A/N: I'm such an evil writer, staying away for three months without delivering my updates as promised. In my defense...well, I really don't have a good defense. This story is practically finished, but I lost my motivation to post. Life has hit many bumps that were unexpected (for more info, hit my blog – the link is on my profile). The good news is that my muse gave me a swift kick and told me to get this posted...or else. I shudder to think what she could do if I ever got on her bad side. Many thanks go out to angelinegaskill, BlankSilhouette, BlueRose2513, Jemepo, kapkeyknudols, magiconesgirl, MyraValhallah, SarahlouiseDodge, scbeauty2525, senpai11213, WRose, Wynni, zaubernuss, and my anonymous reviewers for all of your lovely reviews. Without further ado, here is the next installment of Summer Solstice.

Disclaimer: *While singing to her picture of David Bowie* All I want for Christmas is yoooouuuu. *Crickets churping* I guess that's a no. I still don't own the rights to this wonderful world. If you recognize it from somewhere other than here (and sometimes even if you don't), it's not mine.

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The entire room seemed devoid of air as silence hung over the chamber. No one moved, stunned into paralysis, as a lone figure stood before them all. For his part, he seemed to radiate tension and unease as he readied his explanation. He'd surprised even himself with his interruption. The look of frank anger coming from the two men in front of him only served to heighten his trepidation. Still, with a sense of clarity that seemed to come from the very Gods themselves, he knew what he had to do.

"Please, don't punish them," Liam implored.

A look of incredulity crossed the handsome visage of the High King. "Lord Liam?"

"They love each other, don't you see it?"

Jareth shared a confused look with Sarah. "What are you saying, Cousin?"

"I cannot continue in your shadow, Jareth." He looked back at Stephanie and then to the couple before him. "You shine so brightly, cousin. I guess I've always been envious of you, but it's because I wanted to be you. When I met Sarah, her very spirit seemed to call to me. I guess, it was that spirit that made me fall in love; to feel so alive; to feel like you, Jareth. But, I'm beginning to realize that I was never really in love with Sarah. I just wanted that feeling to never go away. Sarah, you are so much like my cousin. In fact, you may be his perfect match. I've never seen him so changed and it's all your doing. Jareth, I hope you realize what you have in Sarah. You complete each other. My eyes have been opened by someone who has changed me, as well. She made me realize that no one is perfect and that I should just try to be the best I can be and forget about trying to be better than anyone else. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her and can only hope to one day be as good a friend to her as she has been to me."

At the end of his soliloquy, Raghnall shared a look with the Court Elders. With an almost imperceptible nod, he asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "Lord Liam, are you prepared to end your courtship with the Lady Sarah?"

"Aye."

"And Lady Sarah, what say you? Are you prepared to end your courtship with Lord Liam?"

"Yes." Sarah left the comforting arms of the Goblin King to approach the man in question. "Liam, you are a good man and will make someone very happy someday." She looked behind him to wink at her bewildered cousin. Placing a kiss to his cheek, she whispered, "thank you."

"What in the blazes is going on here?"

The spectators looked on as an irritated Seirian came forward. Her normally porcelain complexion was ruddy with her displeasure. Seirian made her way to the throne with a quick and confident step. There was no mistaking her ire at these proceedings. Sarah glanced at Liam only to see her own confusion mirrored in his eyes.

Raghnall looked down at his young niece with aplomb. "Now, see here. What is the meaning of this disruption?"

Seirian blinked with surprise, not expecting such a reaction from her uncle. "Uncle Raghnall, how can you do this to your own nephew?"

"What are you talking about?" Liam asked.

"I thought you were in love with Sarah. It's all you've talked about for weeks. Now, you're just going to give up? After all I've done for you?"

Her tone made Liam nervous, but his shock at her words overrode his anxiety at the confrontation. "What did you do, Seirian?"

"Yes, my daughter, what exactly did you mean by your words?" Catrin asked, joining her children before the throne.

"What's said is said, young lady," Raghnall cautioned. "Answer the question."

Seirian looked about the room, noticing all eyes were gazing upon her. She was caught in a trap of her own making. Damn her impulsive nature!

"I just cast a small spell," she hedged.

"What spell?" asked Raghnall with a demeanor of calm he did not feel.

Seeing she had no way out, she mumbled an answer.

"What was that?" Raghnall asked, cupping his ear with his hand.

Seirian spoke louder, knowing there was nothing else she could do. "Rollepa u Bymma Cup."

