Chapter Eight Strangers until now

"Oh Sarah, forgive me," Jareth begged as he held her, soothing her and begging her to forgive him, he breathed in her scent. "Oh Sarah, you cause me such madness. I'm sorry…"

"Promise…"she sobbed.

"Promise what?" he tipped her face out of his shoulder and made her look him in the eye.

"Promise not to touch Toby or Katie and …I'll do anything you want." She sobbed.

Long lean fingers traced her face; "I…promise…" he gave in, and wanted to beat his head against a wall. Damnation! The woman had won again. "Please stop sobbing already, I feel like a cad." He kissed her tears. "I was never going to touch the children."

Sarah stared at him, "Why, why threaten?"

"Because three years of waiting makes a man bitter, pet." He could taste the salt of the tears and suddenly he could not get enough. "God, woman, you have driven me insane." He smiled. "Most women look like hell when they cry, you…you look glorious." His fingers brushed her tears away.

"Three years? What are you talking about?"

Jareth saw the cord, picked it up, and sat up. He looked at her in earnest. "The morning after our… showdown, when you destroyed my castle, I went to the Fae Tribunal and issued a grievance against you." She sat up and blinked. Before she could say anything, he continued, showing her he was still holding the cord. "Well, I was mad as hell… and you had gone off…. I figured they would drag you back to me and that would be the end of it!"

"But they didn't."

"No."

Sarah leaned forward, "Why?"

Jareth closed his eyes, "Because you were fifteen." He dropped the cord, having enough truth for the moment. Opening his eyes he looked at her.

Sarah stared at him, "You are telling me, that the …Fae world made you wait three years to … extract your pound of flesh… and in that time you did what, kept me …"

"Chaste?" he suggested. Then a wicked smile crossed his lips. "Well after all, I wanted my property returned to me in the exact same condition it had left me."

"I'm not your property." She stated.

"Yes, Sarah, you are." The teasing was gone, but the smile was not. He could afford to be generous just now.

"No." she turned her back on him, crossed her arms and stared at a wall.

Jareth looked down at the binding cord, "Well perhaps property is now the wrong term. You were supposed to be my property, but for some reason the old foxseems to have," he dangled the cord within her vision. "Changed the rules of the game on me."

"Why are you trying to be nice?" she was suspicious of his motives. She tilted her head, and looked over her shoulder at him dangling the cord.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Morganna shook her head, "How much longer do we have to watch this… banter?"

Oberon pulled on his beard; he always pulled on his beard when he was waiting for something. "Not much longer I think…He's remembering he is at court and expected to behave as such."

Emrys gave a sideways glace to the King. "Court behavior? He has his own court… look at how he behaves there?" Vivanne sighed, "What kind of court does he have, the dregs of Fae society. Goblins, and … Our Father is right, here at Avalon, he behaved better." Lionel had just arrived, he looked into the scrying pool, "But will he change?"

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Jareth put the cord down on the bed cover and rose from the bed; he walked toward the fireplace, placing a hand on the mantel. His thoughts were clearing and some of the injured pride and anger were dissipating, "Sarah, let me ask you. Were you to see me on the street, what would you think of me?"

"Dressed as you are now, I'd want to know where the film crew is." She sighed still wiping tears from her cheeks.

He looked at his attire, "Point made," he wove an illusion and again he was dressed as 'The Voice', just as he'd been in the club. He smiled at her and walked toward where she was seated. "Allow me to introduce myself, Jareth King; some call me 'The Voice.'" The words and the tone of the words were delivered in a sexy voice few had ever heard him use. He held a hand out to her in formal greeting. "And you are?"

Sarah slipped off the bed, "Sarah Williams." She placed her hand in his uncertain of his motives. "I believe we've met before, Mr. King."

"We didn't get a chance to be properly introduced; London clubs are always so crowded." In both hands he now held her trembling fingers. "I'd wanted to thank you for that…dance. However I was called away."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Oberon drew a relieved sigh, and turned from the scrying pool. The images went dark; the others followed him away from the area. He called for food and drink to be served. His good wife stood at his side, as did all the others.

