Author's note: My muse has come back .... finally.
Onaree
Standard disclaimer: see chapter 1
Variations on a Theme
Chapter 6
Jareth took her hand to help her back up.
"What do you mean, you didn't sell me? Then how did I end up with that creep." Sarah demanded, her arms crossed in front of her and giving the Goblin King a scowl before turning away from him.
Jareth, feeling annoyed that all his efforts are going unappreciated by her -- still, fell back on his using an arrogant demeanor. "*I* didn't sell you, Sarah. *I* bought you." At her shocked and stunned looked, he continued. "From your father in point of fact."
"My FATHER!" she nearly shouted before flopping back on the bed. In a small voice she continued, "I bet my stepmother made him do it, she always hated me."
"No, Sarah, you step mother had no part in this. Your father gave you to me before you were even born, in exchange for his sister. I think he was 10 perhaps less." Jareth said softly, helping her to sit up. When she sitting upright on the bed, the Goblin King knelt down before her and with his fist over his heart reverently spoke. "Sarah, on my true kingship, I swear that I will do everything in my power to protect you." He then took the hand that he was holding and kissed the palm of it.
Sarah sat stunned as he released her hand and rose. Jareth walked to the door but before leaving he spoke. "You will stay in this room," he started to order but then thought better of it. "You must be exhausted from you ordeal and wish to rest, I will have a tray sent to you later." He bowed then turning on his heel, he left closing the door behind him.
Sarah didn't hear him turning a lock but that didn't mean that it was unlocked. She sat stunned for several moments.
Sarah thought to herself, I'm feeling stunned far to often. She looked around. It was a very large, but cozy room. It has a large window that overlooked a garden. Somehow she felt very comfortable in the room but didn't know why.
Getting off the bed, Sarah tried the door that Jareth left by. She tried opening the door and was shocked when it opened. She peered out the door and didn't see any guards. Sarah was very cautious as she walked out the door. She couldn't believe that after ordering her to stay in her room, Jareth wouldn't think she would try to leave.
Walking through the door Sarah found her self coming out the door to the bath at the other end of the room. Sarah gaped when she saw that she came out of the bath. She tried again, but again going out the door to the hall she ended up come out of the bath. She tried walking into the bath to see if she would end up in the hall but she just ending up in a large bath.
Suddenly she had an idea. She walked backwards into the bath, and to her surprise she came out at the door to the hall, walking backwards she went back to the bath door. She tried this twice more and on the last try she suddenly found herself in the hall.
"Ha!!" Sarah exclaimed when she found herself in the hall.
***
Hoggle, Sir Didymus and the guards found themselves suddenly in the throne room of Jareth's castle.
"Where's Sarah?" Hoggle said as he looked around.
"No doubt His Majesty is comforting her after her ordeal. Do not worry, Sir Hoggle, Lady Sarah is safe now." Sir Didymus assures Hoggle.
Hoggle just shakes his head, and replies softly "Bah, if she's with him, I doubts that." Hoggle then leaves Didymus and the guards to congratulate themselves and heads toward Jareth's private wing.
Hoggle wonders how Sarah is even back in the underground. He thought that beating the Labyrinth meant that nobody here had power over her. Maybe that only worked on the king and Abraxas had kidnapped her.
When he arrived at the private wing Hoggle heard voices from one of the rooms and listened at the door. It was Jareth's voice.
"My father!" Hoggle heard Sarah exclaim. Now he knew how the King brought her here. Winning would have no affect on a previous claim.
"You will stay in this room," he heard Jareth command. Hoggle realized that Jareth must be about to leave so he hid himself in a nearby alcove. Hoggle watched the king close the door behind him and stalk off.
From his vantage point Hoggle could see the door plainly. A short time after Jareth left, Sarah opened the door and carefully looked out. He watched as she started to walk out the door and disappeared!. Then a few moments later she was back at the door and the same thing happened.
Well his Majesty is being clever, using magic to keep her inside rather than a lock. Then suddenly she was outside of the chamber, looking very satisfied with herself.
Hoggle watched from his alcove as Sarah carefully looked around herself, trying to choose a way to go. "Sarah", he called softly as he stepped from his hiding place.
"Hoggle!" Her eyes lit up as she saw her friend. "Great, what's the best way out of here?"
Hoggle just shuffled his feet not really looking at her.
"Why won't you help me?"
Hoggle fidgeted some more. "Things are different now, I didn't know the king owned you before."
