LABYRINTH THE RETURN PT 3
Jareth let go of her and took a step back. How was he to tell her
about Jade? It might make her hate him more than before. It was a
risk he had to take. She had to know.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
Jareth looked at her, uncertain of how to begin. What would he tell
her? How would she react?
"What's wrong? Tell me Jareth." she said, afraid of what it might
be.
"Alright. You have to find out about her sooner or later. I would
prefer you heard it from me." he started, then continued. "Sarah you
must keep in mind that I would do anything for you. I love you more
than you could possibly imagine."
"I know."
"Her name is Jade. Actually I don't recall what it might have been
before she came here."
"What do you mean? She doesn't belong here?" she questioned.
"No, she does not." he said, motioning for her to sit down.
Sarah walked over and sat down at the table. She dreaded what he
was going to tell her. She wondered if it might in some way change
the way she felt about him? No, whatever happened was in the past and
she would have to accept it and get past it.
Jareth sat across the table from her. He looked at her beautiful
face. She was everything he wanted and more. He would even give up
his kingdom here if that is what she would want. He would give
anything for her, even his own life. "I am not sure where to begin." he
said nervously.
"Try the beginning." Sarah replied with a smile. The air between
them was so tense that it unnerved her. She had never seen him like
this before. What ever this was about, was serious enough to upset
them both.
"When you went back after getting Toby back, I continued to take
children that were offered to me. One night, Jade offered me her
child. Naturally, I sent the goblins for it." Jareth said, looking
toward the window.
"Yes?" she asked, anxiously. So far so good. Nothing awful yet.
"She regretted her decision. Therefore, I gave her the same chance
that I had given you. She failed. I added another goblin to my
following."
"Which one?" she asked.
"Crack." he answered, then continued. "When she realized what had
happened, she went crazy. She had decided that since I had her baby,
we belonged together. When she brought that up, I just laughed at
her. She threw herself at me and made many attempts to win my heart.
Of course, you had already stolen it, but she didn't give up. She
vowed that we would be one someday and that no other woman would be
part of my life. It was becoming quite a bother really, the whole
situation and all. I tried to think of some way to pacify her." he
said and stopped. The worst was yet to come.
"Go on." Sarah said, trying to read the answer in his eyes, then it
hit her. "Did you sleep with her?" she asked softly, averting her
eyes from his.
"Yes." he answered.
"How could you?" she asked, upset by what he was saying. Sarah
buried her face in her hands not knowing what to do now. She hadn't
expected anything like this.
"One night she came to the castle and offered herself to me. I had
not been with anyone for quite some time and found myself accepting
her gift. When it was over, I knew it was wrong. I found myself
thinking of you and how much I wished that it was you that I was
with." Jareth said. Standing up, he walked over to the window and
glanced out across his labyrinth. He could see almost everything,
except Jade. "I banished her from my kingdom after that. She had to
live beyond the wall surrounding the labyrinth. She kept asking me
'why? why?'. I told her that I loved someone else. She couldn't
believe it. She started screaming and throwing a fit. I paid her no
attention. That just upset her more. I did not care." he said,
turning around to see her looking back with tear filled eyes. "I was
thinking of a way to get you back."
Jareth turned back to the window. He had never been so honest with
anyone before. He had been changing over the past few days and he
knew that it was because of Sarah. He welcomed the change. After
years of being alone, his loneliness had made him harsh and cruel. He
didn't mind much until Sarah entered his life. Now he knew that he
had hurt her badly. He would understand if she never wanted to speak
to him again. He couldn't blame her, could he? Jareth felt her hand
on his shoulder.
"Couldn't you just send her back?" she asked, softly.
"Not if she wanted to stay."
"But..." she started.
"You went back because you wanted to go home with Toby more than
anything. Jade does not wish to leave."
"Do you mean that I could go back any time I want to?" she asked.
"Yes." he answered reluctantly.
"How?"
"All you need is one of my crystals."
"A crystal? For what?" she questioned. She wanted to see if he
trusted her enough to tell her.
"Just think of how much you wish to be home and you will go there."
he answered. He feared that now she would leave him.
"That sounds silly." she said with a chuckle. "You're kidding,
right?"
Jareth turned to face her. "No I am not." he said seriously. He
turned back to the window. "I did not wish to tell you until I
thought It was appropriate."
"Why did you wait so long?" she asked, hurt by his lack of trust.
"I did not want you to leave. I did not wish to risk losing you. I
am sorry." he replied. The first apology he had ever made, he
regretted terribly, was now with Sarah.
Sarah knew how hard this must be for him. She placed her hand on his
shoulder, again trying to comfort him. "I understand why you didn't.
I know how awful I must have been and how I had hoped that it was all
a dream and that I would be at home. If I would have had the chance,
I'm sure that I would have left. But now,.." she hesitated, turning
him around, "You should know that I don't want to leave this place.
It's my home now." she said softly, looking up into his eyes. "I
couldn't leave here even if I wanted to."
"Why?" he asked, looking away.
Sarah reached up and caught his cheek making him look back at her.
"Because I wouldn't be able to leave you." she replied, her voice
barely a whisper.
Jareth looked at her uncertain of what to say. He couldn't believe
how she felt about him. He couldn't speak.
Instead, Sarah drew his face to hers and kissed his mouth softly,
tenderly, as a kiss of love should be.
Jareth took a step away from Sarah. He loved looking at her
beautiful face, her dark hair. Everything about her captured his
attention and love held it captive with no chance of ever being free.
He could not imagine his life now without Sarah to share it. She was
his life.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing." he replied, smiling at her. He felt as though he were a
young man again. She made him feel more alive with each passing day.
Sarah returned a smile. It was comforting to know that he cared so
much for her that no other woman could take him away. She would never
let that happen. Now that she has finally found love, she wouldn't
let it slip away without a fight.
