AN: Hi everyone! I hope this update finds you all well! This chapter is a little shorter than the last few, but I hope you can enjoy it, anyway.
Enjoy!
"And so, the fairy queen lived happily ever after..."
Adelaide yawned sleepily as her bedtime story came to an end. "Can you read it again, Daddy?" She asked, even as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
Aiden gently stroked her curls from her face, a small smile turning up his lips when he gazed down at his little girl with pride. Adelaide could never get enough of the bedtime stories he told her each night. It was quite adorable how she took such comfort in the sound of his voice.
"We've already read it twice, darling, and if I'm not mistaken, I think you are already on your way to dreamland." He whispered, gently placing a soft kiss to her forehead.
When he pulled back, Adelaide was already asleep with her thumb in her mouth, and her teddy bear under her arm.
Aiden gently pulled the blankets up around her, tucking her in before leaning back in his chair, a heavy sigh escaping him. It was rather odd how only a few moments after she'd fallen asleep, all his troubled thoughts would come flooding back as if they had never left him.
With his head resting back against his chair, Aiden's mind began to wander once more. He wondered what was written in the telegram Liliam had sent. He had this awful feeling that it wasn't the good news they'd been desperately waiting for because if it was, wouldn't Jareth have been to see him by now?
He let out a frustrated sigh and ran his fingers through his dark hair. Come to think of it, it definitely couldn't be good news if Jareth had locked himself away in his chambers and magically hidden the door so nobody could reach him.
He had been hoping to see Jareth today, but apparently, he was still keeping to his room. That in itself was infuriating. He was Jareth's adviser, he had a right to know what was going on, damn it. And yet, here he was, left to wonder, growing more and more concerned with every second that passed.
Aiden was suddenly pulled from his thoughts when the room began to shake. He furrowed his brow, watching as various items in the room began to tremble and clash together.
He quickly looked to Adelaide, relieved to find her still sleeping soundly as if nothing had happened.
A bright white light suddenly shone in through the window, lighting up the room for a few brief seconds before it vanished without a trace.
Aiden stood and quickly rushed to the window, leaning forward and gazing out to see what was going on.
His frown deepened when he found nothing out of the usual. The night was quiet, dark, and cold. The Labyrinth silent and unmoving.
Then suddenly, his ears pricked up. He could hear a voice in the night air - a very familiar voice at that. It was Jareth and he was... laughing? No, there had to some mistake. Still, Aiden was too curious to simply ignore what he had heard.
He placed a quick kiss to Adelaide's forehead, and then quickly left his chambers.
He began walking briskly through the long halls of the castle in the hope of eventually finding Jareth.
Truthfully, he wasn't even certain if Jareth would still be outside by the time he reached the door, but it didn't matter. He'd seen that white light and he wanted to know what was going on once and for all. He was fed up with being left in the dark all the time.
He walked a little further down the hall, lost in the deep thoughts that raged through him as he passed one of the large windows in the hall. He almost jumped out of his skin when a barn owl flew right in, almost crashing into his head. Luckily, Aiden ducked down just before that could happen.
He watched as the barn owl transformed into none other than the Goblin King, glitter and feathers swirling around him in the almost empty hall.
When Jareth stood tall in front of him, Aiden sighed and began brushing away the glitter from his clothing. He was relieved to finally be face to face with his King, though he hadn't expected to get covered in glitter in the process.
"Sire, I've been wondering when I'd see you. I've been worried-"He trailed off when he noticed the expression on Jareth's face. He looked happy, calm, content, and pleasantly satisfied. What in all the Underground? Jareth was never any of these positive emotions and if he was, it never showed on his face as it did right now.
"You seem...happy?" Aiden said with a deep frown. Then suddenly, Aiden's eyes lit up. "Sire... do you have good news after all? When I heard you had locked yourself in your chambers I feared the worst."
Jareth smirked at his rambling adviser. Shaking his head, he took a step towards him. "Unfortunately, that is not why I'm happy." He said, turning his attention to adjusting his leather gloves.
Aiden's smile faded and he frowned again. "Well... what did her letter say? Is she okay? Is she coming with supplies?" He asked, unable to contain all the questions that spilled from his mouth all at once. He had been waiting to ask ever since that damn letter had arrived, and he simply couldn't hold in all of those questions any longer.
Aiden quickly realized he was acting like a bumbling fool, and he took a few moments to calm himself. Standing straight, he cleared his throat. "That is, if you have any information, I would be interested to hear it."
Jareth didn't miss the desperate look in Aiden's eyes even as he managed to calm himself. He felt guilt sweep through him suddenly. He did feel bad for not letting Aiden know what had happened sooner. He knew how Aiden cared for Lilium, probably more than he was willing to admit. And, he understood that, too. He had never wanted Aiden to know that he had harbored feelings for Sarah; even now, it would be difficult to explain how he felt about her to Aiden, but it was inevitable. He did love Sarah, and he had to tell Aiden everything that had happened.
With a soft sigh, Jareth approached his adviser, and placing a gloved hand on his shoulder, he spoke softly. "Come to my study and have a drink with me, Aiden. I have a lot to tell you, and I'll let you read her letter yourself."
Aiden sat in the plush armchair by the fire with a very suspicious look on his face as he watched Jareth take a decanter of red wine from his drinks cabinet.
"So..." Aiden started, awkwardly fiddling with the gold Celtic cufflinks he wore with his green velvet shirt. "You said you had a lot to tell me?"