Morganna was the only one who remained at the scrying pool. Partly because she was still worried. "Father, what now?" she called out.

Taking a seat at the royal table the old Fae settled. "We give them time."

Emrys sipped the wine, always a good vintage was served here at Avalon. "We only have three days, what do you hope to accomplish in so short a time?"

The High King of the Fae leaned back in his seat, letting himself rest for the first time in three years. "Perhaps the salvation of my childe."

Vivanne dropped the bread in her hand, "A tall order for anyone to fill. You expect this Sarah to be the salvation of Jareth?"

"Eat, all of you… there is much work to be done. We must work quickly." Oberon ordered, "In three days, I must formalize the bond. And in that time we must find out what exactly the Williams girl is. There are records to be sorted though, and histories to be unraveled. Who among you feels they are strong enough to keep watch over the couple?"

Morganna stood, "I will, Father. I've felt like a traitor to my friend, I have a duty to keep watch."

Oberon reached out and took her hand, "We all did what we had to do, my child. None of us likes toying with her emotions. Well, with the exception of Jareth that is."

Seth came to stand with Morganna. "I too would like to offer my services, sire. I think it's easier to have more than one act as sentinel."

The Fae king nodded. "Then it is settled, you may spell each other, take turns keeping watch. If you need anything, just shout. As for me, I am in need of rest. I bid you all sweet dreams."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Sarah looked up into the face that was Jareth, and yet not. "Why did you pick me to dance with? There were others there who were more…interesting more experienced, my mother for one."

Mismatched eyes sparkled, "I told you in the song. I want to be yours pretty baby, yours and yours alone." As he said the words, they were no longer just flirting words. "It's a lovely night; would you care for a walk in the garden?"

She watched as he slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and led her to the doors. "Thank you. Lovely as that sounds I don't thing being alone in a dark garden with a strange man very wise. Do you?" She hesitated at the doors.

"Take a chance, Miss Williams." He tempted her and opened the door. "The first step is always the most difficult one."

The garden was lit by tall torches. In the center of the private courtyard was a large fountain with water that danced and sang as it moved freely. There were night blooming flowers, and all around it was surrounded by a high wall. There were no other windows on this side of the castle, only the one's from their chamber. It was as if they existed alone in this world.

"You're right," she observed. "It is a lovely night." The soft night air picked up the petals of her gown and fluttered them.

Jareth picked a blossom, handed it to her and watched as she breathed in its tender fragrance. "Miss Williams, you pale the moon." He said at last.

Sarah blushed, "You're flirting with me?" She moved to turn away.

His hand under her chin prevented that, "I'm courting you." He declared. "Let me court you." He led her to a bench, and took a seat along side her. "I'd like you to get to know me." The illusion of the image of the man from the London club faded, and he was once more Jareth, the Goblin King.

The change startled her and she pulled back away from him. "Why are you trying to be nice?" she asked again untrusting.

Jareth breathed in the Avalonian air. "I forget sometimes to behave as a king should. I forget that manners and common pleasantries are important. I am King of an uncivilized race. I spend little time at court, at the Fae Court…so I often forget to behave. However I'd like to behave toward you now as a lady deserves." He took her hand into his own. "You have questions, and I hope to have the answers you seek."

Sarah looked at him, "How old were you when you became the Goblin King?"

"If I were a mortal, I would have been about thirteen." He answered softly.

Her fingers tightened on his, "You were a child." She was thinking of when she was that age, and her father had married Karen.

He leaned closer, "In many ways, Sarah. I still am. Our life expectancy is far greater than that of the human race. So our maturity is slower as well."

