Okay everyone I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to update, but no I have not abandoned this story, but I have had a lot of family problems arising, hence why there has been no updates, but as promised here is another chapter, and it is my longest chapter thus far. I want to thank all of you who are following, reviewing, and faving this story, it really does mean a lot to me. I realize that there are some things mentioned in this chapter that are not fully explained-it was intentional it is a lead up for the upcoming chapter. Let's see what else, oh the pronunciation for the troll prince is (L-u-t-ge) honestly I hate his character, he's a jerk and unfortunately only one of the several villians I have coming up. Also I am intentionally making the goblins hold a large role in this story, I mean come on he is KING of the GOBLINS after all. I promise all will eventually be revealed.

As I was saying I hope you enjoy this latest chapter.

Please remember to R&R because it is what keeps me writing this story.

P.S. I should be updating my other stories soon too. But my creative juices for this story have been flowing lately so I may stick to this story for a while. I guess we'll see. Take care

Chapter Nine

Sarah glanced down at the dwarf walking next to her, thus far all of her attempts at conversation had been brought to a stop by Hoggle's curt responses, and to say that she was beginning to get frustrated was an understatement. It seemed that perhaps he neither wanted nor needed a friend and was annoyed with her for trying to become one to him. Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed that he had stopped walking and was now standing in front of a door that she had not seen before, without knocking the dwarf grabbed the handle and shoved the door open, it groaned in resistance at the harsh treatment.

Sarah and Hoggle entered the throne room, ready to face the fae monarch only to find it empty, save for a few goblins sleeping scattered across the floor.

"Grr….damn that Jareth! Always a vanishin' whens I needs em'!" muttered Hoggle stomping his foot in annoyance.

"Queeny! Queeny!" shouted the small goblin known as Neats, grabbing onto her hand, tugging it impatiently.

"Yes?" asked Sarah smiling down at the little creature.

"Kingy saids to gives yous dis!" exclaimed the goblin waving an envelope around excitedly.

"Oh, thank you Neats." said Sarah surprised, as she quickly took the note from the little goblin. Sarah stared at the paper in her hand for a moment, almost dreading its contents; did he expect her to re-clean the throne room today? Taking a deep breath she slowly broke the wax seal and opened the envelope. She looked at the bold, beautiful handwriting that danced across the paper glancing at the message briefly, not seeing the words, just the shapes of the beautiful script. Snapping herself back into focus she scanned the letter actually reading the message;

Precious,

I have had to leave for the day on urgent business, and if you happen to meet Hogghead tell him it is official business and to stop his grumbling. I will talk over his concerns when I return. After your impressive efforts theses past few days I think it only fair you be rewarded for your hard work. Consider today a day off, feel free to relax or explore. Enjoy yourself Sarah.

-Jareth

Blinking in shock Sarah glanced back at the note and reread it just to be sure she wasn't imagining things. Shrugging in concession she looked back up remembering the dwarf who was currently staring at her with an odd expression on his face, one that she could not easily discern.

"Is something wrong Hoggle?" she asked confused.

"Jareth sent ya a bloody message, but couldn't be bothered to tell me what the hell he's up to?!" snarled the little man irritated.

"I'm sorry?" asked Sarah uncertain as to how she was to be blamed for this oversight.

"Nothin'…not yer fault." mumbled Hoggle blushing, embarrassed by his outburst.

"If it helps at all, he only said that he had to go on "official business" and that he would talk to you when he got back." said Sarah handing the letter over to him.

"Hmmm…." he growled scanning the note briefly, before handing it back to her.

Sarah looked around the throne room, before looking back at the little goblin that was still clinging to her leg.

"Neats right?" asked Sarah looking to the goblin for confirmation.

"Yes Quenny!" chirped the small goblin who was giggling with excitement.

Sarah was proud of herself she was getting better at remembering and distinguishing the small creatures apart.

"Do you have any ideas on what might be fun to do around here?" asked Sarah, secretly hoping that none of his answers had anything to do with getting dirty or playing with *shudder* chickens.

"Hmmmmmm….." the goblin scratched his head with one hand, while placing the other in his mouth, his brow furrowing in concentration, obviously trying to figure out the best answer to her question. "There's ale—lots of ale! O-Or chasing chickens! That's always funs. We's likes to chase em' rounds an' rounds." giggled Neats, running in circles around Sarah.

