A/N: Wow! You readers never cease to amaze me. Thanks to everyone who keeps encouraging me. This includes the incredibly kind reviews from CeliaEquus, xAngel-Of-The-Operax, DarkDreamer1982, angelinastefany, Rachel, seniastardust, Jareth Lover 16, wedimagineer, Fangirl, hazlgrnLizzy, EmeraldRomance, EmeraldAnne, LittleMargarita, I'Like'Cheetos, and Nani2san. Remember that reviews make me happy and happy people update faster.
Disclaimer: I am three degrees of separation from Jim Henson, but I still don't own anything.
Sarah stretched on her bed, thankful for Fagan's suggestion that she take a nap before the ball tonight. Allie had done the same and Sarah looked over to see her best friend waking up as well. The two women had enjoyed a nice conversation on the unique courting situation in which Sarah found herself. She had never been much of a dater in high school or college. James had been her first and only long-term romance. It felt strange to have, not one, but four men vying for her favor. Not bad, per say, just strange.
Her thoughts strayed to Jareth, the most intriguing of all her suitors. She felt a connection to him that she just didn't feel with anyone else, even Liam. This confused her more than anything. For it had been the Goblin King who had stolen her baby brother and forced her to run the Labyrinth for his freedom. 'Not stolen,' Sarah corrected herself. 'I wished him away. He was only doing what I asked him to do.'
It was the trick at the end of her run that puzzled her the most. Why on earth had he asked her to 'fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave?' It was most perplexing. Did he really mean it? If he did, why didn't he ever come for her again? It must have been part of the game. He couldn't have been in love with her. It just didn't make sense.
"Penny for your thoughts," Allie said from her bed.
"My thoughts are worth far more than a mere penny," Sarah quipped.
Allie rolled her eyes and said, "fine. A hundred pennies for your thoughts."
"Oh, a whole dollar, you're too generous," Sarah replied, giggling.
"Seriously Sarah, you had a really strange look on your face," Allie said. "What were you thinking?"
"Not what, but who," Sarah replied, cryptically.
"Jareth," Allie guessed.
"Bingo," Sarah replied. "I just don't know about that man. When I ran the Labyrinth, he was cunning, cruel, arrogant, and frightening. I was only fifteen, too young to really understand men at all, but I was attracted to him even then. Then we were facing off in the Escher Room and he tried to lure me into giving up, but I rejected his offer of my dreams in order to save Toby."
"Wow Sarah," Allie said.
"Then I grew up," Sarah went on. "I kept expecting Jareth show back up. When he didn't, I started dating and I met James. He wasn't Jareth, but he was nice. I really liked him. I never really loved him, but I did care for him. It was a shock when you told me about Fagan. When he showed up and took us away, I was very angry."
"That was quite apparent," replied Allie.
"That wasn't all though," Sarah said. "I felt a sense of connection, which I didn't feel Above. I felt like I belonged. Then I saw Jareth again and he was very much how I remembered. The attraction I felt for him when I was fifteen was magnified by ten times, but I was so mad at being forced back here that I ignored it. Then when he kissed me in the mud, all the attraction I felt came rushing at me. I felt so rejected when he told me he regretted the kiss and so I agreed to let Liam court me."
"Something like a rebound relationship, huh," Allie replied.
"Yes," Sarah acknowledged. "Then when Jareth stood up to rival Liam, I was so relieved. I can't explain it. It was like everything was how it was supposed to be."
"Oh Sarah," Allie said smiling. "That's because you're in love. It's the same feeling I get when I'm with Fagan."
"It's not love Allie," Sarah scoffed. "I don't know him well enough to be in love. I'm just attracted to him."
"If you say so," Allie replied. "He is one sexy devil isn't he? Next to my Fagan, that is."
"Naturally," Sarah said, rolling her eyes.
The clock on the wall struck five and both girls jumped. Fagan would be there at six to take them to the ball. They were supposed to eat a light dinner before the ball, but both girls had overslept. Now they needed to eat, shower, and get dressed before their escort got there. Allie went down the hall to get a tray, while Sarah hopped in the shower.
Allie returned with the tray just as Sarah stepped out of the shower. The pretty brunette put on her underclothes and sat down to eat as Allie showered. The food was delicious, but light. She knew she couldn't eat a lot before getting into her dress. The gown didn't exactly leave a lot of room to breathe let alone have a full stomach. Sarah finished as Allie walked in the room drying her hair.
