AN: I don't own anything.
Epilogue
Sarah opened her eyes as the sunlight streamed through her balcony doors, bathing her in the morning sun. Shutting her eyes again she tried to go back to sleep, today was a day she was not looking forward to. The sun did not stop pestering her and Sarah could resist no longer, slowly she sat up with a frown. Looking to her side the bed was empty. After the first few days that Jareth and Sarah had been reunited, they had decided they would keep separate bedrooms until they were wed. The empty bedside was a reminder that Jareth still had not officially proposed and no wedding day had been set.
"I broke the curse. Aren't we suppose to live happily ever after?" Sarah's mind pouted as she climbed out of bed, but Sarah knew that no matter which realm she lived in there was no escaping the reality of things. Life was not fair, she had learned that long ago. She assumed now, even in the magic and wondrous world that there was no happily ever after as well.
Wrapping a robe around her Sarah opened her balcony doors and decided to welcome the sun openly. She stood with her eyes closed, drinking in the warmth and breathing in the exotic air that was always filled with magic and adventure. "I'll never tire of this place, no matter how cruel it can be." she smiled to herself.
Several hours later a lady in waiting came to help Sarah dress for the trial. "Do I really have to wear all this?" Sarah waved her hand at the large gown, cape, sash and numerous pieces of jewelery. "It's only a trial, I don't expect it should take that long." she continued to protest.
"Why yes Duchess, especially since this will be your first formal meeting with other nobles and royals. You must learn to play the part, if I may be so bold my Lady." the girl lightly admonished Sarah.
Sarah rolled her eyes, she knew other nobles would have the girl flogged for speaking in such a way. Sarah's reputation for being kind yet opinionated and strong willed proceeded her. "Nadia, I don't know how many times I must ask you to call me Sarah." it was her turn to admonish.
"Yes my lady, as you wish." Sarah groaned and Nadia suppressed a giggle.
Sarah felt as if she weighed an extra fifty pounds with everything she was dressed in. The skirt of the gown was full and a brilliant white, with small train. The bodice of the dress was sapphire with a square cut and cap sleeves. A thin silky cape of matching blue was attached with various jeweled chains and brooches that signified her status as Duchess. The sash was also white and embroidered in dark blues and purples, the designs she was told represented the lost house of King Falcor and Queen Amalthea. She also wore a ring that represented her status as well as other jewelry merely for decoration. Her hair was curled and swept up.
Looking at herself in the mirror she wondered if someone was playing a trick on her, she had never seen a Duchess dressed this extravagant. "I'd hate to see what the Queens and Princesses are wearing to these meetings." she sighed once more before she let Nadia escort her to the room that the trial was being held in. As soon as Sarah stepped out of her room and into the hallway she straightened her her shoulders and held her chin high, a complete transformation from Sarah Williams to Duchess Sarah. Sarah had not gotten use to the largeness of Jareth's Castle, and it always seemed odd to refer to this castle as Jareth's castle. Jareth's Castle had always been the Castle beyond the Goblin City. She admitted to herself now that she missed that dirty little place more than anything.
At last she was at the doors, a guard opened them for her and Sarah entered leaving behind Nadia. Looking around Sarah was relieved to find that she was not over dressed and fit in perfectly. She was also amazed that the few Queens that were present indeed wore more adornments than she thought possible. "It's ridiculous." she thought to herself. Everyone was milling about the room, she saw that Jareth was not yet present and many of the people she did not recognize.
"Oh Sarah, darling." Sarah turned to find Fionna and Derryth entering the room. Sarah and Fionna grasped arms and exchanged kisses on the cheeks. As Sarah had found a customary way for fae women to greet each other. Sarah and Derryth exchanged a polite nod. Sarah was now higher in station than the Marquee and it felt odd now that she did not owe them a curtsey. "You look like a true Duchess." Fionna smiled approvingly. Sarah only smiled, this was not the place to tell Fionna her true feelings about her clothing.
