Chapter 8 A Time To Reconcile
Sarah stood by the balcony doors, in her chamber. She gazed out, over the Labyrinth. Her face reflected her sadness. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to go back to her miserable existence, Aboveground. She had never really felt as part of the family, since her father had married Karen. Everything had changed from the moment that she had set foot in the house. And moreso when Toby had been born. Sarah let out a deep sigh, as she closed the drapes, and sat in the chair infront of her writing table. She laid her head on her arms, and looked at the boquet of flowers that were arranged in the crystal vase. Then, she heard a knock at her door.
"Come in.", she barely whispered. Maddie opened the door, and ambled in, followed by Karen and Toby. Sarah just stared at them. Then she spoke. "Maddie, please take them away. I don't feel like visitors." Sarah stood up, and walked to the fireplace. Maddie stood there, and looked at her Misses, then shook off the request.
"Naturally, I'd be's followin' yer wishes, Miss. But His Majesty wished that I bring them to you. I'se got no says in this, Miss. So I'll be leavin' ya to yer visit then." Then just as quickly as she had entered, Maddie disappeared out the door, closing it as she did so.
Sarah watched Karen as she looked around the room. She hated that woman with a passion. Karen layed Toby on the bed, as he was drowsy, and slumber wasn't too far away for the child. Then, Karen sat in the chair that was adjacent from Sarah. She scanned her step daughters face for some sign of what was running through her head. But she found none. She, herself, had many thoughts running through her head. Her and Sarah had never really seen eye to eye. That fact had never ben hidden from anyone. They shared no common interests, and Sarah always referred to her as her "wicked stepmother". But Karen never really understood Sarah. And she was just beginning to understand that now. They had never sat down, and chatted about anything. School, plays, movies, books. Karen had never had the time for Sarah. And now, it was dawning that she may never have time with her again.
She laid her hand on Sarah's, but Sarah withdrew her own in an instant. She recoiled as a rattle snake would, and would not look her in the eyes.
"Sarah, please. Can't we just talk? I promise that you won't have to put up with me for long." Karen's face showed signs of actual concern.
"What's there to talk about? You never had time for me before. I don't see how you can make time for me now. I would prefer to be left alone." Sarah stood, and walked to her balcony.
"That's true, Sarah. I never did make the time for you. And you didn't make time for me neither. It's a two way street. But I hope that that's not the only reason that you want to stay here." She was a little sarcastic, and Sarah shot her a glare of complete contempt.
"Why would you care? You never cared! From the first day you walked into my house, you took things over. You tried to erase everything, and turn it into your own little world!" Sarah was approaching her, and she had a purely evil look on her face. She hunched her back ,and turned her fingers into claws, and had her nose just touching Karen's. Then, suddenly, she just backed off, and took her seat again. Karen was terrified, and Sarah knew it. "But,", sarah said simply, "you are in my world now. And now you're playing by my rules." Sarah tuned her head away, and started randomly looking at her books.
"I must say that you always were a little brat, Sarah.", Karen said rhetorically. She narrowed her eyes.
Sarah shook her finger at her scoldingly. "Ah ah ah. You're forgetting. My game. My rules." Sarah smiled wolfishly.
"Fine then, Sarah. If you don't want to have anything to do with your own flesh and blood, fine! And you had better take that little halo from your head, and burn it. I always knew what you were all about. Always."
"Well, if I have to burn my halo, then you had better have your horns removed. I'm not the one always trashing other's hopes and dreams. I'm not the one telling others how to live thier lives! And I am certainly not the one who denies anybody the time of day because I think that they are below me! You need a reality check, Karen. You have no idea what I gave up for your little bundle of joy laying there on the bed. I gave up more than you can ever imagine. I put myself through pure Hell, just to save him from being turned into a goblin. Not that you care anyway!" Sarah was screaming, and it woke Toby up from his daze. He started wailing, and Karen rushed to him. She picked him up, and tried to hush him to no avail.
"There, I hope you're happy now, Sarah." She began talking baby talk to Toby, who looked at her grinning. "Yes, she woke up Mommy's Little Boy. Yes she did. And I'm not going to let her do it again." She glared at Sarah, who took her position by her balcony door once again.
