Disclaimer: See Chapter One
No One Can Blame You
Chapter Seven: "Not Long At All"
The night passed slowly for the soon-to-be-newlyweds. Veronica lay awake all night long, asking herself if she was really doing the right thing for everyone. She thought back to the night before the ball, when she told Sarah that she was going to marry Jareth.
Sarah's shock was written all over her face. "You and Jareth are getting married? I don't believe you. Ronni, you don't even know him."
"I do know him, Sarah," Veronica said. She took a deep breath. "He came to me and asked me to help him win you."
"What?!" Sarah screamed. "How could you do that to me, Ronni?! You're my best friend! I trusted you!"
"Sarah, please, calm down," Veronica said as gently as she could. "He told me that he loved you and never wanted to hurt you, and I believed him. I still do. He really does love you, Sarah."
By that time, Sarah had calmed down considerably. "Then why is he marrying you?"
"He told you why," Veronica said patiently. "He has to get married or he'll lose his kingdom."
"Why are you marrying him?" Sarah studied the look in Veronica's eyes. "You love him, don't you?"
All Veronica could do was nod.
"Then I hope you are wrong about him loving me. For your sake, I hope he loves you."
**So do I, Sarah,** Veronica thought miserably.
In the throne room, Jareth was trying to work off his anxiety by pacing. When that proved useless, he appeared in the Escher Room. In there, he could climb the walls, literally.
**Tonight, I am marrying a woman of sense, intelligence, wit, and beauty. Why am I not ecstatic? Because she is not Sarah.** Jareth found himself comparing the two women. **Sarah has a lifelong love of fantasy, while Veronica is a bit more practical. Sarah has a love of dramatics and the spotlight, while Veronica prefers to support people from behind the scenes.** His mind jumped to the most painful differences. **Sarah fears me, while Veronica stood up to me. There was a time when I wanted Sarah to fear me, when I thought fear was part of love, but now... Seeing the fear in her eyes was enough to break my heart. When I look into Veronica's eyes, I see concern, but not pity, determination, and something else, something I just cannot place.**
Jareth looked up suddenly to see Veronica standing at the top of a nearby staircase, staring at him.
"I ... I'm sorry," she managed. "I thought you'd be in bed."
Jareth vanished and reappeared in front of her. "I could not sleep," he admitted quietly, to his surprise as well as hers.
"I couldn't either," Veronica said. She looked down at the stone ledge then slowly back up at him. "Jareth, are we making a mistake? I mean, I know you have to marry, but is marrying me really the best thing you could do?"
**Is it?** Jareth thought about how life would be like married to Veronica, and how it would have been if Sarah had accepted him. **Sarah would have grown to hate me, while Veronica ... will most likely remain my friend, perhaps even become my best friend.** He felt a slight pain in his chest at that thought, but it subsided quickly, and he dismissed it just as quickly. Jareth turned to Veronica. "I know this will not be an ideal marriage," he said, "but I am willing to go through with it if you are."
**He knows I'm not Sarah, yet he still wants to marry me.** Veronica sighed softly. "When I was younger, I promised myself that I would only marry for love. I had seen too many marriages, my parents' included, fall apart because the couple didn't truly love each other. Because this is just a marriage of convenience, I think we can make it work."
The relief Jareth felt was so strong that it took his breath away. **She is not going to leave me,** he thought. **Jareth, get a hold of yourself. You were about to lose your kingdom and all you can think about is her?** He managed to smile at Veronica without grinning like an idiot. "I am very glad you have decided to stay, my dear."
"Thank you, Jareth," Veronica said quietly. "I guess I'd better get back to my room. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."
Jareth nodded. "Try to sleep, my dear. We have a big day ahead of us."
Veronica turned and walked back to the guest room, leaving Jareth to relive the conversation in his mind.
**Why was I more concerned with losing Veronica than with losing my kingdom? How can something or someone mean more to me than the Labryinth?** With those confusing thoughts still on his mind, Jareth went to bed.
Veronica woke up at ten that morning. Even though she had only had five hours of sleep, she didn't feel tired. Veronica was too nervous for that.
There was a light knock at the door. "Ronni?"
**What's Titania doing here now?** Veronica got out of bed, put on her robe, and walked to the door. Opening it, she saw the Fey Queen standing there in an emerald silk gown that matched her eyes and contrasted beautifully with her fiery hair.