"How old were you when you were sent to Oberon?" Jareth grimaced at the memory, not of Oberon, but of being sent away. "Were I a human child, I'd have been… about six." He stood up and paced in front of her. "My parents are…very, very beautiful, and totally absorbed in each other. I was a product of that… absorption. They found that they…didn't parent well. Oberon offered to allow me to be raised at his court, and they jumped at the chance. The price was that they could never again conceive another child. They paid the price a little too willingly. Oberon took me in, reared me. He taught me to behave; I lived here at Avalon, and was very happy." Jareth smiled, turned and looked at her, "I was a bit of a terror even then. Poor Tatiana, I was such a handful for her." He gave it thought, "In many ways, they are my mother and father."

"And you love them." She stood up, "I can see it in the way you speak of them." She was looking at him as if for the first time.

"I do feel love you know." He defended himself feeling the hurt of her rejection sting anew. He took her back to the bench, paused while she again seated herself. "Where was I, oh yes…kingships are not handed out willy-nilly here. Kingdoms pass from father to son or to a son in law. Much like in your world, some kingdoms are not as … desirable as others. The Goblin Kingdom is one of those, at first glance. It takes a discerning eye to see the truth of the place."

Sarah smiled, "The worm in the Labyrinth said things were not always what they appeared to be." They shared a laugh, and then Sarah looked at him, "You like being Goblin King, don't you?"

He nodded, "I'm a good king, I think. My lands are very productive, and my subjects are for the most part happy. Though I do from time to time get bored, I mean Goblins are not the most wonderful conversationalists."

"Who lives in your kingdom besides the Goblins?" she was enjoying hearing him speak.

"All kinds of folk! I've got Fae, Elves, pixies, brownies, dwarfs, gnomes, a few ogres…" He paused. "And of course my human subjects."

"Humans?" Her voice betrayed surprise. "You have human subjects?"

Mismatched eyes danced with mischief. "Sarah, you didn't really think we turned human children into Goblins did you?" He watched her squirm. "It would take more than magic to do that! No, we have a whole human community. If not for them, the kingdom would not work as well as it does. Goblins are not the most brilliant crew, but they have no problems reproducing."

Sarah laughed thinking of some of the Goblins she'd met, "No, they don't seem to be the wittiest of creatures."

He paused, leaned toward her and kissed her forehead. When she didn't push him away he moved his lips to her temple. "I love the sound of your laugh." He said softly into her hair.

"My mother thinks it's brassy, she was always saying that a lady should be quieter." Sarah looked away. Slowly she looked back up at him.

"Miss Williams, I'm going to kiss you." His eyes bore into hers. "Long, hard, and deeply." He announced. A moment later his lips rested on hers.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Seth cleared his throat, "Morganna, I'll take the next shift."

The red haired Fae sighed. "He's taking his own sweet time."

Seth shrugged. "I don't see why, she is already his bonds-mate."

The woman's gaze narrowed. "Don't call her that. It's degrading."

The Fisher King frowned. "It's true, though."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Jareth ended the kiss, but not before he drew a long moan from the depth of her. He sighed, "Any other questions?"

"You said you went to the Fae court after I left, why?" She was finding it hard to focus on the things she'd wanted to know.

"I wanted you to come back." He said quietly. "I wanted them to drag you back and give you back to me."

"Because…" she urged.

"It's no fun playing alone." He admitted in a whisper. Then his eyes danced, "Sarah, you were the most witty opponent I've ever toyed with, and not so easy to push to the edge. That 'piece of cake' comment nearly sent me over the edge. You were the only one who'd ever even talked to my subjects, and pulled them into the game as well. I wanted more, and by rights, you should have been there to appease my whims."

"Appease your whims?" A sardonic smile crept to her lips.

Jareth smirked, "Alright, it's badly put, but it's the way I felt… feel… oh you know what I mean." He stood up. "I don't want to just chase you round and round in the Labyrinth! From the moment I saw you in that blasted park, in that costume… I knew that there were games for us to play with each other. Private games, Sarah. Games that end with hot sweaty bodies and lots of groaning."

Sarah blushed. "Jareth, I was fifteen. I was just a kid."

