So Cruel

Chapter 5: Jareth and Darien: Could this be Jealousy?

Same disclaimer except, as just a note, some of you may find similar moments from "Queen's Knight" and "Goong" along the way. So just as a warning, I don't own those either.

Hope you enjoy!

Stepping onto the road, the sun glittered upon Sarah's stunning dress. It was faintly green with light stretches of silver fabric blending within it. The sleeves nearly reached her elbows while the skirt was hemmed shortly below her knees so as to allow her to move comfortably upon the horse sidesaddle. There were simple yet elegant silver slippers adorning her feet, as she moved toward the animal- wondering how she could possibly mount it, let alone, ride the horse.

As if answering her thoughts, Darien appeared right behind her and said, "The conqueror of the labyrinth and not even able to mount a small horse." Sarah simply returned with a clear look of disapproval, however, she knew she would need help getting on the horse.

Darien moved to grip Sarah's hips so he could help lift her upon the horse, but was quickly cut off by Jareth's approach. He wore a perceptibly angry and intimidating look within his mismatched eyes.

"Darien, I very well hope I'm not seeing you pester our lovely little Sarah. She is our guest, and I truly cannot tolerate such embarrassing behavior," Jareth noted smiling.

"Don't worry cousin, I have already personally worked toward getting Sarah… warmed up to the place" Darien said, inching closer to her.

A frown crept upon the former Goblin King, "Hmph, I seriously doubt you possess the ability." Jareth looked to see Sarah blush, "Besides, neither you or Sarah are justly capable of actually knowing the city. Thus, this brings us back to our mission today."

Jareth confidently moved towards Sarah and allowed a brief bow before gently kissing her hand, "Now, my dear Sarah."

Without warning, Jareth assertively placed his hands on Sarah's waist and she gave a startled gasp. A considerable sense of amusement beamed in his face, as Jareth allowed his hands to linger there for a brief moment, looking as if he was simply making sure she was safe in the saddle.

"Sarah, would you like me to ride with you? I would gladly make sure you were safe in my arms"

The image of the thought sent a unanticipated feeling of warmth through her. Sarah, however, politely declined the offer.

"I think she's fine and quite capable on her own Jareth" Darien bit in.

At that, the two cousins met with frightening glares and a tension developed among the traveling group. Deciding it was better to avoid fighting, at least for now, both men mounted their respective beasts.

The attending goblin servants watched in anticipation, waiting to see if either of their masters required assistance. The group's little trip through the city had quickly gained publicity, as several goblin citizens had also arrived to watch their passing. They all were curious to see the renowned mortal conqueror as well as the Goblin Prince who threatened Jareth's throne.

Set to go, Jareth announced, "Well, as we are all set" looking toward Darien with a challenging connotation to his voice, "How about we make our departure a memorable one?"

"And what by that, cousin, could you possible mean?" said Darien, sizing up a challenge.

"Nothing too difficult I hope, given your extensive abilities. I simply propose a friendly challenge- let us race toward the castle gates. I am sure you are familiar with the included area already, and I am positive the goblins will certainly be entertained to see such a festive start to your arrival. Sarah, you can meet us at the gates."

"I accept" Darien hastily stated before kicking off his horse and starting the race.

Jareth grinned before shouting to his opponent, "I see you are certainly a gentlemen Darien."

"All is fair in love and war"

The sounds of their horses' hooves beating upon the ground echoed against the castle walls. Dust and dirt parted beneath, as massive bands of dusts enveloped the paths behind them. Their bodies were stealthily braced against their horses, as Jareth and Darien incited the vigor within them to win. Each sent warning and cautionary looks at the other throughout the passage, making sure they were not too far. Both men took the challenge quite seriously and would not endure losing to the other.

Suddenly, a harsh wind erupted within the castle grounds- throwing off a few goblins in its wake. Neither Jareth nor Darien appeared to noticed though, as each continued with relentless energy and harsh breaths against their chests. The castle gates were rapidly approaching, and both men could see the inevitable end of the race upon them. As neither had a significant advantage,

both urged their horses on to backbreaking speeds- not noticing how dangerously close they were progressing toward each other.

There was a short moment where time seemed to pause, as Jareth and Darien's horses first contacted each other. In the chaotic encounter, both Fae men were indignantly tossed off their horses to opposite sides of the path. Neither moved, as a rush of goblins ran toward the scene. Former loyalties thrived, however, as the tangle of goblins all moved towards their former king in support- leaving Darien alone to struggle against his injuries.

Seeing the disparity, Sarah impelled her horse away from her first instincts to Jareth and, instead, moved towards the other fallen Goblin Prince. Jumping off her horse, she swiftly went to Darien and bent in the dust next to him- dirtying the soft greens and silvers of her dress.

"Darien, are you alright?" worry etched into her voice.

"Nothing that will kill me. But, of course, a kiss from you may make it better."

Annoyance beginning to develop within her, Sarah began to get up. "Maybe I do waste my concerns over you. I guess I'm going to check on Jareth, seeing you're just fine."

Hurriedly sitting upright, "Wait, Sarah, I am alright, but must you say such cruel words? Jareth already has a retinue of servants at his beck and call. Can't I have your company?"

Sarah, startled by his candor, simply looked into his eyes and tried to discern a sincerity within them. It hurt to feel so mystified by this man, especially with Jareth so close.

Darien took advantage of the moment and grabbed Sarah in his arms- embracing her with an affectionate tenderness. Sarah did not move and allowed the act, but she chose not to look at Jareth's likely deadly reaction. Such a response from Sarah was all Darien needed, as he slowly glanced toward his fellow Goblin Prince.

Pain pooled in Jareth's eyes before promptly resuming the former coldness. He looked on the seemingly cozy scene before allowing his gaze to linger on Sarah. She was beautiful even among the dirt and loathsome company, he had to admit that. Nevertheless, how could she permit such a man, his adversary, such a caress where he, himself, had not received any such kindness? Hadn't he offered her everything?

Finally, Jareth allowed his attention to focus on the man holding his beloved Sarah. His sights were met with the ruthless and hungry ambition carved into his eyes. Eventually, noticing Jareth's watch and, happy at his undivided attention, Darien silently mouthed two words to Jareth while fastening his grasps upon Sarah. With a cruel smile, he simply uttered,

"She's mine"

How things change... hmm. I guess until next time. (By the way, I'm really sorry but I don't think i will be able to update for a little while. From now on, I will be in full AP testing mode. lol, but i will make sure to update as soon as it's all over) Thanks again and please review. They really push me to write more.