Darklady: I am soo sorry this took so long. My computer finally kicked the bucket and well . . . I kind of forgot to copy the file. So everyone clap their hands for my sister GraceRichie, who THANK THE GODS had the file saved.
Ly: You really should have saved the file love.
Darklady: I meant too . . . but I couldn't get the disk to work. STUPID COMPUTER!!!
Jareth: Well whether she should have or not, she didn't. But we are all here now.
Sarah: Very true . . . and since I'm sure that quite a few people are more than BEGGING for us to shut up. I suggest we get on with the story.
Darklady: QUITE right Sarah. Alright everyone, don't forget to thank Grace and I'll catch you at the end.
Chapter 10: One Man's Prison . . . Is a Young Woman's Treasure
Just to be safe . . . I'm putting a warning on this chapter . . . no violence but . . . mention of plans . . .
Jareth appeared in the throne room. He had thought for a moment about putting Mitch in a dungeon cell, but the thought had been quickly pushed away by the idea of placing him in the throne room. There everyone could see him, torment him before Jareth got the chance to see him. He had expected that the goblin guards would attack him for merely being human, had even expected to see some of the other staff come and ridicule him, but what he saw brought true joy to his heart.
Kneeling in the middle of the room, downed in chains was Mitch Matthews. Around him were, as Jareth had thought, most of the goblin guard, but along with them was most of the castle staff. All of them cursing and damning the man, not because he was human, but because he had DARED to touch their Lady.
He couldn't help but smile at them. Even those who had never met Sarah were attacking the man, all showing fierce loyalty to their future Queen. Jareth felt something stir within him, was it pride? Yes, pride that she had managed, by befriending just a few of his subjects, to gain ALL of their trust. Jareth felt as though he could sit and watch the scene below him all day, but it was time to question the man and then sentence him.
With a flick of his wrist the room cleared. For the first time since Jareth had appeared in the room, Mitch Matthews noticed him. Jareth studied the man openly, his dark eyes void of any human emotion and his face turned up into a smile that did nothing to make him look human. "I suppose you're wondering what your doing here." Jareth said still on his throne, and careful not to let any of his anger show.
"Not really." Jareth tilted his head, curious.
"Why ever not?"
"It's only a dream. I'll wake up and Sarah will be bloody and crying beneath me."
"What makes you think that Sarah was not a dream?" The man closed his eyes, as if savoring the taste of something exquisite.
"I've sampled the sweet perfume of her fear before, savored the taste of her screams on my tongue, and coated my fingers in her rich blood." He opened his eyes, seemingly unaffected by Jareth's icy glare. "I've had my hands on her body, had her body struggling in vain beneath mine. Unlike you and the creatures here a moment ago, it was real." Locking his anger deep within him again, Jareth moved from his place on his throne to stand before the man.
"I'm curious of something, if this all a dream, as you say, then wouldn't Sarah be the one in chains?" It seemed as though he was talking to a wall. "If this truly was a dream of your own making . . . then why are YOU in chains?"
"So it's a bad dream. Maybe it's even a nightmare, but it is a dream none the less." Jareth nodded, 'Perhaps I can use this . . . delusion to my advantage.'
Jareth circled the man, thinking. 'How had this happened? Sarah should have been protected from everything, save a natural death. How had Mitch gotten to her?' He searched his memories. She had been wearing his gift when he had left her; he had even made a complement about it. But was it on her just now? . . . . . NO! The necklace had not been on her when he had brought her. Where was it then? Rin pulled into his mind again. 'That devil woman, Karen, ripped it from my little one's throat'. Jareth nodded, that made perfect sense. If the necklace had been removed from her neck then the protection he had placed would no longer work. But he had to wonder if Karen had planned any of this. Had she called her brother to finish what had started on her honeymoon? Rin pulled from his mind again, not wanting to be from Sarah longer than needed. Jareth stopped in front of Mitch again. "Mitch, why did you go to the Williams home this night?" Mitch tilted his head, curious of the question.
"You already know. This is a dream, you are a part of me." Jareth stifled a snort at the mere idea of being part of such evil.
"True, but it's part of the dream, just go with it." Mitch obviously wasn't as smart as he thought he was . . .
"Robert and Karen were married on November 22, 1980; Sarah Williams was born November 22, 1970. Karen thought that getting rid of Sarah would be a wonderful wedding present, but I messed up and Sarah got away. This year . . . Karen called; she said that she had put up with another woman's child long enough. Told me if I was the good little brother I said I was, I would get rid of her before her 17 birthday." Smiling at what Jareth was entirely sure was a memory of Sarah. "This time I was supposed to rape and then kill her. But I guess she gave me SO MUCH FUNthat I fell asleep."
