"Would you like to stay tonight?" she nodded. They finished their meals in
silence. Jareth rose from his seat and walked over to Ana offering his arm.
She took it, and he led her from the room. They turned down many hallways,
climbed a staircase, then they stopped at a huge pair of oak doors.
"These are your chambers Ana. Feel free to go anywhere in the castle. If you want to see the labyrinth, just call me. I'll hear you. I must for now take my leave though if you'll excuse me."
"Of course. I'm sorry to be such a bother." She said softly. (yep, I decided to make her, pretty much, a wuss. Until a bit later. But I won't reveal that yet.)
"Ana, you are anything but a bother." He took her hand in his and placed a feathery kiss on her fingertips. As he turned away, he heard swearing under her breath. He grinned and continued down the hall.
::Poor girl. Thinks I care about her. I have a much bigger prize in mind. Such a pity. Off to see Sarah, or better yet, bring her here." He thought. He waved his hand and stared into the newly created crystal. His precious Sarah was sitting and thinking. He blew on the crystal and watched it float out of the window and towards her kingdom.
"She'll be here soon enough." He reminded himself.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
Sarah sighed. Forgiving Jareth was out of the question. But could she be friends with him? But hten he wouldn't let that stay there, that and Ana loves him.
:: Oh good lord Sarah you're jealous. You love him and you know it.::
::But he killed Anton::
::He's been sorry for fifteen years.::
::No. I can't forget that. Especially when Jareth's the reason I can't be wrapped in Anton's arms. No:: The nagging voice faded from her mind, realizing now was not the time she would sway.
"I have to tell him." She caught his crystal. "What Jareth?" He appeared behind her, sliding his strong arm around her.
"Tell who what my sweet?" she sighed.
"Tell you something. I'll tell you later.
"Sarah." he said in a warning tone
"I'm not going to tell you." She said bluntly. He pinched her side playfully, but she was too tired to bother laughing.
"I love you." He kissed her hair.
::Great. Just the topic I was trying to avoid.::
"I love you too Jareth, but I can't forgive." He smiled to himself.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
"Sarah what have you done!? I told you not to say that to him! OF ALL PEOPLE, HIM!" Kindari sighed, flicked his wrist, and the crystal evaporated.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
Jareth rested his head on her shoulder.
"But Sarah, I'm not asking to be forgiven. I just want you to come home to me. You love me, yet you loathe."
"But I couldn't do this Jareth, I-"
"You could Sarah," he interrupted. "And that's what frightens you. You're strong, but not strong enough. You can't avoid me or resist me forever. Just think, fifteen years has been a struggle and a losing one at that. You knew I'd eventually have given Ana back if you fought long enough, but you gave into your desires." He said seriously. She was captivated.
"How can I love you, yet hate you so much?" He wanted to kiss her, to hold her closer then possible. He leaned over and kissed the corner of her eye. She pulled away, turning around so she could see him.
"Why can't you forgive me, even though I'm not asking for it?"
She thought for a moment.
"If someone killed me to punish you, would you forgive that person."
"That's different." She got up and called a crystal.
"No Jareth, it's exactly the same." She disappeared. He followed her. He saw her now next to Anton's glass coffin. She wasn't crying, she just had a blackness surrounding her. She'd ever be his would she? No, she was too attached to that damn traitor. She really loved him. She loved Jareth too, but it wasn't the same. She looked up and nodded, slightly acknowledging him.
"Sarah-"
She looked back down at Anton. His face was so pail, but his hair still held the sunlight.
"I always thought before that it was a fairy tale, like snow white, or you. That if I just kissed him he'd come back you know."
"Except no matter how hard you try it can't happen. A path of time can only be used once. Even if you hadn't slapped me, Anton would've died that night. He was to be poisoned. If that didn't succeed I would've summoned him in private and killed him.
"I should've died instead. It was my fault. I should've tried harder to stop you. I could go back and not allow him to stay."
"Sarah, remember about 18 years ago when you left me? I tried with all o f my heart and magic to get you to stay. I went back so many times. I tried helping you, letting you see Toby, just plain taking you to the center. Nothing worked. You always left. Don't try it Sarah. You'll go through the pain of seeing him die over and over again. It will hurt Sarah, very badly. Worse when you finally realize you cannot be with him anymore." She just looked at him with sorrow.