"So you keep saying. But can you say that you were not the least bit tempted?" He looked at her, dressed in a gown that few could wear well, and she looked like a tasty treat. "Tell me you didn't want me to take you."

"Jareth, I was…so…and you…confused me…" she stood up and walked to the fountain, placing her hands on its rim. "Yes, I was tempted." She lowered her head, and gazed into the dancing waters. Her reflection, even in the dark of night showed the faint blush of color on her cheeks. "I was tempted."

"Why did you leave me? We were having such fun…" He was still on the bench staring after her.

Turning she faced him. "You gave me thirteen hours to solve the Labyrinth." She reminded him. "And then you took some of my hours away from me. I had to get Toby back home."

"You destroyed my castle in the process." He huffed. "Your friends' rocks had to be swept for days to clear the Goblin City. Some we couldn't get rid of at all." Sarah laughed at the thought. She remembered the fleet of rocks at Ludo's command. "Oh, that's funny to you? And they say I'm sadistic." He groused. "Have you any idea of the mess you left behind? You didn't even stay long enough to help pick up the toys and put them away. Now what kind of playmate is that?"

"We were not playmates." She protested.

"The hell weren't." He shot back as he joined her at the fountain.

"Poor Jareth, all alone to clean up the mess his actions wrought." She teased. Dipping the ungloved hand into the fountain he then flicked the water beads at her. Sarah laughed and splashed him back. A moment later they were both drenched from a splashing war.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Seth rolled his eyes, "For the love of the Gods." Vivanne had paused to check on the progress. "Oh how sweet." Seth shook his head, "He's wasting time! Why doesn't he just rip off her gown and take her?" &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The sheer fabric of her costume now clung to her. She shook off the water and laughed. "Oh great, look at what you've done now."

"What I've done?" He asked then Jareth stared at her, "I'm looking, Sarah, believe me, I'm looking." He held a hand out to her. "We'd best find some dry things."

Timidly she placed her hand in his, suddenly aware of how revealing her garment was. "Yes, perhaps we should."

Jareth led her back up the stairs, his mind racing. He knew which door would lead to the bathing chamber, and entered in search of towels. Returning to her with a pair for each of them. He watched as she sponged off the water from her gown. "I think we should get you out of that wet…dress."

Sarah froze where once she wore a smile she now wore a look of fear.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, "Sarah, for all intents and purposes, this is our … wedding night." His voice was soft, but full of desires. "I promise to be gentle."

"I'm so afraid I'll… disappoint you." She confessed.

"You haven't so far." He stated.

Sarah turned innocent eyes up to him. "You…you've done this before…been with a… woman."

Possessive hands slid to her waist, "If you are asking if I'm experienced. We both know the answer to that is yes. I've lived a very long, and decadent life, I admit it."

"I haven't." she reminded him. "Thanks to you… I know nothing."

He shook his head, "I wouldn't say that… I'd say you have instincts. Remember I've kissed you, Sarah."

"Stolen kisses in an arbor or in a London club are not exactly this, now are they?"

His touch drew a shiver. "They are a start." He lowered his head, "Kiss me Sarah. Kiss me."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Seth could bear it no more, all this playing was getting on his nerves. He looked up and away from the scrying pool.

"A problem, Fisher King?" Oberon asked softly as he entered the scrying chamber.

"Why does he not just take her? Why is he waiting?"

"To win." Oberon sighed. "He wants to feel he's won."

"Won what? A mortal's …love?"

Oberon smiled at the memory of a mortals love freely given. "A true treasure, that you've not known my boy."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

She'd turned her head to say that she didn't think that was a good idea, instead her lips felt his. She abandoned the towel in her hand, as he let his hands wander over her. Stroking her side until one hand came to rest easily on her breast. She gasped, it was the opportunity he'd hoped for and let the tip of his tongue enter her soft warm mouth. The hand holding her breast began to softly knead it, slowly but constant. He could feel her tremble, but it was the change in her scent that filled him with hope. Pulling back, he placed his lips to her ears, "I want to undress you, as a mortal lover would." She shivered, and he purred. "That way I can enjoy you all the longer."

