Chapter 31
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Thin Blood
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Green, deep green was what Sarah saw when she opened her eyes. Her covers pulled up in front of her face as she laid on her side, obstructed her view of the rest of the room. She closed her eyes and rolled onto her back. 'Green... I'm back, I'm rescued.' Sarah thought she was in her bedroom at the Duke's palace. "Lasair?" she called weakly. "Lasair!" more loudly this time.
Suddenly a hand clasp over her mouth and Sarah's eye flew open. Priya's irritated face came into focus. 'No, not rescued.' she thought miserably before wrenching herself free of Priya's hand. "Get away from me!" she hissed and tried to scoot further away from the elf but she found herself too weak to move so fast.
Priya's face softened a bit. She really did like Sarah and hated to she the girl so furious with her. "Sarah..." her voice pleaded.
Sarah scowled at her. "I thought you were my friend." she shot bitterly.
"I am your friend, Sarah!" Priya said exasperated. 'Between her and the King, I shall go mad." she thought despairingly.
"Oh?" Sarah glared. "Since when did friends help evil kings lock away their family? Hmm?"
Priya crossed her arms. "I did not help him! In fact I advised him it was a foolish deed. Don't be stupid Sarah, you know I have no power over Jareth." she snapped back. Sarah could tell that Priya spoke the truth on this matter but she still felt betrayed.
"Yes and I suppose you had nothing to do with that incident in the Ballroom." she continued on.
Priya smiled, "Well I might have had a little something to do with that...but I only wanted you to see his good side!" Priya deffended.
Sarah could not suppress the loud snort that resulting from hearing something so ludicrous. "Oh yes he showed that very well." her voice dripped with sarcasm. "You led him to me, and straight to my family. It's your fault!" she accused.
"You're just as much of a fool as he is!" she yelled throwing up her hands in frustration before storming out of Sarah's room. Sarah sat and pouted, reason told her she shouldn't have treated Priya like that. For all Sarah knew, Priya was only a prisoner such as her self.
Sarah felt tired and her little spat with Priya had only made that worsen. It was then that she noticed the bandage on her arm, she removed it curiously and saw a partially healed slit. 'What in the hell are they doing to me in my sleep!' she wondered, anger flaring up again. Sarah turned, sliding her legs off the bed and took a look around. The room was similar in size and the furnishings were similar in fashion to the room she had at the Duke's palace. The color scheme here was dark greens, creams and hints of gold here and there. 'Apparently everyone things my favorite color is green.' Sarah thought, which led to other thoughts. 'Why would the Goblin King care what my favorite color was? Why would he put me in a room this nice? What's his game?" Sarah broke her thoughts when she became aware of how dirty she was. "I can smell myself...just great." she mumbled.
Sarah slipped off the bed carefully but found she was unable to stand without holding onto the bed for support. "Just Great." Sarah sat back down and crossed her arms stubbornly, knowing that she needed help but didn't want to ask anyone here for it. "What will it be Sarah?" she asked herself. It seemed forever that she sat there, just waiting for Priya to come back but she never did. Sarah looked down at herself, her fingernails were caked with dirt, she still wore the same clothing she had left the Duke's in. Her hair was heavy with grease, the feeling was overwhelmingly disgusting.
"Okay Priya! I'm Sorry!" she called as loudly as she could, finally giving in to her need to bathe. Sarah waited, nothing happened. "I said I was sorry!" she yelled again, this time her voice cracking. "It's useless, she's probably on the other side of this awful place." she pouted letting herself fall back on the bed. It seemed hours later when Sarah heard someone enter her room.
"It's about time!" she almost shouted, struggling to sit up again. "Oh, it's you." Sarah turned her nose as she saw the Goblin King, standing there with that ridiculous smirk on his face, gloating over her with that smug expression.
"I'm afraid Priya just won't see you, she's quite cross." he mocked and Sarah just scowled at him. "You should really control your temper, you'll never regain your strength using up all that energy."
Sarah wanted to tell the Goblin King a thing or two but she found she had absolutely no energy for it and nestled back into her pillows. Jareth frowned at this resignation. "Is there something you wanted? Or did you just need to yell at someone?" Jareth inquired, goading her.
Sarah sighed, she knew he was only trying to make her angry. "I'm dirty and I can't get to the bath on my own." she said curtly,yet somewhat embarrassed and did not look at him. Jareth frowned a second time, he had been so consumed with her regaining her strength that he had not paid attention to her other needs.
"Sarah." Jareth spoke her name and Sarah found herself looking towards him, something about the way he said her name commanded her attention. Sarah turned her head just in time to see him toss a crystal at her. Sarah flinched and threw her arms in front of her face, fearing the worse. She felt something impact with her arm, like a soap bubble it burst and Sarah found herself feeling refreshed. Looking down at herself and feeling her hair she found that she was clean, the odor was gone and she was dressed in a modest nightdress that felt wonderful against her skin.
'Great, now I owe him thanks." she thought. "Thanks" she mumbled, rolling over her back towards him.
"What was that my dear?" he baited her.
