Consort and Chatelaine
Sarah rose from bed before Jareth had awakened; slipped off to her bath and stood in the shower for what seemed an eternity. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the man she had just escaped slipped into the shower behind her. He pulled her back against his chest.
"Good morning," Jareth said quietly.
"Morning," she whispered back.
"Did you think I would not miss you?" he asked in a stern tone.
"I…no…" Sarah shivered as he moved his hands over her.
He maneuvered so the water was now pouring down from behind him. "My shower would have been more accommodating, Sarah. We will use it from now on."
"We? Are you planning on doing all our bathing together?" She looked at him over her shoulder.
"No, but I think I prefer you to use my rooms." He stretched. "This is too cramped." His body moved against hers and she audibly gasped. His reaction was to snicker and pull her closer. "Get my back, Sarah."
Sarah looked at the man standing under the spray of water. At 5'7", Sarah was considered tall. It wasn't so much that Jareth was much taller than she was; he wasn't... but his whole attitude made her feel shorter...insignificant somehow. Even with his hair wetted down and not standing up all wild, he seemed to tower over her. Faced with his backside, she could not help but admire the muscular perfection of his body. He was lean, but defined. In many ways, he reminded her of a stallion with his sinewy physique.
"Sarah, my back, if you please," he said, amusement in his voice.
She looked up. "What?"
Jareth turned. "My back," he handed her the sponge. "Wash."
Sarah would have buried her face in the soapy sponge if he had not been so keen-eyed. "Of course." She began at his shoulders and worked her way down. By the time she finished her knees and legs were quaking. Jareth turned, spun her round, plucked the sponge from her hands and returned the service.
"We use my shower from now on," he insisted firmly. "Not nearly enough room in this one." Then he patted her on the bottom and withdrew.
Sarah leaned into the water and prayed she would drown. When it did not happen she resigned herself to the situation. Finding a fluffy towel, she dried and went to the wardrobe, picking out a simple sage green dress. Once she was fully dressed, and had her hair plaited, she was ready to face the rest of her day. So she thought.
Jareth was standing in the hall waiting. His face showed impatience. "We are moving your dressing room into mine," he said as he held an arm out to her. "Do all women take so much time getting ready in the morning?"
"I take less time than anyone I know." She pulled her hand off his arm, and stopped following him. "Do you have the slightest idea of how hard all these new garments are to get into? Or the fact that I'm without my hair dryer? And make up… Hell I don't have the slightest idea of what half the cosmetics are in that dressing room! Not to mention I don't have the luxury of just waving my hand to be dressed in what ever I please." She raged at him.
Jareth had the good sense to look ashamed. "I stand corrected."
Sarah put her fists to her mouth. "Oh God." She looked up at him. "What's that outburst going to cost me?"
"Not a thing." Jareth took her hand and placed it back on his arm. "We'll discuss the staff problems over breakfast." He led her down the hall to the breakfast room used by previous Goblin Kings and their companions. The children would be eating in the nursery with Willa.
The room was comfortable, and thanks to the large windows and balcony, flooded with light. A groomed footman served them. His eyes narrowed on Sarah and she felt like a bug. Jareth did not seem to notice, and that upset her more. Jareth noticed her picking at her food.
"Not to your liking?" he asked.
"No, it's fine," she murmured.
"Then eat." He leaned on the table. "You are with child and I don't need you fainting. Surly you know that you must take extra care during this time."
She fought back the hurt tears. "I'm not very hungry."
"I said eat." He began to tap his fingers on the table.
Sarah raised her fork and took a bite of the eggs. She looked at him and considered tossing the plate at him.
"I've called for the Steward to meet us in my offices after we've eaten. My Steward's name is Carlin." He went back to his own meal once he was satisfied she was eating her own. "After we've met with Carlin, I'll take you on a tour of the castle. I've drawn a map for you."
Sarah sighed. "Yes, Sire."
Jareth looked at her trying to eat, trying to make the best of what she perceived as a bad situation. He had the benefit of knowing it was about to get worse. "You will need a lady's maid."
"Oh I don't…" she began.
"It's not a suggestion, it's a fact. You should not have to fuss with the garments. I forget that the women of your world don't take the time our world demands," he stated. "I should have engaged someone, but with things being so abrupt…Well not everything can be planned."