Long exquisite fingers moved up to the lace that held her gown closed. Looping the lace over his index finger, he tugged until the tie came undone. He used but one finger to slacken the lacing. As the fabric revealed her shoulders, he lowered his lips to kiss the creamy skin that had been covered. "You really are a peach," his words tantalized, "Soft skinned, and pink, so delicious."

"Jareth." She whispered, biting her lower lip.

"Shhhh," he hushed her. "I've only had the pleasure of seeing you from the other side of a mirror. It pales compared to the flesh and blood woman before me now." He tugged the dress off her shoulders and began to lower it off her breasts. "The woman in my hands."

"Wait," she begged. "I'm…"

Warm hands cupped her breasts, "You're ready." He taunted. "The green peach is now ripe…" With ease he released her from the gown that was now falling to her feet. "I've waited for the taste of that peach; you're not going to deny it to me now, are you?"

She closed her eyes and swallowed, "No." She whispered her reply.

With as much restraint as he could muster, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. "I promise to be gentle, Sarah." He placed her on the thick coverlet, waved a hand and his garments dissolved. "I've waited for so long for this moment, three years my Sarah. I've wanted to be with you for longer than that." He moved his hands over her, warming her skin wherever he touched. "Look at me, Sarah. Don't hide your eyes from me."

She opened her eyes, slowly. Dark lashes fluttering as she did. "Do you not like what you see?" He purred in her ear.

"You're beautiful." She whispered. "I thought that from the moment you flew in my parents' window." Her eyes begged him to be kind to her. "You're the most beautiful being I've ever seen."

"Touch me, Sarah, touch me." He implored. "I need your touch."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Oberon caused the scrying pool to darken, quietly moving to a seat on the edge of the pool.

"Father, how are we to act as sentinels if we can not see?" Seth complained.

"What is between a man and his woman should remain just that, Seth. Between a man and his woman." Oberon leaned back against the throne like seat.

Seth shook his head, "How are we to know if they…."

"Couple? We'll know." Oberon closed his eyes.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Sarah raised her fingers to his lips, then to his nose. "Your face has haunted me. In dreams, in sketches I draw…In that poster…."

"So many times I wanted to just take you." He confessed. "In that arbor, where you demanded I kiss you. In my throne room… in that club in London… each time they stopped me. They said you were not ready. How little they know you, my worthy opponent." His hands roamed freely over her. "Do you like what you feel?" He purred and responded to her gentle touch.

"Oh yes." She whispered. "Yes."

He smiled, it was a cruel smile. "Fear me?" He now moved his hand on her thigh.

"Yes, Jareth….I fear you." The words were on a ragged breath.

"Love me." He ordered; his voice a low rumble. "I do, God help me. I do." He placed his hand where no one had ever touched her. Knowing it would shock, thrill and terrify her. "I offered you your dreams… and you refused them." He silenced her with a look, "Don't use that age excuse, not with me, Sarah. Not here, not now."

"I couldn't afford the price." Her lashes covered her eyes.

The long Fae fingers moved against human skin. "Were I to offer you those dreams now?"

She placed a hand on his arm. "I want more than just dreams Jareth." Her face darkened.

Slowly he let his fingers tease and taunt her where no one had ever touched her. "Sarah, I am about to unlock your deepest desires. I assure you; this is more than a mere dream." He kept his breathing slow, would not do to go too fast. "Do you want me?"

"More than anything, or anyone." She moaned as he moved against her. Her hands gripped the coverlet. "Oh God."

"Not quiet," he teased as his fingers worked slowly in and out of her moistness. He felt her tense and shudder as he educated her body. "I lived in torture for three years Sarah, I think you can survive a few moments." He moved his head, placing lips just above her now hard and extended nipple. His hair teased her skin as he flicked the hard nub with his tongue. "Soon, now." He promised. His fingers were now moving with a pulsating motion that had her panting. "That's right Sarah, go with the flow. Ride the wave of sensation, let my passion and yours converge." His voice filled the room. Sighing he licked her nipple. "Yes, a tasty peach," he murmured as he began to suckle.

