Chapter 4, An Ominous Joy
Jareth and Sarah stood before the High King. Jareth sent him a stone scowl, practically tapping his foot with irritation. Sarah exchanged glances between the two, waiting for some one to break the silence. Linae sat in a chair towards the corner of the room absentmindedly knitting away at something.
"So, what was so urgent it demanded my immediate attention?" Oetheron asked, breaking the awkward silence. Sarah almost laughed, having to actually hide her smile. Jareth hadn't decided on which reaction to give his father, falling back to a firm stance.
"I must say father, with all your flare and excitement, it is a wonder you were able to contain yourself all this time." Jareth stated flatly. Linae looked up from her knitting, curious as to this secret her husband was keeping.
"Why my son, what ever do you mean?" He asked with a sarcastic smile. Sarah instinctively placed her hand over her abdomen, as Jareth wrapped his around her waist.
Jareth cocked his head slightly, looking past Oetheron to his mother.
"Tell me mother, are you aware you are expecting a grandchild?" He sneered. Linae's eyed widened considerably.
"What?" She exclaimed with disbelief, tearing her gaze to her husband. Oetheron gave an incriminating shrug, and turned towards a cart holding some refreshments.
"Ah, I take it you've finally figured it out. I was getting a little worried to be honest." He said casually, Linae still gaped at his back.
"Tell us, is the whole Underground waiting for us to figure it out?" He said with agitation. Sarah continued to chuckle from the side.
Sensing his son's anger, Oetheron chose to approach the more sated Sarah. He took her hand in his and gave her a warming grin.
"I knew you would make a fine queen. You will bear him many children, I know it." He gave her a wink. She bowed slightly in return.
"I will do my best." She replied with a smile, causing him to release a light laugh. He then turned to his son, who was still scowling at him.
"And you, must you always be so dark and suspicious?" He paused, giving him a curious eyebrow. "Here you are with such a heavy look of disgust, you should be overjoyed! You have a beautiful Queen, a prospering kingdom and an heir on the way all within a few short months! Well done my boy!" Oetheron bellowed, patting his son on the back; the force of which nearly causing him to stumble forward.
A shallow smile creeped across Jareth lips as Sarah and his father let loose joyous laughs. A baffled Linae finally broke the heartwarming scene.
"Wait. You're telling me she's with child? And you knew how long? Why was I not told?" She demanded, rising from her seat and crossing the room. Oetheron eyed her as she spoke.
"It was not my place to reveal such information. They needed to unravel this happy mystery on their own, do you not agree my Queen?" He spoke light hearted, but his stare warned her not to ruin their celebration. She paused for a moment, finding the right response.
"How in the Underground has this happened? It's unheard of, such a legendary blessing." Her tone soothed as she spoke. Jareth gave Sarah a mischievous twinge of his brow that did not go unnoticed.
"Sarah is a mortal, not completely Fae yet. This child was conceived before she even started the transformation. A pairing of the species, as it seems, is most fruitful." He spoke to his wife, but stared at his son and his lovely bride. "Or, the fates have truly blessed us." He added in a daze. He turned from the group and began pacing the room. "Now that you are aware, I am free to start preparations."
"For what?" Sarah asked. Jareth rolled his eyes.
"For the celebration of course! My dear daughter, I do not think you fully realize the rarity of this. My wife had not been with child for over a hundred years when we were first married." He exclaimed in his usual dramatic manner. As Oetheron went about in his rant, Linae approached her children, turning to Sarah first.
"I know you are aware of my hesitation, but you have truly exceeded all expectation. I am thrilled with this news, I give my blessing to you both." Sarah dipped her head slightly. She was always a bit wary when in the company of the High Queen. Jareth watched the display with equal caution.
Linae turned to her son and gave a warming smile, placing her hand against his cheek in a loving caress. She looked as though she was about to say something when she suddenly turned away. Jareth didn't fully understand the strange behavior of his mother, and was soon distracted by the ramblings of his father.
