(AN) Author's Notes: Hi, again to my fellow readers it is the author/ writer of this story. I'm continuing from where part one was left off at the bottom with a cliffhanger. Or an unnatural Cliffhanger if I was going, to be honest. So there's not much more to say except please review I hope people will at least review chapter 13 I was a bit disappointed there were no reviews of any kind whatsoever.

Here is the remaining part of chapter 14 the second part please enjoy everyone and leave your comments and reviews and opinions. Do take care And again as I always say without further Adieu. I present to you part two of chapter 14.


Disclaimer: All copyright rights to Labyrinth 1986 musical fantasy film directed/created by Jim Henson, and Dennis Lee with George Lucas as executive producer. Based on conceptual designs by Brian Froud, the film was written by Terry Jones. I also need to give credit and thanks to my new co-partner ElauraGrave who is helping me get this story off the ground so soon. All original characters AKA (OC's) belong to me © authoress smcandy I don't want to see anyone rip off/steal or take any of my original characters major to minor without my exclusive permission otherwise there will be consequences.


Warning: The reading of this story will go probably up from rated T to rated M later for mature scenes and scenarios and for mature audiences. This story is not meant for adolescents or children under the specific age of 16. To all parents out there who are not monitoring their children what they read or do not have certain child block programs put up on their computer use publicly do not hold me accountable for what they find or read on the internet if they lie about their age. They should not be reading stories or content that are not in their proper age group. Do not seek to point blame at me when I give a warning of what the rating of the story is for the age group of readers. Readers you have been warned I do not want to be flamed or reported by your parents for your actions of reading material that was not meant for your eyes until you are appropriate to age!


Chapter 14 Part Two: Win her with gifts, if she respects not words.

Sarah was stunned at the king's candor. "They're curious about me?" she asked quizzically.

"Your confusion shows on your face; don't do that, it's indignant." Sarah tried to wipe whatever expression she wore off her face.

"Since you beat my Labyrinth, word has spread of the Child-Champion. It has been a very, very long time since a human has made contact with our kind at all. Then, a human comes along and runs the Labyrinth in one go. They didn't expect such a young girl as yourself to be the victor; they didn't expect a victory at all. All ways of communication between humans and us was lost long ago, so it's odd that one would make contact and then run the Labyrinth in one fell swoop, and it's especially odd that it was little old you who managed to be successful."

Sarah didn't know what to say or even where to begin with questions. She wasn't sure how long "very long" was, but seeing as Jareth had ruled for 1300 years; she was betting it was, very possibly, centuries ago.

"That spell that I gave you," he continued, "was a very rare thing that only a few knew I possessed. It was ancient, even by my standards. A thing lost in time. But, I knew it would come in handy one day. I just didn't know when." He shrugged. It was a casual gesture; one Sarah wasn't used to seeing from the rigid monarch. His demeanor changed once more to serious. He took a step towards her and lowered his voice.

"When we arrive at the ball, you must not stray from my sight. You must stay close to me at all times and keep your guard up. It is of the utmost importance that you do exactly as I say. Once the throngs have sated their curiosity, we will leave immediately. I have no intention of staying at this ball for longer than absolutely necessary. I won't commit any political faux pas by ignoring their calls, but I will not be parading you around like a circus animal nor bow to the every whim of those nosy pests."

While Sarah was glad he didn't want to "parade" her, she knew it was because he wanted to be selfish with her. Sarah thought she would actually enjoy spending time at the ball and in a new land—plus she wanted as much time as possible to plan her escape or even make her first move.

"Don't you think it's unnecessary that I stay in your sight at all times?" she asked, hands on her hips.

"This isn't an ordinary ball like your world's idea of a ball. This isn't even your world's idea of Faeryland; they will be like sharks. I don't think any of them remember or even know what a human looks like, let alone a teenage girl. Sarah, listen to me; no matter how impressive you might find the wonder of the ball, you must do these things and do them exactly as I say: Do not speak with anyone at length. Stay moving; do not give any one person your undivided attention and time. Do not accept any food, invitation, or gifts from anyone except me. And above all else, do not; do not give them any reason to suspect you. Do you understand?"

Sarah was confused with the turn of the conversation. Why was he speaking to her like she was the threat in this situation? What could they possibly suspect her of? She thought they were just curious about her.

"Are they really so dangerous?" she asked.

"Besides me, there are a great deal of magic users in the Otherworld. None of them hold a candle to me, of course," he said with a smirk, "but they are not to be underestimated. Don't make them feel threatened or belittled in any way; we don't need any unnecessary shows of power."