The room exploded into sound. A Rollepa u Bymma Cup spell was unthinkable, especially against the Crown Prince and his lady. It was a dark magical invocation that was written in a forbidden text. Very few Fae even knew of it's existence, let alone the incantation itself. The spell caster had to weave a dark thread into the very mind and soul of another and steal their very memories. Jareth and Sarah were extremely lucky. A much more evil person would have stolen the very memory of their love...of each other. A dangerous spell indeed!

For his part, the High King looked shocked. "You did what? Do you know what you have done?"

Seirian gulped and slowly nodded. "Aye, your majesty."

"Do you realize the punishment for that crime?"

"Aye, your majesty."

"Oh Seirian, why?" Liam interrupted.

She looked at him with sad eyes. "You wanted Sarah so badly and I wanted to make you happy. You've gone through more than your share of disappointment in life. I just wanted to finally give you a victory."

Liam closed his eyes at the pain in her voice. He forced them to open and took a deep breath. "I finally am happy, my beautiful sister. I've decided that there is happiness out there, even in disappointment. I wish you had come to me before casting that spell. I could have prevented all of this."

"I didn't think you'd follow through with it," Seirian confessed. "I just went ahead with the new plan so that you wouldn't talk me out of it."

"Please, sire!" Liam begged, looking towards the High King. "It's really my fault. I made her do it."

"She had a choice, young Liam. I have none. She must face the Elders for her punishment. I am sorry, my niece."

Elder Proinsias stood and addressed the court. "Lady Seirian, Princess of the Nymph Kingdom, you have confessed to the crime of using Rollepa u Bymma Cup. This is a dark magic that has been forbidden in our world for millennia."

"The Gods have smiled upon the couple before us," continued Elder Aiden. "Their love and lives have gained the approval of the Watchers. You, in your desire to interfere in matters that have no place for you, did not give a thought to what you were doing and the consequences your actions would bring. You were arrogant, irresponsible, and impulsive."

"Dark magic cannot be allowed the chance to flourish. Your memories of those spells shall be removed at once. Your punishment will be to face a life to which you could have condemned others," said Elder Proinsias. "Your magic will be stripped from you and you are to spend your days in a mundane life in the Above. However, the Gods have given us the charge to be merciful when the possibility arises. Therefore, your banishment will not be forever. When you have lived as a Mortal for some time, you will be brought back to the Underground and asked what you have learned. If the answer satisfies the Gods, your powers will be reinstated and all will be as it should be. Think carefully and live wisely, my lady."

With a wave of his hand, the young Fae woman disappeared. A silence fell over the chamber as those who had witnessed this event tried to digest what they had seen. Elder Aiden looked to his fellow Elders for a moment before rising to break the silence.

"Lady Sarah and King Jareth, as it was foretold, the truth has set you free. The Gods have given their blessing. You are united and united may you always be. This matter is considered closed."

At that final thought, the Elders disappeared back to their chamber to discuss what had happened and to ensure that all would be written in the ancient tongue. Raghall, seeing nothing else was to be done, dismissed the chamber with a secret twinkle in his eye. For a moment, Jareth and Sarah stood stunned. It wasn't until they became surrounded by well-wishers that they realized that it was over. The battle had been won.

In his relief, Jareth's armor melted into something softer and much more romantic. Sarah fingered the jewels on one shoulder and leaned in to whisper, "This looks familiar."

"Like something out of a dream?" he asked.

"Something like that," she replied with a smile, before her attention turned to another question and a statement of congratulations from the crowd.

Liam, unable to determine what else he could say, quietly slipped away. As he was about to leave the chamber, he felt a soft tap upon his shoulder. Turning, he looked straight into the brown eyes of his newest friend.

"Did you mean it back there?"

"Every word."

"You did a great thing, Liam. I'm proud to call you my friend."

Taking a deep breath, Liam decided it was time to create his own happiness. "I hope to one day call you so much more."

"What are you saying?"

"I've never felt this way before. I feel like I would move mountains just to see you again. What is it about you that makes me want to give up everything I thought I ever wanted?"

A rose colored hue spread across Stephanie's cheeks. "I'll tell you if you promise to tell me why you do the same to me."

Moving quickly, so as not to lose his nerve, Liam touched her lips with his own. His mouth captured her startled gasp. He was about to release her when Stephanie's arms came around his neck, holding him to her. It was like nothing he'd ever experienced before in his long life. Her lips felt soft and warm beneath his. He never wanted to let her go.

The sound of a clearing throat behind the couple put an end to their passion. Liam turned to see his cousin's amused eyes staring back at him. Sarah stood next to her suitor, burying a giggle in her hand. A quick glance at Stephanie gave him cause to smile. She was nearly red with embarrassment at having been caught making out with a man she only barely knew.

"I came over to make sure you were ok, but I see you're going to be just fine," Jareth said, smirking.

