Once agian standard disclaimers apply. Thank you for enjoying my story and please continue to read and review.

Chapter 12b

Christine returned to the room her and Jareth shared last night exhausted, the afternoon had been very depressing to her and emotionally draining many times during the preparations for the burial she found herself holding back her tears. The Goblins were not very bright but she found that they felt immense pain when one of their own passed on in death.

She opened the closet door to dress for the evening then remembered that all of her clothes were in her old chambers but as she started to close the door again she noticed that all her belongings were in the Jareth's closet. As she stepped through the door she smiled to herself not only were her things in the closet but she saw that many of the outfits coordinated with Jareth's wardrobe. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sensitivity of the Goblin King she quickly picked out a dark blue dress and at the same time picked out a matching outfit for Jareth to wear hoping she wasn't over stepping her boundaries. Placing his outfit on the bed she carried her own dress into the bathroom to get ready for the evening.

After a short time she entered the bedroom hooking the chain of her pendant around her neck as she finished she saw Jareth standing in front of the mirror putting on the final piece of the outfit she laid out for him, without saying a word she walked over and adjusted the ruffles of his shirt; then she went to the nightstand beside the bed and retrieved his amulet and placed it gently over his neck as she started to step away so he could see his reflection he quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him kissing her forehead he softly said,

"Thank you for everything."

Rubbing her cheeks against the soft fabric of his shirt she replied, "You are very welcome."

As Christine pulled away from his chest Jareth placed her hand in the crook of his arm and silently the couple walked out their bedchambers to join the goblins in mourning for their fallen friends.

As the moon shined high in the night sky Jareth and Christine arrived at the burial site chosen by the goblins the location was beautiful to Champion's eyes, the cliff overlooked one of the larger lakes within the Labyrinth and as the moon reflected on the glassy surface the place was very peaceful. As the Fae couple got closer they noticed that all of the goblins surrounded a tower of sticks and on top of the sticks was Noolix's body it was wrapped in an elegant fabric which had many different pictures delicately painted on it. Christine guessed that many of the pictures were of the other goblins that had died over the last couple of days.

Jareth patted her hand as they continued through the crowd to the center, once there the Goblin King addressed his subjects,

"Tonight we commend and lay to rest those who gave the ultimate sacrifice each of our fellow goblins fought bravely and diligently to protect our Kingdom from those who seek out to destroy us and to the families of our fallen companions I am eternally in their debt. Tonight we commence each of the fallen souls to the heavens until one day we will see them again when we are all one with the magic around us."

Christine watched as Jareth produced a prismatic crystal and placed it on the pile of sticks and immediately it erupted in flames that lifted high in the air. As she watched the flames engulf the goblin body she felt the tears that she had fought back all day return and instead of holding them back she let them flow. She cried for those who were lost, she cried for the families that remained, and as she looked at her beloved's dry face she decided that she would cry for him as well. And as the tears fell down her cheeks she heard a haunted melody float through the air and realized it came from Jareth. The voice was mesmerizing and beautiful she closed her eyes and allowed the music to infuse her soul. As the music continued to surround her she felt her magic react with the sorrowful tune and without thinking she started to sing along.

Jareth was surprised when another voice mingled with his in the night air and as he looked for the source he found it came from his Champion. As they sung he allowed the tears that burned behind his eyes to fall and as their mournful song came to a close he looked out to his subjects and noticed that the tune touched each of them as well. As the silence enveloped the cliff they were standing on Christine opened her eyes to Jareth's peaceful face and slowly he lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on them then he turned and watched the fire until nothing but ashes were left.

The betrothed couple was the last to return to the castle after the burial and as they entered their room to get ready for bed Jareth sat heavily on one of the chairs in front of the fire. Knowing that he needed some time to himself Christine went to get some tea for them to share. As she entered the kitchen she saw Adrianna sitting at the table staring out the window as the young maid saw her she stood up and asked,

"Is there something you need?"

Looking at her friend she replied and put the water on the stove to boil, "No just sit and relax you are going to need your rest when you rescue Gaylord."