Jareth poured some of the red wine from the decanter into a crystal glass, then he turned, passing it to his adviser.
Aiden took the glass from him, glancing into it with a raised brow. Wasn't this Jareth's finest wine in the castle? The one he only ever drank if he had something to celebrate? It was over three- hundred years old and had belonged to his father before him.
"Hmm... something seems to be going on..."
Jareth took a seat in the leather armchair opposite Aiden, elegantly folding one leg over the other, taking a little drink from his glass. "I do. I'll admit that I'm at a loss of where to start, though. For so much has happened in only a few short hours."
Aiden frowned but tried to ease up a bit. He was very tense and he was aware that Jareth could practically feel it radiating off him. With a heavy sigh and a big gulp of wine, he relaxed back into his chair, nodding to Jareth to continue. "Do tell."
Jareth tore his gaze from Aiden's and looked into his wine, swirling it around in his glass as he spoke. "The letter didn't hold the news we so desperately wanted to hear. I was distraught when I read it. I felt so hopeless... and through feeling that hopelessness, I was consumed by darkness. I don't think I've ever felt so angry and dark in all of my life." He chuckled weakly, never looking up from his glass. "And you've seen me at my worst, so you can imagine how bad I was."
Aiden nodded, trying to stay calm and let Jareth continue, even though he was desperate to ask more questions about the contents on Lilium's letter.
"Sarah came to me. Somehow, she managed to find me even though I used magic to hide my chambers from her." A small smile tugged at his lips as he gazed into his wine. "She saved me; Aiden...saved me from myself."
Aiden leaned forward in his chair, furrowing his brow in deep confusion. "She saved you? Forgive my ignorance, but...how?"
Jareth's smile only broadened, but it was as if he was talking more to himself, than the man who sat opposite him. "She loves me. That's how she saved me."
Aiden blinked a few times, and then a wide smile spread across his face. "You didn't know?"
Jareth's eyes snapped to Aiden's. "You knew? She... told you?"
Aiden chuckled, shaking his head. "Not in so many words, but it's obvious. When she's with you she's all over you. I've caught her starring at you many times."
Jareth sighed, a small smile turning up the corners of his mouth as he leaned back in his chair. "Ah, she does doesn't she... her eyes can be so cruel." He whispered, more to himself.
Aiden watched Jareth closely for a few seconds, and then something suddenly clicked, like the switch of a light bulb in his brain. "I knew it."
Jareth glanced at him, arching a brow. "You knew what?"
"That you loved her, as well. You've been in love with her for a while, haven't you?"
Aiden grinned victoriously as Jareth peered into the contents of his glass again, gazing into the dark liquid as he swirled it around, considering the best way to answer that question.
"Yes, alright, Mr. know-it-all, I love her... I've been in love with her for years if I'm being completely honest."
Aiden couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. Even though a small part of him envied Jareth, he couldn't deny how happy he was for his friend. He deserved to love and to be loved. Especially after everything that had happened these last few years. Jareth had been through a lot, and it was time he finally settled down.
"That's why you didn't want to go ahead with our plan... to overpower her?"
Jareth nodded, lifting his glass to his lips and taking a quick sip. "I couldn't do it to her..." He looked up suddenly, his shoulders tensing and his expression becoming serious. "Sarah must never find out that I planned to trick her like that. I don't know how she would react and...I couldn't bear to lose her again." He admitted, his mood changing all too quickly.
"Sarah won't find out, sire, at least not through me. Try not to worry about it now. It's not often I get to see you so happy. I'm quite enjoying it." He smirked, amusement shining in his grey eyes.
Jareth laughed softly, shaking his head. "Don't get used to it, Aiden. I'm still the grumpy bastard you know and love."
Aiden chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Love? That's debatable." He joked, pleased when Jareth laughed with him.
"Anyway, do tell me what else has happened," He said, eagerly. "I'm guessing from the look on your face that you've spent the last twenty hours in bed with her?"
Jareth only grinned, neither denying nor confirming Aiden's thoughts. Aiden was smart enough to know the answer, and he smiled back at his King. "I wondered why you looked so refreshed." He teased, grinning from ear to ear. "I must say, satisfaction suits you."
Jareth's lips formed a smile and he couldn't help the low chuckle that rumbled through his chest. "Well, she certainly has a way of making me feel better, but that's all I'll say."
Aiden laughed and leaned forward in his chair, "Well, I congratulate you. It's about time you found happiness with somebody. You've been a bachelor for far too long as it is."
Jareth nodded to Aiden, grateful for his support. He had been slightly apprehensive about telling Aiden all this and was pleasantly surprised by his friend's reaction. "I thank you, Aiden... I just hope she won't ever leave me."
"Why would she leave you? She loves you. She has no reason to leave you." He gently patted Jareth's shoulder in a reassuring and comforting manner before he sat back in his chair, again. "Now, what other news do you have to tell me?"
Jareth took another sip of his wine."It seems that everything we suspected about Sarah was correct. Her connection to the Labyrinth is stronger than we could have hoped. She is even able to communicate with it. She said it speaks to her, in the form of a voice." He said, putting his glass down on the little table between them and sat forward slightly as if his excitement was too much for him to contain. "A few hours after we'd... lain together, I woke to the feeling of magic pulsing through me. Aiden, my connection is coming back. It's weak, but I hope that with time, it'll grow stronger."
Aiden gazed at Jareth in complete and utter shock. He had only ever read about one incident when the Labyrinth had communicated via a voice and that book was older then both himself and Jareth put together! He had thought it to be nothing but a legend, and yet now, it seemed to be true.