"But you never gave up hope. Hope that today would come and I'd lov-"
"Jareth, where are you?" A distant voice said. Sarah arched an eyebrow. "Looks like my daughter is waiting." He grabbed her hand and raised her to her feet.
"You're not getting out of this that easily." He grinned mockingly, called a crystal and the two disappeared. Sarah sighed.
"Jareth, why are we in your chambers?" His cat-like grin spread wider.
"Don't flatter yourself Sarah. I brought you here to talk of your confession of love, but for a moment I must receive your daughters call." He said smugly.
Sarah sat on his bed and swung her feet so that she leaned against his pillows. His eyes devoured her body and he approached.
"What are you doing sweet Sarah?" She growled in disapproval at the name, but answered all the same.
"I was trying to find Ana using my magic but it would seem my powers have randomly disappeared. Now I wonder how that could've happened?" she said coolly. He sat above her, his thigh inches away from her face.
"You couldn't honestly think that I'd let a flower like you leave so quickly?" She lifted herself a bit and put her head in his lap.
"Well, not really." He looked down at her with desire, and scooping her into his arms, his lips met hers in a soft embrace of lust, love, and whatever lies in between.
"She's waiting Sarah."
"She's impatient, just as her mother was."
"Was?" She laughed.
"All right, is." He kissed her nose then vanished. Sarah sighed, missing him already.
"He's so perfect. How could I have ever been mad at him?" she thought. "I mean, there's nothing. OH MY GOD!" she sat up with the realization dawning upon her.
"YOU CHEAP SCHEMING PIECE OF SHIT BASTARD!" She said to herself, venom dripping with each word. "Well just wait till you get back you little cocky arrogant son of a bitch." She smiled a devil's grin and began her mental plan.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
He appeared from behind her, and leaned against a dark stone wall. He watched with amusement as she tapped her foot impatiently.
"You called." He purred. She spun around with her eyes dark. She smiled.
"What took you so long?"
"Remember Ana, I am a king. I have things I need to attend to besides the entertainment of my unexpected guests." He remarked coolly. She looked down ashamed at her request for his presence. He sighed, she's as easily manipulated as Sarah is. His plan so far was smoothly commencing. He cupped her chin. "What is it you require of me Ana?" he added softly.
"Nothing really." She muttered. "I just got lost and I wanted to know if you had a map I could borrow." He tapped her forehead.
"Where are you?"
"How should I know? You're castle is friggen huge!"
"Think Ana, try a bit. You may be surprised."
"Okay, how about second floor third corridor. WHOA how did I know that?" she looked expectantly at Jareth, who just looked impatient, wanting desperately to get back to Sarah, who was probably getting tired from. of course it wouldn't stay forever. Only long enough to produce a legitimate heir, and she had no way out of becoming his wife.
"Simple. I gave you an inner map. Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to my chambers. I have," he thought for a moment, "pressing matters that need attending to." With that, he was out of her sight.
"If he thinks he can avoid me he's wrong." She thought. The goblins all stared as the young girl hustled up the stairs to his royal chambers. She waited outside the door upon hearing his voice.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
"I'm back sweet Sarah." She wads sitting in a chair, in a candlelit corner of the room. He knew by the way she looked at him something was wrong. She stood and walked to him, swaying her hips gently, but enough for him to notice. She stopped when she was mere inches in front of him.
"Let's play a game called Truth or dare." She said seductively. Seeing no reason to argue, he nodded, and attempted to pull her to him. "No, not yet.
"My question is do I want you? Yes."
She trailed a hand up his thigh with a feathery lightness of torture. Then suddenly her hand darted to his crotch and she squeezed it until he cried out, as he attempted to pull her hand away, but her grip was iron.
"Your question is Did you Really believe that I wouldn't catch on to your little enchantment spell?" she paused, then let him go. He fell to the ground, looking up with hatred upon his true love.