Sam entered the room and immediately came before his king. "Your
majesty." he said, and bowed.
"Yes?" Jareth replied.
"Jade is beyond the wall. Should we follow her?" he asked.
"No that won't be necessary." Jareth said, giving him his full
attention. "We know where she is going. Set up checkpoints around
the labyrinth and make sure she is kept out."
"Yes your majesty." Sam replied. He bowed one last time then left
the room.
"Where is she going?" Sarah asked from behind him.
"Back to the drab little place she calls home." he answered over his
shoulder. He felt her hand on his shoulder. He must not forget what
is important. Sarah is the most important thing in his life that he
did not want to lose. How he wished he had not hurt her.
"Do you want to be alone?" she asked.
"No." he replied, grasping her hand and bringing her around in front
of him. "That is the last thing I would want." He cupped her face in
his hands. "Do you know just how much you mean to me?" he asked,
looking deeply into her eyes.
Sarah didn't reply. She knew the answer but wanted to hear him say
it. He hadn't been so close to her until now. She wanted him to be
open with his feelings, so that she knew what to expect.
"Do you realize how beautiful and enchanting you are to me?" he
asked, still holding her delicate face.
Still no reply from Sarah.
"Talk to me Sarah."
"About what?" she asked.
"Do you wish to know the answers to my questions?" he asked, pulling
her into his embrace.
"Yes. Tell me." she replied.
"You are the most important thing in my life. I could not bear it if
you were to leave me again. Your beauty enchants me to where you
control my thoughts. When I am this close to you, I have to hold
back, but I'm not sure how much longer I can refrain." he said, softly.
"Hold back and refrain what?" she asked, knowing what he was talking
about all along. She felt safe and secure within his strong arms.
"Holding back my desires for you and refraining from acting upon
them." he replied.
"How long do you think you can?" she asked, knowing how much he
wanted her.
"As long as I have to." he said, releasing her from him embrace.
"You do not realize how hard it is for me with you here, but I know
your feelings must matter the most. I can't have you angry with me,
now can I?"
Sarah smiled. She understood what a hard struggle it must be for
him. He is use to getting things his way. She knew however, that if
he wanted, he could force himself and she would be unable to resist.
She knew that deep down, he didn't want it to happen that way.
Sarah walked past him to the window and gazed out across the vast
labyrinth. She felt Jareth's arms wrap around her from behind and
felt his breath on her neck. It was comforting to know that he cared
so much for her.
"What do you think?" he whispered softly.
"It's beautiful." she replied.
"You're beautiful." he whispered in her ear.
They stood in silence together looking out over the labyrinth as the
sun slowly set over the horizon. Sarah knew at that moment that no
matter what happened, they would always be together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Sarah awoke to face the day. She couldn't wait to
see Jareth. Her heart pounded with the slightest thought of him. She
wondered if he thought of her right now. What would she wear today?
She never cared before, but now it somehow changed. She wanted to
look good for him.
After a few minutes, she quickly made her selection and got dressed.
Sitting at her dressing table, she pulled her brush from one of the
drawers. Staring at the mirror, she brushed her long dark hair
slowly, wondering why he thought her to be so beautiful. She had
always thought she was rather plain and never once thought that she
was beautiful. He must see something in her that she and everyone
else must have missed. It made her feel special that this one man
found something in her to love.
A knock at her door startled her causing her brush to fall from her hands.
"Who is it?" she asked, looking around to find her brush.
"It's me Sarah." came the reply through the door.
Sarah's heart raced when she heard Jareth's voice.
"May I come in?" he asked.
Sarah stood up and smoothed her clothing. Pulling the door open, she
saw Jareth standing before her holding a tray. She smiled at the
sight.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Sure." she replied, backing away from the doorway.
Jareth entered her room and walked to her dressing table. Setting
the tray down, he turned to see that she had closed the door behind
him. "Sleep well?" he asked.
"Yes I did, and you?" she asked, spying her brush at Jareth's feet.
"Fine." he replied, looking down to see what had her attention. He
bent down and grabbed her brush. "Is this what you are looking for?"
he asked with a smile.
"Yes, I dropped it." she replied, returning a smile of her own.
"Come here." Jareth said, pulling the chair in front of him.
Sarah walked over and sat down. She felt the brush against her scalp
as Jareth run it through her hair. She had never had her hair brushed
by someone else since she was a little girl. It was so relaxing. In
a strange way, she thought it was romantic. She felt as though she
could fall asleep.
Jareth brushed her hair as carefully as he could. He loved her long
dark hair. He could run his fingers through her hair for the rest of
his life. He could brush it for hours on end if she would let him.
It was a mistake for him to be here with her like this. And yet, how
could he make himself leave?
"There now, finished." he said nervously, handing the brush over her
shoulder. Sarah gently took it from him, lightly touching his hand.
Jareth felt sparks of anxiety flow though his body, unlike anything he
had ever felt.
What are you doing today?" She asked, putting her brush in the drawer.
"Well, it depends." he answered, looking around the room.
"On what?" she asked.
"On what you have planned for the day." he answered.
"Oh." she replied, feeling her face grow hot. "I hadn't planned
anything."
Jareth's gaze landed on her. He wanted to take her in his arms and
never release her. He noticed her cheeks flush with color. It helped
to know that she also cared.
Sarah sat down at her dressing table, where she could still see him
in the mirror. He looked different somehow. What was she going to do
about her feelings toward him? She had never felt this way about
anyone before. Sarah wondered if he knew.
"Is there something in particular that you would like to do? Perhaps
go out into the Labyrinth again with Hoggle? Maybe explore the castle
in greater detail? Anything you want, just ask." he said, taking a
step closer.
"That all sounds great, but..." Sarah turned to look at him, then
back to the mirror.
