Chapter 3. The storybook wedding

After the ball announcing their betrothal, Jareth found keeping company with the young princess was not too much of a chore. She was bright, and knew how to keep a good conversation going. She seemed to be genuinely delighted by the antics of the Goblins, and good natured about the little pranks they began to play on her. She also very well understood when he was called away on a mission dealing with a wished away child. On more than one occasion she sat quietly at his side when he returned.

He grew to be fond of her, he had to admit. He looked forward to the visits that were becoming more and more frequent. His servants seemed to pay extra attention when the Princess was visiting. He enjoyed her company when he had to attend court functions. She took some of the sting out of the chore. He appreciated that she didn't ask too many questions about what it was that troubled him so. She didn't cling to him like other female Fae had, nor did she seem overly impressed with him. She simply kept him company pleasantly.

During the early days of the courtship, her father accompanied her often on her visits. After a little more than a year, Prince Stephan made fewer and fewer trips away from his palace. He was always present when Jareth would make a visit to the little Principality. Yet as time drew on, even Jareth could see the Prince's strength was failing him.

It had been nearly three years since the ball announcing the betrothal; Jareth was making a visit to the Prince when the subject of a wedding came up.

"My boy," Prince Stephan had asked Jareth to his private study for a talk. "I'm sure you're aware that my days draw to a close." He sat uncomfortable in a chair across from the young King. "My greatest joy is that you will be protecting my people and my daughter."

Jareth had noticed the decline of the man who was centuries younger than his own Grandsire. Lines had developed in the face of the Prince, deep and haggard. The once noble features were now showing stress and pain. The wonderful voice had turned into a ragged rasp, and breathing seemed a chore. "I am honored to be their protector, Prince Stephan."

Long fingers trembled as they passed a parchment to the younger King. "I should like to see my daughter wed before I pass."

Mismatched eyes read over the parchment, it was the plans for a royal wedding to be held in the prince's chapel. "This seems reasonable." He looked at the man struggling to maintain his demeanor. "Have you discussed these plans with Princess Adrianna?"

"My daughter knows that I am doing what is best for her, and for our homeland." Prince Stephan whizzed. "You will wed, and on the day of my death, my Principality will formally become part and parcel of the Goblin Kingdom." He pointed to the parchment. "It's all there, I've signed it, and it was witnessed by the High King. He too is pleased."

Jareth looked at the parchment. "I see that you've set the wedding for Samhian…that's only a few days away."

"My physicians feel my decline will not impede the proceedings." The man winced in pain. "I regret that I must demand that you wed here, instead of in a King's chapel. I've done what I could to make the ceremony and reception grand enough, but alas… I don't have the strength to make a journey not even to your kingdom, Sire."

Jareth nodded his understanding. "Stephan, Grandfather has kept your illness as quiet as he could. Nevertheless your absence at court events has begun to be noticed. There has been some talk, which has been squelched as quickly as it rose. Your honor and that of the Princess will never be in question."

The Prince nodded. "I've asked the High King to oversee the proceedings… no one will dare question a marriage that has been blessed by him. It will seem less rushed to, with the High King being in attendance. "

Again Jareth read over the parchment. "Your list of guest and dignitaries is well thought out."

"A father's pride," Stephan said soberly. "I give to you my greatest treasures… my lands and my daughter. I want it witnessed by the most important of our ilk."

Reaching over Jareth placed his hand soothingly on the now skeletal arm of the prince. "It will be as you wish, old friend."

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Princess Adrianna sat quietly in her private garden. She knew that King Jareth was meeting with her father. She also knew her father was presenting the arrangements for their wedding to the young King. It was a great relief to her that she was not expected to attend the meeting. She looked down at the jeweled pendant the King had presented to her shortly after the announcement of their engagement. She wore it so all would know and understand she was spoken for, the intended of a King. However she was not happy with the deception. Dishonesty and trickery were not something she approved of, and the engagement was only a sham. It was a fraud.

Her eyes had shed tears, but were now dry. Her heart had cried out against the transgression against truth, only to be quelled by the fact that she was a Royal Princess whose duty to her people was more important than any little feelings she may have.