"Such a thin line between love and hate. But you really didn't figure stupid old Sarah would remember why in particular she would happen to hate you with a passion? I don't care how Jareth, but Anastasia will find out that you killed her father. I don't care why, just the fact that you threw that dagger that stole his life. Now here's the second part of the game." She bent down to the ground and looked into his eyes, who were desperate for her to end this tormenting.
"My dare is not to kill you where you stand. Your dare is to Tell her. If you lie to my daughter consider yourself a dead man." His face was red with fury. He pinned her to the ground.
"You cannot prove it. The only ones who know are you, Kindari and me." They both jumped at the door as it slammed open. Ana stood there.
"Great." He thought. She glided over to him with a smirk. He stood, leaving Sarah on the ground. She smiled sweetly and put her hands on his shoulders. "shit." She kneed him as hard as she could in the groin. As he doubled over in pain, the heel of her palm met his nose. She body slammed him, and he fell to the floor.
"That was for my father." She cupped his pained face in her hand staring into icy mismatched eyes. "and this is for lying to me and being an egotistical bitch." She punched his face and he fell unconscious to the floor. She punched him a few times in the chest. She smiled in victory, and she looked up when she heard a silvery laugh ringing in the air.
"Mom, I'm sorry, I-" Sarah shushed her. She stood and gave her a big hug.
"I'm proud of you sweetie. I'm not angry in any way. You needed to hear it from the criminals mouth to believe it. I would've been skeptical too. He's very charming when he wants to be. I love him."
"I know mom. Why wasn't anything done? To Jareth I mean."
"Honestly darling I don't know."
"He will suffer. I will not rest until he does!" she snapped.
"Anastasia, Anton was murdered 15 years ago. Before you were born. It's over hon." Ana pulled away.
"It's not only My father. He's harassed you, misused magic against you, threatened my life, threatened yours, tried to force you into producing an heir to both kingdoms. He can still get into trouble for his crimes against us!" she exclaimed. Sarah shook her head sadly.
"Ana, you'd be thrown out of the Seelie Court if you pleaded with that case. They would cut you to ribbons. Magic is a freedom. With that comes a responsibility of defense and tolerance." Sarah rolled her eyes as a groan from Jareth arose. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"He's not going to be happy when he wakes up." She said thoughtfully. Ana smirked.
"Can we stay? I want to torment the dear Goblin King more." She pleaded.
"Even if he is our enemy we do not sink that low. Get back home." The firmness in Sarah's voice left no room to argue. Defeated, Ana braced herself for her mothers' magic. Sarah smiled, then looked into a cold pair of eyes watching her.
"Come on. Let's get you fixed up then." She said softly. With a wave of her hand he was on his bed. His shirt was off, revealing his chest, covered with bruises from Ana. She walked over to him, her satin slippers making no sound on the stone floor. He turned his head towards her. She pointed to a blank table and on it appeared a few small towers and a white bowl full of water. Next to it a few herbs were laying. She gently wet a towel then ran it across his chest softly, being careful not to put pressure on his wounds. He caught her hand.
"If you are helping me out of pity you should damn well leave." Egotistical as always. She pushed his hand away focusing her eyes on her hand, and silently continued. After a few minutes she felt his pain begin to drain away. She cupped her hand, filled it with water and with her other hand crushed a piece of atria, the bark of a Mangham tree. It was very useful for such bruises as his. He tried to sit up. She pushed him back down. "Why are you helping me?"
"Lean back. I've got to fix that nose." He did so, but kept staring at her. He stared at her intensely, knowing very well that she had consciously avoided her question. She met his eyes, knowing immediately what he wanted. "I already told you. I can't say it again."
"Won't is more like it. You love me Sarah. Stay with me awhile."
"Only until your pain is all gone. I didn't plan that attack on you and it'd have been wrong of me not to help heal you." She drew a gentle line on his nose, moving the cartilage back together and sealing it. She turned to leave.
"You said you'd stay until my pain was gone. I'm still in pain from you." She turned back around.