Jareth entered the room and Sarah smiled brightly at him, but Jareth took no notice of her and swept past taking a seat at the head of the table. Sarah tried not to let his neglect affect her as she moved to take her seat. Her place was only a few places away from Jareth, it took all her will not to giggle at the sign of Jareth. He was dressed blue and gold, his jacket was more formal that what he had worn in the ballroom so many years ago but it was more stately and less flashy. The collar on the neck was high, he looked stiff and uncomfortable. A large crown of gold sat upon his brow, Sarah didn't think that it suited him at all. Everyone fell silent and Jareth, the High King motioned to the guards. The table consisted of the High Council, which was mostly made up of nobles of Thanvannit, however the King of the Dwarves was also part of the High Council. The rest of the table were the five King and Queen's that ruled over the kingdoms that were united and ruled over by the High King.
Sarah could not hold Laisar's eyes as the drug him into the room before the council to be judged. She could feel his hot eyes burning into her. "That whore doesn't belong here!" The Duke cried, whatever love he had ever held for Sarah had long since died. Only his pride and cruelty ruled him now. A collective gasp went round the table and Sarah looked up at the Duke with wide angry eyes.
"You will hold your tongue!" Jareth snapped in an authoritive tone. Sarah could tell that Jareth was very tense and was using all his strength to remain calm.
"Not only has the Duchess Sarah have every right by the blood that flows through her veins to be here, but she has also proven her worth. She is more worthy than you had ever been." The Elven Queen was speaking now, her voice was calm and soothing to listen to, even when she reproached someone.
Laiser made to protest once more but Jareth quickly cast a spell on him, one that would not allow him to speak unless asked a question. "You will only speak when spoken to." Jareth commanded and then motioned to one of the council members.
Another Duke, one that Sarah had never met before stood. "Laisar, you have been read your charges upon imprisonment. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty." Laisar seethed. Sarah could not help feeling sorry for the pitiful and mad man. He had seemed so perfect when she had met him, but as she learned long ago, things are not always what the seem.
"Very well. We will delegate." the other Duke spoke again before sitting down and Laisar was take from the room.
"Everyone has been presented the facts and testimony of the Duchess Sarah as well of that of the High King." The King of the Elves was speaking now. "If anyone is in disagreement that the Grand Duke Laisar is guilty, please make your statement." Silence followed.
"Very well then." Jareth said pleased. "We shall choose his punishment."
"Kill 'em" came the gruff voice of the dwarven King. Some murmurs of agreement went round the table.
"The only life that Laisar attempted to take was that of the High King. Only he can decide if he wants to pursue the punishment of death." The Elven Queen spoke again. "Your Majesty?" she looked to Jareth.
Jareth sat silent for a moment. "Death would be too kind." Jareth shook his head, indicating that he would not ask death for his cousin, no matter how much he deserved it.
"Torture then kill 'em" the dwarven King spoke once more. Some chuckles went round the room this time.
"I do believe our race has progressed past torture." once fae noble spoke with slight disgust at the dwarf.
"buncha tight wearing sissys." the dwarven King began muttering but no one paid him any attention aside from Sarah. Many ideas were going round the table and Sarah sat in silence absorbing everything in. Before she realized it, hours had passed and they had gotten no closer to finding a solution.
"I know!" spoke the Duke that had addressed Laisar earlier. "Now that you are back your majesty, we need to appoint someone as steward over the Labyrinth. It's such a dreadful place, no one willingly does it. We should make Laisar become steward and strip him of his rank and powers." Many council member's nodded in agreement to this. Jareth's face was stoic.
"No!" Sarah suddenly burst out. All eyes turned to her, shocked at her sudden outburst for she had been silent the entire time. Sarah blushed but continued her protest. "To give Laisar that fate would be punishment for all inhabitants of the Labyrinth."
"They're only goblins." one noble laughed.
