Dandelions in Shadow

Chapter 2: The Art of Flower Arrangement

The sound of Sarah's shallow breathing sounded loud to her own ears as the entire throne room was suddenly stunned into silence. Her hand shook as she struggled to hold Jareth's sword against the assassin's. She had no idea how she had reacted so quickly. For that crazy instant, her body had taken on a will of its own. But her brave moment had come to an abrupt end. What now? How was she to proceed? She'd never been in a sword fight before- she'd never so much as struck anyone! Whatever decision of hers that she had yet to make was made for her as Jareth placed one large gloved hand over Sarah's. In one swift move, he had grasped Sarah around the waist and moved her behind him. The sudden movement had her practically toppling against Jareth's throne. Sarah peered around Jareth's waist to get a better look at the assassin. It was a man who's face was hidden beneath a dark blue cloak with intricately woven gold designs on the high collar. The only prominent feature Sarah could make out was the man's midnight blue hair that cascaded like a dark waterfall against his equally dark tunic and trousers. Jareth held his sword at the ready, tossing a steely look at the offensive assassin.

"My, my what an interesting turn of events," Jareth stated smoothly.

The assassin let out a snarl as he lunged forward with his own sword but Jareth was much quicker. Jareth spun just out of reach, jerked his elbow against the back of the man's head before flipping his cloak over his head and kicking him forward. The man's sword flew out of his hand and Jareth caught it effortlessly in mid-air. He walked around him slowly like a vulture does just before it swoops in for the kill. He nudged the man's ankle none-too-gently.

"Come on, then," Jareth muttered impatiently. "On your feet. On your feet! Better to die on your feet than on your knees as some mortal once spouted."

Sarah blinked. 'Umm...He fudged up the line a bit but did he just...quote Emiliano Zapata?'

The assassin hastily tossed the cloak off of himself as he stood, hands clenched at his sides. He had a long pale face with equally large gold eyes and a long aquiline nose and chin. The only acknowledgement Jareth received from him was a sneer.

"State your name and purpose for wishing to kill me. Who sent you?" Jareth demanded, holding the tip of his sword against the man's throat.

"My name and purpose are of no importance," the man spat defiantly. "It's no use, Goblin King. I've sworn to obey my master and he alone. I answer to him and him alone."

Jareth tapped his lips with his gloved finger and hummed. "Such loyalty...under more pleasant circumstances, I'd commend such a rare trait. You know, I have ways of making you more agreeable." His mismatched eyes narrowed. "I have ways of making you talk. You shall sing like a nightingale when I'm through with you," he spoke of his dark promise.

"If I may, Your Majesty..." Jareth didn't turn his attention away from the assassin as Ignaceous approached him. His wrist twirled with a grace that Sarah envied as he produced a jeweled dagger from thin air. "There's no need for you to get your hands dirty. For the crown, I would do anything even oversee this man's inevitable torture. I will get the information we need from him. That I promise you."

Jareth chuckled. "How kind, Ignaceous but you and I both know that you're not the violent sort."

"Indeed I'm not but since you have other responsibilities, this is one I wish to save you from."

"Hmm...Very well, then." Jareth canted his head, his body half turned away from both men. "I won't accept failure."

"I won't fail-

Before Ignaceous could finish the sentence, Sarah looked on in horror as the assassin spat out something bloody at Jareth's feet. She shook so hard at the sight that she had to sit down on the throne for a moment. Both hands grabbed onto the arms of the throne in a death-like grip. The man had bit off his own tongue.

Jareth arched an eyebrow at this. "Well, that will present quite a challenge for you now, won't it, Ignaceous?"

Ignaceous sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, for the love of- Aurora, come here! Quickly now!" he barked.

The same beautiful blonde woman that had dressed Sarah earlier had materialized from within the crowd of contestants. They gasped when they noticed her, quickly moving aside to form a path for her. The way the light hit her, it gave her skin an almost ethereal glow. Aurora scowled in Ignaceous direction as she marched her way to him, her blonde curls bouncing with every step.

