A/N:Thanks to my awesome readers! I told you if you reviewed, I would update soon with longer chapters. I'm nothing if not a woman of my word. Here's chapter 5. I think you're really going to like it. Things are going to start heating up now. A special shout-out goes to CeliaEquus, EmeraldAnne, and chichi89 for their most kind reviews. To all my readers - keep reviewing and I'll keep updating. I love suggestions, too. Thanks!

Disclaimer:Alas, I don't own Sarah, Jareth, or the Labyrinth. I do like to play in their world every now and then.


Sarah walked through the doors and entered the Throne Room of the High King. She slowly walked up to him and curtsied. When she looked up, she noticed the smile and the twinkle in his eyes. He looked so much like Jareth that it really was scary. She could tell that he was older, but still. He didn't look to be much over 50. She knew that he was older that 1500. She stood before him and raised her eyebrows, inquisitively.

"Lady Sarah," he said, waving his hand and producing two chairs facing each other. He stood and walked to one and indicated for her to take the other. She looked at it for a second before taking her own seat.

"Your majesty," she replied.

"Please, call me Raghnall," he said warmly. Sarah couldn't help but find herself responding to his charm. He put her right at ease, which was surprising, given how much his son made her hackles rise.

"Pleased to meet you Raghnall, you may call me Sarah," she replied, smiling.

"You're probably wondering why I asked to see you," he said.

"It had crossed my mind," Sarah responded.

"Do you know how famous you are in the Underground?" he asked. The question surprised Sarah and caught her off guard.

"Um, no," she replied.

"You are the first and only person to have defeated my son's Labyrinth," he explained. Her eyes grew large. She vaguely remembered Fagan saying something to that effect, but she had largely dismissed anything he had to say. "It takes someone with immense physical strength and strength of character. You have to be very brave to face the dangers within. My son told me that you made friends with several of the inhabitants of the Labyrinth. A rock caller, I believe, and a knight, and...oh what's that dwarf's name...Hogwart?"

"Hoggle," she corrected.

"Yes, yes, that's right," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "Anyway, for the inhabitants of the Labyrinth to defy their king to help someone they just met, that speaks volumes Sarah. We could use more women of your calibre in the Underground. Most of the women here are silly nitwits. They could use a role model, such as yourself. The Aboveground is way ahead of us in that regard. Women's lib hasn't reached here, yet. Already, I see an improvement. The women of the Underground call anything they do that is even remotely brave 'pulling a Sarah.' What are your plans following the Solstice?"

Sarah knew she was blushing fiercely, but couldn't do anything to stop it. A role model? Sarah Williams, the dreamer, could be a role model? It struck her as funny and she began to laugh. She was afraid to look at the High King. What she was doing was highly offensive, but she couldn't stop. Finally, she brought her eyes up to look at him and realized something startling. He was laughing with her. In fact, he was holding his stomach as if he was laughing so hard he was in pain. Eventually, her laughter tapered off and she was able to speak.

"I'm so sorry Raghnall," she apologized. "I didn't mean to laugh at you. It's just that, I've never thought of myself as a role model before."

"It's quite alright, my dear," he replied. "Your laughter is quite infectious."

"As to your question," she said. "I'm not sure what my plans are right now. When I first got here, all I wanted to do was to get home. I actually like it here, though. I fit in here better than I did Aboveground. That's not to say that when your son gives me the ability to go home after the ball that I won't take it and go back to my life Above. I just like to keep my options open."

He nodded, impressed with her answer. She could make a good queen to his eldest son, if the boy would just get his head out of his bum and admit that he loved her. First things first, he had to find out if she loved him. "What would you do if you decided to stay here?" he asked.

"I don't know really," Sarah replied, honestly. "I guess I would find a place and settle down. Try to find a job to do. Maybe get married and have a family."

"Anyone in particular?"

Sarah blushed again. "I've been asked, but I'm not sure. I'm still young. It's a lot to think about. Besides, I have plenty of time for such things," she said.

"Quite right you are," he agreed. She was perfect. Everything his son needed. Someone who wasn't impulsive. Who thought things through. Who was patient enough to wait until she knew what she wanted. Everything his son was not. "Who has asked you for courting rights?"