"A maid? Do I really have to have a maid?" she whispered.
"You are the Consort of the King of the Realm," he reminded her.
Sarah watched the footman move, "He doesn't like me," she grumbled. "What makes you think a maid will?"
Jareth did not bother looking at the footman. "Many Fae don't like mortals, Sarah. It's a fact of life you will have to come to accept."
Sarah lowered her head, "Yes, Sire."
Jareth saw her lower lip quiver, and wanted to throttle the footman and then thrash himself. 'Come to accept? Oh that's supportive.' He looked over at the footman, who had the grace to look guilty and embarrassed. "Sarah, you are my Consort. Raise your head, show some of that famous Sarah Williams fire and defiance."
Her head came up with a snap, and she began to eat her breakfast.
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The king's private office was not far from the throne room. They walked, since he wanted her to familiarize herself with the layout of the castle. She needed to be in control, and quickly. He ushered her into the room, and watched as she looked at him with wonder.
There was a two story private library, a wonderful worktable, a huge map of the Underground Kingdoms, and an oil portrait over a hearth. The furnishings were masculine and yet comfortable.
"This is your office?" She looked at the desk with its massive wooden legs.
"Not what you expected, eh?" He laughed. "Well, the impression you got seeing the throne room…"
"This is amazing." She looked up at the second level of books. "What are all of these?"
"Histories of the Goblin Realm, histories of the Underground as a whole, ledgers of imports and exports. You name it, I have it." He moved to sit behind his desk. "You know running a kingdom, even a goblin kingdom requires work. It's not all fun and games."
Sarah looked at the map, "So that's what it all looks like?"
Jareth leaned back, "Only the Underground kingdoms. You have to remember there's more."
She stood looking at the magnificent oil portrait. The man portrayed had eyes the same shape and color as Jareth. His face was longer, more mature, but there was a boyish charm all the same. "Your Father?"
"Yes," he sighed.
"I'm sorry." She lowered her gaze. "How long has he been gone?"
"Gone?" Jareth looked at her, then understood. "Sarah, he's not dead." Jareth snickered benevolently. "He's a High King… The Highest King… My Father is Oberon."
Sarah sat down on the chair that she did not even see. "He's real?"
"As real as I am." He winked, his smirk in place. There was a tapping at the door. "Enter."
A man in a russet colored frock coat entered. He was of medium height, and had a bit more weight then what most Fae would carry. His eyes were the color of the heather in the highlands; he had a countenance that was confident and accommodating. "You called for me, Sire?" his voice was richly accented.
"Carlin this is Lady Sarah, my consort. I am naming her the Chatelaine of the castle. You will be helping her get the house in order. Show her how things are done in the Fae Realms."
Carlin bowed toward her, then snapped his attention to the King. "She is with child."
"Am I wearing a sign?" Sarah muttered with impertinence.
Carlin looked toward her. "I do beg your pardon, Lady Sarah. We Fae have a heightened sense of smell… your pheromones are incredibly strong." He looked at the King. "I congratulate you my King, and you as well, my lady." The Steward was wearing a wide grin. "This is indeed fortuitous."
Sarah looked at the men, and wondered what was going on.
Jareth said something to the other in a foreign tongue. The man looked at Sarah and nodded. Then the King pointed to a chair, and the Steward took a seat. "I want a maid for Sarah, one who is not xenophobic."
"We've a new girl in the housekeeping staff, one who will do nicely I think. She's young, but of a good nature." Carlin held out his hand and a ledger appeared. He opened the book, "Yes, her name is Faun, and she's the daughter of old Jasper, and his wife Leah. She is a half-ling." Turning to Sarah, he spoke gently. "She is soft spoken and well mannered, and skilled in taking care of garments. She will be able to help you in and out of gowns."
"Thank you." Sarah sighed.
Jareth was fumbling in a desk drawer. "The footman who served breakfast needs to be reassigned. He does not care for my choice of Consort."
"Rawlings gave offense?" Carlin looked shocked. "I am disappointed to say the least. He shall of course be replaced."
Jareth continued to fumble in the desk. "Good."
Carlin rolled his eyes. "What are you looking for?"
"The Chatelaine chain and keys. I could swear I put them in here when I took over." He looked at Carlin. "It was with some of the other junk we were handed."
