Chapter 9 The Beginning of Happily Ever After
The informal celebration went into the later hours of the evening. Sarah was overjoyed, as was Jareth. Everything was beginning to fall into place for them. Though, Robert did make it perfectly clear, that no one was forcing them into anything. He also stated sevreal times about the rather large age difference, but other than that, he seemed relatively pleased that Sarah had found a man who offered her his whole heart. Things were beginning to look like the perfect fairytale.
Karen on the other hand, well, she was definately not pleased with anything that had been going on that day. She felt that Sarah was diminishing her social status, and that this was a bunch of mere nonsense. She wished that she could have had her way, and punished Sarah until no tomorrow. But, she knew that Jareth was keeping close watch on her. She could sense it, just from the way that every now and again he would glance at her, and nod his head. It was almost like he was daring her to attempt something. For all she knew, he could read her mind. Anything was proving to be possible in this strange place. This palce that deviated from the norm. And the more that something did that, the more Karen hated it. She believed in a world of status, and parties where she was the focus of all. But now, things had changed. And she dispised that mere fact.
After quite sometime, Robert, Karen, and Toby departed. As they disappeared, Robert blew hs daughter a kiss. Sarah reciprocated the gesture, and gave him a gentle wave with her hand. But, for some reason, the parting hadn't affected her in any real way. She was neither happy, nor sad.
She turned to Jareth, who stoked the fire that had been made by Maddie in the large hearth. Sarah smiled. She liked it when he did that. It seemed just so old fashioned to her. And she admired a man that acted as such. Jareth could almost feel her gaze on his back, and he turned immediately. He was met by her gentle smile, and the chime of her wall clock, signifying that it was one o'clock in the morning, in the Underground. The loud chime alarmed Sarah, and she felt as though her heart had actualy stopped for a moment in time. Jareth chuckled at her, Sarah gasped, and let out a burst of gentle laugter.
"I don't think it's very funny, Jareth.", she said between laughs. "It scared me!" Her dark hair was covering her face, and she was doubled over.
"I think that you need some rest, now. I will leave you to your slumber. Maddie will be in shortly to help you dress." Jareth looked Sarah over, and then approached her.
"What are you thinking?", she asked gently.
It took him a moment to reply. "I am thinking that you are the most beautiful girl that I have ever laid eyes upon. I hope that you are happy, Sarah. For, I am truly happy now."
Sarah rested her face in his gloved hand, and kissed the leather bound palm. "I'm happy, Jareth. You have no idea how happy I really am. Sixteen years old, and going to be a wife. That doesn't seem to happen very often anymore." She sat on the edge of her bed, and looked down at the rug. "You have given me so much, Jareth. I hope that I can give you just as much back, in return, for everything that you've done."
"Not just a wife. A queen. A regal figure to stand beside me. To love me. Sarah- you do not have to repay me for anything. That is not what lovers do." He blushed slightly, and turned away from her. Sarah smiled. She had never seen him embarassed before.
"I didn't know that we'd moved to that part of our relationship this soon.", she laughed gently.
"I do apologize. I hadn't meant to say it like that. The point is that we are now sharing an eternity together. There will never be anything to repay to either of us. No matter what we do for one another."
The way he stood, revealed that he had let down his kingly guard. What he was giving Sarah was pure and true. Though he was having some difficulity expressing his feelings, Sarah remembered that neither of them had done this before- neither had fallen in love. Jareth was heading for the door, but Sarah stopped him before he could reach it.
"Wait. You promised me that you had a gift. I hope that you haven't forgotten, Jareth." Sarah smiled, and his pale face revealed a bit of light laughter, and a gentle light in his eyes.
"My my. You always remeber all aspects of any bargain or promise, don't you? Yes, I do have something special for you. You will never find another one like it in the world." He produced a crystal, and laid it on the bed. There, the crystal melted over a medium sized wooden box, that had painted flowers, perhaps roses, and was lacquered a dark color. It had been gilded in gold around the edges, and was old due to the signs of tarnishing. Sarah looked at Jareth, who nodded in approval as she went to open it.