"But what?" he asked.
"I'd rather spend the day with you." she answered, staring at his
image in the mirror.
"Alright." he replied, a smile creasing his lips. "Are you ready to
go?"
"Sure." she replied, standing up. "Let's go."
Jareth opened the door for Sarah. Walking through the doorway, she
waited for him to catch up and took his hand. He hadn't worn gloves
for the last few days, and she liked that. This was the strangest
romance she knew of, but she never wanted it to end.
They walked into the dining room and a quiet hush filled the air.
The goblins had been waiting for them ever since their king had left
to fetch her. They all watched quietly as Jareth led Sarah to her
seat and then sat down beside her.
Jareth nodded and Sam rose from his seat and stood before the king.
In his hands he held a small box. Handing the box to Jareth, Sam
smiled a goofy smile at Sarah, then returned to his seat.
Jareth held the box in his hand.
"What's that?" she whispered.
"You'll find out soon enough." he replied, then summoned the food to
be brought in. The box held his future with Sarah. He would wait for
the right time to bring it up. Now was not that time.
They finished eating but Sarah's mind was still on what Jareth held.
She didn't say anything more about it, but was sure it had to be a
ring. Yes, that would explain why he wouldn't tell her what it was.
Perhaps he was going to ask her to marry him again. What would she
say? What if it wasn't a ring at all? If it were just a trinket, would she still
think it valuable? Of course she would. Anything he would give her would
be priceless. What if it wasn't for her at all? Then all this wondering would
have been for nothing, or maybe not. She did consider marriage, the purpose
for which he had brought her here for in the first place. Would she seriously
consider marrying him? Yes she would. She couldn't imagine not living here
surrounded by old friends, new friends, and Jareth's love. It was Jareth she
wanted to be with for the rest of her life. She wouldn't want it any
other way.
Jareth stood up and placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. He could
wait no longer. "Come with me Sarah." he said, offering his hand to
her.
Sarah gladly took it. She was glad that he wanted her with him.
"Where are we going?"
Jareth didn't reply.
Pulling her to her feet, the goblins fell quiet. They knew what was
happening. Even Hoggle, among the crowded goblins, knew.
Jareth put an arm around her waist and led her away from the dining
room. Down the hallways they walked, side by side, until Jareth
stopped in front of a door.
Sarah knew exactly where she was. He had brought her to his room.
What did he expect of her? He must have a good reason for this.
Jareth opened the door and went inside the dark room. In and
instant, the vacant room flooded with light. Jareth was nowhere in
sight.
Walking through the doorway, she wondered how he could disappear so
quickly. Looking around the room, she still didn't see him. She
walked over to the bed and sat down. Her picture was where she saw it
last, on the nightstand.
"Jareth?" she called.
No reply.
"Jareth," she called again, "answer me, please."
"I am here." he replied, stepping away from a closet.
"Is this your room?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"It is." he replied, walking over to her. "Does being here alone
with me frighten you?"
"No." she answered.
"Good." he said, then smiled. He still held the box in his hands.
"Now are you going to tell me what's in that box?" she asked, trying
to control her anxiety.
"It is for you Sarah. I wasn't sure when to give it to you." he
said, staring into her eyes. He wasn't sure how to handle this
situation.
"Sarah, when you first arrived, you seemed to dislike us all,
especially myself. I understood why however, and so I did not let
your anger and hatefullness get to me." Jareth said, pacing back and
forth in front of her, then continued, "I knew that in time, you could
grow to care for me as I do for you. I have tried to be as patient as
I could be, but you as well as I know that patience is not one of my
stong points." he said and smiled faintly.
"Yes?" she said, wanting to hear more.
Jareth stopped to face her, his features were soft and calm. Jareth
reached out and took Sarah's hand. Somehow he looked different to
her, he looked vulnerable. Jareth placed the box in her hands and
smiled faintly. He only hoped she would not reject him.
Sarah looked at the box. Curiosity arose inside her but she remained
calm. She was certain she already knew the contents. "What is it?"
she asked softly, waiting for his reply.
"Open it." he answered.
She opened the box and saw a ring. An engagement ring. She looked
up at him with questioning eyes.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"Well, yes. What is it for?" she asked. She wanted him to ask her
properly.
Jareth's smile faded. How could she not know? Maybe it was not the
right time for this now. Perhaps he had made a mistake. No, he would
not let it go like this. He had no choice but to go on with it.
Jareth kneeled in front of her. "It is for you. A wedding ring if
you so choose." he said, averting his eyes.
"Are you asking?" Sarah asked, softly touching his shoulder.
Jareth looked at her. She was everything he ever wanted and more.
"Yes." he replied.
"I want to hear you say it. Please?" she said softly, barely a
whisper.
"Sarah, you are the only person I could ever want in my life. I
finally feel as though I am whole with you. I want you as my wife for
the rest of my life. I love you with every ounce of my being. Marry
me and be my Queen." he said, meaning every word he spoke.
"Yes." she replied. Sarah smiled. That was worth waiting to hear.
In this unnormal place, here was normallity, with Jareth.
Jareth couldn't believe his ears. He had almost expected rejection
but this was not a rejection at all. She had consented to marry him
of her own free will. He was overjoyed.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" she asked, seeing the surprise in
his face.
Jareth pulled Sarah into his arms.
"Jareth." she whispered.
"Yes?" he replied.
"Are you happy?" she asked.
"For the first time in my lonely life, yes." he answered holding her
close to him. He didn't want this moment to end.
A knock at the door caused Sarah to move away from him.
"Your majesty?" came the voice through the mighty door.
Jareth opened the door reluctantly. Hoggle stood outside.
"What?" questioned the King.
"Jade is here again." Hoggle answered.
"Well, send her away at once." Jareth said.
"She won't leave. She's askin' to see you. Says it's important." he
replied.