As all this was happening, Jareth and Robert were sitting in the conservatory, heatedly discussing what was to become of Sarah williams.
"I just can't let you take my little girl, Jareth. I'm sorry.", Robert said as he shook his head.
"I must confess that I hardly think that she is a little girl any longer. I truly do care for your daughter, Robert. I have since the day I first laid eyes on her in the park. She has an imagination that I can appreciate. A spirit so free. And yet, there you sit, saying that she must be denied her dreams for her own sake." Jareth was pacing, and he casually sipped on a glass of wine. "Here, she can be a queen. She can have everything that her heart desires. She'll never want for anything-ever. I can promise you that." Jareth was sincere, and Robert had picked up on that immediately.
"You said that you had watched Sarah. Then how did she come to know you?", Robert asked, sipping on his own glass of red wine, and then admiring it with a bit of a smile.
"I hardly think that that is relevant.", Jareth replied dryly.
"But, I do.", Robert shot back. "After all, she is my daughter. And, I beleive that it is my right." he stood defiantly, ready to press the matter.
"Alright then. If you must know. Several weeks ago, as you and your charming wife were out enjoying the evening, your dear daughter took it upon herself to tell your son a story. A story about a certain Goblin King, in a land very far away, who lived in a labyrinth with creatures of all sorts. At one point, as the girl in the story did, Sarah wished a squalling baby-your son, away. And, as the law states here, I had to take him." He paused for a moment to reflect on their first meeting together, and smiled. "Sarah, being dutiful, wanted him back. Not to please herself, but to make you and that devil of a woman, happy. So, in essence, she gave up everything that I offered her- her dreams, and future happiness, for you."
Robert was sitting with his hands over his face. He had never known that part of Sarah. They had grown so very far apart over the years. And he may have grown somewhat cold to her.
"And that is not the only reason I love her." Robert looked up now. Jareth was gazing out the window, and a small smile had crept onto his face. "She has a way of making me happy. She can bring out the best in me at any moment. Her smile is enough radiance to make all of the gardens in my kingdom bloom." He looked back at Robert. "And that is why I want to marry her. I can give her immortality. An eternity of fairytales to be made."
"And why can't you wait?", Robert asked sadly. "Why can't you just wait for her to grow up? I guarantee you that her heart will change. She is just like her mother. In every way. Every phrase, every action, even her looks."
"Her mother never concerned me. If I could wait, I would. But I can't! The head Council is passing a law to forbid mortals from being nothing but mere servants. A fate that Sarah doesn't deserve. If I marry her soon, she will be an immortal. A Fae. And there is nothing that anyone could do to her then. She would already be a queen before any law was passed." Jareth threw his glass at the wall. "I have gone through great lengths to ensure every aspect of her training, and safety. The least that you can do, is allow her to live her life."
Robert stood up, ready for battle with the suitor." And what happens if you marry her? Hmmmm? It goes all the way back through the history books, Your Majesty! War. Plain and simple. What will you do if a war breaks out between you and this Head Council? How is that ensuring her safety?"
Jareth was becoming frusterated. He felt as though he were already losing his most valued prize. He ran his gloved hand through his blonde hair, and fixed his mismatched eyes upon Robert. He looked solemn. Saddened. Robert picked that emotion up instantly.
"I can't lie to you. I don't admit to having all the answers to your questions, for I fear that I don't. Alas, I am not a god. Nor do I entertain the ideas of such. I am standing here, humble before you, asking you for your daughter's hand in marriage." Jareth extended his hand out to Robert. "Don't you see what I can give her. Not only all that surrounds you,", he said as he pulled his hands towards his chest, "but my heart as well. And there is no greater love than that which I hold for Sarah. If i could wait, I honestly would. I have gone over it and over it in my mind, to find another avenue. Another possibility. But there just are not any "
"How do I know that things won't change when I leave here? I have no guarantee that you won't harm her. You're a man I don't even know. You are at least fifteen years older than her. That isn't proper for starters. I just can't let her go. I'm sorry." Robert stood up, and signaled that he was ready to leave with the expression that crossed his face. But Jareth wasn't giving up just yet. He still had a few tricks left in his magic bag.
