Special thanks to my incredible beta and friend, Scattered Logic for her thoughts, suggestions and wonderful beta skills!
This chapter has been edited for ff.net due to adult content in the original version. The unedited version can be found at the story's page
Chapter 28: Resolutions…
Jareth stood in the doorway and watched as Sarah fled the barn. He gave a frustrated sigh and went to clear his own mind.
Sarah helped Mrs. Henry with a few chores and the older woman could tell that something was wrong.
"Did you and Jareth have a fight?" Mrs. Henry asked right away.
Sarah didn't reply.
"It must have been a big one," Mrs. Henry continued. "They'll only multiply with time you know. If you marry that man you'll be marrying into trouble."
Sarah, who had been cutting the vegetables, slammed the knife down on the table and glared at Mrs. Henry. "You know, I really don't remember asking for your opinion."
Mrs. Henry didn't seem fazed by the display. "No need to get snappy. I'm just looking out for your best interests."
Sarah groaned in aggravation. She was tired of Mrs. Henry trying to play mind games. Untying her apron, Sarah left the house. She walked outside, taking large strides and she sat down by a rock on the front lawn. She didn't care if Mrs. Henry was standing in the door or window watching, which she was.
The older woman smiled to herself. If Jareth and Sarah were fighting before they were even married then perhaps marriage wouldn't happen at all.
Sarah dropped her head into her hands as she sat with her knees bent up toward her chest. She was so upset that she couldn't even think straight. It took her many minutes to still the whirling thoughts in her mind. Once she finally started thinking, those thoughts immediately turned to Jareth. She remembered how only a few short months ago they were enemies and how quickly things had changed between them. She remembered the night they had made love by the pond and how special it had been.
She gave a weary sigh; she didn't like being at odds with Jareth. In the past it would have made her feel good to stand up to the Goblin King, but now she didn't feel that way. Fighting with Jareth made her feel downright awful. She loved him, yet her fear of him becoming someone she didn't know and love anymore caused her to grow agitated as she tried to protect herself from an uncertain future.
Jareth was leaning against an oak tree, arms crossed over his chest, watching Sarah. He gazed at her for several minutes before he walked toward her.
Sarah was so lost in thought that she didn't realize that Jareth was standing beside her until she noticed that the sun had disappeared and she was sitting in his shadow. She looked up at him quickly and then looked away.
"May we talk?" he asked calmly. When she didn't reply he continued, "I do not wish to argue with you. I want to reconcile these differences between us before they intensify."
Sarah didn't look at him.
"Will you not fulfill my request?" Jareth sounded hurt.
Sarah finally looked up at him. "What do you want me to say to you, hmm?" Her voice was full of anger.
Jareth forced himself to remain calm. "I desire an explanation as to why you are so angry with me. Is this too much to ask?"
She looked away. She didn't want to talk about this because she feared that if things didn't go well that they'd argue. She feared what could happen with both of their tempers.
Jareth sighed. "Sarah, we can not mend the rift between us if you will not tell me what is wrong."
Sarah bit her lip and then lowered her head.
Jareth crouched down in front of her, his elbow on his knee and his chin resting in his hand. His eyes sought hers, but Sarah still refused to look at him. "Why are you angry with me for acting true to myself?"
She sighed deeply and took a few minutes to reply. Her eyes had yet to meet his. She wondered if telling him was the right thing to do, but realized that if they didn't talk, there was no chance to fix things.
"Because I'm afraid…" she whispered. "And anger was how I concealed it."
Jareth's eyes widened. "Afraid? You are not afraid of me are you?"
"Not exactly." Sarah kept her eyes lowered to the ground.
"Explain."
Sarah risked looking at him. Jareth was staring at her intently and had a look of deep concern on his face.
Despite the expression on Jareth's face, Sarah still looked angry and upset. "You went from being this intimidating, arrogant, magical jerk that I couldn't stand to someone who was kind and loving and who I couldn't wait to awaken and see each morning. No one has ever shown me the love that you have, but now...now your magic is returning and you're different." She bit her lip, her anger fading just slightly and her expression turning to worry.
Jareth exhaled. He felt like a fool for not recognizing the reasons for her fear and anger sooner. "Oh, Sarah. I'm not different. I'm still acting in the same manner that I was before."
Sarah shook her head. "No…no you're not. You're playing all these pranks on Mrs. Henry with no regard for your safety or mine. You didn't play pranks before."
"Sarah, what you refer to as pranks are second nature to me. My kind thrives on games and trickery. It is the way of the Fae."
