Chapter Thirty Nine
Frog goes A'courting
Sarah came out of her weekly session with Gibbs to find Carlin waiting for her outside the door. "His Majesty asks that I escort you to his office."
She rolled her eyes, "I know the way."
Carlin nodded, but his eyes told her not to argue. They kept silent as they walked the halls. The Steward tapped on the door. When bidden to enter, he stepped aside for her to enter first.
Sarah noticed how aggravated Jareth was, sitting reading the parchment in his hand. "Trouble?" she asked as she took a seat.
"We've been 'invited' to a court function." He tossed the parchment to her. "What it's not saying is we are being commanded to appear before the court for inspection. They are looking for chinks in our armor."
"And what is the given reason of this 'court function'?" she asked reading the parchment carefully.
Jareth came to her side and read over her shoulder. "They don't say."
"How long are we expected to stay at court?" was her next question.
"They don't say…" he repeated.
"I don't like the smell of this… it smacks of a trap, Sire. Who issued this invitation?"
"They don't say." He took the parchment, "But Father taught me a little trick a long time ago. Now watch, my dear." He placed his hand in the center of the parchment, closed his eyes and said. "Reveal." When he removed his hand, the ink was no longer forming words. Instead a sketch of the person behind the invitation appeared. In this case, it was there faces looking at them "Tatiana, Grizbine, and Lady Voral. She is Grizbine's mother, and sister to my step-mother."
"Now that's a neat little trick." Sarah said looking at the note. "And they don't know you can do that?"
Jareth winked wickedly. "There are a lot of things they don't know I can do."
"Evil child," she teased.
Nodding he returned to his seat. "Shall I tell them where to stick this?"
"No," Sarah shook her head, "I've a better idea. Accept the offer."
"It means being in a room with others like Grizbine," Jareth warned softly.
Sarah smiled. "I'm well over the Morning sickness stage, I'll have Gibbs pack potions to keep me from having an allergic reaction…"
"If we go, Gibbs goes too!" Jareth admonished. "My consort will not be without her Physician. Not this far into her time of travail."
"Travail? Whom are you kidding? I'm as healthy as a horse, ask Gibbs." Sarah protested lightly.
"Gibbs goes or we don't." Jareth announced. "If it was a dinner appearance that would be one thing… but to spend any time at court… I don't trust your care to anyone but Gibbs."
Sarah muttered, "Pushy bastard." He nodded and she continued. "As I was saying. Accept the invitation. Time we saw what cards they hold. However, I do not want to stay long at Court. We have our own Kingdom and its concerns, and our children. Not just my little ones, but the ones in the nursery of our orphanage."
Jareth weighed her words, "What you say has merit." He tapped his chin, contemplating their next move. "I'll send word that we'll be attending the festival for the first day only. We will return to our own castle at the end of the day's festivities. That should satisfy the invitation."
"Just whom am I likely to run into at court?" Sarah asked. "Will your father be there?"
"Not at this time of year," Jareth frowned as he leaned back in his chair. "Father prefers to be away from the silly festivals his wife holds. He's most likely in England or Scotland, seeing to the settlements of Fae in the Above."
"So he does not go in for the frolicking of court?" Sarah made light of the situation. "And your mother?"
He shook his head; "Mother does not care to be at court when Father is absent. She and the High Queen are not the best of friends."
Sarah felt a pang of sadness, "That's too bad. It would have been nice to have a friendly face on our side."
"Friendly face?" Jareth seemed somber, "Oh there'll be a few; not all the court is in Tatiana's sway. Most in fact are loyal to the High King. Even a few of the so called complainants are loyal to my Father."
"So how does one dress to go to the High Court for a festival?" Sarah changed the subject seeing that somber look.
"We'll be expected to change our garments at least two to three times during the one day. We'll arrive in morning garments, change to High Tea garb, and then court gowns for you ladies and court regalia for us men for the evening's dinner and ball." Jareth explained. "During the entire day, you will be watched, scrutinized and criticized. If for no other reason than you happen to be mortal. I will be taunted and goaded and they will try to make me lose my composure."
"Sounds fun," she mocked. "They are expecting you to behave like a brat, is that what you're telling me?" He nodded and she smiled. "Why don't we just turn the tables on them?"
Mismatched eyes filled with mirth. "What do you have in mind?"
"This calls for complete coordination, like a Broadway production! From costumes on to dialog," Sarah stated. "What did you have in mind for us to arrive looking like? I mean what did you plan on wearing?"