"Sarah asked me to be kind to you, you know. Strange, I find it. She shows much mercy, and you show cruelty. You stand before me, and attempt to deny her of that which she has come to love in such a short time. You may not be able to let her stay, but I am not able to let her leave. I can't force her one way or the other. Call it humanitarian rules. If she decides to stay, she will stay." He approached Robert, and began posing as cruel and evil as he possibly could. "And there is not a single thing that you, or anyone can do about it. I will not see my bride suffer any longer from yours, or any other person's hands. Do I make myself perfectly clear? I have been more than generous with you Robert. More than patient, and more than hospitable. I suggest that you realize your place here. My realm, my rules."
Robert was dumbfounded. His mind was a mixture of guilt, and pride. Guilt that he had treated Sarah so indifferently, with such disrespect at times. And pride, that his ego was being stung by a complete stranger. His ego had been wounded. It had seemed that he had taken on a few of Karen's traits throughout the course of their marriage.
Jareth produced a crystal and threw it up into the air. It burst into millions of particles, and spread about the conservatory. Almost instantly, flowers began blooming, and vines wrapping themselves about the scattered pieces of furniture. Jareth smiled, and Robert only stood and did nothing. He was powerless. A mere mortal amoung a race of magical creatures. And he knew that no one would believe him, if he ever told them about this place. He would be considered a fool, and the laughing stock of everything that he had taken part in.
"I suggest that we join Lady Sarah, and your darling wife, Sir. Sarah will be impatiently awaiting your news. And I am sad to say that I doubt she will be pleased with what you have stated. But I am sure that that will not stop her form deciding what she wants in her heart. It's a pity, you know. Every man should find true love. And here you stand, trying to rip it asunder. I wonder if it is possible if it could be out of rage and jealousy, in the fact that your daughter has found something that you have been searching for for such a long time? What a pity. But off we go. I believe as well ,that My Lady will be wishing to retire shortly, especially to rid herself of your nagging wife." Jareth smiled slightly, but Robert didn't care. He was just trying to sort out his thoughts. Millions of thoughts. And they were all just buzzing through his head, and he could not make head nor tail of any of them. Was he jealous? Or was he acting out of fartherly concern? Was it possible that Sarah had found her place, or that this was just a magician trying to kidnap his only daughter. After all, that is what commonly happened in fairytales. And this was beginning to seem no different.
Sarah was more than ready to retire. She wanted Karen out, but none of the guards would escort the woman and bawling child. They were too cowardice, Sarah thought. And Karen was becoming more and more persistant, that sarah would be returning home, and would be grounded for the rest of her life. But, she just sat in her chair, silently leafing through one of her many books, and shortly, Jareth and her father came into her room. Sarah didn't even stand to greet them, instead she just turned away, and didn't even bother to look up at anyone. Robert look at his wife, and then at Jareth. but Jareth offered no support. If the circumstances had of been diferent, he would have rushed to her side, to bring a smile to her face. But it would not be proper in this setting, so all he could do was stand aside, and await for her to say something. But Robert wasn't nearly as patient. He walked over to her, and kneeled infront of her, pushing the book down.
Sarah, come on. It's time to go home.", he said as he gave her a smile. "You've had a long day. We can talk about it later, after supper."
Karen grimiced. She would not be giving Sarah any supper, but instead, would be giving her the punishment of a lifetime, she thought silently to herself.
"I'm not going.", was all that Sarah said, still not looking at her father's face. "I am home. Just go away, and leave me be." Her face was ashen, and her eyes were filling with tears. For once she had actually felt that she belonged in this place, and now people - people who were supposed to love her, and support her, were trying to tear her away from where she wanted to be the most.
"Yes. Sarah, you have to go. I am your father. I know what's good for you. Jareth seems to be a good man, but he is too old for you. And you are so young. Too young to be married."
"And too old to be turned into a gobin.", Sarah added sarcastically. "It's all about what you two want, isn't it? It was never about what I wanted. All I ask is to live happily ever after. Jareth loves me. He can give me that. Not that I expect either of you to understand that concept." Sarah had become cold. Jareth knew that she was distraught, but he had to stay out of it. He could not stand having her hate him for something that he did or said to her family.
"Now calm down, honey.", her father said, trying to comfort her. "It's not like the two of you are joined at the hip. Look at him! He's at least fifteen years older than you. Sarah, that's not proper. And you're acting very immature." He stood up, and looked to Jareth, hoping for some support. But he was given none.