Sarah arched, moaned and began to buck her hips. "OH God!"

Jareth looked up at her face. "Yes, darling?" She tried to speak, only to find the sounds coming from her throat had no words, just animal sound and intensity. He quickened the rhythm of his fingers, moved with swifter thrusts. Meeting her bucking hips with as much force as he dared, what an amazing young woman, he thought softly. "Sarah, one more moment and I'll release you." He promised. Her body began to clamp down on his fingers. "Now?" He pressed against her, releasing her first orgasm. "Yes, now." She nearly sat straight up as the explosion moved though her. Then she lay under his touch panting, eyes wide open.

Removing his fingers, he smiled, "That's just the start."

"There's more?" she asked in awe.

"Darling," he teased, "That was just my fingers." He pressed one knee between her now spreading legs. "What comes now is far better."

Sarah looked down; his manhood was fully erect, swollen and throbbing. "Oh my God."

"If you like," he teased. "I've never been a deity before, however I think I'm up to the task." Now his other leg pressed her leg father open. He was poised above her, hovering like a dark angel. "This will hurt Sarah, but only for a moment. I would spare you the pain, but it is necessary. Do you understand?" It was a lie, but only a small one. In truth he looked forward to the pain she was about to experience. She nodded. As if in slow motion he moved until he was poised at her swollen and damp nether lips. "From this moment on, there will be no other for either of us." He hesitated. "Look at me Sarah. Look deep into my eyes." When he had her full attention, he released a low growl, and dove deeply into her. He broke though her maidenhead in one swift cutting thrust. She came up against his chest; his lips were at her ear. "Let it go, let it go." He smiled as she screamed while he tore her maidenhead. Her love canal clamped down on him as he moved deeper. "Yes," he groaned into her ear. "Bite down on me, pet."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The dark pool exploded in a blaze of flames. Oberon smiled. "They couple."

Seth rolled his eyes. "You are the reason he's so dramatic you know!"

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Her eyes met his, as she drew in her fist breath. His mouth sought hers and found comfort. Slowly he began to rock against her hips, drawing her into his motions and rhythm. "This is no dream, Sarah. This is real." He promised.

Sarah felt as if she'd been shot into a star. As if her body was being consumed by a fiery force. She trembled as her hands reached for him, frightened by what she was experiencing.

In all the years he'd been king of the goblin realm he'd had many sexual encounters. He'd taken pleasure where it was offered, and given what he hoped was equal measure. Fae women were vain, and only too happy to prove their prowess. He'd been praised for his expertise in the bed by many of his partners. He knew how to please and be pleased. He'd thought if he were not with one partner he'd be with another, having long ago decided against bonding to any one being. Never in his long life had he experienced anything like this! At first, he believed it had to be that he'd been denied for three years the pleasure of Sarah. Yet he himself knew that he'd not denied himself other distractions. There had been one or two encounters with previous partners. Then he assumed it was the fact that he was taking a mortal, something he'd never considered until he'd seen her in that park. He'd heard of human-fae couplings and they held no interest for him. He could not image a mortal being able to satisfy his fire.

The fresh cut in his hand began to throb as his manhood did. Harder he thrust against and into her, her hips now bucking as hard as his. It happened almost as if the worlds stood perfectly still. Illumination, he turned his face to hers. They raced to each other in the cosmos. She cried out and let the explosion erupt from her very soul, as he spilled into her. 'I love you.' He avowed, to the depths of his soul knew it was true.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The flames in the scrying pool gave way to star busts and explosions of color. Oberon smiled. "He does have flare."

Titania smiled. "Like father like son."

