CHAPTER 9

Sarah couldn't believe she was on the way to the Goblin City. It had been a few weeks since the Twilight Festival and after a fair bit of correspondence she had agreed to meet Terry at the Goblin City and stay for the week. The Spriggets had agreed all too readily. Sarah had to wonder if they were trying to get rid of her.

Not one to dwell in self pity, she soon rallied herself, though there was still the question of the Goblin King. She didn't want to accidentally bump into him on his turf. Well more so his turf than an outer village like Ghent. Terry assured her she would be fine. The Goblin King had duties at the capital of Navas, where his father and brother, Omre, resided.

Her accommodation at the Goblin City Inn had been taken care of and Terry would meet her for meals during her stay. He assured her that she would be allowed in the castle gardens.

King Jareth of the Goblins and Lord of the Labyrinth approached me shortly after the festival having noticed my acquaintance with you. He informed me that as Champion, you have the right to claim residence at the castle as a lady of the land. So if you wish for better accommodation than the Inn, a room can be made available to you at the Castle.

Sarah had read that and laughed. Her reply was short and perfunctory. She wouldn't be requiring "castle residence", thank you very much. She would make do with the Inn. Though she was sorely tempted to waltz in like she owned the Castle, after her encounter with him earlier, she had to decline.

She wasn't still a hundred percent about what had bothered her most about her dance with the King. The fact he made her dance with him and antagonised her, or the fact that a part of her had enjoyed being held by him, feeling his obvious desire and this very thought made her feel sick.

Sure, at fifteen she had been drawn to him, but with age came wisdom. As much as her body may tell her otherwise, fantasies about the Goblin King were a very bad idea. A repugnant idea. Revolting. Dangerous. Enticing? Enthralling? Captivating? No, dangerous. Definitely dangerous.

She hadn't been run out of town by his knowledge of her presence. In fact nothing had changed. No one had come after her. The Spriggets had seen her dancing with the King and they hadn't raised any alarms about the incident. She didn't want to get too complacent however. There was every chance Jareth was biding his time for his revenge.

However, she really wanted to see Terry again so she had agreed to this wee holiday. And now she was approaching the outside of the Labyrinth and her heart rate had picked up and she was second guessing her decision to come at all. What if The Goblin King was there? Or came home early?

Was a small part of her hoping to bump into him again? No, that was ludicrous. Utterly and completely. She wasn't going to entertain that thought again. She was here now though, too late to turn back. The walls of the Labyrinth consumed her vision in either direction.

To gain ingress into the Goblin City without being a runner you have to approach via the Eastern Gates. They're invisible to runners, but guests, dignitaries and royalty could detect the opening and therefore enter. Terry had given her a history and geography lesson in practically every letter. It was unhealthy how obsessed with this mass of bricks and stones he was.

A wooden booth sat on the outside for refugees to submit their petition for access to claim asylum. A disgruntled looking Goblin sat in there swinging his feet and swatting flies. No petitioners were assembled today.

The gates swung open at the approach of Sarah's cart. And so for the first time since she defeated it, she entered the Labyrinth.

The road leading to this point had been rough and bumpy but the road heading towards the City was smooth and easy, like silk compared to sandpaper. She shuffled her bottom on the wooden bench as she took in the sight around her. It was tree lined the entire distance that her sight could reach, the boughs stretched over, enveloping the road like a tunnel, letting dappled light through the canopy. Green and purple flowers circled each trunk like a blossom halo. This part of the Labyrinth must have received more upkeep than the bits she had traversed, as it was noticeably glitter free.

Memories flooded her mind. Nostalgia flooded her senses. The smell, the sight, the sounds all so familiar, all a part of her psyche, ingrained like blood upon cloth. Part of her believed she should be panicking like the walls were closing in on her. But she wasn't. Calmness had overcome her. She felt like she was in a warm embrace. She had never felt such a sense of belonging. Even when looking upon the black and gold flags adorning the walls, bearing the half moon symbol the Goblin King wore around his neck in pendant form.

The cart dipped into a pothole, jolting her out of her all encompassing but brief serenity. She could still feel the spirals of that tranquility within her but her other senses took over, reminding her of her precarious position entering the Devil's lair so to speak.

Not long after her reverie had been broken, she arrived at the gates of the city. Different - more ornate, more regal than the ones she had entered through via the rubbish dump. The driver of the cart yelled out and the gates opened.