Sarah internally groaned, oh yes that sounded like loads of fun, she rolled her eyes. "Uh, well that sounds…er, nice…but is there anyplace you go for fun besides the castle?" asked Sarah looking for any reason to escape the walls of the castle if only for a little while.

"Goblin City's where's the lil' buggers go when they're not terrorizin' the castle." grumbled Hoggle crossing his arms as he stared at the goblin that was still clinging to Sarah.

"Goblin City?" asked Sarah—Jareth had never mentioned that place.

"Yes Queeny, its nots far! Comes I's shows you!" cried Neats grabbing Sarah's hand, tugging her towards the staircase she had used to get to the well. Trying to keep her footing, Sarah completely missed Neats motioning for the other goblins that had been lying around to follow, or how Hoggle trudged behind her, muttering about goblins and their stupidity.

Before she knew it they were outside the grounds of the Goblin King's castle, walking down a poorly paved road, headed towards what she had been informed was Goblin City.

Upon entering the bustling city Sarah stared in awe; it was everything and nothing she had expected. The stores and houses were very rustic, looking almost as warped as the creatures that inhabited it, but just like the creatures it was charming, something that she found beautiful and amazing. The streets where lined with vendors trying to sell their wares, creatures of all shape and sizes rushing about noisily. She smiled to herself as watched the chaos unfold around her. It was incredible—magical to see, back home she had never left the town she grew up in let alone the country, yet here she was in a world that exuded beliefs, behaviors, and beings so very different from her own. In many ways it was a very surreal moment for her. Her attention was brought back to the present by Neats once again tugging on her arm.

"Yes Neats?" asked Sarah grinning, swinging her arm and the little goblin playfully.

"Does Queeny like?" he asked shyly.

"Yes, very much so. Thank you for bringing me here." said Sarah kneeling down next to the little goblin, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle hug.

Hoggle watched her interaction with the goblins with surprise. She handled them as if they were children, generously giving her time and affection to try and understand the little creatures. She seemed unbothered by their dirtiness and rude, sometimes even crude behavior. He was so shocked to see her kneel in the dirt, soiling her skirt just to embrace a goblin in thanks, all he could do was stare. He was even more dumbfounded when the other goblins who had decided to come with them joined in, jumping on her, trying to hug her as well. He had expected her to stand and brush them off, but once again she left him speechless, rather than doing as he had expected she laughed and eagerly returned all of their hugs before standing and addressing them once again.

"So what should we do?" she asked still smiling brightly.

All of the goblins clamored at once talking over each other, trying to be heard.

"Hang on, hang on!" laughed Sarah, who had been unable to discern anything that they had been saying. "One at a time okay?" she chuckled at the goblins before briefly meeting Hoggle's eyes and flashing him a smile.

The goblins nodded vigorously and began fidgeting, fighting their urge to try and talk again.

Sarah looked around, before she spotted a small goblin clinging to her skirt, gently reaching down and picking him up she looked at him and spoke, "What's your name?"

"F-Fice…" stuttered the goblin.

"It's very nice to meet you Fice. What do you think we should do today?" she asked softly, hoping that she was reassuring the little goblin rather than frightening him.

"Go see the chickens!" he shouted out as if he had been bottling up this idea until it burst forth from his mouth.

Sarah fought back a whimper…why did it have to be chickens? Of all the things they could do Fice had to pick chickens. But as she looked around and saw the excitement building in each of them at this idea she surrendered. How could she possibly disappoint them like that? Just be sure though she asked anyway, "Does every one like this idea?"

"Yes!" was the unanimous shout. Nodding her concession, she offered her other hand to another goblin, who anxiously grabbed it, letting him pull her along the street, while Fice firmly wrapped his arms around her neck, holding on tightly. The rest of the goblins following dutifully, some clinging to her skirt, others stomping along her sides, all of them chattering happily.

Sarah looked around and smiled, many of the creatures in the marketplace were staring at her and the goblins as they walked by. Some stared in shock, others in surprise; some stared with both visible on their faces, as if they were uncertain what to make of her small troop. It did nothing to waylay her anxiety; mostly it served to make her even more aware of her differences in comparison to everyone around her. Still she smiled, even managing a nod or two at a few of them, when the goblins abruptly stopped, bringing her to a halt with them.