"Fun?" Mitch nodded.
"She put up a fight last time too, don't get me wrong, but this time . . . it was different. Better. She knew what she would lose this time; she knew what I was really going to be taking away from her." He closed his eyes to the memories, no doubt watching them play in his sick mind. "She fought so much I didn't think I'd be able to hold her down long enough to fuck, but once I broke a few bones and she lost enough blood . . ." Jareth stopped him.
"So you Mr. Matthews, admit to the crimes against Sarah Williams." Mitch opened his eyes, a sick glow of triumph in them.
"Yes." Jareth suppressed a chill. He had met many humans in his life. Had even thought a few TRULY evil, but compared to this THING before him, they were as harmless as a new born babe. What truly made him evil though, was what left his mouth next. "And I think perhaps I'll take her again before I kill her." Jareth closed his eyes, SURE there would be anger in them. He had one more thing to ask and if Mitch understood TOO soon that this was no dream, he wouldn't get his answer. Taking a moment to garner a shred of composure, Jareth opened his eyes, took a deep breath and spoke.
"How were you going to kill her?" Mitch smiled again, and Jareth's right fist itched to punch him.
"I had planed on strangling her, watching as those amazing emerald eyes slowly dulled to lifelessness, but after her fight last night and the fun I had, I think I'll cut her up a little maybe even drive a knife up into her pussy." Jareth moved away from the man. Visions of Sarah being cut up and strangled played through his mind in a morbid slow motion.
'ENOUGH!' Turning his furious gaze from the chained creature before him, Jareth instantly knew what his punishment would be. And, he thought with another flash of anger, Karen Williams would enjoy his punishment as well. "Mitch Matthews for the crimes against Sarah Williams how do you plea?"
"I already admitted my crimes to you. So guilty I suppose." Something flickered in the man's black eyes. "What are you doing?" Jareth smiled his cruelest smile.
"You'll see. As guardian to the Labyrinth and her Mistress's, as King of the Goblins and the betrothed to Lady Sarah, I sentence you Mitch Matthews to an eternity of seeing always what you want most, of being always within reach of what you will NEVER touch again." Mitch seemed in that moment to understand that this was no dream, but it was already too late for Mitch Matthews . . . and soon for Karen Williams as well.
With a flick of his wrist, Jareth watched as Mitch disappeared. He could be cruel, could be dark, he was a Goblin King and after this, everyone would know why. Jareth quickly transported himself to Sarah's side and found her still asleep in his bed. Closing the clasp around her neck, Jareth gazed at the new necklace she now wore.
The chain, made of the finest Fae silver, was made up of protection knots. The locket would hang just below her collar bone. The locket itself was also made of Fae silver with an image of the Labyrinth and an owl sitting on a tree branch watching over the maze. The owl's one blue eye and one brown were made of a single sapphire and amber topaz, forever watching over the Labyrinth and now . . . Sarah as well. "This chain will never break or tarnish, it shall never leave your neck save from my own hand. All who see this will know that you are MINE, protected by the Goblin Kingdoms and all their power." Kissing her forehead, Jareth completed the spell. He moved from the bed, only to think better of it a moment later.
Lying on his bed beside the sleeping woman, Jareth pulled her to him. Some deep part of him NEEDED to feel her soft warmth against his body while they slept. Part of him still disbelieving, that she was alive and safe, healthy and with him. He smiled as she melted further into him, purring happily as he pulled her further into his chest. 'She's safe and she's not ever going to be hurt like that again, Goblin King.' Rin said, a slight whisper in his fatigued mind. 'Rest . . . I will let no harm come to you or our Lady'. Jareth thanked the voice and with his arms wrapped tightly around HIS Sarah, fell asleep with a smile lightening his face.
Sarah woke the next morning wrapped in Jareth's arms, bits of the previous night flashing painfully through her mind. Mitch . . . and then Jareth, he had saved her. Turning carefully to face him, she prayed that he would stay asleep. He looked different while he slept, more peaceful, less like the powerful Goblin King she knew. He was smiling about something, what exactly that was . . . Sarah wasn't sure she wanted to know. She found herself unable to resist the temptation to touch him; reaching up carefully with her hand, she let her fingers trace his bottom lip. His smiled widened and she quickly pulled her hand away. 'Oh crap, is he awake?' Her question was answered as he opened his wonderfully mismatched eyes.