"You must go." He said all of the sudden, Jareth raised a questioning eyebrow. "I have much planning, and all of the Underground to tell. She must see a doctor at once, she is neither human or Fae and there is no way to tell how this pregnancy will progress." He gave Jareth a serious eye, causing Sarah to give them a concerned look of worry.
The next moment he was gone, leaving Sarah and Jareth swatting away at the puff of sparkling dust left in his wake. When all had settled, Linae gave a nod and exited the room, leaving them alone in the study. When they were alone, Sarah turned to Jareth.
"What does he mean by all that? Am I going to be ok?" She was worried now, a million thoughts running through her head. Jareth took her into a loving embrace, stroking her back in a soothing motion.
"It's not as grim as he make's it sound. That's just him being-" He paused, searching for the right words.
"Dramatic?" She said with a laugh. Jareth laughed in return.
"Heh, yes. All it means is that a human pregnancy is different than a Fae pregnancy, and since you are in the middle things aren't set in stone. Once the doctor examines you, things should become a little clearer." He said, pulling away slightly to look down at her. She wasn't as frightened after his explanation, but she still had that worried look on her face.
He smiled down at her, caressing her chin with his thumb.
"Come my love, I believe you wanted to speak with Mage? She should be able to explain things better than I." His hand moved to cup her cheek, and she leaned into his calming caress.
The next thing they knew, they were back at the castle. Mage was busy sorting through paperwork, when her masters suddenly materialized in the center of the study.
"Ah, you're back. I trust the news went well?" She asked from behind a stack of papers.
"Yes. You may cease." Jareth said to her. "I can take over, go with Sarah, I'm sure you have much to discuss."
He turned to Sarah, placing a hand gently on her hip as he leaned down to kiss her. It was sweet and innocent, and made her eyes flutter.
"I will see you when the sun sets, if not sooner." He said, lost in her glowing eyes. Mage had scurried towards the door, waiting. Sarah gave a bashful smile at the intimacy of his stare, before turning towards the door. A huge smile beamed across her face as she made her way back to their chambers. She hoped he would always be so charming. I don't think I'll ever get used to that. She thought, and her smile grew.
Jareth sat in his study, his mind completely blank as he reached for his quill and ink. Never had he been so happy while doing paperwork. The hours seemed to fly by, only making his joy grow. He finished the stack of papers, and moved on to daily court, and after that to his Council meeting. For once he felt undistracted, able to fully listen and decipher each and every one of his subjects complaints. He actually partook in his council, offering his own ideas to pending laws and courses of action instead of just skimming and signing off. The old wrinkled members of his council watched with interest and worry at the dramatic change in their King's demeanor, paying particular attention to the smile that never once left his face.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Mage sat by the fire. For hours it seemed she bombarded Mage with one question after another.
"So, what happens with a Fae pregnancy versus a human one?" She asked. Mage leaned back in her chair.
"Well, I'm sure you know, that a human pregnancy usually lasts about nine months. Females are subjugated to different levels of sickness which is deemed normal. Fae pregnancies, however-" She paused, taking a breath. "Are highly unpredictable. Some last for three months, while others can last for three years...or longer." She eyed Sarah cautiously. "Since you conceived when you were still human, one would assume you'll have a human pregnancy. But, since then you have started transforming into a Fae, and that may impact the development of your child." Sarah shot her a look of worry. "Oh, don't worry my lady, the child will be fine. I merely refer to the length of time it will take. I do not wish to frighten you with this, but the next few months will be unpredictable. For all we know you may be in labor within the next two months." Sarah sat quietly, processing everything Mage had told her.
"I see..." Was her reply. "Alright then, I guess I'll just have to go with it." She added with a smirk.
Jareth entered the room soon after. Sarah greeted her King with a smile, and he returned a cold blank stare, standing in the doorway like a statue.
"Leave us." He said to Mage, never taking his gaze from Sarah.
The little Goblin hopped up and scurried out of the room at once. Sarah's smile turned to a look of concern. He didn't move, leaning back against the door as it shut behind Mage.