They meandered their way up a rutted, narrow street between the lopsided, dusty orange buildings until they pulled up outside the Inn. Standing there waiting for her was Terry. A giant grin lighting his beautiful, tanned face. She beamed back as she gathered her belongings and stood up to alight the cart.

He held out his hand for her, which she readily accepted. The moment her feet touched the ground, he pulled her into his embrace. Sarah found herself instinctively reciprocating, her arms winding around his waist.

"I'm so glad you made it," he said into her hair, before releasing her with another smile. "It's been too long."

"Only two weeks."

"An eternity to me," he gave a wan smile.

"Not long at all then," Sarah retorted, her smile slipping into a frown, while his feeble smile grew in brightness. Why had she said that?

"No, my dear, not long at all," Terry's grin stretched even wider. "Shall I escort you to the inn?"

Sarah thanked him and let him lead the way.

"Though I think you'd be better taking up the offer of a room at the castle. The King is away in the Capital of Navas, and it's much more comfortable. And clean. Besides, despite the inn having the capabilities to cater to humans, it's not used to catering to humans."

"Thank you, but I would rather not," Sarah gave a wry laugh. "I am still half expecting him to jump out and stick me in a dungeon. I am surprised I convinced myself to even come here."

"I am so glad you did," Terry paused outside the door to the inn. "Sarah you're quite safe with me, I assure you."

"Two mortal humans versus the world," Sarah's lips twitched. "What could go wrong?"

"Don't let yourself be deceived by appearances," his voice lowered as he said this, a shadow passed across his face.

"Why? Do you have hidden magic or are you actually a fae in disguise?" Sarah chortled.

Terry just laughed as he pushed the door to enter the inn.

It was twilight so the inn was busy with goblins and other creatures drinking, eating and making merry. Sarah took one look around the room and instantly regretted her decision.

"You can always change your mind," Terry whispered in her ear, the heat from his breath sending shivers spiraling down her spine.

Sarah laughed and winked at Terry. "I have my pride, and I am quite stubborn."

"But just be assured you don't need to be stubborn," Terry touched her shoulder lightly. "You would have access to grander chambers than my own modest worker dwelling, and you could live like a princess for a few days."

"No thanks," Sarah shook her head vehemently. "I have no desire to be any form of royalty."

"It was my understanding that mortals devoured fairy tales where they marry their Prince or King," Terry frowned.

"And pre-fifteen year old me would have jumped at the opportunity," a deep sigh. "Not any more."

"What changed?"

"I have more realistic aspirations now."

"Realistic? Sarah, you're in the world of magic and you want "realistic"?"

"It's not as if I have any royalty lining up to make me a princess anyway, so it is a moot point " Sarah said, trying to inject humour whilst on the verge of snapping.

A Goblin wandered over, taller than many that she had met before. Terry informed her who she was and that resulted in a sideways glance at her, a grunt and then he beckoned at her with his gnarled hands.

The room at the top of the stairs was small. A human sized bed, with grim looking sheets and grimmer looking décor. Everything was rickety and aged and like it was all held together by its last thread.

"Anytime you would rather -"

"This is fine, I will be fine," even Sarah could hear the strain in her voice. "I am sure your company will be more than enough compensation for the accommodation."

Terry smiled and stepped closer to her. "I will have dinner with you tonight here at the inn, and then tomorrow you can break your fast here, but I insist you join me in the gardens for luncheon."

"If you insist," Sarah stuck her tongue between her teeth.

"I do. I want to make the most of you being here."

"It's why I'm here," she winked.

Terry reached up and ran two fingers softly through her hair. "Sarah, you are such an exquisite creature. That you even give me the time of day - "

He stopped as she closed her eyes to his touch. He pulled his hand away as if he was burnt. Her eyes snapped open and Terry stood with fists clenched and his jaw clenched.

"What's the matter?" Sarah asked.

"Sarah, I should t-" he stopped and drew his lips into a thin line before he closed his eyes and sighed. "Nothing, nothing. Should we go eat our meal so you can get an early night after your journey?"

He turned and left. That was the second time she thought he would kiss her, but pulled away at the last minute. Part of her had debated whether it was sensible of her to kiss him, but the other part actually longed to. She realised she had made the decision to come here, because she intrinsically craved more from him than friendship. And he seemed to want more from her too.

