Well guys here it is the next chapter of this story. Sorry about taking so long I hope you enjoy this. I like to take time out and give special thanks to Unicorn Lady for being my beta reader. I would truly be lost without you. Also, thank you all for sending me those wonderful reviews. Lots of love to all of you. Its guys like you that keep me going. Now I'll stop my rambling and let you enjoy the story. Hugs!
To What May Come
Chapter 19
There was something in the air, something that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Gripping the harness of the horse's reins, Edward guided the black horse back into the barn. Securing the horse, he dusted off his hands, making his way towards the festival. Lady Elizabeth had given him the day off and he had planned on enjoying it, but he could not shake the feeling that something was not right.
A familiar form caught his attention, making him forget about his worries of moments ago. As he neared her, he quickly became concerned, there was a look on her face, as if she were in deep concentration. Maybe he was not the only one that was feeling that something was not right. Nearing her, he called to her beckoning her to stop, "Fayla!"
Concentration fixed on finding out what Varden was up to and on how to stop him, she heard her name being called. Placing a fake smile in play, she turned to face the familiar voice and inwardly cursed. Edward knew her too well to be fooled by her trying to hide her true feelings, he always had a way of reading her.
"Edward, it is nice to see you. Are you going to the festival?" she had hoped that he would not inquire about her current state of emotion, but was disappointed.
Edward frowned, his rich purple eyes peering into her emerald green ones, "Fayla, what is it? You look as if you are concerned about something."
Turning away from his gaze, she made her way away from him toward the festival. She could feel that something was amiss and it was coming from somewhere within the festival. "Edward, it is nothing really…Don't worry about me, I am fine."
He could tell that she was trying to block him from being able to sense her emotions, she was definitely hiding something. This was not like the Fayla that he knew. Gently grasping her arm, he turned her to face him, "Fayla, I know you too well. What is it?"
Oh, by all that was magic, she wished that she could tell him. Maybe Varden couldn't hear her thoughts all of the time, maybe he was distracted enough so that she could tell Edward her plight.
Varden's voice broke into her thoughts, "Tisk, tisk, my dear. Do not underestimate me, or it will be your undoing."
Fayla inwardly cringed at his voice within her mind, she hated that voice both when mentally or verbally spoken. With a sigh, she clasped Edward's hand with hers and laughed, though she felt nothing of the humor in her laughter. "Edward, there is nothing the matter…" she had to think of something quick, thank all that is magic for her wit, "I have much to think about, especially with the King's news of marriage to Lady Sarah. There is much to be done and I am the one that will be making most of the arrangements needed for the upcoming wedding."
Though her explanation of her mood was believable, he could not shake the feeling that she was lying to him. This was not at all like the Fayla he knew, something must have been preventing her from telling him the truth. This realization made him all the more worried, but he acted as if he believed her. Letting go of her arm he smiled in return, "Ah, I see. That does explain your present state of mind, then. Are you going to the festival this day?"
Relieved that he was believing her, oh she hated having to lie to him, she shook her head, "Not just yet, but I plan on later this day. Will I see you there then?"
Edward bowed, taking her hand and kissing it, "Yes, I will be looking for you. Good day."
"Good day." She watched as he left her and breathed deeply, a soft curse leaving her lips, Fayla did not like lying to anyone, especially those that were dear to her. Closing her eyes, she focused on the task at hand and continued her journey toward the festival.
Fayla's image within the mirror dissolved, replaced by Varden's dark features. A scowl was edged onto his lips as he had watched the exchange between Fayla and that elf, Edward. It was all too obvious that this Edward had feelings for his Fayla. His scowl dissolved as quickly as it had formed, "Not that that will make any difference. My plans have been set in motion and there is no stopping it now."
The murmur of the crowded streets filled the air, as well as the lively music that played. The scents of incense and spices were carried on the soft breeze, tickling the senses and waking the soul. It was unlike anything that she had ever known, a world that was filled with exotic surprises everyday. Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere of the festival of this day was different. Maybe it was the fact that she and the Fae at her side were the center of everyone's attention, or the fact that she was totally in love with a King and she would soon be becoming his Queen.
Sarah should have been nervous, but having Jareth by her side, having his presence near, she felt as if she could take on anything and everything. She was taking in the sights and the atmosphere, enjoying her time with Jareth. The sights and sounds that surrounded her were so new and exciting.
Walking arm in arm they made their way down the Goblin City streets amongst the gnomes, elves, fairies, goblins, and Fae. Jareth watched the light within Sarah's eyes brighten with each moment that they spent with each other within this festival. Having this festival was one of the best decisions he had ever made, maybe he would not be so dismissive of having a few on occasion. Wanting to have her to himself to express his love for her, Jareth saw his chance.
