Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the "Labyrinth". I borrow
their clothes from time to time though.
Chapter 4
She was aware of being warm and feeling safe. Through the fog that clouded her mind, this struck her as odd because she hadn't felt this safe and protected for a long, long time. She was lying on something deliciously soft, much nicer than the lumpy sofa bed she'd grown accustomed to. Someone was holding her hand.
Sarah sighed in pleasure and tried to stretch. To her dismay, she couldn't. All her feelings of peacefulness fled. Reality registered in the form of a small, sick pit of fear in her stomach as she realized her wrists were still tightly bound with a leather cord and secured to something above her head. She was lying on what seemed to be an enormous bed. When she moved, she found that her ankles had also been roped together. The cords weren't so tight that they hurt, but tugging at them confirmed her fears. There was no way she could release herself.
Jareth lifted his fingers from hers. She gasped and tried to writhe away when she saw that he was sitting on the bed next to her. She was uncomfortably aware that he must have been with her the whole time she was unconscious. Dear god, he'd been holding her hand. What in the world would he do that for?! Especially after kidnapping her and leaving her tied up! The gall! Then it occurred to her that she was completely helpless and tied to a bed with the Goblin King leaning over her. What was he planning to do to her? As her eyes blazed up at him, she almost trembled with her rage. Gloved fingers slid under her chin and cupped her face.
"Release me this instant," she spat.
Jareth held her still as he moved his face closer to hers. His voice cracked through the room like a whip.
"Not until we have an understanding in place. There is nowhere for you to run, Sarah. You asked me to come to you and I did. You are here because you wished it and no, you cannot leave. There is no contest for you to win and no champion to seek you out. When you called to me, your forfeited your life Aboveground. Those are the laws of the Fae. I tried to bring you here nicely and you left me no choice but to bring you here by force. I've left you bound for the moment because I have no desire to waste my energy chasing you all over the castle until you fully understand that leading me on such a chase would indeed be pointless. Are we clear?"
After a brief pause, she nodded. She would NOT cry. Dammit.
With a graceful wave of his hand, the straps that held her seemed to grow softer and lighter until they melted away into thin air. Sarah sat up and took in her surroundings. She was sitting on a massive four-poster bed with a curtained canopy. The room itself was surprisingly cozy for its size. A crackling fire in the fireplace across from the bed kept the space comfortably toasty. Bookcases lined several of the walls and the rest were covered in beautiful paintings. While the drapes on the windows were drawn for the evening, Sarah could spy some plants in the shadows as well as a writing desk and several overstuffed chairs. A golden clock that registered thirteen hours chimed softly over the fireplace. The vision didn't line up with the chaos and disarray that she remembered as the Goblin King's throne room. Was this his bedroom? Against her will, she liked it.
Jareth caught the small measure of approval in her expression and his heart gave a jump. "Do you like the room then? Yes, this is my bedroom. Would you like me to show you yours?"
What Sarah wanted him to do was return her to her own world and then go directly to hell without passing "Go" or collecting two hundred dollars. Her better judgment won out.
"Yes, please," she murmured, trying to show him a small smile. Hopefully he hadn't stuck her in some dank cell. She really didn't know what to expect or even how he felt about keeping her there. He had seemed to want her when he was trying to convince her to come along peaceably, but now he'd told her he had taken her because it was the laws of his kind. For all she knew, he didn't want her in his castle any more than she wanted to be there. Heck, maybe he'd throw her out of the castle and give her a room in a shed next to the Bog. Either way, there was no point in being rude. Although she wanted to claw him and spit in his face, she didn't think she could escape by fighting with Jareth. She would have to bide her time and learn a little more about her situation before she would be able to lay any plans.
Jareth was surprised at how quickly she'd quieted down - surprised and suspicious. What did that little minx have going on behind those emerald eyes? He had hated to tie her up. Well.maybe not if the situation had been a bit different, he smiled to himself. But she'd been so frightened and he had to keep her still for the transportation spell. He also knew that after she woke up, the last thing he needed would be a wild chase all over the castle until he had managed to wrestle her down. Wrestle her down? Damn. That would have been lovely. He kicked himself again for being an idiot.
Seeing Sarah shiver, Jareth picked up a fur-lined robe from a chair and draped it gently over her shoulders. It was definitely too large for her, but he loved the sight of her delicate beauty engulfed in his clothing. It made her seem even more his. He sighed at the thought. She had called on him and technically she did belong to him to handle as he saw fit, but he wanted more. He hated admitting it, but he wanted her heart and soul. She already had his. It was only fair.
Sarah was touched by the gesture of the robe and then mentally slapped herself. You don't know what he wants or where he'll keep you. The possessiveness of the gesture made her shudder softly. She wasn't sure whether she was secretly pleased or infuriated.