Jareth lowered himself to the ground and stretched his long legs out before him, crossing them at the ankles. He looked into Sarah's eyes. "Do you remember when we were out in the woods and I was in owl form and caught a mouse for you?"
Sarah nodded. "How could I forget? That was disgusting. You dropped it right in front of me and expected me to eat it raw!"
At the memory, Jareth smiled, his lips curling up until his teeth could be seen. Then the smile faded and he became serious. "We disliked each at that time and we didn't know who the other truly was. We tested the limits of what we could and couldn't do. I was teasing you with the mouse. I had a feeling that it would disgust you and I found your reaction very amusing."
Sarah glared at him. "So you laughed at me as you munched on that poor helpless mouse."
"No, I didn't. Although watching your reaction did lift my spirits. I was far from my home and without my magic. To continue to act like myself without my magic helped me realize I could survive without it. And what about Elizabeth? I dumped her in the pig pen because she laughed at your accident."
"But that's different. That's a prank interlaced with revenge like what you are doing to Mrs. Henry."
Jareth shook his head. "A prank is thought out and planned, correct?"
Sarah nodded.
"I didn't plan any of what I've done to Mrs. Henry. It occurred naturally and, as usual, I did not concern myself with my safety or the consequences if I was discovered. Teasing her was a form of enjoyment to me, and perhaps a little payback but nothing more."
One of Sarah's eyebrows arched. "It was fun?"
He nodded. "Do you not agree that seeing Mrs. Henry covered in white flour from head to toe was amusing?"
Sarah smirked. "Now that I think about it, it is funny. But it wasn't back then."
"Ah, but only because you feared being caught."
She nodded.
He tilted his head. "I had no such fear."
"Which is dangerous, Jareth."
"It can be, yes, but I am accustomed to it. I'm Fae," he reminded her.
Sarah knew that he was telling the truth. The Fae were tricksters, loving games and glamour. And they were risk takers from what she knew of them. Why hadn't she remembered that?
'Without magic he's acted similar to how a mortal would. I've forgotten that he's NOT mortal…' she realized.
Jareth looked at Sarah thoughtfully. "If I promise to be more careful in the future, will you compromise and not grow angry with me for acting true to myself?"
Sarah regarded him carefully and said nothing for a moment. Who was the man who sat beside her? And whom did she love? The Jareth that acted mortal or the Jareth who was the Goblin King?
She raised her head. She had to know…"Who is the real you, Jareth?"
Jareth's brows drew together and he looked hurt. "You feel you need to ask that?"
Sarah fought the tears that threatened to sting her eyes. "I thought I knew, but I'm not sure. First, you're this powerful Goblin King who's as tough as nails and then you're this sweet and loving man who's willing to compromise to keep peace between us. You keep changing." She was clearly flustered.
"Being without my magic has changed me, Sarah. I will not lie to you. It has humbled me and has made me appreciate life in a way I never did before. I went from being a powerful King to an ordinary man on two occasions and it was difficult to get accustomed to. The second time has been more difficult than the first. I live among mortals in their world and I am forced to act and work like them."
"Exactly! You've had to act like a mortal and that's what bothers me." Sarah told him. "Who is the real Jareth? The man who acts mortal and helps me with the animals and other chores or the powerful King who doesn't take crap from anyone?"
"I am both," Jareth answered simply.
Sarah snorted. "How can you be both?"
"Just as easily as you can be stubborn and defiant and then loving and sweet. Am I not allowed to have a complicated personality or must I always act the same?" he snapped.
Sarah pulled back at his tone.
Jareth calmed himself and sighed wearily. "It's obvious you fear that I'm going to change how I treat you and what I feel for you. I believe that is why you are angry and frightened. I understand why you feel the way you do, but let me ask you this; since you and I declared our love, have I treated you differently? I don't want to know if I have treated other people differently. Have I treated you any differently while you have been my lover?"
Sarah lowered her head and then shook it slowly. "No."
Jareth lifted her chin with his fingers and looked into her eyes. "I am not going to change how I treat you or how I feel. I may not agree with everything you say or do and you will undoubtedly feel the same way about me, but never does that mean that I don't love you. Never."
Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "Never is a long time, Jareth."
Jareth released her chin and reached for her hand. He turned the ring he had made for her on her finger and rubbed his thumb over the stone. "So is forever, Sarah, and that is exactly how long I want you beside me. My desire to have you as my wife will not change."
Sarah covered her mouth with her other hand as she began to cry.
Jareth moved forward instantly and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against him.
"I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…" she murmured.