"So, there are others that can knock you off your little pedestal and put you in your place, huh?" asked Sarah, her turn to smirk.

The king's face was stone cold, but his voice was hot with anger. "Don't underestimate me, my love. You've had a taste of what I can do. I can make life very difficult for you."

"You're a horrible fellow, you are. The other kingdoms can't be all that bad if they are any kind of match for you. I don't mind them so much if they can cut you down to size."

"Sarah, you're a fool if you think you can find friendship or allies with the other rulers or even citizens in my world. Your only true friend is me." Sarah couldn't tell if this was meant genuinely or with warmth, but it sent a chill down her spine.

"Everyone out there is for themselves and no one else. They have their best interests at heart and only theirs. If they offer you help, Sarah, it's only out of greed because there's something in it for them too—or worse, you'll owe them. Nothing is given freely out there in the world. Don't get your hopes up. They might not be as strong as me, but they can be worse."

"No, you're wrong. I—"

You're only human!" he yelled. He had closed the distance between them and was inches from her face. "You're just a mortal. There won't be sympathy for you. There won't be care or concern for your well-being. You're like a pet to them. A creature in a zoo. You're an extinct species, in their minds. They're only coming to gawk and poke you with a stick. You're not a person to them; you're just a little human. If they take a true interest in you, it's out of selfish impulses and greedy intentions."

"But Greta isn't like that," cut in Sarah. "Hoggle didn't turn out to be like that, despite your control and his initial hesitancy. You're even jealous of our friendship," Sarah pointed out. "The only reason you're telling me this is because you don't want me to have anyone besides you. You want me dependent, isolated. You want me to be your doll that you don't have to share with anyone else. I'll never be that for you. I'll never be a friend to you either. I'll befriend whoever I please. I have my own free will. If I've learned anything this past year, it's that things are not always as they appear; I don't judge a book by its cover."

"Sarah, beware," he warned.

"Oh, I don't care what you do to me. You can't get much worse than you already are. All your actions are only greedy and selfish. What harm can there possible be in knowing other people? I can't take everything you say to heart just because you've had a few bad experiences or relationships or whatever. It doesn't mean I'll have the same experiences."

"A lot of magical beings will be present at the ball. They will probably conceal their true forms or even disguise themselves. It could be a masquerade. You might not even know who you 'befriend' this night. Don't be surprised if no one shares their true name with you."

This truly disheartened Sarah; was there truth in what he said? Were they really coming just to gawk at her and treat her like a circus freak?

"There are two specific individuals you are to avoid at all costs—the Witch King and the Lord of the North. Do not introduce yourselves to them and do not allow anyone else to introduce you. Don't even go near them. You must be wary of them; they would do anything to get a rouse out of me, and they would do anything to you to achieve this."

"I will judge with my own eyes and ears whether or not these people really are as bad as you say. I'm not just going to take your word—"

The king conjured a crystal and held it in front of Sarah's eyes. With a puff of breath, it floated from his fingers as a bubble.

"Honestly, you're so rude. We're in the middle of a talk and—"

It popped.

Sarah blinked, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself outside. Jareth and Sarah stood in wide open garden. Several cobblestone pathways twisted and turned between patches of green grass, topiaries, and garden beds. Sarah quickly noticed that the pathways resembled the Labyrinth itself. The beauty of it all distracted Sarah from her squabble with the king; in the silence, he beckoned her to follow him.

Sarah muttered some choice words to herself but followed him; she didn't want to talk to him anyway.

"How convenient for him that I don't know where we're going. Bah!" Of course he had poofed them to a new location; Sarah didn't have much choice but to follow him.

"I could probably find my way. I did it once, I could do it again," she thought to herself.

But, better safe than sorry.

"Are you comfortable in your room?" Jareth asked out of the blue.

Sarah remained silent, but this time it was due to shock; was he making small talk with her? Sarah didn't say anything.

"I did try to put you in a more comfortable area of the castle. You're relatively central and have easy access to the main areas of the castle." Sarah didn't take the bait. She was a prisoner, not a guest. If she didn't get her freedom, he didn't get conversation.

The flora surrounded them was unlike anything Sarah had ever seen, even in the Labyrinth. Rather than a standard green, the colors of the topiaries were vibrant and neon; Sarah had never seen any of them occurring in nature. Hot pink unicorns pranced and electric blue whales swam in midair. Bright orange bushes arched over their pathway, a few little flowers falling to the ground as they walked underneath. To their right were large pots awkwardly spaced out—inside the pots were what looked like oversized venus-fly-traps that snapped viciously at the air.