Adrianna was grateful to Jareth, for he never pressed her to behave in any other fashion than that which was comfortable to her. He was good to her, and she was sure he'd remain kindly. She loved him, for he was after all her King, the protector of her and her father. But she didn't love him as a woman should love the man she was about to wed. She felt dreadful sentencing him to a marriage that would be loveless. Even worse knowing what she did, the secrets that her father had kept from Jareth. It would be not only a loveless marriage, but a marriage in name only. She would keep her own council, and keep things between herself and the king as plutonic as she could.

Jareth cleared his throat to alert her of his presence when she turned to look his way, he smiled softly. "You seemed millions of miles away, my dear. Thinking of our wedding?"

"Yes." She said quietly, with sadness. "I was."

Jareth moved toward her, taking her hands into his own. "I wish there was a happier way of doing this, Adrianna. But your father is…."

"My father is dying." She closed her eyes but spoke with honesty and strength. "He's using all his strength to stay alive to see us wed. He would have asked for you to marry me sooner but dreaded what talk may have come."

"Your reputation will not suffer, I promise." Jareth informed her. "I've agreed to your father's requests. The wedding will take place here in his chapel on Samhain."

"Thank you, Sire." The little Princess said quietly. "You are very good to us."

"I wish there was more I could do, Adrianna… my own healer has informed me there is no cure for your father's ills." Jareth felt a gentle protectiveness toward the girl.

"You have been a good friend to my father and to me." She said without much feeling. "We are most grateful."

Jareth released her hands, "You seem troubled, little friend." His concern was genuine.

The Princess stepped away from the King; her eyes looked about her garden. "I love this place…" she said sighing. "It's my sanctuary…" She walked toward her roses. "A place where I've always found peace, but there is no peace to be found here tonight."

Taking a seat on one of the little benches, the handsome King looked at her with kindness. "How can I ease your troubles?"

Adrianna cast her eyes, with their cornflower irises toward the man. "You don't love, and I don't love you." She said stating a fact that they had never hidden from one another. "What I'm about to ask of you will seem very heartless and unkind to a man who has done everything to ensure my protection."

"Ask." Jareth sighed.

Taking a seat across from the King, the little Princess faced him. "I would request that ours be a marriage in name only."

"I beg your pardon?" Jareth had not been prepared for such a statement.

Sweet lips pursed as she continued. "While I am very fond of you, and I do enjoy your company…I don't love you… and for me…it would be a grave sin to be with you in a conjugal manner."

"I see." His face hardened. "Is there someone else?"

The Princess smiled sadly. "No, Jareth there is no one else."

"Then I don't understand, Adrianna." He stood up and paced, frowning. "Arranged marriages are nothing new to our kind. You will be a Queen!"

"No." Adrianna shook her head. "I don't want to be a Queen. I prefer to keep my own title as Princess."

Jareth paused. "You are refusing not only my bed, but my throne as well?"

"Yes." She said firmly.

Jareth sat down again. "We are expected to… consummate the marriage."

"What happens after the blessing of the vows is our business... Between you and I, Sire. It is not part of the marriage contract that my father and your grandfather came up with." The girl spoke as one who'd thought about this subject a long time. Her voice was reasonable and respectful. "I will always be respectful and dutiful to you as my husband…but I will not share a bed with you…ever."

"Adrianna…I'm a man…and I have….needs…" He closed his eyes, embarrassed that he'd thought she was the answer to closing out the memory of another.

She stood up. "I'm not unaware of the lusts and sins of the flesh, Jareth… nor do I expect you to abstain. I only ask that you be… discreet."

"If we do not consummate…" He paused trying to stay reasonable. "There will be no heir."

"You don't need me to have an Heir!" The girl scoffed. "You can name any child born of you or adopted by you as heir…I do know the laws, Sire."

Jareth sighed. "You expect me to pretend we have a normal marriage."

"You've pretended that we've a normal engagement." She reminded him gently. "Jareth, you don't love me…you can not use me to cleanse you of the passions you feel toward someone else. That would be a sin against Mother Universe."

The Goblin King looked at his Princess. "An arranged marriage that is a marriage in name only…" He sighed. "If I agree to this, Princess, what is my compensation?"

"I will be your wife, I will sit in court and support you…I will be your perfect hostess and your helpmate." She said firmly. "I will not be scolding if your eyes wander and you play games in other beds. I will look the other way."

"And should I bring a mistress to court?" He asked.

"If I can, I will tolerate her presences." She promised. "Do you have someone in mind?"