"Look, we can't happen. That's the only-"
"Why not Sarah? I'm not asking to be forgiven. I'm not ashamed of what I did. I told you I can be cruel." Why did those words ring a bell? She traced back. It was hoggle; his words from right after saving them. As she had got lost in her thoughts, Jareth had slid his arms around her. He surprised her by not using the will of domination. He just held her as if comforting her grief. She trembled a bit, being held to his naked chest. Of course she had been here before, right in his arms, but never to him as a soul. She let herself relax just clinging to him. He moved his hands slowly but deliberately, cupping her breast. She shoved him away. His grip was firm, and she fell on top of him.
"Stop it! This isn't right. You had your chance now let me go!" she said quietly. She seized the opportunity to pull away from him. "By the way, I'm still mad at you for casting another spell on me." He looked puzzled.
"Another?"
Think back to the peach Jareth." They shared a small grin, then the moment was over. She waved to him, then vanished into the mists. He leaned back in his pillows, inhaling her scent.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
"How did this start? How am I to go about this? He did it AGAIN! I can't love him given the circumstances. Stupid feelings, stupid heart, stupid Jareth." She thoughts. She stopped Shaine in the corridor. He bowed.
"Yes majesty?"
"Where's Ana?'
"In the court garden with Kindari majesty." She let out a sigh of content and smiled. He smiled, then continued walking down the corridor. Sarah hummed a tune as she turned down the east wing to her chambers. She pushed open the doors and walked into her familiar room. Everything was as it should be. Walking to her bathroom with a grace any dancer would envy she lapped her hands twice. A small elfish child appeared instantly. Sarah kneeled in front of her.
"Samaria, could you prepare a bath for me." The child nodded mutely, as it was taught not to speak to her. "Thank you." She stripped down. Samaria waved a hand and a small waterfall appeared, pouring hot clean water into the empty pool.
"is there anything else you require milady?" she asked.
"No, but unless I call you, you and Shaine can take the day off and play in the forest. Take a few horses if you like."
Her face lit up and she ran off. Sarah smiled, and sank into the pool. The best things about Elfish water are that the water never loses the heat it holds; and no matter how dirty you are, the water always stays clean.
She sat for a few hours, trying to figure out many things. How did he place t hat spell on her? Possibly when I was in his castle and that damn kiss. How could I have missed it though? Stupid life. She lifted herself out and reached for a towel. She wrapped herself in the soft cloth, and stepped out. She dried her hair straight, but pulled it into a braid.
The end
Of chapter 6
"These are your chambers Ana. Feel free to go anywhere in the castle. If you want to see the labyrinth, just call me. I'll hear you. I must for now take my leave though if you'll excuse me."
"Of course. I'm sorry to be such a bother." She said softly. (yep, I decided to make her, pretty much, a wuss. Until a bit later. But I won't reveal that yet.)
"Ana, you are anything but a bother." He took her hand in his and placed a feathery kiss on her fingertips. As he turned away, he heard swearing under her breath. He grinned and continued down the hall.
::Poor girl. Thinks I care about her. I have a much bigger prize in mind. Such a pity. Off to see Sarah, or better yet, bring her here." He thought. He waved his hand and stared into the newly created crystal. His precious Sarah was sitting and thinking. He blew on the crystal and watched it float out of the window and towards her kingdom.
"She'll be here soon enough." He reminded himself.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
Sarah sighed. Forgiving Jareth was out of the question. But could she be friends with him? But hten he wouldn't let that stay there, that and Ana loves him.
:: Oh good lord Sarah you're jealous. You love him and you know it.::
::But he killed Anton::
::He's been sorry for fifteen years.::
::No. I can't forget that. Especially when Jareth's the reason I can't be wrapped in Anton's arms. No:: The nagging voice faded from her mind, realizing now was not the time she would sway.
"I have to tell him." She caught his crystal. "What Jareth?" He appeared behind her, sliding his strong arm around her.
"Tell who what my sweet?" she sighed.
"Tell you something. I'll tell you later.
"Sarah." he said in a warning tone
"I'm not going to tell you." She said bluntly. He pinched her side playfully, but she was too tired to bother laughing.
"I love you." He kissed her hair.
::Great. Just the topic I was trying to avoid.::
"I love you too Jareth, but I can't forgive." He smiled to himself.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
"Sarah what have you done!? I told you not to say that to him! OF ALL PEOPLE, HIM!" Kindari sighed, flicked his wrist, and the crystal evaporated.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
Jareth rested his head on her shoulder.