"My god, you know what this means..." He said, his grey eyes widening.
Jareth laughed merrily, throwing his head back in a moment of pure joy. "Of course, I do! But go ahead, I want to hear somebody else say it."
"By god... It means that the prophecy is true...or at least, aspects of it are true. It means that not only will your connection come back, but the Labyrinth will restore itself. Perhaps it might even restore itself to what it was so long ago... It means, sire, that not only has Sarah given you her heart, but she has given you back your Kingdom."
Jareth let out a contented sigh, a wide smile plastered to his face. How could he feel this happy? It simply wasn't natural for him to feel this way, and yet, he found himself basking in it.
"I owe her everything." He said after he'd managed to calm himself down enough to speak again.
"Indeed, you do, sire," Aiden said, watching as Jareth chuckled to himself, amusement shining in his pale eyes. "I should have known that she would be both my downfall and my saving grace." He picked up his glass again, lifting it to his lips. "I would expect nothing less from her." He said with a smile, and then he tossed his glass back, downing the contents in seconds.
Aiden smiled. He was still trying to process all this information.
This was the most hope they'd had in months, years, even. And if the prophecy was right, then the Kingdom would be saved. The Labyrinth would fix itself, with the help of Sarah, of course, and the land would be beautiful once more.
The possibilities were endless.
"We all owe her a great debt. I am beyond excited to see how things pan out. We must hope for the best, and who knows, maybe we aren't all doomed to die, after all."
Jareth traced his fingers over the worn leather armchair, his smile never faltering. "I hope that we are correct about all this... I confess I find myself still a little apprehensive about the condition of the land changing, but I suppose that is because this is all I have ever known. My father always said that it had been beautiful once... I suppose only time will tell."
"Indeed, sire. For now, all we can do is wait..." Aiden glanced into the fire for a few moments, his thoughts suddenly consuming him again.
He was relieved beyond words about all this, even if he was still a little apprehensive about how everything would work out; but there was still that heavy feeling in his chest. The concern he felt for Lilium still looming over him, all-consuming.
It was only when Jareth got up and headed to his desk, that Aiden glanced away from the blazing fire. He sat back in his chair, listening to the rustle of papers as Jareth searched through them for something.
After a few moments, Jareth approached him; his arm outstretched before him, and in his gloved hand was the telegram from Lilium.
"Here, read it all, for there is nothing written that is not for your eyes. I apologize for keeping it from you this long."
Aiden glanced up at Jareth, nodding his thanks as he took the letter from him.
He swallowed hard as he glanced at the elegant, yet slightly messy and smudged handwriting. It seemed like Lilium had written this in a rush. Normally her writing was always near perfect, never messy or anything like this.
"I will give you some privacy," Jareth said, his voice quiet, yet gentle. He turned and walked towards the door, his boots clicking against the old wooden floor.
Just as he opened the door and was about to step out, he stopped and glanced back at Aiden over his shoulder.
"I will be in my chambers should you acquire my assistance on... anything at all."
Aiden knew right away that this was Jareth's way of saying he was there for him without directly saying it, and he nodded back to him, thankful for his words.
Jareth merely nodded back and then left without another word.
The moment Aiden heard the door click shut; he began unfolding the letter, reading it avidly, his eyes roaming desperately over every sentence.
As he read, he felt his heart constrict in his chest. It seemed that his worrying for Lilium had been for a reason.
He swallowed hard and continued in his reading. He wanted to cry when he read of how she had been made to abdicate the throne, and of how she was treated as a traitor in the castle, even having her ladies in waiting sent away.
He felt anger rise within him, anger so strong that he had to take a few minutes from reading.
He paced the room, hands clasped behind his back as he tried to regain his calm. It would do no good for him to feel such anger. Lilium was far from him and no matter how much he wanted her, this was it now, wasn't it? He would not be able to go to her, and she would not be able to come to him. It was upsetting and frustrating, but what could be done?
After a few moments, he returned to the telegram and continued to read it.
'My final words are for Aiden.
Aiden, it seems that even after all we went through in that one evening – and what we had blossoming beautifully between us, was not to be. I cannot say I am surprised; you know well enough of my unfortunate luck with love, but still, I am grieved to have never been given the chance to see where things lead us.
I have to say that I regret all those years of knowing you and yet never taking the time to know you better. But as I look back on our friendship, I can see that there has always been a spark between us, even if it was somewhat concealed by my feelings for Jareth. I wish so much, that I had told you just how I have always admired you as a person. And of how I admire you now as a Father and a widower. You handle life with a smile on your face, a smile I find both beautiful and inspiring, and I wish to thank you for sharing that smile with me, even if it was short-lived.
Never forget that even though our love never had a chance to bloom, I will always hold those little buds of feelings I had for you close to my heart. Be happy, Aiden, and dare to share that beautiful smile of yours with somebody else. For it would be cruel indeed, to keep a smile as lovely yours to yourself.
I must depart now, but know I will always think of you both with the highest regard.
Your friend, always, Lily.'
Aiden carefully folded the letter, placing it on the table beside him. He swallowed hard and clasped his hands together in front of him, trying to deal with the feelings that were raging within his heart.
He wasn't sure how long he simply sat there, fighting the urge the breakdown, but soon the fire died down, and the only candle lit in the room eventually went out. The moonlight streaming in through the window soon became the only thing keeping the room form being in complete darkness.
