AN: THAT'S RIGHT! A NEW CHAPTER, BITCHES! Okay, but seriously, I'm uploading this today for my dear friend AngelGlass! She's an amazing writer and if you haven't read her stories yet, WHY NOT? They are so good and they deserve more love!
Happy Birthday, AngelGlass! This chapter is dedicated to you. Hope this doesn't disappoint! J
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Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth. All rights go to the Jim Henson Company.
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I Wish
Chapter 11
Can't Buy Forgiveness
Thunder rumbled in the sky and lightning struck outside, making Jareth wake up from his slumber with a jump. Feeling arms wrapped around him, he looked down and sighed as he saw Lilium beside him again. He'd wanted a night by himself tonight, but he'd entered his chambers and found her there waiting for him and he was not the sort of man to turn a woman down when she was practically throwing herself at him.
Still, though, he sometimes felt guilty for using her for sex even though he knew she didn't mind. But if the truth was told, he was tired of having a loveless intimate relationship with her.
Seeing her lying beside him was bringing him little comfort tonight.
Slowly he untangled himself from her embrace and slipped out from the bed.
He sighed as he pushed open the door from his bedroom which lead into the other part of his room where he often worked or ate his food. The room was in complete darkness, all except the soft glow from the embers in the fire, and the moonlight which shone in through the window, which bathed the room in a soft silver glow.
He shivered and rubbed his naked upper body. The fire had almost gone out and he could definitely feel the temperature difference.
He yawned softly and ran his fingers through his hair, which was even wilder and more tangled after his bed activities with Lilium.
He waved a hand in front of the fire and it sparkled to life immediately, the flames beginning to rise high, lighting the room up a little more.
He stood in front of it, enjoying the feeling of warmth on his body.
His stomach rumbled and he remembered that he hadn't eaten any supper this evening, despite ordering a rather large amount of it. He glanced over at the table and saw a tray of food left untouched waiting for him.
He placed his hand on his chin as the awful realization hit him.
Sarah had been here.
1 week later.
Sarah had been avoiding him. After that evening with Hoggle, Sarah realized she simply couldn't face seeing Jareth for awhile. She needed a break to get her feelings and thoughts together.
She'd even asked Patty if she would mind taking over with Jareth's chores for awhile. Patty, being the sweet goblin that she was, had happily obliged and swapped jobs with Sarah for the week.
Jareth wasn't happy when Patty made his bed that morning; or when she gave him his dinner. In fact, he downright refused to eat it and demanded to know where Sarah was.
Patty had just told him that she was busy helping in the kitchen so she didn't have the time to do things for him today.
Jareth knew something was going on and he had a terrible feeling that it had something to do with him. and that Sarah was indeed avoiding him. The worst part of it was he wasn't sure how to approach her if she was upset with him. He wasn't sure how he was going to make it up to her or how he was going to fix the damage he'd already done.
Perhaps he should buy her something. The necklace had meant a lot to her before so perhaps that was a good idea after all.
With his mind made up, he dressed in a deep red velvet jacket, black pants, black shirt, plus his favorite black boots and his riding crop.
He conjured a crystal, calling for Aiden.
Aiden appeared in the crystal a few moments later. "Sire?"
"Aiden, fancy a trip to the market?"
Aiden and Jareth rode through the Goblin City. Jareth on Shadow while Aiden rode his own horse, Alaska. Named for his beautiful white coat and hair.
It was another cold autumnal day today and the sun had barely had a chance to rise before dark grey clouds had loomed over it, casting the city in darkness and fog, making it hard to see a long distance.
Aiden wore a light grey velvet jacket that was embroidered beautifully with silver flowers and Celtic styled silver buttons. He looked the complete opposite to Jareth, who rode beside him on his beautiful black stallion, dressed so darkly in comparison to him. The only thing that stood out on him was his wild pale hair which somehow always made him look so striking.
As they approached the city Jareth and Aiden were met with a devastating sight. They pulled their horses to a sudden halt.
Laying on the cobbled ground was a dead goblin.
His clothes were tattered and torn and Jareth swallowed hard when he saw just how skinny he was; his bones very visible through his thin greyed skin. It was obvious that he'd died of starvation.
Aiden turned to look at Jareth, noticing how he didn't take his eyes off the poor little goblin.
After a few moments, Jareth looked up once more and gently nudged Shadow on again.
The horses walked slowly through the city, the sound of their hooves clicking against the cobbles echoing around them.