Sarah glared at Hoggle before randomly choosing a direction to stalk off in. "I don't know what it's like here, but where I'm from you don't sell people." Sarah angrily retorted.
"Yer, right. You don't knows what it's like here!" Hoggle shot back. "It's commonly done, even Jareth was bought and sold as a babe."
Sarah's mind was so busy trying to wrap itself around this concept that she stumbled in mid-stride. She turned to Hoggle "What? How did he become king if he was sold?"
Hoggle shrugged and took her hand leading her back to her chamber while speaking. "It was the price of peace between the Dwarf king and the Goblin King."
Without realizing it Sarah sat on the bed, while Hoggle climbed up and sat next to her. Explain was the look she gave Hoggle.
"The Goblin Queen took up with the Dwarf King. When she got with child both kings claimed it, as neither had an heir and births are very rare. They were preparing to go to war over which one would get the child when the midwife announced that she was having twins. A contract was sign by both that the first live born male would be the heir to the Dwarf throne and the second live born male would be the heir to the Goblin throne. And Jareth was born last."
***
Jareth closes the door behind him, placing a tiny crystal next to the door which sinks in before his leaving. He heads towards his throne room thinking to himself. 'She should calm down in an hour or so, then I shall return.'
Jareth sat on his throne, pondering what to do while he waited.
Dwale, Jareth's most trusted vassel walked into the throne room. He is about Jareth's height -- perhaps a hair taller, with red hair. His hair is styled in a similar way but where Jareth's is straight, Dwale's is curly. So much so that although the short hair at the top is straight, the long back threatened to become ringlets if he let if grow too long. He has similar taste in clothes but prefers shades of green to highlight his hair.
"Well, your majesty, you certainly keep everyone hopping." Dwale spoke jovially to a brooding Jareth.
Jareth sat back on his throne, trying to put a severe look on his face but not quite making it. "What are you doing here?"
Never put off by goblin scowls, Dwale returned. "Finding out what is going on."
"Why the interest now? Things, as you say, have been going on for some time."
"Well, I became tired of making things up. so I decided to find out the truth."
"Then I take it you are responsible for that sock rumor?"
Dwale, unsure of how to read Jareth, continued cautiously, "Well, yes actually." He replied in an amused manner, but started to back up just in case.
Jareth then broke out in a 'cat that ate several canaries' smirk but said nothing.
Now Dwale is very unsure of where he stands. Is Jareth smirking in anticipation of how he is going to punish him -- or was he pleased about the rumor? Only one way to find out. "You don't seem upset about the rumor."
"Well, actually, several rather delightful ladies wished to discover the *truth* of such rumors."
"Ah," Dwale started to chuckle, "I see. No doubt you *satisfied* their curiosity on the matter."
"No doubt." Jareth's smirk lingered for a moment before it faded. "The reason everything is 'hopping', as you so quaintly put it, is because Abraxas stole something of mine and I needed to take care of the matter."
Dwale suddenly became alert. "Taught him a lesson about stealing did you?"
"One which he will never profit from." Jareth responded grimly.
"You might find you with problems from his wife, Malina. Her family lives in the valley between your kingdom and Fin's." Dwale advised.
"If there is any trouble to be had I expect you to handle it." Jareth answered blandly.
"Of course, sire." Dwale bowed deeply.
"Your majesty," a strong clear, female voice called. "I wish to present myself to you. I am Malina."
Malina walked towards the king in a stately manner. She is a tall woman with flame red hair kept in check by being bound in a single large plait down the back of her neck. She was dress in a modestly styled gown of rich material in brown with green trimmings. She curtseyed deeply and extended her hand to Jareth.
Dwale took a position slightly to one side and behind her so that if she should attempt anything he could defend his Lord.
Jareth kissed her hand and lifted her hand up to indicate that she should rise. "What brings you here my lady?" Jareth asks smoothly.
"Two things, sire. The first to swear my allegiance to you."
Jareth sat up very straight and pinned her with a very predatory expression. "What of your oath to your husband's lord?"
But she returned the look without a flinch. "He never required such from me."
He relaxed on his throne. "More fool him. But what is the second reason you came?" Now Jareth was curious. He didn't think that she would want revenge as he had heard that she hated her husband and would be probably be very happy to be rid of him. Her father had basically sold her off to the highest lord available at the time.