"You're not acting very grown up either, Dad. For sixteen years, you took care of me, and that was it. You just fed and clothed me. Mom was no better. But at least she sat down just to talk every now and again. You only do that when you think something is up. Only then. If you want me to be happy, you would let me stay here. With Jareth. And you wanna know something? He is alot older than you thnk. He is immortal. He is almost eight hundred years old. And I am the only person he ever cared about. If that's not true love, then I don't know what else is." She walked to Jareth's side, and rested her head on his shoulder. He reached up, and stroked her head, then he gently kissed her on the forehead. "I'm just so tired of it all.", she whispered. " I want to live my life. I want to be happy." She was fighting to hold her tears back, but it was a struggle that she was losing.
"Here she goes with her waterworks again.", Karen added sarcastically. She rolled her eyes, as she shifted Toby in her arms.
"The Lady Sarah needs time to herself, I do believe.", Jareth spoke calmly, but had a tone of arrogance. "I am going to return you to your world, now. None of you belong here. Especially since your presence disturbs My Lady."
"She is hardly your lady, Jareth. She is my daughter! What I say goes! And that is that! And I say that she is coming home with the rest of us, and getting any notions of her getting married to a 'King of the Goblins' out of her head. This is all just a bunch of nonsense!" Robert was yelling, and the Goblin King was quickly becoming enraged. his mismatched eyes became piercing spears, and for a moment Robert began to bck off.
"I have extended my upmost hospitality to you. I have reminded you, that while in my kingdom, you obey my rules. And yet, I find that you completely overstep your bounds, and insult me, and Sarah." He released Sarah, and approached Robert. "I find you to be just as pompous as that woman there. And I warn you, back off, or you will face dire consequences for your insolence."
Robert was awestruck. All Karen could do was just stand back, and watch. She had already been intimidated by Jareth, and Sarah was glad for that.
"I find that we can reach a relatively happy medium here.", Jareth spoke softly, looking back at Sarah. "I suggest a barter, for my dear Sarah."
Being the businessman that he was, Robert caught on quickly to what Jareth was suggesting.
"You mean a trade of some sort?", he asked, slightly amused by the idea.
"Yes. Everything has its' price. And Sarah is no different. I believe from past experience,", he paused and looked into her eyes for a moment, "Sarah is accustomed to such trades. However, a price is yet to be named." Robert frowned, knowing that somehow, it was wrong to do such a thing. She was, afterall, his daughter. He looked at Sarah, and he could see the hurt expression on her face. But Karen was full of resentment. It was a hard call for him to make, but he felt that he was making the right decision. Jareth had demonstrated that he was willing to do anything for Sarah. Perhaps that actually was true love.
"I may be a crude businessman, Jareth, but I could never be cruel. Especially to my own flesh and blood. I can't force Sarah to live a life that I want her to. I realize that now. And I know that she cares for you, and vice versa. However, I still don't approve of this one bit, and I will not encourage it. I am making that perfectly clear, to the both of you." He looked at Sarah. " You had to grow up so fast, Sarah. I wish that you had of came to talk to me, when I told you to, only those few days ago. But, the fact of the matter, is that you didn't. And here we are, fighting it out."
"Nothing ever changes, Daddy. Nothing." She glanced towards Karen, and smiled. "Just like my feelings for Karen will never change." She shrugged her shoulders. "I'll always hate her." Karen did nothing more than just roll her eyes.
"Man to man, now, Jareth." Jareth raised his elegant eyebrows, and looked at Robert. "I expect that you will bring my little girl home from time to time. She is, afterall, my daughter." Jreth smiled, and Robert shook his hand.
Karen looked angry, and snarled, "Well now what, Robert?"
Robert just smiled, and clapped Jareth on the back. Jareth was actually speechless for once.
"I guess that I am going to have a son-in-law now, then." He smiled at Sarah, and her spirits soared high. Sarah felt happy again. She looked at Jareth, and even the Mighty Goblin King seemed to relax in the face of others. It was a glorious scene, all were smiling, and hugging, all, except Karen. But that didn't seem to bother anyone. She just stood on the sidelines, feeling hostile, that for once, she wasn't in the limelight.
