Thank you all for your reviews. Here is the next chapter to my tale. Awe, the surprises to come! Hope you like this chapter. Please read and enjoy and don't forget to reviewJ
To What May Come
Chapter 16
The night continued on, as Sarah found herself alone on the balcony of the ballroom gazing out at the star filled sky. Jareth had been pulled from her presence once again as he had to converse with some King of another kingdom. It was all right though, she was starting to feel a bit claustrophobic being surrounded by so many people, and the focus of their gazes. Granted, it was not as unnerving as the first ball she had ever attended but that was partially due to the fact that it was a dream. Or was it?
Shaking her thoughts from her mind, she concentrated on enjoying the view of the stars and the cool floral scented air. There was always something about the night that intrigued her, made her feel more at peace. To her, the night was more magical, the stars a sparkle of light within the sky capturing your eyes and pulling you into a trance of tranquility. Sarah breathed in heavily, allowing her lungs to take in the air fully.
"Lovely, isn't it?" a deep cultured voiced commented.
With a slight start, Sarah turned to the stranger, quickly taking in his form. He had short dark hair, almost as black as night, the deepest green eyes she had ever seen, pale skin, and tall. Sarah had to admit, he was handsome, but something about they way he regarded her, or maybe something else, made her feel a bit wary of his presence.
"Yes, yes it is," she finally answered, looking past him towards the ball. She really did not feel like going back in yet.
The man, or Fae, bowed before her, "Excuse me, Milady, I did not mean to disturb you. It is just that you looked so alone!"
Sarah cautiously stepped away from him, slowly starting to make her way to the door, "That's okay, I was heading back in anyway."
He saw that she was starting to retreat and knew that he had to act quickly to intercept, and intercept he did. Successfully blocking the door, he grinned to her, studying her lovely form. She was indeed a lovely creature, pity, "Please, do not leave on my account. I am Lord Varden."
She felt a little agitated that he was blocking her escape and wary at his proximity, "Sarah, excuse me but…"
Varden interrupted her before she could finish, "Ah, the Lady Sarah! I am pleased to finally make the acquaintance of the one and only being to solve the King's Labyrinth. A feat in itself!"
Sarah's brows rose at this, "Yes, it was. Now if you'll excuse me."
Varden backed away as he sensed Jareth's eyes focused on his back, he could not allow him to know his presence, not yet. Stepping out of her way he apologized, "Lady Sarah, it was an honor."
Sarah watched with perplexity as the stranger walked away, "Now that was weird!" she mumbled to herself.
"What was?" Jareth's voice came from behind startling her.
Turning towards him, she was about to ask him how he sneaked up on her, when she realized he must have used his magic. He probably saw that stranger making her uncomfortable, 'Now, what did he say his name was? Weird, I usually remember things like that.' "Oh nothing, really. I guess I'm still not used to this place."
Seeing as it was probably nothing, Jareth took her hand and guided her back out onto the balcony, where they could be alone. He pulled her to a corner where he knew that no one would be able to see.
Sarah was about to ask what he was up to when she felt his hands about her waist pulling her towards him. She melted into his arms immediately as he sought out her lips with his. Heart fluttering wildly she didn't care if the whole world walked in on them at this moment. She lost herself within his embrace, a part of her mind wondering if this could get any better.
Gently pulling away from their embrace, he cupped her face within his hands, his eyes looking longingly into hers, "Sarah," he whispered huskily, he could feel her trembling underneath his touch, "there is something I need to ask you."
'Oh God! If your going to ask what I think you are…' swarmed into her thoughts as he held her hand bowing on one knee. She watched breathlessly as he looked up into her eyes. She could feel her eyes watering with happy tears.
Bowing before her, he knew with the look within her eyes, that there was no way that she would refuse his offer, "Since first I laid eyes on you, you captured my heart. You solved my Labyrinth and in the process showed me the wrongs of my ways. I have waited for so long to be able to offer you what I did so long ago, only this time I will do it right." Rising he hushed her words with his fingers quickly taking both her hands holding them to his chest, "I ask for so little, just love me, be with me, and accept my world into your heart. Stand by my side as my equal, my queen…my wife?"
Tears fell freely down her cheeks as she gazed into his eyes, his words moving her like no other. How could she refuse such an offer? How could she not love the man standing before her offering her his heart? He had done so much for her. There was only one answer to give and she gave it with all of her heart, "Yes."
It was one word but all that he needed. Overjoyed by her acceptance of his offer he kissed her lifting her off of the ground as he spun her around once. Sarah laughed out at his actions, overjoyed by his offer.
Carefully he whipped away her tears catching them within his gloved hand. Sarah watched as he opened his hand revealing a small silver banned ring with the Goblin Kings seal imbedded within and a small crystal at the rings center. "Oh Jareth!" she breathed as he slowly slipped it on her gloved finger. It fit perfectly and looked so right.
Kissing her hand once more he looked to her seriously, "Sarah, I would move the stars for you. Come…" he coaxed as he pulled her towards the ballroom door, "I have to announce our good news."
Sarah's eyes widened, "But…all those people…" she breathed flustered by the suddenness of it all.
Jareth grinned at her nervousness, "Sarah, I will be beside you the whole time. Do not worry."
Sarah had no choice but to follow, still shell shocked by what he was about to do. Did he plan this the whole time? Sarah frowned at the way her mind was starting to turn, 'Does it really matter? I love him'
Slowly, but with a mission, they made their way towards the stairs. Sarah's heart pound in her chest as they stepped side by side up the stairs that led to two thrones she had not noticed before. The music and the mumbles of the crowd ceased as they noticed their actions.