Jareth shook his head. "I've had little desire to be with anyone for some time now, Adrianna."

"I know someone hurt you." She said mournfully. "I hope in time you will be able to extend your goodness toward some lucky woman."

Jareth stood up, glaring down at her sweet face. "Anyone as long as it's not you, is that it?"

Ashamed she looked down. "I will not share a bed with you."

Exasperated and more than just a tad angry he snorted. "Fine. We will wed, and never bed." He turned from her. "I will not be back here until the day of our wedding, Adrianna. I don't want to see you until than."

She watched the prideful man who was insulted leave her garden. "I'm so sorry Jareth…but it's for the best…. I would never allow you to be a victim as I am." She stood up feeling weaker than she'd felt in a long time. "I will protect you, my King, just as you protect me."

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Jareth sat alone in the darkness of the puzzle room. He'd known it was one place he would not be disturbed. Even Gandar didn't like to come into this chamber. The disquiet was ever present like a great dark veil. Jareth had given up wondering how even now, nearly three years later, her scent hung fresh in the air. Clinging to the walls like ivy or moss. He had made a stop to his own chamber to retrieve the crystal orb. Often when he came here he'd bring it with using the excuse he was just going to peep in on the boy.

He sat with the orb spinning over gloved fingers. He had not looked down into its murky surface. He merely sat on the stairs with the orb spinning endlessly. For once his mind was not totally on Sarah's rejections. This time he sat contemplating the decree of his soon to be bride.

"In name only," he repeated in a harsh groan. "Never to share a bed…no issues, no…" He brought the orb up to his forehead, and closed his eyes. "Because it would be a sin against Mother Universe," he uttered disgustedly. "As if I care what is insulting to the Universe." His anger and pain consumed him. "Sarah Williams." He said then looked into the orb he lowered to eye level.

The orbs interior fogged, then showed the girl in question. Her face was worried, tear stained and her eyes were red from hours of endless tears. Jareth could see she was sitting in a hospital waiting room. On her lap was the little boy, he too was red eyes. Jareth refused to feel sympathy for the girl, though he didn't like seeing the little boy's pain. Compassion for the girl may have been out of the question, but not for the boy. He listened carefully to the sounds surrounding the pair. Pacing a short distance from them was the woman who was Sarah's stepmother.

A man in a long white linen coat joined them. He shook his head and told them to go in while there was still time. The orb vision followed them. The woman in pink with strawberry blond hair, the boy held in Sarah's arms and Sarah walking like a person in a trance. They entered the dimly lit room where a man lay in a bed attached to tubes and cords. The woman touched his forehead, tenderly. The children on the other side of the bed both reached out hands to touch their father.

Jareth could see the changes that time had wrought to both the boy and his sister. He was no longer they little babe in arms, he was now a wide eyed tot instead of a toddler. Even though the pain and sadness one could see how handsome a child he was. Jareth felt the pain of separation yet again stabbing him like a knife. He would have saved the child from the pain he was suffering now if he could.

The changes in the girl were more noticeable. Gone was the self-centered creature who's cruel eyes had tortured him in those last moments here in the puzzle room. Gone was the girl, who played with costumes and toys in the park. A young woman had replaced the child. Her sadness was like a cloak about her, making her seem even more regal to the King watching her. Her face had lost the childishness, and now she was becoming an adult. She was being rushed into adulthood by tragedy, and trying to be graceful about it. Her body language said she was more concerned with the boy than her own pain. Jareth wondered if that could be true, had she changed so much in so short a time?

Her face was still pleasing, he heart breakingly admitted. Her eyes though not cruel, were not sympatric and caring, and even more beautiful than he'd remembered or imagined. Her mouth had lost its childish pout and was now full and generous. The color of the lips were pale with pain and sadness but he wondered if they were as soft as they appeared. She had clearly not had any sleep in a while, and her face was drawn…but so beautiful to him that he had to fight the urge to go to her.

The machine attached to the man beeped…beeped…and then whined. The Blond woman sobbed and fell upon the man. The girl hugged the boy to her heart and sobbed into his sweet neck. The boy looked confused and frightened and sad. The doctor turned the whining machine off, and hung his head in sorrow. Jareth knew, Sarah's father had left his body, his soul was making the great journey. For one moment he allowed himself to feel sorry for her, and then it was gone.

The doctor ushered them from the room. "I'm sorry Karen… we did everything we could." He was saying to the Blond woman.