"No need to shout," she hissed. Her pink muslin gown flapped violently as she came to a halt before Jareth and Ignaceous. "What is it? As if I haven't been busy enough getting all these wilting flowers ready for Jareth, you just have to disrupt me during my private time. I was just getting to the good part in my novel." She huffed.

Ignaceous chuckled, his aqua eyes glittering with amusement He righted himself, any trace of a smile vanishing from his face in the next moment. "Forgive me. Your mortal erotica tales will have to wait. See to it that this man regrows his tongue." He pointed one supple, slim finger in the direction of the assassin.

Aurora finally seemed to noticed the man with the bleeding lips and equally gruesome tongue that lay at Jareth's feet.

Her nose twisted up in disgust. "Ugh. How revolting. Alright. I know just what to cook up to regrow it but it will take a few days and it will be painful," she stated, locking gazes with the assassin's dark hate-filled eyes.

"There's no need to mother him, Aurora." Ignaceous waved his hand in dismissal. "This man just tried to kill His Majesty. Regrow his tongue as soon as you're able. Once you've completed your task, announce it at once. We need to know why this man tried to kill Jareth and who sent him."

Aurora glanced from the fuming assassin to Jareth then Ignaceous then back to Jareth.

"I understand."

With a curt nod and a swirl of glittering pink smoke, Aurora had disappeared, off to complete the task assigned to her. Jareth slowly turned back to Sarah who stared back at him with wide eyes. She shrunk back against the throne, suddenly feeling self-conscious now that the attention was cast upon her once more.

Jareth's expression was unreadable as he appraised Sarah. "You'll have to forgive that horrid display just now. I swear it's not as common as you might think." He gave a sort of sheepish smile and splayed his hands out before him in a way one would hope to soothe a frightened fawn. Jareth stood close to her now. A smirk tugged at his lips as he looked Sarah up and down. "You're on my throne, love."

Sarah glanced down and noticed for the first time that she really was in fact sitting on his throne. She jumped up and tripped on one of the pearl chains of her dress. It snapped off and several pearls scattered everywhere. Jareth's hand lashed out and wrapped around Sarah's elbow in a flash. Her arms wrapped around one of Jareth's arms to catch herself as he helped her steady herself.

"Just now you were a graceful swan and now you're a clumsy little gosling. Here I thought I was the master of illusion." Jareth grinned. "You were quite good, my dear. I haven't been...entertained like that in ages." His hand slipped from her elbow to hold the tips of her fingers in his hand. "Tell me your name, won't you?

Sarah's mouth opened and closed as she glanced from the crowd of human women and Fae and back to Jareth's countenance.

"Uhh...umm...my name...?" Her throat suddenly felt dry.

"Yes. What do they call you?" Jareth's thumb gently ran up and down against the back of Sarah's knuckles.

Sarah swallowed nervously. What was the name she had used with Ignaceous and Aurora? Oh, yes...the nickname from her childhood.

"Serena," Sarah answered, gazing steadily back at Jareth.

"Serena," Jareth tasted the name on his lips and smiled after a moment. "A name befitting someone so lovely." He raised Sarah's hand to his lips. "Well, Serena, it appears you and I have much to discuss." He glanced in Ignaceous direction who was standing by awaiting instructions. "I've made my decision. I shall take this woman as my consort. With that, I will have finally granted my mother's wish."

Ignaceous gave a curt nod. "Understood, sire." He paused. "And what of the other women?"

Before Jareth could answer, Icelos had stepped forward. "Why not let the men have their fun? It's not fair for just the king to get to have a beauty. There's so many delectable mortal females here. Surely, there's plenty to go around. Come, brother." He smirked. "Won't you be so generous as to let the men have a fair maiden as well."