After Allie finished her dinner, the women helped each other into their gowns. Sarah wore a silver and emerald off-the-shoulder gown with long silver gloves. The skirt was full and swished as she walked. The bodice hugged her like a glove. A diamond necklace hung from her neck and glittered in the light. Allie put her hair up into an elaborate updo with curling tendrils. Long chandelier diamond earrings hung on her ears. Her makeup was understated and brought out her natural beauty. Allie grinned, looking at her masterpiece. Sarah was going to be the most gorgeous woman at the ball.
Sarah assisted Allie with her preparations for the ball. Allie was wearing a royal blue gown with small capped sleeves. Like Sarah, her skirt was full and made a noise like fluttering fairy wings every time she moved. Around her neck hung a sapphire necklace. Matching earrings adorned her ears. Her blond hair was coiffed on her head like a shinning halo. The two women giggled and admired one another. They were going to knock 'em dead.
Fagan arrived at 6pm sharp to escort them to the Dwarf Kingdom. When Sarah opened the door, he was struck speechless. The two women were breathtaking in their ball gowns. He offered his arms to the two lovely ladies and they took them. Never before had he entered a ball with two glorious vixens on his arm. He transported them just outside of two large doors. With a grin, he led the women through the doors and into the ballroom.
A doorman announced their names and they walked into a sea of colors. Sarah had never seen such a sight. Beautiful women in dresses of every color of the rainbow hung on the arms of handsome and charming men. The ballroom itself was adorned in silver and gold decorations. It practically sparkled with magic.
Fagan walked the two women to their host for the ball. Hushed whispers followed them as they moved.
"Is that her?"
"That's the Labyrinth Champion"
"She's beautiful"
"I hear she's very kind"
"I can't wait to meet her"
The comments made Sarah blush. She'd never been the type of person to attract much attention. She tried to keep her back straight and her eyes forward. Fagan squeezed her arm in a show of support. Sarah looked at her friend and saw Allie's supportive smile.
Fagan led the women to their host for the night. Gough stood at the side of the ballroom conversing with monarchs from other kingdoms. When he looked up and saw Sarah, a slow, wolfish smile spread across his face. Sarah thanked Fagan for his escort and placed a chaste kiss against the cheek of her companion for the evening. Gough held out his arm and Sarah took it, watching Fagan and Allie fade into the sea of people.
"Lady Sarah," Gough said, "please let me introduce you to a few of my closest advisors." He led her across the ballroom to a group of men. As he approached, the men broke their conversation and turned to their sovereign.
"Your Majesty," said a tall, brown-haired man with a slight bow.
"Gentlemen," Gough said, "I'd like to introduce you to Lady Sarah of the Aboveground. She's the Champion of the Labyrinth and the one I'm currently courting."
"Lady Sarah," said the brown-haired man, "I'm very pleased to meet you. My name is Calhoun. I'm His Majesty's Head of the Guard."
"It's nice to meet you Calhoun. Everyone, please just call me Sarah," she replied. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Sarah, this is Ion. He's my Spiritual Advisor," Gough introduced. The dark-haired man took her hand and bowed over it. He kissed her hand gracefully.
"Pleased to meet you Ion," she said, smiling.
"Likewise," he replied.
"Last, but certainly not least, is my Chief Advisor," Gough said.
"Keene, Miss," he said, holding out his hand. She placed her hand in his and he gave it a small kiss.
"Nice to meet you Keene," she replied. Gough led her away from the group for a moment, telling her that he needed a moment to speak with his advisors. He gave her cheek a kiss as she went off to find Allie.
"What do you think?" he asked the trio of men.
"She's exquisite," said Keene. They watched as she met back up with Allie and Fagan. Fagan said something to her that sent her peals of laughter into the ballroom. Gough grinned and turned back to his advisors.
"She's got a strong spirit," remarked Ion.
"And the heart of a warrior," Calhoun interjected.
"She'll make a wonderful Queen," Keene said.
"Yes she will," Gough agreed. "Though, I'm not the only one who thinks so." He frowned as he saw Jareth enter. The advisors watched as he scanned the room. Gough had a sneaking suspicion as to who he was looking for.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty," assured Keene. "You will prevail."
"I hope so," Gough replied. "Now Gentlemen, I must take my leave." The advisors said their goodbyes and well wishes. Gough crossed the ballroom and came up behind Sarah. Fagan's eyes alerted her to Gough's presence. She turned and looked at the Dwarf King.
"Hello again," she said.