"Is something wrong?" She asked. Just then she heard the lock click.
She moved as to get up and walk over to him. A sly sneer played across his face as he disappeared in a puff of glitter. She stared at the door a moment, a bit confused. She jumped slightly when she turned her head away from the door to see him crouched mere inches from her face. She let out a small gasp.
His eyes were dark and hazy, a hint of an evil smirk curled his lips. He drew in closer to her, inhaling deeply as he took in her scent.
"There's something so...alluring." He purred. She watched the light of the fire dance across his face, the shadows masking the intent in his eyes. She sat up slightly, and he moved yet again to fill the gap. "So intoxicating...so...unrelentingly...irresistible." His voice was deep with desire.
"About what?" She spoke just over a whisper.
"You. And me. Having a part of me inside you." His nostrils flared and he shook his head a bit. "To have the seed of our love growing inside you, I find the whole idea of it positively...arousing." He said with a mischievous grin and raising a devilish brow. She returned an inquiring eye as the corner of her mouth started to curl.
"Oh, really?" She responded.
She pushed past him and rose from the couch, walking seductively towards the bed. Jareth watched the way she swung her hips from side to side. She turned slightly, eyeing him with dark desire. She ever-so-slowly pulled at the arms of her dress; as it was a simply day gown, so she needed no unlacing. She stopped at one point, giving him bare shoulder and the tease of her hardened nipples she kept just barely hidden beneath the dress.
She looked away from him, turning her body so that only her rear view was visible. She then dropped the dress to the floor, leaving her body completely bare and exposed in the dim light. She took her hair in one hand and brought it over one shoulder, exposing the rest of her back. She then turned once again, leaning against the beam of the bed in a seductive pose. If there was one thing Jareth had taught her in past couple months, it was how to not be nervous or innocent. She had a new confidence and a sense of daring in her, and Jareth nearly exploded from her display.
She swung herself around the banister towards the bed, crawling to the center in a slow and exaggerated way. Once in place, she bent over, giving him a most revealing view.
A heat burned through his body as he watched her move. He clenched his teeth as his hands unconsciously gripped at the couch. He kept his expression stone. He tried to move, but his feet wouldn't let him. His heart was racing, and he felt a moist layer of sweat build along his brow. Am I really nervous? What is wrong with me? I don't know how many times I've had her, and yet I find myself unable to move. How marvelous!
He sneered slightly at the thought of how she was able to best him in every instance, and he hoped it would always be that way.
Sarah waited patiently, not sure as to why he still hadn't moved. He saw the flicker of doubt in her eyes, bringing him out of his daze and giving him the strength to move again.
He walked towards Sarah, careful not to seem as if he were running at her. As he walked, he slowly dismissed his own garments, never taking his eyes from hers. By the time he reached the bed he still donned in his tight black breeches and knee high boots. He was working on the shirt, managing to pull it from its confinement, slowly plucking each button with the upmost grace. Sarah licked her lips as she watched, like a lion about to go in for the kill.
She waited for his next move. He dipped down slowly, bringing his face towards hers, a sly smirk graced his lips. Without a word he reached behind her, she thought he was merely trying to get closer, and gasped when he grabbed her feet from under her, pulling her towards the edge of the bed. She now sat on the end of the bed, looking up at his dark face with innocent longing. His sneer widened at such a display, and once again he reached behind her. But this time, he grasped onto her hair and pushed her face into his in a hungry kiss. He was rough and brutal, a primal energy blew between them with a devastating heat. He held onto the back of her head tight, she was forced to arch her head further to avoid the pain.
His free hand started clawing at her body, gripping her tender flesh in a passionate caress. Once his hand reached her hip, his grip tightened.
She brought her hand to his chest and literally ripped the remainder of his shirt from his body. She tried to tear her lips from kiss, longing to lick and bite at his hard nipples, but he refused to release his hold on her.
Unable to fight him, she decided to free him from the confines of his pants. With both hands, she ripped open his breeches and thrust her hand around the hardened length of him, stroking with a hard rhythmic motion. Jareth was starting to become distracted from the pleasure of her ministrations. He almost pulled away from her to gasp for air, but regained control just in time.