Except he'd suddenly pull away when it seemed he was coming in for a kiss. Such mixed messages.

Sarah rubbed her forehead and followed the man back downstairs.

Dinner was a quiet affair, from their table at least. The rest of the inn was loud and rowdy. It showed no signs of slowing down by the time Sarah was ready to make her way back up to her room.

Terry promised he'd walk down to take her to the gardens as soon as she had finished her breakfast. She was granted a kiss on her cheek as he took his leave.

Terry's lips were warm, and soft on her skin. It was chaste, but with a lingering promise of more. Green eyes met brown as he pulled away. She wanted to ask him what it all meant. What was it between them? She settled for goodbye.

Sarah hadn't had much sleep at all. Between the noise from the inn, the threadbare sheets and the bed that had more dips and bumps in it than a dirt bike track, or indeed the rough road from Ghent, she was either wide awake or restless. Not to mention absolutely covered in bites which she assumed to be the work of a flea army. Or a bedbug brigade.

Breakfast was lukewarm porridge and absolutely cold, bitter coffee. All while trying her hardest to ignore the unbearable itch from all the bites. By the time Terry arrived Sarah was in a foul mood.

"Sleep well?" he asked in a tone that belied his innocence.

Sarah just scowled in return. She followed Terry up the windy lanes weaving between the ramshackle riot of buildings.

"I take it you didn't sleep well then," he said as they put distance between themselves and the inn.

"I've had better," she stopped to scratch her ankle furiously. "I can't say I've had much worse though."

"Sarah, please I implore you, stay at the castle."

"I'm tempted," she switched to her other ankle. "Do goblins not feel these horrid things biting them?"

"Goblins are thick skinned and less sensitive than humans, so no," he said. "The castle is riddled with magic. No biting insects can survive there. I have some cream in my chambers. Try and stop scratching until then."

Sarah jumped up and down on the spot to try and distract her mind from the itch. She was tempted to sleep in the castle. She knew however that the Goblin King would find out one way or another that she had been there. Her pride couldn't take the fall. Or could it?

As she resisted the urge to scratch her stomach, she was tempted to throw safety and pride to the wind for sanity and comfort. Was she so very weak willed?

Before she could think anymore on it, Terry steered her through a strong wooden gate that led to a sandstone coloured tunnel open to the heavens. He closed the gate behind him and strode to Sarah's side.

She went to scratch again but found her hand suddenly caught captive by Terry's.

"Stop scratching Sarah," he cajoled. "Defy them, defy their power over you."

Sarah found her eyes meeting his, and a burst of emotions erupted within her. She found herself linking her fingers with his and squeezing his hand with hers. He returned the gesture instantly and side by side, hand in hand they walked down the tunnel.

They walked past the castle, occasionally past doors leading inside until they reached an area where the tops of trees could be seen over the internal wall of the passage, with the Goblin City still rising on the opposite side.

"There are quite a few different gardens but we will be going into this one," he rubbed her hand clasped within his, with his thumb as he unlocked another gate and walked through into a beautiful garden bursting with colours and scents.

Flower gardens littered the space with the odd tree providing shade over marble benches or a statue of some kind. Cobblestone paths etched their way through all the flowers leading ultimately towards a lake in the centre. Birds of all descriptions added to the soundscape while fluttering around in a motley of shapes and colours.

The other gardens could be seen peering over the ornate red brick walls surrounding the garden, in the form of trees and obelisks.

"Make yourself at home while I go and retrieve that cream for your bites," Terry invited, indicating the path directly in front of them. He slipped back out of the gate as she followed the cobblestone down towards the lake.

Sarah snuck a brief glance towards the castle, even knowing the Goblin King was absent, it still loomed over her taunting and mocking her very much like it's main resident does.

The lake was clear and clean and lined with shrubs and flowers unlike anything she had seen in any Aboveground garden. They were strewn and scattered across the ground, stretching in colourful disarray like a patchwork blanket, broken only by the water, trees and paths in their midst. There were flowers that glowed, or twinkled, or released glittery blue bubble-like emissions and one that bloomed, burnt to ashes, and bloomed again within minutes.

She took shelter from the heat of the day on a marble bench under a large willow-like tree watching the sun glint off the crystalline water. Her hands were placed on the cool marble, and she rested her head against the trunk of the tree as she focused on ignoring her itchiness.