"I know, Dr. Greg." She sobbed. She looked at Sarah and the boy and closed her eyes. "What happens now?"

The doctor explained there were arrangements that had to be seen to. He suggested that Sarah take the boy home. Karen looked at the girl and nodded. Wordlessly Sarah picked up her handbag and the boy's things and accepted the keys to the family car. Karen said she'd take a taxi home.

Jareth placed the orb on the stair he was seated upon. The urge was too strong…He looked toward the window, the same one he'd looked out often. In the twinkling of a star he transformed from man to owl form. The white wings spread and he took flight out the window leaving the orb on the stair. Swiftly he sped toward the Labyrinth and the portal between his world and hers.

He knew the way, even though he'd not used it in the last few years. He past the park, her park where he'd watched her at play with the old dog that played all the parts opposite her. Swans still swam peacefully in the little pond. The old stone bridge still stood silently giving witness. He flew past the town, with its little shops and houses on neatly arranged streets. Ahead of him was the old Victorian, looming in the darkness. The trees that had been there were there still and he easily moved into their branches as he had done three years prior.

The car Sarah drove pulled into the driveway, she stepped out and around. Opening the door she took the boy up into her arms, kissing his tears away lovingly. "Oh Toby." She whispered softly. She carried him into the house and up the stairs to the room he now used. She used the wall switch to turn on the lights as she entered the room. From the trees the eyes of an owl followed her movements. It moved closer on the branches to see in the window that was open to allow air in.

"Is Daddy really gone?" The boy asked as his sister changed him for bed. She looked down into the four year old's little face.

"Yes, honey boy… Daddy's gone." She was fighting back her own tears for the sake of her brother.

"Where did he go?" the child's voice asked. "He was still in bed…."

Sarah sat down on edge of the bed. "Daddy left his body… that special spark that was within him, that made him… unique… that's called a soul, Toby…and Daddy's soul was tired.. it could not remain here…His body was used up…" She brushed the strands of stray hair off the boys forehead. "Daddy's soul went to be where he could watch over us…always…"

Toby frowned. "But I want him here."

"I know." Sarah sobbed. "So do I." She looked at the window but could not see though her tears. "Daddy couldn't stay…but I'm here, Toby…I'm here."

The boy sat up his arms opening to his sister. "Tell me a story, Sarah… Not the kind mommy tells…they aren't as good as yours…tell me about the girl and her brother…"

Sarah nodded, "Ok…but let's get Lancelot," She stood up and went to the boy's dresser where he hid the love worn bear from his mother. Her dislike of the bear over the years had turned to spiteful hate. "Here he is…" She tucked him under the blanket with the little boy. "He's a very special bear you know…" she began. "He knows the languages of the teddy bears, and the fairy's and the gnomes."

Jareth moved to the end of the branch, then hopped over to the window sill to see better and hear.

"And the Goblins?" the little boy yawned, worn out by the days events. "Lancelot knows the Goblins right? He was friends with their King."

Sarah nodded, "That right. Lancelot is an enchanted bear, and was best friends with the King. The King sent Lancelot to live with the girl, to protect her and teach her….but she was not very smart and didn't learn the right words…." She wiped tears from her face. "She didn't know the power of words… and in a moment of anger said words that sent her little brother far away. Lancelot knew she was foolish, and begged the Goblin King, his friend to help the girl… she was given a chance to save her brother…"

Toby yawned again. "Though dangers untold… and hardships unnumbered…" His eyes fluttered.

Sarah stroked his forehead. "Go to sleep Toby…" She whispered then kissed him as he fell peacefully asleep.

Jareth watched her, wondering if he'd ever understand women.

"I'm sorry Toby."She said quietly to the sleeping boy. "I had no idea that saying …my right words would cause such trouble."

Jareth heard the snickers in the walls. 'Goblins?' he thought to himself.

'Say yer right words!' one snickered. 'Say it.'

Owl eyes opened wide, and he wondered what the girl would do.

Sarah heard the voices, she always heard the voices. It was one of the things that had caused so much trouble between her and Karen. Karen had found her talking to a wall once and after that Sarah was more careful. Sarah knew that Karen was at the hospital and Toby was asleep. She stood up and looked at the wall where the sound came from. "Go away!" she snapped. "I won him back… and he's mine!"