Sarah's eyes widened in horror, tearing her hand out of Jareth's grip. "What?! No! You can't!"

Her protests went ignored as Ignaceous turned to the Fae men and women. "His Majesty presents you all...with your fair share of these delectable mortal women. Have at it!" he announced with a smirk.

The room turned into a whirlwind of chaos as the human women screamed and scrambled to try to outrun these immortal creatures.

"A request!" Eddie screamed as he stumbled forward with an arm around both Liz and Tally. He was now within mere yards of Jareth. Sarah blinked. Where had he been this whole time?

Jareth raised a hand and the room was silenced in an instant.

"And who...might you be?" Jareth's eyes narrowed as he took in Eddie's appearance.

"Who am I?" Eddie looked nervous for an instant before he puffed his chest out. "Who am I?" he seemed to ask himself a bit more quietly. "Why, I am Ed...win...darius." His face scrunched up awkwardly as he peered up at Jareth. "Yes, I'm Edwindarius!" he exclaimed with more confidence this time.

There was a gasp in the crowd and they began whispering amongst one another.

Ignaceous arched one snowy eyebrow. "THE Edwindarius? The King of the Land of Aurahnkarr?"

Eddie felt himself begin to sweat with all eyes on him. He swallowed briefly and forced a grin. "The...one and only." He let go of Liz and Tally's waists briefly to do a bit of a 'jazz hands' gesture that made Sarah stifle a giggle which she quickly covered up with a cough. Jareth arched an eyebrow at her but returned his attention to Eddie a moment later.

"The very same king that slaughtered the previous kings' knights, stole his wife and banished her when she couldn't provide an heir?" Ignaceous' eyes roved over Eddie in utter bewilderment. "I never imagined King Edwindarius would be so...young. Why, you're barely more than a boy."

Eddie cleared his throat, tightening his arms around the two stiff women. "Well, I get that a lot. Like you, I'm much older than I look."

Jareth and Ignaceous exchanged glances. "And what brings you to my kingdom, Edwindarius?" He arched one slim eyebrow at him.

"Well, I came...I came for a...mentor." Eddie coughed nervously as he forced the last word out.

"Mentor?" Jareth's brows furrowed together. "Care to elaborate?"

"Yes, in a minute," he mumbled. "Umm...you see despite all my experience with battles and taking all the women I want for my pleasure." Sarah could see him beginning to get into character as he buried his face in Tally's hair and licked a long line against Liz's jaw. He smirked as he faced Jareth again. "Despite all that, I've always lacked the finesse of politics. Rule with a mighty iron fist I shall but I want respect and I want to learn how to be a good king for my subjects. I've heard tales of your reign, King Jareth, so I came here in the hopes of becoming...a err student of sorts to you. Along with letting me have these two beauties to warm my bed, I would very much like to stay in your kingdom to learn as much as I can from you."

Jareth smirked. "You really think I have the time to tutor a young boy. You came to the wrong place. I've only governed goblins- never people either way. Look for a mentor elsewhere. You may take those mortal women if you wish but leave the Goblin kingdom now."

"Your Majesty, I traveled far in hopes of an audience with you." Eddie stepped forward with both women, trying to appeal to Jareth. "In exchange for my request, I could- I could be very useful to you."

"Oh, please, I'm anxious to know how." Jareth arched a mocking eyebrow and cocked his head as he gestured for Eddie to continue.

"That I do not know...YET...but despite my tenacious nature I pride myself on my loyalty. Any friend of mine can attest to that." Eddie's eyes locked with Sarah's over Jareth's shoulder. "If you find yourself in need of a favor- any favor at all- I will be more than happy to oblige."

"And that would be anything?" Jareth chuckled. "You certainly are naive for a Fae. A true Fae knows to choose their words wisely. Anything could be well...anything." He half shrugged with his arms crossed over his chest. "I could ask you for your coat, for example."