"Since you are responsible for my current lack of having a husband, I expect you to find me another." She said in a very matter of fact manner.
At hearing this Dwale starts to tug on his clothes to make sure they are all perfectly in place and other such preening as he stepped into her line of sight.
Jareth gives them both an amused but aloof smirk. This is better than he could have wished. Her family controlled a very important valley. Their loyalty would always be useful. He didn't have anyone to offer at the time of her previous marriage. But obviously Dwale wanted to, as he had promised not long ago, "handle it".
He also noticed Malina looking him over. She didn't seem that displeased either. Decisions, decision. Do I torment Dwale longer by ignoring him or cement a very important alliance. And he knew that her father would agree to Dwale. He was equal in status to Abraxas, and since their lands bordered Jareth's he was in a better position to offer any assistance they would need at a moment's notice, unlike Abraxas who virtually ignored them once the dowry was paid.
"My lady, may I present Lord Dwale. I could present no more loyal lord nor anything that has my trust more."
Both Malina and Dwale smile at each other. They make a very nice couple Jareth thinks to himself.
"Dwale, please escort the Lady Malina back to her family and render any reasonable service that she may need." Jareth ordered waving them away. Malina curtsied.
This was an order that Dwale intended to follow to the letter. "Yes, sire!" He bowed deeply to Jareth then held out his arm to Malina who smiled as she took it. They both disappeared moments latter.
Jareth sat in this throne, grinning to himself on how well that situation handled itself. Not only had he strengthen his borders but it had been long enough for Sarah to have calmed down some. Just a few more things to attend to.
"Guard!" he shouted.
Urk came running in. He was one of his smarter goblins so Jareth usually ended up dealing with him.
"Yes, you majesty."
"I want you to arrange for both Hoggle and Sir Didymus to stay overnight. I wish them to be housed in my private wing, near Sarah's room. I also want the monster that helped her found, what is his name, Lido?"
"Ludo." Urk responded.
"Yes, he is to wait for me here. The others may retire to their chamber when they wish. Also have some supper sent to them."
Urk saluted. "I will see that everything is arranged." And left to give ordered to the guards and other goblins so that everything could be arranged.
Jareth them headed towards the garden. He picked several types of flowers before heading towards the kitchen. Then he arrived at the kitchen he ordered that a try be prepared with supper for two.
When it was ready the Goblin King headed for Sarah's room, with two goblins following being carrying the tray between them.
He knocked on the door, but before anyone would even have a change of saying 'come in' he opened the door, holding for the goblins carrying the try. He closed the door behind them. He was surprised to see Hoggle next to Sarah but he schooled if features not so show anything.
"Higgle, I see you've been entertaining Sarah."
Hoggle rolled his eyes. "That's Hoggle. I was just seeing that the little lady was alright."
"Well, now that you've seen her. I suggest you have your supper. You are staying the night. I'm sure you know where your room is." He then completely dismissed the dwarf by turning his back to him and using a crystal to create a small tablecloth covered table. With this done he then took the try and started to arrange the dishes. At the end he took the flowers that he had in his hand and put them in the vase at the center of the table.
When he turned he saw that Hoggle was still there. He just glared at him.
Hoggle sighed. "I'm going." He slid down from the bed and left the room. He then went down the hall to the room that he had lived in while being 'punished' by Jareth.
When he walked in he noticed that the room had changed, slightly. There was now a second bed and a small round table by the window. Currently Sir Didymus sat there eating.
Didymus looked up at Hoggle and gestured with his fork to the place beside him. "Come Sir Hoggle, a good supper is the best way to end a job well done." He was in a very high spirit after the morning's adventure.
But Hoggle was still worried about Sarah. Mostly because there was nothing he could do to help her. At least before he could try to get her brother back. If she won, by law Jareth had to send her back. But now she had no where to go *to*. He couldn't send her back above ground and nowhere *here* would she be safe from Jareth. Oddly that made her safest here. He didn't want her hurt, or he wouldn't be acting this way. Bah, dinner for two with flowers. But, his highness had lots of enemies who would kill her just to get revenge on him. Hoggle just picked at his food. And I can't do nuthing to helps her, the thought to himself.
"Sir Hoggle, are thou all right?"
"I'm fine, it's just, ah..." knowing that the fox couldn't see the kind of danger Sarah was in, wanted to think of some other reason for his behavior. "Ah, this room just brings back memories, that all."
"I understand, good sir." Didymus patted Hoggle on the arm.