Sitting down again the young maid smiled, "I wanted to thank you for sticking up for me back in the dining room. If Jareth had his way I wouldn't be going on this rescue mission."

Christine sat down opposite of Adrianna and smiled, "If Jareth had his way I wouldn't be facing the Temptress in a couple of days but I wanted to ask you why do you want to go on this mission?"

The young elfin hesitated before replying, "The other night I was woken from a deep sleep by Gaylord's voice, it was as if he was right next to me. I new that I had to do something so when I heard the discussion in the dining room I new then I had to go and rescue him."

Christine listened to the elfin's story and questioned, "You heard his voice? Have you tried to connect with him again."

Adrianna replied quietly, "Yes, many times but I haven't been able to reach him."

Smiling sadly Christine reached over and patted her friend's hand, "Don't worry you will see him soon."

The young Elfin nodded her head and both women sat in the quietness of the kitchen in contemplation until Adrianna spoke,

"I wish you didn't have to go to Titma either. I have never seen Jareth so happy in all the years I have known him as he is with you." Hearing the kettle whistle she stood up and retrieved the water and poured it into the awaiting cups before continuing, "And I fear if anything happens to you he will not recover from the loss."

Understanding what she was saying Christine tried reassured her friend, "I will be fine Adrianna and I have every intention of returning," the standing and picking up the tray she continued, "Besides I have a wedding to attend and I am not going to let anything not even death keep me from that day. Now get some sleep Adrianna the next couple of days are going to be hectic."

Christine walked back to Jareth's room hoping that he had enough time to his self because right now she needed to be in his arms, Adrianna's words did effect her more then she showed to the young elf she also feared that she would not make it back from Titima she quickly shook those dangerous thoughts from her head because if she didn't keep a positive attitude she would loose to the Temptress.

Jareth continued to sit looking at the fire as he heard his love walk out of the room it still amazed him that she could sense what he needed without saying a word. The song they sung at the funeral still echoed in his head he had never heard something so beautiful yet so sorrowful at the same time, but it was what he needed to actually start mourning the death of his goblins. So engrossed with his thoughts that when he heard Christine's voice it startled him,

"I am sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you but I think we should enjoy this tea before it gets cold."

Smiling up at her he watched as she set the tea tray down and served him a cup of tea and as his fingers grazed hers he felt the sensations they share whenever they touch very strongly. Looking down she retrieved her own cup and sat across from him waiting for him to speak first.

After a couple of sips of the hot tea Jareth looked at his future wife and asked, "Have I ever told you how wonderful you are?"

Tilting her head to the side she winked, "Not since the last time we made love."

Putting his cup down he leaned over and grabbed her hand and looked at her intently, "Christine you are an amazing women and I am so lucky you will be my wife."

She looked down not knowing why she was embarrassed but he always seemed to charm her whenever he talked to her with such sincerity. Jareth took her cup from her hands and placed it next to his, slowly he lifted her up to him and kissed her with all the love he felt inside and as they separated he said quietly,

"Let us go to bed my dear."

Once in bed Jareth took Christine in his arms and showed her how much he loved her until the wee hours of the morning soon after their lovemaking they both fell asleep exhausted but happy.

Christine walked toward the entrance of the castle to greet Lady Katrina while Jareth helped Adrianna build up her magical skills. As she walked she could believe how much had happened since the funeral for Noolix. Lady Katrina sent word the next day that she would be happy to help Adrianna in her quest to save Gaylord. The plans for his rescue were going well and as the goblins and Adrianna practiced and prepared she had no doubt that they would succeed.

The rescue mission would take place at the same time Christine faced the Temptress in the hope that the evil woman would be to busy dealing with the Champion to notice anything else taking place at Titima. If their timing was accurate Adrianna and her party would be far away from mountain as Christine defeated the Temptress once and for all. They went over ever scenario that might happen and they felt the plan was foolproof but as the day quickly approached the tensions in the castle ran high.

On top of everything else tonight she and Jareth would be officially bonded, smiling to her self she wasn't sure who was more nervous her or the Goblin King. They hadn't been able to spend much time with each other since the night after the funeral when he made love to her till wee hours of the morning. She stopped briefly in the hallway remembering the sensations he created in her with his love making and as she started to walk again she couldn't wait to feel him next to her this evening, after they were bonded she had a feeling that their love making would be even more amazing.