Inside was a tiny ballroom dancer, doing pirouettes, dressed in a white gown. She has real hair, which was brown and flowed past her shoulders, and seemed to be dancing infront of a mirror. On the inside lid of the box, a scene from a ball had been painted. There were masked figures everywhere, but a single masked figure- a figure who resembled Jareth in a way, seemed to be watching the tiny dancer intently.
Sarah gasped. It was almost like-
"The ball.", Jareth spoke softly. "You remember our first dance?" Sarah only nodded. Had Jareth intentionally created that illusion, or had it been something that her mind created?
"Do look inside the box, Sarah. There are other wonders for you to behold." He was smiling slightly.
As she lifted a wooden sheet that created the ballroom floor, she found a compartment full of jewellery. The most prominant piece, being the ornate gold crown that sat in the center. The gold had been manipulated into vines with flowers, and small leaves, winding about each other. In the center of the flowers, were small diamonds, that sparkled like the stars in the night sky. She picked it up, and examined it, watching how it shimmered in the light of the fire in the hearth.
"It was my mother's.", Jareth said softly. "My father had it made especially for her. He believed that there was no better in the Underground, and had the finest craftsman forge it from the finest gold, and gems in this realm. I think that they would both be pleased to know that it has been passed into good hands. The hands of the woman that their son has come to love so much."
"You flatter me too much, Jareth. You give me too much credit. You treat me like I'm God or something." She shrugged her shoulders, and a look of sadnes crept onto her face instantaneously. "I'm only human. Simple as that."
"That is where you are slightly mistaken. Human for now. Not forever. You will become a Fae, Sarah. After living here, for a rather short while, you will gradually become a member of this race of beings. It is rather inevitable, you might say."
"So, you are telling me that I will lose my humanity, then." She sounded slightly regretful ,and her gaze dropped to the floor.
"No. You will not lose any qualities. You may just say that your essence is changing. It is nothing to be alarmed about. Either way, we are together-forever. And nothing will ever be able to change that. Nothing." He whispered the last word, and back towards the door. "Now, I believe that it is time to sleep. Just becasue I am Fae, does not mean that I don't need to rest as well. And you have had a rather trying day as well. Now, I will have Maddie come in, and help you prepare for a night of marvelous dreams. Until tomorow, My Beloved." Then, he vanished, like a mist over the water in the early morning.
Sarah stood there, still holding the crown in her hands. She already missed him, but it was true that she was tired. For some strange reason, though, she yearned to have Jareth with her. But she did not want to seem like the selfish child she had acted as. She wanted to be as grown up as possible.
Soon after, Maddie came running in. She quickly grabbed one of the long victorian style dressing gowns out of the wardrobe, and scurried over to Sarah's feet. Sarah looked down at her. Maddie's eyes grew wide when she seen the crown in Sarah's hands. It was then she knew that she was standing before her future queen. A queen that would hopefully rule forevermore in peace and tranquility. She hurriedly helped Sarah get ready for bed, but avoided touching the crown. For some reason, a reason that Sarah knew not of, Maddie seemed alomst frightened of the shiny object. She would shudder whenever the fire would cause the diamonds to shimmer in the faint light. But Sarah thought it better to say nothing at all.
Jareth watched Sarah's face in his crystal, as she slumbered peacefully in her chamber. Her was mesmerized by her, for some unexplained reason. It was more than love. It was almost like they had a special connection between them. A bond like no other. At times he swore he could actually feel her emnotions. It was rather remarkable for him. And yet- yet so strange.
After some time, he decided that he would rest as well. However, it was not a peaceful sleep for the king. He tossed and turned, tornmented by dreams that brought him no sense of peace. It always seemd that he could not rest. At times he would awake, and find himself sweating, and remembering the day he slew Olaris' father on the battlefield. He could see Lord Byron, standing to the side, holding his helmet in his arms, and whispering a prayer to the fallen. All the victims of war, writhing in agony, until death embraced them into the darkness. Every night, Jareth would wish for morning to come. To put an end to the nightmares, that came with the darkness. However, he always forgot the terrible dreams in Sarah's presence. She was like a saviour, who could bring the horrid nightmare to an end with her radiant light that surrounded her at any moment in time. She was always like an angel.
Sarah awoke early in the moring. Being Wednesday, she had been accustomed to getting ready for school early to speak with her English teacher, about books, and the likes. But she knew that she would not be doing that anymore. She knew that her life, Aboveground, had come to a thankful abrupt end. And she thanked the heavens for that blessing.
