AN: A chapter update! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!

I confess that I have been waiting until today to upload this chapter since it's our very beloved Goblin King's Birthday!

I hope you enjoy this chapter, do let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth. All rights go to the Jim Henson Company.

O0o0o0o0o0o0o

I Wish

Chapter Seven.

The Market

O0o0o0o0o0

Jareth was sat in the dining room this morning. He'd arranged for a large breakfast to be cooked for himself and Aiden. He takes a sip from his goblet, enjoying the fresh spring water. Normally he'd have mead with his breakfast, but he'd woken up with a bit of a headache; so he decided to keep himself topped up with water today.

Leaning back in his chair, he glanced over at the clock on the mantle. It was eight o'clock which meant that Aiden would be joining him any moment. Good, because he was very hungry this morning. He could have started eating already, he had every right to, being King and all, but out of respect to his friend, he would wait for him to join.

It was ten past eight when Aiden entered the room. He was wearing a dark green jacket and waistcoat to match, black trousers and tan boots. His dark wavy hair was pulled back into a ponytail and fastened with a piece of black ribbon.

He bowed to Jareth, placing his hands behind his back, "Good morning, Your Majesty."

Jareth nodded to him."Good morning, Aiden. I trust that you slept well and that my maids have been taking care of your needs?" he asked as he sat up straight in his chair, pouring himself some tea.

"Very well, thank you. I must comment on the behavior of your Goblins, Sire. They are kind and respectful and they work hard. Something they never did three years ago."

Jareth gave a weak smile, "Indeed, and while I'd love to take credit for their transformation, I am not the one who brought this change about."

Jareth watched him as he began to fill his plate with food. "Is that so? Then who?"

"Sarah. I believe it is her that has changed the way the Goblins behave."

Aiden smiled, sighing almost dreamily as he began to cut up his breakfast.

"You find her attractive, don't you?" Jareth said irritably as he watched Aiden.

Aiden didn't say anything; instead, he smiled and took a long drink from his goblet.

Jareth glared at him, tapping his fingers impatiently against the table. "Aiden... answer me. Do you like Sarah?"

Aiden sighed, "She's a sweet and beautiful woman. Why wouldn't I like her?"

"Because she's not yours to like! Have you forgotten that I'm trying to get her to fall for me?" He said his temper getting the better of him all too quickly.

"My lord, If you don't want me to talk to Sarah then I won't. Although I'll confess that it will be such a shame not to get to know her better."

"You can talk to her, but don't flirt with her, please,"

There was something about the way Jareth said 'please' that made Aiden realize how desperate he was. Regaining his power over Sarah really was his last hope to save his kingdom.

Sighing, he nodded. "I promise I won't flirt with her."

Jareth let out a sigh of relief and nodded gratefully before he began to fill his plate with food.

"How is Adelaide today? Did she sleep alright in her new bed?" Jareth asked after a few moments had passed in silence.

"She slept well." He chuckled softly, "Well, she slept in her own bed for a few hours and then and she got into mine." He smiled fondly.

"Back at home she always gets into bed with me, so I don't know why I expected it to be any different here."

Jareth nodded weakly. There it was again. That painful constricting feeling in his chest. How he longed to have a little one of his own.

Forcing those feelings down, he cleared his throat. "So your wife... where is she?" he asked as he began cutting up his food.

Aiden looked down, his eyes sad. "She died... childbirth. Addy was born a month before her due date, I was lucky that she survived. But it cost poor Veeranna her life."

"I'm sorry... I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you." Jareth said, genuinely upset for his friend.

"She's at peace now that is my comfort. And my little Addy is safe with me. I'll never take for granted what Veeranna gave her life up for... our baby girl." He smiled sadly.

"Where is Addy this morning? I was expecting you to bring her to breakfast?" Jareth asked, changing the subject after seeing how sad it was making his friend.

"Well, I did have every intention of bringing her to breakfast, but Sarah and Patty turned up at my door this morning, offering to look after her for me. So she's having breakfast and then they are going to help her bath."

Jareth wasn't surprised to hear that Sarah was helping out with Adelaide. She had a little brother of her own after all and he knew that she'd spent a lot of her time taking care of him.

"I was wondering if you have any toys for Addy?" Aiden asked, glancing over at Jareth.

"Why would I have any toys?" He furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Well, you take away enough wished aways. I half expected you to at least have one toy in the nursery of yours."

Jareth understood then, and nodded."There are a few toys, but they are all old now. Some of those toys were mine as a child." He rested his hand on his chin, thinking for a moment.

"Perhaps I can get some toys from the goblin market today."

"Oh, I don't wish for you to go to such trouble-"

"Nonsense. It's no trouble. Later I will visit the market and see what I can find for Addy."

Aiden smiled gratefully, "Thank you, My Lord. I appreciate it."