"Tell her I am busy." Jareth said, in his usual tone.
"She won't leave til she speaks with you."
Jareth's jaw tightened and Sarah could see anger swelling up inside
him.
"Very well." Jareth said, calmly. He turned to Sarah. Why did this
have to happen now of all times, when he and Sarah were so close? He
wished he had never laid eyes on Jade.
"I'll come." Sarah said, standing up.
"No." Jareth replied.
"Why not?" she asked, walking to him.
"I do not wish to put you in the middle of this. I only want to keep
you safe and away from danger." he said, brushing her dark hair away
from her face.
Sarah raised her left hand up in front of her. She had put on the
ring Jareth had given her. She would not let him forget that she was
the one he could not live without.
"I'm already in the middle." she said, indicating the ring.
"Besides, It's about time I met Jade. And I won't be in any danger
because I'll be with you and Hoggle. Please let me come with you."
"Are you sure you want to do that Sarah?" Hoggle asked.
"It's alright Hoggle. I'll not let her out of my sight." Jareth
answered. "Jade won't have a chance to get near her."
"Let's go." Sarah said.
Jade waited impatiently for Jareth, pacing back and forth. How dare
he keep her waiting! Didn't he realize how much that infuriated her?
Jareth entered the room, Hoggle at his side, and Jade immediately
attacked him.
"It's about time!" she yelled. "I was beginning to wonder if you
were ever going to show up Jareth."
"I am here. What do you want now?" he asked in a tired voice.
"Why I came to see you of course." she answered, her tone had
softened. "Why did you keep me waiting so long my dear?"
Jareth's disgust for her seemed to fill the air.
"I was with my bride you pathetic fool." he replied, icily. Sarah
stood quietly behind him.
Jade's face went blank. She couldn't believe her ears. He couldn't
marry anyone other than her. Her shock and surprise quickly turned to
anger. "What?!" she screamed.
"You heard me. Now leave my castle."
"No!"
"Hoggle, get Sam and the others now." Jareth said, not looking away
from Jade.
"Yes your majesty." Hoggle replied and left quickly.
"Jareth, you can't be with someone else. Please tell me that you are
joking." she pleaded in a hurt voice.
Jareth smiled wickedly. He was enjoying her agony. He felt Sarah's
hand on his back and decided it was time to finish it. "I don't make
jokes. You should already know that." he said.
"Who is she?" Jade asked, calming slightly.
"It is none of your concern."
"Tell me Jareth or I'll find out somehow and you'll be sorry! I'll
take care of her and you! Ha!" Jade said, her voice wailing.
Jareth felt Sarah grab his arm. He let his hand fall behind his back
and Sarah took it.
"Want to meet her Jade?" he asked, he could see the wonder in her eyes.
"Sure. How old is she? Older than you most likely. No young woman
in their right mind, would want you." she replied nastily.
Sarah walked out from behind Jareth, still clutching his hand.
"Hello." she said pleasantly.
Jade was taken aback by her beauty.
"Now you have met her." Jareth said smugly. His goblins and Hoggle
just arriving.
Jade stepped closer to them, hoping to get a better look at the
stranger. Jareth stood as a barrier between the two women. He would
not let Jade near Sarah.
"She is beautiful Jareth dear. Wherever did you find her?" Jade
said, staring at Sarah with fire in her eyes.
Sarah felt Jareth's grip tighten on her hand. She knew that he
becoming angry with each passing moment. There was nothing she could
do.
"Where are you from? I'm sorry, what's your name again?" Jade said,
with an evil gleam in her eyes.
"Enough of this!" Jareth said, his voice booming throughout the hall.
"What does it matter to you where she's from?! It does not! We are
not here for idle conversation with a wretch like you!" Jareth said,
his anger rising. He held back most of his anger only because Sarah
was there. "Hoggle! Get her out of my castle now!" he ordered.
Without hesitation, Hoggle and the goblins converged on Jade and drug
her out of the castle screaming all the way. The castle hall abruptly
grew silent. Neither of them said a word. It was an erie silence that
unnerved Sarah.
Jareth loosened his grip on her hand. He looked into her eyes and
his heart sank. He knew that she was afraid of what could happen with
Jade. He wished he could take back everything he had ever done just
to make things right.
"What are we going to do about her?" Sarah asked, her voice barely a
whisper.
"I don't know." he replied simply.
"I won't let her come between us. I can't. She's crazy Jareth, and
I want her gone." she said.
Jareth looked at her, a wicked smile crossing his lips.
"Not that way." she said, smiling.
"Oh, are you sure? I could arrange it you know." he said, almost
serious.
"I bet you can. No, we must think of some way to get her back where
she belongs."
"How? She won't leave because of me." he replied, seriously.
"I'm not sure yet, but there has to be a way. We'll think of
something." she replied.
Hoggle and the others returned quicker than expected. "She is beyond
the wall your majesty." Hoggle said. He looked at Sarah and noticed
her ring. He could notice anything of value.
Sarah caught his stare. "What?" she asked.
"Oh nothin'. I was just lookin' at your ring." he answered. He had
seen that ring before, once long ago when Jareth first came here.
"Do you like it?" she asked, knowing full well that he did.
"Yeah, sure." he replied.
"Sarah has decided to become your queen and marry me." Jareth stated,
his joy overwhelming.
Hoggle had never seen the king like this before. He was giddy as a
school boy. It was amazing what love could do to a person. He knew
that Jareth and Sarah were meant to be together, regardless of how
hard they fought against each other.
"Will there be a celebration your highness?" Hoggle asked.
"That is a good idea Hoggle. Will you see to it?" Jareth asked.
"Yes your majesty. When do you want it?" he asked.
"As soon as possible." Jareth answered, taking Sarah's hand.
Hoggle nodded and left. He had much to do and so little time to do
it in.