'We'll take him away!' a dark voice threatened. 'And you'll be free.'

Sarah placed a hand on the wall. "No…he's mine…and mine he will remain." She sobbed. "I gave up everything for him…all my dreams…all my fantasy….all for him…"

Jareth the owl perched on the sill listened to her words.

'Say yer right words.' Came the taunt.

The girl sunk to her knees, covered her ears and whispered. "My will is as strong as yours…and my kingdom…as great!" she repeated the mantra over and over.

Jareth had heard enough, his wings carried him back though the night air to the castle in the center of the Goblin City. She was in pain, and part of him felt vindicated. He would not allow any other emotion to be present. Vindication would carry him though the next three days he vowed. He picked up the orb and walked to his bedchamber. He placed the orb back into its place of honor. "Bury your dead." He said to the image of the girl still holding hands over ears that could not block out the taunts of Goblins who would never leave her alone. "Live with your pain as I live with mine."

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The Royal procession from the Goblin Castle was a spectacle of great proportions. It began at sunrise with the Royal coach that would convey the King to the palace of his bride. Six dark steeds, an ebony coach and servants from the Fae community, not to mention the Goblin and Hobgoblin honor guards.

Jareth was attired in his most kingly attire, and full Goblin Regalia, including the dark armor breastplate and the seldom worn King's circlet. The Goblin crown was not as grand looking as his grandsire's but it was his. He sat in his coach acknowledging the subjects who'd gathered to watch him on his way. Of all the monarchs who'd served as Goblin King, Jareth was the most beloved. His subjects wished him well.

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Sarah awoke on All Hallows to a dismal rain falling outside her window. She rose from her bed, more tired than when she'd laid down the night before. Her morning bath did little to make her feel better. She dressed in black dress her stepmother had found her, and sat down to braid her long hair, and placed the black crape bow at the nape of her neck. Her eyes had dark shadows that she didn't even try to hide. Her red eyes looked burned out; her lips were paler than ever.

She could hear the sounds of movement, and knew that Karen's family was rising. The house had been invaded with them since two nights before. The day after her father had passed they had descended like vultures. Sarah went down to Toby's room to get him up and dressed. Karen would be far too busy with her sister to worry about the boy. Sarah had taken over taking care of Toby since the family had arrived. She was glad that she didn't have to take care of the other children in the house. She had thought Toby was spoiled when he was a year old, now she thought no one could be more spoiled than Karen's sisters children, the brats.

There was not a thing in Toby's room that they didn't touch and pull at. Except for Lancelot for Toby had hidden him under his mattress to safeguard the bear. Sarah tapped at the boy's door; "Toby, it's Sarah."

"Come in." He said, wiping sleep from his eyes. He looked up at her as she entered. "I don't like that dress." He said completely honestly.

"Me either." Sarah admitted. "But it's your mother's idea." She brushed back his hair. "Lets' get you up and dressed, little man."

"When are they going home?" he asked hearing his cousins run though the hall.

Sarah put a finger to her lips. "Shhhhh. They'll hear you, and I'll get blamed."

"Sorry." Toby said taking off his jammies. "I don't like them."

"I know… I understand." She took his clothes out for the funeral. "But your Aunt Kathy gives your mother comfort."

"I don't see how." The four year old said in a voice years older.

Sarah sat on his bed, took his hand a stated kindly. "It's like you and me, sweetie…"

Toby shrugged.

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Jareth arrived at the palace of Prince Stephan amidst cheering throngs of people. He stepped from his coach to flower petals being tossed his way. Understanding the feelings of the people who were about to become his subjects he gave them a warm smile and a Kingly wave. He climbed up the steps to the entrance of the palace with his men at arms.

Entering the palace he was conducted to rooms where he could rest and refresh himself until the ceremony. The rooms were comfortable, well appointed and he was being treated as an honored guest.

"My boy, you make me very proud." A voice said as the High King entered the room. "Even now our clan gathers to honor you and your bride."

"Has my mother arrived?" Jareth inquired, he'd seen little of her since the announced engagement.

"Yes." Oberon didn't look pleased with his daughter. "She has."

Jareth was amused; it was more often that he was the one getting that look. "Good Lord, what has the woman done?"

"She's dressed in mourning." Oberon's voice was tight.

Jareth began to laugh. "Oh my God," He sat down. "The woman has style!"