Jareth smiled, nodding before taking a long drink of his tea. It had been a while since he'd been to the market, maybe it would do him good to get out and clear his head.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Well, don't you just look wonderful!" Sarah beamed, holding Adilade up so that she could see her reflection in the mirror that was on the wall.

She giggled when she saw herself and blushed deeply. "Thank you, Sawah and Patty!" she giggled, throwing her chubby little arms around Sarah's neck.

Sarah laughed and hugged her back. "Aw, it's okay! You look beautiful! Like a Princess." She smiled, stroking the little girl's bouncy curls.

Patty, the little goblin maid, smiled proudly. "You does n'all."

Adelaide grinned as Sarah gently put her down, and she started to twirl around, her pale pink and white pinstripe dress spinning around her.

She felt just as they had told her she looked; like a Princess.

Sarah smiled sadly. She remembered that feeling of getting a new dress for a Birthday or Christmas gift. That excitement of feeling like a Princess and others telling you that you looked like one.

There was one particular memory she had when her Dad had brought her a new gown for her birthday. Her mother had helped her put it on and had even curled her hair and applied a tiny bit of glitter to her lips and eyes.

She remembered rushing down the stairs, giggling excitedly as her mother followed her. Her Dad had gasped when he saw her, telling her that he didn't recognize her and that he thought a fairy princess had entered their home. Then he had picked up in his arms and twirled her around, the two of them laughing softly together.

"Sarah? Are'ya alright?" Patty asked quietly as she tugged Sarah's skirt. She was a very short goblin, her head only just reached Sarah's hip.

Sarah blinked back the tears that had suddenly filled her eyes. "Um... yeah. I'm fine. Just memories." She smiled sadly down at her friend, trying to reassure her.

Patty didn't look convinced, but before she could question her further, Adelaide interrupted them. "Can I go and play? Daddy said he'd find me toys!"

"Well, dearie, we have to wait 'ear till ya Father comes' back. I'm sure he'll bring ya' somethin' to play with." Patty told her.

Adelaide looked a little disappointed but nodded and sat on her little bed which was positioned by the window in the far end of the room. There was only a curtain separating her space from her father's.

"Can you read me a story?" she asked, gazing up at Sarah with big blue eyes.

"I um... guess I could tell you a little story before I start my chores." She said gently, sitting on the edge of the bed beside Adelaide, who grinned and scooted closer to her, leaning her head on her arm much to Sarah's surprise.

"There was once a young girl who's mother always made her stay and babysit her brother..." she took a shaky breath before continuing. "The girl was young and foolish and even though she loved her baby brother, she found him hard to take care of. So one night, after a long day at school and housework, she made a wish to the goblin's to take him away."

Adelaide gasped softly, gripping Sarah's arm. Patty looked intrigued and took a seat on the bed as well.

"When the goblins came and took him away, the girl realized her mistake and she began to cry, begging to the Goblin King to bring back her baby brother, but the Goblin King was cruel, and would not give her her baby brother back..."

Adelaide gazed up at her with a worried expression on her face. "Why would he do that, Sawah?"

Sarah stroked her hair comfortingly."It's okay, I promise. Keep listening."Adelaide nodded and rested her head back on her arm, listening as Sarah continued.

"But what the Goblin King did do was offer her the chance to run his big scary Labyrinth, and if she reached the castle in thirteen hours' time, then she would get her brother back. So, the girl did just that. She ran the Labyrinth and reached the castle with the help of her dear friends, Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus,"

Sarah watched as Patty's eyes widened, her jaw-dropping as she gazed at her in shock.

"Anyway..." Sarah cleared her throat, "She reached the castle, there was a huge battle but the girl and her friends still managed to enter the castle unharmed. The girl encountered the Goblin King. He was desperate to keep the baby, so he offered her her dreams in exchange for him. Even though it was tempting for the girl, to know that all her dreams were right in front of her, she turned him down and got her brother back..."

Adelaide let out a little sigh of relief and smiled.

"After that day... the girl promised her brother that she would always be there for him... that there wasn't anything he could do that would make her send him away again..." Sarah paused, swallowing the lump that had risen in her throat. "But five years later the girl made a wish to the Goblin king again, asking her to take her to his world because she no longer fit in with hers, and the Goblin King granted her wish... and now the girl is far away from her brother, and will likely never see him again. All because she was selfish and was only thinking about herself. Her promise to her brother all those years ago, now broken..." she choked on a sob, tears streaming her cheeks.

Patty blinked a few times and then got to her feet approaching Adelaide, who looked very distressed and upset by this story and by Sarah's gentle sobs.

"Sawah? It's just a story..." she said gently, trying to comfort her even though she was upset by the story too.

Patty gently patted Sarah on the knee, smiling at Adelaide. "But that's not how the story ends! Let me tell ya' the rest. Sarah, go and have some tea, dearie. I'll talk with you later about the rest of the story?"

Sarah nodded apologetically. She hadn't really meant to tell Adelaide that part, but in her grief, she'd let it all out.

