Chapter 9
"Shenya's hiding something. Find out what it is and report back to me," Queen Navine ordered.
"Yes, Queen," the servant replied, bowing and running to do its duty.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Come in," Navine replied. A goblin came in and bowed.
"His Majesty wants to see you," he said respectfully.
"Lead me to him," she ordered.
The goblin bowed again, then turned and headed towards the dining hall.
Jareth waited there for his mother. He had to know what Navine had told Sarah about him the previous afternoon, when Navine and Sarah had gone on a carriage ride through the countryside.
Sarah had come back looking a little worn, and his mother had been beaming.
"Yes, Jareth?" she asked, as she came in and sat down.
Shenya stood outside the Underground Adoption Agency. She had thought it over, and she knew that she absolutely had to get rid of the baby. Firstly, because she was sure of some sinister plan having to do with her child. Secondly, because she could not raise a child, and thirdly, because she didn't really want it.
"Good morning, Lady Shenya," a clerk greeted her.
"Good morning, Jingle," she replied.
"With all due respect, it's Jugglo," he said.
"Sorry."
"How may I help you?" he asked.
"I. . . I have a baby I need put up for adoption." Shenya said quietly. "And I don't want the entire Underground to know it, either."
"Step into my office, dear." the kindly dwarf replied.
The two went into his office, where there were pictures of children all over. Shenya sat in the red plush chair and took a deep breath.
"Where to start. . ."
"The beginning is always best," he stated.
"Okay." Another deep breath. "You know about how I was kidnapped?" A nod. "Well, that's how I got pregnant. And no one else knows about it. I would like to keep it that way."
Jugglo knew without her saying it what had gone on during her abduction. He also had gotten the same request from other soon-to-be mothers.
"When are you due?" He asked.
"Well, um. . ."
"You haven't been to see a healer?" Shenya shook her head.
"I think it will come sometime in March," she replied.
"You need to see a doctor. If not Underground, then Aboveground. You can not deliver a baby on your own, Shenya. It will kill you."
"Fine. I'll go. But I want to give it away. Promise me that you'll find a good family."
"I always do. Now, go get a doctor. You need one. Go to the Aboveground." Jugglo said.
"Alright, alright. I'm going." Shenya rose from her chair and left the Agency. She didn't see the dark shadow flit away.
"She's what?" Navine asked incrediously.
"She's pregnant, Your Majesty. She said it herself. She plans to put it up for adoption." The servant answered.
"Well, then. I'll have a word with Jareth about this, and I'll be sure that she gets that baby, adoption or no." Navine turned and stalked out of the room, her skirts swirling behind her.
"Jareth! What is the meaning of this?" Navine asked, turning into the Throne Room, where Jareth was sprawled on the chair. He immediately sat up and straightened his shirt.
"The meaning of what, exactly?" Jareth asked tartly.
"Oh, don't tell me you don't know! Shenya's pregnant! How could you let a twenty one year old get pregnant? You are her guardian, Jareth!" That caught him off guard. Out of all the things he expected her to say, this was not even close to one of them.
"She's what?"
At that percise moment, Shenya walked in.
"Oh, you two are fighting again. What is it this time?" she asked, not really interested.
"Mother says you're pregnant." Jareth stated.
"Yeah, well. Maybe Queen Navine should stay out of my personal life. I'm getting rid of it, what more do you want?" Shenya ran out of the room, and swiftly went to the Aboveground. It was time she saw a doctor.
A/N: Sorry, sorry, sorry! I'm so sorry this is late! I've been really busy. Happy Holidays everybody. I don't have time to answer reviews right now, as I have to study for exams, but I'll be sure to answer them next chapter.
One thing: In case anyone forgot, Dirpeck and Shumack had Shenya abducted by a lord, who raped her, and now she's pregnant. She didn't tell anyone, because she didn't want them to know.
Shenya is about twenty-one, Sarah around twenty-seven, and Toby is about twelve. Sarah and Jareth's children are five and three.
Jade Limill