Jareth took Sarah's hand and guided her to a small door. When he opened it, her mouth fell open in surprise. The room was exquisite, every bit as comfortable and cozy as his own, but much more feminine in tone. This room was also lined with books and warmed by a roaring fire, but it included an enormous vanity with a scrolled, round mirror, and stocked with every perfume, powder and cosmetic she could think of. The room also boasted a cushioned window seat and a lovely skylight where she could gaze up at stars or sunshine. Sarah eyed a set of French doors leading off to a small balcony with sharp interest. She could knot those sheets together and be over that rail like a shot.
Then she realized that she and the Goblin King had adjoining rooms.
Oh my. That might make the balcony escape plan a little harder to pull off. Then there was also the matter of Jareth himself. Did that door have a lock on it? Would it really stop him if it did? She shook herself. The king had been more of a gentleman than she had expected him to be - so far.
Jareth saw the worry on her features and wasn't certain of the source. "Do you like it? I do hope you'll be comfortable. The wardrobe is stocked with anything you might need and the bathroom is right over there. If you want anything at all, just knock." Then he realized what she might be worried about. "I assure you that these rooms are your private chambers. I will knock before entering - provided you don't try to escape."
Her eyes were mutinous, but she nodded again. To her embarrassment, her stomach let out a loud growl.
For heavens sake! Jareth had been so caught up with his excitement that Sarah was actually in his home that he hadn't given food a thought. He imagined that being suddenly spirited to the Underground had given her quite a shock and that she could probably use a little sustenance before she retired for the night.
Jareth smiled mockingly at her. "A midnight snack perhaps?" he chuckled. He produced a crystal which he let fall from his hand. It rolled to the center of Sarah's room and as it rolled the crystal seemed to grow larger and more fragile, like a bubble. With a shower of light, the bubble popped and in its place stood a table set for two. "You won't mind if I join you? I'm feeling a bit peck-ish myself. Lot of work you know, bringing you here."
Sarah's temper finally got the better of her self-control.
"Oh excuse me!" she hissed sarcastically. " I'm so dreadfully sorry to have been such a terrible strain on you." She certainly hadn't asked to be terrorized and then abducted. If he found himself 'taxed' by the effort of keeping her, then it served him right.
Jareth's cool glance skimmed over her flushed cheeks. "No strain at all, I assure you," he murmured as he pulled out her chair.
Sarah eyed the delicious-looking dinner spread suspiciously. After her last experience with food in the Underground, she thought it best to proceed with caution. As if sensing her thoughts, Jareth smiled ruefully and said, "No peaches. I thought this dish was one of your favorites?"
When he lifted one of the platter covers to reveal its contents, Sarah wasn't sure if she should be humiliated or pleased. Cheese-stuffed hotdogs were one of her most disgusting habits and she was shocked that Jareth knew about it! Had he been spying on her?! Then again.cheese dogs really were her one of her favorite "forbidden" midnight snacks. She looked at the platter with naked hunger.
When she still hesitated, Jareth reached over and cut a piece off of one of the cheese dogs and ate it.
"See? Perfectly safe."
Sarah flushed twenty shades of red and then took a small bite for herself. Jareth was completely charmed. He was also pleased to see that she hadn't lost her appetite.
"Thank you," Sarah whispered, eyes downcast. She was taken aback by the kindness Jareth had shown her so far, and was still so shaken up from being kidnapped that her thoughts were a jumble. She had to admit that she was terrified of the man across from her. If he had failed to control her before, he certainly had power over her now. She gave herself big points for holding herself together so well and tried to keep the meal down. She would need her strength if she planned to make good on an escape.
Jareth gazed longingly at Sarah as they ate in silence. He decided not to press her for conversation. He could sense the exhaustion and fear underneath her steely self-control and felt compassion for her. Soon she would come to accept her fate, but he doubted it would be easy for her. He also suspected that she would disregard his warning and try to escape anyway. Ah well. The spell he'd woven was one of the most powerful he knew. It would keep her captive easily enough, but he disliked having to use it. She would probably find her first attempt to leave very frustrating indeed. However, he figured confinement by magic would be much more comfortable for her than keeping her chained to a wall somewhere. She would only hate him even more if he locked her in a dungeon.
After they finished eating, Jareth bid her goodnight. "And remember, should you need anything at all, just knock. I want you to be comfortable here."
"Thank you," Sarah replied. She'd have to be really quiet knotting those sheets.
Jareth's gaze lingered over Sarah as he bid her goodnight. Gods but she was beautiful! As he closed the door, he had a feeling that their evening was only beginning. He smiled ruefully and listened for her escape.