"This is not funny…" Oberon complained. "She's making a spectacle of herself." He held up a hand. "Would you not speak to her?"

"Of course," Jareth relaxed. "Send her to me." A tapping at the door announced his mother. She entered the chamber dressed in a long flowing black crape gown. A veil covered her face.

"Really!" Oberon roared. "Daughter you are behaving as if he's gone to the gallows."

Breanna lifted the veil dramatically and sniffed. "He may as well be." She glared at her father; "Sending him to a loveless marriage! It's unthinkable!"

Oberon turned to Jareth, "Talk to her." He commanded as he stormed out.

The woman smiled, satisfied and looked at her son. "You look festive for one entering a devils pact."

Jareth patted the couch he was seated on and waited until his mother took her seat. "Darling, it's not that I don't appreciate your… support…" He pulled the veil off her head. "But you are going overboard."

"Jareth," she took his hand into her own. "You can't tell me you love this girl."

"No, mother, I don't…and she does not love me." He confessed. "But mother, I am a King and I have duties."

"Oh Pooh on duty," Breanna grimaced.

Jareth hugged the Fae woman who'd birthed him. "Mother, I love you. Please dress appropriately for my wedding. Don't give Grandsire an excuse to ban you from the ceremony."

"He would too," sighed the woman conceding. "For you, my son;" She waved a hand and the black crape gown was transformed into her signature color of autumn russet.

Jareth nodded his approval. "Now do try to be pleasant to the girl…"

"I am always pleasant and agreeable to Princess Adrianna." Protested his mother vehemently; "I have nothing against that child…it's your Grandsire I'm having problems with."

Jareth laughed softly. "Well, until the end of this could you cut the old boy a bit of slack, Mother?"

The woman who looked very much like her only child smiled, "For you, Jareth." Eyes that mirrored those of the Goblin King gazed at him. "You seem troubled though my boy, would you care to unburden your soul to your dear old mother?" He shook his head. She stood up, and kissed his forehead. "Rest my boy…I shall leave you to your thoughts." Exiting the room she waited until she was down the hall before she drew a crystal for the air. "Reveal!" she ordered.

Mists in the orb cleared and the vision of a girl with hair dark as a raven's wing appeared. The girl was a vision, even dressed in mourning garments and with red eyes. Breanna studied the orb, "who are you?" she asked softly as her steps slowed. Looking up she saw her father coming toward her. She held the orb out to him, "Who is this girl?"

Oberon glanced at the image, "No one of any concern."

"No one of any concern?" she mimicked. "Father, this is the girl whom Jareth loves."

Oberon took the orb, smashed it against the wall of the corridor where it shattered into fine particles of dust. "Never mention this again. It's over…"

The Daughter of the High King set her jaw as she watched the King of the Fae walk away. "I'll leave it for today…" she promised quietly. "But I will know the full story before this night is spent."

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Sarah and Toby were seated in a pew behind Karen and her sister, and her sister's children. Kathy's children were no better in church than they had been in the Funeral Home. They were demanding and loud and whiney. Kathy had insisted that they sit with her in the pew with Karen, and Kathy was not one to argue with. The Reverend Mr. Morrissey looked shocked, but as he didn't want to upset the widow further said nothing as mourners were coming forward to pay their respects. It was the commotion at the back of the church that drew his attention.

Walking up the center isle of the church, dressed in dignified black tweed was Linda. With her was Jeremy her long time actor boyfriend and right behind her was Steven, Robert's partner.

"Who invited her?" growled Kathy in a nasty tone.

Sarah turned to see her mother, her breath caught. Toby whispered quietly to her "Auntie Linda." He sounded overjoyed at the presences of the Actress.

Linda stepped up to the casket, looked at the Reverend who swallowed hard. She placed her hand on the casket tenderly and bent down to kiss it. Everyone in the church gasped with exception of Karen, who being on sedatives didn't really register what was happening. Defiantly Linda turned and looked sternly, she moved from the casket toward Karen. Her look warned Kathy not to interfere. She bent toward the widow and whispered something in her ear. Karen looked up and nodded to Linda, and thanked her. Linda leaned past Karen and said very clearly to Kathy. "Get those brats of yours out of this pew now! Toby and Sarah belong up here with Karen, not your brats."