Sarah stood by the balcony doors, in her chamber. She gazed out, over the Labyrinth. Her face reflected her sadness. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to go back to her miserable existence, Aboveground. She had never really felt as part of the family, since her father had married Karen. Everything had changed from the moment that she had set foot in the house. And moreso when Toby had been born. Sarah let out a deep sigh, as she closed the drapes, and sat in the chair infront of her writing table. She laid her head on her arms, and looked at the boquet of flowers that were arranged in the crystal vase. Then, she heard a knock at her door.
"Come in.", she barely whispered. Maddie opened the door, and ambled in, followed by Karen and Toby. Sarah just stared at them. Then she spoke. "Maddie, please take them away. I don't feel like visitors." Sarah stood up, and walked to the fireplace. Maddie stood there, and looked at her Misses, then shook off the request.
"Naturally, I'd be's followin' yer wishes, Miss. But His Majesty wished that I bring them to you. I'se got no says in this, Miss. So I'll be leavin' ya to yer visit then." Then just as quickly as she had entered, Maddie disappeared out the door, closing it as she did so.
Sarah watched Karen as she looked around the room. She hated that woman with a passion. Karen layed Toby on the bed, as he was drowsy, and slumber wasn't too far away for the child. Then, Karen sat in the chair that was adjacent from Sarah. She scanned her step daughters face for some sign of what was running through her head. But she found none. She, herself, had many thoughts running through her head. Her and Sarah had never really seen eye to eye. That fact had never ben hidden from anyone. They shared no common interests, and Sarah always referred to her as her "wicked stepmother". But Karen never really understood Sarah. And she was just beginning to understand that now. They had never sat down, and chatted about anything. School, plays, movies, books. Karen had never had the time for Sarah. And now, it was dawning that she may never have time with her again.
She laid her hand on Sarah's, but Sarah withdrew her own in an instant. She recoiled as a rattle snake would, and would not look her in the eyes.
"Sarah, please. Can't we just talk? I promise that you won't have to put up with me for long." Karen's face showed signs of actual concern.
"What's there to talk about? You never had time for me before. I don't see how you can make time for me now. I would prefer to be left alone." Sarah stood, and walked to her balcony.
"That's true, Sarah. I never did make the time for you. And you didn't make time for me neither. It's a two way street. But I hope that that's not the only reason that you want to stay here." She was a little sarcastic, and Sarah shot her a glare of complete contempt.
"Why would you care? You never cared! From the first day you walked into my house, you took things over. You tried to erase everything, and turn it into your own little world!" Sarah was approaching her, and she had a purely evil look on her face. She hunched her back ,and turned her fingers into claws, and had her nose just touching Karen's. Then, suddenly, she just backed off, and took her seat again. Karen was terrified, and Sarah knew it. "But,", sarah said simply, "you are in my world now. And now you're playing by my rules." Sarah tuned her head away, and started randomly looking at her books.
"I must say that you always were a little brat, Sarah.", Karen said rhetorically. She narrowed her eyes.
Sarah shook her finger at her scoldingly. "Ah ah ah. You're forgetting. My game. My rules." Sarah smiled wolfishly.
"Fine then, Sarah. If you don't want to have anything to do with your own flesh and blood, fine! And you had better take that little halo from your head, and burn it. I always knew what you were all about. Always."
"Well, if I have to burn my halo, then you had better have your horns removed. I'm not the one always trashing other's hopes and dreams. I'm not the one telling others how to live thier lives! And I am certainly not the one who denies anybody the time of day because I think that they are below me! You need a reality check, Karen. You have no idea what I gave up for your little bundle of joy laying there on the bed. I gave up more than you can ever imagine. I put myself through pure Hell, just to save him from being turned into a goblin. Not that you care anyway!" Sarah was screaming, and it woke Toby up from his daze. He started wailing, and Karen rushed to him. She picked him up, and tried to hush him to no avail.
"There, I hope you're happy now, Sarah." She began talking baby talk to Toby, who looked at her grinning. "Yes, she woke up Mommy's Little Boy. Yes she did. And I'm not going to let her do it again." She glared at Sarah, who took her position by her balcony door once again.
As all this was happening, Jareth and Robert were sitting in the conservatory, heatedly discussing what was to become of Sarah williams.
