A/N: Hello, my lovely readers. I finally feel that this is ready to be published. I had to do a lot of reworking, but I finally think I'm satisfied with this chapter. For those who are interested, I do have a blog that I update between chapters with updates and information about my writing. You can visit it by clicking on the link on my profile page. Many thanks to anna-banana30, Asteross, HachimansKitsune, kapkeyknudols,labyrinthfan, LittleMargarita, magiconesgirl, MichAre1a, Operaphantomgrl, rexgrl3, scbeauty2525, SirenWrage, Speestergirl96, WRose, and all the guest reviewers for reviewing since I last posted. Please take a moment to review this chapter for your reviews really are fuel for my muse. Now, onto the show.

Disclaimer: Nope…still don't own anything you recognize and most of what you don't.


The High King's tone left no choice but to acquiesce to his command. Taking his beloved's hand in his, Jareth led the way towards his father's private study. Fagan watched them go, his mind a flurry of concern. He still wasn't sure he understood what had happened here today. How could so much go wrong in so little time? Though he didn't know the what, the why, or the how, he had a pretty good idea of the who. Turning to his cousin, he gave an accusatory glare.

Before he could give voice to his thoughts, he was interrupted by an angry Allison. "How dare you?"

Liam looked shell-shocked. "Huh?"

"You just couldn't let them be happy, could you?" Allison shouted, her finger wagging in his face. The rosy hue of her cheeks grew darker with her rage.

"You can't be insinuating that I had anything to do with this."

"The hell I can't!"

Liam began to feel angry, but tried desperately to keep his composure. It wouldn't do to allow himself to become fodder for gossip. "Madame, I assure you that I had nothing to do with this. Perhaps you are blaming me simply because you don't want to believe Sarah and Jareth to be capable of such a thing. I cannot speak for Sarah, but I am more than certain my cousin could and would."

"You dare demean what they have with an accusation like that?" Allie ground out. She raised her hand to strike the man, unable to put her feelings into words.

Fagan took hold of her hand to stop her from doing something she could never take back. "Come with me, my love." He turned to his cousin with a scathing look. "You stay away from us. Haven't you done enough damage here today?"

Allowing him to guide her away from the scene, Allison gave one last glare to the man she held responsible for this whole mess. She made sure he knew that she would not forget what happened here today and would be closely watching his every move from here on out. Observing her conveyed message, Liam shuddered. He'd just made a powerful enemy and had no idea of what to do about it.

Before he could say or do anything else, he felt a stinging blow across his face. He looked up to see an angry Stephanie nursing her hand. "I can't believe you. Just when I thought you might be a decent guy after all."

"Stephanie, please, listen to me. I had nothing to do with this," Liam denied.

"Go to hell!" she shouted. A tear traced the contours of her cheek as she ran from him.

Liam stood and stared at her retreating form. He suddenly felt the need to escape from this oppressive place. The whispers and stares all pointed towards the implication that he was involved in hurting their beloved Crown-Prince. Without another word, he left the great hall and went back to his place of solitude. Certainly, there must be some way out of this mess. He just needed some time to think.


The trip to the High King's study felt like the longest walk in Sarah's life. Disappointment seemed to radiate off the older man, making her feel as if she were a young child about to get scolded. Looking at Jareth, she could tell that he felt the same way. The fear and anxiety she had experienced earlier had returned. What was going to happen to her? She didn't know if she could face the Above knowing that she could never love again. As if he could hear her thoughts, Jareth took hold of her hand and squeezed it gently. It helped to know that she would not have to face her fear alone.

Raghnall escorted them into his study and closed the door. He took a seat behind his large desk and stared at the couple. "Care to explain yourselves?"

After taking a seat in front of the king, Jareth sighed. "We truly cannot explain what we don't know ourselves."

"You're telling me that you can't remember anything?" Raghnall asked, his entire body tense.

"We honestly don't know," Sarah replied. "It's like there is a block that is keeping me from remembering whenever I try."

"What about you, Jareth. Is that same block there for you, as well?"

Jareth realized where his father was going with his line of questioning. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Allowing his magic to course through his body, he attempted to force his memory to give him the desired information. There was more than a simple block in his way. It felt powerful, yet malignant and foreign. When he tapped at it with his magic, it caused a terrible pain to shoot through his mind. He grabbed his head and groaned.

Raghnall was at his son's side in an instant. "Tell me what you feel."

"Magic," he growled out, clearly still in pain.

Sarah took hold of her beloved's hand and brought it to her lips. "Magic?"