Not that Aiden cared, of course. He could think of nothing but of what Lilium must be suffering and all because she had wanted to do good. She had helped them more than she knew by bringing supplies, and in some ways, they were indebted to her as much as they were to Sarah. She had risked everything to keep them alive and fed. And yes, he knew she had done it partly because she had been in love with Jareth, but that was beside the point. She had still kept them all alive.
When the moon began to disappear, and the sun began to slowly rise, Aiden stood and poured himself a drink.
His thoughts were still raging, but he refused to allow them to stop until he had an answer to all this.
And he would have an answer; for there was no way he could let this be Lilium's fate.
Jareth closed the door to his study, leaving Aiden to have some privacy while he read Lilium's telegram. He knew that Aiden would be grieved once he found out about all that Lilium had endured these past weeks, and Jareth knew well enough that he would need time to himself to process everything.
Jareth sincerely hoped that Aiden would take the news okay.
He realized when he passed the clock in the hall, that he had not seen Sarah in many hours, now. Having spent a good hour and a half talking with Aiden, and he'd spent a few hours by the Labyrinth before that.
He realized he missed her already.
Deciding he'd done quite enough walking around the castle for one day, Jareth used magic to transport himself back to his chambers.
He was far too eager to see his beautiful Sarah again and was more than a little disappointed not to find her waiting for him when he returned in a swirl of glitter.
His brow furrowed at the quietness that met his ears upon arriving back in his chambers, and curiously, he walked further into the room.
The sight of a few books scattered on the window seat, abandoned and forgotten, caught his attention and he moved towards the window seat, picking one up. He inspected it curiously with a raised brow. Amusement filled him when he read the title; "The Language of the Fae."
Had his precious Sarah been trying to learn how to speak in his native tongue? The thought warmed his heart even if it was completely impossible for her to learn. Perhaps she had realized that herself, and that was why she had abandoned the many books which he noticed, all revolved around subjects of his kind.
The soft rustle of blankets coming from his bed chambers caught his attention; he placed the book back on the window seat and walked towards the archway which separated this room from his bed-chamber. Once he stepped in, Jareth couldn't help the small smile that tugged up his lips. There, in his bed, curled up on her side, lay, Sarah, peacefully sleeping.
He slowly approached her, trying his hardest to keep quiet so as not to disturb her slumber. She was still exhausted from the last few days and he wanted her to rest as much as possible.
He took a seat on the edge of the bed and carefully brushed some tendrils of hair from her face, smiling at the beauty she possessed even when sleeping. His smile broadened when he noticed that she was still wearing his shirt.
For a few moments, he was quite content to simply watch her as she slept. He wasn't certain exactly why, but he took satisfaction in knowing she was sleeping so peacefully within his bed.
After a few minutes, he stood and pulled the thick blankets up and over her shoulders, tucking her in and making sure no drafts would chill her in her sleep. Then, leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss to the crown of her head.
"My precious, Sarah..." He whispered, "May your dreams be peaceful."
He reluctantly left her side and wondered out of his bed chambers. He had been tempted to discard his clothes and get into bed beside her; there was no denying how tired he was. However, he didn't want to disturb Sarah.
Besides, he was in desperate need of a long, relaxing soak.
Lifting his goblet to his lips, he took a sip of the honey and blueberry mead he so enjoyed and relished in the warm burn as it slid down his throat.
Yes, a nice deep and relaxing bath was just what he needed. He had a lot of thoughts running through his head at present, and where was better to contemplate one's current situation than in the comfort of a warm bath?
With his mind made up, less than five minutes later Jareth had called upon Patty to attend to preparing a bath for him.
He had taken a seat in his favourite chair by the fire in his bed-chamber, keeping himself in the same room as Sarah, the need to be close to her so intense, even if she wasn't aware of his presence.
He had poured himself another drink and grabbed his journal, jotting down a few notes on what had happened these past days and of how they had left him feeling elated and hopeful for what was to come.
He'd barely noticed as Patty knocked and entered into the room. She'd mumbled a few words to him, but he hadn't been listening enough to answer her. He was far too engrossed in his writing.
Patty didn't seem to notice, and if she did, she cared little. She was used to her King paying her little attention and perhaps it was best it stayed that way.
Jareth only glanced away from the pages of his journal when he heard Patty gasp. Now, that had caught his attention. He looked to the creature that stood with her bony grey hand clasped firmly over her mouth. Amusement shone in his eyes when he noticed her wide eyes. Confusion crossed her features as she stared at the large bed that had Sarah asleep in it.
Feeling eyes upon her, she glanced back at her King, a thousand questions shining in her eyes.
Jareth stared back at her, ready for what she would inevitably ask. He waited... but she said nothing. Instead, she quickly gathered her skirts and scurried away into the bathroom to prepare his bath, closing the door behind her.
Jareth smirked and settled back into the comfort of his chair. He couldn't keep the smirk from his face as he imagined all the things Patty would be thinking of at this very moment. He still took a lot of joy in tormenting goblins and that small, mischievous part of him hoped that one day, one of them might walk in when he and Sarah weren't so decent. Then he would bog the wretched thing for walking in on them.
He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. Okay, perhaps that was a little too cruel given the current state of everything. The goblins had suffered enough these last few months as it was and it would not do to make things any harder on them. Especially not Patty, she was one of the rare few goblins that worked hard and was a decent creature all round.
He sighed to himself. Sarah had softened him. For better or for worse, he wasn't sure.