For the longest time, they simply laid there staring at each other, both lost in their thoughts of the other. Sarah could feel his body tense and frantically wondered what was wrong. Before her mind could ponder it, she felt his lips on hers. Sarah had often wondered what her first kiss would be like, but even with HER imagination she never thought that THIS would be her first kiss. It wasn't hesitant or careful, it was passionate and lustful. She let herself respond to the kiss, her mouth moving against his with abandon. She forced herself not to whimper or protest as he pulled away.
"I almost lost you." Sarah was sure that her confusion was evident on her face.
"Why would you have cared?" He seemed upset with her question.
"Why wouldn't I have?" She couldn't help but groan.
"Do you ever answer a question without asking another?" Jareth smirked at that.
"Yes." Then he seemed to think better of it. "I have made one mistake after another with you, haven't I?" He smiled as confusion settled in her brow.
"What are you talking about?"
"Sarah, I care more for you than I have ever cared for another living being." His face turned cold as he remembered the night before. "When I saw that monster on top of you, I was barely able to keep myself from killing him then and there and again when I saw all the damage he had done to you." He pulled her to him again, letting her head rest against his chest. "A moment before the healer came, your heart started to slow and I feared, truly feared, that I would never see your eyes again, never have the pleasure to argue with you, or become completely frustrated with you." He chuckled, something that she felt more than heard.
"Jareth, now that I'm sure I'm completely confused, do you think you could tell me what you're talking about?" Chuckling again, Jareth shifted until his body pressed Sarah's into the bed.
"You can be truly mindless sometimes . . ." He smiled as she parted her lips to protest, giving him the chance to slide into her mouth. He was careful not to push her too much or too fast. He waited until she relaxed beneath him before exploring her mouth, glad when she wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss further. When he pulled away, it was only enough to speak. His mouth closed enough that she could taste his words. "Sarah I love you. I have loved you since the first moment I saw you, the night your mother left." He leaned down and kissed her cheek and whisper in her ear. "You have no idea what you mean to me, and that is my fault, but I promise to fix that."
Sarah gasped as he moved his mouth to her neck, nibbling on the sensitive flesh. She felt it then, that strange warm sensation in her stomach. Desire? Hunger? Need? All of them, she decided. She had never wanted anyone to touch her as much as she did him. She wanted him to wash away all the memories of Mitch with his hands. She could tell he was trying to go slow, trying to give her the chance to say no. Was he crazy? Did he really think that she would ever say no to him? A beat. She had, she had once already. She shook herself mentally, not this time.
Sarah woke suddenly, sitting straight up in bed, only to find her self sinking back into the warm bed sheets as her head started to pound mercilessly. 'What the hell?' It only took a heart beat to realize that her head wasn't the only thing pounding. Her legs were heavy and immobile, her arms sluggish, and her chest protesting slightly at every breath. 'What happened last night?' Then, like being struck by lightening, it all came shooting back to her. Mitch.
He had come last night and attacked her again, but why had he come last night? There wasn't anything special coming up . . . was there? She searched her mind, but with the insistent pounding in her head . . . her mind couldn't grasp the true concept of thought. 'What am I doing again?' She asked herself, more than a bit upset that she couldn't seem to remember.
She was shaken from her thoughts as she felt something groan beside her. Caught off guard Sarah gave a started EEEK as she rolled out of bed, sliding from the bed to her feet. She turned quickly to see who . . . or WHAT . . . could possibly be in her bed, only to have a wave of dizziness take her. As her world spun around her, she found that even with all her protests and demands that her body stay upright, the floor was ever so glad to come up to meet her.
Two strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her safely against a warm wall. She panicked for a minute, sending a blast of magic at the being behind her. She turned slumping to the ground, to see Jareth King of the Goblins, pushing himself away from a wall and moving carefully toward her, his face a mask of calm. "Sarah . . .?" His voice testing, waiting for a reaction.
"Jareth?" She asked, wondering if her mind was playing a trick on her.
"Yes Sarah." She looked around, realizing that THIS was not HER room. She looked back to see him, still where he had been a moment ago. There was something about him, something . . . worrisome.
"Where's Mitch?" His face, still a mask of icy calm, 'Is he upset with me?'
"You will never have to worry about Mitch . . . or anyone for the matter, coming after you again." He moved to her side, careful to make sure she saw his every moment. In truth he hadn't thought that she would be able to through him with magic, but now that she had . . . he didn't want a repeat.