Chapter 4
She was aware of being warm and feeling safe. Through the fog that clouded her mind, this struck her as odd because she hadn't felt this safe and protected for a long, long time. She was lying on something deliciously soft, much nicer than the lumpy sofa bed she'd grown accustomed to. Someone was holding her hand.
Sarah sighed in pleasure and tried to stretch. To her dismay, she couldn't. All her feelings of peacefulness fled. Reality registered in the form of a small, sick pit of fear in her stomach as she realized her wrists were still tightly bound with a leather cord and secured to something above her head. She was lying on what seemed to be an enormous bed. When she moved, she found that her ankles had also been roped together. The cords weren't so tight that they hurt, but tugging at them confirmed her fears. There was no way she could release herself.
Jareth lifted his fingers from hers. She gasped and tried to writhe away when she saw that he was sitting on the bed next to her. She was uncomfortably aware that he must have been with her the whole time she was unconscious. Dear god, he'd been holding her hand. What in the world would he do that for?! Especially after kidnapping her and leaving her tied up! The gall! Then it occurred to her that she was completely helpless and tied to a bed with the Goblin King leaning over her. What was he planning to do to her? As her eyes blazed up at him, she almost trembled with her rage. Gloved fingers slid under her chin and cupped her face.
"Release me this instant," she spat.
Jareth held her still as he moved his face closer to hers. His voice cracked through the room like a whip.
"Not until we have an understanding in place. There is nowhere for you to run, Sarah. You asked me to come to you and I did. You are here because you wished it and no, you cannot leave. There is no contest for you to win and no champion to seek you out. When you called to me, your forfeited your life Aboveground. Those are the laws of the Fae. I tried to bring you here nicely and you left me no choice but to bring you here by force. I've left you bound for the moment because I have no desire to waste my energy chasing you all over the castle until you fully understand that leading me on such a chase would indeed be pointless. Are we clear?"
After a brief pause, she nodded. She would NOT cry. Dammit.
With a graceful wave of his hand, the straps that held her seemed to grow softer and lighter until they melted away into thin air. Sarah sat up and took in her surroundings. She was sitting on a massive four-poster bed with a curtained canopy. The room itself was surprisingly cozy for its size. A crackling fire in the fireplace across from the bed kept the space comfortably toasty. Bookcases lined several of the walls and the rest were covered in beautiful paintings. While the drapes on the windows were drawn for the evening, Sarah could spy some plants in the shadows as well as a writing desk and several overstuffed chairs. A golden clock that registered thirteen hours chimed softly over the fireplace. The vision didn't line up with the chaos and disarray that she remembered as the Goblin King's throne room. Was this his bedroom? Against her will, she liked it.
Jareth caught the small measure of approval in her expression and his heart gave a jump. "Do you like the room then? Yes, this is my bedroom. Would you like me to show you yours?"
What Sarah wanted him to do was return her to her own world and then go directly to hell without passing "Go" or collecting two hundred dollars. Her better judgment won out.
"Yes, please," she murmured, trying to show him a small smile. Hopefully he hadn't stuck her in some dank cell. She really didn't know what to expect or even how he felt about keeping her there. He had seemed to want her when he was trying to convince her to come along peaceably, but now he'd told her he had taken her because it was the laws of his kind. For all she knew, he didn't want her in his castle any more than she wanted to be there. Heck, maybe he'd throw her out of the castle and give her a room in a shed next to the Bog. Either way, there was no point in being rude. Although she wanted to claw him and spit in his face, she didn't think she could escape by fighting with Jareth. She would have to bide her time and learn a little more about her situation before she would be able to lay any plans.
Jareth was surprised at how quickly she'd quieted down - surprised and suspicious. What did that little minx have going on behind those emerald eyes? He had hated to tie her up. Well.maybe not if the situation had been a bit different, he smiled to himself. But she'd been so frightened and he had to keep her still for the transportation spell. He also knew that after she woke up, the last thing he needed would be a wild chase all over the castle until he had managed to wrestle her down. Wrestle her down? Damn. That would have been lovely. He kicked himself again for being an idiot.
Seeing Sarah shiver, Jareth picked up a fur-lined robe from a chair and draped it gently over her shoulders. It was definitely too large for her, but he loved the sight of her delicate beauty engulfed in his clothing. It made her seem even more his. He sighed at the thought. She had called on him and technically she did belong to him to handle as he saw fit, but he wanted more. He hated admitting it, but he wanted her heart and soul. She already had his. It was only fair.
Sarah was touched by the gesture of the robe and then mentally slapped herself. You don't know what he wants or where he'll keep you. The possessiveness of the gesture made her shudder softly. She wasn't sure whether she was secretly pleased or infuriated.