Jareth sighed—there was nothing he despised so much as trolls, thus being forced to entertain the Lutge, prince of trolls really put a damper on his day. All day he had been showing this thing around this kingdom, and currently they were in the marketplace of Goblin City. This was tedious and irritating. He would rather be at court listening to his subjects' insane babbling then deal with this princeling. He was a troll that word said it all, he was rude, obnoxious, arrogant — need he go on. Worst of all he was following in his father's footsteps which did not bode well for the future of his subjects, or the strained treaty his kingdom currently shared with the trolls, unfortunately there was little he could do about the fact that the Goblin Kingdom shared its southern boarder with the Troll Kingdom. So here he was playing host to the abominable creature, trying to keep his temper in check…his mantra becoming "For the good of the kingdom, for the good of the kingdom…"

"The Goblin Kingdom must have fallen on hard times if this is all your main town consists of, not to mention the type of rabble you allow to live here." snorted Lutge arrogantly as they passed a vendor selling pots.

"Not really no." Jareth bit out through his clenched teeth. He let out a quiet snort, as if this prince had any right to be commenting on his kingdom. This princeling understood nothing of his subjects or their culture, yet he dared to state that it was left wanting! He was a king, and this prince thought his opinion was worth noting. As if this troll had any room to talk. He was short, barely reaching Jareth's shoulder, and like all trolls he had a bulging stomach that the buttons of his clothes strained against and a nose that took up most of his face. His teeth were yellow and crooked, and he had no hair, like all trolls he lost most of it when he reached puberty; and yet he talked to him, a king as if his subjects were somehow so far beneath him. At least his subjects for the most part were wholly sweet creatures, which more than made up for their appearances, unlike Lutge who was hideous on both the outside as well as the inside.

Jareth groaned, this was going to be a long day, exhaling slowly he once again began to recite his mantra in his head, when his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the troll prince's abrupt halt. Jareth looked over at the prince surprised by his silence, following his line of vision, he tried to spot what had caught the trolls attention, but before he had a chance Lutge and his guards rushed into the crowd, leaving Jareth standing there confused.

Sarah couldn't help but laugh at the goblins antics with the chickens. It was just as they claimed, the goblins really seemed to enjoy chasing the chickens around, playing with them in their own odd way, and while they may play a little rough with the adult chickens, they were exceptionally tender with their behavior towards the baby chicks, which they cradled in their hands and petted softly.

Neats walked over to where Sarah was stood watching them and gently tugged her down until she was sitting on the ground next to the other goblins. Waiting until she was situated, Neats then grabbed her hands and shaped them into a cup, before slowly placing a little black chick into her waiting hands.

"Here Quenny." he said, stepping back and taking a minute to watch Sarah earnestly.

"Oh it's adorable." giggled Sarah as the chick cuddled into her hand.

"You's like? asked Fice tilting his head to the side as he watched her.

"Yes thank you for coming up with such a good idea Fice!" said Sarah as she grinned looking over at the shy little goblin.

"Welcomes Queeny." he mumbled blushing, making Sarah smile again.

Sarah looked around to see Hoggle standing off to the side scowling fiercely.

"Hoggle, come over here!" Sarah called out motioning for him to join her with a small jerk of her head.

"What's yer problem missy?" muttered the dwarf trudging over to her, sidestepping various goblins and chickens.

She waited until he was within range before grabbing his arm and yanking him down onto the ground next to her.

"Join us." she said smiling at him.

"Humph!" he grumbled, trying to cross his arms.

"No, here." said Sarah catching his hand and gently placing a little yellow chick into his palm.

"Aren't they so cute?" she asked still ginning.

"No—well…fine….I guess they's kinda cute…" mumbled Hoggle as he stared down at the baby bird in awe. Unable to deny the fact that Sarah was right, and unexplainably touched that she had sought to include him in this little adventure.

"See!" laughed Sarah, when suddenly a shadow loomed over the pair of them. She looked up surprised to see a strange man-like creature staring down at her. Without saying anything the "man" reached down, caught Sarah by her arm, yanked her up roughly, and started to drag her away from her friends.

"Excuse me?! Let go!" she shouted struggling in his grip. The only response she received was a tightening of the grip on her arm, making her wince.

"Let me go you brute!" screamed Sarah digging her heels into the street as best she could.

"Silence bitch!" the "man" hissed slapping her across the face in retaliation.