Patty took the seat beside Adelaide and began telling her a new story as Sarah left the room quickly as she could.

O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Sarah pulled the heavy velvet blanket back over Jareth's bed then she carefully plumped up each pillow before placing them back at the head of the bed.

Making his bed was always quite a chore for her; due to the very size of the bed. Normally she would ask one of the Goblin maids for help, but right now she needed to be alone.

She sniffed as the tears started to gather in her eyes again. Spending time with Adelaide this morning had really made her realize how much she missed Toby.

It wasn't helped by the fact that today it was Toby's 5th birthday. She remembered asking him back in the summer what he wanted for his big day, he'd simply replied: "Just a day out with you at the park and then some cake when we get home."

She knew it had been her wish to live here, she had known that it wouldn't be likely that she'd see him for many years, if ever. But being away from Toby was measuring up to being one of the hardest things she'd ever done.

At the time, she'd be so fixated on leaving that she hadn't really thought about just how hard it was going to be, especially since she spent so much time with him. She sort of just... took it for granted.

She missed him. Terribly.

Unable to see through her tears, she sat down on the edge of the bed and covered her eyes as she began to cry again.

What was Toby doing today? Was he happy? Was he sad? Did he miss her? Did... he even remember her?

The door creaked open and Jareth walked in.

He was wearing black tights and a black shirt and waistcoat to match, making his pale eyes and hair stand out even more than usual.

Sarah quickly bolted up from his bed and scrubbed at her eyes; not wanting him to see her crying, but Jareth had already seen her.

He gazed at her with a concerned look on his face.

"Sarah? What is it?" He asked gently as he approached her.

She shrank back, turning her face away so he wouldn't see the tears in her eyes. "N-nothing..."

"Don't lie," he lifted her chin, gazing deeply into her eyes, "You're crying... why?" He asked again, although this time it was a bit more of a demand than a question.

Sarah swallowed the lump in her throat before she replied weakly. "Today is Toby's 5th birthday... I just miss him."

Jareth's eyes seemed to soften and he gave her a nod of understanding. "Ah... I see... "

Sarah's eyes met his and they gazed at each other for a few moments before he released her chin. "Why don't you come with me to the Goblin market today? I'm riding in to get some toys for Adelaide, Aiden's daughter. I could have sent a servant to do such a chore, but I feel the need for a little fresh air... join me? It'll take your mind off Toby..."

Sarah gazed at him in surprise and shock "M-me?"

"Yes, Sarah... come with me. It means that you get to wear one of the nice dresses in your wardrobe."

Sarah thought for a moment. Was it really wise to go into Goblin City with him? True, she'd been dying to get out of the castle. It had been over two weeks since she'd set foot outdoors and she was beginning to get cabin fever. Maybe going to the market with him would do her good after all.

Looking up at him, she nodded," I'd like too."

Jareth smiled "Wonderful. You can help me choose some toys for Adelaide. You probably know more about what little girls like to play with than I do." he chuckled as he walked over to his wardrobe and pulled out a dark blue velvet cloak.

"Be sure to bring a cloak. The weather is turning now that we are into September."

"Yes... of course." She rubbed her eyes again. "I'll meet you downstairs?"

Jareth nodded as he put his cape over his shoulders, fastening it at his neck. "Yes."

Sarah nodded "Um... Thank you..."

Jareth glanced at her and smiled gently. "Of course..."

Sarah curtsied and left the room, making her way to her chambers to get changed. Her heart feeling just a little less heavy.

O0o0o0o0o

Sarah stood in the large cold hall by the huge doors waiting for Jareth.

She had chosen the heavy velvet grey gown. It was one of her favorites in the wardrobe, so pretty and the bodice was boned and embroidered with silver and white scrolls and flowers. She'd chosen a grey cloak to match. The hood was fur-lined and perhaps a little bit over-the-top for a trip to the market but she didn't really care. She wasn't sure when she'd get the chance to wear it again so might as well make the best of it now.

She heard the faint sound of heels clicking on the stone floor and glanced up, watching as Jareth approached her. He was adjusting his gloves as he walked through the long hall but when he glanced up, he almost stopped mid-walk when he saw her.

His heart hammered in his chest, a strange feeling in his chest. Something that hadn't happened for a very long time. Sarah looked absolutely stunning. He'd thought her beautiful when he'd seen her in her most plain dresses, but seeing her like this, with her long shiny brown hair tripling down her shoulders in soft curls, her lips lightly tinted with peach-colored lip balm, her beautiful grey gown, and cloak...

She looked like a Queen.

He swallowed thickly; trying to control himself and act like he wasn't at all affected by the way she looked.

He approached her and smiled.

"You look really beautiful," he said, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it softly, pleased when she blushed for him as she had for Aiden last night.

"Thank you, sire."

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, more than ready. It's been so long since I've outside." She said

Jareth smiled "It has been a while for me too. This will do us both good, I'm sure."