"Hello to you," he replied. "Would you like to dance?"
"Ok," she said, smiling.
Gough led her to the dance floor and began to dance. Around the dance floor they twirled. He pulled her to him and Sarah blushed at the close proximity. He made her nervous. When his hands went lower on her hips until the came to rest on her derriere, she cleared her throat and frowned. He removed his hands and twirled her away from him. He pulled her back and she came to rest with her back to his chest. She looked down to see his hands resting just under her breasts. She turned to glare at him. His unwanted advances were becoming tedious.
"Still the ladies man, I see," drawled a voice behind him. Sarah knew that voice anywhere. She smiled, gratefully, at Jareth as he walked around to face her. "May I?" he asked, holding his hand out to her. Gough dropped his hands and glared at the Goblin King. Sarah took his hand and let him lead her away from the Dwarf King.
"Thank you," she said, as they danced.
"You're welcome, precious," he said. A group of women giggled as they danced past. Sarah blushed and tried to focus on her steps. Jareth watched her carefully. Never before had he seen her look so lovely. Had his kiss this morning vexed her as much as she did him? He couldn't get her off of his mind.
Sarah's mind wandered back to the first time she had ever danced with him. The dream was so perfect. She remembered the white dress she wore and giggled about it's puffiness. He was so handsome in his blue jacket over his grey ruffled shirt. The way they danced together to the song he sang was enchanting.
"What are you thinking about right now?" he asked.
"I was thinking of a certain psychedelic peach induced dream I had a few years back," she teased.
Jareth grinned and continued to lead her around the dance floor. With a wave of his hand, the music changed. Sarah recognized it immediately. He began to dance her around the room in an eerily similar fashion as he had in her dream.
"Good form, Your Majesty," she teased.
"I was about to say the same thing about you," he replied with a sly smirk.
At first Sarah was confused, but then she saw the way his eyes raked over her. She gave his shoulder a playful pat and said, "you really are incorrigible."
"So I've been told," he teased.
"Were you really in my dream?" she asked.
"Of course," he replied. "You supplied the dream. I furnished it and made it what it was."
"Well," she said, "I certainly must say that I enjoy dancing with you much more now than I did then."
"Why's that?" he asked.
"Now I don't have to spend half the dance looking for you," she replied. He laughed and spun her around gracefully. She joined him in his laughter.
"Ah, but you enjoyed the chase," he said finally.
"I was overwhelmed," she replied.
"I've been told I have that effect on women," he said.
"You're so full of yourself," she said, laughing.
"You can be full of me too," he replied with a smirk. He laughed at the blush that swept over her cheeks. The dance finished and she excused herself from the Goblin King to find Allie and enjoy some refreshments.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Allie asked, taking a sip of the sweet punch.
"Actually, I am," Sarah conceded. "Between Gough's roaming hands and Jareth's blatant innuendos, I'm actually having fun."
Allie laughed and the girls enjoyed their punch. Fagan walked up to the pair and asked to steal Allie away for another dance. Sarah watched from the sidelines as the couple danced elegantly across the dance floor. The sound of a throat clearing behind her made her jump and turn.
"Raghnall!" she exclaimed with a grin.
"Hello Sarah," he replied, sounding much like his son. "How are you enjoying the ball?"
"I'm having a good time," she replied. "How about you?"
"I sometimes find these things terribly boring," he said. "Maybe if I had a pretty young girl to dance with I would find this much more entertaining."
"Is that your way of asking me to dance?" she asked.
"If you would allow me?" he replied, extending his hand.
"I'd be delighted," she said, taking his hand. He led her out to the dance floor and into a refined waltz. He twirled her around like a master of the dance. She giggled as he dipped her. Couples all over the ballroom parted as he expertly guided her around the floor.
"How have you been faring lately?" he asked her as they danced.
"Things have been going better than expected," she replied. "They haven't killed each other yet."
"Just make sure you spend time with each of them," he said seriously. "Get to know them."
"I know that not everything is as it seems," she replied. "I'm trying to spend time with them all and to learn about them."
"Is there one that has captured you more than the others?" he asked.
Sarah glanced over and caught the eye of Jareth. He smiled at her and waved and she returned his smile. This exchange did not fail to catch the eye of the High King. He danced her away from his son's prying eyes.
"It's like that, I see," he said after a moment.
"Like what?" she asked.
"Sarah, I can see how you two look at each other," he said.
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean," she replied coyly.