After a moment, he was able to look at her and give her an answer. "We were under a spell. I can't get a feel for the one who enchanted us or how to get past the incantation words, but we definitely were set up."

"We have to tell the Council!" Sarah declared.

"We don't have any evidence. It would be our word against whoever bespelled us."

Raghnall sighed and looked at the young woman. "He's right."

"Damn!" Sarah cursed before covering her mouth with her hand, blushing madly.

Raghnall's grin greeted her as she caught his eye. "My sentiments exactly."

"What are we going to do?" Sarah asked. "I love Jareth."

"I love you, too, precious."

Their shared look of adoration was not missed by the High King. It gave him incentive to continue to fight for them. His son needed him and he wouldn't fail him; he couldn't fail him. There must be something that they were missing, but what could it be? If nothing else, he could plead with the Council for leniency. Maybe they could sentence them to service or even public humiliation. It wasn't pleasant, but at least they could still be together. If their courtship were dissolved, he didn't think his son's heart would survive the break.


Liam looked out into the distance, listening to the waves lap the rocks beneath his bare feet. He'd managed to make it to his place of refuge before finally collapsing under the weight of what had happened. After finally coming to the realization that Sarah's love was no longer what he desired, he was about to lose something that had real potential. His happiness was slipping through his fingers and he hadn't the slightest idea of how to stop it.

Dipping his fingers into the cold water, he traced the ripples. The foam broke apart from the intrusion, allowing him to see his reflection. He almost couldn't believe the face staring back was his own. He was pale and there were heavy bags under his eyes. How long had it been since he'd gotten a proper night's rest? His obsession had driven him forward without a thought of what it was doing to himself and to those around him…and for what? Sarah was a wonderful woman, but she wasn't the one for him. That was obvious to him, now.

Along with these thoughts was a nagging, worrisome feeling that he was somehow ultimately responsible. He may have been convincing when he had blamed this on Jareth and Sarah, but, in reality, he wondered. His sister had been strangely missing from the events of the day. It wasn't like her to miss out on something she'd consider highly entertaining. He thought about their planning and plotting. They'd decided to catch Jareth in a compromising position with one of the giggling girls of the court. A little love-lies-idle would help things along. Seirian was supposed to get a vial from her source and then meet back up with him. When she failed to show, he just thought that she'd grown bored of their intrigues and founds something new to amuse herself. Now, he wondered.

Liam wiped his damp fingers on his trousers and went back to looking into the distance. A soft breeze blew the salty smell of the water over the rocky shore. Birds flew overhead, creating a cacophony of birdsong. Liam seemed oblivious to it all. The calming serenity of the water did nothing to sooth his nerves. There must be something he could do. Many more moments passed by as he was left to his thoughts.

"What am I going to do?" he sighed to himself.

"You can start by telling me what is going on."

Liam jumped at the intruder's voice before slowly turning his troubled gaze upon her. "Hello, mother."

"My son."

Liam watched as her frown deepened upon her usually calm visage. With a long sigh, she crept closer to her only son. When he made no effort to speak again, she picked up her long skirts and took a seat next to him. No words were needed as she opened her arms and took him into her embrace. She watched as a dam seemed to break inside of him. His arms wrapped around her, almost too tightly, as strangled, desperate sobs wracked him. She said nothing, but continued to sooth him with a warm caress and a quietly hummed lullaby.

When it seemed that there were no more tears to be had, he looked up at her and repeated, "what am I going to do?"

"What has happened?"

"I met the most wonderful lady and I've lost her."

"Sarah?"

"Stephanie."

Catrin's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Stephanie?"

"The Lady Sarah's cousin, mother. She is sweet, and lovely, and lonely, and...just wonderful."

"You're in love with her," she gasped, a small smile appearing at the revelation. "Truly in love."

Liam looked deep within his heart and grinned. "I am."

"Ah, my son," she sighed, taking him within her embrace once more.

Liam laughed. "You make it sound as if you could scarcely believe it."

"What about Sarah?" She asked.

"She's a great friend, but my love for her pales in comparison to what I feel for Stephanie. How is it possible to love someone so much that you just met?"

"It sounds as if she is your match. When you find the right person for you, you'll just know. That's what happened with your father and me."

"I suppose you heard about what happened in court, today."

Catrin frowned again. "I did."

"You have to believe me, mother. I had nothing to do with it. In fact, the first I heard of it was with everyone else in court."

Catrin looked deep within her son's eyes and made her choice. "I believe you."