He motioned for the Goblin guards to pull open the very tall doors and Sarah sucked in a breath, almost nervous to see what would greet her outside the doors.

A cold wind hit her, blowing her hair back and swirling around her skirts. She exhaled and slowly opened her eyes. She wasn't sure what she'd expected to see outside the doors of the castle, but it certainly wasn't two beautiful horses, one black and one tan, both were saddled up and ready.

"Wow..." she breathed, walking up to the beautiful horses and gently running her hands over their soft silky coats.

Jareth watched her curiously with a little smile on his face. "Beautiful, aren't they? I've had these two since they were foals."

Sarah turned her attention to the black horse who was bigger than the tan one. She gently stroked his nose, watching as his big eyes closed. He was enjoying the fuss she was giving him.

"I didn't even know you had horses here..."

Jareth laughed "Well, how do you expect us to travel without them?" he asked, genuinely interested in what her answer would be.

"Magic?"

"Good answer. But magic is rarely used for travel here. It uses a lot of one's energy, so it is better for us if we don't use magic to travel. Unless in an emergency or to visit the above." He explained, watching as Sarah approached the tan horse again.

"She likes you," Jareth whispered as he watched the beautiful tan horse nudge Sarah gently.

Sarah beamed at him, her green eyes shining. "I like her too... what is her name?" she asked

"Her name is Spirit and this is Shadow." He said as he approached the black horse, gently tapping his back.

"Are we to ride them to the goblin market?" she asked, pleased that she'd spent a lot of her childhood going to a riding school. Apparently, something Karen recommended had actually paid off after all!

"Indeed we are, Sarah. Can you ride?" he asked as he approached her.

"It's been a few years... but I spent a lot of my childhood learning to ride. I should be fine... but I wish I had known we were riding before I chose this dress..." she glanced down at her long velvet gown.

Jareth chuckled from behind her and she felt a shiver work its way down her spine. He was so close... she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

"Nonsense... I know lots of women who ride in gowns like this; Lillium to name one,"

Sarah felt her brows lower over her eyes at the mention of Lillium. Well, if his precious Lillium could do it then so could she.

"Fine." She said, "I will try."

Jareth chuckled softly and Sarah sucked in a breath when she felt Jareth's gloved hand gently guide her own up to the reigns around the horse's neck. He leaned in close to her ear, whispering softly, "Allow me..."

"Wha-" before she could vanish her sentence, Jareth lifted her up, putting her carefully onto Spirits back.

"See? That wasn't so hard was it?" he said with a smug look on his face.

Sarah rolled her eyes."Only one problem, I've never ridden side-saddle," she said, watching as he tilted his head to the side.

"There is a first time for everything," he teased, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

Sarah shook her head and lifted her leg up over Spirit's neck so that she was sitting with both her legs on either side. Her skirts gathered around her waist as she did, revealing her bare legs.

She cursed herself for not wearing tights or jeans under her dress. What an idiot! She should have at least worn her long stockings!

She glanced down at Jareth, who was staring at her legs, his lips slightly parted.

Oh god. Why couldn't she have just worn some damn jeans?

"I've never... seen a woman ride like that before," he whispered as he slowly ran his gloved hand over her knee. "I have to confess... that I very much enjoy seeing you like this," his voice was raspy and intoxicating as his hand slowly moved higher up her leg.

She felt her heartbeat speed up, her breath rushing out of her as he touched her.

'Stop it, Sarah! He's the Goblin King! He shouldn't be touching you at all! '

'But... it feels so nice- Stop! King or not, he shouldn't just think that he can touch you without even asking!'

'But I like that he's touching me. And I like that he didn't ask. It makes me feel... like I'm attractive. Like I AM desirable-

'. Slap his hand away!'

She closed her eyes, taking in a shaky breath as the voices in her head began to fade. She'd spent too much time denying herself. Spent too much time thinking things over instead of allowing herself to have a little fun. She should just try and chill out a bit.

She closed her eyes, taking in a shaky breath and soon all she knew was the feeling of his leather-clad hand, slowly creeping up her thigh.

His breath rushed out of him when he glanced up at her; her eyes closed and lips slightly parted.

His fingers gently brushed against the inside of her thigh, lingering there for a few moments before he removed it from her completely.

She opened her eyes, trying desperately to act like him touching her hadn't affected her but her heart was pounding in her chest. Maybe it was due to her lack of experience, or maybe he really did make her feel things she hadn't felt before...

When she managed to get control of her thoughts, Jareth had already mounted his horse.

He smirked at her. "Come, let's see if you can still remember how to ride."

Sarah rolled her eyes. The smug bastard. She'd show him.

"Why don't I give you a head start, Your Majesty? You'll probably need it," she called, pleased with herself for being so bold.

Jareth laughed, kicking his horse into a canter.

Sarah gasped "That's cheating!" she quickly nudged her feet into Spirit's side and she quickly took off into a canter as well. At first, she was a little wobbly and bumpy but after a few moments her instincts kicked in and soon she was riding just as well as Jareth was.