Sarah felt Jareth pull her to the side and before she could inquire as to what he was doing, they were within one of the alleyways. Her back was pressed against the cool brick wall of the building, his body pressed into hers. Her breath was caught in her throat, her heart pounding madly. Eyes wide she looked to Jareth with longing and excitement at his actions, a smile still edged on her lips from their journey through the festive streets.
About to speak he quickly pressed his fingers to her lips to quiet her words before they could be spoken. He did not wish to express his desire for her through mere words. Hands caressing her skin he gently touched her face, his hands starting a journey down across her white fair skin. He watched her as she trembled from his touch before bending down and tasting her intoxicating skin.
A low moan escaped her lips as she felt his lips trail fire across her throat, his touch against her skin making her weak in the knees. Normally she would probably be worried about any onlookers, but being as his touch was all that she could concentrate on that little worry had not surfaced. "Jareth!" she shakily whispered.
Jareth grinned against her sweet skin at the way his name sounded whispered from her lips. He moved upward, never breaking contact, his lips teased hers and he lightly caressed her lips. Pulling away slightly, his lips barely touching hers, he teased her more, whispering, "Say my name again, I love the way it sounds from your lips!"
Sarah leaned forwards, wanting desperately for him to kiss her, but he pulled teasingly away. With a groan, she wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him from pulling away. Smiling, she looked up into his amazing eyes, "Jareth!" she whispered, her desires laced within calling his name.
"Sarah!" he teased no more, his lips pressed urgently against hers, deepening their embrace. The world that was around them was forgotten, as they were the only ones that existed. Someone loudly clearing their throat, though, had broken through the small world that they had created around each other.
Both Sarah and Jareth had stopped, as they knew that they had been caught. Sarah's face reddened a deep crimson, as Jareth's expression darkened to that of annoyance.
Fayla had come in hopes to find out what Varden was up to, when she thought she saw both the King and Lady Sarah disappear from the streets. Following them, she rounded the corner and blushed furiously, they looked as if they were quite busy. Knowing that someone besides her was bound to notice the two, she knew that she would regret this, but she cleared her throat, and had to do it again louder since they had not heard her.
The glare she received from the King was only rewarded with a disappointed shake of Fayla's head. Stepping a bit closer, she admonished the King in a low voice, "Your majesty, be glad that it was I who interrupted you two instead of one of your other guests."
Sarah could not hold back the laughter, as she suddenly found the whole scene amusing. The look on Jareth's face was priceless! This earned an amused look from Jareth and his anger at the disruption had been forgotten.
Taking Sarah's hand in his he lifted it up to his lips, "You'll forgive me Fayla, as I was weakened by the spell that Sarah has cast upon me."
Still grinning from ear to ear, Sarah bit her bottom lip at his words and flushed. Fayla watched with amusement, momentarily forgetting her reason for coming to the festival in the first place. How she missed those passionate days with Gaylon.
Sarah pushed herself away from the wall and looked to Fayla, "Fayla, I missed you this morning."
Jareth looked to Sarah and then to Fayla with a raised brow, he was not aware that Fayla had not attended to her duties this morning, "Did I miss something?"
Fayla was starting to wish that she had allowed someone else to discover the two in the alley instead of her. She was not prepared for any questioning, bowing slightly to the King, Fayla felt a sense of panic go through her, but made well to hide it. Luckily, Sarah had saved her from having to explain.
"No, she just had some things to take care of. She came into my room this morning, but I was in the bath. We just missed each other, that's all." Sarah tugged at his arm to lead him out of the alleyway and back to the sights of the festival. She hoped that she did not get her friend into any trouble.
Curtseying to the King and soon to be new Queen, Fayla smiled sheepishly, "My apologies milady, I hope that my note and everything that I prepared for you was to your liking."
Sarah smiled motioning for Fayla to follow them, "Don't apologize, everything was fine. At least you're here now."
The Goblin King looked to Fayla curiously, in some way he could sense that she was hiding something. He had known her all of his immortal life and there was something in her mannerism that was telling him something was bothering her. What that something was, he planed on finding out, "Fayla, later, after the festivities of the day, I would like a word."
Fayla nodded numbly, she knew that he of all people would suspect something. What she was going to do or say was something she had no clue, "Of course, your majesty."
Sarah looked to Fayla and then to Jareth, a feeling of guilt going through her. If she had only kept her mouth shut, but how was she supposed to know that she would get her friend into trouble? The note said nothing about secrecy.
Jareth saw Sarah's expression turn to that of concern and guilt. He knew exactly what was going through her mind. Squeezing her hand he whispered in her ear, "I only wish to speak to her about our wedding plans. Don't look so worried, she has done nothing wrong."
