So Cruel

Chapter 3: Awaited and Unexpected Guests

Sorry, just in case you guys haven't noticed, I decided to combined chapters 1 and two (The Court's Decision). The first was kind of dry and both were short enough ).

Same Disclaimer and please enjoy.

But I know if I could do it over

I would trade, give away, all the words that I saved in my heart

That I left unspoken

-Rascal Flatts/Cascada

Arriving with a flat thud on the ground, the two figures worked to regain their balance. Brown and gray dust drifted from their position and hovered around the walls ahead of them. It was around midday and the sun loomed above- highlighting the lines of small goblins outside the castle's doorway. Each was dressed with a peculiar assortment of helmets, armor, and boots and eagerly watching the new arrivals.

The shorter of the two, Sarah, however, was still consumed with the fact Darien's arms were still around her. She simply gave him a dirty look and pushed away from his grip. Darien, on the other hand, merely shrugged and sent a seductive smile her way.

Wanting to see how she would react, he teased, "Come on, Sarah, you know you like it" in an all too charming voice.

Aiming to hit him, Sarah yelled, "Darien, you know I'm getting tired of this-"

Before she could finish her thoughts, however, Darien speedily grabbed the offending hand and pulled her closer. He noted the sweet scent of her hair and the soft caress of her clothes against his. Seeing the redness growing in Sarah's face, he continued, "Now, what you saying my dear?"

"Ehh-hemm"

At this, both individuals quickly parted from each other and faced the imposing figure in front of them. He briefly directed a menacing look toward the couple before returning to his regal and authoritative expression.

"I see we have some extra guests, Darien" Jareth somewhat cold noted.

"Yes, how observant of you. I decided to bring this endearing human along to help in our restoration of the labyrinth. Her name's Sarah, but, of course, you knew that already. Didn't you Jareth?"

Grabbing the collar of Darien blouse, Jareth moved his face dangerously close to Darien's ear. Almost breathing in a scathing voice, "Darien, I sincerely hope you're not trying any deceits about me, are you? You are still on my home ground and I can have you thrown into the Bog of Eternal Stench with a mere snap of my fingers. Now, imagine what I could do if I was really angry." Releasing his grasps upon Darien's collar, Jareth withdrew to the castle's grounds. An awkward stillness saturated the space until Jareth finally arrived at the doors.

With his back to the others, he calmly stated, "You may each take dinner in your own respective rooms tonight. I'll have the goblins show you where they are. Darien, in the meantime, get yourself acquainted with the castles as well as the surrounding area. I will not be burdened with your ignorance of the place" pausing, "Oh and Sarah, welcome back."

At that, the double doors to the castle closed with a piercing thump and the remaining goblins began to disperse throughout the castle grounds. Eventually, even they all disappeared to their respective jobs- leaving the recently arrived company alone.

Yawning and stretching his arms above him, he said "I guess I shall start familiarizing myself with this awful place. So long, love." Turning his back on Sarah, Darien began to stride in the opposite direction and past the soaring castle walls.

Left entirely alone, Sarah simply observed her new surroundings. It's not that bad, I guess.

Then a somewhat young looking Goblin tottered briskly toward Sarah and nearly toppled over her. She was quite energetic and was jumping in place, as she stared at Sarah with compassionate and lively eyes.

"Hello my lady. Master Jareth instructed me to you."

Slightly smiling at this note, "Why, how thoughtful of him. And you are?"

Fixing up her clothes and readjusting herself so as to seem wholeheartedly professional, "I am known as Remy, yes, Rem for short. Of course you may call me either way you like."

"Well, I guess I'll just call you Rem if that's alright with you"

Smiling, Rem continued, "Thanks. Well then, now that we're all introduced, I'd like to show you your room"

Rem immediately grabbed Sarah's hand and began to pull her into the castle. It was not much different from Sarah's last visit, but it was difficult to be sure for she had not paid any particular attention to the castle before. As the two winded their way through the vast corridors and seemingly endless hallways, Sarah couldn't overlook the distinct beauty of the place. Several paintings stretched across the walls and the windows allowed a stunning view of the grounds beneath. Finally, the echoes of their steps reached a stop before a wooden door between two similar others.

"Sarah, this one's for you," Seeing Sarah's eyes wonder to the other doors besides hers, "Curious one aren't you? Anyways, the one to your right is Master Jareth's bedchamber and the one to your left is Dari- I mean Master Darien's bedchamber."