She grinned when she passed him, much to his annoyance; but soon they were side by side, both trying to outdo the other, but their horses remained at the same speed.

Both Jareth and Sarah laughed from the thrill of it all.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Jareth dismounted his horse and gave the exhausted creature to one of the stable boys who looked after horses after a long ride.

He approached Sarah, grinning as she tried and failed to get down from her horse.

"Let me help." He said softly, not waiting for her response he carefully lifted her off the horse and then put her down again. Sarah sighed, smiling her thanks.

Jareth offered her his arm and she took it after a moment's hesitation.

Together they both walked through the market, several goblins recognized him and bowed as he walked past and many of them began to gossip about the dark beauty on his arm.

Who was she? Why was she holding the King's arm? One thing was certain; if she was at the King's side then she must be a very important woman indeed. Either that or she was sleeping with him.

Jareth found himself un-phased by the remarks about him and 'the mysterious woman' at his side; He found himself unable to tear his eyes away from Sarah as she grinned and gasped at all the unusual stalls in the market place. She'd obviously never seen anything like this before.

"Which would you like to look at first?" he asked, smiling down at her as she glanced up at him.

"Well... we're looking for toys for Addy. So... Can we look at that one? "She pointed to a little stall opposite them.

Jareth nodded. "Of course."

They approached the little stall together. It sold hand-carved toys that had also been painted in beautiful colors and were highly detailed. Sarah picked up a little toy horse. It was painted with a saddle and bridle.

"Addy would like that," Jareth said as he watched Sarah inspect it closely. "We'll take one of everything."

Sarah glanced up at him in surprise. Buying one of everything would cost an awful lot of money. The goblin selling the items didn't seem to mind at all, and he quickly began to gather one of each creature he'd made. Which included a Dragon and a troll.

Jareth pulled a few gold coins from his pocket."I assume this will be enough?"

The Goblin's eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw the three gold coins on his counter and he nodded, quickly picking up the gold coins and counting them in his large hands. "Oh, it's more than enough, Sire. You are generous."

Jareth glanced back at Sarah. "See? I am generous."

Sarah lightly swatted his chest and he grinned, picking up the brown paper bag that was filled with wooden animals.

They went on like this for about an hour, simply heading from one stall to the next.

Together they managed to find Addy a toy bear, some building blocks, a baby doll, and a few books.

Jareth made a Goblin take all the things they'd brought back to the castle, saving them from having to do it themselves.

He turned and caught Sarah at another stall.

Curious to see what toys she'd found now, he walked over to her and was pleasantly surprised to find that she was at a jewelry stall.

She was gently running her fingertips over a beautiful crystal and diamond necklace. It was clear in some lights, but in other lights, it sparkled and appeared to be light blue.

"Found something you like?" he whispered in her ear, making her jump, her hand flying up to her chest.

"Oh my god, you made me jump," she sighed, laughing anxiously.

"You didn't answer my question," he whispered, his breath warm against her neck sent shivers all over her skin.

"It's beautiful... I've never seen such a fine piece of jewelry before." She answered honestly.

When she was a teen she'd always thought that Karen's Prada necklaces were beautiful, but this was ten times prettier than all of hers put together.

"Then it's yours."

Sarah spun on her heel so that she was facing him, her green eyes large. "No, I couldn't possibly-"

"Please. It's my gift to you," he smiled, picking up the necklace and putting it around her neck, fastening the back.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked in confusion.

"Well... today you were sad. I don't like seeing you sad, Sarah... I know we don't always see eye to eye, but we're trying to be friends, aren't we? And I want you to have this necklace as a promise of our friendship..."

He gently turned her around when the old woman at the stall brought over a little mirror so that Sarah could admire herself in her new necklace.

Tears shone in her eyes as she caught her reflection in the old mirror in front of her. Right now she really did look like a Princess. And this necklace was like something she'd only ever dreamt about owning.

"I... don't know what to say..." she whispered

"Don't say anything. Just enjoy it."

"Let me try and repay you for it at least-"

"Sarah, it's a present." He ran his hands gently over her shoulders as he gazed at her through the mirror. "You look like a Queen." He whispered.

Sarah blushed, looking away from him in the mirror, unable to face him any longer without bursting into tears.

He smiled. How he loved it when she blushed for him.

Jareth paid fifteen gold coins for the necklace much to Sarah's horror. But Jareth reassured her that it wasn't a lot of money for a King and that he wouldn't have cared if it had been more, he wanted her to have it.

They strolled through the market to get back to the stables just as they passed an old tavern. The strong smell of delicious food wafted through the air and Sarah almost died when her stomach rumbled.

Jareth laughed softly."Hungry? Let's have something to eat. It's well-passed lunchtime."

Sarah looked embarrassed still, but she nodded. She really was starving and the food from that tavern smelled incredible.