The further into the city they got, the worse it became and soon both Jareth and Aiden were shocked to see just how many goblins lay in the streets, all starving and begging for food.
What was most disturbing was the number of mothers with their screaming babies. Some of them were so skinny, he wasn't sure how they were still alive.
They approached the market, which had been buzzing with life a few short weeks ago, but now only had a few stalls set up.
Jareth dismounted Shadow and walked into the market square. There was a stall that sold rope, a stall that sold silverware and jewelry, and lastly a stall that sold and repaired shoes.
Jareth approached the Siverware stall, watching as the little goblin polished a silver trey behind the counter.
Jareth leaned over the counter, trying to get the goblins attention.
"You!" He called
The Goblin gasped and dropped the trey he had been polishing onto the ground.
"Tell me why there are so many starving goblins?" Jareth asked, desperate for answers.
The goblin furrowed his brow, looking a little confused. "Ya should know why, Sire... The food is runnin' out. Many of these goblins haven't eaten in weeks." He explained.
Jareth felt even more cross when he heard this and he smashed his fist against the stall, causing some of the silverware to fall onto the floor, causing a lot clatter to echo around them.
"Why wasn't I informed?!" He shouted, not caring as several of the other goblins and elves nearby looked in their direction.
"Sire, we knows that there ain't nothin' you can do. We have to accept our fate. If we can find no food, we starve. We all look after ourselves."
Jareth glared at the goblin, feeling his blood boil. "And what about the ones who can't look after themselves? What about the mothers? The children? The elderly?"
The little goblin swallowed hard, sadness shining in his eyes. "They die... sire"
Jareth turned to look at the other goblins and elves who gathered around to see what was going on.
He straightened. "Listen here, all of you. If any of you have food stacked away or stored in your homes I suggest that you bring it out and help those around you. Help the elderly, the children and the mothers. Do you understand?"
They all nodded.
A very straggly looking chicken casually strode past Jareth, clucking and pecking at the ground. Jareth picked it up, causing the creature to squawk loudly, flapping his wings, feathers flying everywhere.
"I know how much you all love your chickens... but if the food runs out, there will be no choice but to eat them."
All the Goblins gasped, several covering their mouths in complete shock at what their king was suggesting.
"I know it won't be easy to do it... but your families mean more to you, yes? You want them to live?"
There were a few seconds of silence before each Goblin nodded in agreement, several had tears in their eyes at even the thought of having to eat the creatures they loved so dearly.
Jareth nodded, passing the chicken to the goblin closest to him.
"This is a time for pulling together and helping those around you. Distribute food around but remember that everybody will have to be on a ration to make what food we have left last."
He watched as his subjects nodded. For once, they were actually listening intently to what he was saying. It was obvious that they were all afraid of what was going to happen to them.
As Jareth looked at them all, a strange feeling washed over him. Sadness. He felt extremely sorry for them all. Goblins could be irritating at times, well, most of the time. But they meant no real harm to anybody. They were peaceful creatures and were never really involved in any crimes unless it was stealing the odd chicken from somebody.
They were easy to please as long as they had a home, a little food, a chicken, their families around them, and a flagon of goblin ale or two.
Simple creatures that he used to hate but now realized just how much he cared for them. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat.
"I promise you all that I shall be doing all I can do fix this... and soon the Castle will be distributing out food, so do not fear."
Aiden's eyes widened when he heard Jareth's announcement.
Loud cheers went up around the market, and many goblins fell to their knees at their King's feet. Many elves and Goblins began shouting his praises through the streets "Long live the Goblin King!" they cheered, their hearts a little more hopeful than they had been in some time.
Jareth glanced up at Aiden, who was still seated upon Alaska. He wasn't the littlest bit surprised to see the anger reflecting in his eyes.
Jareth decided to pay him no attention and turned back to the stall, quickly scanning through a couple of items of jewelry before deciding on a beautiful emerald bracelet for Sarah. He paid the Goblin a few coins and then carefully wrapped the bracelet in his pocket-handkerchief, placing it back in the inside pocket of his jacket.
He mounted Shadow, lightly tapping his riding crop against his rear. Shadow immediately began to canter back towards the castle. Aiden watched after him for a moment before he clicked his tongue and nudged his foot into Alaska's sides, cantering after him.
"I cannot believe you didn't ask my advice before you announced to the whole of the city that the castle would be distributing food!" Aiden raged, beyond furious with Jareth.