"But Sarah, I'm not asking to be forgiven. I just want you to come home to me. You love me, yet you loathe."
"But I couldn't do this Jareth, I-"
"You could Sarah," he interrupted. "And that's what frightens you. You're strong, but not strong enough. You can't avoid me or resist me forever. Just think, fifteen years has been a struggle and a losing one at that. You knew I'd eventually have given Ana back if you fought long enough, but you gave into your desires." He said seriously. She was captivated.
"How can I love you, yet hate you so much?" He wanted to kiss her, to hold her closer then possible. He leaned over and kissed the corner of her eye. She pulled away, turning around so she could see him.
"Why can't you forgive me, even though I'm not asking for it?"
She thought for a moment.
"If someone killed me to punish you, would you forgive that person."
"That's different." She got up and called a crystal.
"No Jareth, it's exactly the same." She disappeared. He followed her. He saw her now next to Anton's glass coffin. She wasn't crying, she just had a blackness surrounding her. She'd ever be his would she? No, she was too attached to that damn traitor. She really loved him. She loved Jareth too, but it wasn't the same. She looked up and nodded, slightly acknowledging him.
"Sarah-"
She looked back down at Anton. His face was so pail, but his hair still held the sunlight.
"I always thought before that it was a fairy tale, like snow white, or you. That if I just kissed him he'd come back you know."
"Except no matter how hard you try it can't happen. A path of time can only be used once. Even if you hadn't slapped me, Anton would've died that night. He was to be poisoned. If that didn't succeed I would've summoned him in private and killed him.
"I should've died instead. It was my fault. I should've tried harder to stop you. I could go back and not allow him to stay."
"Sarah, remember about 18 years ago when you left me? I tried with all o f my heart and magic to get you to stay. I went back so many times. I tried helping you, letting you see Toby, just plain taking you to the center. Nothing worked. You always left. Don't try it Sarah. You'll go through the pain of seeing him die over and over again. It will hurt Sarah, very badly. Worse when you finally realize you cannot be with him anymore." She just looked at him with sorrow.
"But you never gave up hope. Hope that today would come and I'd lov-"
"Jareth, where are you?" A distant voice said. Sarah arched an eyebrow. "Looks like my daughter is waiting." He grabbed her hand and raised her to her feet.
"You're not getting out of this that easily." He grinned mockingly, called a crystal and the two disappeared. Sarah sighed.
"Jareth, why are we in your chambers?" His cat-like grin spread wider.
"Don't flatter yourself Sarah. I brought you here to talk of your confession of love, but for a moment I must receive your daughters call." He said smugly.
Sarah sat on his bed and swung her feet so that she leaned against his pillows. His eyes devoured her body and he approached.
"What are you doing sweet Sarah?" She growled in disapproval at the name, but answered all the same.
"I was trying to find Ana using my magic but it would seem my powers have randomly disappeared. Now I wonder how that could've happened?" she said coolly. He sat above her, his thigh inches away from her face.
"You couldn't honestly think that I'd let a flower like you leave so quickly?" She lifted herself a bit and put her head in his lap.
"Well, not really." He looked down at her with desire, and scooping her into his arms, his lips met hers in a soft embrace of lust, love, and whatever lies in between.
"She's waiting Sarah."
"She's impatient, just as her mother was."
"Was?" She laughed.
"All right, is." He kissed her nose then vanished. Sarah sighed, missing him already.
"He's so perfect. How could I have ever been mad at him?" she thought. "I mean, there's nothing. OH MY GOD!" she sat up with the realization dawning upon her.
"YOU CHEAP SCHEMING PIECE OF SHIT BASTARD!" She said to herself, venom dripping with each word. "Well just wait till you get back you little cocky arrogant son of a bitch." She smiled a devil's grin and began her mental plan.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
He appeared from behind her, and leaned against a dark stone wall. He watched with amusement as she tapped her foot impatiently.
"You called." He purred. She spun around with her eyes dark. She smiled.
"What took you so long?"
