Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
No One Can Blame You
Chapter Eight "I'll Be There For You"
Veronica stood nervously and watched as the assembled guests became more and more restless. One kept clearing his throat, unnecessarily trying to call more attention to the situation.
"Where the heck is Jareth?" Veronica whispered.
"I thought he was merely taking his time getting ready," Titania whispered back, "but he should be here by now." She turned to Oberon and whispered, "My love, perhaps you should find him."
The reluctant Fey King left the Throne Room and started looking for his missing brother. He found Jareth on his bedroom balcony, looking out over the Labyrinth.
"Jareth, all the guests are assembled," Oberon said. "We are waiting for you."
Jareth kept his eyes on the landscape. "Oberon, am I making a mistake?"
"In marrying Veronica? She will be a good queen."
"Should I wait to marry someone I love?"
"You mean," Oberon interpreted, "should you wait until Sarah changes her mind? From what you told me, it is highly unlikely. She loves that Anthony Banders you mentioned."
Jareth nodded slowly. "She is the only woman I could ever love."
"Titania and I did not love each other when we first were married, but now, I cannot imagine my life without her. Perhaps, in time, you will love her."
**Perhaps, in time...** Jareth's mind echoed. "Is this what is best for Veronica, to keep her here in a drafty castle in a strange world?" he asked quietly.
"Marrying you is Veronica's choice?" Oberon asked, although he already knew the answer. "You are not forcing her to marry you just so you can keep your kingdom?"
Jareth turned to his brother, indignation clearly on his face. "Veronica is marrying me of her free will, though I have no idea why."
Oberon could not help smiling. "Has it occurred to you that she might be in love with you?"
A few minutes later, Oberon returned to his place behind the basin of water. A trumpet sounded, and everyone turned to see Jareth walking towards Veronica. He wore black tights, a black ballroom coat with tails, a white linen shirt, his favorite black boots, and white gloves.
**He looks ... devastatingly handsome,** Veronica thought. **Even better than at our engagement ball.**
Jareth was thinking similar thoughts. **She looks ... exquisite. Even more beautiful than at the engagement ball.**
As he approached Veronica and Oberon, the Fey King's face broke into a wide smile. "Kings and queens, lords, ladies, and gentlemen," he began, "we are here to celebrate the marriage of Jareth, the Goblin King, and Veronica Marie Thomas of Earth. They will perform the traditional Fey wedding ceremony." With that, he handed Jareth a lit torch, the yellow flame glowing brightly.
Jareth stared at the flame for a moment, then at Veronica, then back at the torch as he lowered it into the water and the flame went out. "I give fire to water. The one who takes it is the one I choose as my wife."
Veronica's heart was going a mile a minute. She managed to lower her hand into the water without it shaking too much. As her cupped palm rose from the water, the flame danced in it. "I take fire from water. The one I give it to is the one I choose as my husband."
With that, she took Jareth's hand with her free one and placed it over the fire in her palm. They held hands for a moment then when Jareth removed his, the flame danced in his hand for a moment before it went out.
"You proved that you are each other's chosen ones," Oberon said, smiling. "You are husband and wife."
Veronica smiled wide but her smile faded quickly when she saw the look on Jareth's face. Confusion, disappointment, wariness, suspicion, all those things and something unexplainable were in his eyes. Oberon saw it, and knew that this was not going to be a very joyful wedding night.
Still, he tried to lighten things up. He grinned. "Kiss her, Jareth, unless you want me to."
Jareth's glare was lethal, but he dutifully gave Veronica a very quick kiss on the lips.
**This is going to be a hell of a night,** she thought sadly.
**It is official, I am in hell,** Jareth thought darkly. **Married to a woman I do not...** He looked at Veronica. **Who does not...** Jareth noticed the tears in her eyes that threatened to fall and he swallowed hard. "It is time for the banquet, my dear," he said as courtly as he could. Jareth held out his hand.
**Why do I feel like I'm heading towards my last meal?** Veronica thought solemnly as she took his hand.
The newlywed couple led the way to the ballroom, which was decorated in purest white, with white satin and lace tablecloths on the many tables and strands of pearls strung above everyone's heads. On each table was a centerpiece of white roses, tulips, carnations, snapdragons, and baby's breath in a sparkling crystal vase.
"It's beautiful," Veronica whispered to her new husband.
Jareth allowed himself a small smile. "Thank you, my dear." He escorted her to the long head table, held her chair for her as she sat down, then turned to the guests. "Please, be seated." Everyone sat down, Titania and Oberon joining them at the head table. "Lady Veronica and I are honored that all of you could be here this evening. We are thankful that you are able to share this most important day with us. Now, it is time for the feast."