Jareth let go of her and took a step back. How was he to tell her
about Jade? It might make her hate him more than before. It was a
risk he had to take. She had to know.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
Jareth looked at her, uncertain of how to begin. What would he tell
her? How would she react?
"What's wrong? Tell me Jareth." she said, afraid of what it might
be.
"Alright. You have to find out about her sooner or later. I would
prefer you heard it from me." he started, then continued. "Sarah you
must keep in mind that I would do anything for you. I love you more
than you could possibly imagine."
"I know."
"Her name is Jade. Actually I don't recall what it might have been
before she came here."
"What do you mean? She doesn't belong here?" she questioned.
"No, she does not." he said, motioning for her to sit down.
Sarah walked over and sat down at the table. She dreaded what he
was going to tell her. She wondered if it might in some way change
the way she felt about him? No, whatever happened was in the past and
she would have to accept it and get past it.
Jareth sat across the table from her. He looked at her beautiful
face. She was everything he wanted and more. He would even give up
his kingdom here if that is what she would want. He would give
anything for her, even his own life. "I am not sure where to begin." he
said nervously.
"Try the beginning." Sarah replied with a smile. The air between
them was so tense that it unnerved her. She had never seen him like
this before. What ever this was about, was serious enough to upset
them both.
"When you went back after getting Toby back, I continued to take
children that were offered to me. One night, Jade offered me her
child. Naturally, I sent the goblins for it." Jareth said, looking
toward the window.
"Yes?" she asked, anxiously. So far so good. Nothing awful yet.
"She regretted her decision. Therefore, I gave her the same chance
that I had given you. She failed. I added another goblin to my
following."
"Which one?" she asked.
"Crack." he answered, then continued. "When she realized what had
happened, she went crazy. She had decided that since I had her baby,
we belonged together. When she brought that up, I just laughed at
her. She threw herself at me and made many attempts to win my heart.
Of course, you had already stolen it, but she didn't give up. She
vowed that we would be one someday and that no other woman would be
part of my life. It was becoming quite a bother really, the whole
situation and all. I tried to think of some way to pacify her." he
said and stopped. The worst was yet to come.
"Go on." Sarah said, trying to read the answer in his eyes, then it
hit her. "Did you sleep with her?" she asked softly, averting her
eyes from his.
"Yes." he answered.
"How could you?" she asked, upset by what he was saying. Sarah
buried her face in her hands not knowing what to do now. She hadn't
expected anything like this.
"One night she came to the castle and offered herself to me. I had
not been with anyone for quite some time and found myself accepting
her gift. When it was over, I knew it was wrong. I found myself
thinking of you and how much I wished that it was you that I was
with." Jareth said. Standing up, he walked over to the window and
glanced out across his labyrinth. He could see almost everything,
except Jade. "I banished her from my kingdom after that. She had to
live beyond the wall surrounding the labyrinth. She kept asking me
'why? why?'. I told her that I loved someone else. She couldn't
believe it. She started screaming and throwing a fit. I paid her no
attention. That just upset her more. I did not care." he said,
turning around to see her looking back with tear filled eyes. "I was
thinking of a way to get you back."
Jareth turned back to the window. He had never been so honest with
anyone before. He had been changing over the past few days and he
knew that it was because of Sarah. He welcomed the change. After
years of being alone, his loneliness had made him harsh and cruel. He
didn't mind much until Sarah entered his life. Now he knew that he
had hurt her badly. He would understand if she never wanted to speak
to him again. He couldn't blame her, could he? Jareth felt her hand
on his shoulder.
"Couldn't you just send her back?" she asked, softly.
"Not if she wanted to stay."
"But..." she started.
"You went back because you wanted to go home with Toby more than
anything. Jade does not wish to leave."
"Do you mean that I could go back any time I want to?" she asked.
"Yes." he answered reluctantly.
"How?"
"All you need is one of my crystals."
"A crystal? For what?" she questioned. She wanted to see if he
trusted her enough to tell her.
"Just think of how much you wish to be home and you will go there."
he answered. He feared that now she would leave him.
"That sounds silly." she said with a chuckle. "You're kidding,
right?"
Jareth turned to face her. "No I am not." he said seriously. He
turned back to the window. "I did not wish to tell you until I
thought It was appropriate."
"Why did you wait so long?" she asked, hurt by his lack of trust.
"I did not want you to leave. I did not wish to risk losing you. I
am sorry." he replied. The first apology he had ever made, he
regretted terribly, was now with Sarah.
Sarah knew how hard this must be for him. She placed her hand on his
shoulder, again trying to comfort him. "I understand why you didn't.
I know how awful I must have been and how I had hoped that it was all
a dream and that I would be at home. If I would have had the chance,
I'm sure that I would have left. But now,.." she hesitated, turning
him around, "You should know that I don't want to leave this place.
It's my home now." she said softly, looking up into his eyes. "I
couldn't leave here even if I wanted to."
"Why?" he asked, looking away.
Sarah reached up and caught his cheek making him look back at her.
"Because I wouldn't be able to leave you." she replied, her voice
barely a whisper.
Jareth looked at her uncertain of what to say. He couldn't believe
how she felt about him. He couldn't speak.
Instead, Sarah drew his face to hers and kissed his mouth softly,
tenderly, as a kiss of love should be.
Jareth took a step away from Sarah. He loved looking at her
beautiful face, her dark hair. Everything about her captured his
attention and love held it captive with no chance of ever being free.
He could not imagine his life now without Sarah to share it. She was
his life.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing." he replied, smiling at her. He felt as though he were a
young man again. She made him feel more alive with each passing day.
Sarah returned a smile. It was comforting to know that he cared so
much for her that no other woman could take him away. She would never
let that happen. Now that she has finally found love, she wouldn't
let it slip away without a fight.