"I just can't let you take my little girl, Jareth. I'm sorry.", Robert said as he shook his head.
"I must confess that I hardly think that she is a little girl any longer. I truly do care for your daughter, Robert. I have since the day I first laid eyes on her in the park. She has an imagination that I can appreciate. A spirit so free. And yet, there you sit, saying that she must be denied her dreams for her own sake." Jareth was pacing, and he casually sipped on a glass of wine. "Here, she can be a queen. She can have everything that her heart desires. She'll never want for anything-ever. I can promise you that." Jareth was sincere, and Robert had picked up on that immediately.
"You said that you had watched Sarah. Then how did she come to know you?", Robert asked, sipping on his own glass of red wine, and then admiring it with a bit of a smile.
"I hardly think that that is relevant.", Jareth replied dryly.
"But, I do.", Robert shot back. "After all, she is my daughter. And, I beleive that it is my right." he stood defiantly, ready to press the matter.
"Alright then. If you must know. Several weeks ago, as you and your charming wife were out enjoying the evening, your dear daughter took it upon herself to tell your son a story. A story about a certain Goblin King, in a land very far away, who lived in a labyrinth with creatures of all sorts. At one point, as the girl in the story did, Sarah wished a squalling baby-your son, away. And, as the law states here, I had to take him." He paused for a moment to reflect on their first meeting together, and smiled. "Sarah, being dutiful, wanted him back. Not to please herself, but to make you and that devil of a woman, happy. So, in essence, she gave up everything that I offered her- her dreams, and future happiness, for you."
Robert was sitting with his hands over his face. He had never known that part of Sarah. They had grown so very far apart over the years. And he may have grown somewhat cold to her.
"And that is not the only reason I love her." Robert looked up now. Jareth was gazing out the window, and a small smile had crept onto his face. "She has a way of making me happy. She can bring out the best in me at any moment. Her smile is enough radiance to make all of the gardens in my kingdom bloom." He looked back at Robert. "And that is why I want to marry her. I can give her immortality. An eternity of fairytales to be made."
"And why can't you wait?", Robert asked sadly. "Why can't you just wait for her to grow up? I guarantee you that her heart will change. She is just like her mother. In every way. Every phrase, every action, even her looks."
"Her mother never concerned me. If I could wait, I would. But I can't! The head Council is passing a law to forbid mortals from being nothing but mere servants. A fate that Sarah doesn't deserve. If I marry her soon, she will be an immortal. A Fae. And there is nothing that anyone could do to her then. She would already be a queen before any law was passed." Jareth threw his glass at the wall. "I have gone through great lengths to ensure every aspect of her training, and safety. The least that you can do, is allow her to live her life."
Robert stood up, ready for battle with the suitor." And what happens if you marry her? Hmmmm? It goes all the way back through the history books, Your Majesty! War. Plain and simple. What will you do if a war breaks out between you and this Head Council? How is that ensuring her safety?"
Jareth was becoming frusterated. He felt as though he were already losing his most valued prize. He ran his gloved hand through his blonde hair, and fixed his mismatched eyes upon Robert. He looked solemn. Saddened. Robert picked that emotion up instantly.
"I can't lie to you. I don't admit to having all the answers to your questions, for I fear that I don't. Alas, I am not a god. Nor do I entertain the ideas of such. I am standing here, humble before you, asking you for your daughter's hand in marriage." Jareth extended his hand out to Robert. "Don't you see what I can give her. Not only all that surrounds you,", he said as he pulled his hands towards his chest, "but my heart as well. And there is no greater love than that which I hold for Sarah. If i could wait, I honestly would. I have gone over it and over it in my mind, to find another avenue. Another possibility. But there just are not any "
"How do I know that things won't change when I leave here? I have no guarantee that you won't harm her. You're a man I don't even know. You are at least fifteen years older than her. That isn't proper for starters. I just can't let her go. I'm sorry." Robert stood up, and signaled that he was ready to leave with the expression that crossed his face. But Jareth wasn't giving up just yet. He still had a few tricks left in his magic bag.