With that, Jareth took his seat and the servants brought in dinner. Out of respect for Veronica, the menu was that of a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Veronica smiled a little. "Jareth, thank you. I've always loved Thanksgiving dinner."
"Well," Oberon said, grinning, "Jareth is certainly thankful tonight. Not only does he have a beautiful bride, he gets to keep his kingdom, the lucky sod."
Jareth groaned inwardly. **Perhaps I should simply give Oberon the kingdom and be done with it. Then I would not have to...** He lost his train of thought as he turned to Veronica, and saw her gazing around the room in wonder.
"It's so wonderful here," she said softly, reverently. "I feel like I've finally come home." Veronica turned to him, and the glow in her eyes and in her smile went straight to Jareth's heart. "I have this amazing castle as my home, Oberon and Titania as my brother- and sister-in-law, and you as my husband. My life couldn't be more perfect." **That look on his face,** Veronica thought. **He looks like he's...**
**Fool!** Jareth chastised himself. **What has gotten into you? Veronica does not love you, she simply loves this world. She is thankful that you are her husband, but only because she sees you as a companion. And why do you want her to love you in the first place?**
The warm, open expression on Jareth's face vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, leaving him seemingly annoyed at something. Veronica's heart and hopes fell.
**Just when I thought... Ronni, you're an idiot.** Her thoughts were interrupted at the sound of Jareth clearing his throat. She turned back to him.
Jareth held out a simple gold band. "I know that on Earth it is customary for the bride and groom to exchange the rings during the ceremony. Here, it is done during the feast." Jareth gently took her left hand slipped the ring onto her ring finger, were it rested against her engagement ring.
"It's beautiful," Veronica whispered. She looked up at him. "What about yours?" Veronica felt someone nudge her. She turned to see Titania smiling softly.
"I believe you are looking for this," the Fey Queen said, and handed Veronica an identical ring.
Veronica waited as Jareth removed his left glove, then she slowly slipped the ring onto his ring finger. Just as she was going to say something, Oberon rose and addressed the guests.
"It is my ... pleasure to give the toast to my brother and his bride," he said, somewhat reluctantly. "I have known Jareth all his life, and never have I seen him so ... content. For centuries, he was restless and alone. Now, he has someone to share his life with, and I know it will last forever." Oberon held up his goblet of mead in toast. "To Jareth and Veronica."
"To Jareth and Veronica," the guests echoed, holding up their own goblets.
After everyone had had their fill, it was time for the dance. Jareth stood and offered his hand to his bride. Veronica took his hand and rose then the couple walked to the dance floor. A beautiful melody started, reminding Veronica of bird songs played on a flute.
Jareth took her in his arms and they started waltzing, the guests watching from a respectful distance. The whole time, Veronica wished that Jareth would hold her closer, in a loving embrace. Jareth found himself wishing that he and Veronica were alone in the ballroom, then mentally shook himself for getting caught up in the romance of the Fey wedding song.
The banquet lasted until the wee hours of the morning. By that time, Veronica was too nervous to be tired. She had no idea what Jareth had planned for their first night as husband and wife. After all the guests had left, Jareth led the way to the royal bedchamber.
Veronica looked around in wonder. The room was decorated in royal purple with mahogany furniture. It had an aura of power and majesty, not unlike Jareth himself. Veronica's awe faded and her nervousness returned as she noticed the bed, a king-size four-poster with a draped canopy.
"Will ... will we be sharing the bed tonight?" she managed to ask.
**She wants to share the bed?** Jareth thought, amazed. **Perhaps she really does love... No, she simply wants to know if we will have separate sleeping spaces.** "For now, yes. There is a bedchamber next door that shares a connecting door with this one. Once that is redecorated, it will be yours."
Veronica nodded slowly. "Alright. Um, which side of the bed do you sleep on?"
"The right. I have paperwork to do, so I will bid you goodnight, my dear."
"You're not coming back?" Veronica's surprise was clear as crystal.
"Not until long after you are asleep," Jareth replied. "Goodnight, Veronica."
With that, he left his bride to her thoughts. Veronica could not believe that her husband had walked out on her on their wedding night. She sighed sadly. **He didn't even kiss me goodnight, not that I really expected him to. Face it, girl, he's only interested in keeping his kingdom.**
Jareth returned to the bedchamber just as dawn was breaking. He knocked lightly, then chided himself for being ridiculous. Slowly opening the door, he saw Veronica asleep on the bed. Jareth walked over to the bed then sat down and simply watched his wife sleep for a moment. Rising, he changed into his royal blue silk pajamas and laid down next to Veronica, careful not to wake her. Soon, he drifted off, never noticing the dried tear streaks on Veronica's face.