Still dressed in her nightgown, Sarah made her way through the long stair case, and dark corridor, until she found Jareth's library, and then, his chamber. She pushed the door open gently, and found her love still in bed, covered by the dark blankets. She crept over, and examined the exhausted look on his face. He looked like a tortured soul, exhausted from the anguish that his captors placed on him. Sarah felt pity, but as she extended her hand out to touch him, she withdrew slightly, as his body shifted. Though asleep, Jareth sensed her presence, and concern somehow. It were almost like reading her thoughts. But on a higher scale. He opened his eyes, and seen her looking down upon him.
Sarah backed away slowly, and began heading for the door as Jareth watched her intently. He wondered why she was leaving him. When she was standing before him, she looked as though she were an angel. Her hair fluttered, but in the instant as she was pulling the door open, Jareth had sprinted over, and closed it. Holding it shut. It was no use for Sarah to even attempt to open it. She knew that it was going no where.
"I didn't mean to wake you up. I'm sorry.", she said softly, not being able to look him in the eye.
"Quite alright. But why are you leaving? I would expect that my future wife would sit and talk with me. Even if only for a moment." He smiled down at her, and brushed her hair away from her face. Sarah raised her hand, and tucked her hair behind her ear.
She raised her shoulders, as he brought his lips to her ear, and she gently pushed him away, smiling.
"That tickles.", she whimpered, running towards the bed. "And as your future wife, I would expect that my kingly husband will be dressed when he gets out of bed." She smiled wanly, and stood defiantly.
"Really? I was never aware that you were permitted to give me orders in my own kingdom." In an instant of bright light, Jareth stood before, now fully clothed in his regualr attire. He stood before her with his hands upon his slender hips, and raised his eyebrows. "I trust that you find this more suitable?" Sarah just giggled, and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked around his room. She found that it seemed rather cold. All the greys and blacks combined to make it feel somewhat uninviting. But his bed was soft. "Thank God for small favors.", she thought silently to herself.
"So what are we doing today?", Sarah asked as she gazed around. Jareth was watching her intently. "I mean, I guess that you're going to be busy today. Going away tomorrow and all. I guess that you don't have alot of time today." She looked at the window, and walked over to it. She seen that she had a much better view from her chambers. And alot more furniture as well.
"I was thinking that you could accompnay me, Sarah. I would very much like to introduce the woman who has captured my heart to everyone that attempts to defy me to no end. Without success, I might add." He tightened his gloves, and looked at Sarah. "Of course, it will be only a brief journey, but your company would be greatly appreciated. You may even find an appropriate wedding gown for the ceremony." Sarah's face lit up. She was going to see more of the underground. She had remembered Hoggle once telling her that the kingdom where the High Council resided was the most beautiful in the entire Underground.
"I'd really like that.", Sarah replied, still looking out the window.
"Now, in the meantime, I suggest that you bathe, and dress for breakfast. Then, perhaps, a walk, and some simple conversation, my love?" He approached her from behind, and wrapped his arms around her. "Maybe even discuss some wedding plans. Afterall, the Goblin King's bride deserves nothing but the very best." His voice was full of pride. Pride for his bride, and pride in his kingdom and duties. "Now, I will ensure that Maddie is sent to your chambers immediately. I suggest that you dress comfortably today. I bleieve that a change of season is in the air." He released his arms from her body, and backed away slowly. "I will be waiting in the library."
He opened the door for Sarah. She was excited about actually going on a journey with Jareth. She had always dreamed of seeing Fae and other creatures that many thought did't exist. It made her feel extrordinary. She glanced at him, as she made her way back to her room. She actually felt that she could be happy in her life, and no longer feel the guilt of not putting others' needs before her own.
When she arrived in her chambers, Maddie had already laid out her clothes, and drawn her a bath. But the tiny creature was no where to be found. Sarah hurriedly bathed, and dressed. The gown was made of the finest velevet, and was a rich wine color, with green trim, and an ivory lace trimmed collar. It was rather pretty. And it seemd to highlight all of Sarah's traits.