Sarah felt relieved and smiled to her love and was about to say something more when two others that she recognized approached. Lord Cunningham and Lady Elizabeth were walking towards them, her hand tucked neatly in his arm. This brought a larger smile to her lips, it seemed that she was not the only one finding romance.
Lord Cunningham was glad to see the King enjoying the festival, but wanted to speak with him as well. Something was in the air that sent the hairs on the back of his neck rising on end. He had not mentioned it to Elizabeth, as he did not want to alarm her. Approaching the King and future Queen, he bowed his head in greeting feeling Elizabeth curtsy beside him. "Your majesty, Lady Sarah."
Jareth bowed his head slightly as well returning the exchange of respect, "Lord Cunningham, Lady Elizabeth I trust that you are enjoying the festival."
Lady Elizabeth smiled warmly, "It is wonderful your majesty! You should have these more often. I haven't had this much fun in ages."
Jareth returned her smile, "I'm glad to hear of it."
Lord Cunningham, not wishing to delay any longer, continued, "Your Majesty, may I have a word with you?"
Jareth inwardly groaned, what ever it was that he was wishing to speak to him about he could sense Cunningham's unease. Today he really did not wish to speak of politics or anything of the courts, but he could hear the urgency in Cunningham's voice, "Ladies, if you will excuse us?"
Sarah sighed as she watched her future husband walk off to the side with Cunningham. Her attention was quickly brought back to Elizabeth when she felt her tugging at her arm.
Grinning, Elizabeth snaked her arm through Sarah's, "So, enjoyed breakfast this morning?" she couldn't but help to giggle at Sarah's flushed expression. Looking past Sarah she spoke to Fayla, "Fayla, I let Edward have the day off if you wish to spend some time with him today."
Fayla curtsied, "Yes, I have spoken with him this morning. We'll be meeting later today."
Elizabeth and Fayla continued to exchange words but Sarah wasn't hearing them. "Sarah," whispered on the wind, catching her attention. Turning her gaze she noticed a tent she had not seen there moments ago. It was large, towering over them like a large gray tower. Untangling her arm from Elizabeth, she made her way towards the tent, both Fayla and Elizabeth not noticing her leave.
Making his way through the festival in search for the cause of his unease, he noticed Fayla speaking with Lady Elizabeth. With a smile he approached the two, "Lady Elizabeth, Fayla, I am please to see the both of you. Enjoying the festival?"
Lady Elizabeth nodded to Edward, though her servant, he was like Fayla, a friend, "Yes it is quite enjoyable." Noticing for the first time that Sarah was not with them, she looked around puzzled, "Where is Sarah? She was right beside me a second ago."
Fayla's heart sank into her stomach as she fearfully looked about them. Where was she? Mentally she cried out, "Varden, don't you dare hurt her!" There was no response making her even more fearful.
Jareth nodded to Cunningham, he too had sensed something but did not wish to dwell on it, as he had other more important things on his mind, Sarah, for one. "I've sensed it as well, but don't feel that it is any danger to us. It is very weak and I doubt that it is anything to worry about, though I am keeping an extra eye out."
Cunningham nodded in return, "Yes, it is weak, but I have a bad feeling about this…" his words interrupted by Jareth.
"Where is Sarah?" he had noticed that she was not with Fayla and Elizabeth and frowned in concern. A sinking feeling was tugging at him and he immediately formed a crystal in hand.
She felt pulled towards the tent, unable to look away from it as it seemed to call for her. Her whole body could feel a strange hum, pulling her forwards. A small voice in the back of her mind was telling her that something was wrong, but the pull was so strong that it blocked that warning. Everything felt as if it were being played in slow motion, the sounds of the festival distant to her ears as her focus was concentrated fully on the tent. She was almost to the tent's entrance.
Fayla caught sight of Sarah and what she saw made her heart plummet to her feet, "Varden, no!" she dashed towards her charge.
Edward had heard her words and was immediately on his guard, that name would always send a chill down his spine. He tried to stop Fayla, but she was gone in an instant as she was running towards a tent, a tent that he had not noticed until now.
An image of a tent came into his crystal as he looked for Sarah, he could see her make her way within. Surrounding the tent he could see a black aura about it, black magic surrounded it. Quickly, he used his power, but stumbled back as something powerful pushed him back. Face set in an angry determined sneer, Jareth started forwards running towards the tent, towards Sarah.
Entering, Sarah looked around in confusion. It was empty. "Hel…hello!" she tentatively called. She was having the sinking suspicion that something bad was about to happen. Fear suddenly gripped her as she realized that she was in danger. Quickly, she turned towards the entrance seeing a fearful Fayla running through and then everything went black.