As she approached the door Lady Katrina was entering at the same time and as the two embraced as she welcomed the council woman,

"I am so happy you are here Kathryn and I am glad you are willing to assist Adrianna on her quest."

Lady Katrina looked at the soon to be Goblin Queen and was surprised at what she saw she looked every bit as noble as the next Fae but there was something more that she couldn't put her finger on. Her thoughts were interrupted as Christine spoke again leading her to the castle gardens,

"Jareth and Adrianna are out in the courtyard and he asked me to bring you to him as soon as you arrived."

Nodding her head the lady councilwoman linked arms with Christine and said,

"Led the way my friend we shouldn't keep the Goblin King waiting."

As they walk to the outside courtyard of the castle Christine listened to everything Lady Katrina was saying,

"The council found out that no one else was manipulated by the Temptress and Drayton's kingdom is settling down and enjoying their new ruler Lord Drayton's brother, Lord Griffin."

As they exited the castle and entered the garden Lady Katrina continued, "And we on the High Council have decided not to allow the Temptress to seek an audience with us anymore."

Before Christine could respond, Jareth saw the two women approach and brought the lesson to an end, "Now Adrianna I want you to practice your defensive spells because they will be very helpful when you face the beasts of Titima."

Nodding her head Adrianna started to walk away when Jareth called out to her, "And Adrianna don't worry about any of your duties just focus on resting because you will need all your strength."

Christine watched as her love walked toward them toweling off the layer of perspiration from his skin as she watched she found herself admiring his strong chest and her hands itched to trace the contours of his muscles.

When Jareth got close enough he embraced his love and asked, "How are you feeling this morning my dear."

Smiling she answered, "I feel much better after my nap."

Lady Katrina piped in concerned, "Christine, are you not feeling well? I can call for my personal doctor if you want me to."

Shaking her head she replied, "That is not necessary Kathryn, I think with all the action taking place in the Labyrinth it has just made me a bit more tired then usual."

Patting the Champion's arm the councilwoman commented, "Well if you change your mind please let me know."

Turning to Jareth she continued, "Now tell me your plan on how we are going to rescue Gaylord."

Walking into the castle Jareth told Kathryn what they had planned for the rescue mission. When he had finished lady Katrina commented, "It sounds like everything is falling into place I just hope that Adrianna is ready because it won't be easy."

Nodding his head Jareth answered, "I think that Adrianna will do great but I am glad you will be accompanying her. She has become very adept with her powers but the magic causes her to tire quickly."

Pausing Lady Katrina commented, "That is understandable but I think I can help I know of some techniques that will help her stamina. Where is she now?"

Jareth tilted his head down the hall, "Go down to the end of the passage and turn right, from there her room is at the far end."

As Jareth watched Lady Katrina followed his directions and disappeared around the corner then he turned to his love and said quietly,

"Hopefully she won't run into any of the goblins they have been a bit more mischievous then usual."

Chuckling at his comment she kissed his cheek and said, "Well if she does at least it will make her stay in the castle memorable."

Jareth started to laugh and as the duo walked back to the throne room his fit of giggles ending when he asked seriously, "Are you sure you are okay I am worried about you being so tired lately."

She caressed his faced and smiled, "I am fine Jareth there is nothing to worry about I just haven't been able to get much sleep lately. It probably has to do with the man who has been lying next to me at night"

As he kissed her palm he said seductively, "Then maybe I better make love to you during the day instead of at night and what a better time to start then right know."

Jareth tilted his head and captured her lips and as the kiss deepened their intimidate moment was interrupted when Matilda spoke,

"I really don't know what to do about you two it seems I am always finding you kissing."

Jareth turned away from his love and spoke to his friend, "Well I guess people should get use to us kissing because I intend to kiss my beautiful wife to be every time I get a chance."

After a brief pause he asked, "Is everything ready for this evening's ritual?"

Matilda replied, "Yes I have just returned from the Fates with the dagger necessary for the bonding and I want to ask you one last time are you both ready?"