"T-take it." Eddie released Liz and Tally and began to shrug out of his long, white Victorian coat when Jareth continued.

"Your right arm. A human sacrifice." Jareth's face turned dark. "I could take away the most precious thing to you and you would have no choice but to obey because you agreed upon...anything."

Eddie let out a shaky breath and swallowed. "Ah...I-I'm prepared for the consequences."

"No, I think you most certainly aren't but you are young. You will learn," Jareth said dryly. He hummed as he stroked his chin. "...You know what? I have been needing a change of pace. Why don't we put you on a trial run? One month. If you do well, I'll absolve you of your promise to me and become your official mentor. Fail and..." Jareth's grin sent a chill down Eddie's spine. "Well, I suppose I'll have to get creative now, won't I? And I do pride myself on my imagination. Let's get you a room...I think the North wing would be good. Provides you close range to the library for your studies as well as the furthest from the exit." Jareth's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Wouldn't want you turning into a coward now, would we? There are wards in my castle. My home is protected- few are allowed to use their magic here. So if you decide to teleport yourself back to your land, you won't be able to. Your only choice of ever leaving would be to go through my labyrinth..." His gaze turned inward- distant for a moment. "Few have tried their hand at it. Many have failed. Knowing all this, do you still wish to stay?"

Eddie's nails dug into his palm as he locked eyes with Sarah one last time before nodding his acquiescence.

Jareth glared at him. "Say it with conviction! Yes or no?! I do not plan on having you waste my valuable time, boy," he snarled.

"Y-yes!" Eddie sputtered, doubling over to give a quick, clumsy bow. "Yes, my answer is yes! I wish for your guidance, Your Majesty."

Jareth grinned. "I do like your resolve and determination. We shall see how this goes." He turned to Ignaceous. "Find an adequate room for them in the North Wing."

Ignaceous gave a brief bow at the waist. "Yes, Your Majesty." He turned to Eddie and the two hesitant girls. "Come along, now."

Sarah watched them leave with much relief blooming in her heart. They were safe...for now at least. Except the others. She turned to the frightened contestants who were still being held against their will.

'You're Sarah Williams, Champion of the Labyrinth. Jareth has no power over you. Take charge.' Sarah squared her shoulders and tugged harshly on Jareth's cape so that she made sure she had his full attention. He arched an eyebrow at the action but merely waited to see what was on her mind.

"Women- mortal or not aren't playthings. You can't just give them away like party favors." Sarah glanced around for a moment. "I don't have a soap box so I'm just gonna use your throne so deal with it." She climbed onto his throne and her chest puffed with ridiculous delight at having the height advantage for intimidation. "Ignaceous told me whoever you didn't pick would get their memories wiped and sent home. If you're a real king, you should keep your word. If not then I refuse to be your consort."

The Goblin King stared at her for a long moment before he tossed his head back and laughed.

"You're quite the little spitfire, aren't you? And what if I don't comply? I'm the king. I can do as I wish. I can give away whoever I want. And keep..." His large hands encircled Sarah's waist. "...whoever I want."

Sarah swallowed, mustering up all of her courage. "Then you fail as both a king and a man. People aren't objects. Human women don't belong here. Their families must be worried sick. You have to let them go."

Jareth gripped her waist tighter and plucked Sarah down from the throne. He held her suspended in his arms, her toes barely brushing the floor as he gazed intensely into Sarah's eyes for the longest moment. He didn't release her even when her feet had finally touched the ground.

"I won't force you to stay," he murmured, locking gazes with Sarah. "If I have a consort then I must have a willing one."

"No, I'm willing!" Sarah insisted, grasping Jareth's shoulders as she stared imploringly into Jareth's eyes. "I'm willing! I swear I am but only if you let those women go. It's my one condition..." She bit her lip and sighed with an impatient roll of her eyes at the deadpan look Jareth shot her. "Alright, maybe just a few more conditions after that first one."