"Aiden, you saw for yourself, there are families dying in the streets! What was I meant to say?" Jareth argued back as he poured himself a drink.
"Sire, we barely have enough food to feed those in the castle! What will you do when it all runs out and we are left with nothing?"
Jareth turned to face Aiden, who had finally stopped pacing.
"We won't get to that point... I'll try to think of something..." He lifted his goblet to his lips and drained the contents within seconds.
Aiden sighed and threw himself down on the couch by the fire. He rubbed his forehead as a painful headache began. "Does Lilium have any more plans about getting us more supplies?" Aiden asked
Jareth shrugged."I don't know... She hasn't mentioned it to me."
"Perhaps you should ask her."
"Or...Perhaps you could? You know, since you're my adviser. You could ask her. That way I can just focus on Sarah."
Aiden laughed weakly, shaking his head. "Oh, no. that's extremely artful of you."
Jareth pulled an innocent expression. "Why? You're my adviser and besides, when I and Lilium get together we just end up in bed anyway. You know, I've actually not had a proper conversation with her in about-"
"I don't want to know." Aiden folded his arms irritably. "But fine. I'll talk to her."
Jareth nodded gratefully, becoming serious. "I do appreciate it, Aiden."
Aiden knew Jareth was being sincere. "Alright... but you promise me that you'll fix things with Sarah? Because without her, we really don't have any hope..."
Jareth sighed, folding his arms. "Yes, thank you, Aiden, I'm quite aware, You don't need to remind me. In fact, I'm going to find her now."
Aiden smirked. "Good man. Oh, and don't forget the gift."
Jareth reached for his jacket and put it on, feeling in the pocket to make sure he had the present he'd brought for Sarah before he left.
Jareth wasn't surprised to find Sarah back in the stables with the horses. She was busy brushing Spirit, softly humming to herself.
She was wearing a dark blue dress and an apron which was tired around her waist in a messy bow at the back. Her hair up in a bun like it usually was when she was working.
Spirit snorted softly, causing Sarah to giggle.
"She really does like you, doesn't she?"
Sarah gasped when she heard Jareth's voice from behind her. She swallowed hard before turning around to face him. He was leaning up against the door casually, watching her.
He smiled warmly, cocking his head to the side.
Sarah considered smiling back but then realized that she actually really didn't want too. She was still mad at him and she had no desire to pretend that everything was fine when really it wasn't.
Jareth noticed this and he approached her, a concerned expression present on his face. "Sarah?"
She turned away from him, busying herself with Spirit's brushing once more.
Jareth gently placed his hands on her arms, turning her around to face him again. He gazed into her eyes, noticing the coldness gazing back at him. He mentally cursed himself. He'd obviously been right about her being upset her.
"You're mad at me..." he whispered, his eyes searching hers.
"I'm not mad at you, sire." She replied coldly, turning away from him again. She reached into the pocket in her apron and pulled out a handful of oats, offering them to Spirit, who began eating them for her hand, munching loudly.
"Sarah, I told you it was alright for you to call me by my name. I want you to."
When she didn't reply, he turned her around again, surprised to see the tears shining in her eyes.
Sarah swallowed hard, embarrassed by herself for allowing him to see her like this.
"Talk to me, Sarah..." He spoke softly, his voice laced with concern.
"I just..." she choked on a sob before taking a few deep breaths and managed to compose herself a bit. She continued. "I guess I just worried that things had gone back to how they used to be... you know, us just being civil to each other but not actually beings friends. I just thought that perhaps you didn't want to be my friend anymore."
Jareth felt sad when he heard her confession. He realized his mistake in that moment and swore to himself that no matter what, he wouldn't distance himself from her again.
"Sarah... Of course, I want to be your friend. We are friends! I've missed you, I've missed seeing you," he admitted.
Sarah shook her head, blinking back tears again. "I saw right there everyday bringing you meals and cleaning your room but you barely said two words to me!"
Jareth ran his fingers through his hair. "I've had a lot on my mind, Sarah. I didn't have the time to make chit-chat with you but that didn't mean that I wasn't your friend anymore? I was always polite to you wasn't I?!" He could feel his calm resolve slipping with every word.
"Oh, so being 'polite' is enough for me to know that we're still friends? If you were struggling you only had to tell me! But it's more than about how you've been treating me that's pissed me off. Why did you lead me on?" She asked, folded her arms over her chest, staring at him dead in the eyes.
Jareth furrowed his brow, cocking his head to the side. "What?"