Soon, Patty emerged from the bathroom. She rushed over and bowed to her King, informing him that his bath was ready, and to call if he needed her assistance at all. He had thanked her and dismissed her, watching with a grin as she glanced over at Sarah once more before she left as quickly as she could.
Jareth chuckled to himself, rising from his chair and placing his journal in the draw where he kept his other private or sentimental objects.
He approached Sarah again, taking his time to look over her affectionately. "You would laugh, or be completely mortified if you were awake, love." He whispered in amusement to his sleeping lover.
She stirred slightly but did not wake.
He watched her for a few moments, then turned away from her and went to take his long-awaited bath.
Entering the bathroom, Jareth was delighted to find that the fire had been lit to take the cold edge off the coldest room in his chambers. There were a few candles lit and placed randomly about the room, but there weren't too many, just enough for him to be able to see in the darkroom while still keeping the relaxing atmosphere he desired.
The large sunken bath was full of bubbles and the relaxing aroma of lavender permeated through the air.
He eagerly undressed himself, and then stepped down into the bath, sighing contently as he lowered himself, the warm water enclosing him in a soapy embrace.
For a while, he was more than content to just sit there, lazily tracing his fingers through the warm water and deeply inhaling the scent of lavender. It wasn't his favourite scent by any stretch, but it did wonders for relaxation, and he found himself enjoying it more just for its benefits.
But while he sat, Jareth thought of nothing but of how lucky he had been these last few days. It was all like a wonderful dream. A dream he never wanted to wake from, ever. His heart had never known love this intense before, and now that it had, he wasn't certain he would be able to survive without it, again.
He smiled peacefully as his thoughts were consumed by the images of the woman he loved in his arms. Consumed by the feel of her body pressed against his, by the sound of her voice as she told him she loved him. He was beyond lucky to have her affection and he knew it. He never wanted to be without her again. He laid his head back against the bath, glancing up at the vaulted ceiling as he exhaled.
He realized he already wanted to make her his wife. But it was too early to ask her to marry him, wasn't it? Sarah was young, and yes, she had said she loved him, but whether or not she was ready to become his wife and Queen yet, was quite another thing. He didn't want to scare her off so early in their relationship.
As frustrating as it was, he would just have to wait.
He sighed and lowered his gaze from the ceiling once more. He watched the bubbles floating around on the surface of the water. Focusing on one of the larger bubbles, he leaned forward and carefully scooped it up in his hands, satisfied when it began to crystallize in his palm, and revealed to him the image of his empty bed.
Wait, empty bed?
He smirked to himself and rolled the bubble-turned-crystal over his arm. It seemed his beautiful lover had awoken, at last. No doubt she would enter at any moment now, eager to see him again. Carefully, he put the crystal into the water and it turned back into a bubble the second it hit the surface.
He dipped himself fully into the water, closing his eyes and wetting his hair, pushing it back from his face once he had re-emerged from the soapy depths.
He knew before he'd even opened his eyes that she was there, watching him.
"You are more than welcome to join me, if you so desire, pet." He said, not bothering to hide his smirk as he glanced over at her.
Sarah stood awkwardly in the doorway, watching him with a soft pink blush on her cheeks. "Join you? I- erm... well, I've already had a bath today." She said, a flash of embarrassment shinning in her eyes. "So I'll just...leave you to enjoy it alone." She said, turning to leave; Jareth raised a hand from the water, stopping her from leaving.
"Sarah, your shyness, as endearing as it is, can sometimes have the habit of spoiling our fun. Join me, you precious thing." He said, chuckling to himself. "Besides, you have nothing I have not already seen or thoroughly explored." He said with a cheeky, yet proud grin.
Had she been closer, she would have playfully swatted his chest for that comment.
"Well, if you've seen it all already, then what could you possibly want with me now?" She asked, batting her eyelashes at him in a rather flirtatious manner.
Jareth's smile broadened. He was pleased that she was flirting with him and not shying away from him as she had been a moment ago.
"You have become my drug, precious... and I am addicted to you, completely and utterly addicted." He whispered, meeting her eyes from across the room. Sarah felt the familiar pound of her heart-beat quicken in her chest. How was it that he always managed to get her heart racing? And more importantly, did he experience the same fluttering of his own heart when he saw her?
Well, if he hadn't before, he would now.
She watched his expression with satisfaction as she walked slowly across the room, pulling his shirt over her head, then dropping it to the floor. For a moment, she just stood there, completely exposed to him and his wandering eyes. She was surprised at her sudden boldness and silently praised herself for her small victory.
His eyes roamed over her as though she were the most beautiful sight in the world and she, once again, felt her heart flutter in her chest.
He stood, little droplets water running down his chest, and reached out for her hand, smiling when she walked over and slipped her hand into his own. Gently, he helped her step into the sunken tub.
Once Sarah had stepped in, Jareth wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him.
She gazed up at him, smiling when she caught that satisfactory smirk on his face. He looked so damn pleased with himself.
"My God, I missed you..." He whispered, gently tracing his fingers over her brow. She was amazed at how he'd managed to keep his voice gentle and soft, no amusement there at all, despite his expression.
Sarah chuckled softly. "How did you ever cope without me before? Sometimes days would pass without us spending more than a few minutes in the same room together."
Jareth let out a heavy sigh, gently pressing his forehead against hers. "I've been asking myself the same question, my love. But it's like I said before, you have become my addiction and to be without you, even for only a few short hours, have become torturous."