Jareth and Christine looked at each other with loving eyes and spoke in unison, "Yes we are ready."

Matilda smiled at the couple and stated, "Then I will take care of the final arrangements for the ceremony right away."

In a flash the elder Fae disappeared leaving the loving couple alone in the hall. Smiling up at her love Christine said quietly,

"I think I am finally used to people disappearing before my eyes."

Chuckling Jareth grabbed a hold of her hand and led her into the throne room, "Shall we my dear make sure our kingdom is in order so we won't be interrupted during our bonding."

Nodding her head she replied slyly, "I think that is a great idea because I have no intention of letting you out of our bedroom tomorrow."

As the day came to a close Jareth and Christine walked back to their chamber to ready themselves for the evening bonding ceremony as the approached the door Jareth stopped Christine and said,

"Close your eyes because I have surprise for you."

Placing his hands over her eyes she allowed Jareth to guide her into the room feeling the excitement growing in her chest for his surprise.

Once inside he said quietly, "Now open your eyes."

As he uncovered her eyes her gaze fell upon the most beautiful dress, it was a brilliant gold color with a sheer iridescent fabric overlaying the solid color of the gown the sleeves came to a point at the wrist much like the other gown she wore at her presentation, the collar was lined with small crystals that dropped like teardrops from the rounded neckline.

Looking at her future husband she exclaimed, "It is gorgeous Jareth thank you."

Kissing her sweet lips he commented, "Your welcome but I have one more surprise for you."

He lead her to the bathroom and as she entered the room it was lit with about fifty candles and as the steam arose from the water, the smell of sandalwood enveloped her and she smiled,

"Are you going to join me?"

As he started to undress he replied, "Not only am I going to join you but I am going bath you as well."

Jareth finished undressing and as Christine watched his body emerge she felt herself reacting to his masculinity, sensually Jareth started to undress her, and as he finished he stepped into the hot water and raised his hand to her to help her enter as well.

Once she was comfortable in between his legs he grabbed a sponge and started to wet her hair with the fragrant water they sat in. Christine had never had anyone wash her hair before and as his hands massaged the shampoo that smelled the same as the bath water into her scalp, she never wanted it to end and by the time he was rinsing her hair she had shut her eyes feeling totally relaxed. As his hands started to massage her shoulders and back she made an audible sigh and felt as if she was in paradise.

Smiling to his self Jareth enjoyed bathing his love and when she sighed he knew that this was just what she needed especially after the emotional roller coaster they had been on over the last few days. He couldn't remember ever feeling such intense emotions coursing through his body in such a short time and tonight when they were bonded he had a feeling that his emotions were going to be even more powerful then before. While his love leaned back against his chest he started to wash the front of her body and he knew that the next time he made love to her that their feelings for one another were going to magnified ten fold and he silently hoped that he was ready to handle the intensity. Looking down he saw his future wife when he noticed her looking up at him and as she smiled his heart swelled even more with love.

Before he could stop her she turned around in the bath and faced him and said quietly, "Now it is your turn."

Sitting back he relinquished the sponge to her and placed his arms on the edge of the bath and as she started to wash him he leaned his head back in pleasure and was amazed that he could feel such intimacy as he bathed innocently with someone. Once he was completely rinsed off Christine leaned her head on his chest and as he wrapped his arms around her they stayed intertwined in each other's embrace until the bath water got to cold to bear. Lifting her head she kissed him and said softly,

"If I stay in this bath much longer I will turn into an ice cube."

Chuckling he helped her out of the bath and wiped the chilled water from her skin after drying him self off he reached over to the oils on the vanity and selecting a bottle that smelled of sandalwood. After rubbing the slippery substance in between his hands he massaged her body with the oil and as he finished he wrapped a robe around his beloved and when he looked at her questioning reflection he replied,

"If I don't cover you up love we will never make it to our bonding ceremony."

Turning her back against the reflection she took the oil bottle from his hand and began to return the favor massaging the oil into his skin she enjoyed feeling of his body reacting to her touch. Dousing her hands one last time with the oil she stood on her tip toes and started to rub his neck and shoulders and as she finished she kissed his neck while placing his own robe on and whispered in his ear,

"I think we should go and get dressed now otherwise I want be able to control myself either."

