A Prophecy Speaks
a/n: I do not own labyrinth. we all know I don't.
WolfEmpress – thanks for the reviews! Keep on reading!
Editor's Note: Why do you keep repeating yourself? If you owned Labyrinth you wouldn't be writing fanfiction, would you:P
Chapter 24 –or- Get Ready
Jareth soaked in his glittering black tub, trying not to think of anything pertinent. This was supposed to be relaxing. In a couple of hours he and Sarah would be wed. And then, before midnight, the prophecy would be fulfilled. He smiled at that. He stretched out his long, muscular legs and stretched his pale arms high above his head.
Jareth thought about the wedding costume sitting in his room. Sarah had done so well on it. He could not wait to see her wedding dress. It was a complete secret. No matter what she would look stunning. She never disappointed him in that regard. He had a gift for her: a set of a diamond necklace and matching earrings for their wedding day. Core had delivered them a short time ago and had returned with a message from Sarah.
"Thank you, dear heart," was all it said. He smiled.
Later, Sarah admired the set with a goofy smile. She was sitting around in her robe, waiting for the time. She opened her vanity and took out the red book with the gold lettering.
"'Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered…'" Sarah murmured to herself before she put the book away. It was remarkable. And she thought, not for the first time, that it was all a little funny too. She looked in her mirror. Only twenty minutes until she had to be upstairs. She put on the necklace and earrings and admired the large diamond heart that was the center of the necklace. It was flawless. The heart would rest right between her breasts once she put on her dress. She used a little lip paint, and thanked everything that was good that the markings on her face gave her all the facial decoration she needed.
She walked over to her dressing area and disrobed. She blinked, and her dress was on. The black of the bodice showed off her pale skin, and the swells of her creamy breasts rose slightly above it. The diamond sat exactly where she thought it might. White silk slippers adorned her feet. She waved her hand and her hair was curled and styled so that it looked untamed, yet elegant. Her formal crown rested on top of her head. She put her sheer cloak on, and fastened it with the royal brooch. She pulled the deeply cowled hood over her head. She looked every inch a queen; and still, she was a blushing bride. She gathered up her crystal roses as Core gathered her train. They left the room.
Upstairs in the throne room all the nobles had gathered. There were more now than there had been at her coronation. Jareth was pale as he sat on his throne. He was a king, why the heck was he nervous? He wanted to get this over with. The High Lord looked calm and fresh as a daisy. Jareth wanted to hate him for that. He checked his crown again. Then he checked his coat again. Several queens looked admirably at him. He wanted to scowl.
Suddenly invisible trumpets sounded and the doors were flung open. Soft music began to play as Toby walked down the aisle with a red velvet pillow. The rings sat on top. Sarah had designed Toby's outfit as well. It resembled Jareth's, but more conservative. The collar was lower, and it did not have the complex embroidery. When Toby reached the front he bowed to Jareth and the High Lord, just as he had been taught.
"Rise, young prince," the High Lord told Toby, and Toby stepped to the side. The music swelled, and Sarah stepped into the doorway. Jareth really wanted to know where that music came from. Everyone stood. Some people bowed or curtsied. Jareth's jaw dropped.
Sarah loved to surprise Jareth, and she smiled when his jaw dropped. She started to make her way down the aisle at a gliding, stately pace. She was controlling the music with magic. All she could really see was the love of her life standing at the front of the room. He was all that mattered.
Jareth was breathless and full of questions. How did she know about the dress? Where did that music come from? His mouth was dry as she approached, so regal and so beautiful. For so long he had dreamed of her and this moment. He felt a tear slip down his cheek. As she came closer he could see tears shining in her eyes as well.
Sarah curtsied to the High Lord, and handed her bouquet to a nearby Carys. She reached for Jareth's hands, and they stood before their thrones, facing each another. There was nothing but love and tears shining in Jareth's eyes.
"Assorted nobles all, we are gathered to join the King and Queen of Goblins in marriage. Prophecy necessitated their union, but I am sure their love makes it all possible. Do you, Queen Sarah, agree to take King Jareth as your husband?" the High Lord asked.
"I agree, with all that I am," Sarah said, clear as a bell.
"Do you, King Jareth, agree to take Queen Sarah as your wife?" the High Lord asked.
"I agree," was all that Jareth managed to croak out.
Toby brought the pillow and gave a clean bow. Sarah took the larger of the two exquisite rings and slipped it onto Jareth's finger. Jareth did the same with the smaller. They were both crying openly by the time they were done.
"You may kiss the bride," the High Lord intoned.
Jareth took Sarah in his arms and gave her a warm and sweet kiss. It made her toes tingle. She was reluctant to let him go. As they turned to face the crowd she waved the tears off their faces.
"Join me in congratulating the King and Queen in their marriage," the High Lord said as everyone started to cheer. The throngs of creatures outside were also cheering. Sarah guesses the High Lord had made it so they could hear the ceremony. Sarah smiled at Jareth as they walked out the door. Toby joined them in the hall. Jareth gave her an even deeper kiss and laughed.
"What now?" Toby asked.
"The ball. You can stay until it gets dark," Sarah told him. With a wave, her crown was gone, replaced by her circlet. Another wave and she wore a silver and black gown. It was spaghetti-strapped and had an empire waist. It was solid black satin with an overlay on silver chiffon. It skimmed her body slightly, and looked very regal. Silver slippers glinted at her feet.
"Where are your roses?" Jareth asked her.
"Carys sent them to my room," Sarah told him.
Jareth grabbed Toby and Sarah both and sent them to the outside of the ballroom. Toby ran ahead of them to see Prince Marcus.
Sarah looked up at her new husband.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you, too." Jareth replied.
Then they went inside for their wedding ball.