"Right desk," Carlin came around the desk and opened the opposite drawer. "Wrong drawer. Remember you put it in here about a century ago."
Jareth looked down. "Oh yes, Thank you Carlin." Reaching into the drawer Jareth pulled out a silver ornament with chains bearing hooks on which to hang small articles. On some of the hooks already hung little keys, seals, scrolls, scissors, and a tiny purse.
Carlin shook his head; "You'd know that if you spent more time in here and less time playing with the goblins, Sire."
"That's why I have you, Carlin!" He looked at the sliver ornament, its intricate work, and the chains attached. "This is Fae Sliver," he handed the piece over to Sarah. "It is to be pinned to your belt, and always worn, even on ball gowns. It is the sign of your station in my house."
Sarah accepted the item handed to her. She ran her fingers over the designs on the Chatelaine. "It's very pretty."
"It's very important," Jareth said with emphasis. "That says I trust you with the keys to the castle." He sighed inwardly 'and in time will have no secrets from you.' "It means you are the woman of the house."
'A wedding ring with out being a ring,' thought the woman holding the silver ornament.
Carlin turned to Sarah, "If I may," he held his hand out, "I shall show you the proper way of attaching this. It can be worn on a belt or on your garment. This metal loop is for sliding a belt though. This," he showed her what was a cleverly hidden pin, "is for when you have no belt. You've no belt on this dress, so we pin it here, at your hipline. Some women wear them on the bodice, but your dress is not stiff enough to warrant that. There." He stood back. "Now all will know you are the King's…"
Sarah heard Jareth clear his throat, and saw him wave the Steward back with a few fingers. 'The king's whore,' she thought to herself.
"You are never to leave your rooms without that!" Jareth pointed to the Chatelaine.
Sarah felt branded. "I will remember, Sire."
"Now," Jareth motioned Carlin to take his seat again. "On with the household business. Carlin, how many servants do we have as of now?"
The Steward opened his ledger. "We have only a skeleton staff. There are six of us in all, Sire."
"We need more." Jareth leaned back. "I want you to include Sarah in the picking and choosing of the new staff."
Carlin looked at the woman, "That will be a pleasure, Sire." He smiled over at Sarah. "I can arrange for the interviews to begin tomorrow."
"Where do interviews take place?" Sarah asked. "Do you have an office or something?"
"I do have an office, but as you are Chatelaine, we will be using your offices." Carlin said.
"I have offices?" Sarah looked at Jareth, who shrugged. She looked at Carlin, "I've offices?"
"Yes, Ma'am, on the ground floor, right next to mine." He assured her.
Jareth stood up, "I think its time for that tour. While we introduce you to your castle, you can be making notes of what you think we are lacking." Jareth picked up what looked like a logbook; he handed it to Sarah. "All you have to do is speak clearly, tell the book what items are to be listed."
"It writes itself?"
"It's a scribe's tablet."
Sarah looked at the book with trepidation. "A scribe's tablet?"
Jareth frowned. "Sarah, I am not going to repeat myself."
Carlin tossed the ledger he had been holding and it vanished. "Shall I hold the table for you, Ma'am?"
Jareth placed his hand on the book, "I want Sarah to do this. She must learn our ways, this is as good a place as any to start."
Carlin backed off. "As you wish." He looked at the master with a quizzical expression.
Jareth ignored the Steward, handing a map on a parchment scroll to Sarah. "That will direct you to anywhere in the castle." He showed her the ring attachment on the end of the scroll. "You can wear it on the Chatelaine until you have made yourself familiar with the house."
"Thank you, Sire." She wondered if she was supposed to curtsy.
Turning to Carlin, Jareth spoke. "I think it would be best if you took Sarah on the tour of the house. You have knowledge of the workings of this house that I do not. You and she can discuss the best ways to improve things. I have work of my own to do." He looked at Sarah. "I'll see you later. Why don't you have lunch with the children? I'm sure they are wondering what has happened to you."
"Thank you, Sire. I will." She'd been dismissed. Jareth vanished, and she looked at the Steward. "Well, that's an exit."
"Our King has always had a flamboyant flair…comes from his father, most likely. Our good High King has always loved dramatics." Carlin was making easy small talk.
"Yes, well I would not know about that." Sarah sighed. "So where do we start?"