"Your nephew," she informed him. "Liam."

"And how do you feel about that?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," she admitted. "I really like your nephew, but I really don't know him that well right now. I know that the courting ritual is supposed to help you get to know someone better before marriage, but I feel like I should at least have some idea of what his favorite color is before I decide to get into a relationship like that."

"So," he replied. "You've been reading up on Fae law have you?"

"Yes," she said. "I found a book in the library. I understand some of the very basics."

"Have you read about the change?" he asked.

"The change?" she replied, not liking the sound of it for one minute.

"Yes, my dear," he explained. "If you decide to court Liam, you will have to change from Human to Fae and take the life of an immortal."

"Can I change back?" she asked.

"No, Sarah," he replied. "Once you become Fae, you cannot return to being Human. I'll let Liam explain the process to you before you make any decisions. If you decide to court him, you two will have to weigh the choices very heavily."

"Thank you," she said. "I definitely want to know all about what I'm getting myself into."

"That is very important," he agreed. "Sarah, is there anyone else you would like to court you?"

"No one I can think of," she said. Raghnall noticed that she didn't look him in the eyes. With that one look, he got all of the answers he needed. Even unconsciously, she may be in love with his son. He was going to have to have a talk with his eldest boy again. The man needed to get over his pride and fight for the girl. As much as he loved his nephew, his sons came first.

"Well, my dear," he replied. "I do hope I see you again before the Solstice Ball." He stood and held out his hand to help her up.

"Thank you Raghnall," she said. "I hope I see you again, as well." She gave a little bow and then walked out of the Throne Room to find Allie, Fagan, and Liam.

Sarah was not at all surprised to see them standing by the doors, listening in. She tried to glare at them, but it was no use. They looked so funny trying to pretend that they hadn't been eavesdropping, that she had to giggle. That made Allie begin to laugh and soon all four of them were roaring with laughter. Fagan transported them all back to the Fairy Kingdom, still laughing. Several of the fairies gave them odd looks, but they didn't care. The four friends went to get something to eat and talk about what the High King had said.


Jareth paced his Throne Room angrily. His cousin had made him so mad. How dare he tell him to stay away from Sarah? If Jareth wanted to go near Sarah, he would. Not that he did want to be near her. Her beauty, fire, spirit, and character set aside, she really was just a woman. He could have any woman he wanted. He didn't need Sarah. But why do his thoughts always return to her? She had hurt him so bad when she rejected him. He told himself that it was all smoke and mirrors. A final trick to make her lose so he wouldn't have to face the humiliation of being bested. At the time, though, it hadn't felt like a trick. It felt like he put his heart on the line for the woman. 'Bah!' he thought. He would have to see her again and face these thoughts head on. Once he saw her, he was convinced that he could forget all about these disturbing thoughts and return to ruling his Kingdom alone.

"You there," he said, pointing at a goblin. "Boggle."

"It's BogDip."

"Yes, yes, whatever," he said. "I need you to go to my brother's Kingdom and locate Sarah for me. When she is alone, come back and tell me."

"Yes Kingy"

"You four," he said, indicting a group of goblins in the corner. "I want you to find my cousin Liam and distract him for a bit."

"Distract?"

"Keep busy"

"Stop him"

"No find Lady"

"We keep man from Lady"

"Bye bye Kingy"

Jareth rolled his eyes. Sometimes it was irritating, ruling such an unruly group such as the goblins. They were very loyal subjects, though. He watched them as they set off for the Fairy Kingdom and waited for BogDip's return.


Sarah awoke early the next morning. Allie was still snoring in the bed next to hers. Sarah quietly got out of bed and went into the bathroom to freshen up. After getting dressed and leaving a note for Allie, she walked out into the hallway. She intended to go take a walk outside alone and think for a bit. As she walked down the hall, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed. It was downright eerie. She looked behind her, but didn't see anyone. It must just be the castle giving her the heeby jeebies.