Bending down quickly so as the be right in front of Rem's face, Sarah asked, "Am I honestly expected to be sleeping between those two? I mean what if…"

"I don't think you have anything to worry about. That is discounting, of course, if Master Jareth inquires a visit or, perhaps, even Master Darien?" Rem blushed but continued, "But, but that's not for me to say. Nonetheless, I don't believe you have to much to worry about."

Sarah just sighed and continued to follow the little goblin into her room. At least she knew to be prepared.

The sight of her bedroom certainly surprised her. It was drastically larger than her's in the human world, and definitely not as elegant. Midnight blues draped the tall canopies of her bed as well as the silk pillows and comforters upon it. Light basked the room in a warm glow, and the windows offered a breathtaking view of the castle gardens beneath. To the left was a wooden vanity and chair with a plush cushion on top.

"It's all so beautiful"

"I'm glad you like it, my dear. Master had planned it for you."

"What? Was he expecting I was coming with Darien?"

Rem fumbled with her fingers before looking up, "Oh dear. No. I mean, yes, ummm, he had already known you would be arriving with Master Darien."

Sarah looked suspiciously upon her but decided it would be better to leave the topic to later times.

"What of those two doors over there" Sarah questioned.

"The one on the left would be your personal closet. You can ask me if you need help finding any of your clothes or getting dressed. And the one on your right is your personal bathroom"

Yawning, "Thank you Rem. I think I'm starting to get the gist of this place" Sarah walked over to the snug looking bed and sat down.

"My, you do look tired. Shall I leave you to your rest now? I can bring your dinner up when you awake."

"Thanks Rem, I would be really grateful. I guess I'm just tired from Darien and mine's journey over here."

"No worries. See you when you awaken"

Hearing the door close behind Rem, Sarah dropped her body into the lush folds of the blankets and pillows. Closing her eyes she was soon fast asleep and completely unaware of the watching eyes upon her.

.JSD.

Later that night

An eerie cold began to engulf the room and sent Sarah sitting upright and wondering where the sudden chill was coming from. The room was exceptionally dark, and she began to grope around the dark in an attempt to reach the door. Soon however, she was confronted with rough hands forcing her onto the coldness of the stonewall behind her. The grips of her offender had both her hands secured to the wall. Kicking and struggling, Sarah soon found herself abruptly forced onto the floor.

Beginning to become frightened, Sarah yelled, "Darien help m-"

"You call that fool before me? I thought you knew me better than that" said the intruder coldly in an all too familiar voice. "Have you already forgotten I am the man who so generously offered you your dreams. And now, even with that offer, you choose to stay with that useless piece of flesh. Honestly, Sarah, I am exhausted with living up to your exepectations of me."

"Jareth? Why are you-" Now, her eyes adjusting to the darkness, Sarah began to perceive the uncomfortable position she and Jareth were in. Her arms were pressed to her sides, and Jareth leaned disturbingly close above her. Sarah struggled underneath, hoping Jareth would get the hint and move off. Jareth, however, simply toughened his grips on Sarah while presenting her with a pointedly sinister grin.

"Dear Sarah. How you've grown." Appreciably examining her body, "All these years of absence, and look where we are now. I must say, I rather do like this position we're in right now."

Sarah retorted with spitting in his face, but was soon shocked at the slap Jareth imparted on her.

"Jareth, how dare you." Anger boiling in her eyes, Sarah tried to knock Jareth in return, but his grips one her hands only strengthened.

Not overlooking the attempt, Jareth said in a condescending tone, "Sarah, I see you're still the same firecracker I loved those three years ago."

"Those three years ago? How things have changed, Goblin King."

A brief note of pain echoed through Jareth's mismatched eyes before he leaned harder upon Sarah- inducing a wince of pain from her mouth. Taking advantage of the opening, he imparted a rough kiss into Sarah and hungrily savored the long moments they were together.

Finally, Jareth moved off and began his way toward the door.

"Jareth, wait."

"What, Sarah, would you like some more?" Jareth seductively enquired with his back to Sarah.

Completely stunned with these recent development, Sarah remained speechless and simply stared confusingly at the man before her.

Chuckling, "Yes, Sarah, should you change you mind, I will be in my bedchamber. Well, my love, I will see you tomorrow."

Hope you enjoyed. Again, please review. )

And actually this time, I would greatly appreciate your feedback on what should happen next. All ideas are welcomed. For example, would a D/S or J/S pairing be more favorable. I have a feeling I already know the answer, but I still would like your input.

Thanks! Until Next Time.