"Why did you use me?" she repeated.
"How the fuck have I been using you?!" he raged, throwing his hands up in frustration.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe by kissing me every time we were alone together?!" She raged sarcastically.
Jareth glared at her. "Sarah-
"Did the big bad Goblin King think he could get lucky with two women?"
Jareth wanted to rage. He wanted to scream and kick everything over that was around him. However, he knew that he had one chance with Sarah right now. If he lost his temper, he'd surely lose all hope of ever gaining her trust again. He took a long deep breath and then let out a shaky sigh before he spoke again.
"I'm not proud of what I've been doing... but you need to know that there is no romantic relationship between us, at all. I feel nothing for Lilium but friendship."
"Then why do you keep fucking her?!" She barked, unable to keep her calm. This had been building up and festering inside her for too long and she couldn't keep it down a second longer.
Jareth looked her again, his jaw tightening as he battled with his temper. He couldn't believe how rude she was being towards him.
"Myself and Lily have a mutual understanding. She brings supplies from her Kingdom secretly to mine and in return I...have sex with her."
"Since when did the Goblin King become a whore?"
Jareth stared at her, his eyes darkening as he moved closer to her, "How dare you treat me with such disrespect!" He said, his voice raised in anger.
Sarah scoffed, "No, how dare YOU treat ME with such disrespect!" She cried, refusing to back down.
"I'm not some trinket you can play with when you feel like it and then rush back to your dear Lilium when you think I'm distracted! I'm a human being! I have feelings and I deserve your respect! and if you can't give it to me then this...this..." her lip trembled, her eyes welling with tears. She took a shaky breath to try and calm herself down again. She would not show him any weakness right now. She had to be strong. "Then this friendship... or whatever you call it, is over."
Jareth gazed at her, utterly shocked by her outburst. Her jaw was tight, her cheeks flushed red with anger, her hands balled into fists at her sides, turning her knuckles white. He could tell at that moment just how serious she was.
He stared at her for a few silent moments and then sighed, nodding his head in understanding.
"I am... truly sorry for hurting your feelings, Sarah. It was never my intention to hurt you, and if I could take it back, I would."
He meant it. He hadn't meant to hurt her. He liked Sarah more than he cared to admit, which is why he had to put distance between them so that maybe those feelings would go away. He'd never meant to become attached to her again. This had all been a way to regain power and claim back what was rightfully his. Why had his heart gotten in the way? Why did his heart always get in the way when it came to Sarah?
He realized when he looked at her, that no amount of distance was going to make his affection for her go away. Even if he wanted it too. He cared about her. Even after the way she'd just spoken to him.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the little silver and emerald bracelet that he had brought for her from the market today.
Sarah watched as he held it out to her in his gloved hand, the beautiful gems sparkling. She gazed at it for a long moment before she turned her attention back to him.
"You can't just... expect everything to go back to how things were... You can't expect to say sorry, and buy me jewelry, and think all is forgiven..." She whispered, her eyes searching his.
"Then tell me how I can make it up to you..." he pleaded, desperation shining in his eyes.
She swallowed hard, gently pushing his hand with the bracelet away from her. "Come back to me when you've figured it out." She whispered before pushing past him and walking back towards the castle.
Jareth stood there completely stunned as he watched her leave. Looking down, he saw the bracelet in his hand, watching as the light hit the beautiful emeralds. He realized then that Sarah was right about him.
His actions had been wrong and he should never have thought that he could just make things go away just by buying her jewelry.
He thought about everything she'd said to him and swore to himself that he would figure out how to make it up to her. Not because he wanted her power to save the Kingdom, but because he truly wanted to make it up to her.
He'd tried to tell himself that his only reason for being kind to her before was because he needed to regain his power over her. But that wasn't just why he was kind to her. He was kind to her because he liked her. Because she was kind and sweet, and beautiful, clever and intelligent.
And he wanted her to be his friend. Not just a servant or the girl who ran the Labyrinth and defeated him.
His friend.
He sat down on one of the bales of hay, resting his face in his hands and his elbows on his knees when he realized just how royally he'd fucked things up.
Well, things were going to change around here from now on.
Jareth was no longer the man he'd been when he'd woken up this morning.
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AFGQPOZHXWDQPNWEIFO!
Is it true? Is Jareth actually starting to see that he is the one in the wrong?!
I know this was a shorter chapter but quite a lot has happened!
Don't forget to let me know what you all thought!