"I believe I am," Liam replied with a smirk of his own.

"I'm so happy for you both," Sarah added.

Stephanie smiled at her cousin. "What's next for the two of you?"

"I believe we have a Solstice Ball to plan," Sarah replied.

Jareth put his arm around Sarah's waist. "A proposal, too."

"Oh? A proposal for what?" Sarah asked, feigning innocence.

Jareth growled and hoisted a giggling Sarah into his arms. "It's time to take our leave, precious thing. Say goodbye to our cousins. It may be some time before we see them again."

Sarah's cheeks flushed as she looked to the other couple. "Bye, you two. Steph, we'll definitely find time to talk later."

With that, the couple disappeared. An awkward silence threatened as Liam felt suddenly shy.

He cleared his throat, readying his apology. To his great surprise, his lips were suddenly occupied by the warm mouth of another. His eyes widened for a moment before closing in contentment as he began to return Stephanie's ardent kiss. Her lips felt like heaven next to his as they caressed him. He knew he must retain control, but her kisses were becoming an addition threatening to consume him. Fortunately, he found he didn't care.

Stephanie was the one to finally pull away, albeit reluctantly. Her lips were still pursed as a blush, the color of a soft rose, adorned her cheeks. Liam longed to kiss her again, but, first, they needed to talk. Looking around, he could see the amused glances of his fellow fae. Evidently, their entanglement had attracted much attention. They needed privacy and Liam knew exactly the place to get some.

"Come with me?" he implored.

At her wordless nod, he took her hand and transported them both to his place of solitude. He'd never shared this place with anyone outside of his family. A warm feeling crept through his veins at the sight of the young mortal on the rocky shore. Her look of awe made his heart beat heavily within his chest. She turned to smile at him and he could feel his resistance begin to melt away. He had to do this quickly before he lost himself completely.

"Stephanie, my dearest," he began, unsure of what to say.

"Liam?"

"I've made so many mistakes of late. I thought I knew who I was, what I was, and I was resigned to that fate. Then, I met your cousin. She made me realize that I deserved more and could be so much more. I let that blind me. I moved so fast, without thinking clearly. I thought I had it all finally figured out. That is, until I met you. You gave me such a gift. You gave me leave to be myself, as long as I could determine what that was. It didn't matter to you as long as I was my authentic self. You would be my friend no matter who I was. Perhaps, you are the first to see the real me. I am forever in your debt. I want to make my intentions known. It would honor me if you would allow me to court you."

"Liam," she began.

"However," he interrupted, "I believe that we should take it slow. Get to know each other as friends first. When the time is right, I will ask for your permission to properly begin our courtship."

"Oh, Liam. I'd like that, very much."

Liam pulled Stephanie into his embrace. "My beloved friend."

Stephanie pulled away and sat on the same large rock that always drew Liam. Without a word, she patted a spot next to her. Liam sat down and placed a tentative arm around her. Together, they watched the water churn. Unseen, a pair of eyes watched on as lips curled into a delighted smile. All was finally as it should be.

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Sarah's surroundings became apparent as the couple materialized in a familiar bedroom. With steady steps, Jareth walked towards the massive bed. He sat down, still holding his beloved in his arms and on his lap. Looking into his eyes, Sarah brushed a lock of hair from his brow. Her fingers began to explore his features, trailing over his nose and landing on his lips. Jareth's eyes closed in ecstasy at her feather light touch.

"My Jareth," she breathed, afraid to allow herself to believe that this was real.

It was as if her words opened a floodgate of sensations within him. He took her face in his hands and brought her lips to meet his own. Her arms wrapped around him; her fingers clutched at his back. His tongue tapped at her lips, begging her to invite him inside. Without hesitation, she opened her mouth to him. Their tongues began to dance. His hands roamed her body, unable to stop touching her.

Jareth's passionate caresses began to have a singular purpose as his hands cupped her breasts. Twin thumbs circled her nipples, feeling them stiffen into hard peaks. Sarah tore her mouth from his as a gasp escaped her. She grabbed mindlessly at his jacket. A need possess her, fueling her frenzied attack on his clothing.

"Off!" she demanded.

Jareth grinned at her while lowering his arms, allowing his jacket to fall to the floor. She watched, intently, as his nimble fingers deftly removed his jabot. With the soft skin of his neck exposed, she couldn't help herself. Her lips and tongue glided from chin to chest. His groan of pleasure only served to inflame her passion. Looking into his eyes, she took one leather covered hand in hers. Her teeth gripped the tip of his glove and gently pulled it off until he was bare to her. Her fingertips explored the contours of his palm. When she finally looked up again, Jareth's eyes were closed in a rapture he had felt with no one but his Sarah.