"Sshhh." Jareth rocked her gently in his arms.
Sarah sobbed for several minutes until she had no more tears to shed. Jareth held her lovingly against him.
"I'm allowing my insecurities and my inexperience to get involved in this again… I'm so sorry," she whispered against his chest.
"Everyone has insecurities and inexperience in something."
Sarah raised her head and looked into Jareth's eyes. "But I let mine take over. I could have ruined things between us because I was afraid and didn't understand. I acted so childishly. Your crystals don't bother me. Not really. But they reminded me of the old Jareth who I was at odds with. And I was afraid that he might resurface.
Jareth stroked her hair. "I understand your concerns and fears but I hope that we see eye to eye now."
Sarah nodded.
"I promise to be more careful with my magic. " he arched the brow over his blue eye and gave a small smile, "Although sometimes I may need a reminder. With my magic returning to me, old habits are resurfacing and occasionally I forget where I am."
Sarah nodded. A tear streamed down her cheek and Jareth brushed it away with his thumb.
Sarah smiled and just gazed at him.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Your patience." She laughed. "I thought that you didn't have any?"
Jareth chuckled. "I usually don't."
"But you've been so patient and understanding with me and all of my mistakes."
"You are wise enough to learn from them. We're both learning from this relationship and any errors either of us might make should be corrected with love and patience. I am willing to try and be patient with you and you only. If the situation had involved Mrs. Henry or some of my subjects my response would have been very different."
Sarah smiled and then laughed softly. She quieted and took Jareth's hand into her own. "I'm sorry that I ever doubted you. I've been so foolish."
"Doubt is natural, Sarah. I cannot fault you for it."
"But you don't doubt me." When Jareth didn't answer right away she asked, "Or do you?"
Jareth hesitated about telling her the truth but found it was better if he said it. "I have doubted things between us."
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "You have? But you've never shown it."
"Perhaps I am better at hiding things than you are. Being a King as well as hundreds of years of experience have taught me to conceal my emotions."
"Your father…" Sarah replied in understanding.
Jareth nodded. "I have doubted that things would work out, but each time I see you the doubt fades away." He stroked her cheek with his fingers.
Sarah's eyes filled with tears again. "You're making that up."
Jareth shook his head, his blond hair moving around him. "I'm completely serious."
Sarah noticed the reserved look on his face and realized that he was telling the truth. She moved forward slowly, her lips hovering near his.
Jareth gazed into her eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. "As much as I would enjoy kissing you at this moment, I don't believe that here is the appropriate place." At Sarah's surprised expression he continued, "Mrs. Henry would get a show from her view in the window."
Sarah's eyes widened. She had forgotten about Mrs. Henry. Sarah kept her face turned toward Jareth but used her eyes to glance to the side at the house. Sure enough, Mrs. Henry was standing in the window watching them.
Sarah smirked. "But you kissed me the other night in front of her."
Jareth grinned revealing his sharp teeth. "Ah, I did, but not with the intensity of which I would like to now." His eyes sparkled with mischief.
Sarah blushed and ducked her head.
Jareth's grin spread. His tone became seductive. "We'll sit here and act on good behavior and later when we are alone…" his voice trailed off and Sarah's imagination kicked into full gear.
Sarah cradled herself against Jareth and the two of them sat in the warm sunlight thinking about what later would entail.
* * *
Mrs. Henry had seen Jareth approach Sarah and she was half hoping that an argument would take place. Even though the two of them had been on their best behavior when they were together, Mrs. Henry still hoped that Sarah would forget about Jareth and would pursue another man. There was something about Jareth that she didn't like. He seemed elusive about certain things.
As she watched the two continue to talk, Mrs. Henry realized that Sarah sometimes seemed elusive about things as well. The past and her family seemed like a touchy subject, though if her mother had passed and her father was at home while she was with Jareth, who knows what could have happened. Mrs. Henry didn't know what to think of Jareth and Sarah. They had come to her home together, pretending to be father and daughter and then it had been discovered that they were not related at all. Then they seemed friendly and after going back and forth between friends and quarreling, they had fallen in love. Part of Mrs. Henry believed that they had been lovers or perhaps Jareth had wanted them to be and Sarah wouldn't agree to it. She sighed as Jareth sat on the grass beside Sarah. They talked more and soon the two of them were holding each other in an innocent manner.
It was very obvious to Mrs. Henry now that no matter what obstacles came between Jareth and Sarah that the two of them would find a way to reconcile. She frowned. Which meant that this was not some silly infatuation lingering between them. They were very much in love.
