed
that Sarah was happy with the king but wondered why. Hoggle never
thought the king could ever find someone that would want to stay here
with him. He was happy that it was his friend that Jareth picked.
Deciding to leave the two of them alone for awhile, Hoggle got up and
went to talk to one of the goblins. If this is what Sarah wanted,
then he would be happy for her. He only hoped that she knew what she
was getting into.
"Thank you." Sarah whispered to Jareth, who was now sitting beside
her.
"You are welcome." Jareth responded softly, reaching over to take
her hand. Holding her hand in his, he leaned over and nervously
whispered in her ear. "I love you."
"I know." she whispered back. She couldn't tell him that she loved
him back. It wouldn't be fair to him. She wasn't sure if it was love
that she felt or if it was just infatuation. She had to be sure
before she could tell him anything.
Jareth smiled at her, kissed her gently on the cheek and stood up.
He had never told anyone that he loved them. It almost seemed
impossible, but he did truly love her. He couldn't imagine her not
being here with him.
"Where are you going? Please don't go." she said not wanting
anything to ruin the moment. This was the first time that Jareth had
genuinely showed his true self, and he was leaving.
"I shall be right back. I promise." he replied. Jareth crossed the
room and walked out the door.
Sarah watched him leave then walked over to Hoggle. She sat down and
rested her head in her hands. What would she say? She couldn't talk
to him could she?
Hoggle noticed the look on Sarah's face. He had never seen that look
from her before. She looked so distant like she was in a far off
place with almost no hope of getting back. Hoggle couldn't stand it
any longer. He had to know why.
"Sarah, anythin' wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing." she replied solemnly.
"Come on Sarah, tell me." he said in a concerned voice.
"Nothing really. I'm not sure about something and I don't have
anyone who would understand. I don't have anyone I can really talk
to about it here. Oh, I wish my mother was here." she replied with a
sigh.
"And what am I?" Hoggle said, somewhat upset. "I'm your friend
ain't I?"
"Well, yes. Of course you're my friend. You're my best friend
Hoggle." she said.
"Well then, you can talk to me." Hoggle said, proud of his
friendship to her.
"But what do you know about love?" she asked, frustrated.
"Plenty. Just because I don't have someone of me own doesn't mean
that I don't know nothin' about it."
"I'm just confused." Sarah said.
"About what?"
"Oh, everything. My feelings, Jareth, me, what am I supposed to do?
I'm not sure of anything any more." Sarah said, burying her face in
her hands.
Hoggle scratched his head in thought. He hated seeing her like this.
It was upsetting. "It's not 'sposed to be easy. Me mother always
said that nothin' good comes easy." he said finally.
Sarah raised her head to look at him. A small smile creased her
lips. He sounded like her father. Oh how she missed him.
"You see, you're 'sposed to be confused so that you think about it.
You can't do anything important unless you have thought it completely
through. Then and only then will you know it is right." Hoggle
told her. He too had loved, but he lost his love many years ago.
"Thanks." Sarah said happily. His words were words of wisdom. He
was more knowledgeable than he let on. She was feeling better now.
"What are friends for?" he responded, smiling widely.
"What about Jareth?" she asked.
"What about him?"
"I know he loves me, he said so himself." she began.
"So?" Hoggle questioned.
"Well, why would he want to be at my side one minute, then choose to
leave me alone the next?"
"It's like this. The king has never loved or cared about anyone or
anything before in all his life. It is a new feeling for him and he
has to get use to it. He's changed, we can all tell. Every goblin
here knows. I know. The change is because of you Sarah." he said.
"Me?" she replied, surprised.
"Yes. Don't tell me you haven't noticed. Why he'd do anythin' you
ask him to." Hoggle answered.
"You really think so?" she asked, unsure.
"Of course, why else would he have had me stay to eat? He knew it
would please you." Hoggle said.
"You're probably right."
"I knows I am." he insisted.
Sarah smiled her usual smile and Hoggle chuckled. With the serious
talk over, they chose to talk of lighter subjects. They were still
talking and laughing when Jareth came back. They watched him as he
walked near. Sarah's heart pounded with each step.
Jareth held his hand out to her.
Sarah looked at Hoggle, who nodded, then took Jareth's hand. He
pulled her to her feet and led her to the throne. She sat down as he
called the goblins' attention. The room grew quiet.
"Sarah, they would like to give you a gift." Jareth said.
"What?"
"Hoggle, would you do the honors?" he asked pleasantly.
"Yes your majesty." Hoggle answered.
The goblins cleared a path for Hoggle up to the throne. They all
watched closely without a sound. The goblins were anxious to see her
receive their gift.
Sarah wasn't sure what was happening until Hoggle placed something on
her head. She reached up to touch it. It was a crown. She couldn't
understand why they would give her a crown but was overwhelmed by the
gift.
The goblins all cheered as Jareth helped her to her feet. She stood
beside the king and the goblins bowed down out of respect.
"You are their queen Sarah." Jareth said, looking out over the
goblins.
"But we aren't married or anything." she replied.
"It makes no difference to them. As soon as you set foot back in my
kingdom, they considered you their queen." Jareth explained.
Sarah looked out at all the goblins. "Thank you all for your
wonderful gift."
"Spoken like a true queen." Jareth whispered.
Sarah didn't reply. Was there some hidden motive behind this? Did
he wish to rush her decision of whether or not to marry him? She had
only been there for two days. Was it some sort of game? She didn't
know and didn't want to think about it right now.
Sarah caught a glimpse of something, rather someone peculiar at the
back of the room. Someone she had never seen before.
"Jareth."
"Yes?" he answered, caught up in the event. "What?"
"Who is that? I don't remember ever seeing them before." Sarah
replied.
"Where?" Jareth asked, now growing serious.
"At the back of the room, by the doorway."
Jareth looked and saw her. His expression turned to disgust. He
knew who it was. He saw Hoggle approaching. He too had seen her as
did Crack and Sam.
"Sam!" Jareth called.
"Yes your highness." he answered, coming before the king.
"Jade was just here. Find her and get her out of my castle." Jareth
commanded in an angry tone. "Take Hoggle, Crack, and a few others
with you."
"Yes your highness." he answered obediently.
Sarah was confused. She watched Hoggle and the goblins leave the
room and looked to Jareth. His expression was unlike any she had ever
seen. She didn't know what to do. She watched him stand there in the
middle of the room and wondered if he would tell her what all this was
about.
Jareth noticed her glance. Walking to her, he took her in his arms
and held her tight. He said not a word.
Sarah felt his strong arms around her and felt safe. Whoever that
was must have upset him tremendously. He has never held her like this
before. It felt right. She now knew what love felt like. She knew
that no matter what happened, she would never leave him. She realized
that even though she had not been here long, she had fallen in love
with him and wouldn't want it any other way. It didn't take weeks,
months or years. It only took a couple of days for her to know what
she felt.