Chapter 9, A Cursed Blessing

As the weeks passed, the Underground seemed to flourish with eternal joy. Life carried on, and bloomed. The world was at peace, and the Goblin kingdom had never been more prosperous. Day by day, Sarah began to give in to her husband, as her belly started to swell. Now an official Lady of Leisure, she spent her days relaxing, enjoying the splendors of her kingdom, and the love of her King.

This is how fairytales were told. But in the Underground, there were no such things as fairytales, and things weren't always what they seemed.

Truth be told, Sarah's "morning sickness" had become quite serious. Often, she would find herself completely bed ridden, with half a dozen doctors and shamans looming over her. There was no way to tell what would befall her and her miracle pregnancy. There were even rumors that the mortal Goblin Queen wouldn't make it to full term.

While Sarah's physical state was in question, Jareth's emotional state was in shambles. He was having a difficult time dealing with Sarah's progressing illness to say the very least. On top of that, his kingdom had fallen into a deeper and deeper state of hidden discord. Perhaps it was just all the excitement, perhaps he hadn't kept a lose enough eye on things since Sarah had become pregnant; either way, something was wrong and things had become an utter mess fast. Every day, it seemed there was some new and strange occurrence he would have to deal with. Things that had never happened before- there were reports of the Fire Gang raiding coal mines, apparently stocking piling for some reason. The hoarders begged on the streets, refusing to return to the junkyard. Doors throughout the Labyrinth refused to open. Oubliettes were appearing in the outer rim. The Labyrinth was going into defense mode. There was something out there, in the forest, in the wastes. Something was happening, and Jareth hadn't the slightest idea of what or why.

He'd questioned hundreds of citizens, but Goblins weren't the brightest creatures, and most intel was utter nonsense. He was worried, things seemed too perfect. A clear sign the very opposite was true. Though he was strong for Sarah, he thoughts were most often frazzled. He couldn't focus on the danger afoot, he couldn't catch the signs. He was distracted, by the most critical moment in his life. A moment that ticked by on a motionless clock. Everything was at stake, the life of his children, the life of his wife, the life of his kingdom, and last of all his very own life. It was this dark sense of foreboding that weighed heavily on him, slowly beating him down.

Sarah's mood swings had also been elevated, something Jareth hadn't the stamina for. They bickered like loathsome neighbors. It was nothing serious of course, but Sarah sensed there was something more to Jareth's rage.

Despite her initial misgivings, Sarah and Byron had become quite close. She was comfortable with him, he kept his distance and yet always seemed to be there when she needed a stiff upper lip. He'd become like a father to her, an odd notion considering how similar he and Jareth were. None the less, she enjoyed his company and snarky banter. Byron himself, had come to love the girl as if she were his own blood. He felt a natural protection towards her, and did his best to offer her guidance. Jareth's suspicions towards his uncle had long since passed. He knew his uncle was honorable, and knew his Sarah loved him just as much as he loved her. They were all a family, a family that was soon to grow.

"Would you like another glass of water my lady?" Mage asked, hovering over the bed.

Sarah slowly turned her gaze towards Mage. Her face was pale, and she had dark circles under her eyes. She felt exhausted all the time. Sarah laid her head against the pillow before answering.

"No, thank you, I just need to chill out for a bit." She closed her eyes, wishing to drift off to sleep. She was tired of being sick. It seemed she was either throwing up or had a pounding headache 85% of the time these days. Despite her concern, the doctors repeatedly informed her that she and the babies would be fine.

Her stomach had swollen quite considerably in the past two months, if there was ever a doubt she was pregnant, it had been blown out of the water and ripped to shreds. Still unable to predict how much longer until her labor, her attendants simply continued to monitor and study her progression.

It was well after five o'clock, and she'd been bedridden for the past two days. Jareth entered the room cautiously, not wanting to disturb her if she were asleep. The numerous Goblins and Fae physicians took their stand and bowed. Jareth ushered them out of the room, and made his way towards the bed.

He sat down beside her on the bed. She was staring out the window, not wanting him to see her in this broken state. It wasn't that she wanted to always be seen as perfect and glowing for him, it was simply that she knew how this all affected him, and she didn't want to worry him further.

"Sarah, how are you feeling?" He asked, taking her hand and giving it a gentle kiss.

"The same. I'm a little more awake now though." She said, looking down into her lap. Jareth continued to stare into the hidden profile of her face.

"I find it hard to believe we have no magic to rid you of this ailment." He said, almost angrily.

"Oh, they do." She wanted to laugh, but it wouldn't come. "But, the doctors don't want to try anything because they don't know how it will affect me or the babies. I just happen to be so blessed." She said, with a hint of sarcasm.

"My dear, you are blessed. We both are. In this we are also cursed." He wanted so badly for her to look up at him. "Through dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered, you have fought your way through everything. Your will is strong, and your kingdom is great." With his free hand, he reached for her chin and turned her to face him. Though her body was weak, and her spirits were frail, her eyes held all the cruel intensity he knew to be her. They would always glow, always beam onto him. He could do without all else just to be able to lose himself in her trance for just one moment. "You forever, have power over me." She gave him a weak smile at his word play. "This won't last forever, and remember pet, that is not long at all." He moved in to place a weightless kiss upon her lips. Her eyes fluttered, she wanted to throw her arms around him and love him to her fullest, but she hadn't the ability. Instead, he saw tears build in her eyes. His brow drew back in a look of sympathetic compassion. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a gentle embrace. "I love you." He said.

"I love you too." She felt silent tears run down her cheeks, but she was happy. "Thank you for coming to see me. I needed it." She said with a sniffle. He kissed the top of her head, rocking her slightly.

"My darling, if it is what you wish, I would never leave your side. I am your slave." He said.

She didn't say anything. The comforting serenity of his arms washed over her. Within minutes, she drifted off to sleep. Jareth held her as she slept, refusing to leave her side. He wanted to be there always, to never part from her warmth. What ever worries plagued his mind, lay dormant that night. What ever evils stood outside his doorstep, could stand to wait just one more day.