He reached down and grabbed her wrist, yanking it from him and holding it to the bed. No sooner had he done so, he found himself at the perfect angle to thrust himself into her. It was hard, and fast, completely unrelenting.
Sarah was forced to let out a scream, she wasn't ready for such force. Jareth took her shriek as a green light and proceeded to move inside of her. At first he just rocked himself back and forth, pulling out a little more each time before thrusting deeper and deeper than before. Soon, his pelvis was crashing into hers with more force than a hurricane.
They were both panting heavily, beads of sweat fell from Jareth's brow. Sarah wasn't even able to move, and yet she found herself growing hotter and hotter, a thin sheet of sweat glazing her body. He moved his head to bite her neck. He sucked hard, making sure he left his mark.
He leaned forward a bit, using his free arm to support himself on the bed while he still held the nape of Sarah's neck, keeping her elevated off the bed.
Being arched in such a strenuous position made Sarah jump at each thrust with both pain and pleasure. She wanted to scream, she wanted to orgasm so bad. It felt so good, so intense. Almost too intense, she couldn't focus. Try as she may he was literally fucking her brains out to the point where she couldn't concentrate on the sheer pleasure enough to bring her to a completion. And that's just how Jareth wanted it.
He wanted to take his time, to make the experience last as long as possible, and he'd be damned if he allowed her satisfaction so early on.
He gently lowered her on the bed, falling with her. His body was as close as it could get as he continued his rhythm. The new angle of her body sent jolts of sparkling pleasure up and down her spine. Then she felt it, the feeling she'd been waiting for. She started moaning loudly as Jareth sucked at her chest. She was so close, she could feel herself about to slip over the edge. She let out one final shriek- and then he stopped, and pulled out completely.
Her eyes shot open with rage, how dare he deny her at that moment! He took half a step back and looked at her with a menacing sneer. She returned an evil pout before lashing an arm around his neck, whipping him around to land on the bed.
He lay on his back, watching her with anticipation. She leaped at him, letting herself stratal over his waist. She gave him a seductive stare as she began to kiss her way down his chest, making strategic stops along the way. He jerked his head when he felt her tongue flicked across his nipple. She smiled slightly, and continued her way down.
She planted lingering kisses all around his belly button, letting them become more and more teasing as she descended down the soft trail of golden hair leading towards more pleasurable things. Although she was considered to be relatively inexperienced, she felt as though she was learning fast. The first few times they'd tried this she had been extremely nervous, and bashful. But not tonight.
The fiery passion that was burning between them gave her a new confidence. She eyed him like a predator the entire way down his body. She wrapped a firm hand around his member, and sent him an evil glare.
She started with a simple lick at the top of the head, and then continued with a few more irregular licks, each trailing a little further down the length of him. He throbbed with each sensation. She then gave him subtle kisses up and down his length as her fingers trailed in a gentle rhythmic motion.
His breathes became deep and heavy, trying to clear his mind of her teasing. Deciding she'd tortured him enough, she lowered her mouth and took as much of him as she could. He shut his eyes and let out gasp as the warmth of her mouth engulfed him. She moved at a steady pace, sucking a little harder each time she rose.
He started to move with her, cautiously. (The first few times he'd lost focus and nearly choked her.) This new found sense of daring gave Sarah the idea to test herself, seeing just how deep she could get him. As he rose to her, she would lower her head just a little. She relaxed her tongue, and realized just how far she could go. Jareth was considered to be above average at the very least, and she felt total victory at being able to wrap her lips around well more than half of him.
Jareth was going nuts. He'd wanted to be delicate with her in this situation, not wanting to push or hurt her. But what she was doing all on her own simply blew his mind. He couldn't believe how good it felt, for how inexperienced she was, she certainly had natural talent.
His hands clasped the bed, trying to restrain himself. He wanted control, make this feeling last as long as possible.
