Well, I was going to hold this back for a little while until I got almost finished with the next upcoming chapter but I caved in. For those of you that are hoping for a wedding, well, worry not I plan on writing this story out until the day after the night of their wedding. Okay, I can actually say that this is the longest fic I've ever written. I know that this might be a small chapter but it seemed a good place to end this chapter, when you read you'll understand, err I hope. Please read and review.
To What May Come
Chapter 30
His lips warmed her to her core and then they were no longer pressed against hers and she felt empty from the lack of it. Blinking open her eyes, though relieved to not be in the oubliette, she frowned as she noted that Jareth was no longer with her. Blue eyes searched her new surroundings, taking everything in.
It was a bedroom, larger than the one she had been staying in with dark royal blue and gold décor. Large heavy curtains drooped over large windows, a cozy loveseat sat before a roaring fire, elegant chairs flanking both sides. The dim light from outside shining onto a large four post bed with silken sheets and blanket of royal blue with gold trimming its edges.
The other furniture and decorations of the room went unnoticed as she made her way to the bed collapsing on its soft mattress. Body tired, she laid back, her long hair fanning out like a dark halo. God, it felt good to lie on something other than a hard stone floor!
Day's events flooding back to memory Sarah quickly grabbed one of the large pillows holding it to her chest as she buried her face within its cool soft cushyness. So much had happened to her in…God, how long had she been in there? A cold shiver ran down her spine as Varden's image came to mind. What she would give just to burn that face away from her memory completely.
With a shudder she forced herself to push all thoughts of that monster to the back of her mind. The grumble of her stomach helped to keep her mind from dwelling on Varden for too long. Rolling onto her stomach she pulled her face out from the pillow, her blue eyes blinking as she looked to the side of the bed.
There beside the bed stood a side table with a silver tray and lid. Curious, Sarah rose from her lying position and sat at the edge of the bed, allowing her feet to dangle. Lifting the lid by the small handle that looped at the top her mouth watered, a smile creasing her lips.
There, before her, stood a tray of food of wondrous smells and textures. Hungrily she dug in, slowing down after a few bites, as she knew that she would make herself sick if she ate it too quickly. Chasing it down with a goblet of water she wiped her mouth and hands with the napkin that was lying beside the tray.
Full, Sarah laid back in satisfaction. Having filled her empty stomach, her mind was now focusing on her surroundings and the fact that she was alone. Why did he leave her again? She frowned at her own thoughts knowing perfectly well that he had to take care of that evil, vile, bastard, Varden. Never had she felt hate towards anyone, not until now.
The bastard had tried to…to…Hands protectively wrapping around herself she looked down at herself noting the slightly dirty dress that was torn in places. Suddenly she felt sick, dirty, as if there was some form of filth caked on her skin and she wanted nothing more than to wash it away. Scrub until her skin was red from the act of doing so and even then it would never be enough.
So wrapped up in her thoughts and disgust with herself she did not notice when Jareth appeared within the room.
After having had dealt with Varden, having the mess cleaned from his ballroom and asked Lady Elizabeth and Lord Cunningham to see to the guests for him, he immediately went to his bedchambers where he had sent Sarah. Concern creasing his brow; Jareth carefully made his way towards Sarah, a pain piercing his heart as he saw the expression on her sweet face. He would do anything to erase what had been done to her, but that was not in his power and it would do more damage to her than good.
Crouching down beside her he gently took her hand in his a gentle smile creasing his lips as if to assure her that everything would be all right. Sarah jerked at the contact, fear within her gaze quickly turning to relief as she saw that it was Jareth.
Cupping her cheek with his free hand he moved to the side of the bed pulling her into his arms, waiting for the tears he knew would soon come. Varden had put her through hell and he knew that she was holding it in, "It's all right now love. He will never hurt you again. As long as I draw breath no one will ever harm you again."
Burying her head into his strong chest she clutched to him as tears bordered her eyes. She tried to fight against her own tears, wanting to be stronger than this. She had defeated the Labyrinth for Christ sake and faced down the Goblin King without flinching, but circumstances and events were so much different then. Nothing like what they had been with Varden.
A sob finally escaped her and that wall of strength that she had built for herself to keep her strong crumbled like broken sand. Sarah shook with her tears, neither unable nor caring to hold them back any longer. She knew not how long she had cried within his arms when finally the tears started to subside. It felt safe to be within his arms. Safe, that was something she had not felt in so long.
They stayed silent for a long while, soaking in each others presence until Sarah pulled away slightly to look up within those mismatched eyes that captured her soul so.
Looking down to his love he tenderly wiped away the tears that still stained her pale cheeks. Gently, he lowered his head to meet with hers, his lips softly tasting hers. He felt her melt against him, her hands coming up to hold his face. Regretfully he pulled away holding her hands where they rested against his face.
He softly spoke, his voice rough as if he were holding back his own tears, "I love you so much Sarah."
Smiling weekly, she leaned forward kissing him lightly before whispering against his lips, "I know, I love you too."
Wanting to kiss her until she did not know up from down, he forced his desire back knowing that she needed her rest. Instead he pulled away, his hand stroking her cheek, "You need rest."
Sarah closed her eyes knowing that he was right but…looking down at herself she shyly looked up to him with innocent eyes, "I need a bath."
A sly grin creased his lips, "Yes, well, I think I can have that arranged…Want some company?" he asked with a sparkle in his eyes.
Sarah flushed crimson, a large smile spreading on her face, "You!" Grabbing a pillow from behind her she quickly hit him with it laughing at the look he gave in return as white feathers danced within the air before slowly falling.
Brows raised, he smirked mischievously as he dove for her taking her within his arms and kissing her senseless. Sarah at first laughed but then moaned against his lips as he deepened their kiss. They rolled on the bed immersed within each other's embrace, so immersed they did not see the edge of the bed coming to view and tumbled to the floor.
Sarah landed softly on Jareth's chest pulling away slightly with concern, "Are you all right?"
Jareth laughed softly in return, "I think I wounded my pride more than my backside."
Sarah sat back on her knees watching as Jareth rose from the floor and then offered his hand to help her rise to her feet. Taking her hand, he gently kissed the back of it, "A bath you want, a bath you shall have. My Queen, would you allow me to escort you to your bath?"
The past left in the past Sarah nodded her head to her love, "My King, I accept but you can not join me." At the wounded look he gave her in return Sarah continued, "All good things comes to those who wait."
"Indeed," he purred as he led her to the bathing chambers.