So Cruel

Chapter 4: Confusion

Thanks everyone for the reviews and your input on the D/S or J/S pairing! Some of them definitely made my day )…

Same disclaimer applies.

The sun streamed through the expansive windows along the wall and finally descended upon a tranquil lump of a human girl concealed among the masses of elegant comforters upon the bed. Gently rotating toward the other side of the room so as to move away from the bright strips of sunlight on her face, Sarah yawned and slowly opened her eyes. Those sleepy eyes were soon abruptly greeted by a rather unwelcome guest sitting casually upon a chair near her beside.

"Good morning my fair lady. I must say, Sarah, you are a fascinating sight in your slumbers," Darien somewhat jokingly teased.

"Darien, why… and how on earth are you in my room? Haven't you Undergrounders heard of knocking?"

"My, my such a temper so early in the morning. Sarah, you really must get that under control- it is unbefitting a woman of such beauty as yourself… and it could really get you in trouble one day" at this, some warning flickered beneath his shocking silver eyes before returning to its usual expression, "… not that I very much mind such fire in my women," Darien spoke before mischievously getting up and moving toward the bed. Fire in his own eyes, he soon reached his spot and took a seat noticeably close to Sarah's distrustful figure.

Quickly moving, so as to augment the distance between them, Sarah spoke, "Darien, I'm definitely not going have such rude awakenings every morning. Why can't you ever simply answer my question, or have you already forgotten it?"

Smiling, "What's wrong Sarah? You didn't sound that way in your sleep. Or must I sum up for you exactly what I heard?" seeing Sarah grow angrier, "Calm down, I was a gentlemen and was not so rude as to listen to the total of your dreams, I certainly do recall you mentioning my name a few times however." Of course, Darien had also overheard her mumble Jareth's own name in her sleep, but he chose to keep this piece of information to himself.

Sarah returned a piercing glare and began to get up from the bed. She was not going to tolerate being so close to this irksome man any longer. Before completely leaving, however, Darien grabbed the wrist of her left hand before speaking.

"Wait Sarah. You asked for answers and now I've decided to kindly answer them for you." Waiting to making sure she was listening, "My fellow Goblin Prince, Jareth, has decided it would be beneficial for both of us to become better acquainted with our new surroundings. This, for Jareth, I guess means taking the royal horses through the Goblin City and meeting the several goblin citizens." Rolling his eyes, "An honestly unimpressive plan to my standards though. Regardless, he has decided to take you along as well."

Sarah, thinking to herself and smiling, "I guess this could be enjoyable. Perhaps I could even find Hoggle, Ludo, and the others."

Seeing that she wasn't complaining and a bit pleased to see Sarah so happy as well, Darien now got up and gallantly approached her. This girl…

He got thoroughly close to her with a strangely eager look in his face. Roughly grabbing both of her soft and slightly shaking hands in his own, he leaned in closer to her- nearly touching and almost tenderly poised. Darien then looked down into Sarah's confused and strangely hurt eyes before brusquely turning his back and stepping towards the door.

Pausing for a few moments before the doorway, "Oh, and by the way, as an answer to your first question, it really is common sense, Sarah," his face hard and his voice almost cruel and condescending, " I merely entered through your door to get inside your bedchamber. Not too difficult, I hope. Does that answer satisfy you?"

Then in a debonair and an oddly desirable voice, "….Oh and Sarah, by the way, I really did enjoy your company this morning. Expect me more often" Darien stated before loudly shutting the door behind him."

Throwing her pillows toward the door and the place where Darien just recently vacated from, Sarah yelled and plunged back onto her bed. Burying her face into the underlying sheets, she considered the confusing state of her circumstance. Mixed emotions and complicated feelings fought within her.

Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City, for my will is as strong as yours

Somewhat bitterly laughing, "Where has that person gone?" Sarah thought to herself "What if I actually had chosen Jareth those three years ago? My life, my dreams. No… I couldn't- not for my brother, especially not for Toby… I guess it's just all messed up now. Fairness simply does not matter in this world. All the same, I just have to face what's here and deal with my responsibilities."

Now, looking toward the door once again, "But what could Darien possibly be thinking? And that look he just gave…"

Sarah's thoughts were soon interrupted with excited knocks at her door.

"Excuse me my lady. It's Rem. I've come to help you get ready for your upcoming horse ride with Master Jareth and Master Darien"

Allowing a loud groan to be heard, Sarah then sarcastically answered, "Very well Rem, make me absolutely charming. After all, I must present myself appropriately before those two so excellent Fae men."

Hope you enjoyed, the actual horseback riding scene is up next! Again, review are much appreciated. Thanks again.