"Remember Ana, I am a king. I have things I need to attend to besides the entertainment of my unexpected guests." He remarked coolly. She looked down ashamed at her request for his presence. He sighed, she's as easily manipulated as Sarah is. His plan so far was smoothly commencing. He cupped her chin. "What is it you require of me Ana?" he added softly.
"Nothing really." She muttered. "I just got lost and I wanted to know if you had a map I could borrow." He tapped her forehead.
"Where are you?"
"How should I know? You're castle is friggen huge!"
"Think Ana, try a bit. You may be surprised."
"Okay, how about second floor third corridor. WHOA how did I know that?" she looked expectantly at Jareth, who just looked impatient, wanting desperately to get back to Sarah, who was probably getting tired from. of course it wouldn't stay forever. Only long enough to produce a legitimate heir, and she had no way out of becoming his wife.
"Simple. I gave you an inner map. Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to my chambers. I have," he thought for a moment, "pressing matters that need attending to." With that, he was out of her sight.
"If he thinks he can avoid me he's wrong." She thought. The goblins all stared as the young girl hustled up the stairs to his royal chambers. She waited outside the door upon hearing his voice.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
"I'm back sweet Sarah." She wads sitting in a chair, in a candlelit corner of the room. He knew by the way she looked at him something was wrong. She stood and walked to him, swaying her hips gently, but enough for him to notice. She stopped when she was mere inches in front of him.
"Let's play a game called Truth or dare." She said seductively. Seeing no reason to argue, he nodded, and attempted to pull her to him. "No, not yet.
"My question is do I want you? Yes."
She trailed a hand up his thigh with a feathery lightness of torture. Then suddenly her hand darted to his crotch and she squeezed it until he cried out, as he attempted to pull her hand away, but her grip was iron.
"Your question is Did you Really believe that I wouldn't catch on to your little enchantment spell?" she paused, then let him go. He fell to the ground, looking up with hatred upon his true love.
"Such a thin line between love and hate. But you really didn't figure stupid old Sarah would remember why in particular she would happen to hate you with a passion? I don't care how Jareth, but Anastasia will find out that you killed her father. I don't care why, just the fact that you threw that dagger that stole his life. Now here's the second part of the game." She bent down to the ground and looked into his eyes, who were desperate for her to end this tormenting.
"My dare is not to kill you where you stand. Your dare is to Tell her. If you lie to my daughter consider yourself a dead man." His face was red with fury. He pinned her to the ground.
"You cannot prove it. The only ones who know are you, Kindari and me." They both jumped at the door as it slammed open. Ana stood there.
"Great." He thought. She glided over to him with a smirk. He stood, leaving Sarah on the ground. She smiled sweetly and put her hands on his shoulders. "shit." She kneed him as hard as she could in the groin. As he doubled over in pain, the heel of her palm met his nose. She body slammed him, and he fell to the floor.
"That was for my father." She cupped his pained face in her hand staring into icy mismatched eyes. "and this is for lying to me and being an egotistical bitch." She punched his face and he fell unconscious to the floor. She punched him a few times in the chest. She smiled in victory, and she looked up when she heard a silvery laugh ringing in the air.
"Mom, I'm sorry, I-" Sarah shushed her. She stood and gave her a big hug.
"I'm proud of you sweetie. I'm not angry in any way. You needed to hear it from the criminals mouth to believe it. I would've been skeptical too. He's very charming when he wants to be. I love him."
"I know mom. Why wasn't anything done? To Jareth I mean."
"Honestly darling I don't know."
"He will suffer. I will not rest until he does!" she snapped.
"Anastasia, Anton was murdered 15 years ago. Before you were born. It's over hon." Ana pulled away.
"It's not only My father. He's harassed you, misused magic against you, threatened my life, threatened yours, tried to force you into producing an heir to both kingdoms. He can still get into trouble for his crimes against us!" she exclaimed. Sarah shook her head sadly.
"Ana, you'd be thrown out of the Seelie Court if you pleaded with that case. They would cut you to ribbons. Magic is a freedom. With that comes a responsibility of defense and tolerance." Sarah rolled her eyes as a groan from Jareth arose. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"He's not going to be happy when he wakes up." She said thoughtfully. Ana smirked.
"Can we stay? I want to torment the dear Goblin King more." She pleaded.