She waited for them to do something inappropriate right out on the lawn in plain view, but that never happened. The two of them sat side by side in the sun and eventually got up and walked toward the barn. She watched as Jareth went out into the field and as Dan came galloping toward him. The gelding allowed Jareth to put a halter on and lead him out of the field and into the barn. Sarah followed close behind.
Mrs. Henry gave a sigh as they disappeared into the barn. They were most likely going to brush the gelding until he shone. A chore they often worked on together. Perhaps she was wrong to assume that they would act inappropriately again. They had sneaked away into the night in the past but now that they had been confronted about it, they were well behaved. Mrs. Henry sighed again and left the window to do her chores.
* * *
Dan was forgotten as soon as Jareth and Sarah stumbled into the stall with him. The gelding didn't seem to mind as he munched happily on his hay.
Jareth couldn't keep his lips or his hands off of Sarah and she had the same problem. Hands roamed over fabric, squeezing and imagining what the flesh beneath felt like were the fabric not there. Mouths locked together repeatedly and tongues tasted whatever bare flesh could be found.
Jareth leaned forward and captured Sarah's mouth with his own. They kissed until they were both breathless and had to break apart to regain their breathing.
Jareth backed Sarah into the back corner of the stall, kissing her neck, her ear. He trailed his tongue to the neckline of her dress and the placed small kisses all along it. He was delighted by her reactions.
Sarah sighed happily, enjoying Jareth's attention but she was eager to touch him as well. Moments later, she pulled Jareth's shirt from his pants. She ran her hands up his flat stomach, her palms sliding over the muscles of his lean body. He moved closer to her, desperate to feel the warm of her body against him.
Sarah noticed that Jareth's breathing had quickened, his eyes were glazed over with desire and that a rather persistent erection was already prodding her stomach. She flattened her body against the wall, trying to put a little distance between them.
"Jareth, I think we should stop."
Jareth didn't seem to hear her and he moved closer, his hands grasping her waist as he pulled her up against him.
"Jareth, please stop."
Sarah's pleading voice broke Jareth out of the hazy desire that clouded his mind. He gave a heavy sigh.
Sarah reached forward and pushed back a few blond hairs that had fallen in Jareth's face. "Here isn't the right place. We have to wait."
"I detest waiting. Why should we have to?" Jareth growled.
Sarah caressed his face with her fingers.
"I know you hate waiting…I wish we didn't have to, but we can't risk being caught. I don't like this anymore than you, but while we live in the Henry's house we should try to respect at least some rules. Who knows how much time we will have alone out here? It would take too long to take all these clothes off and put them back on so we could pretend that nothing happened. I have about 3 layers on…" she told him trying to talk some sense into him.
They finally turned their attention back to Dan and they began to brush the gelding until he shone.
They were fairly quiet until Sarah asked, "Jareth, what do you think our wedding will be like?"
Jareth smiled at the question. If Sarah was thinking about marriage it was a good sign. He raised a brow.
"What kind of wedding would you prefer?"
"Well, I know how mortal weddings go, but what are Fae weddings like? Maybe we could have one of those."
"I'm afraid that Fae weddings are lengthy and boring to all of those except the ones getting married and sometimes even they loathe the traditional ceremonies. Royal weddings are even worse. Many of them are full of politics and are not joyful occasions."
"Really?"
Jareth nodded.
"Well, what should we do then? I'm not sure what kind of wedding we should have. I've never had to plan for one before."
"I would suggest a simple wedding."
Sarah's eyes widened. "Simple? You?"
Jareth stopped brushing Dan and tilted his head, regarding Sarah. "Why does my desiring a simple wedding seem to shock you?"
"Because you're not simple. You wore so many different outfits in the course of 13 hours when I was in the Labyrinth. Simple people wear one or two outfits a day. Not 5 or 6!"
"I have good fashion sense. What can I say?" Jareth grinned.
"Well, what about the fact that you are a King?"
"What about it?"
Sarah seemed slightly frustrated that Jareth didn't understand her. "You should have a big royal wedding."
"Why? Because it is expected of me? I'd be more than happy to write vows and for us to read them in front of a few witnesses than for us to be joined in front of a crowd. Would you rather we waited until my magic returned and we would be wed in front of my entire kingdom?"
Sarah thought about the idea and then shook her head. "Well, that's one thing that bothers me."
Jareth stepped closer to her and placed his brush on Dan's back. "What is that?"
"I don't know anything about being a queen, much less dealing with goblins."
Jareth smiled. "With your friendly nature, I have little doubt that you will befriend the entire kingdom and govern it better than I do."