She joined Jareth for breakfast, and then together, they went outside, through the main courtyard, and then into the gardens. There, no goblins were to be found, and Sarah realized the drastic change in temperature. It was very cold. But, she did her best not to show that she was chilled.
Jareth was dressed in all black. The slight wind ruffled the sleeves of his poets shirt, and blew his cape behind him. He looked so regal, and yet he was so gentle with Sarah. He spoke to her softly, not in the menacing, mocking tone when they had first encountered one another, when she had wished her younger sibling away. Several times, he kissed her hand, and brushed the hair from her face. He led her to a small valley, deep within the gardens. It was lush and green, and sheltered from the wind, but it was still cold. The small babbling brook was clear, and Sarah could see shimmering rocks at the bottom. There, they sat at the edge, on a stone bench, that had statues of fairies holding it up. Sarah brushed the wrinkles out of her dress, and stared about. Jareth couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was so beautiful. So fragile, yet acted so strong. He loved her with all of his heart and soul.
"This was my favorite place as a child.", he said quielty, looking up at they sky. Heavy dark clouds were beginning to fill it. "I came here often, usually alone, just to sit and think. Sometimes to do nothing. Often, to think of you. It is quite beautiful. Almost as beautiful as you." Sarah blushed, and wrapped her arms about herslef, to try and keep the cold away. Jareth seen her shudder in the corner of his eye. "Here,", he said as her removed his cape, and draped it over her slender shoulders. "You need this more than I do. You should have told me that you were cold." Sarah grasped the edges of the cloak, and drew it tighter about her.
"I didn't tink that it was this cold out today. It looked so beautiful from my balcony." She smiled at him. "But thank you anyways."
"Quite alright. Don't hold back from me anylonger, Sarah. If you are in need of anything, just ask. Please." He looked at the sky again. "The weather is never rather constant here. Winter will soon be upon us. But this," he gestured to the valley. "This will always be the same. Lush and green. No matter how cold it does become. The winter will be a beautiful time to wed, dear Sarah. I will ensure that it is every bit the grand affair that you deserve." He did not notice Sarah move closer to his body, until he felt her touch him. The feeling excited every nerve in his being. His heart bagan to race.
"It's really pretty, here. All the greens, and emeralds. I love that tree over there.", she said pointing to the ancient weeping willow. "It looks so sad. Standing there, all alone, with all the other trees scattered on the edges of the valley. The only company that it has is the brook. And I doubt that it gives that poor old tree any comfort."
Then, in an instant, Sarah felt Jareth's lips upon her own. It was a soft, passionate kiss. He was trying desperately to be so gentle, and yet he was so hungry for more. He was weary of trying to hold back his emotions. Tired of always having to keep everything under complete control. But it was his kingly duty to appear as such: always under complete control. But, he was a man, wasn't he? And as such, was he not entitled to error, and did he not have needs? Even if the needs were to be totally passionate, and hungry for love? He felt that it was all true. It was all his entitlement, long since due, for the many years of kingly duties he provided.
He wrapped his arms around her tiny body, holding her tightly, not wanting to let her go. Perhaps it was out of fear that he would never have this oppourtunity again, or maybe it was because it felt so wondeful, after all the years of shrewd coldness he had felt. Now, he was beginning to feel a warmth in his soul that he had yearned for for so many centuries. Sarah reciprocated the affection he was showing her, by allowing him to continue. In essence, it was her first real kiss. And it had turned out to be nothing short of what she had imagined it to be. She wrapped her own arms about his shoulders, and wraped his hair around her fingers. It was so soft. The warmth of his body was so inviting. But she could not let it progress to that, as of yet. Not until they were husband and wife. The few brief moments that the kiss lasted for, seemed like almost an eternity of bliss. He stared into her starry eyes, which held the bewilderment of a child. No naive, and yet so beatiful. For the two of them, it really did seem like the start of their happily ever after. They thought that, together, they could ride into the sunset, and enjoy their love forever. But the reality of their situation was not far from the horizon. However, it stayed off in the distance for a few brief seconds to allow the two hearts to enjoy their company, and fill the want of love that they so desperatly needed.
As Jareth pulled back, Sarah kept her eyes closed, wishing that it could have lasted a little longer. Then, she rested her head on his chest, and they just sat there silently. They felt that nothing more needed ot be said. They were just content in the company of one another.