"Ground up," Carlin suggested. "Think of this as a self-sufficient estate. We shall begin with the offices and the kitchens. They are very heart and soul of the castle." He opened the door allowing Sarah to precede him out of the King's office. He led the way down a corridor, never once suggesting they use magic to transport. Carlin had seen the map the King had given the mortal woman. His King wanted the woman to know the castle, and Carlin would see to it she knew it well.
Carlin began the tour at the Great Hall entry; from there she was taken to the kitchens and introduced to the cook. Sarah took notes, speaking to the scribe's tablet clearly on her impressions and suggestions. In each of the rooms, Sarah made a comment. Her quick eye for detail impressed Carlin. After the tour, he escorted her to the nursery to lunch with her children.
Jareth noticed Carlin lurking in the hall, watching the nursery. Carlin felt the eyes watching him, and knew the feel.
"Something of interest in the nursery, Steward?" Jareth's voice was testy.
Carlin clasped his hands behind his back as he addressed his King. "My King, I understand your…choice…I don't know if I agree with your…methods." He looked over his shoulder back down the hall. "That woman will be quite the asset."
"Carlin, if you can direct her gently, do so. What were your impressions on the tour?" Jareth motioned the man to walk with him.
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Sarah used her scroll map after lunch, going down to her offices to familiarize herself with it. She found the rooms with little trouble. The door was not locked, but the room was musty from being closed up for a long time. Carlin had informed her that anything that was not being used was kept closed. Sarah pulled open the heavy drapes that covered the tall windows then opened the window to air out the room.
Not as handsomely appointed as Jareth's office, it was a good space but cramped now with things shoved in here for storage. The walls were the same muddy terra cotta color as the Escher Room. There were symbols in the archways, and in the pediment above the windows. Picking up the scribe tablet, Sarah began to make notes on what things to keep in the room. She wondered what the last Chatelaine to occupy the space was like.
Carlin heard her speaking to the tablet and looked in to the room. "Is everything to your liking, Ma'am?"
"No." Sarah said putting the tablet down. "Nothing is to my liking." Her voice was stern. "Look at this room!"
Carlin entered. "We were not using it."
"It's like a teenager was allowed to run rampant!" Sarah rubbed the bridge of her nose, she was getting a headache.
Carlin chuckled, "More or less, Ma'am. You have to remember our King is rather young." He looked at the room, with daylight streaming in and showing every cobweb and dust pile. "If you'll permit me." He picked up her tablet, read it, then waved his hand and the room began to shift and change. "You write good clear notes, like your thoughts." Carlin handed the table back to her. "Is this better, Ma'am?"
Sarah looked at her offices, now clean and orderly. "Yes, much better. I could not have conducted an interview in here the way it was…There was no room."
Carlin approved of the changes she had wanted made. "Yes, this will work nicely for you, Ma'am."
"You could call me Sarah, couldn't you, Carlin?" Sarah asked as she took a seat behind the desk.
"No, Ma'am. I could not," he informed her with a measure of regret. "It would not be seemly. I am not on the same standing as you. You are the Consort, I am only a Steward."
"Oh," the woman sighed.
Carlin wanted to soften the blow. "I may address you as Lady Sarah, but never just Sarah. It would not be seemly."
Green eyes looked up. "We don't have Royals in my country. It's going to take me some time to get use to the titles and behaviors expected."
"From what I see, you'll do fine, Ma'am." Carlin said supportively. He took a seat.
"Carlin, what kind of schedule does the King keep?" she asked softly.
Carlin chose the next words carefully. "It is often hard to discern the schedule of a king, Ma'am."
Sarah placed her chin in her hand. "He's been having way too much fun?"
"Let us say, he enjoyed his bachelor days." Carlin edged away from any other comments.
"Are meals served at a given time?" The Steward shook his head in the negative. "Is there a set time for rising?" Again the head shook. "How long has this been going on?"
Carlin cleared his throat. "For at least four hundred years, Ma'am."
Sarah closed her eyes, "You've run the castle with a skeleton crew for four hundred years?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
Sarah sat up, opened her eyes and put her hands on her desk. "Ok, we start with a clean slate. Tomorrow, after the interviews, I want to see all the staff! We are going to set new ground rules. No more willy nilly! I want to see them all, Cook, Gardener, Maids. All of them! We are going to put this house to right."
Carlin smiled, "That's the spirit!"