Sarah tried to smile. "All joking aside, you said it would be difficult to rule."
Jareth nodded. "It will be. The goblins are not the easiest race to command. But with firm guidance it can be done." Jareth moved closer and his voice quieted. "You are a strong woman who learns things easily. We will return to the Labyrinth and restore it so that it is better than it was before. I've heard stories of how it was when my grandfather and grandmother ruled. We can make it beautiful again."
Sarah smiled and then it faded. "You're so confident that we can fix it. But what if we can't? You think I can restore it, but I don't have any magic."
"The Labyrinth has never been defeated until you. It is believed that only the one who defeated it can restore it. With the two of us married and working toward the same goal I assume it can be done."
Sarah frowned. "You assume, but you're not certain?"
Jareth shook his head slowly. "The truth is that I don't know what will happen. You and I might never return if my magic doesn't get stronger. Or we will return and will have to put the Labyrinth back piece by piece with our bare hands. Or we will return and restoring the Labyrinth will be a 'piece of cake' as you say."
Jareth looked into Sarah's eyes and looked very serious. "You must be certain you wish to marry me, Sarah. The future is uncertain with everything except how I feel about you."
"Why are we talking about this again?" Sarah asked
"I want to be certain that a life with me in the Labyrinth is what you truly want and that you understand what might or might not happen."
"Look, Jareth, I've made a lot of mistakes lately."
Jareth looked worried. "Sarah, asking if you are certain has nothing to do with any mistakes made. Those are in the past."
"Let me finish," Sarah demanded and Jareth nodded.
"I've made a lot of mistakes. I'm new at this relationship thing, but I am trying. I let myself believe that you were mortal instead of realizing that you are a fae King and that's why there were problems, but it won't happen again. And the reason is that I'm willing to be open minded and think things through instead of accepting them at face value. You're fae and I'm mortal, but that doesn't change the fact that I love you and I want to marry you no matter what."
Jareth smiled and kissed her. When he pulled back, Sarah looked over him carefully. He was much different than the man she had faced 3 years ago. He had seemed powerful and in control and she had taken that away from him. She had changed him. Tears suddenly filled her eyes.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Jareth cupped her face in his hands.
"If I had not said those awful words…I destroyed your kingdom and I changed you…I don't know how you can forgive me." Tears escaped her eyes and she tried to pull away from Jareth, but he wouldn't release her.
"I forgive you because you had no malicious intent. You did not set out to destroy my kingdom or change me. You set out to reclaim your baby brother and return home and you did. With you beside me, I am more at peace than I thought possible." He kissed her nose and his lips hovered over her mouth. "I truly believe that we will return to the Labyrinth and we will restore it and live happily together."
"The Goblin King believes in happy endings?" Sarah asked, her voice shaking.
"Yes…" Jareth whispered. "He does." He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply.
Sarah didn't hold back and she returned his kisses. Jareth restrained himself before a repeat of earlier events took place. He pulled back and then held Sarah against him. Tears still streaming down her face, she buried her face into his neck, savoring the warmth of his body.
"I love you, Sarah," he whispered into her hair.
She clutched him to her tightly. "I love you, too."
Jareth rocked her in his arms and Sarah wondered what she ever did in life to deserve the love that Jareth felt for her.
With her anger and doubt gone, she knew exactly what she wanted to happen. "I want to get married next Saturday," she whispered.
Jareth stopped rocking her and peered down. "So soon? Are you certain?"
She hugged him tighter. "I've never been more sure in my life. It will still give us time to write our vows, make any necessary arrangements and tell the Henry's."
Jareth chuckled. "Perhaps we should tell the others but not tell Mrs. Henry until Friday evening or Saturday morning."
"Jareth!" Sarah smacked him playfully.
"Well, at least she would not be able try to stop us from marrying!"
She laughed.
Becoming serious, tears filled her eyes as she said, "I want to marry you…to be your wife and for you to be my husband." She leaned forward. "And my king," she whispered brushing a quick kiss across his lips. She smiled and then laughed through her tears. 'My Goblin King even if there aren't any goblins around."
At her words, Jareth pulled her tightly against him. She was willing to wed him even though the future was so uncertain and it made his heart soar.
"Then it shall be done, my love, my future queen." He kissed the top of her head and stroked her back lovingly. He pulled away and removed the brush from Dan's back.
"We will release Dan into the field and will tell the Henry's the news over dinner."
Sarah nodded gleefully. She was getting married next Saturday to Jareth… Jareth, the Goblin King. Who would ever have thought it possible?