The informal celebration went into the later hours of the evening. Sarah was overjoyed, as was Jareth. Everything was beginning to fall into place for them. Though, Robert did make it perfectly clear, that no one was forcing them into anything. He also stated sevreal times about the rather large age difference, but other than that, he seemed relatively pleased that Sarah had found a man who offered her his whole heart. Things were beginning to look like the perfect fairytale.
Karen on the other hand, well, she was definately not pleased with anything that had been going on that day. She felt that Sarah was diminishing her social status, and that this was a bunch of mere nonsense. She wished that she could have had her way, and punished Sarah until no tomorrow. But, she knew that Jareth was keeping close watch on her. She could sense it, just from the way that every now and again he would glance at her, and nod his head. It was almost like he was daring her to attempt something. For all she knew, he could read her mind. Anything was proving to be possible in this strange place. This palce that deviated from the norm. And the more that something did that, the more Karen hated it. She believed in a world of status, and parties where she was the focus of all. But now, things had changed. And she dispised that mere fact.
After quite sometime, Robert, Karen, and Toby departed. As they disappeared, Robert blew hs daughter a kiss. Sarah reciprocated the gesture, and gave him a gentle wave with her hand. But, for some reason, the parting hadn't affected her in any real way. She was neither happy, nor sad.
She turned to Jareth, who stoked the fire that had been made by Maddie in the large hearth. Sarah smiled. She liked it when he did that. It seemed just so old fashioned to her. And she admired a man that acted as such. Jareth could almost feel her gaze on his back, and he turned immediately. He was met by her gentle smile, and the chime of her wall clock, signifying that it was one o'clock in the morning, in the Underground. The loud chime alarmed Sarah, and she felt as though her heart had actualy stopped for a moment in time. Jareth chuckled at her, Sarah gasped, and let out a burst of gentle laugter.
"I don't think it's very funny, Jareth.", she said between laughs. "It scared me!" Her dark hair was covering her face, and she was doubled over.
"I think that you need some rest, now. I will leave you to your slumber. Maddie will be in shortly to help you dress." Jareth looked Sarah over, and then approached her.
"What are you thinking?", she asked gently.
It took him a moment to reply. "I am thinking that you are the most beautiful girl that I have ever laid eyes upon. I hope that you are happy, Sarah. For, I am truly happy now."
Sarah rested her face in his gloved hand, and kissed the leather bound palm. "I'm happy, Jareth. You have no idea how happy I really am. Sixteen years old, and going to be a wife. That doesn't seem to happen very often anymore." She sat on the edge of her bed, and looked down at the rug. "You have given me so much, Jareth. I hope that I can give you just as much back, in return, for everything that you've done."
"Not just a wife. A queen. A regal figure to stand beside me. To love me. Sarah- you do not have to repay me for anything. That is not what lovers do." He blushed slightly, and turned away from her. Sarah smiled. She had never seen him embarassed before.
"I didn't know that we'd moved to that part of our relationship this soon.", she laughed gently.
"I do apologize. I hadn't meant to say it like that. The point is that we are now sharing an eternity together. There will never be anything to repay to either of us. No matter what we do for one another."
The way he stood, revealed that he had let down his kingly guard. What he was giving Sarah was pure and true. Though he was having some difficulity expressing his feelings, Sarah remembered that neither of them had done this before- neither had fallen in love. Jareth was heading for the door, but Sarah stopped him before he could reach it.
"Wait. You promised me that you had a gift. I hope that you haven't forgotten, Jareth." Sarah smiled, and his pale face revealed a bit of light laughter, and a gentle light in his eyes.
"My my. You always remeber all aspects of any bargain or promise, don't you? Yes, I do have something special for you. You will never find another one like it in the world." He produced a crystal, and laid it on the bed. There, the crystal melted over a medium sized wooden box, that had painted flowers, perhaps roses, and was lacquered a dark color. It had been gilded in gold around the edges, and was old due to the signs of tarnishing. Sarah looked at Jareth, who nodded in approval as she went to open it.
Inside was a tiny ballroom dancer, doing pirouettes, dressed in a white gown. She has real hair, which was brown and flowed past her shoulders, and seemed to be dancing infront of a mirror. On the inside lid of the box, a scene from a ball had been painted. There were masked figures everywhere, but a single masked figure- a figure who resembled Jareth in a way, seemed to be watching the tiny dancer intently.
