Disclaimer: Do I look rich? I don't own the Labyrinth or anything to do with it.

Ok folks, nearly there. A few thank yous first though:

Eleanora Rose: It does fit them quite nicely I thought. Also I couldn't think if anything else but shh. Thanks very much.

theshadowcat: Hey, I like the cookies. The cookies give me energy I shouldn't have at 4am. A good kick might work. Hehe.

LadyLuck321: Eww, but thanks anyway.

Relyan: She was covered in pink feathers, it seemed appropriate. And hurrah! Presents Relyan with cookies and a Jareth The Mr. Collins thing just kinda happened. I wanted some random guy to propose to Sarah and suddenly Mr. Collins was prattling away on my screen.

fairytaleangles: Men smell in my opinion. Yup, they're pretty stinky. You know someone like Cassandra? You have my sympathies. Here, have a cookie anyway, for your trouble.

Solea: We have? scratches head Someone should have told me sooner and I'd have made it bigger. Anyway, I hear scream therapy is effective but when I do yoga I pull muscles I didn't know existed. Bridget Jones' posse? I suppose they do have that sort of dynamic.

Lei'Ev: You cant beat the éclairs. Ohh, a cookie. Many thanks for both the review and the cookie.

Shadow: Such high praise. Thank you very much. This is actually nearly finished, but there will be more of Sarah running the country in the sequel. Yeah, I know. Another one. Anyway, I'd love to check out your web comic but I can find the link. Could you e-mail it to me or something of the like. I really want to take a look.

lyn: You know, I think I might just do that.

Jazzy021: Yeah, I needed an ice cold bath after writing that. Just thinking about it… phew. Anyway, thanks very much.

Angelwingz202: Glad to know I get you excited. Oooh, that didn't sound right. Anyway, yes it certainly was 'interaction' wasn't it?

Felt-tip-pen101: You're a sucker for a bad boy. I must admit, I have that weakness also. Just for that oh so fabulous review, here. hands over Lorkán and a cookie

Lorkán: Whoa, what do you think you're doing? She calls me Lorkie.

Chaimera: You will go and you will like it. Be nice to the only person that supports you!

Phobos: Thank you and your welcome. Um, yeah that spell, that's what it was… Ahem. I so thought of that. Heehee, no. In my experience men are just idiots anyway, so I just wrote Jareth's reaction from my own experiences though I didn't realise it until a friend pointed it out and I was like 'Oh yeah.' As I have said before, guys are smelly.

Lhiata: Wow. Thank you. Dance is one of the ultimate forms of gratitude. ;) You better be back missy.

Avalon-blackandgreen: Aww, feel much better hun. And hey, ravaging isn't necessarily a bad thing. But the leaving… ok maybe your better off.

VividWhiteLove: You should read it. It's very funny. You didn't get them right but you get a cookie for trying. Thanks.

Janine: Oh, a cookie and Jareth for you. Yeah, he just happened. Glad you liked it though. The other was the fight during the dance. It wasn't exactly the same obviously but it reminded me of when they were dancing at Mr Binglys house. Anyway, thank you very much, I'll try not to make you cry anymore.

Moonjava: Thank you very much.

Ok guys, this is the penultimate chapter. Enjoy.

29th December

Sarah groaned as she awoke to bird song from outside her window. She rolled over and grumbled into her pillow. "Oh no. What the hell did I do?"

She pulled her thick duvet over her head. She felt like staying in her small cave for a few years. Facing the world seemed like the worst idea in the Underground. But then again, she had to speak to Jareth. What had happened in the garden last night wasn't just sex. She remembered when his emotions flooded through her. When he had told her he didn't love her, he had lied. She knew that for certain now, but she also knew that once Jareth's bad opinion had been bestowed, it was some job to get him to like you again.

She made a noise of protest as the duvet was lifted off her by an invisible force.

Time to get up.

Sarah growled and sat up. "Fine, Fine." She looked at the clock and frowned. "It's seven am. I didn't get home until past thirteen o'clock. The least you could have done was given me a lie in." She called to where her clothes for the day were being laid out.

