Sarah followed the woman down to the carriage and a footman helped her inside. She felt like hugging herself, it was like she was in a fairytale. As the carriage drove on the scene outside changed from the bustle of the city to the lush greens and browns of the forest. A short while into the journey the carriage stopped outside another castle and she looked out to see many people, some human looking, and some otherworldly walking up the steps of the castle, into what seemed to be a large entrance hall.
The footman helped her down and she calmed herself inside as she walked up the steps alone.
Once inside she realised she need not fear anyone asking her who she was, or looking out of place. There were hundreds of people, laughing and talking. Many danced to the music provided by whoever was hosting the ball. She did a tour of the room, smiling and nodding politely at anyone who noticed her. She pretended not to see or hear their curious stares or whispers. She desperately wished Jareth was with her. As she neared the door she noticed a man coming towards her, no, not a man, an elf.
"Good Evening Miss?"
"My name is Sarah, I'm a guest of Jareth's"
"Ahhhh…Good Evening Sarah, my name is Hellebore, you are very welcome to my home"
"Thank you for allowing me to come, it's lovely"
"Come, I'll introduce you"
She let Hellebore lead her around the room; introducing her to so many people Sarah couldn't keep their names straight. She noticed many names derived and came directly from flowers, or herbs from the earth. A few hours later and she was getting tired, she had danced so many times, and talked to so many people that her head was starting to swim. Her last partner brought her a drink, and as she talked to him she felt the tiny hairs on the back of her neck bristle. Someone was watching her intently. She excused herself from the man opposite her and turned round to the room, searching for the person who was staring. Across the room she caught sight of Jareth, he was lounging among several large floor cushions, several beautiful women draped over him, one of them whispering into his ear as she intimately caressed his leg. It was obvious to Sarah that this woman had seen his private rooms before, and was intent on doing so again. The feeling of hurt that ran through her was strong enough for Jareth to turn his attention back to her as she started to turn away. He caught her eye and they gazed at each other for what seemed like eternity. A cruel smile flashed across his face and his hand wandered onto the woman's bare waist. Sarah noticed and she felt her heart drop. She was too upset; she turned and headed toward the entrance, intent on leaving and returning to her room where she had been safe from Jareth's cruel games.
She got to the steps, and called to the footman to get the carriage. She was prevented from moving by someone standing in her away.
"Excuse me" she mumbled and tried to walk on, but once again she was blocked and she stumbled into the persons arms. She looked up and found herself inches from Jareth's face.
"Let me go" she said, not as convincing as she had wanted to be
"Sarah, are you not enjoying yourself tonight"
His hand once again made the journey down her bare spine until it rested where her skin met the fabric of the dress.
"Don't"
That had been even less convincing and as a crowd passed them by she found herself pushed closer to him and her heart quickened.
"Shall we go home Sarah?"
She nodded, afraid to speak for fear of crying or something more foolish. They climbed into the carriage and he sat opposite her, looking into her eyes, looking openly at her body with a heat that made her blush. Even with the countless times before and after Harry, she had never been seduced in such a way to make her blush. She was certainly not an innocent, but Jareth had a way of making her feel like a teenager again.
After what felt like hours they arrived back at the castle, and Jareth led her up the steps into the castle. He stopped when they got to her door and he kissed her hand.
"I shall bid you good night Sarah"
She felt rocked with disappointment. Jareth reached his hand up and caressed her face.
"Sweet Sarah, have sweet dreams"
With that he turned purposefully and she watched him walk away.