Onaree
Standard disclaimer: see chapter 1
Variations on a Theme
Chapter 6
Jareth took her hand to help her back up.
"What do you mean, you didn't sell me? Then how did I end up with that creep." Sarah demanded, her arms crossed in front of her and giving the Goblin King a scowl before turning away from him.
Jareth, feeling annoyed that all his efforts are going unappreciated by her -- still, fell back on his using an arrogant demeanor. "*I* didn't sell you, Sarah. *I* bought you." At her shocked and stunned looked, he continued. "From your father in point of fact."
"My FATHER!" she nearly shouted before flopping back on the bed. In a small voice she continued, "I bet my stepmother made him do it, she always hated me."
"No, Sarah, you step mother had no part in this. Your father gave you to me before you were even born, in exchange for his sister. I think he was 10 perhaps less." Jareth said softly, helping her to sit up. When she sitting upright on the bed, the Goblin King knelt down before her and with his fist over his heart reverently spoke. "Sarah, on my true kingship, I swear that I will do everything in my power to protect you." He then took the hand that he was holding and kissed the palm of it.
Sarah sat stunned as he released her hand and rose. Jareth walked to the door but before leaving he spoke. "You will stay in this room," he started to order but then thought better of it. "You must be exhausted from you ordeal and wish to rest, I will have a tray sent to you later." He bowed then turning on his heel, he left closing the door behind him.
Sarah didn't hear him turning a lock but that didn't mean that it was unlocked. She sat stunned for several moments.
Sarah thought to herself, I'm feeling stunned far to often. She looked around. It was a very large, but cozy room. It has a large window that overlooked a garden. Somehow she felt very comfortable in the room but didn't know why.
Getting off the bed, Sarah tried the door that Jareth left by. She tried opening the door and was shocked when it opened. She peered out the door and didn't see any guards. Sarah was very cautious as she walked out the door. She couldn't believe that after ordering her to stay in her room, Jareth wouldn't think she would try to leave.
Walking through the door Sarah found her self coming out the door to the bath at the other end of the room. Sarah gaped when she saw that she came out of the bath. She tried again, but again going out the door to the hall she ended up come out of the bath. She tried walking into the bath to see if she would end up in the hall but she just ending up in a large bath.
Suddenly she had an idea. She walked backwards into the bath, and to her surprise she came out at the door to the hall, walking backwards she went back to the bath door. She tried this twice more and on the last try she suddenly found herself in the hall.
"Ha!!" Sarah exclaimed when she found herself in the hall.
***
Hoggle, Sir Didymus and the guards found themselves suddenly in the throne room of Jareth's castle.
"Where's Sarah?" Hoggle said as he looked around.
"No doubt His Majesty is comforting her after her ordeal. Do not worry, Sir Hoggle, Lady Sarah is safe now." Sir Didymus assures Hoggle.
Hoggle just shakes his head, and replies softly "Bah, if she's with him, I doubts that." Hoggle then leaves Didymus and the guards to congratulate themselves and heads toward Jareth's private wing.
Hoggle wonders how Sarah is even back in the underground. He thought that beating the Labyrinth meant that nobody here had power over her. Maybe that only worked on the king and Abraxas had kidnapped her.
When he arrived at the private wing Hoggle heard voices from one of the rooms and listened at the door. It was Jareth's voice.
"My father!" Hoggle heard Sarah exclaim. Now he knew how the King brought her here. Winning would have no affect on a previous claim.
"You will stay in this room," he heard Jareth command. Hoggle realized that Jareth must be about to leave so he hid himself in a nearby alcove. Hoggle watched the king close the door behind him and stalk off.
From his vantage point Hoggle could see the door plainly. A short time after Jareth left, Sarah opened the door and carefully looked out. He watched as she started to walk out the door and disappeared!. Then a few moments later she was back at the door and the same thing happened.
Well his Majesty is being clever, using magic to keep her inside rather than a lock. Then suddenly she was outside of the chamber, looking very satisfied with herself.
Hoggle watched from his alcove as Sarah carefully looked around herself, trying to choose a way to go. "Sarah", he called softly as he stepped from his hiding place.
"Hoggle!" Her eyes lit up as she saw her friend. "Great, what's the best way out of here?"
Hoggle just shuffled his feet not really looking at her.
"Why won't you help me?"
Hoggle fidgeted some more. "Things are different now, I didn't know the king owned you before."