Liam's breath left with a rush. "Thank you. I just wish I knew what to do. My own cousins hate me and Stephanie...I can't even begin to fathom what she must be feeling."

Hugging him close once again, she kissed the crown of his head. "Look within your heart, that's where the answer lies."

Without another word, she stood and began to walk away. He watched through red rimmed eyes as her figure first became transparent and then disappeared entirely, leaving him alone again. Taking a deep breath, he looked back into the churning sea. There must be something he could do to prove his sincerity. Peering down, he noticed something strange about the foamy waters. A face was carved into the bubbles: Stephanie! He knew what he must do.


"It's time."

Jareth looked at his father, his brow furled. It was as if the man was speaking a different language. The High King's serious visage only added to his confusion. It couldn't be time, yet. He couldn't say goodbye. It was almost a physical impossibility. How did one say goodbye knowing they could be parted from the other half of their soul forever? He used to believe forever wasn't long at all. How wrong he was!

Sarah pleaded with her new sovereign. "Not, yet. Please."

Raghnall looked at them and put his head in his hands. "I shall retire from this room for five minutes. When I return, the Lady Sarah will have to take her leave."

Without another word, the High King did just as he said. When they were alone, the couple stood and looked at each other. Jareth could see the tears beginning to slide down her cheeks. Tenderly, he took her face in his hands and wiped them away. Words weren't needed just then. The only sounds to fill the room were those of the breaths they took and their hearts beating in perfect synchronicity.

Needing to be as close as he possibly could to his beloved Sarah, Jareth wrapped his arms tightly around her. Sarah's arms cradled him, conveying all when words failed. He breathed in the sweet scent that was uniquely her, trying to commit the moment to memory. This could be the last time he would ever hold her in his arms. Five minutes wasn't much time. Hell, forever would never be long enough.

When Jareth heard the door begin to open, he knew he had to break his silence. "It's time, my precious thing."

"No," Sarah protested, her head rocking back and forth in denial.

"I know this cannot be the end for us. We must not give in to the fear that this will be all we have. I cannot bear to have a tearful goodbye as my last memory of you."

Sarah nodded. "How about goodnight?"

"Sleep well, my love. I shall see you on the morrow."

Her lips touched his in a chaste kiss, trying to make the moment last. She knew her leave was inevitable, but she intended to etch every detail into her mind. If this was all they had, at least she'd have the memory. A moment later, she began to feel the telltale sensation of the teleportation spell. The room became transparent and she desperately tried to remain. She soon found herself back in her Fairy Castle bedroom with Allie looking on. The weight of the moment caught up to her and she collapsed on the bed. Allie held her tight as she began to sob. Sarah knew that her friend, the worm, was right. Things weren't always as they appeared. Sometimes, they were worse.


"Your Majesty," Elder Proinsias greeted as Raghnall stepped into the Elder's chambers.

Raghnall bowed before the Elders. "Elder Proinsias."

Silence filled the small room. Raghnall looked about the chamber with careful restraint. There were rules, even for High Kings. After what seemed like eternity, one of the Elders spoke. "What can we do for you?"

"I beg your indulgence, Elders. I have information regarding the task you have taken in hand."

"Speak, Your Majesty," intoned Elder Gaelin.

"Give us thine counsel," agreed Elder Dall.

Raghnall took a deep breath and began. He told them of the love of the Goblin King towards the mortal-turned-fae girl. They learned of the relationship as it blossomed during their courtship. His heart poured out his frustration at Sarah's other suitors until finally he came to his largest concern. Someone had bespelled the couple. The spell was ancient and malevolent.

Silence reigned once more as the Elders digested his monologue. Raghnall lowered his eyes but still felt their stares upon him. It was a terrible breech of protocol for him to insinuate himself into a decision that was theirs, alone, to make. Well, theirs and the Gods. Maybe they would be merciful.

"King Rahgnall," came the cold voice of Elder Aiden. Then again, maybe not.

The softer voice of Elder Gaelin intervened. "We understand your concern."

"And your predicament," intoned Elder Proinsias.

"Be patient, our king," warned Elder Aiden.

"The truth shall prevail," continued Elder Dall.

"As shall justice," finished Elder Aiden.

The chamber went silent as Raghnall realized he had been dismissed. He bowed deeply before taking his leave. He could only hope that his words had swayed the Elders. If not, he could only pray for the grace and courage to do his duty as sovereign of this realm. Even if it meant losing a son.


Allie caressed her friend's back, trying to sooth the sobbing woman. She still didn't quite understand what had happened.

"It's not fair," the brunette lamented.