"So he's gone?" Jareth nodded, watching her face carefully. She seemed lost to her own thoughts for a moment, most likely speaking with Labyrinth.
'Is it true . . . is he really gone?'
'He will never bother you or anyone else ever again, little one.' Sarah nodded, turning to question Jareth.
"What did you do?" He shook his head.
"What happened to Mr. Matthews is of no concern to you. Just know that he won't be back." She nodded; perhaps she didn't want to know.
"Thank you Jareth." She said suddenly clinging to his chest. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come." He was glad she couldn't see the fear in his eyes as the thought.
"I'm just pleased you remembered you COULD call me in time." He pulled her away so he could look at her fully. "Why didn't you call before Sarah? Why did you wait until . . .?" She pulled away, hugging herself as she remembered the night before.
"I don't know . . . I was just . . ." She watched the night before play through her mind. She had been so scared, afraid of what he would do, how he would do it. She hadn't even thought about calling him, just about getting away, getting him off her. "I was afraid." She kept her eyes averted from his face.
"What were you afraid of?" He paused for a moment; if Sarah had been looking she would have seen something close to regret. He stood, slipping his cold mask in place just as she turned. "I will send someone to help you dress, and then escort you to the dinning hall." He bowed his head slightly to the girl on the floor.
'What just happened?' Part of her mind asked. Rin pulled into her mind, letting a wave of comfort and calm engulf her young mistress.
'What troubles you little one?' She asked concern tinting her sweet voice.
'I was afraid.' Sarah answered a mere whisper in her mind.
'I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about little one.'
'I was afraid he wouldn't come. I was afraid he would . . . be happy.' Sarah answered.
'Why would you think such a thing little one?' Rin asked, her voice harsh.
'I don't know . . . I beat him at his game. I just . . . thought . . .' Sarah trailed off. What had she thought? That he was mad, that he wanted to get back at her.
'The Goblin King is many things, little one, cruel, generous, loving and hateful. But the King would never . . . NEVER wish anyone such harm. Especially not you.' Before Sarah could as what she meant, a woman walked in.
The woman, Sarah could only guess was Fae, was tall like Jareth, 5'10 at least. Her eyes a deep sapphire, no that didn't even describe them properly, they were the color true, but the light in her eyes shown like stars in the darkest night and her skin a light brown color, like she had spent the morning in the sun. Her body was strong and toned, and uncomfortable in the wonderful cerulean gown she was currently in.
She moved toward Sarah with elegance and grace, her body seemingly tense and relaxed at the same time. She smiled as she stopped in front of Sarah. Extending a hand she helped Sarah up, seemingly pleased to see her able to stand on her own two feet. "There we go . . . all better now." She said in a deeper English accent than Jareth's.
"Who are you?" Sarah asked, truly puzzled.
"My name is Jesika, but I prefer Jesi. I am . . . your personal maid." The King had told Jesi to stay with Sarah, she was originally to remain out of sight, but after the little . . . magic show this morning, the King had told her to stay close and become friendly.
"Hello Jesi, I'm Sarah and if you don't mind . . . I don't think I need a maid, but I could certainly use a friend." Jesi smiled and nodded.
"I know who you are Lady Sarah, everyone knows who you are and I would be honored to have you as a friend." Sarah shook her head.
"How is it possible that everyone can know who I am? I was just here the other day, for the first time I might add." Jesi smiled, she wondered just how much the King had NOT told her.
"Word travels fast in the Underground, especially when the King does not wish for it too." She smiled wider as Sarah giggle, the girl truly looked like a . . .
"Jareth . . . I mean . . . King Jareth wants me to meet him for breakfast." She looked down at herself and cringed. "But I'm afraid I don't have anything else to wear." Jesi smiled again, something more amused than happy.
"Do you truly believe that the King would leave you nothing to wear?" She moved to the mahogany wardrobe and opened it.
The thing was half full with poet shirts and vests of every color and material, all like candy for the eyes, all perfect to match with her skin and hair. The other half of the wardrobe was filled with gowns of every shape and size. The colors ranged from blushing pink to the deepest of plums and Sarah found herself gaping at the clothes. "Where did all this come from?" She asked her gaze still locked on the clothes.
"I'm not quite sure." Jesi wondered for a moment if the young woman would press, but she was so wrapped up in the splendor of the gowns, the girl could do little more than gape. Jesi smiled again, finding that she couldn't help herself with the young 'Queen' around.