"I usually just show up in the Dragon's hide jerkin, and riding breeches…I've never put much stock in trying to impress Tatiana. However, this time I think perhaps we should… you've a good eye, what do you think would make a grand statement with our first Court appearance?"
"Much as I like our 'Owl' garments, they've already seen it. Moreover, our midnight blue is not striking enough to wear to court. Let me think… Dragon's hide…. Is that the jerkin you wore in the Tunnel?" Sarah began to laugh, soft and throaty. "Ohhhhh, I have an idea… and it's just too wicked."
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Tatiana sat lightly upon her throne, so lightly that she nearly appeared to float. Her elegant candlelight gown was splendid; its court train artfully arranged to fall gracefully down the steps of the dais. Lords and Ladies of the court came forward as each name was read off. Though the High Queen schooled her features, one had only to look at her eyes, if one dared, to see that she was perturbed. Even the Ladies in Waiting to the High Queen knew the reason. Her stepson had yet to appear.
Grizbine stood off to the side with his mother. "Perhaps the peacock has decided to decline at the last moment," he mused, knowing that breech of etiquette would cost the Goblin King.
Lady Voral kept her features poised, not allowing any emotion to betray her thoughts or feelings. "Not even Jareth, born to the wrong side of the blanket, would dare offend the High Queen in such a manner." Her slivery voice was but a whisper.
The last of the procession of guests bowed to the High Queen, Tatiana gripped the arms of the throne. How dare the little bastard defy her? 'I shall take such pleasure in seeing your kingdom wrenched from your grip!' she thought to her self. She was about to stand when a blast of trumpets in the entry caught everyone's attention.
Goblins, very tall and impressive in appearance, had entered the grand entry. They stood at perfect attention, blasted the trumpets with the Goblin banners unfurled. The High Queen's Majordomo had a card in his hands, his eyes were popping as he looked at the Goblins who surrounded him. "Jareth, Goblin King and his Consort, Lady Sarah Goblinshimmer." The man read with a shaky voice, wanting to be away from the glaring eyes of the Goblin trumpeter.
Four Goblins, even more impressive and fierce appeared in full armor as honor guard to their King and his lady. Jareth, with Sarah appeared in the entry. Gibbs stood behind them. They began to descend the grand staircase to the sounds of gasps. Sarah had envisioned garments that clearly made a statement. Jareth was wearing a jerkin very like the one he'd worn in the tunnel only more elaborate. The poet shirt he wore this day was made of the finest milkweed threads, his breaches were doe skin. His boots that came to his knee were of fine dragon's hide and matched the jerkin. He wore a circlet on his head, in the center was the symbol of the Labyrinth, matching his amulet that was clearly visible on his chest. In his leather-clad hand was the riding crop with its crystal ornament. As he made his way down the stairs, he heard someone say they had never seen him look more regal.
Sarah was dressed in a gown made of doeskin, her bodice matched his Dragon's hide Jerkin. Her hair was dressed with vines from the Labyrinth, and her only visible ornaments were the beads from Grizbine. What no one saw was the matching amulet that she had tucked into her bodice. Sarah kept an eye open to look for reactions, it was the High Queen's reaction that pleased Sarah the most. Tatiana sat with her mouth slightly dropped as the Royal representatives of the Goblin Kingdom approached.
Grizbine smiled a slow grin upon seeing Sarah was wearing his little 'gift'. He surmised that his spell of enticement was beginning to have its way with the stupid mortal woman. Soon he would be able to wrench the kingdom from the bastard king, and then move on to the enjoyable task of torturing the consort, and dismembering her children. He inclined his head slightly as the pair passed, not wanting to tip his hand.
Sarah did not flinch, did not falter, did not even shift her grip. She and Jareth moved with well-practiced precession. Upon reaching the foot of the dais, they bowed as one. The High Queen was speechless for a brief second.
"Welcome to Court, King Jareth. We are pleased that you have accepted our…invitation."
Jareth placed on foot on a stair, knowing he was majestic and imposing. "Good High Queen, we are only too pleased to join you for this day of Festival. However, as our Kingdom and its needs come first and foremost, we alas will only be here this one day."
Tatiana narrowed her eyes, but she chose not to voice opposition. Members of the court were already praising his words. Instead, she inclined her head and kept silent. She watched as her stepson and his mortal moved away from the dais.
Jareth led Sarah toward some Fae who were looking at him with admiration. He kissed the cheek of one elderly Fae Lady and turned to Sarah. "My dear, this is Lady Gwyndolyn, and her husband Lord Banyon, my Godparents. My Lord and Lady, this is Sarah, my Consort."