Sarah glared at Hoggle before randomly choosing a direction to stalk off in. "I don't know what it's like here, but where I'm from you don't sell people." Sarah angrily retorted.
"Yer, right. You don't knows what it's like here!" Hoggle shot back. "It's commonly done, even Jareth was bought and sold as a babe."
Sarah's mind was so busy trying to wrap itself around this concept that she stumbled in mid-stride. She turned to Hoggle "What? How did he become king if he was sold?"
Hoggle shrugged and took her hand leading her back to her chamber while speaking. "It was the price of peace between the Dwarf king and the Goblin King."
Without realizing it Sarah sat on the bed, while Hoggle climbed up and sat next to her. Explain was the look she gave Hoggle.
"The Goblin Queen took up with the Dwarf King. When she got with child both kings claimed it, as neither had an heir and births are very rare. They were preparing to go to war over which one would get the child when the midwife announced that she was having twins. A contract was sign by both that the first live born male would be the heir to the Dwarf throne and the second live born male would be the heir to the Goblin throne. And Jareth was born last."
***
Jareth closes the door behind him, placing a tiny crystal next to the door which sinks in before his leaving. He heads towards his throne room thinking to himself. 'She should calm down in an hour or so, then I shall return.'
Jareth sat on his throne, pondering what to do while he waited.
Dwale, Jareth's most trusted vassel walked into the throne room. He is about Jareth's height -- perhaps a hair taller, with red hair. His hair is styled in a similar way but where Jareth's is straight, Dwale's is curly. So much so that although the short hair at the top is straight, the long back threatened to become ringlets if he let if grow too long. He has similar taste in clothes but prefers shades of green to highlight his hair.
"Well, your majesty, you certainly keep everyone hopping." Dwale spoke jovially to a brooding Jareth.
Jareth sat back on his throne, trying to put a severe look on his face but not quite making it. "What are you doing here?"
Never put off by goblin scowls, Dwale returned. "Finding out what is going on."
"Why the interest now? Things, as you say, have been going on for some time."
"Well, I became tired of making things up. so I decided to find out the truth."
"Then I take it you are responsible for that sock rumor?"
Dwale, unsure of how to read Jareth, continued cautiously, "Well, yes actually." He replied in an amused manner, but started to back up just in case.
Jareth then broke out in a 'cat that ate several canaries' smirk but said nothing.
Now Dwale is very unsure of where he stands. Is Jareth smirking in anticipation of how he is going to punish him -- or was he pleased about the rumor? Only one way to find out. "You don't seem upset about the rumor."
"Well, actually, several rather delightful ladies wished to discover the *truth* of such rumors."
"Ah," Dwale started to chuckle, "I see. No doubt you *satisfied* their curiosity on the matter."
"No doubt." Jareth's smirk lingered for a moment before it faded. "The reason everything is 'hopping', as you so quaintly put it, is because Abraxas stole something of mine and I needed to take care of the matter."
Dwale suddenly became alert. "Taught him a lesson about stealing did you?"
"One which he will never profit from." Jareth responded grimly.
"You might find you with problems from his wife, Malina. Her family lives in the valley between your kingdom and Fin's." Dwale advised.
"If there is any trouble to be had I expect you to handle it." Jareth answered blandly.
"Of course, sire." Dwale bowed deeply.
"Your majesty," a strong clear, female voice called. "I wish to present myself to you. I am Malina."
Malina walked towards the king in a stately manner. She is a tall woman with flame red hair kept in check by being bound in a single large plait down the back of her neck. She was dress in a modestly styled gown of rich material in brown with green trimmings. She curtseyed deeply and extended her hand to Jareth.
Dwale took a position slightly to one side and behind her so that if she should attempt anything he could defend his Lord.
Jareth kissed her hand and lifted her hand up to indicate that she should rise. "What brings you here my lady?" Jareth asks smoothly.
"Two things, sire. The first to swear my allegiance to you."
Jareth sat up very straight and pinned her with a very predatory expression. "What of your oath to your husband's lord?"
But she returned the look without a flinch. "He never required such from me."
He relaxed on his throne. "More fool him. But what is the second reason you came?" Now Jareth was curious. He didn't think that she would want revenge as he had heard that she hated her husband and would be probably be very happy to be rid of him. Her father had basically sold her off to the highest lord available at the time.
"Since you are responsible for my current lack of having a husband, I expect you to find me another." She said in a very matter of fact manner.