Meanwhile, Sarah was finding great amusement in the way Jareth was reacting to her. She started toying him with her lips and tongue, seeing what different reactions he would give her. She was not disappointed. After a few minutes, she felt him harden considerably, and knew he was close. Still angry with him, she waited until his panting became hoarse and regular, a sign he was close to giving in. With one last lick she withdrew her mouth from him. He looked down at her, almost flailing with frustration.
She crawled up his body, giving him his own devilish sneer as their faces met.
Immediately, Jareth grabbed her hips and rammed himself into her, pulling her down as he thrusted up. He latched into one of her breasts, and she had no choice but to lean against the headboard. He rocked her hips as he moved, feeling the heat and tension build around him.
She felt as though she was in shock, waiting for the inevitable.
"Ohmygod Jareth!" She screamed through clenched eyes and teeth.
Hearing the ecstasy in her voice made him let out a hoarse moan. He was so close, he knew he wouldn't be able to last much longer.
"Ohmygod Jareth you're so fucking hard!" She screamed again.
And with that he couldn't hold back anymore. He lost all control, as he exploded inside of her. His hands started to tremble around her waist as tried to control himself with all his might.
A rush of heat filled Sarah immediately, she knew he'd released himself to her. She started rocking her hips as she realized the growing heat was coming from her also. Her breath quickened, and she dropped herself on top of him. Their bodies moved together, eyes locked as Sarah felt herself start to slip.
She rocked herself against him hard, finding his mouth in a starved kiss as she felt a bubble of erotic euphoria burst inside her. She moaned into his lips, shutting her eyes in the process. Her body became rigid, and started to tremble as her ecstasy overtook her. Jareth watched the look on her face with burning enthrallment.
Her orgasm seemed to last for hours, wave after wave continued to pound into her. She couldn't understand how she was still able to move. After a few more thrusts, the wave finally subsided.
She collapsed on top of him, and lazily rolled off to the side, nestling under his arm. Jareth seemed to come down after a moment, but Sarah was still panting. She looked up to see a satisfied grin across his face. He didn't bother to look down at her as he spoke.
"That my dear, was absolutely incredible. You are absolutely ridiculous in the most incredible way." His eyes were closed, obviously exhausted.
"So I'm getting better then?" She teased, and he squeezed her tight.
"I told you once before you couldn't get any better. You are perfect and tantalizing in every way." He took a deep breath. "And once again, you choose to defy me and all expectation." She laid her head against his chest and smiled. After a moment of silence she spoke up again.
"So, what was that all about anyway?" She asked, making him chuckle softly.
"Well, I figured I must be as rough with you as I can before I must lock you away in that tower." He laughed and flinched slightly when she bit his nipple.
After settling down, Jareth looked up at the ceiling. A huge smile spread across his lips as he stared at nothing.
"I can not tell you how happy you've made me. You're giving me a gift I could never deserve." She gave him a silent kiss in the darkness.
"Everyone deserves to be happy, especially you." She said.
"But are you happy, Sarah?" He asked, looking down at her in fading light of the fire.
"I love you Jareth, you've given me my dreams and so much more. The only thing to make my life better is to give life to our child. I know you'll be a wonderful father, and I can't wait...I'm just worried..that I won't be a wonderful mother." She trailed off, thoughts of her own runaway mother and her stepmother Karen flashing through her mind. Jareth watched her with disbelief.
"Sarah, how can you say this? From what you tell me, you were more of a mother to Tobby than that woman ever was. And I know you have issues with your mother; but all I can tell you, is that we will be a family, nothing will ever separate us, and I know in my heart that you will be the perfect mother to our child." He said with a heartfelt grin.
Sarah felt her eyes start to water, she couldn't get over how wonderful he was, how much he loved her. So much had changed between them in such a short time. She thought maybe her emotions were getting to her, that maybe her moods swings were starting.
Jareth watched the hundreds of thoughts that plagued her beautiful face, and pulled her close in the most loving embrace he could offer.
"Don't be upset my love, my Queen. Things have only just begun." He said, placing a kiss on the top of her head.