"Sarah," he moaned, presenting his other hand to her and allowing her to repeat the erotic procedure. When she was done, she took both of his hands in hers, entwining their fingers and losing herself in the sensations they created together. It took everything for Jareth to finally open his eyes and, looking deeply into hers, he broke the silence once more. "My turn."

Jareth's hands crept to the lacing on the bodice of her gown. With a slowness born of centuries of seduction, he undid one lace at a time. Her breathing became shallow with each tie undone. Soon, she felt him slide the dress down her shoulders until it pooled at her waist. Without a thought, she stood and the dress fell to the floor, leaving her in a chemise. His heated gaze over her body created a rosy blush that crept over her warm skin. A shiver made its way through her as she realized what was about to happen and how much she wanted it...anticipated it...needed it...needed him.

Her fingers moved to the hem of her chemise. Without hesitation, she drew it over her head and bared herself before him. Stepping from her shoes, she walked back to him. Jareth took hold of her hips and kissed the smooth skin of her stomach. His tongue dipped into her navel. Hands crept up and began to caress her naked breasts. Her head rolled back at the sensation of his bare fingers twirling each nipple between them. The only sounds in the room were their breathing and her deep moans of pleasure. Her hands came to his shoulders as she moved to look him in the eyes. Quickly, she shoved him back in the bed. She crawled over him and began their kisses anew.

Breaking away from his addictive mouth, she began to slip the buttons of his shirt through each eyelet. "Time to level the playing field."

"I'm nothing if not fair," he purred, smirking as he helped her in the removal of his shirt.

Her fingers began to explore his chest and abdomen. Nails scraped over nipples and down to the waistband of his breeches. She crawled down his legs until she was at eye level to the lacings holding his pants closed to her. He watched as she took the fastenings into her hands and began to make short work of them. His hands gripped her hips and rolled her onto her back. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he removed his boots. He stood and slid his pants down his legs and onto the floor. Her mouth went dry as she took in his fully nude form for the first time.

"Need you," she sighed. Her hands reached out to him.

Jareth covered her body with his own, coming together flesh to flesh. Their kisses continued to grow in passion as his hands moved from her breasts to the place where she needed him the most. Her thighs parted, granting him access. His mouth moved from hers to the tip of one breast. He took her nipple within and began to caress it with soft swirls of his tongue. His fingers made a similar motion around her sensitive bud. He switched to the other nipple as he slid a finger into her. His fingers began to slowly thrust into her as his thumb crept up to circle her cliterous. Sarah's moans grew in intensity until she screamed his name with her completion.

Jareth looked up from her breasts and grinned. "Enjoy that, did you?"

"You know I did. I see no reason to make your ego any bigger than it already is," she panted, trying to catch her breath. A grin belied her words.

Jareth's eyebrows raised as he feasted upon her flushed body. "I'm sure my ego will get its fill before we're done here."

"Pretty sure of yourself."

"I'm ready to prove it, Precious."

"Then get on with it," she growled, impatient.

He grinned. "Your wish is my command."

Jareth settled his hips within her open legs. Her body was blatant in its invitation to come within. Still, he hesitated. He would be her first. The thought of causing her even a moment of pain made him pause. His eyes searched hers, looking for any signs of trepidation. Seeing none, he breathed in deeply and slowly entered her. The way her walls clung to him was practically painful, yet he remained steadfast in his mission. Inch by inch, her body took him inside.

When he was fully seated, he stopped to look into her eyes. His heart felt heavy as he observed the pain in them. Her arms gripped him as a tear leaked from one eye. He kissed it away, caressing her cheeks softly. After a moment, she placed her lips to his in a chaste kiss of forgiveness. The pain was beginning to subside and he knew he had much to prove...his love...his devotion.

"I'm ready," she breathed, giving him permission to finally put an end to their mutual torment.

Jareth deepened their kiss as he began to slowly thrust into her. His rhythm was steady, allowing her time to adjust to the new sensations. Soon, however, her hips began to rise and fall in time to his. Her hands tightened on his shoulders. Without a word, his hand crept across her heated skin until it came to rest on her bud. His thumb rested there as they continued to build into a frenzied, rhythmic dance.

Sarah's moans became almost keening. Each movement caused a myriad of sensations within her. Her nails dug into his shoulders as a pressure began to build inside her. She was screaming his name with pleasure between shouted commands. Yes, she, the Labyrinth's Champion, was commanding the mighty Goblin King. Faster...harder...don't stop. She fought her way to the summit and soon found herself plunging over it. Her body tensed and then shuddered as her orgasm rocked through her. Still, he continued to thrust, unrelenting in his pursuit of their shared pleasure.