That was your own fault, and you have work. Seranus left a message for you last night. Meeting at eight.

Sarah rolled her eyes and went into the bathroom. "Damn it. I should have stayed teaching."

She heard a light airy chuckle coming for thin air. Now, we both know you don't mean that my dear.

Sarah sighed and got on with getting ready for her day. She scooped her long hair into a loose bun, tendrils of dark locks escaping her grasp to frame her face and she applied a small amount of make-up. The dress that Miranda had laid out for her was beautiful in it's simplicity. It was dark green, made of heavy material to protect against the cold. The long skirt brushed the floor, and the bodice had a square neck line and laced up the front. The long sleeves belled out, but were a little too long.

Sarah moved downstairs and into the kitchen. She had her cup of coffee, a scone and some fruit. The frozen good, she had decided to deem unsafe at this point without a fridge. There was a heavy black cloak with a fur trimmed hood and collar hanging over the banister as she made for the door.

It's freezing outside. Take your cloak.

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Yes mother."

She trudged up the snow covered path. There had been a heavy fall during the night and the temperature had plummeted. Sarah could a water dweller in the lake hacking at some ice which had formed. The girl waved her webbed had at Sarah as she passed and Sarah waved back. There were icicles hanging off the trees as the town came into view. The yellow sun was low in the sky and grey clouds partially blocked it out. Seemed that weather wasn't always picturesque in the Underground, she mused as she walked. As she walked along main street, she could see people in their shops getting ready for business.

She smiled at the flood of warmth as she entered the government buildings. Gerard looked up from where he was reading and smiled at her. The surly centaur had warmed to her quickly though he had need some initial convincing.

"Good morning your majesty. Did you have a good time last night?"

Sarah had attempted to get him to call her Sarah, but he refused out right, saying that if she was going to be queen, she should be addressed as so.

She nodded at him. "I did, thank you."

Well, it was eventful if nothing else. She thought as she sat at the table.

There was still fifteen minutes until eight and they were the only two there.

"I got a marriage proposal."

Gerard raised an eyebrow. "Really? From who, pray tell?"

"King Louis of the Ice Wastes."

"Hmm, that's certainly not what I saw."

Sarah tilted her head slightly. "What to you mean?"

"I am centaur, you majesty. We watch the sky's and, though sometimes events are changed, they usually provide a fairly accurate picture of the future."

"And you see someone proposing to me?"

He nodded.

"Who?"

"I believe telling you, your highness, might change the outcome of things. I assume you did not accept that fools proposal?"

She shook her head. "You are familiar with him?"

"I've been around along time you highness. Before the forest shut us off from the rest of the Underground."

The two lapsed into silence when Seranus came in the door, followed by Terry who was a trader in the village and Susan, who was perched on Terry's shoulder. She was a raven and her silky black feathers shone in the light of the blazing fire. Sarah smiled at the trio as they took their seats/perch.

Seranus handed her a pile of letter. "They all arrived for you this morning. Now that the magical barriers are down, we get mail much faster."

Sarah grinned. "I can imagine." She looked at the seal on the first letter. "I don't recognise this one." She held it out for the others to see.

Gerard looked over. "That is the seal of the Kingdom of Morte."

"The Kingdom of Death?"

Seranus frowned. "It's not a pleasant place. Why might the king be writing to you?"

Sarah broke the wax seal and scanned the letter. She sighed and handed it to Gerard. "It's another marriage proposal. Who is this guy?"

Gerard handed the letter to Seranus.

"Not someone to be trifled with. His kingdom lies on the other continent of our world."

He pulled a map from a shelf and spread it out on the table, pointing out a country in the middle of the continent.

"It's is a landlocked country with little to do for itself. The terrain is either rocky and mountainous or swamp like. It is an inhospitable place, just like it's king. He is Xavier, an unpleasant man. Ruthless. He's waged war more times than I can count."