Sarah rolled her eyes but leaned in for a kiss. "Ever the drama king, Jareth." Sarah joked, smiling when he chuckled and released her, lowering himself back down in the warm water. "I was expecting you to say romantic, or poet, not drama-king." He smirked, motioning for her to sit, and he watched as she did just that.
"This is more like a small swimming pool than a bath," Sarah remarked quietly to herself, playfully splashing away a few bubbles.
Jareth merely cocked his head to the side, watching her with a sparkle in his eyes and that permanent smirk on his lips.
Feeling his eyes on her was making her feel a little shy, but she tried to pay him no attention. She knew he liked to tease her because she was so shy, and she was not about to encourage his playful nature by shying away right now.
So, rather than just awkwardly sitting there, she decided to ease up a bit. She reached for the soap and began to lather it up in her hands, then proceeded to rub it into her skin.
She felt him move slightly, the water rippling as he adjusted himself. When she dared to look over at him, she noticed that he had visibly relaxed. His eyes were closed, and his head was resting back against the side of the bath.
She tried not to giggle when she noticed just how different he looked when his hair was wet. He still looked incredibly handsome, though. There was no denying that.
With a blush, she tore her gaze away and continued to clean herself with the soap. "You were gone longer than I expected." She said after a few more silent moments had passed.
Jareth cracked open his eyes, watching her as she lathered the soap over her shoulders and down her arms.
"I know..." He sighed, "I was gone longer than I expected, too. I ran into Aiden on my way back here. He demanded some answers from me. I knew I owed him that much, so I took him to my study and had a chat with him."
"Oh?" She put the bar of soap down and began rinsing herself off, smirking when she noticed him watching her with a hungry look in his eyes. "You know, I still don't know the details about what happened to you before I found you last night..."
Her words seemed to dampen his mood right away, and he let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Must I go over it all again, Sarah-mine? I had hoped that this would be a relaxing, pleasurable, experience we could share." He said with a pout which made her want to laugh.
"Come on, Jareth. I need to know what happened..." She pushed, gently.
Jareth realized Sarah wasn't going to back down on this. And, he supposed, she deserved to know what had happened, as well. "Very well, then. But I'm still disappointed we won't be engaging in bath sex."
Sarah smirked at him from across the other end of the bath, then she scooted over to him, settling beside him and cuddling up against him.
He automatically wrapped his arm around her shoulders, smiling down at her. "Though, I could get used to these wonderful embraces." He whispered, pressing the softest kiss to her forehead.
Sarah smiled and leaned up to kiss him gently on the lips, then settled back down again, patiently waiting for him to tell her everything.
And eventually, he did just that.
He told her all about Lilium's telegram and the unfortunate news that had come along with it. He told her of how distraught he had been, and of how hopeless everything had seemed when Lilium had said she wasn't able to bring back supplies.
Sarah listened intently, swallowing hard. Finally, she understood why Jareth had been so heartbroken when she'd found him. When he'd read that letter, everything must have seemed completely hopeless. No wonder he had been so consumed by darkness.
She gently squeezed his hand under the water, a comforting gesture to let him know she understood what he must have felt. He glanced down at her, his eyes showing her that he understood what the gentle squeeze of his hand had meant, and squeezed hers in return, a thank you, before he went on.
He told her of how Lilium was suffering back in Ryrella. Of how her Father had her locked in her chambers and of how she had been made to abdicate her position as future Queen.
Even though Sarah wasn't exactly fond of Lilium, she couldn't deny that what had happened to her was awful and unfair. All she had done was try to help Jareth and keep his kingdom fed. It didn't matter if she had only done it because she had feelings for Jareth, the fact of the matter was, Lilium had been brave, and it wasn't fair that she was being treated like a traitor in her own home.
"Poor Lilium..." Sarah whispered, solemnly, as she sank a little deeper into the warm water.
"Yes... I feel extremely grieved for her. She does not deserve this. She did everything she could to help myself and my subjects." He said, reaching for his goblet which sat conveniently on the edge of the sunken bath.
Sarah watched as he took a drink from his goblet, his expression wistful, sorrowful. "Yeah... and I bet she misses you," Sarah said, watching him closely.
"Yes, I expect she does." He said, staring at nothing in particular, his thoughts elsewhere. "And it's no wonder, really... she has spent the last few years practically living here with me. In many ways, this is her home. She belongs here."
Sarah felt the heat rise to her cheeks and she quickly looked away from him. She couldn't help the jealousy that was coursing through her veins. Hearing Jareth speaking of her in such a way and knowing that only a few short weeks ago it had been her that had spent days and intimate moments like this with Jareth. It was beyond difficult for her to come to terms with that knowledge.
It made her question everything. It made her question her choice to be with him, question why he would want her in the beginning when he had had somebody as beautiful as Lilium at his side as his lover for years, and with royal Fae blood flowing through her.
Why would he want her? She was a nineteen-year-old, human, and with no royal blood whatsoever.
She chewed her bottom lip, anxiously, averting her gaze from the man opposite her.
Jareth immediately noticed her discomfort. He carefully placed his goblet back on the side, and leaned forward, pulling her a little closer.
Sarah refused to make eye contact with him and looked away, even as he moved and sat right in front of her, waiting for her to look at him, again.
When she did not, Jareth gently hooked a finger under her chin and turned her face to his, locking his eyes with hers. He was surprised to see the anger and hurt staring back at him.
"Sarah, what is it?" He asked, his face a mask of concern. He gently traced his wet fingers along her cheek, watching her throat bob as she swallowed hard.