"Hmm..." Jareth slowly released her and turned his back on her. "I tell you what, Serena. I'm willing to give your request a good deal of thought if you consent to be my consort."

"I'll be your consort if you listen to my conditions."

Jareth laughed and shook his head. "You'd think being the consort of a royal would be enough for a young woman. Jewels and gowns, you shall be provided with, naturally."

"No, that's not what I mean. You really don't have to give me anything. You just have to hear me out. My requests are few and small. Well...at least to me they are." Sarah half shrugged awkwardly.

"Is it that important to you?"

"Yes," Sarah spoke with conviction.

"Very well, then." He turned back to the Fae who held their struggling mortal women. "You heard my consort, Icelos. The mortal women shall remain in my castle until I decide what to do with them."

There was a low hum of disappointment but moments later, the Fae did as commanded and released the frightened women. They ran to the furthest corner of the room, cloistered together like frightened sheep.

"Guards. Escort them to the largest room in the East wing."

A group of some of Jareth's taller goblins assembled in front of the women, jabbing spears inches from their knees. They only reached a little past the womens' waists but their grotesque appearances were enough to coax them into compliance.

"Get moving!" gargled one goblin.

Sarah watched as the women were herded out of the room within moments. 'They could've been a bit more gentler with them but I guess I can't complain. They're safe for now. That's all that matters. Maybe I can still convince Jareth to let them go. What does he need them for, anyway? Didn't Ignaceous say that he would let the others go once he chose a consort?'

"Oh, one more thing, Icelos."

His brother turned his attention to Jareth in acknowledgement. "Make any decrees without my consent again and you'll join the tongue-less curr in the dungeon." Icelos looked frightened for a moment then angry, but before he could respond to the threat, Jareth had already returned his attention to Sarah. "Now then." He grinned down at her. "Shall we?"

He offered her his arm and Sarah hesitantly placed her hand on his arm as she allowed him to teleport them out of the room. They appeared in what appeared to be a study. Jareth was now seated behind a desk littered with books and rolls of parchment. He sat on a large wing backed chair and gestured for Sarah to sit as well. Sarah sat opposite of him in a chair just as large and looming that made her feel swallowed up by it.

"Alright, then before we discuss your conditions, I'd like to ask you a few questions." He fixed his strange, mismatched eyes upon Sarah's.

Sarah blinked, sitting up sharply in her chair. "Umm...sure."

"What...is your favorite color?"

For a moment, it felt like she had entered a Monty Python film. Was there a wrong answer to this question?

"Green," Sarah replied after she noticed she had taken too long to respond. She wrung her hands in her lap nervously as she looked back and forth between Jareth's face and her bare feet. Why was Jareth's study so cold? She scrunched her toes up against one another for warmth. Why had Aurora thought that sending her out without shoes was a brilliant idea?

One side of Jareth's mouth quirked up. "Because of your eyes perhaps?"

"Well, partly but also because I look a lot like my mom and her eyes are also green. No matter how bad things got, there was always something so calm and serene about gazing back into those eyes whenever I looked in the mirror. It's like no matter where she was...it's like she's there with me."

"I take it you and your mother are quite close?"

Sarah sighed. "I once would've said yes...but our relationship is very complicated."

Jareth nodded. "Your answer doesn't surprise me. Bonds with mothers can often be difficult to say the least."

"Oh, that's right." Sarah placed a strand behind her ear as she regarded Jareth. "Your mother is making you marry. At least that's what I took from the conversation between you and Ignaceous in the throne room."

Jareth threw his head back and laughed. "Well, 'making' is a bit too strong a word. My mother has an annoying habit of getting her way, but this time I only agreed to marry if I were to find a suitable consort."

Sarah blushed. "I'm not sure how suitable I would be for His Majesty."

"I insist you call me Jareth. The blade was made of pure iron. Had it struck me I would have perished indefinitely. I owe you my life and therefore you have earned the right to use my given name."