"Not only goblins lives there, there are dwarves and other nice creatures. Creatures that are capable of great deeds and kindness." Sarah informed. "The Goblin King must be strong and intelligent to do the job correctly, and even the goblins have feelings."
"Well spoken." Jareth addressed her for the first time since the meeting began. "Since you have so many opinions why don't you decide what Laisar's fate should be?" he raised an eyebrow at her, challenging her.
Sarah sat up a little more in her chair. "Well...since he has such a low regard for goblins...and since he was so set on you becoming one...I think the just thing to do..would be turn him into a goblin and let him live out his life as one of them." again, murmurs of approvement went round the table.
"All in favor?" Jareth questioned and stood. All at the table stood, signifying that they accept this punishment. Sitting back down, Jareth once again had Laisar brought before them. The aforementioned Duke read Laisar his sentence.
A look of absolute horror dawned upon Laisar's face. "You cannot do this to me!" he screamed while being drug out of the room.
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Later that night
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Sarah enjoyed the evening meal with Jareth and Galdor in relative but comfortable silence. Finally Galdor sat back and broke the silence. "Did you get all your business done today son?"
"Hm." Jareth patted his lips with a linen and then looked to Sarah. "I have official given your father the title of Baron." Jareth continued before Sarah could ask a question. "You're probably wondering why you and your brother have a higher station than your father, hm?" he raised a brow. "Sarah, while your fae blood comes from your father's line. He never came in contact with magic at an early enough age to..in a way..awaken his fae blood. He will not transform, he will live a good long life though. Our laws state that one who does not have fae powers, can hold no rank higher than Baron." Jareth explained. "Toby will be titled Grand Duke once he is of age."
"Oh...wait. Did you say transformation?" Sarah looked confused, she certainly did not feel transformed. Jareth and Galdor had a good laugh.
"Dearest Sarah." Jareth smirked and patted her hand. "You completed your transformation weeks ago, you will only noticed physical differences as the years pass.Toby's will be complete soon enough, you both hold great potential. Especially Toby since we can train him from such a young age, I always knew I liked that boy for a reason." he winked which produced a playful scowl from Sarah.
Sarah sat back, full and happy. Her family was taken care of, her father was a Baron now, he had more land then he or Midge needed. "What of Gavin and Pryia?" Sarah asked suddenly.
"They are coming here to live at the Castle, I could use someone with Gareth's wit around. Even though he is mortal." Jareth quipped.
After Galdor excused himself Jareth rose to escort Sarah to her rooms. They walked in silence, both of their minds busy.
"Sarah." Jareth started as they stood outside her chamber door. "You're probably wondering why I haven't proposed?" he tilted his head in a familar fashion that Sarah simply adored.
"I guess it has been on my mind lately." Sarah bit her lip and looked away, doubt beginning to cloud her mind. Jareth gently clasped her chin and made her look into his eyes.
"I have made so many mistakes with you Sarah." he whispered gently. "I want to do things proper, I am going to court you before I propose to you." he smirked and Sarah looked at him a bit confused.
"The Jareth who use to be High King was a much different person than Jareth the Goblin King. I've been a bitter man for far too long and I do not know how much of my former self I will be able to recover...I want you to be sure this is what you want." this was hard for him to admit to her.
"Really? You'd do that for me?" Jareth never ceased to amaze her.
"Regardless." Jareth stiffened and became the Goblin King once more. "If you do reject me when that time comes I will simply be force to keep you in some dark tower forever." he mocked.
Sarah laughed.
-Fin-
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Author's Note: Okay I hope that wrapped most things up for everyone, I didn't get too many questions so that's good. ha. I know some of you wanted a wedding and other's of you were a bit disappointed that there wasn't more details on their relationship development. There will be NO sequel to this story. However - I am considering doing a "companion story" to this that will purely be little scenes of their relationship building and ending with their wedding. So all the fluff you could want and a little angst that you didn't get during this story.
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Thank you SO much to everyone who's read this and reviewed. You're all so awesome.