Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters and the plot
Author's note: I am sorry for the delay of this chapter. I've not been well and my bloody muse went on holiday leaving me with awful writers block! I hope you enjoy it and please, please, please review!
Half way through her third dance, Sarah noticed High Queen Cordelia signal her to join her afterwards. Giving a brief nod to show she understood, Sarah continued her dance with King Varden, King of the Elves. He was very handsome with his pale skin, midnight hair with blue highlights and gold eyes, he had taken Sarah by surprise when he had asked her for a dance.
"I must admit, Lady Sarah," King Varden said, his voice like dark chocolate, "you look stunning tonight."
"Thank you for your gracious compartment, your Majesty," she couldn't help but blush. Sarah had chosen to wear the dress Jareth had given her for her birthday, which was actually a two piece. She wore a high waist black pencil skirt that had the most gorgeous flare that start at her knee and ended with a short train behind her. The top was an incredible emerald green corset with black lace over the top that was designed to look like faeies in a garden, there was also lace over the shoulders for modistes sake. Sarah also wore her birthday jewellery and her hair was a mass of curls that were pinned back from her face.
"Who was the dress maker?" King Varden asked, smiling softly.
"It was a birthday gift," Sarah explained, unfortunately their dance came to an end. "Thank you very much for the dance your Majesty but I do believe the High Queen wishes a word." With a curtsy, she excused herself.
Making her way around the outside of the dance floor, Sarah admired the ballroom once more before joining with her guardian. The large round room had been decorated in golds and creams which gave it a rather warm feel. In order to enter the ballroom, double doors at the top of a grand staircase were one of the main features and beautifully crafted. There was also a indoor balcony around the room that led from the doors which held the orchestra as well as seating areas for guests to converse and enjoy each others company.
In these seating areas, most of the married fae males had summoned tables to play cards or chess, this made Sarah smile as their wife's weren't far behind demanding a dance every now and again. High King Mabon was once of these men and High Queen Cordelia had indeed dragged her husband onto the dance floor at least twice since he has made himself comfortable with his fellow males.
Finally reaching said Queen's side, Sarah patiently waited for the Regal fae woman to notice her, which didn't take long. Seeing her ward, Cordelia excused her company and linked arms with the young woman and lead her on a small walk around the room.
"Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?" The High Queen asked, keeping her voice low as not to be overheard.
"Very much so, your Highness," Sarah responded with a smile, her voice also low.
"What do you think of King Varden?"
"He is very handsome and a wonderful dancer but I'm afraid I cant say more as I don't know him."
"Good answer. Anyone else you would give praise for their dancing skills?"
"King Maccus of the Trolls was very well mannered and danced very well," Sarah side glanced at the Queen, wondering what her response would be.
King Maccus of the Trolls was High Queen Cordelia's other son and Jareth's identical twin brother. The only difference between the brothers was Maccus' eyes which were both hazel where as Jareth had one hazel and the other was pale blue. At first, Sarah was shocked at just how identical they were but was soon charmed by Maccus' sense of humour and his manners made her feel very comfortable. In the end she came to the conclusion that Maccus was the more outgoing of the two.
"Maccus always was a charmer," Cordelia commented, seeing through Sarah's answer. "Shame his brother is so unfashionably late."
Sarah was also rather disappointed that the Goblin King was a no-show, she wanted to thank him for her birthday dress. Fortunately, the young fae woman didn't have to worry to much as the next part of the ball was about to be announced and standing in front of the double doors was High King Mabon waiting to make the announcement. Both women made their way to the male Monarch, gliding up the stairs, arms still linked.
"Ladies and Gentleman," High King Mabon's voice called over everyone, the music had stopped only a second before. "Tonight is a special evening for I have the pleasure to introduce you all to Lady Sarah, Champion of the Labyrinth."
The sudden commotion at her title set Sarah's nerves on edge and she fought to control her breathing. However, she held her head high and gave the guests a small polite smile.
"Tonight is Lady Sarah's Coming-out Ball for today she turned eighteen," an applause sound round the room from the party goers and Sarah was suddenly aware of leering glances from most of the young fae males, this did not include King Varden or King Maccus. "As of tomorrow, Lady Sarah will be accepting suitors, however," a hush settled over the room, "my wife will be in charge of seeing to Lady Sarah's suitors as she is also Queen Cordelia's Lady-in-waiting." More than half of the leering males looked disappointed at this news and Sarah was secretly relieved. "Any who wish to press their suit will have to speak to my wife." An uncomfortable silence settled over the room, much to Sarah's disappointment as she was having such a good time.
"Your Majesties," a voice Sarah knew very well, called across the room breaking the silence.
"King Jareth of the Goblins," Queen Cordelia said, her voice slightly irritated. "My son, you are late!" A few chuckles erupted around the room at the Queen's comment.
"Many apologies, my Queen and Mother but I had to see to a runner before arriving," breaking from the crowd, the King in question bowed to his parents.
"Apology accepted, my son. Is there a reason you called out across the room?"
"Yes, your Highness. I would like to be the first to congratulate Lady Sarah on her Coming-Of-Age and would like to ask her for a dance." Cordelia looked at Sarah who blushed lightly.
Stepping away from the High Royals, she made her way down the staircase, careful not to trip and placed her hand in Jareth's. Giving the Goblin King a curtsy as a show of respect, Sarah answered in a voice that was clear and strong.
"I thank you for your kind words, your Highness and would be honoured to dance with you."
Smiling, Jareth led Sarah out into the centre of the dance floor and with a nod at the orchestra, he took her in his arms and they gently danced to music that Sarah recognised. It was a song from the Aboveground, one of the few she loved called 'When we dance' by an artist called 'Sting'. As the music continued, Sarah heard Jareth softly whisper the words.
"If he loved you Like I love you I would walk away in shame I'd move town I'd change my name When he watches you When he counts to buy your soul On your hand his golden rings Like he owns a bird that sings
"When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings
"The priest has said my soul's salvation Is in the balance of the angels And underneath the wheels of passion I keep the faith in my fashion When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings
"I'm still in love with you \[I'm gonna find a place to live Give you all I've got to give\] When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings
"If I could break down these walls And shout my name at heaven's gate I'd take these hands And I'd destroy the dark machineries of fate Cathedrals are broken Heaven's no longer above And hellfire's a promise away I'd still be saying I'm still in love
"He won't love you Like I love you He won't care for you this way He'll mistreat you if you stay
"Come and live with me We'll have children of our own I would love you more than life If you'll come and be my wife When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings When we dance Angels will run and hide their wings
"I'm gonna love you more than life If you will only be my wife I'm gonna love you more than life If you will only be my wife I'm gonna love you night and day I'm gonna try in every way
"\[I had a dream last night I dreamt you were by my side Walking with me baby My heart was filled with pride I had a dream last night\]"
As the music came to an end, Jareth placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand before another fae male asked for a dance. The night continued in a blur of dancing but the Goblin King did not come back for another dance, in fact he disappeared for her view altogether and for some reason, Sarah's heart felt bruised at his lack of interest.
**Extra note: the song was indeed by Sting and I found it fitting for there dance. Sorry if it was too similar to my first story but Jareth didn't sing this one to Sarah, he just whispered the words. I do not own the song-just for the record lol. Review, please. **