Jareth took her arm and lead her into the tavern.

o0o0o0o0o0o

Lilium walked out into the back garden. Aiden and Adelaide were playing together. Aiden was counting and Adelaide was trying her best to ride behind a bush.

Lilium had heard that Jareth had asked Aiden back to the castle. She hadn't seen him for many years and seeing him back here again made her think of the good old days when she had truly expected to be Goblin Queen one day.

"Ready or not, here I com-"Aiden blinked when he saw the beautiful woman approaching him. She looked the same as she had all those years ago, only there was a sadness in her eyes now she that hadn't had before.

"Lady Lilium..." He smiled, bowing politely. "It's been a while. It's good to see you."

Lilium offered him a smile. "You too, Aiden. Congratulations on having a daughter. I've heard that she is a little ray of sunshine."

Aiden smiled, turning around, he called out. "Addy! Come here and meet my friend. She's a real Princess."

Adelaide peeped out from behind a rose bush. "A Princess?!" she asked

"Yes, love. Come here and meet her."

Adelaide ran over to him and he swooped her up in his arms, smoothing her wild curly hair out. "Adelaide, this is Princess Lilium."

Adelaide blushed and smiled, waving at Lilium.

Lilium chuckled and waved back. "Hello, Adelaide."

She blushed and hid her face in her Father's hair, bashful as she almost always was. Aiden chuckled, rolling his eyes. "She's very shy. But she'll get used to you. Tell me, how long are you here for?"

"A few days. I've been here a few weeks now so I must return to Ryrella before my Father misses me too much."

Aiden nodded in understanding. "What you do for the King is very kind... you know, considering everything..."

"If I didn't, this Kingdom would be starving. I just wish I could do more..."

Aiden shook his head. "Believe me, you do enough. It's not your duty to do it..."

"But it is... My Father is the cause of this-"

"My Lady, I care for the King... but this is his doing. This is due to his mistakes..."

Lilium sighed, nodding. "Still, My Father is the one who put a stop to all the other Kingdom's trading."

Adelaide wiggled a bit in her Father's arms until he put her down, allowing her to run back to the bushes to pick some flowers.

"Anyway... I came to ask if you had seen the King? I was meant to be joining him for dinner but I can't find him." Lilium said, watching as Aiden pulled a strand of hair behind his ear that had come loose from his ponytail.

"I... erm, believe he has taken Sarah to the goblin market. They are getting some toys for Addy to play with."

Lilium swallowed hard, trying not to feel jealous. She remembered the days when she and Jareth used to go to the market together but now she was lucky if he even showed up for dinner. Still, it comforted her a little bit to know that Jareth wasn't actually interested in Sarah. It was because he was playing her, trying to gain his power over her again. She could live with that. But she hoped that he would be joining her in bed later to make it up to her.

"Thank you, Aiden. I should have remembered that Jareth is trying to get Sarah to fall for him."

Aiden nodded but there was a sad gleam in his eyes.

"Why don't you and Adelaide join me for dinner?" She asked. She felt so lonely in this castle when Jareth wasn't with her. She could really use the company.

Aiden smiled, nodding. "Thank you, I'd love that. Let me go get myself and Adelaide cleaned up and then we will join you."

Lilium smiled, curtsying before heading back indoors.

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"Two large Goblin ales and some stew and bread, please," Jareth said, handing the menu back to the dwarf who waited on them in the tavern.

"Yes, Yer Majesty." He said his voice deep and rich. He bowed politely and vanished before them.

Sarah was awestruck. Before now she'd never been anywhere like this before. This place was like something out of a medieval fantasy book she'd read. There were all sorts of creatures here, mostly goblins, some dwarfs, fae men and women, elves, and even a friendly troll who cooked all the food in the kitchen.

Jareth watched her with a smirk on his face as she gazed at the beautiful blue-skinned elf who was dressed only in a thin piece of see-through fabric covering her waist.

"Why do some people here go around without clothing?" she asked, her cheeks flushed from the embarrassment of seeing too many naked body parts.

"This world is very different from yours, Sarah. It is normal for elves to go without much clothing. They have a lot of body pride and aren't afraid of showing it off to people. They don't feel the cold easily either. The Fae aren't body shy either, but we don't parade our body around as much as Elves do."

He grinned when the door to the tavern opened and another Elf walked in, this time with very pale skin, almost white. She wasn't wearing anything at all, and Sarah blushed harder, glancing away.

"It's so weird!" she whispered, looking anywhere but at the naked elves.

"To you, yes. To them, no. It's normal." His eyes lit up with mischief suddenly and he grinned "Just be glad you haven't seen a male Elf yet."

Sarah looked up at him. "Dare I ask?" she whispered.

"Well, they do nothing to hide themselves... in fact, they often make it a habit of showing the females what they have. Elves are much more animal-like than Fae. That doesn't mean that they don't have feelings, though. They are very kind, brave creatures but with a very high sex drive. Much like the Fae." He grinned wickedly as Sarah blushed crimson.