Jareth took Sarah's hand and guided her to a small door. When he opened it, her mouth fell open in surprise. The room was exquisite, every bit as comfortable and cozy as his own, but much more feminine in tone. This room was also lined with books and warmed by a roaring fire, but it included an enormous vanity with a scrolled, round mirror, and stocked with every perfume, powder and cosmetic she could think of. The room also boasted a cushioned window seat and a lovely skylight where she could gaze up at stars or sunshine. Sarah eyed a set of French doors leading off to a small balcony with sharp interest. She could knot those sheets together and be over that rail like a shot.
Then she realized that she and the Goblin King had adjoining rooms.
Oh my. That might make the balcony escape plan a little harder to pull off. Then there was also the matter of Jareth himself. Did that door have a lock on it? Would it really stop him if it did? She shook herself. The king had been more of a gentleman than she had expected him to be - so far.
Jareth saw the worry on her features and wasn't certain of the source. "Do you like it? I do hope you'll be comfortable. The wardrobe is stocked with anything you might need and the bathroom is right over there. If you want anything at all, just knock." Then he realized what she might be worried about. "I assure you that these rooms are your private chambers. I will knock before entering - provided you don't try to escape."
Her eyes were mutinous, but she nodded again. To her embarrassment, her stomach let out a loud growl.
For heavens sake! Jareth had been so caught up with his excitement that Sarah was actually in his home that he hadn't given food a thought. He imagined that being suddenly spirited to the Underground had given her quite a shock and that she could probably use a little sustenance before she retired for the night.
Jareth smiled mockingly at her. "A midnight snack perhaps?" he chuckled. He produced a crystal which he let fall from his hand. It rolled to the center of Sarah's room and as it rolled the crystal seemed to grow larger and more fragile, like a bubble. With a shower of light, the bubble popped and in its place stood a table set for two. "You won't mind if I join you? I'm feeling a bit peck-ish myself. Lot of work you know, bringing you here."
Sarah's temper finally got the better of her self-control.
"Oh excuse me!" she hissed sarcastically. " I'm so dreadfully sorry to have been such a terrible strain on you." She certainly hadn't asked to be terrorized and then abducted. If he found himself 'taxed' by the effort of keeping her, then it served him right.
Jareth's cool glance skimmed over her flushed cheeks. "No strain at all, I assure you," he murmured as he pulled out her chair.
Sarah eyed the delicious-looking dinner spread suspiciously. After her last experience with food in the Underground, she thought it best to proceed with caution. As if sensing her thoughts, Jareth smiled ruefully and said, "No peaches. I thought this dish was one of your favorites?"
When he lifted one of the platter covers to reveal its contents, Sarah wasn't sure if she should be humiliated or pleased. Cheese-stuffed hotdogs were one of her most disgusting habits and she was shocked that Jareth knew about it! Had he been spying on her?! Then again.cheese dogs really were her one of her favorite "forbidden" midnight snacks. She looked at the platter with naked hunger.
When she still hesitated, Jareth reached over and cut a piece off of one of the cheese dogs and ate it.
"See? Perfectly safe."
Sarah flushed twenty shades of red and then took a small bite for herself. Jareth was completely charmed. He was also pleased to see that she hadn't lost her appetite.
"Thank you," Sarah whispered, eyes downcast. She was taken aback by the kindness Jareth had shown her so far, and was still so shaken up from being kidnapped that her thoughts were a jumble. She had to admit that she was terrified of the man across from her. If he had failed to control her before, he certainly had power over her now. She gave herself big points for holding herself together so well and tried to keep the meal down. She would need her strength if she planned to make good on an escape.
Jareth gazed longingly at Sarah as they ate in silence. He decided not to press her for conversation. He could sense the exhaustion and fear underneath her steely self-control and felt compassion for her. Soon she would come to accept her fate, but he doubted it would be easy for her. He also suspected that she would disregard his warning and try to escape anyway. Ah well. The spell he'd woven was one of the most powerful he knew. It would keep her captive easily enough, but he disliked having to use it. She would probably find her first attempt to leave very frustrating indeed. However, he figured confinement by magic would be much more comfortable for her than keeping her chained to a wall somewhere. She would only hate him even more if he locked her in a dungeon.
After they finished eating, Jareth bid her goodnight. "And remember, should you need anything at all, just knock. I want you to be comfortable here."
"Thank you," Sarah replied. She'd have to be really quiet knotting those sheets.
Jareth's gaze lingered over Sarah as he bid her goodnight. Gods but she was beautiful! As he closed the door, he had a feeling that their evening was only beginning. He smiled ruefully and listened for her escape.