"Oh. My. God!" she screamed as she reached a second climax.

"Sarah!" he groaned, finally coming to a completion of his own.

The two lovers collapsed into a sweaty embrace. They seemed almost unwilling to part, even for a moment. Jareth smoothed her damp hair from her brow as he placed a chaste kiss on her warm skin. He rolled them onto their sides, but stayed within her. Their breathing and heartbeats were in perfect synchronicity. It seemed that they had been waiting for this moment for longer than forever. They had finally become one. When it finally came time to withdraw, he did so slowly and reluctantly. He longed to keep this perfect moment locked in a crystal where it would never end. Finally, they began to sink into a sated slumber.

"I love you," she murmured, breaking the silent calm of the room.

Jareth smiled and held her closer. "As I love you, my precious thing."

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The next month went by in a flurry of planning. Every detail had to be carefully organized. Fittings were held and all manner of fabric swatches were presented to the two guests of honor. Color schemes were carefully thought out before they were decided upon. Music was handpicked to ensure optimum guest enjoyment. Even tableware had to be selected and china patterns chosen. The women were busy planning for the majority of their days. Their nights were another matter, altogether.

Each evening, the two women retired to separate quarters. Though they still held space in their shared room, one could seldom find them within it. Alison spent many hours in the company of Fagan in his rooms. As for Sarah, let's just say she was getting well acquainted with the private chambers of the Goblin King.

The nights were a blissful promise of the future. The days, however, grounded Sarah in the present. Each morning would come and it was getting harder to leave. Her heart would be left in the Goblin Kingdom as she went about her business of planning the Solstice celebration. Jareth would be left with tending to his kingdom, trying desperately not to dwell on his beloved's absence.

It was on this day that Sarah could be found making another check on the progress within the beautiful ballroom. It was all starting to come together. All of their planning was about to achieve a wonderful result. Sarah's mind began to wander as she began to daydream about her entrance with Jareth. They were sure to be one of the best looking couples in attendance. She took a moment to chastise herself for her vanity before continuing in her fantasy. They would dance and maybe, when the time was right, he would finally propose to her. Though he had mentioned it from time to time, it had yet to come. Sarah was sure it would be happening here on the night of the Solstice. Just the thought of it had a happy smile adorning her face.

"My lady."

Sarah turned from her observation of the ballroom, and secret fantasy, to see a small fairy heading straight for her. "Yes?"

"You are being summoned," said the fairy, her bell-like voice tinkling.

For a moment, Sarah felt startled. What in the Underground could the High King need with her? She calmed herself by remembering that he would never be so casual in his summons for something important.

"Thank you."

The fairy smiled and bowed before leaving Sarah to her task. The brunette ran her hands through her hair for a moment to straighten any errant strands. With a sigh, she realized she could put it off no longer. She closed her eyes and began to visualize where she wanted to reappear. In an instant, she was there in the castle of the High King. More precisely, she found herself in a broom closet within the castle. The handle of one broom hit her in the head and she brushed it aside. Frowning, she opened the closet and prayed no one would see her.

"Sarah?"

Sarah cringed. Of course, she could never be so lucky. "Raghnall, I was just coming to see you."

Raghnall peered into the closet. "In here?"

"Um, that was just a magical mishap. I'm still getting used to my magic."

"Now that everything has been settled with your suitors and you have more time, I was wondering if you'd given any thought to our earlier conversation?"

Sarah thought back and her brow furled. "I'm so sorry. With everything that's gone on, I can't remember what we talked about."

Raghnall smiled and took her hand in both of his. Patting the back of it, he said, "That's quite alright, my dear. I'm not surprised that something like this has slipped your mind. It has been some time since we last had a moment to talk. I'm referring to our conversation about your role here in the Underground."

"Oh! You're talking about being a role model and helping the women of the Underground. I completely forgot about that."

"Exactly, Sarah. As you know, I only have so much power to change things in this realm. The women have to want the change before the tide can turn. You are an inspiration here and a role model for strength. Since you ran my son's Labyrinth, there have already been some murmurs that women are starting to question their position in the Underground. All we need is a bigger push and perceived permission from you and we might finally have a movement. It's what Riona would have wanted."

Sarah's eyebrows rose at that piece of news. "Really?"

Raghnall smiled at the memory of his wife's strong opinion of her role in this patriarchal society. "Indeed! She always said that we were so advanced in some ways from you mortals and so behind in others. She tried to change things, but was never able to drum up much interest. You could finally be the realization of her dream."

"What can I do?"

"I've got a plan."