Sarah's head jerked to the side with the force of the blow, splitting her lip and filling her mouth with blood.

"Go to hell!" snarled Sarah as she continued to struggle.

"I think not my pretty. You will make a good fuck, and an even better consort, ensuring my line by giving me heirs. And once I'm done with you, you'll smile prettily and say "Thank you"." smirked the "man" pulling her along.

Sarah recoiled in horror, "What gives you the right?!" she tugged at her arm furiously, wincing as he bruised her arm further.

"I am the Troll Prince, Lutge, you should be honored by my acknowledgment of you." he taunted pulling her against him, roughly palming her posterior.

Sarah snorted, "Honored?! I'd be more honored if I you released my arm and backed off you pig! Let go!" screamed Sarah outraged.

"I think n—" Lutge froze in mid sentence as he noticed the number of goblins surrounding him, all of them armed.

"Let Queeny go!" shouted Neats pointing his spear at the troll.

"Little cur!" snarled the troll prince grabbing the head of the spear, yanking the small goblin towards him, before viciously kicking him, sending him hurdling through the small goblin horde and into the side of a vendor's stand.

"NEATS!" Sarah screamed when the goblin didn't rise. "You bastard! Let me go!" shouted Sarah wildly swinging her fist towards his face, making solid contact with the troll's nose. The crunch and howl of pain he released did little to consol Sarah as she broke free of his hold and ran towards the small unmoving goblin. She fell to her knees next to him, gently turning him over, checking to see if he was still breathing, she sighed in relief when she realized he was, but her fear returned when she realized how shallow of breaths he was taking.

The troll prince stormed after the girl, intent on grabbing her and punishing her for her insolence, but received a sharp slice to his hand as Sarah grabbed a sword that had fallen from the vendor's cart, swinging it around, standing defensively in front of Neats.

"Fine have it your way, I was going to make sure that you at least enjoyed yourself when I fucked you, now I'm going to rape you, your pleasure be damned." sneered the troll.

"I'll kill you myself first asshole." growled Sarah watching the troll cautiously. She knew she might only get one chance to stop this thing before any more of the goblins got hurt. That thought railed Sarah and she tightened her grip on her sword waiting.

What Jareth had been expecting when he finally managed to locate the troll prince was not what he found waiting for him. There before him stood Sarah wielding a sword, surrounded by goblins, facing off against the prince. How like Sarah, only she would end up challenging a future monarch with a sword. He chuckled as he began to wonder how exactly this little misunderstanding had occurred. His humor however was short lived when he noticed the blood running down the side of Sarah's mouth, that and the fact that all his goblins had armed themselves and pointedly stood between Sarah and the prince.

"You little bitch! I'm going to fuck you until you scream, begging me to stop, then I'm going to fuck you some more!" the troll prince venomously spit out at Sarah, spittle flying from his mouth.

"You try to touch me again, and you're gonna lose an appendage, and just a hint I'm not talking about and arm or foot!" snarled Sarah, tightening her grip on the sword.

Jareth had seen enough, and he was enraged—that this prince thought he was entitled to touch his Sarah. He was furious that he had hurt her, treaty or not, this prince would die before he laid another hand on her.

"Silence!" his voice raised and carried over the crowd.

Sarah visibly sagged in relief at the sound of Jareth's voice. She couldn't stop herself from tensing however when he appeared behind her, one of his arms snaking down her own, trying to make her loosen her grip on the weapon.

"Shhh…Precious, let go, he will not touch you again." whispered the Goblin King in her ear.

At his whispered reassurance Sarah released her grip on the sword, letting it clang to the ground as she relaxed back into Jareth's embrace, for once not challenging or questioning his actions.

The troll prince stared at the Goblin King as he gently embraced the woman he was lusting after.

"Stay out of this Jareth." threatened Lutge taking a step towards them.

Jareth had to fight his impulse to kill the vermin where he stood as he felt Sarah begin to tense once again within his arms.

"You forget yourself Prince." rebuked the Goblin King softly.

"I forget nothing King of the goblins!" taunted the troll, "As if that is a reason to fear and respect you! Ha! Spare me, you may be a king, but we both know why you are a king of the weak!"

"That may be true, but we both know that touching a King's mistress, no matter the king is punishable by death." retorted Jareth holding Sarah closer.