She found the outside door and realized that it had rained in the night. She would have to be careful or she'd end up ruining her dress in the mud. Stepping outside, she breathed in the cool air. As she walked along the path, she thought about the events of the past few days. Today, Fagan and Allie would be going to court to petition for courting rights. Sarah was genuinely excited for her friend. Continuing on that line of thought, she let her mind wander to Liam. The man was starting to really grow on her. She felt a connection to him and was seriously thinking about letting him court her. She liked her Aboveground life, but the thought of returning on the Solstice was making her unhappy. She loved it here and didn't want to leave. For the first time, she felt as if she found a place she belonged. Sarah continued her musings as she walked along, trying to keep from stepping into the mud on either side of the path.


"Kingy Kingy"

"Yes?" Jareth asked, standing.

"Lady alone"

"Where is she?" he asked, producing a crystal.

"She walk paths"

Jareth tossed the crystal in the air and disappeared. The goblins began to sing and dance. Their King was going to his Lady. She was going to be his new Queen. Their Queen! Pretty soon the ale was passed. The goblins drank it liberally, while they made up songs to commemorate their new Queen. Eventually, everyone was pretty drunk and the songs were becomming increasingly bawdy. Several goblins passed out while a few chased chickens and waited for the return of their King and new Queen.


Sarah looked up and was startled to see Jareth standing there. Her eyes narrowed as she became angry. How dare he interrupt her solitude? The man was just so irritating. Nevermind that he looked incredibly sexy in those tight pants. 'Stop it Sarah!' she ordered herself.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Can't I walk along the paths outside my brother's castle?" he asked. "Or do I need your permission?"

"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be terrorizing some goblin?" she returned.

"What I do is none of your concern, precious," he said.

"Don't call me that," she replied. "It's demeaning."

"What, precious?" he teased.

"You know damn well what," she said, getting closer.

"I assure you I don't know what you're talking about, precious," he replied, smirking.

"Stop it now!" she exclaimed.

"Stop what, precious," he replied. "I assure you that I can't stop if I don't know what I'm supposed to stop."

"Go to hell, Jareth," she said, shoving him. The shove caught him off balance and he fell backwards into the mud. Her hands went to her mouth and her eyes opened wide in shock. She didn't mean to push the man into the mud. He looked furious. It made her want to laugh, but she held back. There was no reason to make things any worse. She reached out her hand to help him back up.

Jareth took her hand and his look of anger turned into a mischievous grin. He tugged her hand and she lost her balance and fell along side of him in the mud. She gave a little shriek of fury and threw a big handful of mud at him. It landed on the side of his face in a splat. He scooped up some mud and plopped it in her hair. Pretty soon they were in an all out mud war. Mud was flying back and forth and both of them were laughing hysterically. Neither of them realized how close they were getting as they rubbed mud in each other's hair and faces. As suddenly as it began, the war was over. Jareth was staring in her beautiful green eyes with an intensity that neither of them had known existed. He grabbed the back of her head and crushed his lips to hers. The move startled her at first, but then she found herself responding to it. Her lips parted, allowing him access to her mouth. His tongue swirled around hers as he deepened the kiss. Her hands wandered up to his chest and began exploring the smooth skin caked in mud. His own hand trailed down her chest until it came to rest on her breast. She moaned as he brushed her nipple with his thumb. Suddenly, he pulled away. He looked at her for a second before disappearing in a cloud of silver glitter. She sat in the mud for a moment, still in shock and confused as to his quick departure. She pulled herself out of the mud and walked back to the castle to clean up yet again before court.


Jareth returned to the castle covered in mud, finding most of his goblins were passed out. He sniffed the air and sighed. The scent of ale still clung to the air. The few goblins that were still conscious looked at their King in shock. Never before had they seen him so disheveled. Where was their Queen? It was all too confusing and the few that were still awake soon passed out from thinking too hard.

The Goblin King walked to his chambers and peeled off his mud soaked clothing. He drew himself a bath and slipped in. His thoughts returned to Sarah. What had possessed him to kiss her? He could no longer deny that he was attracted to her. No matter how infuriated she made him, he still desired her. His mind wandered to the feel of her lips under his and her breast beneath his hand. He shook his head as if to rid himself of these thoughts. He needed to stop thinking of her. She was already turning his world upside down again. He wouldn't stand for it. It would be much better to leave her to Liam. Less trouble that way. Jareth continued to ponder these new developments as he scrubbed the mud from his body.