Titania smiled. "Good morning, Ronni. I hope you are feeling well today."
"'Morning, Titania. I think I'm too nervous to feel anything else."
"That is why I am here. Jareth thought you might be nervous about the ceremony."
Veronica nodded and let Titania into the room. "I mean, no one's told me exactly what happens."
"Jareth should have told you, but I imagine he has other things on his mind." Titania walked over to the couch and sat down then patted the space next to her.
**Yeah, like gloating,** Veronica thought as she sat down. "I guess he was thinking about the other wedding plans, like the guest list."
"No," Titania said, confused, "I took care of all those things. Perhaps in all the excitement, he simply forgot that you are not familiar with our customs."
"I guess you're right," Veronica said quietly. "So, how does it go?"
Titania explained the Fey ceremony, how it involved three of the five ancient elements -- water, fire, and magic. She described in detail what Jareth would do, and what Veronica would do.
"It's nothing like the Earth weddings I've been to. I mean, we won't even exchange rings."
Titania smiled softly. "That is done at the wedding feast. As far as that goes, I have included a few Earth traditions. There will be a cake, your traditional dance with Jareth, and the tossing of the bouquet. Fey tradition also includes a toast to the couple by the highest-ranking monarch present, which Oberon will be expected to give."
"I doubt he's happy about that," Veronica commented. "He didn't seem to like the idea of Jareth and I getting married."
"He is simply hurt over losing the Labyrinth."
"Is it really that valuable?"
"Besides the rainbow diamonds, it would only add more territory to what he already has." Titania sighed. "I love Oberon dearly, but I despise it when his greed takes over his common sense." She shook her head slightly and went back to the original topic. "Jareth told me you have picked out your gown. Is that correct?"
"Sort of," Veronica admitted. "I mean, I know what kind of dress I want, but I haven't had a chance to buy one."
"There is no need to buy one, Ronni," Titania said, smiling. "You can use magic. Did Jareth give you magic yet?"
"No, he said that he would at the reception. But he did give me a crystal to use in the meantime." Veronica got up and walked over to the vanity and came back with the potent orb. "He just didn't show me how to use it." She placed it in Titania's outstretched hand and sat back down beside her.
The Fey Queen smiled fondly as she held the crystal. "Jareth's magic differs from the magic of other Fey. His power is there to assist him in his role as the Goblin King. Since he often has to travel great distances, he has the ability to transform into an owl."
"Sarah said that he flew at her face when he first came to her," Veronica said.
Titania's scowl was brief, but long enough for Veronica to notice. "I know Jareth cared very much about Sarah, but his feelings were more obsession than devotion. Sarah brought out the worst in him," she smiled warmly at Veronica, "while you bring out the best."
Veronica blushed slightly at such praise. **I'm sure she's just being polite. I mean, why would I bring out the best in Jareth? It's not like he loves me.**
Titania noticed her future sister-in-law's blush and decided that it was best to keep to the original subject. She explained Jareth's crystals and the crystals' power to affect dreams, among other things. The Fey Queen gave the orb back to Veronica, and smiled. "Go ahead, Ronni. Just picture the dress you want in your mind and wish for it."
Veronica stared at the sphere in her hand, then stood up and walked over to the bed. She closed her eyes and thought about her dream gown. **I wish I could have that gown, right now.** The phrasing sounded right, and when she opened her eyes, the pure white dress was laying on her bed. Veronica lovingly ran a hand over the gleaming white satin. "It's perfect," she whispered.
Titania smiled softly. "It is," she agreed. "Now, it is time for you to get ready. Go on." The Fey Queen shooed Veronica into the bathroom.
After a luxurious bubble bath, Titania helped Veronica into the gown then French braided her hair. Helping her into the gown, Titania buttoned the row of buttons in the back then looked at Veronica in the full-length mirror and smiled.
"You look beautiful," she said proudly. "We just need a few more things."
Titania waved her hand and a crown of white roses with a white satin bow in the back appeared on Veronica's head. Then she waved her hand again and handed Veronica a pair of white satin heels. Veronica put them on then Titania helped her with her makeup.
"Jareth will not be able to keep his eyes off you," Titania said, quite pleased with the result of her handiwork.