Humans were such sensitive creatures when it came to their bodies and sexual things. Still, he had to admit that he found it endearing. Sometimes it got rather dull with Elves and Fae being so promiscuous. Humans were still so chaste.

"I hope we don't encounter any male Elves then. I can't take seeing any more body parts." She whispered.

Jareth laughed softly, shaking his head. "Sarah, Sarah, you are still such an innocent."

Sarah glanced up at him, her eyes darkening. "Excuse me but I'm almost twenty. I'm not a child anymore."

Jareth blinked "I didn't say you were a child, Sarah."

"You said I was innocent. I'm sick of everyone saying that!" she grumbled, folding her arms over her chest.

"But you are innocent..." he leaned closer to her. "There isn't anything wrong with being innocent, Sarah..."

Sarah was about to talk back, but the dwarf appeared in front of them again, placing their food and drinks down on the table in front of them.

Jareth gave him a gold coin and thanked him before he took a drink, watching as the dwarf vanished once more.

Sarah's stomach rumbled again and Jareth grinned knowingly, passing her a bowl of stew. "Eat up."

"Thanks." She sighed, picking up her drink first, she took a long drink. She was surprised at the taste. It wasn't what she had been expecting at all. It almost tasted slightly like cinnamon. Maybe that's just how goblin ale tasted. Shrugging it off, she picked up her spoon and took a mouthful of her stew. It was warm and tasted delicious.

Jareth watched her as she eagerly ate her food. She must have been starving. He hoped that she wasn't forgetting to take care of herself while she was living here.

She worked so hard. It was easy to neglect oneself when being so overloaded with chores. Perhaps he should ease her of some of her jobs so that she had more time to take care of herself and make sure she ate properly in the mornings.

They ate in silence, both of them too hungry to chit chat.

There were goblin's playing the flute and violin, making the atmosphere jolly and fun.

After they'd finished eating, Jareth went to the bar in the middle of the room and ordered them both another drink.

He glanced back at Sarah, who was sitting at their table by the window. She was smiling at him, watching him.

He felt his heartbeat quicken in his chest again. She looked so beautiful in the dimly lit room, her green eyes sparkling at him with fondness.

When the dwarf had given him their drinks, he made his way back to the table, passing her a goblet which was streaming.

"Whoa, what is this?" she asked, glancing into the goblet.

"Taste it. You'll enjoy it."

Sarah sniffed the unusual liquid and then pouted.

"Peaches?"

Jareth smirked, shaking his head. "No, it's peach and blackberry. It's really good."

Sarah raised an eyebrow.

"I promise you, it's not poisoned." He laughed; lifting her goblet he took a sip of it to prove to her that it was fine.

Sarah sighed in relief and took her goblet from him again, taking a sip of the warm alcoholic liquid.

"Mmm... okay, that's gorgeous." She admitted before taking another bigger mouthful. The warmth of the alcoholic liquid burning her throat.

"See? You must trust me a bit more, Sarah. We're friends now after all."

Sarah sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "Yeah, you're right, I know. I just get paranoid when I see anything peach scented or flavored."

"Well, that was our past. And we're moving past that now. So trust me, please?" he spoke softly, his eyes soft and genuine.

She felt her heart flutter in her chest again and she looked away, blushing. "You're right... just forgive me if it takes me a little time to trust you. I want too... but we've only just started to become friends..."

Jareth nodded in understanding. "Of course. It takes time to trust someone...I understand that."

Sarah smiled and lifted her hand up to the necklace that Jareth had brought her, carefully playing with the crystal in the middle. This necklace was a start to their friendship and trust. And even though she didn't completely trust him yet, she was beginning to feel like they were making progress. He'd been nothing but kind to her today. Bringing her here with him so that she wouldn't be sad back at the castle; buying her to such an expensive necklace; treating her to dinner... it was almost too much for her to get her head around.

Jareth watched her as she chewed on her bottom lip, her fingers playing with the crystal necklace around her neck. She looked so beautiful.

He gently reached for her hand, his leather gloved fingers gently caressing her skin. She met his gaze, unable to help herself.

Maybe it was the warmth of his gloved hand on hers, or maybe it was the alcohol she'd consumed tonight, but she felt strangely comfortable with him right now.

He was so close; she could feel his breath against her face. It was beyond intoxicating.

When she didn't tear her gaze away from his, he gently placed his hand on the side of her face and leaned closer, his lips hovering over hers. Her eyes fell closed; her lips parting as he suddenly took her mouth with his own.

His lips were so soft, and she could taste the peach and blackberry mead on them. She sighed against him as his tongue lightly brushed against her bottom lip before he lightly bit it, making her gasp softly and press herself against him. He took that opportunity to wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

She moaned softly as he slipped his tongue passed her lips, and she opened her mouth to him, enjoying the feeling of him exploring her mouth.

Slowly she slid her hand down his chest, her fingers brushing over his exposed skin and he shivered at her touch, moaning softly into her mouth.