Sarah gasped. It was almost like-
"The ball.", Jareth spoke softly. "You remember our first dance?" Sarah only nodded. Had Jareth intentionally created that illusion, or had it been something that her mind created?
"Do look inside the box, Sarah. There are other wonders for you to behold." He was smiling slightly.
As she lifted a wooden sheet that created the ballroom floor, she found a compartment full of jewellery. The most prominant piece, being the ornate gold crown that sat in the center. The gold had been manipulated into vines with flowers, and small leaves, winding about each other. In the center of the flowers, were small diamonds, that sparkled like the stars in the night sky. She picked it up, and examined it, watching how it shimmered in the light of the fire in the hearth.
"It was my mother's.", Jareth said softly. "My father had it made especially for her. He believed that there was no better in the Underground, and had the finest craftsman forge it from the finest gold, and gems in this realm. I think that they would both be pleased to know that it has been passed into good hands. The hands of the woman that their son has come to love so much."
"You flatter me too much, Jareth. You give me too much credit. You treat me like I'm God or something." She shrugged her shoulders, and a look of sadnes crept onto her face instantaneously. "I'm only human. Simple as that."
"That is where you are slightly mistaken. Human for now. Not forever. You will become a Fae, Sarah. After living here, for a rather short while, you will gradually become a member of this race of beings. It is rather inevitable, you might say."
"So, you are telling me that I will lose my humanity, then." She sounded slightly regretful ,and her gaze dropped to the floor.
"No. You will not lose any qualities. You may just say that your essence is changing. It is nothing to be alarmed about. Either way, we are together-forever. And nothing will ever be able to change that. Nothing." He whispered the last word, and back towards the door. "Now, I believe that it is time to sleep. Just becasue I am Fae, does not mean that I don't need to rest as well. And you have had a rather trying day as well. Now, I will have Maddie come in, and help you prepare for a night of marvelous dreams. Until tomorow, My Beloved." Then, he vanished, like a mist over the water in the early morning.
Sarah stood there, still holding the crown in her hands. She already missed him, but it was true that she was tired. For some strange reason, though, she yearned to have Jareth with her. But she did not want to seem like the selfish child she had acted as. She wanted to be as grown up as possible.
Soon after, Maddie came running in. She quickly grabbed one of the long victorian style dressing gowns out of the wardrobe, and scurried over to Sarah's feet. Sarah looked down at her. Maddie's eyes grew wide when she seen the crown in Sarah's hands. It was then she knew that she was standing before her future queen. A queen that would hopefully rule forevermore in peace and tranquility. She hurriedly helped Sarah get ready for bed, but avoided touching the crown. For some reason, a reason that Sarah knew not of, Maddie seemed alomst frightened of the shiny object. She would shudder whenever the fire would cause the diamonds to shimmer in the faint light. But Sarah thought it better to say nothing at all.
Jareth watched Sarah's face in his crystal, as she slumbered peacefully in her chamber. Her was mesmerized by her, for some unexplained reason. It was more than love. It was almost like they had a special connection between them. A bond like no other. At times he swore he could actually feel her emnotions. It was rather remarkable for him. And yet- yet so strange.
After some time, he decided that he would rest as well. However, it was not a peaceful sleep for the king. He tossed and turned, tornmented by dreams that brought him no sense of peace. It always seemd that he could not rest. At times he would awake, and find himself sweating, and remembering the day he slew Olaris' father on the battlefield. He could see Lord Byron, standing to the side, holding his helmet in his arms, and whispering a prayer to the fallen. All the victims of war, writhing in agony, until death embraced them into the darkness. Every night, Jareth would wish for morning to come. To put an end to the nightmares, that came with the darkness. However, he always forgot the terrible dreams in Sarah's presence. She was like a saviour, who could bring the horrid nightmare to an end with her radiant light that surrounded her at any moment in time. She was always like an angel.
Sarah awoke early in the moring. Being Wednesday, she had been accustomed to getting ready for school early to speak with her English teacher, about books, and the likes. But she knew that she would not be doing that anymore. She knew that her life, Aboveground, had come to a thankful abrupt end. And she thanked the heavens for that blessing.