**I hope you're right, Titania,** Veronica thought sadly. **Otherwise, this marriage is doomed before it even begins.** She stared at her reflection again. **Please, let Jareth see how much I love him.**
No One Can Blame You
Chapter Seven: "Not Long At All"
The night passed slowly for the soon-to-be-newlyweds. Veronica lay awake all night long, asking herself if she was really doing the right thing for everyone. She thought back to the night before the ball, when she told Sarah that she was going to marry Jareth.
Sarah's shock was written all over her face. "You and Jareth are getting married? I don't believe you. Ronni, you don't even know him."
"I do know him, Sarah," Veronica said. She took a deep breath. "He came to me and asked me to help him win you."
"What?!" Sarah screamed. "How could you do that to me, Ronni?! You're my best friend! I trusted you!"
"Sarah, please, calm down," Veronica said as gently as she could. "He told me that he loved you and never wanted to hurt you, and I believed him. I still do. He really does love you, Sarah."
By that time, Sarah had calmed down considerably. "Then why is he marrying you?"
"He told you why," Veronica said patiently. "He has to get married or he'll lose his kingdom."
"Why are you marrying him?" Sarah studied the look in Veronica's eyes. "You love him, don't you?"
All Veronica could do was nod.
"Then I hope you are wrong about him loving me. For your sake, I hope he loves you."
**So do I, Sarah,** Veronica thought miserably.
In the throne room, Jareth was trying to work off his anxiety by pacing. When that proved useless, he appeared in the Escher Room. In there, he could climb the walls, literally.
**Tonight, I am marrying a woman of sense, intelligence, wit, and beauty. Why am I not ecstatic? Because she is not Sarah.** Jareth found himself comparing the two women. **Sarah has a lifelong love of fantasy, while Veronica is a bit more practical. Sarah has a love of dramatics and the spotlight, while Veronica prefers to support people from behind the scenes.** His mind jumped to the most painful differences. **Sarah fears me, while Veronica stood up to me. There was a time when I wanted Sarah to fear me, when I thought fear was part of love, but now... Seeing the fear in her eyes was enough to break my heart. When I look into Veronica's eyes, I see concern, but not pity, determination, and something else, something I just cannot place.**
Jareth looked up suddenly to see Veronica standing at the top of a nearby staircase, staring at him.
"I ... I'm sorry," she managed. "I thought you'd be in bed."
Jareth vanished and reappeared in front of her. "I could not sleep," he admitted quietly, to his surprise as well as hers.
"I couldn't either," Veronica said. She looked down at the stone ledge then slowly back up at him. "Jareth, are we making a mistake? I mean, I know you have to marry, but is marrying me really the best thing you could do?"
**Is it?** Jareth thought about how life would be like married to Veronica, and how it would have been if Sarah had accepted him. **Sarah would have grown to hate me, while Veronica ... will most likely remain my friend, perhaps even become my best friend.** He felt a slight pain in his chest at that thought, but it subsided quickly, and he dismissed it just as quickly. Jareth turned to Veronica. "I know this will not be an ideal marriage," he said, "but I am willing to go through with it if you are."
**He knows I'm not Sarah, yet he still wants to marry me.** Veronica sighed softly. "When I was younger, I promised myself that I would only marry for love. I had seen too many marriages, my parents' included, fall apart because the couple didn't truly love each other. Because this is just a marriage of convenience, I think we can make it work."
The relief Jareth felt was so strong that it took his breath away. **She is not going to leave me,** he thought. **Jareth, get a hold of yourself. You were about to lose your kingdom and all you can think about is her?** He managed to smile at Veronica without grinning like an idiot. "I am very glad you have decided to stay, my dear."
"Thank you, Jareth," Veronica said quietly. "I guess I'd better get back to my room. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."
Jareth nodded. "Try to sleep, my dear. We have a big day ahead of us."
Veronica turned and walked back to the guest room, leaving Jareth to relive the conversation in his mind.
**Why was I more concerned with losing Veronica than with losing my kingdom? How can something or someone mean more to me than the Labryinth?** With those confusing thoughts still on his mind, Jareth went to bed.
Veronica woke up at ten that morning. Even though she had only had five hours of sleep, she didn't feel tired. Veronica was too nervous for that.
There was a light knock at the door. "Ronni?"
**What's Titania doing here now?** Veronica got out of bed, put on her robe, and walked to the door. Opening it, she saw the Fey Queen standing there in an emerald silk gown that matched her eyes and contrasted beautifully with her fiery hair.