"I said I hate you!" Sarah felt herself snap.
"That's what I thought." Jareth responded emotionless. Sarah could feel him staring at her backside.
"What do you want?" She asked angrily, not turning around.
She heard a low chuckle. "I came to wish you a happy birthday." he mocked her.
"What? My Birthday? Has it been that long already?" Sarah thought to herself. "No, it should still be a few days away yet..." she was confused now, how long had she been in this bed. "How long have I been here?" Sarah asked quietly.
"You slept two days solid, this would be your third day." Jareth responded.
"Wait," Sarah turned over to glare at him. "How would you know when my birthday is?" she accused.
"Priya informed me." he said looking at his gloved fingers as if he was bored.
"Oh yes, your little spy." Sarah spat and rolled back over to her other sigh. She waiting for him to goad her more, but she only heard the click of the door as he left her bedroom. "Happy Birthday to me." she muttered lamely to herself.
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A Week Later
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Lasair sat in his study thumbing through mail from various kings and nobles when he came across a shabby little letter. 'Curious' he thought as he opened it. "Ah a letter from the William's family." he smiled. This was the opportune time for him to make his move, first he would visit Sarah's family to win their affections and then he would confront Jareth.
It had only been a week now since Sarah had fallen into the clutches of his cousin. A reasonable time for Sarah to wait, after all Sarah couldn't expect him to show up the same day, she really wouldn't even know if the Duke knew of her situation or not. He sat thinking on it, imagining the pleasure it would bring him to see her reaction. And once he left, without her it would only bring him more pleasure to know how her heart would ache for him and how it would burn in loathing for Jareth.
"And once I have her back, she will be so eager for my attentions." he smirked to himself. Standing he summoned his house keeper and informed them he would be gone for a day at most. Then in an explosion of fire he teleported himself to the Cottage that belonged to the William's family.
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Toby and Lily had just finished feeding the animals and were on there way back to the cottage when they saw a large burst of flame. Naturally, they ran in that direction curious as ever. Turning the corner they stopped suddenly before they ran straight into a very noble looking fae, they both stared at the man in awe of his splendor.
The man smiled down at the children, a smile that reminded Toby acutely of a certain Goblin King. "Hey! Who are you mister?" Toby asked, the novelty of the man's appearing fire trick had faded and was replaced with suspicion.
"You must be Master Tobias, you've your sister's spirit I see." he chuckled as he knelt down to look the boy in the eye. Standing, he introduced himself with a small flourishing bow for their amusement. "I am the Grand Duke, from the land of the Nymshir. You may call me Lasair." he smiled down at them charmingly.
Lily blushed, realizing who the man was. "My Lord!" she curtseyed as best she knew how. "Are you really going to marry Sarah?" she asked, dreamily.
The Duke chuckled again, "I am Indeed." he answered. 'So Sarah made it here...' He tried to figure out how she could have managed such a thing, remembering what his guards said about Sarah vanishing. 'Jareth must have something to do with it.' he figured. "Are your parents home? I wish to speak to them about Sarah." he asked the children.
"I'll go tell mother!" Lily exclaimed excitedly. "Toby, you fetch your father. He's in the wood shop." she ordered her new little brother. Toby ran off and Lily hurried ahead to the cottage, the Duke following. At the door Lily turned. "My Lord, please wait here while I tell my mum." she curtseyed awkwardly again and slid into the Cottage, leaving the Duke at the doorstep.
'peasants' he shook his head, thoroughly amused. While he waited he glanced around at the shabby cottage and farm. "This definitely wont do. I can't Sarah's family showing up to our wedding in rags." he muttered to himself. "I'll have to elevate their status." he sighed.
Just then the door swung open, it was Lily beaconing the Duke inside. Lasair had to control the expression of disgust that was threatening to consume his facial expression when he stepped inside. 'No this definitely will not do!" he thought.
Midge barged in from the Kitchen all flustered. "My Lord." her tone was indifference and polite. "We expected a letter not an actual visitation. Please forgive us, we're not well equiped to entertain nobles." she laid down a tray of simple food and a mug of ale, motioning for the Duke to seat himself.
"Ahem, Yes well. I normally don't barge in unexpected like this, but it is an urgent matter." he kissed Midge's hand before sitting at their table. Midge gave the Duke a brief curtsey. "My name is Midge, I am Sarah's new step mother." just then Robert, followed by Toby entered the cottage. "This is my husband, Sarah's father Robert, and you already met Lily and Toby. I have an older son, Gavin but he is away in town currently." she explained.
Robert held out a hand to the Duke, which the Duke only stared out curiously. Remembering himself, he lowered his hand quickly. "Oh right, I forget where I am sometimes." Robert laughed nervously. "We appreciate you coming my Lord." he bowed briefly.
"Indeed." the Duke began as they were all seated. "I've known of the situation prior to your letter, I have made efforts to make contact my cousin but he is most uncooperative." he lied with deep concern in his voice.
"You're the Goblin King's cousin!" Toby blurted.
"Toby! Hush!" Robert scolded him.