Many of the garden beds were simply thick patches of vines, a strong choice compared to the Aboveground's preference of delicate ground covers such as phlox or vinca. Sarah thought it would've been a beautiful garden, if it hadn't been for the current company, who she resisted at every turn.

"I do enjoy having you here, Sarah. No harm will befall your friends as long as you stay here; we can see more of the Labyrinth together, if you like. Or I could show you around the castle one of these days."

"You're still spouting your same old nonsense. You're being unreasonable. I'm not a guest here. I've been tricked. I'm under duress. And honestly I didn't complain about being a scullery maid. I didn't mind my old room, and I liked working with Hoggle. I liked having something to do."

"I'm something to do," he replied in a low voice.

Sarah didn't stop to think about the double meaning behind his words. "You can't just go poofing me around all the time. I haven't been allowed to make a single choice since I've been here. Honestly, working as a servant was the only choice I made since coming here, and I didn't even mean for that to happen."

"Be reasonable, love. Everything will be revealed to you in time. Just relax, enjoy your time in my kingdom. We could get along, if you'd just let us."

Sarah still didn't understand why it was so important that she stayed. He hadn't made any advances, so what was his deal? Why was this ball so important? Did the other kingdoms' opinions matter that much? Sarah remained tight-lipped.

"Besides," continued the king, slipping an arm around Sarah as they walked, "I couldn't return you now even if I wanted to—and I wouldn't anyway." Sarah squirmed out of his grasp.

"I think you're keeping something from me. I bet there is a way back home; you're just too lazy to show me. I bet I could use the same spell that brought me here."

Now it was the king's turn to play the silent game.

Sarah crossed her arms across her chest. "I don't even care if you tell me what this all is about; just tell me, how much longer am I going to be here? Must I remind you again that I have a family waiting for me? In fact, you've met one of my family; about two feet tall, limited vocabulary, cries a lot. Remember him?" The king was not amused; Sarah sighed. "Tell me at least this: how much time has passed in my world?"

A large green butterfly that appeared to be coated in glitter passed in front of them.

"Not much," was all the king had to say.

Sarah's shoulders slumped. She worried about her family more than she would ever let on.

"If you let me rule you, and you can have everything you want. Fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave." Sarah had heard it all before. Not only did she not believe it, she didn't want it. "Your life will never be in danger here. You'll always be protected." He stopped and took her by the forearms, turning her towards him and pulling her closer. "You'll always be loved. Loved and cared for. As long as you obey me, and as long as you obey me at the ball in two days, you will have nothing to fear."

Sarah tried to jerk away from him, but his hold on her was firm. The unquenched fire of rage seethed within her. She spoke through gritted teeth, her voice hardly more than a whisper.

"I will never fear you. Nor love you. Nor obey you. How many times must I tell you this? I don't want anything from you, not even my dreams. I just want my friends to be safe." The edge in her voice softened.

"Just give me that."

They looked at each other for a moment. Sarah could never truly read his eyes. What was he thinking? What was he feeling? Did he feel anything other than hunger for power and desire? She wished she could know what was going on in that strange head of his. Jareth released her, but they held each other's gaze for a few moments longer, daring the other to say something. Sarah turned from him. There was nothing more to say. It was the same conversation over and over again. They were getting nowhere—but at least her friends were safe for now. She made her way back towards the castle.

A gloved hand wrapped around her right wrist and pulled her backwards. Jareth tugged her back into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to him; her hands were flat on his chest, and she could feel his heartbeat. Sarah had gotten her wish; the king's eyes were soft with longing. The heat of desire and the chill of control were both gone, and all that was left was a soft, and tender longing.

His emotions were suddenly so apparent and naked upon his face, Sarah didn't think she could bear to look. Butterflies flew hectically around her stomach. Goosebumps covered her arms. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Now it was Sarah's own emotions she was not sure of. Anticipation hung in the air like a threat. Slowly, the king started to lower his head towards hers. His lips were parting. His eyes fluttered shut.

His lips were almost upon hers.

"No!" she shrieked.

Sarah tore herself from him with all her might. Whether by submission or attraction, Sarah's concession had been something the king was certain he'd be granted. He would make right what had gone wrong in the ballroom. This time. His grip had relaxed in the moment, and Sarah broke from his grasp. She ran for the castle and didn't look back. If she had looked back, she would've seen an expression unfamiliar to her—but it was a look the goblin king wore often and well. Had she looked upon the goblin king after she tore herself from him at the ball, she would've seen it. Had she looked upon the goblin king in the Escher room as she ran from him instead of toward him, she would've seen it. Had her eyes been focused on him rather than the crystal ball when she told him he had no power over her, she would've seen it. Jareth's eyes were soft and his mouth slightly agape. His visage was an indescribable expression of loss, helplessness, and, perhaps, heartbreak.