Jesi quickly showed Sarah the bathing room, and how to work the tub. She left Sarah long enough to undress and submerge in the water, but came back into the room to help wash her hair and then get a robe. Sarah sat before the vanity, somewhat . . . nervous about being in the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. "You have no need to be worried Lady Sarah. There is not a Goblin, Elf, Gnome, or Fae in this castle that does not believe you belong here." Jesi said, as if reading her mind and though her words did relieve some of her nerves, she found herself still skeptical. "And if there is one that does . . . I shall personally string them up by their toes." Sarah found herself laughing. It would be quite a sight.
Jesi finished Sarah's hair quickly, deciding to merely clip it back from her face, now the truly difficult challenge. Sarah and Jesi stood before the wardrobe, neither able to agree on a single gown. Sarah looked at them shyly, she didn't feel right wearing them . . . they were all too . . . royal for her. She moved instead to the shirts and tights. Black tights were decided on quickly, with a deep blue silk poet shirt and a soft black leather vest. Her boots would be the same as Jareth's, though these had a slightly higher heel and instead of shined leather, deep blue suede matching the exact color of her shirt.
Sarah stood before a full length mirror to examine herself. Her locket hung down the middle of the slightly opened shirt. She had to admit that she felt strangely . . . sexy in these clothes. They clung to her in just the right places, showing off her curves to just the right extent. After applying a bit of makeup, a little color to her lips, Jesi declared her ready to face the Goblin army . . . let alone it's King.
Sarah made her way down the twisting halls with Jesi, thankful for her friend. She could hear the slight sounds of goblins scampering through the castle, but sadly most of the sounds were drowned out by her THUDDING heart. She was nervous, that much was clear, but why she wasn't sure. She had been alone with Jareth before and never been this nervous. Was it because they were in HIS home now? Was it because of what happened last night? Was it because she was falling in love with him? 'Oh crap I did not . . . I repeat . . . DID NOT just think that.' She could more feel than hear Rin's amusement.
'Would it be so horrible for you to be in love with the Goblin King, little one?' Sarah shook her head, glad that Jesi seemed to ignore her movement.
'No it wouldn't be horrible. It would be wonderful . . . IF he didn't already have someone.' The conversation ended, with Rin's quiet laughter.
They stood in front of the dinning hall, doors closed Jesi turned to Sarah and smiled reassuringly. "Are you ready Lady Sarah?" Sarah took a deep breath, and then nodded to the Fae woman. At first she thought that Jareth wasn't even in the room, but then she saw him by one of large glass doors. He turned and saw Jesi first, as she went in to announce the Lady. "Lady Sarah." She moved to the side letting Sarah be seen behind her. Jesi heard his breath catch and hid her pleased smile.
Sarah never looked more like a Queen in his eyes. Her hair was straight and pulled back from her face, her skin clean and bright. But her clothes were what truly caught his attention. He had thought she would be wearing a gown, one of the glittering pieces of fabric with a flowing train and delicate ruffles, but no, his Sarah had surprised him yet again.
She had chosen to wear breeches instead of a skirt. Breeches, he might add, that clung to the strong curves of her legs. Her shirt, which matched her lovely boots, was open just low enough to show a modest bit of cleavage and that mere inch was enough to remind him how much he wanted her. He couldn't help the smile that lit his face, as he made his way to her.
He noticed that when she first appeared in the door way, that she had an air of worry around her. But as she moved into the room, as she . . . saw his face, she relaxed her normal fire and spirit flowing in her moments. He reached her before he was truly ready too; he had always enjoyed watching her walk. "I'm sorry it took us so long." Jareth smiled, looking over her shoulder to see Jesika curtseying and making her silent retreat from the room. 'Yes she will watch over Sarah well.'
"You have nothing to be sorry for, it is a woman's right to leave men waiting. Is it not?" She smiled almost shyly before changing the subject.
"What are we having for breakfast? And please tell me the goblins didn't cook it." Jareth felt rather than heard the chuckle the erupted from his chest.
"No Sarah of course not, I no more have a death wish than you. No, your friend Hogwarts, Hedwig, Hagrid . . . ?" Sarah smiled.
"HHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGGGLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEE." She sounded out each letter more carefully than she normally would have, but he seemed to be amused by it.
"Yes that's the bloke's name." Jareth said with a snap of his finger.
"Explain something to me Goblin King." He mentally cringed at her use of his title, rather than his name, but inclined his head never the less for her to continue. "Is Hoggle really that difficult to remember?" Jareth shook his head. He carefully looked around the room, as if thinking they were being watched.