"You lie!" hissed Lutge angered.

"I've no reason to lie." stated Jareth calmly.

"You want her for yourself!" snapped the troll.

"Oh, I've had her, repeatedly—and I'll have her again later." said Jareth suggestively licking his lips.

"Prove it!" snarled the prince.

"As you wish." shrugged the Goblin King slowly turning Sarah around in his arms so that she was facing him. He fought back the wave of guilt that hit him as he looked into her panicked eyes; reminding himself that if he did not make her as his visibly, this could happen to her again and that was unacceptable. Leaning down he brushed his lips against her throat, he whispered against her skin, "Relax Sarah, do not make a sound." He immediately let his magic flow out of him, branding the skin of Sarah's throat, much in the same way he had when he struck his bargain with her, only this time his insignia was branded into her flesh directly below where her clavicle met. Sarah whimpered in pain, tensing in his arms again.

Moving away from her throat he gently placed another kiss against the side of her neck, before kissing his way towards her mouth, slowly and gently taking her lips with his own. He brushed his lips against hers' briefly, before slowly deepening the kiss by licking at her lips. When Sarah refused to respond he decided to try a different approach continuing on with his previous ministrations for a few minutes, when he suddenly nipped sharply at her lower lip. Sarah gasped in surprise and Jareth took the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth seeking her own out, hesitating for a moment as the taste of blood filled his senses.

Sarah fought back her panic at Jareth's actions, him labeling her as his mistress, branding her again, now kissing her…It was all too much. She struggled with her strange desire to moan, as his tongue rubbed sensually against hers'. Without even realizing it she brought her arms up around Jareth's neck, sinking her hands into his hair, noticing that it was just as soft as it looked.

Jareth smirked against her mouth, despite the situation. Regardless of her words, her body told an entirely different story. Her protests may have been loud, but it seemed she was enjoying this kiss as much as he was. Unable to help himself he pulled her tighter against him, he gripped her waist tighter, unable to keep the moan down in his throat.

Sarah was jolted out of her reverie by Jareth's moan, and everything came crashing down around her again. As her panic returned she began to struggle in his arms, trying to free herself and break the kiss off, but the Goblin King only tightened his hold on her again , bringing one hand up to cup the back of her neck, holding her in place. As she felt his resistance her fear began to rise in earnest. He had said he wasn't going to force her…

Jareth's enjoyment of the kiss tapered off as he felt Sarah begin to panic against him, so slowly, gently he broke the kiss, and pulled her against him, tucking her head under his chin, preventing her from saying anything that might provoke the prince further.

"As you can see your Highness," sneered the Goblin King, "she is well and truly mine."

"We'll see Jareth." threatened Lutge ominously.

Turning his attention from the troll prince back to the shaking girl in his arms he leaned down to whisper in her ear once again, "Close your eyes Precious, we will be back at the castle before you know it."

"No, what about Neats?" asked Sarah struggling in his arms, trying to get to the injured goblin.

Jareth's posture tensed at the sight of the small hurt goblin cradled in Sarah's arms.

"Do not fear for him Sarah, he will be well cared for." said Jareth pulling her towards him again, before turning his attention to the dwarf standing nearby.

"Haggle—make sure the prince is escorted back to the castle."

"Yes yer Majesty." muttered the dwarf, sparing a glance at the prince standing a few feet away from him.

Just as Jareth was about to transport them back to his castle he noticed a small goblin approach Sarah and tug gently on her skirt catching her attention. Her expression softened and she gently knelt down while balancing Neats in her arms.

"Queeny…is Neats gonna be okays?" asked Fice.

"Of course he is. His Majesty has promised me that he'll be just fine." said Sarah forcing a small smile to her lips, slowly reaching one arm out to hug the small goblin reassuringly. As if that was the cue the others had been waiting for all of the goblins quickly approached Sarah being careful of Neats and gave her tender hugs.

Jareth watched the event unfold with thinly veiled surprise. The connection that Sarah has made with his goblins confounded him. It was rare that anyone truly understood his goblins, let alone managed to get them to respond in kind. When he had come upon the scene and saw his goblins protecting Sarah he had been surprised, but to see them reciprocating had shocked him even more. Within a matter of days Sarah had managed to gain the love and support of the goblins by simply being patient and demonstrating kindness. Watching her love his subjects tugged at something deep in his chest, something he had long thought dead.