Still dressed in her nightgown, Sarah made her way through the long stair case, and dark corridor, until she found Jareth's library, and then, his chamber. She pushed the door open gently, and found her love still in bed, covered by the dark blankets. She crept over, and examined the exhausted look on his face. He looked like a tortured soul, exhausted from the anguish that his captors placed on him. Sarah felt pity, but as she extended her hand out to touch him, she withdrew slightly, as his body shifted. Though asleep, Jareth sensed her presence, and concern somehow. It were almost like reading her thoughts. But on a higher scale. He opened his eyes, and seen her looking down upon him.
Sarah backed away slowly, and began heading for the door as Jareth watched her intently. He wondered why she was leaving him. When she was standing before him, she looked as though she were an angel. Her hair fluttered, but in the instant as she was pulling the door open, Jareth had sprinted over, and closed it. Holding it shut. It was no use for Sarah to even attempt to open it. She knew that it was going no where.
"I didn't mean to wake you up. I'm sorry.", she said softly, not being able to look him in the eye.
"Quite alright. But why are you leaving? I would expect that my future wife would sit and talk with me. Even if only for a moment." He smiled down at her, and brushed her hair away from her face. Sarah raised her hand, and tucked her hair behind her ear.
She raised her shoulders, as he brought his lips to her ear, and she gently pushed him away, smiling.
"That tickles.", she whimpered, running towards the bed. "And as your future wife, I would expect that my kingly husband will be dressed when he gets out of bed." She smiled wanly, and stood defiantly.
"Really? I was never aware that you were permitted to give me orders in my own kingdom." In an instant of bright light, Jareth stood before, now fully clothed in his regualr attire. He stood before her with his hands upon his slender hips, and raised his eyebrows. "I trust that you find this more suitable?" Sarah just giggled, and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked around his room. She found that it seemed rather cold. All the greys and blacks combined to make it feel somewhat uninviting. But his bed was soft. "Thank God for small favors.", she thought silently to herself.
"So what are we doing today?", Sarah asked as she gazed around. Jareth was watching her intently. "I mean, I guess that you're going to be busy today. Going away tomorrow and all. I guess that you don't have alot of time today." She looked at the window, and walked over to it. She seen that she had a much better view from her chambers. And alot more furniture as well.
"I was thinking that you could accompnay me, Sarah. I would very much like to introduce the woman who has captured my heart to everyone that attempts to defy me to no end. Without success, I might add." He tightened his gloves, and looked at Sarah. "Of course, it will be only a brief journey, but your company would be greatly appreciated. You may even find an appropriate wedding gown for the ceremony." Sarah's face lit up. She was going to see more of the underground. She had remembered Hoggle once telling her that the kingdom where the High Council resided was the most beautiful in the entire Underground.
"I'd really like that.", Sarah replied, still looking out the window.
"Now, in the meantime, I suggest that you bathe, and dress for breakfast. Then, perhaps, a walk, and some simple conversation, my love?" He approached her from behind, and wrapped his arms around her. "Maybe even discuss some wedding plans. Afterall, the Goblin King's bride deserves nothing but the very best." His voice was full of pride. Pride for his bride, and pride in his kingdom and duties. "Now, I will ensure that Maddie is sent to your chambers immediately. I suggest that you dress comfortably today. I bleieve that a change of season is in the air." He released his arms from her body, and backed away slowly. "I will be waiting in the library."
He opened the door for Sarah. She was excited about actually going on a journey with Jareth. She had always dreamed of seeing Fae and other creatures that many thought did't exist. It made her feel extrordinary. She glanced at him, as she made her way back to her room. She actually felt that she could be happy in her life, and no longer feel the guilt of not putting others' needs before her own.
When she arrived in her chambers, Maddie had already laid out her clothes, and drawn her a bath. But the tiny creature was no where to be found. Sarah hurriedly bathed, and dressed. The gown was made of the finest velevet, and was a rich wine color, with green trim, and an ivory lace trimmed collar. It was rather pretty. And it seemd to highlight all of Sarah's traits.