How tempted she was to accept Terry's invite to stay at the castle to avoid partying goblins and hungry fleas. She shuddered at the thought of crawling back into that infested bed again. She was also almost induced to strip off and jump naked into the lake to feel the soothing coolness across her itchy skin.

She was so tired from her awful sleep. She gave in to a huge yawn then closed her sore bleary, sand filled eyes, with thoughts of swimming in the pool while Terry watched her naked form diving under the surface. As she resurfaced from the lake she discovered it was Jareth watching her nude swimming, not Terry. She had full control over her day dream and could easily dismiss the Goblin King, if she so chose. She decided not to. She dived under again, the cool water flowing past her naked body like cool, wet silk. Her head broke the water tension as she came up for air. Jareth was now stripping off his own clothes and joining her in the lake.

His pale, lithe, disrobed body paced elegantly and with confidence into the pool of water. He came right up to her, and she wrapped her naked body around his equally unclad body. Eyes locked briefly, before he leaned in for a searing kiss. It was hard, fast and passionate, before he jumped in the water with her still clinging to him. They surfaced still entangled with one another, Sarah watching the water droplets flow from his now limp hair, down his clavicle and his well toned chest. She leaned in and let the droplets fall on to her tongue as she looked up at the King, looking down on her. His eyes were both fully dilated and she could feel the evidence of his desire pressed up against her bare skin.

Slowly, she eased her tongue down his body, around his tummy button, following the trail of fine hair down towards his -

"Sarah," a soft voice like one she had heard in a dream, whispered in her ear. A smooth hand touched her lightly on the elbow. She realised with sudden clarity that she had dozed off.

She rubbed her gritty eyes and looked into the blurry face of Terry. She blushed furiously, at the thought of her dream; hoping Terry couldn't read her mind.

"I think you may need to stay in the castle and not the inn," he said not unkindly. "I think you're incredibly tired."

"I am," she squeaked. "But I can't. I feel trepidation being here as it is without staying here too."

"The Goblin Kingdom is open to you as the Champion, by right of conquest."

"Right of conquest?" Sarah laughed.

"Yes, and it takes a lot for me to admit that," Terry smirked.

"Why?" Sarah's tone and face were equally quizzical.

Terry bit the side of his lip, then rubbed his hand down his face. "I brought the cream. It will heal the bites immediately."

"How?"

"Magical kingdom," he grinned. "Healers make wonderful potions and tonics from herbs found in the kitchen gardens. I will show them to you on another day if you wish."

Sarah took the small cream vial and glanced around. "I need to put the cream in some places that aren't decent, so is there somewhere I can go that is private?"

"There is a glade over there that will offer you full privacy," Terry pointed beyond the willow. "I will start my work closer to the castle. Apply the cream liberally, sit with it for a few minutes then rub it in."

Sarah thanked him and headed off towards the glade. She only wore a simple work dress and no stockings so it was easier enough to strip down to her shift. Once the cream was applied and then rubbed in, she redressed feeling instantly comfortable with no itching. She observed the spots on her arm disappearing before her very eyes. The only discomfort now was the residual arousal from her interrupted dream.

Satisfied (on one front), she started heading off back to Terry, when she noticed something from the corner of her eye.

In the nearest tree there was a carving of an owl. A barn owl of course. The owl had its wings outstretched next to a humanoid with no distinctive features. Between them was a string of pearls with abalone shells ingrained into the body of the stones. Sarah leaned in closer to the carving, noticing a word carved under the string of pearls.

Briyash.

She had no idea what that meant but she took note of it, continuing her inspection to notice that at each end of the string of pearls was a moonstone. She got lost in her admiration and almost forgot about returning to Terry.

With a sigh, she left the grove and headed back towards where she saw Terry digging over a flowerbed.

"All better?" he asked upon her approach.

"Yes, it truly was magic," she smiled. "Thank you."

"You're most welcome," he wiped his forehead with the back of his gardening glove. "Now, if only you'd agree to stay in the castle. I won't badger you again, but just know the offer is there and you're most welcome to- "

"Terry, I think I may take up the offer, " a sheepish grin. "If you promise not to tell his Royal Highness."

Sarah said his honorific with a dash of sarcasm that didn't escape Terry's notice by his raised eyebrow and slight curl of his lips.

"I won't tell him that you stayed here but you should know that he will know regardless," Terry pointed out.

"Damn, well then I will just have to suffer no sleep for the rest of the week."