The Duke laughed. "Yes, unfortunately so." he said more seriously. "Although, we share the same blood. I assure you we have nothing in common. With the exception of an interest in the Lady Sarah." the Duke bent his head, in mock grief. "I begged her not to go, I was working out negotiations for your release." he lied again. "I admit I love her stubborn will." he smiled faintly.
"Will you be able to help my daughter?" Robert asked hopefully.
The Duke frowned. "I am very sorry to say I cannot give you any guarantee. My cousin is a King and I am a Duke, my only claim to your daughter is our engagement. I am afraid, in this particular situation the council would favor the King." Lasair explained.
"That's insane!" Robert exclaimed.
"I'm afraid thats how things work here dear." Midge laid a comforting hand on her husband's shoulder.
"I cannot promise that I shall return with your daughter this day, but I shall die before any harm befell her." The Duke swore to them. "Now I must leave, I am going to the Goblin Castle now, to confront my cousin personally." as he stood everyone else rose as well. "Hopefully, I will return with Sarah." with that he left in another showy burst of flame, with nearly gave Robert a heart attack.
Robert and Toby were being very optimistic, while Lily was off dreaming about the fairytale wedding that Sarah was sure to have. Midge remained silent about the Duke, she still held her suspicions.
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The Duke was only able to manifest himself outside of the gates to the Labyrinth. The Goblin King had very strong wards to protect his castle and the goblin city. It took Lasair three hours full of cursing before he was able to conjure himself a glamour that would allow him to pass into the Castle and into Sarah's room. The glamour would last maybe a few minutes against Jareth's wards, then his presence would be detected. Not having patience to working on it any further, he teleported himself to Sarah's side.
Lasair found Sarah, sleeping in a bed. He immediately sat next to her sleeping form, his weight on the bed caused Sarah's eyes to flutter open. Sarah saw Lasair's face and blinked, but the face remained. "Lasair?" she whispered, afraid it was all a dream and speaking would shatter it. The Duke felt something strange pull at his heart, she was clearly unwell. "Shhh my love, I am here. What has he done to you?" he caressed her face with one of his hands, holding onto one of hers with his other.
Sarah felt tears welling up in her eyes, she had not expected to be rescued. Sarah wanted to sit up and wrap her arms around him but she was too weak. Her daily bickering's with Priya and Jareth were holding her recovery back. It didn't help matters that once she started to regain her strength, one of them would upset her so badly that she'd unintentionally use magic, usually causing something in her bedroom to break.
"I must get you away from here." he told her.
Sarah shook her head. "My family...he'll take them again." her voice was sad.
"I will protect them, foolish girl I told you not to come." he frowned.
Sarah tried to smile, his concern was touching. "It was the only way."
Sarah tried to squeeze his hand but found that it was being ripped away from her grasp. She shrieked as she watched Lasair's body fly like a rag doll against the wall. The Duke's face was red with angry and he stood, he had become to concerned for the girl and had not realized that Jareth had detected his presence. He had not intended on being caught off guard.
"I don't believe you've an invitation." Jareth spoke as Lasair turned to face him. Sarah could only watch them, helpless from her bed.
"What have you done to her!" the Duke accused.
Jareth held his mask of indifference. "It's none of your concern cousin, what I do with what is mine." he emphasized 'cousin' with much distaste.
The Duke growled. "She does not belong to you! I have written acceptance of our engagement, you cannot interfere with our marriage." he tried to bruise the wound, by bringing up the engagement.
"Your engagement has little to do with our agreement." Jareth smiled cruelly. "While I live, she is mine. You'll have to postpone that wedding cousin." he spat.
The Duke could feel Jareth's patience with him wearing thin, not only was Jareth his senior but he was also more powerful by breed and experience. Lasair had no intentions of being injured during this confrontation, so he made his last move. He quickly returned to Sarah's bedside.
"Get away from her now!" Jareth all but screamed.
With a deft movement, The Duke placed Sarah's engagement ring on her finger. "We shall be together my beloved, please forgive my failure." his eyes pleaded with hers. Sarah could not find her voice but shook her head in acceptance. Jareth's patience snapped and hurled a crystal at his cousin, causing him to vanish.
Moving to Sarah's side to see what his cousin gave her, he spied the ring on her finger. "Take that off!" he demanded harshly, pointing at the offending object.
"No!" Sarah cried, pulling her hand away from Jareth.
Jareth grabbed her hand and yanked at the ring. "Stop! You're hurting!" Sarah cried.
Jareth stopped at those words, feeling sorry if he had truly caused her pain. The offending ring would not budge from her finger, his cousin had bound it with a spell. He let her hand fall from his grasp and turned to leave.
"Why?" came Sarah's voice as he stood in the doorway. Jareth paused for a second, he had many good and bad reason's to explain 'why' but in the end he decided not to tell her any of them and left without answering her.
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Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed recently and my new readers! I have to say i wasn't thrilled with this chapter but eh, can't love em all I guess. Now thats out of the way we can focus on Sarah and Jareth, oh and the healer guy will be returning next chapter and Sarah will be getting her strength back.