Feeling bold, she pressed herself against him again, revelling in the way he pulled her even closer so that she saw almost sat on his lap. Deciding that was actually a really good idea, she wrapped her leg over his, gasping as he gripped it tightly before he slowly slides his hand up her skirt.

Just as his fingers caressed her thigh, he pulled back and sighed, shaking his head. "Oh, gods... Sarah, forgive me..." He whispered breathlessly.

"For... what?" she asked, still in a haze, trying to catch her breath.

"I wanted to kiss you... I didn't mean for it to go too far."

"Oh... I-"

"We're just starting to become friends... I don't want to betray your trust." He whispered, gently pulling the skirt of her dress back over her leg. "Not unless you tell me you want this to continue..."

Feeling more clear-headed now, she sat up straight, running her fingers through her hair. "Erm... no, no... You're right."

Her cheeks flushed crimson when she realized that she just made out with him in front of loads of people. She blushed deeper when she realized she'd allowed him to kiss her and touch her again. What had gotten into her?

"We... should probably get home, Sarah," Jareth said after a few minutes passed in silence. He could tell by looking at her that she was trying to piece together why he'd kissed her.

"Home... right, yeah..." She got to her feet and Jareth grabbed her cloak, putting it around her shoulders and fastening it at her neck.

After Jareth had put some more coins on the counter, they left the tavern and made their way back through the market stalls, which were now closed up. The city was so quiet, unlike earlier, it had been buzzing with life but now it was in complete silence, all except for the distant muffled sound of laughter and music coming from the tavern.

When they reached the stables, Jareth found Shadow and Spirit happily munching on some hay. The stable boy was sat in the corner, his hat over his eyes as he dozed.

Jareth cleared his throat and the stable boy jumped up, adjusting his hat on his head. He bowed low when he saw his King."Yer'Majesty, they 'ave been well looked after for ya."

Jareth nodded. "Thank you." He reached into his pocket, taking out a gold coin and passing it to him. "Excellent work. Goodnight."

The boy stared at the coin and then grinned happily. "Thank you, Sire! Goodnight!"

Sarah watched as Jareth lead Spirit out of the stable. "Need help getting on?" he asked.

"No, I'll be fine." She grabbed onto the reins and put her foot in the stirrup, trying to push herself up. Jareth smirked and stood behind her, grabbing her waist he lifted her up onto Spirit again. Sarah sighed, frustrated that she couldn't get up without help, but she smiled and thanked him for helping her. He nodded and disappeared back into the stable to get Shadow.

Soon they were trotting back towards the castle in the moonlight. It was very cold, and frost was sparkling on the trees and bushes. Sarah shivered as the cold air whipped around her. She couldn't wait to get into her pajamas and sit by the fire.

Sarah watched Jareth as he rode beside her. His posture straight, his head held high. He really was quite a sight to behold, especially in the moonlight. His wild blonde blowing around his face in the breeze; his dark regal clothing was quite a contrast to the rest of him.

He was so confusing. Just when she was certain of his character, he surprised her again by behaving nicely. There was no reason for him to take her to the market today. He could have just left her to finish her chores even if she was sad about Toby. The fact that he'd tried to comfort her and had taken her out to cheer her up really proved to her that he wasn't as cruel as she thought he was.

And then there was that kiss... that kiss that had made her head spin and her body respond in a way she'd never experienced with anymore else. She had already confessed to herself that she found him attractive, and he'd definitely made it obvious that he found her attractive too; but... there was something else. It wasn't just an attraction. There was this odd connection. This odd feeling she got when he kissed her and held her. It felt right...

As though sensing her gaze, he looked at her, giving her a toothy smile.

She smiled back, deciding not to shy away from him and pretend that she hadn't been staring like she usually would when she'd been caught.

Soon they got to the castle doors. Jareth dismounted Shadow and then he helped Sarah off Spirit. She gazed up at him, her hands still on his arms as he still held her. He was staring at her, a small smile on his face. "You really are a beauty, Sarah." He whispered.

Sarah shook her head, looking down at her feet. "I'm really not..."

"You are, Sarah. Do you really think I'd say it so much if I didn't believe it to be true?"

"I... guess not." She looked back up into his face, smiling softly. "Thank you, Sire."

"Thank you for the company and the help choosing toys for Adelaide." He said as a Goblin servant took Shadow and Spirit to the stables.

"Well, thank you for taking me, and for the necklace and dinner. You've really spoilt your servant today." She chuckled

"Don't you mean my Champion?"

Sarah gazed up at him, shocked that he'd referred to her as that. Not once while she had been here, had he even made her feel like she was anything but a servant to him, and yet now here he was, calling her his Champion.

Unable to help herself, she leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, Your Majesty..." She whispered.

Jareth watched her in awe as she walked into the castle, turning around to smile at him once more before she disappeared around the left corridor.

A small smile turned up his lips.

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AN: So... what did you think? Please don't forget to review!