Sam entered the room and immediately came before his king. "Your
majesty." he said, and bowed.
"Yes?" Jareth replied.
"Jade is beyond the wall. Should we follow her?" he asked.
"No that won't be necessary." Jareth said, giving him his full
attention. "We know where she is going. Set up checkpoints around
the labyrinth and make sure she is kept out."
"Yes your majesty." Sam replied. He bowed one last time then left
the room.
"Where is she going?" Sarah asked from behind him.
"Back to the drab little place she calls home." he answered over his
shoulder. He felt her hand on his shoulder. He must not forget what
is important. Sarah is the most important thing in his life that he
did not want to lose. How he wished he had not hurt her.
"Do you want to be alone?" she asked.
"No." he replied, grasping her hand and bringing her around in front
of him. "That is the last thing I would want." He cupped her face in
his hands. "Do you know just how much you mean to me?" he asked,
looking deeply into her eyes.
Sarah didn't reply. She knew the answer but wanted to hear him say
it. He hadn't been so close to her until now. She wanted him to be
open with his feelings, so that she knew what to expect.
"Do you realize how beautiful and enchanting you are to me?" he
asked, still holding her delicate face.
Still no reply from Sarah.
"Talk to me Sarah."
"About what?" she asked.
"Do you wish to know the answers to my questions?" he asked, pulling
her into his embrace.
"Yes. Tell me." she replied.
"You are the most important thing in my life. I could not bear it if
you were to leave me again. Your beauty enchants me to where you
control my thoughts. When I am this close to you, I have to hold
back, but I'm not sure how much longer I can refrain." he said, softly.
"Hold back and refrain what?" she asked, knowing what he was talking
about all along. She felt safe and secure within his strong arms.
"Holding back my desires for you and refraining from acting upon
them." he replied.
"How long do you think you can?" she asked, knowing how much he
wanted her.
"As long as I have to." he said, releasing her from him embrace.
"You do not realize how hard it is for me with you here, but I know
your feelings must matter the most. I can't have you angry with me,
now can I?"
Sarah smiled. She understood what a hard struggle it must be for
him. He is use to getting things his way. She knew however, that if
he wanted, he could force himself and she would be unable to resist.
She knew that deep down, he didn't want it to happen that way.
Sarah walked past him to the window and gazed out across the vast
labyrinth. She felt Jareth's arms wrap around her from behind and
felt his breath on her neck. It was comforting to know that he cared
so much for her.
"What do you think?" he whispered softly.
"It's beautiful." she replied.
"You're beautiful." he whispered in her ear.
They stood in silence together looking out over the labyrinth as the
sun slowly set over the horizon. Sarah knew at that moment that no
matter what happened, they would always be together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Sarah awoke to face the day. She couldn't wait to
see Jareth. Her heart pounded with the slightest thought of him. She
wondered if he thought of her right now. What would she wear today?
She never cared before, but now it somehow changed. She wanted to
look good for him.
After a few minutes, she quickly made her selection and got dressed.
Sitting at her dressing table, she pulled her brush from one of the
drawers. Staring at the mirror, she brushed her long dark hair
slowly, wondering why he thought her to be so beautiful. She had
always thought she was rather plain and never once thought that she
was beautiful. He must see something in her that she and everyone
else must have missed. It made her feel special that this one man
found something in her to love.
A knock at her door startled her causing her brush to fall from her hands.
"Who is it?" she asked, looking around to find her brush.
"It's me Sarah." came the reply through the door.
Sarah's heart raced when she heard Jareth's voice.
"May I come in?" he asked.
Sarah stood up and smoothed her clothing. Pulling the door open, she
saw Jareth standing before her holding a tray. She smiled at the
sight.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Sure." she replied, backing away from the doorway.
Jareth entered her room and walked to her dressing table. Setting
the tray down, he turned to see that she had closed the door behind
him. "Sleep well?" he asked.
"Yes I did, and you?" she asked, spying her brush at Jareth's feet.
"Fine." he replied, looking down to see what had her attention. He
bent down and grabbed her brush. "Is this what you are looking for?"
he asked with a smile.
"Yes, I dropped it." she replied, returning a smile of her own.
"Come here." Jareth said, pulling the chair in front of him.
Sarah walked over and sat down. She felt the brush against her scalp
as Jareth run it through her hair. She had never had her hair brushed
by someone else since she was a little girl. It was so relaxing. In
a strange way, she thought it was romantic. She felt as though she
could fall asleep.
Jareth brushed her hair as carefully as he could. He loved her long
dark hair. He could run his fingers through her hair for the rest of
his life. He could brush it for hours on end if she would let him.
It was a mistake for him to be here with her like this. And yet, how
could he make himself leave?
"There now, finished." he said nervously, handing the brush over her
shoulder. Sarah gently took it from him, lightly touching his hand.
Jareth felt sparks of anxiety flow though his body, unlike anything he
had ever felt.
What are you doing today?" She asked, putting her brush in the drawer.
"Well, it depends." he answered, looking around the room.
"On what?" she asked.
"On what you have planned for the day." he answered.
"Oh." she replied, feeling her face grow hot. "I hadn't planned
anything."
Jareth's gaze landed on her. He wanted to take her in his arms and
never release her. He noticed her cheeks flush with color. It helped
to know that she also cared.
Sarah sat down at her dressing table, where she could still see him
in the mirror. He looked different somehow. What was she going to do
about her feelings toward him? She had never felt this way about
anyone before. Sarah wondered if he knew.
"Is there something in particular that you would like to do? Perhaps
go out into the Labyrinth again with Hoggle? Maybe explore the castle
in greater detail? Anything you want, just ask." he said, taking a
step closer.
"That all sounds great, but..." Sarah turned to look at him, then
back to the mirror.
"But what?" he asked.
