Chapter 43

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An Invitation

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The month's flew by and the odd mix of inhabitants in the castle began to coexist in a strange but harmonious fashion. Under the Goblin Kings guidance Sarah blossomed in many ways. Some things do not change or change very slowly and despite their growing friendship Sarah and Jareth always had their fall backs. Sarah had been absolutely furious when she found out that Jareth had sent Toby away to some school without her parents permission. On the other hand she was overjoyed that Toby was going to get the best education a fae let alone mortal could have.

Gavin was continually buried in paperwork, managing the affairs of the Goblin King. Sarah often protested that it wasn't good for Gavin to spend the amount of time he did in that office. Then Sarah saw how happy Gavin was and how pleased Jareth was with Gavin's work, she almost became jealous.

Dinner was always the most interesting time, when The Goblin King, Sarah, Priya and Gavin all dined together. Priya and Gavin had a relationship developed a relationship thought to be secret, however their actions spoke louder than words. Jareth and Sarah would often glare at them with narrowed eyes, each jealous of the couple for their own reasons.

Sarah's days were always filled and she didn't often find idle time between her lessons and friends. When she did have idle time she found herself rummaging about trying to find out about this curse that plagued the Goblin King. Everyone seemed to know all about it, but no one was willing to give her any information. Not even her closest friends. This aggravated Sarah to no end, and became a secret obsession.

To the normal outsider, they would say that Sarah was content, even happy. Still Sarah clung to the hope that someday she would be free of the Goblin King's rule. Free to marry the man that she had pledged herself too. Often she would lay awake at night wondering if her Duke still loved her, if he had given up hope and married another. Every once and awhile she would find his notes secretly tucked away in her parents letters and she would feel that familiar flutter of excitement.

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"Your hair looks fine Sarah." Priya drawled as she entered the room to find Sarah preening. "Or are you trying to impress someone?" Priya smirked.

Sarah set down her brush and gave Priya a pointed look. Noticing that Priya held some letters in her hand she snatched them away quickly. Looking the elf up and down she stated. "Obviously we know who you're trying to impress." Sarah teased with a wicked grin.

Priya smoothed her dress. "I really don't know what you're talking about Sarah." Sarah only snorted in response as Priya turned to leave the room. "Oh and Gavin and I will be out delivering some children today. You're on your own with the King." she said with a wink before she passed through the doorway.

Sarah rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the letters. There was her usually letter from her Father and Midge. Then there was a very fancy and important looking letter. "What could this be?" Sarah asked herself curiously.

Sarah opened the enveloped excited but carefully. "Sarah Williams you are invited to attend and compete in the Royal Song competition." Sarah began to read the letter out loud to herself. "Oh my god!" Sarah exclaimed after she realized what it was.

During Sarah's lessons she often told Jareth how she missed performing and longed to compete again. She had mentioned this prestigious competition to Jareth several times, it was the same competition that her parents had told her about. The only way to compete was by invitation by one of the Kings or Queens of the realm.

Excitedly Sarah rushed out of her room to find Jareth invitation still in hand. She found him in his study, he was standing by the book shelf replacing a book. Jareth did not have the time to mask the look of surprise on his face as Sarah burst into the room full of light, a radiant smile on her face.

Before Jareth had time to respond, to even raise a brow Sarah flung her arms around him tightly in an embrace. "Thank you Jareth, Thank you so much." she smiled her head resting on his chest.

Jareth stood for a moment, mute. Carefully he placed his arms around her, returning her embrace. The warmth of her body against his was delightful and her delicate aroma was quite intoxicating; it made his heart ache. Not only was she in his arms at last but she had also used his name instead of his title.

"Whatever are you thanking me for?" he asked, finally finding his voice.

Sarah grinned again and pulled from away. Jareth almost winced as he felt her leave his side. Longing to pull her back and feel the warmth once more.

"Don't play games with me Goblin King." she grinned batting his arm. "I know you made this happen!" she exclaimed happily. Waving the invitation in front of his face.

Jareth took the invitation from her and glanced at it. He was about to say something but he stopped after catching her eye. His Sarah was happy, truly happy for the first time she had come. This happiness was something he caused her too feel, or at least she believed she owed him her thanks.

Jareth handed the invitation back to her and forced a smile. "Well we have much work to do before the competition." Sarah grinned. "I suppose we shall lengthen your lessons." he warned her.

"I wouldn't mind that." she smiled and gave him a quick hug. "I have to pick the perfect song!" she exclaimed, turning she rushed out of the room.

Jareth watched her leave with a sad look on his face. He had a good idea that his cousin was up to something, but if it would gain him Sarah's affection he would let her believe that he had arranged the invitation. He knew full well that if he let Sarah go to this competition he would never see her again, and that all would be lost. After seeing the look in her eyes, the fire the joy. He could not deny her this thing she craved so badly.

As Sarah walked to her room she realized that the Duke would be waiting for her, that he would take her away with him after the competition. She would be free. The feeling of joy and relief the washed over her was quick lived. The feeling was replaced by another awful feeling of guilt. She realized that she had used Jareth, he had been extremely generous given their situation. He had been nothing but kind to her, she knew this now and she was going to stab him in the back.

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"Foolish girl!" The Duke raged as he spied Sarah embracing the Goblin King. "How could she believe that he arranged that when it was I?" he screamed.

He had been more and more uncomfortable with the relationship that was building between Sarah and his cousin. He had underestimated her time and time again, it was infuriating.

The Duke tried to calm down, reminding himself that the competition was only a moon away and Jareth's curse would be completed in only three. He would take Sarah, by force if necessary, he would have his victory.

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Author's Note: Alrighty so sorry if that was too fast of a jump for some of you. I just didnt want to fill in for three months of somewhat ordinary events. haha. We're getting closer to the end of the story. I am also going to be posting up the beginning of a new fic sometime this month. Don't worry, finishing this one will be a priority. I am also going to take on an original story based on a weird dream I had the other night, haha. Wish me luck! Thank you for everyone who reviewed my tiny chapter. haha.

and Cloud- Thanks for always making me laugh.