"Yes...Jareth," Sarah murmured. "I'm not sure how suitable I would be for you," she repeated. "But I'll try my best to be a good consort."

Jareth grinned, his teeth looking almost razor sharp. "A king is never wrong so his taste shouldn't be questioned. Are you perhaps...trying to distract me from my prying questions?"

"No..." Sarah chuckled. After a knowing, sly look from Jareth, she finally cracked and let out a chuckle. "Alright. Yes. Maybe a little."

"You're nervous," Jareth noted, quickly taking in her appearance, from her stiff shoulders to the clenched fists in her lap.

"Well, yes, if I'm being honest."

"I want nothing more than your honesty...well, perhaps a little more than that." Jareth smirked. "Why are you nervous?"

"I've never been anyone's consort before," Sarah whispered.

"But you've been in relationships?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a lover right now?"

"Would it matter if I did?" Sarah gave him a leveled look, already knowing the answer.

Jareth stared at her for a moment and replied, "No. No, it wouldn't."

"I don't have a boyfriend right now."

Jareth frowned. "That seems odd to me."

"Why?"

"Why?" Jareth balked. "You're beautiful, brave and selfless. To not have a lover or two at your age seems more than a bit peculiar."

"I've always been in long term relationships but I guess I run away when things get too...real," she whispered the last word quietly.

"And by that you mean when your suitor announces his love or promises of marriage for you." Jareth arched an eyebrow.

"...Can we please talk about something else?" Sarah grasped firmly at her arm rests and refused to look at Jareth for a solid minute. "Please."

Jareth hummed. "Very well, then. What sort of goals do you have in life?"

"I want to be a dancer." Sarah barely stopped herself in time from saying actress.

"Shocking revelation after that display from earlier," Jareth mocked, clasping his hands together. He tilted his head slightly. "What else?"

A reddish hue bloomed across Sarah's cheeks. "I want to travel the world, live in a beautiful home, take a paint class, cooking class, learn a new language or two."

Jareth canted his head and stroked his chin for a moment. "The last three I can help with. Ignaceous is very knowledgeable in those subjects. And what type of home would you live in?"

Sarah smiled. "There's no where like it in the world. It exists only in my dreams."

"Tell me about your dreams." Jareth leaned forward with both hands propped under his chin, his eyes more intense than Sarah had ever seen them.

"Childish stuff." Sarah shrugged. "Boring stuff."

"Tell me, anyway." Jareth's eyes gleamed.

Sarah was quiet for a long moment.

"Maybe some day I'll tell you."

"When would that be?" Jareth raised an eyebrow.

"Umm...the night after we umm..." Sarah's face was beet red.

'Sarah, just spit it out. What are you, twelve?'

"Have sex, make love, shag, fuck etc." Jareth smirked. "My, your timidness is refreshing to say the least."

He leaned back in his chair and laid his legs on his desk, crossed at the ankle.

"What is your favorite kind of meal?"

Once Sarah's face started to calm down a bit, she grinned and answered, "One of everything."

Jareth laughed, nodding slightly. "Well, I like a woman with a good appetite."

"My favorite meals are pasta and garlic bread."

"Italian foods in your world, yes?"

"Yes." Sarah blinked, a bit perplexed at Jareth's knowledge of human subjects. She recalled how earlier he had quoted that one historic male. "I want to go there after I graduate from college."

"Italy. A lovely city. I've been there a few times. What is the first thing you'll do when you get there?"

Sarah smiled. "Take a coin, make a wish and toss it into the Trevi fountain."

"And what is your deepest wish? As my consort you'll want for not."

"Your Maj- I mean you're very kind, Jareth but at least allow me one or two...or even three secrets to keep." Sarah smirked. "Every woman likes to have at least a little air of mystery about her."