"Even if he is our enemy we do not sink that low. Get back home." The firmness in Sarah's voice left no room to argue. Defeated, Ana braced herself for her mothers' magic. Sarah smiled, then looked into a cold pair of eyes watching her.
"Come on. Let's get you fixed up then." She said softly. With a wave of her hand he was on his bed. His shirt was off, revealing his chest, covered with bruises from Ana. She walked over to him, her satin slippers making no sound on the stone floor. He turned his head towards her. She pointed to a blank table and on it appeared a few small towers and a white bowl full of water. Next to it a few herbs were laying. She gently wet a towel then ran it across his chest softly, being careful not to put pressure on his wounds. He caught her hand.
"If you are helping me out of pity you should damn well leave." Egotistical as always. She pushed his hand away focusing her eyes on her hand, and silently continued. After a few minutes she felt his pain begin to drain away. She cupped her hand, filled it with water and with her other hand crushed a piece of atria, the bark of a Mangham tree. It was very useful for such bruises as his. He tried to sit up. She pushed him back down. "Why are you helping me?"
"Lean back. I've got to fix that nose." He did so, but kept staring at her. He stared at her intensely, knowing very well that she had consciously avoided her question. She met his eyes, knowing immediately what he wanted. "I already told you. I can't say it again."
"Won't is more like it. You love me Sarah. Stay with me awhile."
"Only until your pain is all gone. I didn't plan that attack on you and it'd have been wrong of me not to help heal you." She drew a gentle line on his nose, moving the cartilage back together and sealing it. She turned to leave.
"You said you'd stay until my pain was gone. I'm still in pain from you." She turned back around.
"Look, we can't happen. That's the only-"
"Why not Sarah? I'm not asking to be forgiven. I'm not ashamed of what I did. I told you I can be cruel." Why did those words ring a bell? She traced back. It was hoggle; his words from right after saving them. As she had got lost in her thoughts, Jareth had slid his arms around her. He surprised her by not using the will of domination. He just held her as if comforting her grief. She trembled a bit, being held to his naked chest. Of course she had been here before, right in his arms, but never to him as a soul. She let herself relax just clinging to him. He moved his hands slowly but deliberately, cupping her breast. She shoved him away. His grip was firm, and she fell on top of him.
"Stop it! This isn't right. You had your chance now let me go!" she said quietly. She seized the opportunity to pull away from him. "By the way, I'm still mad at you for casting another spell on me." He looked puzzled.
"Another?"
Think back to the peach Jareth." They shared a small grin, then the moment was over. She waved to him, then vanished into the mists. He leaned back in his pillows, inhaling her scent.
_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_
"How did this start? How am I to go about this? He did it AGAIN! I can't love him given the circumstances. Stupid feelings, stupid heart, stupid Jareth." She thoughts. She stopped Shaine in the corridor. He bowed.
"Yes majesty?"
"Where's Ana?'
"In the court garden with Kindari majesty." She let out a sigh of content and smiled. He smiled, then continued walking down the corridor. Sarah hummed a tune as she turned down the east wing to her chambers. She pushed open the doors and walked into her familiar room. Everything was as it should be. Walking to her bathroom with a grace any dancer would envy she lapped her hands twice. A small elfish child appeared instantly. Sarah kneeled in front of her.
"Samaria, could you prepare a bath for me." The child nodded mutely, as it was taught not to speak to her. "Thank you." She stripped down. Samaria waved a hand and a small waterfall appeared, pouring hot clean water into the empty pool.
"is there anything else you require milady?" she asked.
"No, but unless I call you, you and Shaine can take the day off and play in the forest. Take a few horses if you like."
Her face lit up and she ran off. Sarah smiled, and sank into the pool. The best things about Elfish water are that the water never loses the heat it holds; and no matter how dirty you are, the water always stays clean.
She sat for a few hours, trying to figure out many things. How did he place t hat spell on her? Possibly when I was in his castle and that damn kiss. How could I have missed it though? Stupid life. She lifted herself out and reached for a towel. She wrapped herself in the soft cloth, and stepped out. She dried her hair straight, but pulled it into a braid.
The end
Of chapter 6