"It's nothing." She said, grabbing his wrist removing his hand from her face. She almost immediately regretted it when she noticed the way Jareth visibly tensed, his eyes filled with sadness, almost as if he was preparing himself for what was coming. Then, a cold and sharp expression masked the sadness on his face.
"Something is obviously wrong, Sarah. I do wish you wouldn't lie to me. Do I not deserve a truthful answer from you?" He didn't bother hiding the irritation from his voice.
Sarah swallowed hard as she glanced back at him. She supposed he was right. He did deserve to know what had upset her. She just hated that she felt this way, and admitting it to Jareth would either piss him off or offend him.
"If you really want to know then fine, I'll tell you. Talking about Lilium with you while we're both naked in the bath isn't exactly making me feel comfortable. Especially not when you talk about her with that wistful look in her eyes, or when you say this is her home... here with you... I just keep thinking of how only a few weeks ago it was her you shared your bed with... and probably your bath with, as well." She admitted, looking away from him again.
Jareth understood her anger, then. Had it been her who had another man at her side only a few weeks ago would have him insanely jealous, as well.
He gently turned her chin, making her look at him again. He searched her eyes for a few moments. "It was not my choice to speak of Lilium while we bathed together. However, you asked me to tell you what happened that night, and that is all I have done."
Sarah swallowed hard, trying to look away from him again, but his grip tightened slightly. "And as for my 'wistful expression', I can ashore you, Sarah, that I feel only regret for what I have put Lilium through. It's true that I used her for pleasure. But I believe she used me for it, also. Still, I am not proud of how I was with Lilium, and how I still might have been if it weren't for you, telling me that the way I was behaving was wrong."
He gazed into her eyes, finding the anger still burning within them like a fire, roaring out of control. He hadn't realized just how jealous his precious Sarah could be.
He'd be lying if he said he didn't like that she felt jealous of his past lover. Knowing she was jealous, it was just another sign of her deep feelings for him. A sign that she wanted him to be hers.
That knowledge seemed to stir something deep from within him, and suddenly, his lips were on hers, bruising and passionate.
She blinked in surprise, almost slipping into the water when he deepened the kiss, even more, slipping his tongue past her lips as he pushed her up against the side of the bath. Whatever she'd been expecting him to do, it wasn't this. The desperate caress of his lips on hers had taken her by surprise.
With the gentle sigh he let out against her lips, and the way he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist beneath the water, it was enough to win her over. She gently wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her against him, coaxing her to wrap her legs around his waist, and she did so, desperately. The need to be pressed against him was almost too much.
He pulled back after a few minutes, letting her catch her breath. She starred at him, her eyes searching his for unanswered questions.
Jareth gazed down at her, gently gripping her jaw so that she wouldn't look away from him again, his eyes shining with a burning passion as he watched her chest heave as she struggled to regain her breath after such a passionate kiss.
"My time with Lilium should not even be mentioned on the same breath as my time with you, Sarah. You are...the woman I have wanted for so long. With that being said, I understand your anger and your jealousy. I cannot deny that if it were you who had somebody at your side before me, I would be jealous, as well. But you should know that nothing of my time with Lilium will ever compare to even a second of my time with you."
Sarah stared at him with her mouth agape as he tightened his hold on her jaw slightly, bringing her face closer to his own, their lips so close but not quite touching.
"You are my heart, Sarah Williams. I love you more than I've ever loved anybody... and I want you to marry me and become my wife and my queen... at my side as my equal forevermore. And when the day comes for you to leave this world, I will leave it all behind and follow you to wherever you go...for I could think of no better way to spend eternity than at your side, whether it be in the physical, or the afterlife, I don't care; I just want you... always you."
Sarah's lip trembled as she gazed up at him, big tears streaming down her cheeks as she choked out a sob just before Jareth's lips came crashing down on hers again, loving and passionate, desperate and demanding.
Sarah clung to him, their lips moving together and only parting when she needed air to breathe, or to choke out another sob before his lips came crashing back against hers again.
With her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him, Jareth lifted them both from the bath and carried her into the bedroom, not caring that they were both drenched and that they left a trail of water behind them.
He laid her gently on the bed and climbed on as well, looming over her, little droplets of water falling from his hair onto her forehead. He smiled down at her and gently brushed them away.
Sarah just continued to gaze up at him, her eyes shining with tears and her lower lip trembling as she tried to fight back her sobs.
How could this be? How could he be asking her to marry him after the way she'd just acted? Was she dreaming?
She felt the build-up of emotion again, and she choked out another sob, covering her face with her hands.
Jareth gently gripped her wrist, removing her hand from her face. He leaned over her, kissing away the tears from her cheeks in the tenderest way.
When she'd calmed a little, he rose slightly, starring down at her. "Are you going to make me wait forever for an answer, Sarah-mine?" He whispered, gently tracing his fingers down her cheek, over her lips, and down her throat. "Marry me..."
Sarah let out a watery chuckle, reaching up she traced her hand gently against his face, watching as his eyes fluttered closed as if even her gentle touch sent ripples of pleasure through his entire being.
For a few moments, Sarah couldn't remember how to speak. Had he really asked her to marry him? She was just a human, not Fae, not royalty, nothing special and yet he was asking her to marry him. Did it really matter that they hadn't been dating for long? Surely all that mattered was that she loved him and that he loved her. She knew deep down in her heart, that he was the only man she would ever want. Yes, she was young, and she hadn't ever had a relationship like this before, but it didn't matter. She knew what she felt in her heart, and it was love. This was love. Jareth had captured her heart completely. How could she not want to be his wife?