What could Allie say to that? "I know babe."

"But that's the way it is," Sarah said, pounding her fist into the bed. "That sucks!"

"You can say that again."

"That sucks!" shouted Fagan.

With a raised eyebrow, Jareth stared at his brother. "Such eloquence."

Fagan shrugged, rubbing absently at his forehead. He'd come in aid to his brother, but soon found himself swept up in frustration. Everything was such a mess and it had the potential to change their whole world. If Sarah were to be sent back above, or worse, to be courted solely by Liam, Jareth's heart would never recover. How would he be able to become High King as such a broken man?

Jareth resumed his pacing. "I hate this feeling!"

"Feeling?"

"Utter helplessness," Sarah lamented.

"There must be something we could do," Allie said. She was worried for her friends, both new and old.

"We?" Sarah asked.

Allie huffed in indignation. "Of course! You don't think I'd let you deal with this alone, do you?"

Another tear made its way down Sarah's cheek and she swiped at it absently. Her friend's conviction and loyalty made her feel unworthy. Still, she felt a tiny glimmer of hope. With someone like Allie at her side fighting with her, maybe she could make it through this catastrophe.

Allie took pity on her friend and embraced her. "We'll get through this…somehow."

"Thank you, my brother," Jareth said.

Fagan nodded. "We have to trust to hope, Jareth. I refuse to believe that fate could be this cruel. No matter what happens, we will make this right. Even if I have to beat the shear stubbornness from our dear cousin. You and Sarah belong together."

"I never did thank you for bringing her back to me."

"You're welcome, Sarah," Allie soothed. "What else are friends for?"

"I really do feel better. I think I'm going to sleep and, with any luck, this mess will be over in the morning. Then we can finally start planning your engagement party."

"The Solstice will be here before you know it," Allie sighed, wistfully. She and Fagan would finally be free to announce their plans to wed. She looked back at Sarah and hoped with all of her heart that Sarah would have the same good fortune.

"Good night, Allie."

"Good night, Jareth. Pleasant dreams," Fagan said.

Jareth nodded at his brother before leaving him to finally retire for the evening. Hope felt like a dying ember within his heart. Still, it was there to be nourished. Somehow, things would work out in his favor. If not, he'd just have to find a way to make his own luck. With that thought, the mighty Goblin King finally crawled into bed. His dreams were filled with his happily ever after. The Gods watched on with fond smiles. They really were suckers for a happy ending.


Jareth rubbed his sore eyes, feeling every one of his over 1000 years. He'd gotten no sleep the night before. The impending day at hand weighed heavily on his mind. Now that he'd finally learned to love, how could he ever give that up? How could he live without sunlight. To love without her heartbeat was unfathomable.

Fastening his midnight blue cape, he took one last look in his mirror. He wasn't quite sure why he'd chosen to dress in his armor, but he had to admit that it matched his mood. If ever there was a reason for wearing his armor, this was it. Jareth was going into battle today. Not for his kingdom, but for his heart. He suspect that, should he lose Sarah, it would be shattered.

With a sigh, he wove the spell that would take him to his father's kingdom. The time for battle had begun.


Sarah stood before the court, trying to remember to breathe. Nervous energy created sparks that would randomly shoot from her fingertips in a streak of color. After a particularly loud burst, she hid her hands in the folds of her skirts. Her cheeks turned rosy at the crowd's amusement. Each titter bored into her, making her increasingly aware of the spectacle her life had become.

A visible wave of relief came over her as Jareth appeared next to her. His hand reached out and clasped hers within it. Whatever would happen, they would face this challenge together. Though they were unable to speak, one glance into the other's eyes spoke volumes. No matter what would occur this day, their love would remain everlasting.

Silence descended over the room as the Elders took their places. The High King ascended onto his throne and took in the sight with unwavering eyes. None of his movements gave any notion of the worry he felt inside. Today, he would either gain a new daughter or lose his oldest son. It was enough to nearly drive him to his breaking point. It would be all he could do just to retain his sanity. If only they would attain victory, then he'd see about going on a long vacation. Acapulco was nice this time of year.

"Rise and listen," intoned Elder Proinsias, capturing the attention of everyone within the large chamber.

"Very serious charges have been brought before this court," stated Elder Aiden.

"The Gods have been consulted and a decision has been made," continued Elder Proinsias.

"It is the will of the Gods that the courtship of the mortal-turned-Fae, Sarah Williams, and the Crown Prince, Jareth, King of the Goblins, be - "

A lone voice dared interrupt the Elders.

"Wait!"