Once the goblins had finished their hugs, he once again pulled her towards him, transporting them back to the throne room. Glancing around, satisfied that everything was to rights he looked back over at Sarah who was holding Neats tightly to her chest, "Come Precious, we need to get him taken care of." said Jareth offering her his hand.

Shifting the bundle to one arm she hesitantly placed her hand in his, as he led her to the healer's quarters. No sooner had they stepped inside then a small gnome like man came waddling towards them.

"Are you in need of something your Majesty?" asked the creature.

"Yes Liam, a goblin of mine has been injured by a troll today." said the Goblin King motioning to the goblin in Sarah's arms.

"Well then lassy, come. Bring him over here and lay him down, there's a good lass." said Liam soothingly nodding his approval as Sarah laid Neats on a small cot situated in the center of the room.

The healer walked over to where Sarah hovered anxiously and watched as he slowly began to examine her little friend.

"Hmmm…fractured…." he muttered to himself as he carefully looked the goblin over.

"Is he going to be alright?" asked Sarah ringing her hands. If anything happened to Neats she would never forgive herself.

"Yes I believe his prognosis is good, but I'll have to run a few more tests to be sure. Come back in a few hours." said Liam dismissing them as he placed several of his books on the examining table, studying them before looking back over at the unconscious goblin.

"Come Sarah, we will check back with Liam later." coaxed Jareth offering her his arm.

Taking a deep breath, Sarah reached out and grasped his arm, turning back to take one last look at Neats before securing her arms through his. As soon as it was tucked within his own she once again felt the dizzying effects of the Goblin King's choice of transportation. Steadying herself she glanced around to find that she was in a room she had never seen before. Looking around her attention snagged on the massive four poster bed that lay against one wall, it was draped in furs and silks, covered in lush pillows. She scanned the rest of the room when she noticed the massive set of glass doors leading out to a large balcony, similar to the ones found in her room, except these doors were framed by crimson drapes, the floors layered in plush rugs, a fire place was on the wall to the right of the bed, framed by two wingback chairs. The rest of the furniture was equally ornate and bold. Extravagant murals of seductive, ethereal creatures covered the ceiling.

Sarah felt her stomach drop as her suspicions as to her location began to arise, unable to remain silent she finally voiced her question, "Where are we?"

"Come, come Precious, surely you already know the answer to that question." teased Jareth slinking past her, throwing himself down into one of the chairs near the fire, tossing one of his legs over the arm of the chair he looked over to where Sarah remained standing and raised one regal eyebrow, before motioning for her to take the chair opposite of him,

She quickly perched herself on the ledge of the seat her hands knotted up in the fabric of her skirt.

"Now love, perhaps you would care to explain what happened today?" asked the Goblin King maintaining eye contact with her as he spoke.

"Well, um—the goblins and Hoggle wanted to show me around Goblin City so we went to the marketplace—the goblins seemed to be particularly fond of chickens…" Sarah trailed off.

"A yes chickens…" responded Jareth darkly, "the bane of my existence."

Sarah looked up at him briefly smiling before continuing on with her explanation. "So they decided that, that was what they wanted to show me, and we were over there when that troll grabbed me, Neats and the others tried to stop him, but he kicked Neats s-so hard a-a-and…" Sarah seemed unable to hold it in any longer as she burst into tears.

Jareth was up and pulling her into his arms in an instant, holding her against his chest, murmuring words of comfort against her hair.

"Shhh…Precious you are safe…"

Somehow that only seemed to make her cry harder, her hands tightly clutched at his shirt as her tears left their own kind of invisible brand on his skin.

Sarah hated crying—especially crying in front of the arrogant Goblin King, but she couldn't seem to stop. Whether it was because of that horrid troll prince, or Neats getting hurt, or that kiss, Sarah couldn't say, but at that moment it all was just too much.

Jareth was at a loss, he had never had to comfort a woman before, let alone a mortal, he was completely in the dark and it was a sensation of helplessness that he disliked immensely. He was a king and he could do nothing. Gently he lifted her into his arms and carried her towards his bed, softly lowering her down amongst the blankets and pillows.

As soon as Sarah noticed the change in her location she began to struggle and cry harder, fear intensifying her sorrow.