"I admire your independence, but please don't be stubborn, not for his sake," he ripped his glove off, leant the spade against the wall and placed his fingers gently one of her arms crossed against her chest. "Sarah, I would hate for you to be uncomfortable on my behalf."

"Terry, I just can't let myself be at his mercy," she shook her head in dismay. "As much as I would like to be out of that flea infested place and to also be closer to - to you."

"Oh, Sarah," he closed his eyes and swallowed. "I want you to be closer to me too. I am so grateful you're here, but I loathe the thought of you staying in that dismal place when you're free to stay here."

"As long as he doesn't turn up and surprise me, then I guess it's ok," she confessed.

"Truly?" Terry grinned. "Let's go and inform the goblins to set up a room for you straight away."

"Not wasting any time, are you?" She chuckled.

"I won't let you change your mind, my dear and I am so happy that you're taking up your rights as your title allows you."

"Champion of the Labyrinth is a highly honourable and much envied title," he continued as they strolled back through the garden gate towards the castle. "No one has held it before and it comes with many perks."

"Perks?"

"Aside from immunity from the King you so despise, you are basically second in the land compared to him, aside from his brother of course."

"Prince Sevlydi?" Sarah frowned. "Does he live here?"

Sarah glanced up to the white walls of the imposing castle leaning over them as they walked through the tunnel.

"Sometimes," Terry shrugged. "Sometimes he lives in Navas City and sometimes here, sometimes he just travels."

"What's he like?"

"Have you not met him?"

"He saw me once," Sarah confessed. "At the parade. I was hiding in the crowd from You Know Who and he caught me. All I know is that he looks like his brother, but his features are less sharp. And he found something amusing about my being there."

"And he has matching eyes," Terry's brows drew together and then relaxed.

"What would you like to know?"

"Well, anything," Sarah shrugged as they approached a door in the tunnel that led to the castle. "Is he much like his brother? Vain? Cruel?"

Terry sighed. "He is similar. From what I understand and what I've seen, Prince Sevlydi has less love for the Goblin Kingdom, but is incredibly supportive of his brother. He, I think, takes life less seriously but is sometimes the rational voice in King Jareth's head- "

Terry had a faraway look in his eyes as they reached the top of the staircase they had ascended after their entry to the castle.

"He is sometimes the conscience of the King," he continued. "Perhaps not as passionate about the causes of our King, nor as reliable, but he is a good sort - for a fae."

"How is your brother by the way?"

"He is well, Stephen is well," Terry smiled as he guided her down the corridor. "He is very like me, but also very much my conscience. I've ignored him and it will probably be to my detriment."

"How so?"

He stopped in front of an ornately carved door, his hand on the handle. "I am a determined man, Sarah and have made mistakes, whilst ignoring my level headed brother and his rationality. I realise now how foolish I've been, and how much I've potentially hurt someone that I l-"

He shuddered but didn't continue.

"I'm sure whatever you've done can't be that bad," consoled Sarah.

"I didn't think so, but Se-Stephen, has almost convinced me of the opposite," Terry pushed open the door. "Though I feel like it's too late to backtrack down the path I have chosen. I just hope the person, and fate, can forgive me."

"I'd find it very hard to believe that someone wouldn't forgive you," Sarah smiled, reaching out and squeezing his arm. "You're much too nice for someone to resent you, I'm sure."

He closed his eyes and scrunched his nose as if in pain. Sarah was dying of curiosity but didn't push the issue as she was soon distracted by the room she was in.

"Is this - is this my room?" Sarah took in everything around her. Ornate wooden bed, tapestries, heavy antique looking wooden furniture in a palatial chamber with a chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. It was a vast difference from the flea ridden, rotting inn she had slept in the night before. "Is this the room I will be staying in, I mean?"

Terry nodded with a wide grin. "Technically it is your room. The Champion's chamber. The castle rearranged itself when you won. Through there is the bathroom, that's the balcony and that's the library."

"Library," Sarah breathed as he indicated the different doors.

"It's small compared to the main library, but it's yours and comes complete with a study if you need it."

"You certainly know your way around the castle for a gardener," Sarah laughed running her fingers over the smooth mahogany wood of the bed baseboard.

"The goblins can be quite helpful, he muttered. "Do you like it?"

"Like the room? Yes, it is exquisite," Sarah beamed.