Kathy looked fearful, looking at the congregation, and knowing full well that Linda was capable of making a terrible scene just for the sheer pleasure of it. She stood up, and ushered her children out of the pew and into the pew that Sarah and Toby were vacating. Jeremy, amused by Linda taking charge moved into the pew with Kathy and her children. Linda seated Toby next to Karen and then took her own seat beside Sarah. Steven joined Jeremy behind the widow, children and ex-wife of the deceased.

Reverend Mr. Morrissey was looking up to heaven and praying things would remain quiet. Kathy glared at the back of Linda's head during the service. Linda turned only once to shoot a dark look at Kathy's son who was kicking his feet into the seat in front of him. The boy stuck his tongue out at her but stopped kicking.

Sarah's hand was clutched in her mother's.

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Jareth was taking a breath of air on the balcony of his rooms when a Goblin approached quietly. "We wish you and your bride every happiness Sire."

Jareth nodded silently.

The Goblin looked about not wishing his next words to be over heard. "Doth thee wish us to cease?"

Jareth smirked; he knew what the creature was referring to. "I see no reason for you to…cease, do you?"

A wicked grin spread over Goblin lips. "No sire, none at all."

Jareth placed splayed hands on the banister of the balustrade. "You can drive the wench insane for all I care."

"Yes, sire." The Goblin bowed and left his King to his thoughts.

"If I must suffer, so should she." He whispered to the night air as the sun began to sink behind the hillside.

His valet cleared his throat and told him it was time to begin.

Jareth straightened his jacket and made sure the King's circlet was sitting straight. His honor guard was awaiting him in the corridor. They walked in stately magnificence toward the Prince's chapel. The chapel was filled with the dignitaries invited; none had refused the invitation to witness the marriage of the High King's grandson. Jareth and his closest friend Gandar headed the procession. Oberon stood in majesty at the altar, his most splendid garments awaiting the royal couple to be blessed. His pride in his grandson was easy to see, he turned a blind eye to his daughter's displeasure.

Jareth took his place, and turned to await his bride's entrance. Adrianna was indeed everyone's idea of the perfect fairy princess. Even knowing she would refuse his bed, Jareth had to credit her with being a lovely bride. What no one knew would never hurt him, would it? He felt pity for the man escorting the girl to his side. Prince Stephan would be lucky to live out the week; his life force was that weak. But no one here seemed to notice the staggering feet of the man. All eyes were on the beautiful princess. Jareth wondered if there was not some glamour at work here, one that because he was a party to the marriage he was exempt from.

Adrianna placed her hand lightly upon that of the King's as they both knelt before the High King.

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Sarah sat beside Karen, holding Toby in her lap as the minister blessed the coffin containing her father's remains at the grave side. She could hear Kathy complain about being graveside when there was a perfectly good chapel on the grounds of the cemetery. Linda had given up trying to silence the woman and was now openly ignoring her. The Pall bearers placed their carnations on the coffin, Karen and Sarah both placed roses on the lid. One by one the mourners passed by. Kathy stood impatiently waiting for Karen to join her. Linda, along with Sarah and Toby were keeping silent watch as the coffin was lowered into the ground.

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Jareth placed the band of Elvin silver on Adrianna's hand, said his vows and listened to hers being recited. He felt his grandsire's hand place upon his head. Bowed his head to accept the blessing. Rising to his feet he helped the bride to hers.

"Let none set asunder the vows here taken." Oberon said solemnly.

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Sarah began to shake, her knees quivering beneath her like jelly. Toby felt her hand holding his go cold and slack. Her eyes lost focus as the first shovel of dirt was lifted.

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Jareth lifted the veil off Adrianna's face, cupped her face with his hands and placed a chaste kiss upon her lips.

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The dirt as it landed made a dull thick, sickly sound. It was the last thing Sarah heard as the darkness descended upon her. Karen stood in her drugged daze, staring at the girl who slumped down and nearly toppled into the grave. Jeremy seeing her waver had rushed forward past both Karen and Linda, grabbing her back from the brink of the open pit.

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Cold hearted and solemn, Jareth raised his head. It was done, he was married to a woman who didn't love or want him. He was glad his love was sealed in the protection of the orb that was hidden in his chambers. Looking out haughtily at the crowd who'd been invited he felt a perplexing remote emptiness and a sudden urge to turn to owl and take flight. In his deepest inner thoughts he could hear the faint voice whisper, 'escape.'