Christine exited the bathroom with Jareth's hand in hers and once they were in their bedroom she went to get the beautiful gown and then walked back into the bathroom to dress.

A little confused Jareth called to her, "Where are you going?"

Peeking out from the bathroom door she replied, "Avoiding any more temptation." And before closing the bathroom door she blew him a kiss.

Shaking his head at her antics he started to dress glad that she did leave the room because it took him a while to control his hormones enough to get into his tight fitting pants. As he took one last look at the mirror he was pleased with his appearance. The gold jacket he wore contrasted well with the white pants and shirt and as he put the feathered cape over his shoulders he remembered the last time he wore the feathered ensemble, he swore he would never wear it again especially since his kingdom was almost completely destroyed by the woman he faced that fateful day. But that day also started a chain of events that would eventually lead him to find his true love.

He turned around when he heard the bathroom door open and as his gaze fell upon Christine, his heart stopped at the sight of her, she was beautiful, almost angelic, as she walked toward him the dressed fit her perfectly, as he knew it would, the shear fabric that covered the dress moved as if it was touched by an unforeseen breeze and the gold shimmered in the firelight. Her ruby hair was upswept and held by delicate combs that allowed it to fall gently down her back and as she looked at him her face radiated with love.

Closing the distances between them he lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the palm and spoke breathlessly, "You look enchanting my love but there is one thing missing."

Looking down at her dress Christine thought she had everything on as she looked up with questioning eyes she saw him produce a crystal and with a twist of his wrist an elegant necklace appeared, it had crystal teardrops similar to the ones on her dress and at the center of the necklace laid the Goblin King emblem.

As he placed it on her neck he said quietly, "Now the gown is complete."

As he stepped behind her so she could see her reflection in the mirror she watched the necklace glow in the dim light against her skin, and as she continued to gaze at her reflection she felt as if she was truly the Goblin Queen. Looking up at him through the mirror she felt the tears well up in her eyes as he spoke,

"Let us go my love so we can complete the bond we already have."

Nodding her head he produced another orb and in a flash of royal blue color they disappeared from the room.

As they appeared outside Christine was amazed at what she saw in front of them, there were torches that lighted a path heading up to the hill where the ceremony was going to take place, at the top she saw each of the four Elementals of their world standing in a circle and in the center was the Spirit of the Labyrinth and as she looked to the Spirit's right she saw Matilda holding a purple cloth which she guessed was the dagger that would be used to fuse her and Jareth's lifelines once it was returned to the Fates.

Jareth took her hand in his and they started to walk the lighted path to the top of the hill for the bonding ceremony to begin. To Christine's surprise once they arrived at the top she saw the circle was adorned with the many different flowers that grew in the castle gardens and as the scents of sandalwood and of the flowers mingled together it was very enticing to her sense of smell as they stopped in front of the Spirit of the Labyrinth, the Elementals called out to their own corners and created a magical sphere around couple and soon afterward she heard the musical voice of the Spirit speak,

"We are here to perform the right of bonding between Jareth the Goblin King and Christine Champion of the Labyrinth. I ask each of you if you come willingly and openly to this Ritual."

Jareth looked at his love and spoke, "I Jareth come to you willingly and openly to this bonding."

Christine in turn began, "I Christine come to you willingly and openly to this bonding."

Smiling at each other over their enclosed hands they listened as the Spirit continued, "Since both participants come willingly and openly to the ceremony I ask each of the Elementals to add their blessings upon this union."

Earth stepped forward and said, "The powers of the north bless this union with knowledge and wisdom."

Then Air stepped forward and said, "The powers of the east bless this union with intellect and communication."

Then Fire stepped forward and said, "The powers of the south bless this union with power and strength."

Then finally Water stepped forward and said, "I bless this union with peace and purity."

Then the Spirit approached the couple and placed her hand on top of theirs and said, "I bless this union with love and passion."

As she removed her fingers from the couples enclosed hands she turned to Matilda and said, "Please hand me the Dagger of the Fates so the bonding can be completed."