Sarah had been told over the days leading up to the festival which of the Courtiers were loyal to Oberon. She liked Lady Gwyndolyn on sight. She curtseyed deeply, "My Lord and Lady."
Gwyndolyn was charmed. "My dear, you move so graceful for a mortal. Why we've been given to believe your kind were all clumsy and ill bred." The matronly Fae placed an arm about Sarah as she rose. "I'm so pleased to see we have been misinformed."
"My Lady has never been Above?" Sarah asked quietly, keeping her tone respectful.
"Alas no," the woman lamented. "I've never had cause to go gallivanting above…" She tucked her arm into Sarah's. "Perhaps your good manners will rub off on that scamp Goblin King! Come you simply must see the Queen's roses. They are indescribable."
Banyon smiled, watching his wife take the mortal under her protective wing. He looked at the boy King. "Well, well, well, you cleaned up nicely."
"Sarah's doing," Jareth admitted.
"I see, I half expected you to show up with some outlandish get up, or not at all." The elder Fae man, with eyes the color of violets, looked to where his wife was leading the mortal girl. "Got her with child, did you?"
"Yes."
The man looked at his Godson; both men had a look of pride on their faces. "Your father will be pleased."
"I should hope so." Jareth cast a wayward glance toward his stepmother. "Reactions here?"
"Mixed," growled the elder. "Some have the effrontery to suggest the child may not even be yours."
Depravity danced in the center of two mismatched eyes. "I assure you, Uncle Banyon, it is most defiantly mine." His voice was like velvet as he proudly made the declaration to his Godfather. "I see Aunt Gwyndolyn is already enchanted with my Sarah." The pair of handsome men joined their ladies in the garden.
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Grizbine watched Sarah in the garden with the old woman. She fingered the beads and played with them. He was pleased his spell was working. This day he would put the next step of his depraved scheme into action. Soon his cousin would have no Kingdom, and no consort, and best of all, no heir. Grizbine snorted to himself, gleefully.
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Unseen eyes watched, and waited. He too would put into action the next step of his plans.
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Lady Gwyndolyn was seated in the garden. She looked at Jareth approaching with her husband. "My dear, I must complement you on the garments you've chose to wear this morning. I have never seen my Godson look so Kingly. I know it has to be your doing. Left to his own, the dear boy will always choose something overly dramatic."
Sarah smiled ruefully. "I'd have to say it was a joint effort. I merely suggested some minor changes to his already chosen attire."
Gwyndolyn had a musical laugh. "And modest too. I must say, I'm so thrilled to hear that you and our dear boy are having a child." She looked as Sarah's middle, leaned forward and held out her hand, "May I?" Sarah nodded and sat quietly as Jareth's Godmother placed her hand over her. "Bless you," Lady Gwyndolyn whispered. Looking up at Sarah, she whispered again. "Bless you both!"
Banyon placed his hands gently to his wife's shoulders. "My dear, we must spend some time with some of the other guests." He looked at Sarah. "You are seated at our table this evening. I look forward to seeing you at dinner. Jareth, behave." Banyon helped his wife to her feet and they strolled back to the throne room.
Jareth took Gwyndolyn's vacate seat. "How did you like my Godmother, Sarah?"
"She must be what Disney used as the basis of the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella." Sarah said with merriment. "I adore her."
Jareth laughed. "You got her while she's in a good mood… in a bad one, she's far closer to Maleficent, then a FairyGodmother."
"You're terrible!" Sarah could not help but giggle. "Evil child."
"Are you tired of my Stepmother's roses yet?" He stood up and offered her his arm. "I'd like to show you my favorite spot here at Avalon."
Sarah took his arm, "Avalon… you mean…. Arthur's Avalon?"
"Oh it was ours long before that one was associated with our isle." Jareth ushered her into a doorway, and down a long hall.
Grizbine watched as the pair walked away. 'Enjoy her now cousin, she won't be yours for long.'
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Sarah had changed to a white lawn garden gown. She covered her shoulders with a dusty rose shawl in fine silk. She had a book of poems in her hand and had taken it to one of the fountains to sit and read. Jareth was off talking politics with some of the gathered Kings. One of the Goblin honor guard stayed with Sarah at all times.
Queen Tatiana found Sarah reading quietly. "What has captured your imagination so?" she asked the mortal.
"Shakespeare, Your Majesty." She handed the book to the High Queen. "I like his sonnets."
Tatiana handed the book back brusquely. "I never cared for that man myself."