Jareth awaited her answer, patiently, but Sarah noticed his jaw tense, his eyes searching hers as though he was getting ready to be disappointed.
Sarah immediately snapped out of it. She leaned up on her elbows, gazing up at him with a bright smile on her face even as the tears continued to stream down her cheeks. "Yes, Jareth... yes, I'll marry you." She whispered, her voice cracking with emotion as she fought to keep herself from sobbing all over again. She watched with tear-filled eyes as Jareth's whole face seemed to light up, especially his eyes. That beautiful wide smile spread across his handsome face. Before she could say another word, his lips seized hers, desperately.
She sighed softly into his mouth as she wrapped her arms and legs around him, again.
It didn't matter that he hadn't proposed on one knee with a diamond ring, just as it didn't matter that they weren't looking their sexiest, right now. Damp bodies clung together, and wet hair stuck to their faces, the blankets on the bed soon becoming damper by the second. And yet, none of that mattered. All that mattered was that he'd asked her to be his wife and that she'd said yes.
Overcome with joy and uncertain how to express what he was feeling in any other way, Jareth reached between them and positioned himself at her entrance. He met Sarah's gaze, silently seeking permission to take her.
The vulnerability in his eyes made her heart swell in her chest. She reached up, gently caressing his cheek. "Please." She whispered, not bothering to hide the longing in her voice. She needed this just as much as he did.
He sighed in relief against her lips as he sank into her in one swift motion, the joining of their bodies the closest thing to heaven he'd felt in his long life. He locked his arms tightly around her waist, pulling her as close to him as was possible, so that nothing, not even a hair could come between them.
He cradled her head, placing open-mouthed kisses to her neck as he began thrusting slowly, at first, taking the time to relish in the moment of making love to his fiancée.
His fiancée... Sarah Williams, the girl who ate the peach and forgot everything, was to be his bride. He could barely believe it.
Sarah moaned and arched against him, sliding her hands into his hair as she pressed her lips to his jaw, kissing and sucking at his skin.
He shivered from the attention she bestowed upon him, and began to quicken the pace of his thrusting, satisfied when Sarah gasped out a moan from the sudden change in their lovemaking.
He silenced her mouth with his own, kissing her thoroughly, swallowing her cries as he began moving faster, still. He leaned down to suck her nipple, his hand massaging her full breast at the same time, all while thrusting wildly and desperately into her.
Before very long, they came undone, and almost at the same time. The pleasure was immense, and it took them more than a few minutes to calm down.
When Jareth had eventually pulled out, he gathered her into his arms, holding her tightly and possessively against his chest. And when they had finally caught their breaths, Jareth gently traced his fingers over hers, lovingly.
"I can't wait," He whispered, between placing gentle kisses to her fingers. "To place a ring on your finger...and make you my wife."
Sarah smiled at his words and his tender kisses. She cuddled to him as close as she could, gently tracing her fingers over his chest. "I can't believe you've asked me to marry you." She whispered, tilting her head up to look at him, a bright smile turning up her lips.
"Surely you must have known I intended to make you my wife?"
Sarah smiled, shaking her head. "No, I thought I would be fucking you and we'd see where things went from here. I did not expect to be engaged to you...especially not this quickly." She said with a laugh.
"Do you regret saying yes?" He asked, quietly, avoiding her eyes while asking that. Sarah gently grabbed his jaw as he had hers earlier that evening when she hadn't been able to look him in the eye."I do not regret it, Jareth. Not for a second...I am so happy."
Jareth let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding in and gently pulled her closer to him, nuzzling her neck. "So am I..." He traced his fingers over hers again, lingering on her ring finger. "Though I'll admit, I hadn't planned on proposing to you while we were in the bath." He said, amusement in his voice.
Sarah watched the gentle way he caressed her ring finger and felt her heart skip, just a little. "Then may I ask why you did?" She asked, just a little curiously.
"The moment just seemed right... I wanted you to know that I was being completely honest with you in everything I said. I wanted you to see, that I don't even think of Lilium, and never have thought of her, might I add, in the way that I think about you."
Sarah watched with tears in her eyes as he placed a soft kiss to her hand, his eyes closed as if he were basking in this moment of happiness. "I had been thinking of proposing to you all day, honestly... but decided against it, only because I didn't want to overwhelm you too fast. I know we haven't been fully in this relationship until the last few days, but I don't even think that matters. I've loved you for longer than I care to admit, and having you as my fiancée and eventually, my Queen...it's the greatest gift." He sighed, resting his head against the soft feather pillow.
Sarah brushed some hair from his eyes, smiling at the man who would one day be her husband.
"I love you, My King..." Sarah whispered, her voice taking on the husky quality he so loved. "And I don't regret the way you proposed to me. It was so romantic. More so than if you'd taken me to dinner and got down on one knee..."
Jareth glanced up, a wide smile turning up the corners of his mouth before he placed a soft kiss to her hair, breathing in the delicious scent of the peach soap she'd used to clean herself with, earlier. "I'm glad you found it romantic, darling..." He kissed her softly, taking his time before pulling back once more. "I'll get you the perfect ring, I promise."
"I know you will..." She whispered in a sleepy voice, her eyes closing of their own accord.
He gently ran his fingers through her almost dry hair, smiling contently. "And I love you, too... my fiancée, my champion, my future queen, my heartbeat..."
AN: So... it's another rather fluffy chapter!
But that's all about to change...
Don't forget to review!
