Before the ending of my story I want to thank my current readers for fairing dangerous storms (Ladyaliria) and telling my not to be afraid of the white space (Anij) and for enjoying my story (Tiraspy). And to any future readers thank you for taking time out in your day to enjoy my story. For the last time the standard disclaimers apply please read and review.
Epilogue
Christine sat in front of her mirror looking at her reflection and smiled serenely. Jareth had out done himself again the gown she wore was of the finest silken threads that looked almost as if they were woven from Mother of Pearl. The dress seemed to sparkle in the moonlight that was streaming through the window and as she moved it changed into different colors depending on how the light landed on the fabric. The top of the gown was princess cut and plunged down enough that her cleavage peaked through the in ornate gown. The bottom was form fitting and wrapped around her like and Egyptian tunic. The jewels that lay upon her chest was the finest of silver and stones in the Underground and at the center of the necklace she wore her amulet that represented the Goblin Queen and smiled as it gleamed brilliantly. Adrianna piled her hair on top of her head with ringlets framing her lovely face.
The last seven days after the demise of the Temptress were hectic, with the plans for the wedding and the many different award ceremonies that Christine had to attend with her husband. It seemed that the kingdom celebrate the emancipation from the Temptress every night for the past week. But her most favorite day was Wednesday when she and Jareth had welcomed their child back into their lives they thanked mother Earth adamantly for taking care of their offspring. They were so excited to have their little one back that they spent the rest of the afternoon sensing its essence inside of her belly.
The whole week wasn't just party after party though, the Royal couple also set time a side to morn their fallen comrades and once again the Goblins surprised their future Queen by the intricate designs they placed on the burial cloth of Quastie that represented each of the goblins that lost their lives trying to save the kingdom.
Adrianna and Gaylord were inseparable, Christine found out that they finally expressed their feelings for each other and were betrothed on Thursday their wedding will take place when Gaylord feels a bit better, the trial and tribulations he faced at Titma were going to take some time to heal, but Adrianna hopes that they would be married by the Summer Solstice.
Matilda went back to the Aboveground to tend to her neglected antique store. Christine smiled when she remembered what Matilda said when Jareth suggested she sell it and stay with them. She straightened up her shoulders and told Jareth that she likes her store and she be damned if she hung around the castle and watched them kiss each other none stop throughout the day.
As Christine laughed she refocused on her reflection and noticed her betrothed standing behind her. Rubbing her shoulders he asked, "A penny for you thoughts?"
Looking up to respond to his question her thoughts were interrupted as she admired his wedding outfit it was white similar to hers but his pants fit him like a glove and the shirt and vest where embroidered with red and gold and silver threads. He looked very masculine and sexy and she couldn't wait to take his clothes off and explore his body with her hands once again.
So engrossed in her thoughts she forgot his question and asked, "I am sorry what did you say?"
Smiling he repeated his questions, "I asked if I could give you a penny for your thoughts?"
A little embarrassed that her mind wondered off she answered, "I was just thinking about the amazing week we have had and Matilda's comment when we suggested that she stay with us at the castle."
Chuckling to himself he replied, "She definitely made sure we knew that she didn't want to see us kissing every moment of the day."
Turning around Christine looked at her husband and asked, "Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?"
Shaking his head he replied, "Not in our world it is actually good luck to be together for the whole day before the ceremony. Now stand up a let me look at you."
As he helped her to her feet he looked over her with a keen eye and said with conviction, "You are the loveliest women I have ever seen but there is something missing."
Christine placed her hands on her hips and asked, "What is missing my love."
Producing a crystal in his hand he rolled it around and before her very eyes the most beautiful crown appeared, gently he placed it on her head and stated; "Now you are ready."
Looking at her husband she spoke quietly, "Thank you Jareth it is beautiful."
Before he could say anything else there was a knock at the door and Gaylord walked in, "Your gift is here Jareth."
Christine looked at her love and chastised him, "Jareth you have given me so much and I told you I didn't need a wedding gift…"
He quickly put a finger to her lips and stated firmly, "You are my one true love and I will shower with as many gifts as I want to. Now hush and close your eyes, you will like this gift."
After he was sure his love's eyes were closed he motioned for Gaylord to usher his gift in then he told her, "Now open your eyes."