"Why the hell is he asking me to marry him? I've never even met him."

Seranus put down the letter. "He sees you as an opportunity to procure a more prosperous country than his own. It is a political marriage he is looking for."

"Well, I'm not going to marry him, but I don't want to bring his seemingly formidable wrath down on the country."

The others nodded.

Gerard picked up a quill. "I will draft a letter to him, informing him that you are currently being courted by… someone. This should put him off with out insulting him."

Sarah nodded.

Terry agreed. "How about the Goblin King? He's a formidable power in the Underground."

Sarah shook her head. "I really don't think that would be a good idea."

Seranus grinned. "Your majesty, why ever not?"

"I'd rather not go into that right now, if you don't mind." She growled.

Seranus smirked but left it that.

There was still a large pile of mail to get through. Most were letters from other nations, seeking to open political relations with Val Alorn but there were a few more requests for a courtship from men Sarah had met briefly at the ball.

Susan cawed and landed on the pile of letters from random men. "You certainly are the new beauty in town. Got all the men's attention, you have."

Sarah gave her a weak smile. "Not necessarily a good thing in my opinion." She sighed as she tossed another letter on the pile. "I wish we had spam block or something."

The others looked at her strangely and she waved her hand. "Forget it. Ignore me."

Seranus smiled and looked at the clock. "We're nearly done here anyway. Why don't you take you remaining love letters home and sort through them there. It's been a long day and you got home late, so I hear."

Sarah nodded. "Thanks. I'll probably see you later. I'm eating in town tonight."

"I'm home." She called to no one in particular as she walked in the door. Sarah pulled off her snow covered boots and left them at the door, heading for the kitchen. The kettle was already on when she got there. She thanked the empty kitchen and ran upstairs, fetching some paper, a quill and some ink. She had to reply to all the courting letters, the other diplomatic mail and she wanted to write some letters to Taranga, Cyros and King Akhenaten. An hour later the sun was beginning to set and she was getting wrist strain from writing. She stamped the last seal and magiked the letters away to their destinations. She looked around her kitchen. There was a small amount of food around the place, some instant coffee and some wine but other than that, she had little to survive on in her house. Not that she really had to worry. The local restaurant and Seranus had both offered to feed her free of charge as long as she wanted, but Sarah liked to cook.

She decided to drop in on Nadír and Etáin who, she was sure, knew how to install electrics in the Underground. She appeared in a small burst of flame outside the front door and opened it quietly.

Sean was working at reception and smiled when he saw her. "Can't stay away, hmm?"

"Seems not. The place is so quiet."

"Everyone left today. The place is completely empty. We have some normal human guest coming next week, but until then…"

She nodded. "That's a nice break for you guys. Do you know where the lady of the castle is?"

"Their both in the small drawing room."

Sarah thanked Sean and went to find Etáin, marvelling at the silence in the halls.

She poked her head around the door. "Am I intruding?"

Nadír smiled. "Back so soon?"

"I need to ask you a favour."

Etáin laughed. "Oh, so that's it, is it? I'm on to your game."

Sarah moved in and took a swipe at Etáin's head, which she easily ducked. "Very funny. I need to know is it possible to install electrics in the Underground and if so, how?"

Etáin grinned. "Want a fridge, huh?"

"And a coffee maker. I hate instant."

The couple on the couch laughed. "Sure, it's possible Sarah. I'll come over tomorrow morning and fix it all up for you."

She smiled at her friends. "Thanks Nadír. I'll see you tomorrow. Enjoy your break Etáin. See you soon." They both nodded and Sarah transported herself back to her home.


She sat in her study, smiling at something the flames in the large fire had said. The temperature had risen slightly and it was now raining heavily, though there was still snow on the ground. She could hear the rain hitting the window rhythmically. She curled up in a large arm chair and picked up a book. 'Alice in Wonderland'. Sarah smiled and opened the worn book. She had taken it from home and had an urge to read it again, as she had now taken up residence in Wonderland itself.

'Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeked into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, 'and what is the use of a book,' thought Alice, 'without pictures or conversations?'

The flames in the fire place began to flicker and Sarah looked up from her book. She saw Julie, the younger of the two women in the house, passing in the reflection off the glass of a picture frame.

You have a guest.

Sarah raised an eye brow. "Who is it?"

I don't know him. He's out side the door.

Sarah sighed and placed down her book, hoping it wasn't one of her prospective suitors. She had enough trouble in her personal life as it was.

"Thank you Julie. I'll take care of him."

She walked down stairs and opened the front door. She squinted into the darkness and rain and her eyes widened slightly. Jareth stood in the rain a few metres away from the door. He seemed surprised when she opened the door.

She looked him up and down. "You're wet."

"Yes, it's raining."

They looked at each other for a long moment before she moved aside and motioned him in. He stood, dripping wet in her hallway as she closed the front door. "Wait here."

She went upstairs and grabbed a towel from the bathroom and gave it to him. He took it and roughly dried his dripping hair. She leaned up against a side table, looking at him.

He glanced at her. "How did you know I was out there? I didn't knock."

"One of my staff saw you. She was a little worried that there was a man standing outside in the rain."

He nodded, continuing to dry himself.

"Why were you standing outside my house in the rain?"

He didn't answer her.

"Jareth, why are you here?"

He placed the towel on a nearby chair and moved towards her. "I lied." The words were abrupt and caught Sarah off guard.

"What?"

"When I said I didn't love you, I lied."

Sarah just sighed. "I know Jareth. I felt it last night."

He looked at her sadly. "That makes it all worse, doesn't it?"

She nodded. "I don't… don't understand how you could have said those things to me while you loved me…" She looked up at him, eyes shining with unshed tears. "It nearly killed me."

He nodded slowly. "Sarah…"

"Yes."

"I am so sorry. There is no excuse for what I put you through. I should have been there for you, when Lorkán attacked you, when you killed Fuamnach, during the court, everything."

Sarah had started to cry now, tears streaking down her cheeks. "Why? Why didn't you believe me? Why didn't you listen?"

"I don't know."

He moved towards the door. "I wanted to tell you that. I am truly sorry. Goodbye Sarah."

Sarah jumped forward suddenly. "Where are you going?"

He looked at her puzzled. "Sarah, I have hurt you so badly. How could I stay with you?"

She glared at him, angrily swiping tears from her cheeks. "You love me, Jareth. Don't you?"

He nodded, still not understanding.

"I love you. Stay. Let's try again. I'm not saying this is going to be better any time soon but, without you… I love you." She finished lamely.

Jareth was across the room in a flash. He kissed her passionately and pulled her into a fierce embrace. He could feel her tears on his cheeks and the pair sank to the floor.

"I love you Sarah, so much."

"So much it hurts." She finished.

He nodded, kissing her again. "I'm so sorry."

She entwined her fingers in his. "I know."


The two sat against the wall in the hall way as the clock struck thirteen. They had spoken of everything, up to when Jareth had arrived at Sarah's door. More than once, Sarah had broken into quiet tears as she recalled killing Fuamnach and various other instances. He stayed silent and listened to her, comforting her. All those things he should have done at the time. Now they sat together. She was sitting in his lap, her head resting on his shoulder, their fingers still laced together. They both looked at the clock.

"Lets go to bed, hmm?" She asked, squeezing his hand gently.

He nodded and stood, scooping her up in his arms as he did. She didn't protest, just muttered directions in his ear as she laid her head in the crook of his neck, kissing the skin she found there softly. He placed her in the bed and climbed in beside her, wrapping his arms around her. They did not make love that night, just clung to each other, like a drowning person clings to a life line, and soon they both fell into restful sleep.

End Chap.

MRAN: Just a note;I only wanted to put in the firstsentance of 'Alice in Wonderland' but it turned out the first sentance was the whole first paragraph.

Alright, so not very long but there you go. The final chapter is coming… right now.

Slán.