"Sarah asked me to be kind to you, you know. Strange, I find it. She shows much mercy, and you show cruelty. You stand before me, and attempt to deny her of that which she has come to love in such a short time. You may not be able to let her stay, but I am not able to let her leave. I can't force her one way or the other. Call it humanitarian rules. If she decides to stay, she will stay." He approached Robert, and began posing as cruel and evil as he possibly could. "And there is not a single thing that you, or anyone can do about it. I will not see my bride suffer any longer from yours, or any other person's hands. Do I make myself perfectly clear? I have been more than generous with you Robert. More than patient, and more than hospitable. I suggest that you realize your place here. My realm, my rules."
Robert was dumbfounded. His mind was a mixture of guilt, and pride. Guilt that he had treated Sarah so indifferently, with such disrespect at times. And pride, that his ego was being stung by a complete stranger. His ego had been wounded. It had seemed that he had taken on a few of Karen's traits throughout the course of their marriage.
Jareth produced a crystal and threw it up into the air. It burst into millions of particles, and spread about the conservatory. Almost instantly, flowers began blooming, and vines wrapping themselves about the scattered pieces of furniture. Jareth smiled, and Robert only stood and did nothing. He was powerless. A mere mortal amoung a race of magical creatures. And he knew that no one would believe him, if he ever told them about this place. He would be considered a fool, and the laughing stock of everything that he had taken part in.
"I suggest that we join Lady Sarah, and your darling wife, Sir. Sarah will be impatiently awaiting your news. And I am sad to say that I doubt she will be pleased with what you have stated. But I am sure that that will not stop her form deciding what she wants in her heart. It's a pity, you know. Every man should find true love. And here you stand, trying to rip it asunder. I wonder if it is possible if it could be out of rage and jealousy, in the fact that your daughter has found something that you have been searching for for such a long time? What a pity. But off we go. I believe as well ,that My Lady will be wishing to retire shortly, especially to rid herself of your nagging wife." Jareth smiled slightly, but Robert didn't care. He was just trying to sort out his thoughts. Millions of thoughts. And they were all just buzzing through his head, and he could not make head nor tail of any of them. Was he jealous? Or was he acting out of fartherly concern? Was it possible that Sarah had found her place, or that this was just a magician trying to kidnap his only daughter. After all, that is what commonly happened in fairytales. And this was beginning to seem no different.
Sarah was more than ready to retire. She wanted Karen out, but none of the guards would escort the woman and bawling child. They were too cowardice, Sarah thought. And Karen was becoming more and more persistant, that sarah would be returning home, and would be grounded for the rest of her life. But, she just sat in her chair, silently leafing through one of her many books, and shortly, Jareth and her father came into her room. Sarah didn't even stand to greet them, instead she just turned away, and didn't even bother to look up at anyone. Robert look at his wife, and then at Jareth. but Jareth offered no support. If the circumstances had of been diferent, he would have rushed to her side, to bring a smile to her face. But it would not be proper in this setting, so all he could do was stand aside, and await for her to say something. But Robert wasn't nearly as patient. He walked over to her, and kneeled infront of her, pushing the book down.
Sarah, come on. It's time to go home.", he said as he gave her a smile. "You've had a long day. We can talk about it later, after supper."
Karen grimiced. She would not be giving Sarah any supper, but instead, would be giving her the punishment of a lifetime, she thought silently to herself.
"I'm not going.", was all that Sarah said, still not looking at her father's face. "I am home. Just go away, and leave me be." Her face was ashen, and her eyes were filling with tears. For once she had actually felt that she belonged in this place, and now people - people who were supposed to love her, and support her, were trying to tear her away from where she wanted to be the most.
"Yes. Sarah, you have to go. I am your father. I know what's good for you. Jareth seems to be a good man, but he is too old for you. And you are so young. Too young to be married."
"And too old to be turned into a gobin.", Sarah added sarcastically. "It's all about what you two want, isn't it? It was never about what I wanted. All I ask is to live happily ever after. Jareth loves me. He can give me that. Not that I expect either of you to understand that concept." Sarah had become cold. Jareth knew that she was distraught, but he had to stay out of it. He could not stand having her hate him for something that he did or said to her family.
"Now calm down, honey.", her father said, trying to comfort her. "It's not like the two of you are joined at the hip. Look at him! He's at least fifteen years older than you. Sarah, that's not proper. And you're acting very immature." He stood up, and looked to Jareth, hoping for some support. But he was given none.