Christine opened her eyes and tears trailed down her cheek as she watched her Grandmother walk toward her and spoke with her familiar voice, "Now come dear you don't want to mess up your makeup before your wedding."
Christine ran to her Grandma and hugged her fiercely before responding, "How did you get here Grandma?"
Smiling the elderly woman replied, "Your future husband decided to pay me a visit. Imagine my surprise when I found out you captured the heart of a King. But next time my dear drop me a line so I don't worry about you."
Christine laughed, "I promise Grandma."
Her Grandma pulled away from her hug and spoke seriously, "You have changed my dear and I think the change suits you but are you happy?"
Moving toward Jareth's side Christine looked lovingly at him, "I am happier then I ever thought possible."
Christine's Grandma looked at the couple and knew that her Granddaughter was definitely in love and happy.
Then she walked to Jareth and embraced him and as she let go she said, "You have made my Granddaughter joyful and full of life, but promise me you will take good care of her."
"I promise you that she will be loved with all my heart and soul." He replied seriously.
"Good, now my good man will you escort me to my chair so I get a good view of the festivities."
Smiling he stated, "Of course my Lady it will be my pleasure."
Jareth looked at his betrothed one last time and said quietly, "I love you with all my heart and soon everyone else will know it too."
Turning he offered his arm to his soon to be relative and escorted her out the door.
After their departure, Gaylord looked at the future Queen and smiled as she shook her head and commented, "I hope Jareth knows what his is doing, my Grandma is an eccentric person.
Gaylord laughed as he placed her hand on the crook of his arm and asked, "Shall we go my dear."
Looking at the fatherly figure she spoke kindly, "Yes, My friend I am ready."
As the ceremony started Matilda watched as Jareth stood waiting for his bride and was surprise to see him a bit nervous but when Christine entered the outdoor sanctuary she smiled as her King lost all of his nervousness as his love descended down the decorated path and to his side. After Gaylord gave away the bride she smiled as the couple exchanged vows proclaiming to everyone in the Underground that they were husband and wife.
She looked at the couple in front of her and grinned broadly, the Fates sure knew what they were doing when they brought Christine to their world. She looked around at all the other guest and as she studied each of their faces she saw no fear, contempt or worry on any of their features. She watched as Christine's Grandmother wiped her tears away and after briefly talking with her earlier in the day, Matilda finally knew where Christine got her strength from.
She looked on as each one of the Elementals blessed the union with gifts and she watched as the Spirit of the Labyrinth give her gift she was filled with joy and happiness. After all the gifts were bestowed Matilda stood with the other guests as Jareth and Christine sealed their union with a kiss and as the Priest held his hands in the air he presented the couple,
"I give to you King Jareth and Queen Christine rulers of the Labyrinth."
Matilda clapped her hands with the other wedding guests and cheered as joy and happiness enveloped the Underground as the union between Jareth and Christine was complete.
As every one made their way to the reception area, Matilda decided to take the time and check on her shop, as she transported her self back into the small drawing room in the Aboveground she was greeted by her cat Smokey meowing, she answered the small cat,
"Yes my friend, Christine did succeed in her destiny and she also helped a lonely King learn how to love again."
As the cat meowed a few more times Matilda laughed, "Yes, I think it is time for me to rest old friend, but not for long there are many more adventures to experience with the Goblin King and Queen."
With a huff and a hiss the cat left the drawing room and as his tail disappeared Matilda called after him, "Don't be sassy I promise not to leave you for any extended amounts of time any more."
Matilda watched as the cat strutted away, when she suddenly remembered the painting, she quickly went to the small room and when she opened the door she was surprised at what she saw.
The picture had changed, it now showed Jareth and Christine in a loving embrace looking out the window down out at their kingdom, the room was bright and sunny and didn't seem so dark anymore and as Matilda walked to the right side of the painting she was surprised at what she saw. The ghostly image of the King was replaced by a young girl about two years old with a large cherub smile on her face. The child looked as if she was playing hide and seek and decided the chair was a good place to hide.
Smiling Matilda now knew the sex of the King and Queens's unborn child and decided to keep the secret to herself she turned and left the room and locked the door securely. And as Matilda walked into the drawing room for some tea she couldn't wait to see how many more secrets the painting would reveal.
The End