Sarah could not stop herself. "Well, I do understand that you and Master Will were not on good terms after he… reported certain incidents."
"Incidents indeed," The Queen narrowed her eyes. "He made me look a fool!"
Sarah shook her head, "No, my Lady. Not really."
"How would you know?" The Queen demanded.
"My mother played Helen in a production of Shakespeare in the Park. I was visiting and got to play Peasblossom for two weeks. I had to learn a great deal about you in regards to the play. I never thought of you as a fool." Sarah's rueful smile returned.
"When a woman is dealing with a man bent on vengeance…anything can happen."
The High Queen gave thought to Sarah's words. "Yes, that is true."
Sarah ventured on. "I don't think Master Will was trying to make you out a fool. I think he was more interested in showing the pain Oberon was in. He was a man after all, he could hardly really understand how a woman would feel about having the dirty laundry placed out for all to see, now could he?"
Tatiana shook her head, "You should read Tennyson instead." She moved on through the garden to speak to other guests.
Unseen eyes watched with glee, the girl had held her own against the High Queen and had not resorted to insults. The unseen voyeur was pleased.
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Goblin guards escorted Sarah to Jareth's chambers in the palace. She had been ordered by Gibbs to take a rest before the long events that made up the evening of the festival. Gibbs himself tucked her into the bed and sat guard over her while she rested. Jareth entered and laid a finger to his lips, warning Gibbs to keep still. Quietly Jareth joined Sarah under the feather comforter that she lay under. He placed his arm protectively over her and closed his eyes as well. Sarah, feeling and knowing his warmth, moved closer. Gibbs quietly excused himself to go to the rooms that had been prepared for his use during the state visit.
Sarah opened her eyes as the light was going gold and rose. She rolled to her side and looked at Jareth. "Now what happens?" she asked in a sleepy voice.
"There's going to be a state dinner, then entertainment and dancing. Then we go home," he said, brushing stray hairs from her face. "I don't think the Goblins are at all happy about being here."
"Well look at the way most of the court has treated them." She was frowning deeply. "I saw one man literally jump out of the way of one of our honor guard."
"I know," Jareth sat up shaking his head. "Even when my Father is here, they treat the Goblins like monsters."
Sarah placed a hand to his back. "They don't live with them like we do. They don't see them."
"Are you enjoying your day at Court?"
Sarah looked at the man, "Yes and no."
He smiled as he too was not really enjoying the events at court. He would rather be in his own Kingdom. "We have a bit of time to get ready. Most of the court will be taking long sweetly scented baths and spending hours dressing."
"I'm all for a scented bath," Sarah teased, "As long as it's not Ode to Bog."
Jareth snorted. "Or Euphoria?"
"God forbid!"
The servants they had brought with were already getting things ready for the evening. Faun had drawn the bath and had the towels ready for her mistress. Jareth handed her a flask of precious oils to be poured into the bath.
Sarah raised a brow. "What's that?"
"Desert Sands oil. Tonight you will wear this scent." Jareth instructed.
"It's not my scent." Sarah made a face and wiggled her nose. "I really don't care for that scent."
"I know," Jareth nodded. "But Grizbine is very fond of this scent." He turned to Faun, "See to it your mistress has a good long soak and then help her dress. Sarah there will be a bottle of this scent on your dressing table for you to wear this evening."
"Oh, alright." She went off to the bath with her maid.
Jareth entered the sitting room to hear two Goblin guards snarling at someone's servant. He snapped his fingers and the guards backed away from the Page. The frightened youngster was still shivering. "What business have you here?" Jareth asked in a harsh voice.
"My master sends his complements." The boy had in his hand a package. "For the Lady."
Jareth did not want to take his rage out on the boy, "Put it on the table and go. The Lady is indisposed." The young man placed the box down and scurried out. Even standing across the room Jareth could feel the enchantments on the box. "Dolt," he muttered as he waved a hand to dismantle the spell work. He picked up the box and took it into the bath to Sarah. "Your suitor sends you another gift, Sarah."
Sarah looked up from the tub with a disgusted look on her face. "I'd have thought he'd be tired of this game by now."
"He's under the impression his spells are not being detected." Jareth shrugged. "He gives me as little credit as he can." He motioned to her he was opening the box, she waved that she didn't care. "A fan," he held up the gaudy item. "Not in the best of taste, but then you are dealing with a man who has no taste."
"I'm afraid living with you six months has spoiled me." She looked at the fan. "I would never pick something like that for myself. It's gaudy."