Like joyful parents they observed the almost fireworks display that shot out of the scrying pool. Holding each other and reminiscing the years they'd spent loving.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Jareth moved carefully, not wishing to part from her just yet, but needing rest. He drew ragged breaths, and cradled her to him. 'I love you, Sarah.' He repeated, to himself, then vowed she never know.

She looked at him, tears still streaming down her cheeks, "It was… I … mean… was… I…" she could not find words.

Jareth drew breath, "You, my lady, are magnificent, as I always knew you'd be." He felt her contract on his member still buried in her. That ever-present self-satisfied gleam filled his mismatched eyes. Rolling to his side, he took her with him, not wishing to extricate himself, not quite yet. He kept her wrapped in his embrace.

"Jareth." Her voice was remorseful, "I was wrong…. Three years ago, I was wrong."

"About?"

She bit her lower lip, "What I said…you do have power over me."

Smiling, he nodded. 'Just as you've power over me, Sarah. Power you shall never know of.' He thought to himself.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Seth returned to his post, "I see the pool is still dark… are they at it again?" the distain in his voice was harsh.

Morganna shot him a look. "I thought you liked Sarah."

Seth shrugged.

"Were you not the one complaining that Jareth was taking too much time?" Morganna asked.

Seth looked at his sometimes lover. "She's a bad influence on him, and he's bad enough without more influence."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Jareth had slept peacefully for the first time in many a year. He knew that there would be no summons to the mortal realm while he and Sarah were Oberon's guests. He knew he would not have to spend time watching while another person lost to the Labyrinth. He also knew the Labyrinth its self would be dormant until his return. With Sarah firmly beside him, he slept.

When he awoke the first rays of light were coming in the room. He moved his arm, expecting to reach for and obtain his woman. The bed, however, was empty except for his presences. He sat up and could see that the door to the terrace was slightly ajar. Not bothering to cover himself he rolled out of the bed and peered out the window. In the courtyard, by the fountain, Sarah sat surrounded by little birds she was feeding a curst of bread. She was covered in a long dark green dressing gown. Jareth turned and found its mate on the foot of the bed. He slipped into the fabric. He stepped out onto the landing, "Good morning." He called down to her.

"Good morning." She replied shyly, her face a mask of worry.

He took a long time to descend the stairs to the courtyard. "Have you been up long?"

"No." she continued to feed the birds.

"Have you eaten?" He watched her.

"No." She shook her head. "I have not."

Now he stood directly between her and the fountain. "I awoke, and was alone." He crossed his arms, made a face he hoped looked like a pout. "Not a good start, Sarah."

Sarah brushed the rest of the crumbs from her fingers. "I didn't want to disturb you." Her eyes refused to meet his.

"Are you … hungry?" he asked.

She thought about it for a moment. "No."

Jareth held out one hand to her. "I'm sure they are aware we've both risen, and are not…occupied…Our breakfast should be on its way." He smiled as her hand was placed in his without hesitation. "Come, you need to eat."

Sarah followed him back up the stairs. He was correct; breakfast was being laid out even as they entered. The servants bowed to them and kept quiet. Jareth held her seat for her and then took his. The servants set food before them and quietly departed the wall sealing behind them.

"Are we being shunned?" the silence from the servants was unnerving.

Jareth shook his head, "Oberon's servants keep the great silence." He took a bite of the food on his plate. "We are being isolated, not shunned."

"The difference being?" She asked.

"Oberon is still talking to us." He teased. "Is everything to your liking?"

Sarah poked at the food on plate with her fork, "It's very good." She had yet to take a single bite.

Jareth watched her for a moment, "You must tell me your preferences for meals, and I'll have the kitchen staff attend to it when we arrive home." He saw her flinch at the word home. "Regrets Sarah?"

"Not regret, more like apprehension." She placed her fork down, "Do you have any regrets?"

"Just one." He sighed, smiling at her worried face he added suggestively. "Not ripping that gown off you three years ago and having my wicked way with you in that crystal ball room."

Sarah looked at him in utter shock.