No One Can Blame You
Chapter Eight "I'll Be There For You"
Veronica stood nervously and watched as the assembled guests became more and more restless. One kept clearing his throat, unnecessarily trying to call more attention to the situation.
"Where the heck is Jareth?" Veronica whispered.
"I thought he was merely taking his time getting ready," Titania whispered back, "but he should be here by now." She turned to Oberon and whispered, "My love, perhaps you should find him."
The reluctant Fey King left the Throne Room and started looking for his missing brother. He found Jareth on his bedroom balcony, looking out over the Labyrinth.
"Jareth, all the guests are assembled," Oberon said. "We are waiting for you."
Jareth kept his eyes on the landscape. "Oberon, am I making a mistake?"
"In marrying Veronica? She will be a good queen."
"Should I wait to marry someone I love?"
"You mean," Oberon interpreted, "should you wait until Sarah changes her mind? From what you told me, it is highly unlikely. She loves that Anthony Banders you mentioned."
Jareth nodded slowly. "She is the only woman I could ever love."
"Titania and I did not love each other when we first were married, but now, I cannot imagine my life without her. Perhaps, in time, you will love her."
**Perhaps, in time...** Jareth's mind echoed. "Is this what is best for Veronica, to keep her here in a drafty castle in a strange world?" he asked quietly.
"Marrying you is Veronica's choice?" Oberon asked, although he already knew the answer. "You are not forcing her to marry you just so you can keep your kingdom?"
Jareth turned to his brother, indignation clearly on his face. "Veronica is marrying me of her free will, though I have no idea why."
Oberon could not help smiling. "Has it occurred to you that she might be in love with you?"
A few minutes later, Oberon returned to his place behind the basin of water. A trumpet sounded, and everyone turned to see Jareth walking towards Veronica. He wore black tights, a black ballroom coat with tails, a white linen shirt, his favorite black boots, and white gloves.
**He looks ... devastatingly handsome,** Veronica thought. **Even better than at our engagement ball.**
Jareth was thinking similar thoughts. **She looks ... exquisite. Even more beautiful than at the engagement ball.**
As he approached Veronica and Oberon, the Fey King's face broke into a wide smile. "Kings and queens, lords, ladies, and gentlemen," he began, "we are here to celebrate the marriage of Jareth, the Goblin King, and Veronica Marie Thomas of Earth. They will perform the traditional Fey wedding ceremony." With that, he handed Jareth a lit torch, the yellow flame glowing brightly.
Jareth stared at the flame for a moment, then at Veronica, then back at the torch as he lowered it into the water and the flame went out. "I give fire to water. The one who takes it is the one I choose as my wife."
Veronica's heart was going a mile a minute. She managed to lower her hand into the water without it shaking too much. As her cupped palm rose from the water, the flame danced in it. "I take fire from water. The one I give it to is the one I choose as my husband."
With that, she took Jareth's hand with her free one and placed it over the fire in her palm. They held hands for a moment then when Jareth removed his, the flame danced in his hand for a moment before it went out.
"You proved that you are each other's chosen ones," Oberon said, smiling. "You are husband and wife."
Veronica smiled wide but her smile faded quickly when she saw the look on Jareth's face. Confusion, disappointment, wariness, suspicion, all those things and something unexplainable were in his eyes. Oberon saw it, and knew that this was not going to be a very joyful wedding night.
Still, he tried to lighten things up. He grinned. "Kiss her, Jareth, unless you want me to."
Jareth's glare was lethal, but he dutifully gave Veronica a very quick kiss on the lips.
**This is going to be a hell of a night,** she thought sadly.
**It is official, I am in hell,** Jareth thought darkly. **Married to a woman I do not...** He looked at Veronica. **Who does not...** Jareth noticed the tears in her eyes that threatened to fall and he swallowed hard. "It is time for the banquet, my dear," he said as courtly as he could. Jareth held out his hand.
**Why do I feel like I'm heading towards my last meal?** Veronica thought solemnly as she took his hand.
The newlywed couple led the way to the ballroom, which was decorated in purest white, with white satin and lace tablecloths on the many tables and strands of pearls strung above everyone's heads. On each table was a centerpiece of white roses, tulips, carnations, snapdragons, and baby's breath in a sparkling crystal vase.
"It's beautiful," Veronica whispered to her new husband.
Jareth allowed himself a small smile. "Thank you, my dear." He escorted her to the long head table, held her chair for her as she sat down, then turned to the guests. "Please, be seated." Everyone sat down, Titania and Oberon joining them at the head table. "Lady Veronica and I are honored that all of you could be here this evening. We are thankful that you are able to share this most important day with us. Now, it is time for the feast."