"I see you more as a lace or silk fan type." Jareth knelt at the tub. "Do you know how to use one of these?"
"Jareth, my mother is an Actress! I know many things about fans. I know the Spanish way of using one, and the Japanese way of using one. Pick one."
"Sarah," Jareth tapped the fan to his chin, "I've a little assignment for you." He opened the fan with a flick of his wrist. "Do you think you could play the coquette? A dumb blond coquette?"
Sarah leaned back in the tub, "Does the tower of Piazza lean?"
"Wicked woman," he grinned. "I want you to have him drooling!"
"Anything you want, Sire." She splashed the water in the tub.
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Sarah stood before the mirror as Faun put the final touches on her hair ornaments. Jareth stood back watching. "Don't you think we should tart you up a bit?"
"No, subtle is the best route, not slap in the face," Sarah countered. The gown was burgundy silk, with white lace accents and a white lace center panel. The gown was empire in style and full enough that Sarah's condition was not overly evident. "You want him to think I'm stupid, not loose." She looked over at his garments; they were slightly reminiscent of the ones he'd worn in the crystal ballroom, only instead of being in Midnight blue he was in burgundy and white. His fitted breeches tucked neatly into the handsomely cuffed burgundy leather boots that came up to his knees. He wore the circlet upon his brow. Sarah nodded her approval. "You look like a King."
"I am a King." He tapped her nose. "Whether or not I look like one." He motioned Faun, who brought the red slippers to Sarah. "Wear these."
Sarah looked down. "Must I?" he nodded and she slipped her feet into the footwear. "Now, hand me the fan…I want to have it in my hands when we go down."
Jareth handed her the fan. "I've placed an illusion on the fan," he explained. "Should that scoundrel get too close, he'll never know the fan was tampered with. All you have to do is pretend to be charmed by him. Flirt, but not outrageously. Play coy. Act as if you need to be…coaxed and enticed."
Sarah nodded as he gave instructions. "Do I have to dance with him?"
"No." Jareth said firmly. "All your dances belong to me. As far as the rest of the court is concerned, you're my mortal pet, my toy, my property. No one, not even Grizbine will ask you to dance without my permission. He's not likely to be so bold."
"How am I to behave toward you?" Sarah tilted her head to one side. "If I'm being enchanted by his gifts, am I supposed to be acting different towards you?"
Jareth shook his head. "The spell he used does not work that way. Your feelings towards me are not changed by his enchantments. The idea is that he wants to discredit you." A gloved hand slipped under her chin. "Remember they don't really know the mortals as well as my Father and I."
"You're sure he'll never suspect that we've found him out?" The woman sounded worried for a moment.
Mismatched eyes softened, then went hard as steel. "Where's the Williams backbone?" Sarah's head snapped up, Jareth put on his haughty face. "That's what the court needs to see. The fiery vixen whom has captured the heart of the Goblin Kingdom."
Sarah flicked open the fan, "Let's get this show on the road."
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The tables in the grand dinning room of the palace were set in the finest linens, crystal and sliver and gold. Sarah looked at the Lords and Ladies that were in the room. Court dress didn't seem to reflect just one time period. The fashions of a hundred ages were represented. Some of the Ladies wore gowns that were Grecian, some wore Elizabethan, even others wore Regency styled gowns. The men's garments were just as varied.
Sarah was relived that she and Jareth had been assigned seats with Lord Banyon and Lady Gwyndolyn. Jareth on the other hand seemed to be looking at the High Queen's table with a clear measure of resentment.
"Tamp down that fire," warned Banyon as quietly as possible. "Your Father is not present, and she is free to do as she chooses."
"She ignores court protocol!" Jareth took his seat.
Lady Gwyndolyn frowned at her Godson. "Boy, did you think she'd have you and your mortal at her table?" She turned to Sarah. "No offence, my dear, but the High Queen has reason to be prejudice."
"More of the High King's high jinx?" Sarah looked unperturbed.
Banyon nodded. "Besides this scamp, my brother has several mortal offspring."
Sarah blinked. "Brother?" she croaked out.
Banyon glared at Jareth. "Did you tell her nothing?"
The Goblin King blinked innocently. "I may have omitted a thing or two."
Gwyndolyn giggled. "Jareth!"
He shrugged, "Sarah, Lord Banyon is the youngest of my Father's brothers."
"Now he tells me." She tapped him with her fan. "Thanks for making me look an idiot." She looked at the elder man. "Forgive me my reactions."
"I could forgive you anything." Banyon raised his goblet and toasted Sarah. "To our newest family member and the offspring she bears us."