Matilda opened the dark fabric and handed the knife to the Spirit. Turning back to the couple the Spirit continued as she raised the dagger above her head,

"I ask the Fates to bind these two Fae's lifelines as one and as their blood mingles together so shall their lives be intertwined. Jareth, the Goblin King, present your palm to me."

Jareth let go of Christine's hand and held his palm up to the Spirit, using the dagger the she cut into his hand and as the blood began to flow she addressed Christine,

"Christine the Champion please present your palm to me."

Christine held her hand up to the Spirit and prepared herself for the pain of the cut, surprisingly as she watched her blood emerge from her hand and drip to the ground she felt no pain.

She watched as the Spirit took Jareth's hand palm up and her hand palm down and brought their hands together. As the blood mixed as one she placed the dagger beneath their hands so their blood dripped onto the sharp blade before continuing,

"As their blood mingles together they are no longer two different Fae but they are one Fae bonded by love."

As the third drop of blood landed on Fates knife Christine looked at Jareth and in an instant she was bombarded with all his feelings and thoughts soon she felt the panic rise within her. As it increased in intensity she heard his voice within her mind,

"Relax my dear and allow my thoughts and feelings to flow through you and not overwhelm you."

As she started to let the thoughts and feelings of Jareth's flow through her she saw his the many years of his life flash within her minds eye but the most wonderful sensation coming from him was his love for her and as she focused on that love everything else went to the shadows of her mind at that very moment she knew he would love her with all his heart and soul forever.

Jareth saw in his own mind eye all of Christine's life and as her feelings and thoughts mingled with his he was surprised at the depth of her love for him it had no boundaries, the love was unconditional and as he focused on her he felt her panic as almost two hundred years of his thoughts of feelings entered her mind. Immediately he sent soothing words to her telling her to relax and focus on his love and let everything flow through her. As she focused on his love for her he was glad to sense the initial panic she felt dissipating.

Christine relished at the bond she shared with Jareth it took her a moment to realize that the Spirit of the Labyrinth was speaking,

"In the front of these witnesses on this evening the bond between Jareth and Christine is complete."

The Spirit gave the dagger back to Matilda and in an instant Fates messenger disappeared from the circle to return the knife to the Fates of their world.

As the couple still focused on each other each of the Elementals returned to their perspective corners of the Underground then the Spirit of the Labyrinth smiled at them and as the couple pulled their eyes from on another to focus on her she said in her musical voice,

"Tonight is a blessed night not only are you both bonded as one the balance between good and evil has shifted and I know that good will be victorious over the evil that has plagued our world over the last ten years."

With her comment said she also disappeared from the hilltop leaving the couple alone at last. Jareth turned his gaze back to his love and kissed her fondly before he spoke,

"Tonight you are no longer my betrothed you are my wife and I love you with all my heart."

Tears fell from Christine's eyes as Jareth proclaimed her as his wife and instead of telling him how much he meant to her she decided to show him. She placed a passion filled kiss on his lips and as the kiss deepened her mind erupted with all the sensations emitting from Jareth, she felt all of his love, passion, lust for her and as she embraced each of the feelings the couple disappeared from the hill and reappeared in their chambers.

Breaking off the kiss Christine spoke passionately, "Jareth I love you and tonight I want to make love to you as your wife."

She started to undress Jareth slowly and as each piece of his clothing fell to the ground she not only touched his body she also sent images of everything she wanted to do to him to his mind. An audible gasp exited Jareth's open mouth and she guessed she was successful in transmitting the seductive images to him.

She led him to the bed and as she undressed quickly she began to manifest those images in her mind into reality. They took their time in their love making, enjoying the sensation created from their touches but also enjoying the feelings the emitted to the others mind and as they became one in body their thoughts became as one as well and as the reached the threshold of intimacy the feelings and love they have for each other were felt through their bond and as their minds touched they were propelled into the purest form of ecstasy that could be achieved.

As their sated bodies relaxed in each other embrace their minds began to rest as well and before sleep overcame them one final thought entered both of their minds, "I love you forever."

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