With that, Jareth took his seat and the servants brought in dinner. Out of respect for Veronica, the menu was that of a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Veronica smiled a little. "Jareth, thank you. I've always loved Thanksgiving dinner."
"Well," Oberon said, grinning, "Jareth is certainly thankful tonight. Not only does he have a beautiful bride, he gets to keep his kingdom, the lucky sod."
Jareth groaned inwardly. **Perhaps I should simply give Oberon the kingdom and be done with it. Then I would not have to...** He lost his train of thought as he turned to Veronica, and saw her gazing around the room in wonder.
"It's so wonderful here," she said softly, reverently. "I feel like I've finally come home." Veronica turned to him, and the glow in her eyes and in her smile went straight to Jareth's heart. "I have this amazing castle as my home, Oberon and Titania as my brother- and sister-in-law, and you as my husband. My life couldn't be more perfect." **That look on his face,** Veronica thought. **He looks like he's...**
**Fool!** Jareth chastised himself. **What has gotten into you? Veronica does not love you, she simply loves this world. She is thankful that you are her husband, but only because she sees you as a companion. And why do you want her to love you in the first place?**
The warm, open expression on Jareth's face vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, leaving him seemingly annoyed at something. Veronica's heart and hopes fell.
**Just when I thought... Ronni, you're an idiot.** Her thoughts were interrupted at the sound of Jareth clearing his throat. She turned back to him.
Jareth held out a simple gold band. "I know that on Earth it is customary for the bride and groom to exchange the rings during the ceremony. Here, it is done during the feast." Jareth gently took her left hand slipped the ring onto her ring finger, were it rested against her engagement ring.
"It's beautiful," Veronica whispered. She looked up at him. "What about yours?" Veronica felt someone nudge her. She turned to see Titania smiling softly.
"I believe you are looking for this," the Fey Queen said, and handed Veronica an identical ring.
Veronica waited as Jareth removed his left glove, then she slowly slipped the ring onto his ring finger. Just as she was going to say something, Oberon rose and addressed the guests.
"It is my ... pleasure to give the toast to my brother and his bride," he said, somewhat reluctantly. "I have known Jareth all his life, and never have I seen him so ... content. For centuries, he was restless and alone. Now, he has someone to share his life with, and I know it will last forever." Oberon held up his goblet of mead in toast. "To Jareth and Veronica."
"To Jareth and Veronica," the guests echoed, holding up their own goblets.
After everyone had had their fill, it was time for the dance. Jareth stood and offered his hand to his bride. Veronica took his hand and rose then the couple walked to the dance floor. A beautiful melody started, reminding Veronica of bird songs played on a flute.
Jareth took her in his arms and they started waltzing, the guests watching from a respectful distance. The whole time, Veronica wished that Jareth would hold her closer, in a loving embrace. Jareth found himself wishing that he and Veronica were alone in the ballroom, then mentally shook himself for getting caught up in the romance of the Fey wedding song.
The banquet lasted until the wee hours of the morning. By that time, Veronica was too nervous to be tired. She had no idea what Jareth had planned for their first night as husband and wife. After all the guests had left, Jareth led the way to the royal bedchamber.
Veronica looked around in wonder. The room was decorated in royal purple with mahogany furniture. It had an aura of power and majesty, not unlike Jareth himself. Veronica's awe faded and her nervousness returned as she noticed the bed, a king-size four-poster with a draped canopy.
"Will ... will we be sharing the bed tonight?" she managed to ask.
**She wants to share the bed?** Jareth thought, amazed. **Perhaps she really does love... No, she simply wants to know if we will have separate sleeping spaces.** "For now, yes. There is a bedchamber next door that shares a connecting door with this one. Once that is redecorated, it will be yours."
Veronica nodded slowly. "Alright. Um, which side of the bed do you sleep on?"
"The right. I have paperwork to do, so I will bid you goodnight, my dear."
"You're not coming back?" Veronica's surprise was clear as crystal.
"Not until long after you are asleep," Jareth replied. "Goodnight, Veronica."
With that, he left his bride to her thoughts. Veronica could not believe that her husband had walked out on her on their wedding night. She sighed sadly. **He didn't even kiss me goodnight, not that I really expected him to. Face it, girl, he's only interested in keeping his kingdom.**
Jareth returned to the bedchamber just as dawn was breaking. He knocked lightly, then chided himself for being ridiculous. Slowly opening the door, he saw Veronica asleep on the bed. Jareth walked over to the bed then sat down and simply watched his wife sleep for a moment. Rising, he changed into his royal blue silk pajamas and laid down next to Veronica, careful not to wake her. Soon, he drifted off, never noticing the dried tear streaks on Veronica's face.