His wife raised her glass as well, "Here, here."
Jareth also toasted his consort. "To Sarah, and our child."
Sarah, who could not drink, toyed with her fan. "Thank you." She blushed.
Banyon pointed to the Queen's table. "If my brother was here, Lady Voral and her son would not be seated so close to the throne. By rights, the High King's kin should be up there. However we have more important things to do than to feel sorry for ourselves." Banyon leaned toward Sarah, knowing the eyes of the High Queen were watching. "That little bundle you are delivering is far more important."
Lady Gwyndolyn nodded. "And a far better thorn in the side of the Queen's plans."
Jareth watched the High Queen and Grizbine during the dinner. Several times Grizbine cast his eyes on Sarah. The look froze Jareth's blood; Grizbine's eyes held more than hate, they held malevolence in their murky depths.
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The High Queen had called for a Fae Ring. After the dinner and entertainment, the guests were led to the consecrated ring. Within the ring there was dancing and singing. Jareth led Sarah to an outcropping of rocks that made a natural bench where she could observe the merriment.
"You are not Fae," he whispered at her ear. "You would not be allowed to enter the ring." His voice was angry.
"She means to insult you?" Sarah asked.
"No, she insults you," Jareth muttered.
Sarah's face was blank. "I see."
Jareth breathed softly at her ear. "Just remember you can not enter the ring, no matter who invites you. I'm going to leave you here for a few moments…our bait is set."
Sarah nodded as he moved away from her to speak with some of the other observers.
Sarah didn't have long to wait. She could sense the approach even before she saw him moving toward her. Unfurling the fan, she began to fan herself with precise motions. Grizbine wore a look of triumph on his smarmy face. He bowed toward Sarah.
"I see you have accepted my apology at long last." He growled at her.
Sarah batted her lashes at him innocently. "They were peace offerings were they not?"
Grizbine placed a hand over his heart. "I swear to you, good Lady, I never meant to disturb your garden."
'And I'm Sophia Loren.' Thought Sarah. "For the sake of peace in the family, I thing accepting your gracious gifts is the least I can do." She flirted gently, quietly, with deceptive motions.
Grizbine looked down and smiled, seeing his slippers on her feet. 'Stupid Mortal female'. He thought to himself. 'Soon you'll forget all about your vows to my cousin. Soon you'll be begging for mercy.' "Would my Lady care to dance?" He motioned toward the ring.
Sarah smiled. "Oh I'd love to, but I'm afraid I cannot."
Grizbine pouted. "You refuse me?"
"Oh no, not you, but I can not dance within that ring… I'm not Fae, silly. "She tapped him coyly with the fan.
He laughed. "Oh that's just a silly rule no one ever pays attention to." He held out a gloved hand. "Come, I'll show you."
Now it was Sarah's turn to pout. "I am afraid I still cannot…Jareth ordered me to sit her until his return." She let her lower lip tremble a bit.
Grizbine had not expected the woman to be obedient. "I see," he looked to where Jareth was speaking to another of Oberon's supporters. "What he does not know…"
"Silly." Sarah tapped him again, "He's got eyes in the back of his head."
Grizbine snorted, as the idea tickled him. Perhaps he'd place a pair of eyes in the back of Jareth's head for him…maybe green ones. "Ah well, I had hoped to dance with you. Perhaps the next time you grace my good Aunt's court."
"Perhaps," Sarah extended her hand, and smiled coquettishly.
Grizbine bowed over her hand after a moment's hesitation, and placed his lips to the back of it. "Good Night, Lady Sarah."
"Good Night," she didn't even speak his name. As he left she fought the urge to wipe her hand on her gown.
Jareth returned to her side, "Ready to go home?"
Keeping the coy look on her face but adding a touch of remorse, she nodded. "Yes, Sire."
Jareth held out a hand to her, and guided her down a path to where the High Queen was sitting watching the festivities. "We have come to thank you for your hospitality, and bid you good night, Stepmother."
Tatiana looked at the pair. "Leaving so soon?"
"Sarah needs her rest." Jareth said firmly.
"Of course." The High Queen looked at Sarah's middle. "Of course. Good Night then." She turned to the Courtier at her side, dismissing the young couple completely.
A few steps away, the Goblin Kingdom party gathered, Jareth whisked them away with the wave of a hand. When they arrived at the throne room Sarah, headed towards the stairs. "Where are you going?" Barked the Goblin King as she sped off.
"To wash my hand!" She barked back. "That toad slobbered all over it."