"No of course not, but it quite a bit of fun to watch the little scab get so irritated. I truly can't help myself." Sarah found herself smiling at the chance of seeing Hoggle. She missed him, she had seen him only a day ago, yet missed him as though they hadn't spoken in a month. She sat where Jareth had pulled out a chair for her and thanked him. "What are we having?" She asked curious.
"There will be Underground as well as Aboveground cuisine. But I would recommend you keep to the Aboveground trays." He said quite serious.
"May I ask why?" He smirked.
"You may." Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Why should I eat the Aboveground food and not the Underground? I'm more than open to trying new things." Jareth nodded.
"Because Underground food is rather exotic on its own, but Hoggle, he has his own way of doing things. Mixing your equivalent of chocolate and pecorinos . . . with the maggots." Sarah felt bile move up her throat at the thought.
"He won't do that with Aboveground food?" Jareth shook his head.
"No, pancakes with maple syrup, eggs with salt and pepper, bacon, sausage, and ham cooked to perfection. With pastries and toast on the side if you wish to indulge. Sarah was glad he couldn't see her mouth watering at THAT thought.
"Why doesn't he experiment with that stuff?"
"Because children are more likely to eat . . . when the food looks and smells familiar." She nodded that made quite a bit of sense.
After a few minutes, the trays came. Both Jareth and Sarah filled their plates and ate, talking of her education and friends at school, the friends topic died quickly. Then once they had finished their meal, they spoke of his duties as the Goblin King. Sarah had, on some level at least, known that his duties consisted of more than just saving wished away children. But she had to laugh, if anyone actually thought that being king was sitting around spouting orders, they were seriously, seriously wrong.
"I am in charge of the subjects . . . or rather the inner workings of the kingdom. I listen to disputes, over see construction of new homes, bridges, and shops. I deal with the farmers and decide who gets what land and what land would be best to plant what. As well as find a protecting, loving, caring, families for the children I asked to take." Sarah nodded.
"What about the political side of it all? Do you keep peace with neighboring kingdoms? Do you discus matters of state with the High Court? Are you forced to smile at people that you would rather punch, just to keep from war? Jareth cringed inwardly at her questions. He should have known that she would ask questions like this. There were just some things about the Underground and even the Goblin Kingdom that he rather she not know about quite yet.
"Forgive me Sarah, I must excuse myself. I have matters that must be attended to before lunch. I shall call your friends to visit with you after lunch. May I ask something of you until that time?" Sarah resisted the urge to frown at the idea of a FAE asking a favor.
"Tell me what first." Jareth smiled.
"Very good Sarah. Would you please try to rest? You had a . . . a rather rough night, I would hate for you to over work yourself." Sarah sat stunned. 'Is he worried about . . . me?' Still stunned Sarah nodded to Jareth, unable to speak.
"Thank you." Standing he moved to her side and took her hand in his. "Until lunch then." He bowed to her hand giving it a kiss and stood. Leaving quickly without seeming to take notice of Sarah's even more stunned state. Stunned not because of what he had said or done, but because where his lips had touched her skin . . . burned. Not painfully, but almost. 'What is he doing to me?' He popped back in for a moment, smiling wickedly as Sarah jumped.
"I . . . found last night that something had happen to the necklace I had given you. So I fashioned a new one and placed the . . . locket on you instead." Sometime during his speech his gloved fingers had moved to her neck, delicately and some what . . . proudly? "Inside is a compartment for a small picture and a small mirror." His eye's locked with hers and he added. "This necklace, Sarah, will not leave your neck. It will NEVER leave your neck. You are safe." He kissed her forehead as he had the night before and disappeared.
'What the hell?'
Darklady: Alright . . . I know that I didn't really tell anyone what happened with Mitch, I'm sorry. But you will find out later . . . I PROMISE.
Jareth: (smiles evily) I know what happened to Mitch.
Sarah: Of course you know . . . you did it!
Ly: Actually . . . he doesn't know. He only THINKS he knows.
Jareth: (looks at Ly darkly) Not only do I know . . . but I think a few people are going to KICK themselves for not thinking of it themselves. (whispers something to Ly)
Ly: (nods toward Jareth) HUH, you do know.
Darklady: Alright everyone I'm typing up Chapter 11 as we speak. I just have to finish writing it and send it to Grace . . . so just sit tight. Oh and don't forget to review. Catch ya later . . .