Sarah opened the door and noticed the incredulous stare from her friend. She must look a mess. Walking into the room, she peeled her dress from her body and carried it to the bathroom with her thumb and index finger.

"What happened?" Allie asked.

"Jareth happened," Sarah sighed.

"What?"Allie asked.

Sarah stripped down to her bare skin and called to Allie from the bathroom. "I'm going to take a bath. I'll tell you about it when I get out." She drew a bath and slipped in the tub. She began to scrub herself clean. The water turned instantly black and she emptied the tub and refilled it. While she bathed, she thought about what had happened. Her fingers touched her lips and she smiled at the memory of his kiss. Suddenly, she frowned. This couldn't be happening. Jareth was the biggest pain in the ass she had ever met. She couldn't be attracted to him. Yet, her body didn't lie. She liked the kiss and there was no denying that. Sarah was completely and totally confused. Did he want to court her? Did she want him to? All thoughts of Liam had been brushed aside by one single kiss. That had to say something. She finished her bath and wrapped herself in her plush robe. Sighing, she walked out into the main room to face her friend.

Allie watched Sarah come into the room and raised her eyebrows. A look of curiousity was all over her face. Sarah sat on her bed and motioned for Allie to sit on the opposite bed so they could get the damned talk over with.

"So, what happened?" Allie asked.

"I was taking a walk on the paths, trying to get some fresh air and time to think about Liam and courting and all of that," Sarah explained. "Suddenly, Jareth was standing before me and saying something irritating. I shoved him and he fell in the mud."

"Oh my," Allie replied.

"Yeah," Sarah continued. "He pulled me in the mud with him and we started a mud fight. Then all of a sudden, he kissed me."

"Go Sarah!" Allie exclaimed, grinning.

Sarah blushed and went on. "It was one of the best kisses I've ever had. James never kissed me like this. It was just so..."

"Hot?" Allie suggested.

"Uh huh," Sarah replied. "Then all of a sudden he disappeared and I was alone again. I'm so confused."

"Maybe he liked it a bit too much Sarah," Allie said. "Maybe he's just as confused as you and needed to go somewhere to think. The question is, what do you do now?"

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked.

"Well," Allie replied. "You obviously have feelings for him or you wouldn't have kissed him and he wouldn't have confused you so much. You have to face those feelings Sarah."

"Face them?" Sarah asked. "I don't want to have feelings for him. I don't want anything to do with him."

"It's too late for that Sarah," Allie said. "You have feelings for him and you have to find out if he does, too."

"What if he does?" Sarah asked.

"Then you have to figure out what you want, Sarah," Allie advised. "If you both have feelings for each other, you need to decide if you pursue them or not."

Sarah thought about this and bowed her head. Allie was right. Sarah was never one for backing down in fear. If she indeed felt something for him, she needed to see it through. It may lead no where, but then again, it might lead to something fantastic.

A knock at the door ended their conversation. Sarah went to the door and opened it a crack, holding her robe close to her body. It was Jareth! She smiled and asked him to give her a moment to change. He just nodded and waited for her in the hall. Sarah quickly changed into a teal gown with silver accents. She ran a brush through her hair and went to leave. As she closed the door behind her, she saw Allie giving her a thumbs up. She was resigned to confront the new feelings that his kiss had brought up.

"Hello Jareth, come to challenge me to Jello wresting now?" she teased.

He smirked, but then turned serious. "I've come to apologize for my conduct earlier. I regret my highly inappropriate actions. Please forgive me," he apologized.

"It's ok," she replied. He nodded and disappeared, leaving her even more confused than she had been before. She also felt the hurt and sting of his rejection. She hadn't even gotten a chance to put her heart out there and he had already rejected her. Sighing, Sarah realized that she had put her heart on the line as soon as she returned the kiss he started. Now he didn't want her. He thought it was all a mistake. A single tear left her eye and trailed down her cheek. She went back into the room to face Allie.