"I'd rather spend the day with you." she answered, staring at his
image in the mirror.
"Alright." he replied, a smile creasing his lips. "Are you ready to
go?"
"Sure." she replied, standing up. "Let's go."
Jareth opened the door for Sarah. Walking through the doorway, she
waited for him to catch up and took his hand. He hadn't worn gloves
for the last few days, and she liked that. This was the strangest
romance she knew of, but she never wanted it to end.
They walked into the dining room and a quiet hush filled the air.
The goblins had been waiting for them ever since their king had left
to fetch her. They all watched quietly as Jareth led Sarah to her
seat and then sat down beside her.
Jareth nodded and Sam rose from his seat and stood before the king.
In his hands he held a small box. Handing the box to Jareth, Sam
smiled a goofy smile at Sarah, then returned to his seat.
Jareth held the box in his hand.
"What's that?" she whispered.
"You'll find out soon enough." he replied, then summoned the food to
be brought in. The box held his future with Sarah. He would wait for
the right time to bring it up. Now was not that time.
They finished eating but Sarah's mind was still on what Jareth held.
She didn't say anything more about it, but was sure it had to be a
ring. Yes, that would explain why he wouldn't tell her what it was.
Perhaps he was going to ask her to marry him again. What would she
say? What if it wasn't a ring at all? If it were just a trinket, would she still
think it valuable? Of course she would. Anything he would give her would
be priceless. What if it wasn't for her at all? Then all this wondering would
have been for nothing, or maybe not. She did consider marriage, the purpose
for which he had brought her here for in the first place. Would she seriously
consider marrying him? Yes she would. She couldn't imagine not living here
surrounded by old friends, new friends, and Jareth's love. It was Jareth she
wanted to be with for the rest of her life. She wouldn't want it any
other way.
Jareth stood up and placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. He could
wait no longer. "Come with me Sarah." he said, offering his hand to
her.
Sarah gladly took it. She was glad that he wanted her with him.
"Where are we going?"
Jareth didn't reply.
Pulling her to her feet, the goblins fell quiet. They knew what was
happening. Even Hoggle, among the crowded goblins, knew.
Jareth put an arm around her waist and led her away from the dining
room. Down the hallways they walked, side by side, until Jareth
stopped in front of a door.
Sarah knew exactly where she was. He had brought her to his room.
What did he expect of her? He must have a good reason for this.
Jareth opened the door and went inside the dark room. In and
instant, the vacant room flooded with light. Jareth was nowhere in
sight.
Walking through the doorway, she wondered how he could disappear so
quickly. Looking around the room, she still didn't see him. She
walked over to the bed and sat down. Her picture was where she saw it
last, on the nightstand.
"Jareth?" she called.
No reply.
"Jareth," she called again, "answer me, please."
"I am here." he replied, stepping away from a closet.
"Is this your room?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"It is." he replied, walking over to her. "Does being here alone
with me frighten you?"
"No." she answered.
"Good." he said, then smiled. He still held the box in his hands.
"Now are you going to tell me what's in that box?" she asked, trying
to control her anxiety.
"It is for you Sarah. I wasn't sure when to give it to you." he
said, staring into her eyes. He wasn't sure how to handle this
situation.
"Sarah, when you first arrived, you seemed to dislike us all,
especially myself. I understood why however, and so I did not let
your anger and hatefullness get to me." Jareth said, pacing back and
forth in front of her, then continued, "I knew that in time, you could
grow to care for me as I do for you. I have tried to be as patient as
I could be, but you as well as I know that patience is not one of my
stong points." he said and smiled faintly.
"Yes?" she said, wanting to hear more.
Jareth stopped to face her, his features were soft and calm. Jareth
reached out and took Sarah's hand. Somehow he looked different to
her, he looked vulnerable. Jareth placed the box in her hands and
smiled faintly. He only hoped she would not reject him.
Sarah looked at the box. Curiosity arose inside her but she remained
calm. She was certain she already knew the contents. "What is it?"
she asked softly, waiting for his reply.
"Open it." he answered.
She opened the box and saw a ring. An engagement ring. She looked
up at him with questioning eyes.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"Well, yes. What is it for?" she asked. She wanted him to ask her
properly.
Jareth's smile faded. How could she not know? Maybe it was not the
right time for this now. Perhaps he had made a mistake. No, he would
not let it go like this. He had no choice but to go on with it.
Jareth kneeled in front of her. "It is for you. A wedding ring if
you so choose." he said, averting his eyes.
"Are you asking?" Sarah asked, softly touching his shoulder.
Jareth looked at her. She was everything he ever wanted and more.
"Yes." he replied.
"I want to hear you say it. Please?" she said softly, barely a
whisper.
"Sarah, you are the only person I could ever want in my life. I
finally feel as though I am whole with you. I want you as my wife for
the rest of my life. I love you with every ounce of my being. Marry
me and be my Queen." he said, meaning every word he spoke.
"Yes." she replied. Sarah smiled. That was worth waiting to hear.
In this unnormal place, here was normallity, with Jareth.
Jareth couldn't believe his ears. He had almost expected rejection
but this was not a rejection at all. She had consented to marry him
of her own free will. He was overjoyed.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" she asked, seeing the surprise in
his face.
Jareth pulled Sarah into his arms.
"Jareth." she whispered.
"Yes?" he replied.
"Are you happy?" she asked.
"For the first time in my lonely life, yes." he answered holding her
close to him. He didn't want this moment to end.
A knock at the door caused Sarah to move away from him.
"Your majesty?" came the voice through the mighty door.
Jareth opened the door reluctantly. Hoggle stood outside.
"What?" questioned the King.
"Jade is here again." Hoggle answered.
"Well, send her away at once." Jareth said.
"She won't leave. She's askin' to see you. Says it's important." he
replied.