Looking to her, giving her reassurance, Jareth turned them both so that they were now presented towards the members of the court. Her hand still clasped in his he squeezed it once before he spoke to the crowd with the Royal confidence drilled into him his whole life. "Majesties, Lords, and Lady's I present to you the future Queen of the Goblins and the Labyrinth," Jareth gazed at her then before finishing his words, "Sarah."
Sarah felt as if her legs would buckle any minute, as he spoke those words and as soon as his announcement was made the room was filled with applause. Oh god! She was going to be a Queen, 'Hello, earth to Sarah, that usually comes with the territory of marrying a King!' She was thankful as he guided her to one of the thrones.
Kissing her hand once again he whispered, "My Queen."
With a smile she returned nervously, "My King."
The rest of the night passed by like a blur, and Sarah felt exhausted by the time the guests started to depart. She stood beside Jareth as the guests exited the ballroom, each individual giving their congratulations and praise. Even Lady Peal was politely short in her congratulations, which shocked and relieved Sarah. As the last of the guests departed, Sarah yawned, her hand quickly covering her mouth.
Jareth leaned into her, whispering in her ear, "Tired, my dear?"
Smiling, Sarah nodded her head, "Very!"
Offering her his arm he bowed slightly to her, "Then allow me the honor of escorting you to your room."
Smile widening at his offer, she accepted his offered arm and was soon in front of her bedroom door. Jareth stood at the doorway, his hand tracing her jaw line, which she leaned into. Her hand holding his in place, "Stay with me tonight?" she asked as she did not want to part from his company.
With all the restraint that he had he answered, "I want to, but not before we are wed."
Leaning forwards she daringly brushed her lips to his, "Please, all I want is for you to hold me in your arms. Nothing more."
Jareth pulled her towards him kissing her passionately, but breaking away before he would lose control, "Oh Sarah, if I go into that room with you tonight we will both regret it. You and I both know that it would not stop at just holding one another."
A part of her didn't care but another part of her knew that he was right. She had always envisioned her first time to be with her husband on her wedding night. Sarah hated to admit it, but Jareth was right, "I know, I just don't want you to go."
Cupping her face in his hands, he huskily whispered, "I will be with you in your dreams but I promise you it will be so much more when we are wed." Not allowing her time to protest, he kissed her passionately one more time just before vanishing.
Sarah slumped, she really wished that he would stop doing that! Yawning once again, she knew that she would not be able to stand on her feet much longer. Turning into her room, she saw her nightgown already ready sitting on the bed. Peeling off her clothes, she didn't care that they were discarded all over the floor and slipped on the nightgown. Just barely dragging herself to the bathroom, Sarah proceeded in washing her face and taking care of her other needs. She crawled into the covers and was quickly asleep.
Supervising over the cleanup of the ballroom, Fayla let out a tired sigh. She was happy that her King had finally found his Queen and that Sarah had accepted his proposal. She was taken a little by surprise upon hearing the news, Fayla had not expected Jareth to ask Sarah to marry him so soon. Seeing to the last of the clean up crew Fayla stepped out onto the balcony to get some needed fresh air. She would soon have to retire if she was to be fully functional that next day. Feeling a cold chill run down her spine, she spun around to find someone from her past she did not expect to be running into. Lips pursed in a line Fayla muttered his name, her voice full of the loathing she felt for him, "Varden!"
A light hearted chuckle escaped his amused lips, "Ah, I see that you still remember me. I am flattered!"
Fayla narrowed her eyes, "What are you dong here and what is it that you want?"
Varden rose his brows as if he was shocked by her questions, but he had expected them, "What I've always desired my dear, you. My offer still stands, Fayla." He inched closer to her, forcing her back against the railing of the balcony.
Fayla found herself cornered, his body too close for comfort, by all that is magic, she hated him, "You know my answer, Varden."
Letting out an exasperated sigh, Varden reached up, tracing his fingers along her face, sending his magic through his touch. Fayla gasped from the sensations that he sent through his touch, her body trembling. Varden smiled at this, "How long has it been, my sweet, since you had a lover?"
Fayla slapped away his hand, cursing herself for not doing that sooner, "Do not touch me again!"
His dark brow's rose, his voice low and sensual, "Too long, I imagine then. Do not worry, my sweet, I'll have you screaming my name in ecstasy soon enough."
She slapped him hard across the face, the feeling of satisfaction coursing throughout her being with the impact of her hand against his face. Breathing heavily, she glared at him, "You are not welcome here and I advise that you leave before King Jareth gets wind of your presence."
Tongue flicked to the corner of his mouth, his blood tasting salty and sweet. Varden grinned wickedly, "Very well, I will leave, but know this…I can give you so much more than King Jareth. Freedom from the title of maid's servant, power to do as you please without having to serve anyone, and you would not have to hide your talents as you do now."
Fayla's eyes widened at his words, 'how did he know?' She watched speechlessly as he grinned wickedly at her shock of his knowledge. Before she could guess as to what he was about to do, he pulled her to him, his lips savagely taking hers in a hot and searing kiss. Heart pounding, she tried to push him away but with the combination of his strength and the power that he wrapped around her made her efforts futile.
Satisfied, Varden vanished from the balcony, leaving Fayla alone to ponder his knowledge. Now that she knew that he knew about her secret she would not tell the Goblin King about his little visit. For, just before his departure he left her a mental message, "Tell him about my visit and I'll tell all that I know about your little secret, and you know what will happen when or if they find out."
She stumbled back, disbelief and fear written on her expression. How could she warn Jareth without exposing herself to mortal danger? Damn that Fae to all that is vile! She could not. Fayla just prayed that he had come for his purpose and that he would not present himself again, but a part of her knew that she was only lying to herself. Muttering a curse, she headed to her chambers, her mind trying to come up with something that she could do without risking her very existence.