"Jareth is a handsome man and completely smitten with you," he said. "You can't tell me you don't have feelings for him."
"I'm attracted to him," she agreed. "I know he's attracted to me, but I'm not sure it's more than a mere physical attraction."
"Oh to be so young," he replied, rolling his eyes. The dance finally ended and she excused herself to find her escort. She knew that she needed to at least give him some of her time or else she would be asking for trouble.
Gough introduced her to some members of his court. They chatted and enjoyed some verbal sparring. Sarah decided that he wasn't completely bad, as long as he kept his hands to himself. They spoke about his subjects and she even met a man who looked a lot like Hoggle. When she asked, she learned that he was Hoggle's brother Boggle. Gough left them to become acquainted. They spoke about Hoggle and life in the Dwarf Kingdom.
"Bognose!" Jareth exclaimed as he came up behind them. He wrapped his arms around Sarah's waist and placed his chin on her shoulder.
"It's Boggle," the dwarf reminded him.
Sarah rolled her eyes. It was obvious that Jareth just did that to annoy the dwarf. He did the same thing with Hoggle whenever he got the chance. It was one of the things she remembered clearly from her time in the Labyrinth.
Jareth gave her neck a little nibble, which didn't escape the notice of Boggle. The dwarf excused himself and left the couple alone. Sarah gave a contented sigh and leaned into Jareth's chest. Raghnall walked over to the couple, chuckling under his breath at the sight of their blatant flirting.
"Jareth, my son, how are you this evening?" he asked.
The Goblin King's almost inaudible groan at his father's interruption made Sarah giggle. She pushed away from him and he had no choice but to let her go. She left the two men to talk as she went out on the patio to get a breath of fresh air. The sounds of something moving behind her startled her into turning.
"Lady Queenie"
"Pretty Lady"
"Friend"
"Dancing Queenie"
"Nice Lady"
"Hi guys," she said, looking at her five goblin friends. "Are you having fun?"
"Lotsa"
"Me dance"
"Me drink punch"
"Me trip Lady"
"Lady make curse"
Sarah laughed at their antics. Her goblin friends made everything a little more fun. She didn't think that they had been invited, but she knew that wouldn't stop them. They tended to follow her no matter where she went. She had to draw the line at the bathroom.
"If you excuse me gentlemen," she said.
"Where Lady goin?"
"We help Lady"
"I'm just a little thirsty," she replied.
"Get Lady drinky"
"Help Lady"
"Stay Lady"
"Drinky for Queenie"
"Yum Yum"
"Thank you guys," she said. She stayed out on the patio as her entourage went in to get her a drink. They returned quickly and she looked at the drink in her hand with suspicion. It certainly didn't look like the punch she had earlier. She took a sniff and realized it didn't smell like it either. Cautiously, she took a sip. It was actually quite good so she drank it down.
"Queenie like?"
"Yum Yum?"
"Drinky Lady"
"Tasty?"
"Do good?"
"Yes," she replied. "What is this?"
"Goblin wine," a voice said behind her. "You should not have given that to her. She's probably never had anything this strong before. Now go before I decide to dip you into the bog."
"Jareth," she warned. "They were just trying to be nice." Her words were becoming noticeably slurred.
Sarah noticed that her head was starting to swim and she became unsteady on her feet. Jareth caught her as she stumbled forward.
"It's the wine," he remarked. "It's particularly strong for someone who isn't used to it."
"Everything's dancing," she said. He smirked, remembering the last time she said those words. This time, though, he had nothing to do with that. He didn't envy the hangover she was sure to have the next morning.
Sarah tried to walk back into the ballroom, but she was unable to stay on her feet. Jareth picked her up and carried her back into the ballroom. Gough was almost immediately upon them.
"What happened?" he asked.
"My goblins gave her some Goblin Wine," he replied. When Gough tried to take her from Jareth, he moved her away. "Let me take her home. You've got things to do here. I'll make sure she gets there safely."
Gough didn't look happy, but he knew he could not leave. With a nod, he agreed to let Jareth take the woman home. Sarah looked at Gough with a large grin on her face.
"Thanksh for the lovely party," she managed before ending in a fit of giggles. Jareth rolled his eyes and Gough looked vaguely amused. Wasting no more time, he transported them back to her room within his brother's castle. He placed her on the bed and used magic to change her into her nightgown. She looked so peaceful that he thought she was already asleep. He began to turn to leave when he heard her say something.
"What was that?" he replied.
"I love you Jareth," she murmured.