"You're not acting very grown up either, Dad. For sixteen years, you took care of me, and that was it. You just fed and clothed me. Mom was no better. But at least she sat down just to talk every now and again. You only do that when you think something is up. Only then. If you want me to be happy, you would let me stay here. With Jareth. And you wanna know something? He is alot older than you thnk. He is immortal. He is almost eight hundred years old. And I am the only person he ever cared about. If that's not true love, then I don't know what else is." She walked to Jareth's side, and rested her head on his shoulder. He reached up, and stroked her head, then he gently kissed her on the forehead. "I'm just so tired of it all.", she whispered. " I want to live my life. I want to be happy." She was fighting to hold her tears back, but it was a struggle that she was losing.
"Here she goes with her waterworks again.", Karen added sarcastically. She rolled her eyes, as she shifted Toby in her arms.
"The Lady Sarah needs time to herself, I do believe.", Jareth spoke calmly, but had a tone of arrogance. "I am going to return you to your world, now. None of you belong here. Especially since your presence disturbs My Lady."
"She is hardly your lady, Jareth. She is my daughter! What I say goes! And that is that! And I say that she is coming home with the rest of us, and getting any notions of her getting married to a 'King of the Goblins' out of her head. This is all just a bunch of nonsense!" Robert was yelling, and the Goblin King was quickly becoming enraged. his mismatched eyes became piercing spears, and for a moment Robert began to bck off.
"I have extended my upmost hospitality to you. I have reminded you, that while in my kingdom, you obey my rules. And yet, I find that you completely overstep your bounds, and insult me, and Sarah." He released Sarah, and approached Robert. "I find you to be just as pompous as that woman there. And I warn you, back off, or you will face dire consequences for your insolence."
Robert was awestruck. All Karen could do was just stand back, and watch. She had already been intimidated by Jareth, and Sarah was glad for that.
"I find that we can reach a relatively happy medium here.", Jareth spoke softly, looking back at Sarah. "I suggest a barter, for my dear Sarah."
Being the businessman that he was, Robert caught on quickly to what Jareth was suggesting.
"You mean a trade of some sort?", he asked, slightly amused by the idea.
"Yes. Everything has its' price. And Sarah is no different. I believe from past experience,", he paused and looked into her eyes for a moment, "Sarah is accustomed to such trades. However, a price is yet to be named." Robert frowned, knowing that somehow, it was wrong to do such a thing. She was, afterall, his daughter. He looked at Sarah, and he could see the hurt expression on her face. But Karen was full of resentment. It was a hard call for him to make, but he felt that he was making the right decision. Jareth had demonstrated that he was willing to do anything for Sarah. Perhaps that actually was true love.
"I may be a crude businessman, Jareth, but I could never be cruel. Especially to my own flesh and blood. I can't force Sarah to live a life that I want her to. I realize that now. And I know that she cares for you, and vice versa. However, I still don't approve of this one bit, and I will not encourage it. I am making that perfectly clear, to the both of you." He looked at Sarah. " You had to grow up so fast, Sarah. I wish that you had of came to talk to me, when I told you to, only those few days ago. But, the fact of the matter, is that you didn't. And here we are, fighting it out."
"Nothing ever changes, Daddy. Nothing." She glanced towards Karen, and smiled. "Just like my feelings for Karen will never change." She shrugged her shoulders. "I'll always hate her." Karen did nothing more than just roll her eyes.
"Man to man, now, Jareth." Jareth raised his elegant eyebrows, and looked at Robert. "I expect that you will bring my little girl home from time to time. She is, afterall, my daughter." Jreth smiled, and Robert shook his hand.
Karen looked angry, and snarled, "Well now what, Robert?"
Robert just smiled, and clapped Jareth on the back. Jareth was actually speechless for once.
"I guess that I am going to have a son-in-law now, then." He smiled at Sarah, and her spirits soared high. Sarah felt happy again. She looked at Jareth, and even the Mighty Goblin King seemed to relax in the face of others. It was a glorious scene, all were smiling, and hugging, all, except Karen. But that didn't seem to bother anyone. She just stood on the sidelines, feeling hostile, that for once, she wasn't in the limelight.