"Rest Sarah…you've had a trying day, shhh…" whispered Jareth as he stretched out beside her, easily trapping her flailing hands against his chest with one hand, the other reaching up to stroke her head.

"Sleep love…" comforted Jareth as he hummed a soft melody, all the while he continued to stroke her hair.

Slowly her sobs died down and her eyes grew heavy, sleep beginning to overtake her.

Once the Goblin king was certain she was asleep he loosened his hold on her and rose from his bed, he still had that troll to deal with, and he still had to try and secure that bloody treaty for the good of his kingdom. Glancing one more time at Sarah's tearstained face, Jareth fought back another unexpected wave of rage.

Despite his arguments with himself and his desire to not care, he had failed, it seemed there was little he could do to fight against the fact that he did care. He may torment Sarah on occasion when the mood struck him, but he would never hit her. Seeing her bleeding, trying to protect one of his subjects, against a troll no less—it awoke something fierce and primitive in him, making him want to show that bratty princeling just how powerful he really was. While it may have been true that he ruled over one of the weakest kingdoms, it had nothing to do with his actual power, if his magic was to be tested against every ruler in the Underground he knew where he would place, and it was no where near the bottom. Many of the rulers actually feared him because of how strong he really was, there was a reason that he had been given this throne, it was an attempt to control and limit his powers. Jareth smirked to himself, their fear only drove him to become stronger, to prove to them he was more powerful that all of them. And that sniveling troll dared to assume that he was superior to him only incensed him more. As if that was not enough the cur had believed himself to be entitled to Sarah, made him want to physically torture the prince, treaty be damned. Jareth could feel himself beginning to loose control again, he took a calming breath, as he tried to focus his mind and priorities before he transported himself back into the throne room and was forced to deal with welcoming the prince and his guards into his home. Feeling slightly calmer he appeared in the throne room just as the prince walked in.

"Thank you Higgle that will be all." said Jareth dismissing the dwarf with a wave of his hand.

Without a word Hoggle nodded and stomped out of the room.

"Where's your little whore Jareth?" asked Lutge bitterly.

"Resting I fear I wore her out." smirked Jareth triumphantly. "Now if you would be so good as to follow the servants, they will show you to your rooms and make sure that you have settled in comfortably. Do not hesitate to let them know if you need anything else." said the Goblin King sketching a smart bow, before he turned towards a set of doors that led to his library.

"They can send me that nice piece of ass when she wakes up." sneered the prince.

"I'm afraid that is out of the question." replied Jareth cheerfully, "Sarah is mine, and I admit I am not one for sharing…ever."

"That's a shame your highness, since the whole point of my trip here was to reestablish amicability and stabilize the treaty my father made with you. It would be a pity if it were all for naught, wouldn't you agree Goblin King?" shrugged the troll prince, not even bothering to veil his threat.

Jareth halted in his steps swiftly turning back around to face Lutge, "That is a shame, however I think it would be an even bigger shame if you were to return to your father without your head." threatened Jareth smiling darkly.

"Are you threatening me Goblin King?" the prince asked incredulously.

"No, not threatening—warning, I would hate for anything to happen to you, I am simply concerned for your safety." said Jareth clasping his hands behind his back innocently, "It would be a pity if you tried to take my mistress again, especially since she is marked, and the courts would find no injustice if I called for your head as payment." shrugged the Goblin King letting a smile tilt the corner of his mouth.

"You bastard she was unmarked this afternoon! I want her for my QUEEN!" snarled Lutge.

"Last warning Prince, touch her again…you loose your head. Now if you gentlemen will excuse me I have some previous obligations that I must attend to." said Jareth abruptly turning and striding from the room, back towards his private library.

Several hours and letters later Jareth slumped back into his chair in exhaustion, before transporting himself back to his chambers.

Feeling the tension drain out of his shoulders, he shrugged out of his jacket, chancing a glance back to his bed, relieved to see that Sarah still slept. It was nearing dusk, yet he lingered a moment longer watching as she turned over restlessly in her sleep, muttering something into a pillow. Shaking his breath Jareth turned and strode out onto the balcony, easily leaping up onto the railing. He stared off into the fading sun for a moment, closing his eyes he inhaled taking a deep breath, as he exhaled he allowed himself to fall over the edge. There was no cry of fright, or fear of falling to his death, for just as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, he felt his body begin to change, shift, then all that could be seen was an owl as it flew off into the night.