At hearing this Dwale starts to tug on his clothes to make sure they are all perfectly in place and other such preening as he stepped into her line of sight.
Jareth gives them both an amused but aloof smirk. This is better than he could have wished. Her family controlled a very important valley. Their loyalty would always be useful. He didn't have anyone to offer at the time of her previous marriage. But obviously Dwale wanted to, as he had promised not long ago, "handle it".
He also noticed Malina looking him over. She didn't seem that displeased either. Decisions, decision. Do I torment Dwale longer by ignoring him or cement a very important alliance. And he knew that her father would agree to Dwale. He was equal in status to Abraxas, and since their lands bordered Jareth's he was in a better position to offer any assistance they would need at a moment's notice, unlike Abraxas who virtually ignored them once the dowry was paid.
"My lady, may I present Lord Dwale. I could present no more loyal lord nor anything that has my trust more."
Both Malina and Dwale smile at each other. They make a very nice couple Jareth thinks to himself.
"Dwale, please escort the Lady Malina back to her family and render any reasonable service that she may need." Jareth ordered waving them away. Malina curtsied.
This was an order that Dwale intended to follow to the letter. "Yes, sire!" He bowed deeply to Jareth then held out his arm to Malina who smiled as she took it. They both disappeared moments latter.
Jareth sat in this throne, grinning to himself on how well that situation handled itself. Not only had he strengthen his borders but it had been long enough for Sarah to have calmed down some. Just a few more things to attend to.
"Guard!" he shouted.
Urk came running in. He was one of his smarter goblins so Jareth usually ended up dealing with him.
"Yes, you majesty."
"I want you to arrange for both Hoggle and Sir Didymus to stay overnight. I wish them to be housed in my private wing, near Sarah's room. I also want the monster that helped her found, what is his name, Lido?"
"Ludo." Urk responded.
"Yes, he is to wait for me here. The others may retire to their chamber when they wish. Also have some supper sent to them."
Urk saluted. "I will see that everything is arranged." And left to give ordered to the guards and other goblins so that everything could be arranged.
Jareth them headed towards the garden. He picked several types of flowers before heading towards the kitchen. Then he arrived at the kitchen he ordered that a try be prepared with supper for two.
When it was ready the Goblin King headed for Sarah's room, with two goblins following being carrying the tray between them.
He knocked on the door, but before anyone would even have a change of saying 'come in' he opened the door, holding for the goblins carrying the try. He closed the door behind them. He was surprised to see Hoggle next to Sarah but he schooled if features not so show anything.
"Higgle, I see you've been entertaining Sarah."
Hoggle rolled his eyes. "That's Hoggle. I was just seeing that the little lady was alright."
"Well, now that you've seen her. I suggest you have your supper. You are staying the night. I'm sure you know where your room is." He then completely dismissed the dwarf by turning his back to him and using a crystal to create a small tablecloth covered table. With this done he then took the try and started to arrange the dishes. At the end he took the flowers that he had in his hand and put them in the vase at the center of the table.
When he turned he saw that Hoggle was still there. He just glared at him.
Hoggle sighed. "I'm going." He slid down from the bed and left the room. He then went down the hall to the room that he had lived in while being 'punished' by Jareth.
When he walked in he noticed that the room had changed, slightly. There was now a second bed and a small round table by the window. Currently Sir Didymus sat there eating.
Didymus looked up at Hoggle and gestured with his fork to the place beside him. "Come Sir Hoggle, a good supper is the best way to end a job well done." He was in a very high spirit after the morning's adventure.
But Hoggle was still worried about Sarah. Mostly because there was nothing he could do to help her. At least before he could try to get her brother back. If she won, by law Jareth had to send her back. But now she had no where to go *to*. He couldn't send her back above ground and nowhere *here* would she be safe from Jareth. Oddly that made her safest here. He didn't want her hurt, or he wouldn't be acting this way. Bah, dinner for two with flowers. But, his highness had lots of enemies who would kill her just to get revenge on him. Hoggle just picked at his food. And I can't do nuthing to helps her, the thought to himself.
"Sir Hoggle, are thou all right?"
"I'm fine, it's just, ah..." knowing that the fox couldn't see the kind of danger Sarah was in, wanted to think of some other reason for his behavior. "Ah, this room just brings back memories, that all."
"I understand, good sir." Didymus patted Hoggle on the arm.