She joined Jareth for breakfast, and then together, they went outside, through the main courtyard, and then into the gardens. There, no goblins were to be found, and Sarah realized the drastic change in temperature. It was very cold. But, she did her best not to show that she was chilled.
Jareth was dressed in all black. The slight wind ruffled the sleeves of his poets shirt, and blew his cape behind him. He looked so regal, and yet he was so gentle with Sarah. He spoke to her softly, not in the menacing, mocking tone when they had first encountered one another, when she had wished her younger sibling away. Several times, he kissed her hand, and brushed the hair from her face. He led her to a small valley, deep within the gardens. It was lush and green, and sheltered from the wind, but it was still cold. The small babbling brook was clear, and Sarah could see shimmering rocks at the bottom. There, they sat at the edge, on a stone bench, that had statues of fairies holding it up. Sarah brushed the wrinkles out of her dress, and stared about. Jareth couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was so beautiful. So fragile, yet acted so strong. He loved her with all of his heart and soul.
"This was my favorite place as a child.", he said quielty, looking up at they sky. Heavy dark clouds were beginning to fill it. "I came here often, usually alone, just to sit and think. Sometimes to do nothing. Often, to think of you. It is quite beautiful. Almost as beautiful as you." Sarah blushed, and wrapped her arms about herslef, to try and keep the cold away. Jareth seen her shudder in the corner of his eye. "Here,", he said as her removed his cape, and draped it over her slender shoulders. "You need this more than I do. You should have told me that you were cold." Sarah grasped the edges of the cloak, and drew it tighter about her.
"I didn't tink that it was this cold out today. It looked so beautiful from my balcony." She smiled at him. "But thank you anyways."
"Quite alright. Don't hold back from me anylonger, Sarah. If you are in need of anything, just ask. Please." He looked at the sky again. "The weather is never rather constant here. Winter will soon be upon us. But this," he gestured to the valley. "This will always be the same. Lush and green. No matter how cold it does become. The winter will be a beautiful time to wed, dear Sarah. I will ensure that it is every bit the grand affair that you deserve." He did not notice Sarah move closer to his body, until he felt her touch him. The feeling excited every nerve in his being. His heart bagan to race.
"It's really pretty, here. All the greens, and emeralds. I love that tree over there.", she said pointing to the ancient weeping willow. "It looks so sad. Standing there, all alone, with all the other trees scattered on the edges of the valley. The only company that it has is the brook. And I doubt that it gives that poor old tree any comfort."
Then, in an instant, Sarah felt Jareth's lips upon her own. It was a soft, passionate kiss. He was trying desperately to be so gentle, and yet he was so hungry for more. He was weary of trying to hold back his emotions. Tired of always having to keep everything under complete control. But it was his kingly duty to appear as such: always under complete control. But, he was a man, wasn't he? And as such, was he not entitled to error, and did he not have needs? Even if the needs were to be totally passionate, and hungry for love? He felt that it was all true. It was all his entitlement, long since due, for the many years of kingly duties he provided.
He wrapped his arms around her tiny body, holding her tightly, not wanting to let her go. Perhaps it was out of fear that he would never have this oppourtunity again, or maybe it was because it felt so wondeful, after all the years of shrewd coldness he had felt. Now, he was beginning to feel a warmth in his soul that he had yearned for for so many centuries. Sarah reciprocated the affection he was showing her, by allowing him to continue. In essence, it was her first real kiss. And it had turned out to be nothing short of what she had imagined it to be. She wrapped her own arms about his shoulders, and wraped his hair around her fingers. It was so soft. The warmth of his body was so inviting. But she could not let it progress to that, as of yet. Not until they were husband and wife. The few brief moments that the kiss lasted for, seemed like almost an eternity of bliss. He stared into her starry eyes, which held the bewilderment of a child. No naive, and yet so beatiful. For the two of them, it really did seem like the start of their happily ever after. They thought that, together, they could ride into the sunset, and enjoy their love forever. But the reality of their situation was not far from the horizon. However, it stayed off in the distance for a few brief seconds to allow the two hearts to enjoy their company, and fill the want of love that they so desperatly needed.
As Jareth pulled back, Sarah kept her eyes closed, wishing that it could have lasted a little longer. Then, she rested her head on his chest, and they just sat there silently. They felt that nothing more needed ot be said. They were just content in the company of one another.