Terry grinned back and rushed forward towards her, checking himself at the last moment into a complete stop, only two steps away from her. His brown eyes sparkling and his smile splitting his face. She laughed at his merriment as much as her own confusion.

"Truly?" he asked. "Is this to your taste?"

Sarah glanced around at the deep reds and fine brown furnishings. "Sure, it's much nicer than anything I've ever stayed in before."

Sarah made quick use of the bathroom and then rejoined Terry to head back to the gardens. Sarah offered to help him, but he was adamant that she should enjoy the gardens. So for a few hours while he worked, she walked through the trees and little paths.

Lunchtime was a picnic under the same willow-like tree she had dozed off under. It was simple sandwiches and cakes but delicious and sustaining.

Taking an apple, she resumed her walk through the gardens, making sure she could still see Terry working wherever she went. He worked hard, digging and turning the earth, a light sheen of sweat covered his face, neck and forearms. Sarah had never seen him look so attractive. She wondered if she should recommend a dip in the water to cool down. She suppressed her shudder of longing.

A few days later, the late afternoon found Sarah staring at the carving again. Something about it attracted her and kept bringing her back every day while she had been here. Her fingers ran over the abalone infused pearls, linking the two creatures together. Something within her settled, like the feeling of arriving home after weeks away, or snuggling under a blanket on a cold winter's day.

The castle had become very homely for her. The bed was unquestionably the most comfortable bed she had ever slept in. The bathroom was out of a Home and Garden: Fantasy Edition magazine. She had no regrets avoiding the flea ridden inn. The goblins were scarce but helpful when needed. Breakfast appeared magically every morning in her room. She was in the lap of luxury.

Her days were spent in Terry's company, watching him work or being shown the different gardens and enjoying picnics together. It had been a highly enjoyable few days. Still Terry avoided any overtures or overt displays of affection. The occasional touch here and there, but no kiss nor even a brief hug.

Her fingers glanced against the owl, when she heard footsteps behind her. She spun around to see Terry sweeping branches away with his arm. His eyes wavered on her face before darting to the tree. His eyes narrowed as he took in the carving, before flitting back to Sarah's face.

She felt the "home" feeling intensify as they exchanged looks.

"What is this?" he asked, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he clenched his teeth together.

"I'm guessing a carving," Sarah frowned. "Looks like an owl, some pearls and a person to me."

"You didn't do this?" Terry questioned.

"No of course not," Sarah scowled. "I am not about mindless destruction despite my history."

Terry gave her a tepid look, before stepping closer to the tree. He ran his fingers over the carving much like she had done. As his fingers ran over the pearls, Sarah felt a sensation run through her, like a burgeoning warmth. It was so strong she actually stumbled back.

Terry tore his eyes away from the carving to look at her. "Sarah are you alright?"

"Someone just walked over my grave," she mumbled, wrapping her arms around herself. "What do you think this carving means?"

"Does it mean something to you?" Terry raised a brow.

"Not really," Sarah shrugged. "The owl - I saw the owl at the end of my Labyrinth run. It's the Goblin King, isn't it? But nothing else means anything."

"You don't recognise this figure?"

"No."

"Do you recognise these pearls? Have you seen them before?" Terry prodded.

"Not at all," Sarah squinted at the pearls and shook her head. "They're just pearls aren't they?"

Terry just cleared his throat and left the grove of trees. "I think we should go and have some dinner."

Dinner was a quiet affair sitting at the wooden table of the castle kitchen. Terry seemed lost in thought or possibly mad at her in regards to the carving.

"Is everything alright?" she inquired.

"Yes, my dear," he gave a weak smile. "I was just thinking about that carving. It is unusual."

"How so?"

"The owl is, as you say, representative of the Goblin King and the pearls - they're possibly a link to the Stolen Pearls. I have never seen it before, in all my years gardening. I wonder how it got there."

He shoveled a spoonful of soup into his mouth and stared off into the middle distance again.

"Why did you think I had something to do with it?" Sarah asked after a pause.

"Oh I didn't, not really," he sighed. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight when I saw - "

"What do we have here?" a dulcet, crystal clear, English-sounding accent, with a tinge of amusement, said from behind Sarah's seat. Had they been caught?

A/N: This chapter was originally much longer but the next half will be a new chapter. It's complete and just needs editing. Hopefully I can do that before Friday.

Thank you to my reviewers and followers. :D