"Tell her I am busy." Jareth said, in his usual tone.
"She won't leave til she speaks with you."
Jareth's jaw tightened and Sarah could see anger swelling up inside
him.
"Very well." Jareth said, calmly. He turned to Sarah. Why did this
have to happen now of all times, when he and Sarah were so close? He
wished he had never laid eyes on Jade.
"I'll come." Sarah said, standing up.
"No." Jareth replied.
"Why not?" she asked, walking to him.
"I do not wish to put you in the middle of this. I only want to keep
you safe and away from danger." he said, brushing her dark hair away
from her face.
Sarah raised her left hand up in front of her. She had put on the
ring Jareth had given her. She would not let him forget that she was
the one he could not live without.
"I'm already in the middle." she said, indicating the ring.
"Besides, It's about time I met Jade. And I won't be in any danger
because I'll be with you and Hoggle. Please let me come with you."
"Are you sure you want to do that Sarah?" Hoggle asked.
"It's alright Hoggle. I'll not let her out of my sight." Jareth
answered. "Jade won't have a chance to get near her."
"Let's go." Sarah said.
Jade waited impatiently for Jareth, pacing back and forth. How dare
he keep her waiting! Didn't he realize how much that infuriated her?
Jareth entered the room, Hoggle at his side, and Jade immediately
attacked him.
"It's about time!" she yelled. "I was beginning to wonder if you
were ever going to show up Jareth."
"I am here. What do you want now?" he asked in a tired voice.
"Why I came to see you of course." she answered, her tone had
softened. "Why did you keep me waiting so long my dear?"
Jareth's disgust for her seemed to fill the air.
"I was with my bride you pathetic fool." he replied, icily. Sarah
stood quietly behind him.
Jade's face went blank. She couldn't believe her ears. He couldn't
marry anyone other than her. Her shock and surprise quickly turned to
anger. "What?!" she screamed.
"You heard me. Now leave my castle."
"No!"
"Hoggle, get Sam and the others now." Jareth said, not looking away
from Jade.
"Yes your majesty." Hoggle replied and left quickly.
"Jareth, you can't be with someone else. Please tell me that you are
joking." she pleaded in a hurt voice.
Jareth smiled wickedly. He was enjoying her agony. He felt Sarah's
hand on his back and decided it was time to finish it. "I don't make
jokes. You should already know that." he said.
"Who is she?" Jade asked, calming slightly.
"It is none of your concern."
"Tell me Jareth or I'll find out somehow and you'll be sorry! I'll
take care of her and you! Ha!" Jade said, her voice wailing.
Jareth felt Sarah grab his arm. He let his hand fall behind his back
and Sarah took it.
"Want to meet her Jade?" he asked, he could see the wonder in her eyes.
"Sure. How old is she? Older than you most likely. No young woman
in their right mind, would want you." she replied nastily.
Sarah walked out from behind Jareth, still clutching his hand.
"Hello." she said pleasantly.
Jade was taken aback by her beauty.
"Now you have met her." Jareth said smugly. His goblins and Hoggle
just arriving.
Jade stepped closer to them, hoping to get a better look at the
stranger. Jareth stood as a barrier between the two women. He would
not let Jade near Sarah.
"She is beautiful Jareth dear. Wherever did you find her?" Jade
said, staring at Sarah with fire in her eyes.
Sarah felt Jareth's grip tighten on her hand. She knew that he
becoming angry with each passing moment. There was nothing she could
do.
"Where are you from? I'm sorry, what's your name again?" Jade said,
with an evil gleam in her eyes.
"Enough of this!" Jareth said, his voice booming throughout the hall.
"What does it matter to you where she's from?! It does not! We are
not here for idle conversation with a wretch like you!" Jareth said,
his anger rising. He held back most of his anger only because Sarah
was there. "Hoggle! Get her out of my castle now!" he ordered.
Without hesitation, Hoggle and the goblins converged on Jade and drug
her out of the castle screaming all the way. The castle hall abruptly
grew silent. Neither of them said a word. It was an erie silence that
unnerved Sarah.
Jareth loosened his grip on her hand. He looked into her eyes and
his heart sank. He knew that she was afraid of what could happen with
Jade. He wished he could take back everything he had ever done just
to make things right.
"What are we going to do about her?" Sarah asked, her voice barely a
whisper.
"I don't know." he replied simply.
"I won't let her come between us. I can't. She's crazy Jareth, and
I want her gone." she said.
Jareth looked at her, a wicked smile crossing his lips.
"Not that way." she said, smiling.
"Oh, are you sure? I could arrange it you know." he said, almost
serious.
"I bet you can. No, we must think of some way to get her back where
she belongs."
"How? She won't leave because of me." he replied, seriously.
"I'm not sure yet, but there has to be a way. We'll think of
something." she replied.
Hoggle and the others returned quicker than expected. "She is beyond
the wall your majesty." Hoggle said. He looked at Sarah and noticed
her ring. He could notice anything of value.
Sarah caught his stare. "What?" she asked.
"Oh nothin'. I was just lookin' at your ring." he answered. He had
seen that ring before, once long ago when Jareth first came here.
"Do you like it?" she asked, knowing full well that he did.
"Yeah, sure." he replied.
"Sarah has decided to become your queen and marry me." Jareth stated,
his joy overwhelming.
Hoggle had never seen the king like this before. He was giddy as a
school boy. It was amazing what love could do to a person. He knew
that Jareth and Sarah were meant to be together, regardless of how
hard they fought against each other.
"Will there be a celebration your highness?" Hoggle asked.
"That is a good idea Hoggle. Will you see to it?" Jareth asked.
"Yes your majesty. When do you want it?" he asked.
"As soon as possible." Jareth answered, taking Sarah's hand.
Hoggle nodded and left. He had much to do and so little time to do
it in.