One of her hands grasped the arm of her chair tightly as she straightened her back. A few more shaky gulps of air and she could feel a bit more courage enter her body as she got into character as Jareth's consort. She had to be charming and alluring, she thought calculatingly. If it was true that she would want for nothing then maybe she could get him to release the other girls.

Jareth matched her smirk. "Very well, then. Can you play any instruments?"

"The piano. I'm rusty, though."

"We shall remedy that soon."

"I'll hold you to that promise." Sarah couldn't help the smile Jareth had pulled from her.

Jareth hummed and stood up to walk around the desk. "...I've made my decision."

Sarah sat up even straighter in her chair. "Yes?"

"Without a doubt, I must have you as my consort. I think I shall have you...now."

His eyes looked dark as he gazed down at her. Before Sarah could react, Jareth had grabbed her from the chair and deposited her on his desk in one swift move. His mouth descended upon her own with fervor. A squeal of surprise broke free from her lips that Jareth eagerly swallowed. He took advantage of her shocked open mouth by gently sweeping his tongue inside the warm cavern of her mouth. One arm looped around her waist tightly while his other hand held onto her knee to gain his purchase. Jareth broke free for a moment for air, letting out puffs of his warm breath against her neck.

"Jareth, wait-

But her words were lost on him because he quickly closed the space between them again as he explored her mouth as though he could never get enough. Sarah clutched at his clothes as she tried to disentangle herself from him. She managed to pull her mouth away long enough to say, "Wait. Please wait."

A gasp escaped her as Jareth placed kisses along the column of her throat. He had pushed her dress obscenely high up, destroying a couple of chains of pearls in doing so. He barely registered the clatter of pearls as they were strewn across the stone floor.

"Wait for what exactly? Our arrangement is official now."

"Umm..." Sarah blushed as his torrent of kisses continued. She tried to lean away but it only gave him better access to her neck. Before she knew it, he had pressed his palm flat against her chest so that she was now completely laying down on his desk. "Jareth, shouldn't we- shouldn't we get it in writing f-first?" she stuttered as he started biting her neck.

"Later," Jareth growled lowly as he descended upon the top of her cleavage, pressing frantic kisses against them as one hand traveled between her thighs.

Sarah reacted quickly at that and instantly covered his hand with hers to pause its destination.

"I can't do this!"

"What?" Jareth's brows furrowed. "I don't understand. What do you mean you can't?"

"I'm a virgin!" Sarah blurted out, still holding a tight grip on Jareth's hand.

A heartbeat passed between them- the only sound in the room.

"A what?" Jareth guffawed at her.

"I'm a virgin," Sarah repeated, her face bright red. "I know what I agreed to do and I promise I'll carry out that promise but...I've never had sex before and this isn't exactly how I imagined it."

Jareth's hand slipped out of her grip as he stared at her in astonishment. "A virgin," he murmured. "A virgin." He laughed quietly and shook his head in wonder. "I haven't taken a virgin to my bed since...well, since I was a virgin myself!"

"I know I should've said it much sooner," Sarah admitted, adjusting her skirts as she hopped off of Jareth's desk. "I just saw an opportunity to free those girls and I didn't want to let the chance slip by."

"So not only are you willing to warm my bed each night for those strangers, you'll also be wiling to let me take your virginity. All for...them." Jareth sounded incredulous at the thought.

"Yes and for my friends." Sarah let out a shaky breath. "I'm wiling. I am. I just...I might need a little more time to get mentally prepared before I can actually sleep with you."

"Hmm..." Jareth turned his back on her as he gazed out the window, crossing his arms behind his back. "And how long might that be?"

"I...I don't know." Sarah bit her lip and ran a hand through her hair. "Honestly, I don't know. But it can't be today or tomorrow or the day after or- or too soon."

"How's...three months?"

"Huh?"

Jareth turned to face Sarah with his hands folded behind his back. "In three months I am to be wed. The night after my wedding, I will take you to my bed. Now...does that sound generous enough?"