Whether or not the goblin king was truly capable of feeling love, he was capable of feeling the pain that came when love was not returned. He instinctively reached after her. What more could he do to keep her with him? To win her over? He would lose her if he let her go—and he would lose her love if he forced her to stay. Unfortunately for him, the goblin king did not consider whether or not Sarah loved him.

Sarah sprinted as fast as her legs could carry her. Tears welled up in her eyes and her vision blurred; the tears she held back for so long finally fell. Somehow, she made her way back to the castle. Her instincts had guided her, just like last time, only this time, she felt as if she somehow knew the Labyrinth by now. She hadn't been far from a side entrance anyhow. Sarah didn't stop to appreciate the eastern gate she walked through. It was covered in voluptuous, pink roses, but all Sarah wanted to see right now was her bed. After a few wrong turns, she eventually found her way back to her room and immediately slumped onto her bed. She buried her face in the soft pillows and cried softly.

"I don't want my first kiss to be taken from me. I want to give it," she thought to herself. So, the king was pursuing her. That must be why he kept her. But why did he have to move so fast? Sarah had never been very interested in boys, but she wasn't uninterested. The goblin king was certainly attractive, physically and magically, but this was hardly a courtship; this was kidnapping.

"I just want softness. Gentleness. Dating should be easy, right? Dating should be fun. First you date, then you get to know each other, and then you kiss. If you want. It's about togetherness. Equality. …I think." Sarah's thoughts were muddled. She was sure of what she didn't want, but how could she know what she did want if she didn't…know? The king was so much older than her. He was certainly more experienced all around; this situation was not only making Sarah feel trapped, it made her feel unprepared and inadequate. Experience was supposed to be gained, not thrust upon you.

Sarah shivered at the thought of what came next. She was sure the king wouldn't wait forever for…well, whatever he decided came next. Sarah felt like she was looking down the barrel of a gun like it was the tunnel to her future. If she were to stay in the Labyrinth with him for the rest of her life, it would actually be nice if she could love him. It would even make things easier and certainly nicer when it came to kissing et cetera. But, how could she love a tyrant like Jareth? If he truly loved her, he never would've given her that peach, and he wouldn't have ruined her date.

"He tells me it's all for me. Everything he does, he does for me," Sarah now said out loud. "But he's done nothing good. I refuse to believe it."

In the back of her mind, her thoughts told her that he probably believed it was all for her, which made his claims true, in his mind, but she shut those thoughts out; a being as old as him should know better.

She sniffled a few more times before dragging herself out of bed and into the bathroom. Tomorrow she'd have to make herself an outfit for the ball. Should she make something so flouncy it would embarrass the king? No, she wanted to make a good impression on the other monarchs. She needed their help.

She dimmed the lights and flopped down on her bed once again. She didn't want to think about the ball, or Jareth, or even fancy dresses.


(AN) Author's Notes: As mentioned in the chapter there are at least two major original characters/OC's the witch King in The Lord of the north both are my creations and will soon be making an appearance in the story. They're going to be acting as rivals to the Goblin King for quite obvious reasons. More will be is explained about them in due time when they make more of a full appearance. I'm just getting the readers prepared for what's to come for more original characters that will be included in the story some with bigger roles than others.

It's quite obvious as shown at the end of this part of chapter 14 that Jareth still has feelings for Sarah those feelings will not be recuperated anytime soon. I said this many times before the Romantic interlude or feelings that will happen between Sarah Williams and the Goblin King will not be something cliché right away especially given the way as I've mentioned many times before and passed reminders of all the things the Goblin King put Sarah through there's no way any girl in their right mind would fall in love with someone like that. It's even been stated by Jim Henson and his team that in the 1986 film everything the goblin king did through Sarah's eyes she saw him as nothing more than a villain. While in the king-size Goblin King he thought he was doing Sarah everything she asked him for.

Sadly I have nothing more to say if I didn't mention anything that's worth wild mentioning for the story if there are any questions so far that were not answered or that I lack to answer in my last few notes please as the readers don't hesitate to privately message Me or Leave comments generally in the review section along with your opinion on the two parts of this chapter so far.

So there you have it for this week until the next time keep your eyes out another update will make its way soon when possible.

TTFN Authoress,

smcandy