Titania smiled. "Good morning, Ronni. I hope you are feeling well today."
"'Morning, Titania. I think I'm too nervous to feel anything else."
"That is why I am here. Jareth thought you might be nervous about the ceremony."
Veronica nodded and let Titania into the room. "I mean, no one's told me exactly what happens."
"Jareth should have told you, but I imagine he has other things on his mind." Titania walked over to the couch and sat down then patted the space next to her.
**Yeah, like gloating,** Veronica thought as she sat down. "I guess he was thinking about the other wedding plans, like the guest list."
"No," Titania said, confused, "I took care of all those things. Perhaps in all the excitement, he simply forgot that you are not familiar with our customs."
"I guess you're right," Veronica said quietly. "So, how does it go?"
Titania explained the Fey ceremony, how it involved three of the five ancient elements -- water, fire, and magic. She described in detail what Jareth would do, and what Veronica would do.
"It's nothing like the Earth weddings I've been to. I mean, we won't even exchange rings."
Titania smiled softly. "That is done at the wedding feast. As far as that goes, I have included a few Earth traditions. There will be a cake, your traditional dance with Jareth, and the tossing of the bouquet. Fey tradition also includes a toast to the couple by the highest-ranking monarch present, which Oberon will be expected to give."
"I doubt he's happy about that," Veronica commented. "He didn't seem to like the idea of Jareth and I getting married."
"He is simply hurt over losing the Labyrinth."
"Is it really that valuable?"
"Besides the rainbow diamonds, it would only add more territory to what he already has." Titania sighed. "I love Oberon dearly, but I despise it when his greed takes over his common sense." She shook her head slightly and went back to the original topic. "Jareth told me you have picked out your gown. Is that correct?"
"Sort of," Veronica admitted. "I mean, I know what kind of dress I want, but I haven't had a chance to buy one."
"There is no need to buy one, Ronni," Titania said, smiling. "You can use magic. Did Jareth give you magic yet?"
"No, he said that he would at the reception. But he did give me a crystal to use in the meantime." Veronica got up and walked over to the vanity and came back with the potent orb. "He just didn't show me how to use it." She placed it in Titania's outstretched hand and sat back down beside her.
The Fey Queen smiled fondly as she held the crystal. "Jareth's magic differs from the magic of other Fey. His power is there to assist him in his role as the Goblin King. Since he often has to travel great distances, he has the ability to transform into an owl."
"Sarah said that he flew at her face when he first came to her," Veronica said.
Titania's scowl was brief, but long enough for Veronica to notice. "I know Jareth cared very much about Sarah, but his feelings were more obsession than devotion. Sarah brought out the worst in him," she smiled warmly at Veronica, "while you bring out the best."
Veronica blushed slightly at such praise. **I'm sure she's just being polite. I mean, why would I bring out the best in Jareth? It's not like he loves me.**
Titania noticed her future sister-in-law's blush and decided that it was best to keep to the original subject. She explained Jareth's crystals and the crystals' power to affect dreams, among other things. The Fey Queen gave the orb back to Veronica, and smiled. "Go ahead, Ronni. Just picture the dress you want in your mind and wish for it."
Veronica stared at the sphere in her hand, then stood up and walked over to the bed. She closed her eyes and thought about her dream gown. **I wish I could have that gown, right now.** The phrasing sounded right, and when she opened her eyes, the pure white dress was laying on her bed. Veronica lovingly ran a hand over the gleaming white satin. "It's perfect," she whispered.
Titania smiled softly. "It is," she agreed. "Now, it is time for you to get ready. Go on." The Fey Queen shooed Veronica into the bathroom.
After a luxurious bubble bath, Titania helped Veronica into the gown then French braided her hair. Helping her into the gown, Titania buttoned the row of buttons in the back then looked at Veronica in the full-length mirror and smiled.
"You look beautiful," she said proudly. "We just need a few more things."
Titania waved her hand and a crown of white roses with a white satin bow in the back appeared on Veronica's head. Then she waved her hand again and handed Veronica a pair of white satin heels. Veronica put them on then Titania helped her with her makeup.
"Jareth will not be able to keep his eyes off you," Titania said, quite pleased with the result of her handiwork.
**I hope you're right, Titania,** Veronica thought sadly. **Otherwise, this marriage is doomed before it even begins.** She stared at her reflection again. **Please, let Jareth see how much I love him.**