Sarah blinked. "It...does, actually." It would give her enough time...possibly more than enough time to find a way to bring the abducted girls back to the Aboveground. She curtsied low albeit clumsily. "I'm very grateful. Thank you."

Jareth took her chin in his hand and made her look up at him. Something about eye contact with Jareth in particular felt intense. So intense that Sarah could not maintain eye contact with him for longer than a moment.

"Rise. I'm grateful for your gratitude." One side of his mouth quirked up. "You are my consort. Mine and mine alone. There will be time for...everything. Now, why don't we find you a suitable room."

"Thank you."

Jareth joined her side and raised an arm for her to take. Sarah hesitated before slipping her arm through his. They ended up in front of pearly white double doors. The golden doorknobs caught their reflections in the bright firelight from the torches on either side of them.

"I think this room would be suitable for you." Jareth placed his gloved hands on both door knobs and they jerked open with a grand pull. One side of his mouth quirked up as he gestured for Sarah to enter first. Sarah took one hesitant foot through the threshold and then another and then another until she was far enough into the room to survey her surroundings.

"This is...this is..." Sarah gasped.

"Fit for a princess," Jareth finished for her. He stood a few feet behind her with hands at his hips. "Do you like it?" His expression was blank but his eyes

Room fit for a princess indeed. There was a four poster bed with a cream colored bed spread with a wispy glittering matching canopy over it. A giant chandelier with gold accent hung over them, reflecting off the iridescent walls invoking the image of the Northerin lights rolling in waves all around Sarah.

"Yeah, it's very nice."

"Very nice?" Jareth mocked. Sarah blushed. "I shall try to live up to your standards, Serena, if all I can get from you is very nice."

Sarah held up both hands and shook her head furiously. "No! No! That's not what I meant. It's a great room, really. It's probably the grandest room I've ever seen- the grandest room I'll probably ever get to see in this lifetime," she muttered.

Jareth winked, a fang peeking out as a slow half smile etched its way onto his face. "Just teasing. Though, it is amusing to see your feathers ruffled." He sauntered over to the wardrobe, tapping his gloved finger over the fine white woodwork. "You may dress as you please most days. Just paint a pretty picture of the type of clothes you wish for in your wardrobe and they shall appear. But on special occasions, I'll need you in a proper ball gown at my beck and call."

Sarah clasped her hands in front of her, chewing on the inside of her mouth. "Right. Yes. Your...beck and call girl," she mumbled.

The Goblin King turned around to face her. "I'll let you get settled. In precisely one hour Ignaceous will come to collect you for dinner...make that two hours."

"Alright." Sarah nodded.

Jareth stepped closer to her and lightly lifted her wrist so that he could place a kiss upon her hand.

"I shall see you soon then."

Jareth poofed out of the room in a dark swirl of glitter and smoke. Sarah glanced around for a moment, half expecting him to reappear for some random reason but when she saw he wasn't returning, she breathed a sigh of relief and strode across the room to close the double doors. She stood with her back against the doors and sagged against them a bit. This was really happening. She was back in the labyrinth...and she was now the Goblin King's consort.

A/N: I wanted to apologize if I made it unclear as to why Sarah decided to draw attention to herself in the last chapter. While Ignaceous promised her that the girls would be released if Jareth didn't choose any of them, as far as Sarah is concerned, Ignaceous is a stranger and a shady one at that. Sarah doesn't truly feel like she can trust Ignaceous' word that's why she doesn't leave it to chance. She didn't want to risk Tally, Liz or any of them getting chosen so she decided to try to get chosen as a way to distract Jareth from the other girls. Now was Ignaceous telling the truth when he said that Jareth would release the girls who weren't picked? Yes, he was telling the truth. Now, if he was telling the truth then why did Jareth decide to keep them all? Well, that's something you'll learn as the story goes on. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Plz R/R for an update and let me know what you like so far.