So Cruel

Chapter 8: You're Falling for Me

To my readers, please, please forgive me once again for the lack of updates. Life's just been really busy, but I really have no excuse. So, for those who have kept up with me all this time (especially that one review i got somewhat recently) thanks for pushing me to continue with my fanfiction.

To conclude... please enjoy! same disclaimer applies

"My lady, please hurry. Lord Jareth will be quite displeased with your tardiness," spoke Rem through scattered breaths as she frantically scurried beside Sarah. She wore a determined face as if her current mission begged utmost urgency.

"Please," Sarah said as she excessively rolled her eyes so Rem would notice, "I could not care less what displeases your honored lordship. Besides, Jareth is a grown man and is, I hope, sufficiently capable of eating his breakfast alone.

Under her breath, she grumpily added, " I don't see any reason for me to go in the first place." Sarah, who was obviously still burning from Jareth and her last encounter, was admittedly reluctant to face him again so soon. Nonetheless, some subtle entity inside her urged her to continue moving faster towards the breakfast room. Rem and Sarah were now both rapidly increasing their pace through the stone hallways.

Rem responded with a warm smile as if in acknowledgment of Sarah's remarks and true feelings. "I see you're certainly not afraid of the man."

Then, suddenly, Rem's face slumped into a troubled state. She was clearly bothered by her current thoughts- something of which she particularly hoped Sarah would never learn the full extent of.

She briefly allowed her eyes to rise to Sarah's level, as she attempted to discretely analyze Sarah for a reaction to her upcoming words. "But I wonder… is that courage or simply ignorance? I must admit Sarah, I've known Jareth for a long time now and" her voice faltered a bit, "… I just don't want anything bad to happen to you. Please forgive me." Rem lowered her eyes in shame- worrying that she had said too much to her lady and newfound friend.

The two were left in a disquieting shape of silence while they both struggled to maintain their steps. The sun was brightly shining, as its rays elegantly swept though the several open windows along the castle walls. It was a cozy morning and the slight warmth reverberated through the space.

"Rem, it's o.k.," Sarah began with a reassuring smile, "Trust me, I can take care of myself." Her own eyes appeared lost in thought, and slightly betrayed the air of confidence she was trying to display. Her arms were stiff at her sides.

"Yes, my lady, I believe you do." An uplifting air seemed to sift through the previous stress and pressure between the two. At this, both companions unearthed a hearty chuckle- slowly relieving the previous tension they both had clearly felt.

"But, you know, I have noticed a certain change in my master. Exactly what that change may prescribe though, I can't say for sure. One thing's for certain, however, he seems to treat you with a singular deference than the rest of us."

Sarah released a quiet grin and humorously scrunched her face in an attempt to hide the underlying emotions she was beginning to feel. It was intended as a show of simulated humor, merely a pretense for her friend. She was not ready to face the inclusive truths of her heart and, instead, hid from them.

Insincere and in a half-hearted joke, Sarah said, "I guess he's just drawn toward my mortal charm."

At that, the two simply continued on their joint journey through the never-ending and winding corridors of the Goblin Castle. They were both a sight, as they hastily wound their ways through several hallways and down seemingly infinite stairs. Sarah, who awkwardly stumbled along with the several folds and stitches of the elaborate dress Rem seemed to so urgently press her to wear, had imprudently been devoting the entirety of her attention towards the navigation of this conditional labyrinth. She allocated her whole focus and efforts toward keeping up with her goblin friend.

Then, Rem disappeared.

She had rounded a sharp corner and, in her haste, did not notice Sarah had fallen appreciably behind.

Sarah quickly realized she would not be able find her intended room without the help of her companion, and, so, augmented her speed to try to catch up. She did not want to get lost within the vast realm of the castle nor did she want to get even more separated than she already was.

In such a flurry, she fell.

One of her steps had been misplaced into one of the underlying layers of her dress. Sarah closed her eyes for the inevitable fallings and pain that was ahead.

Bracing herself for impact upon the cold, abrasive floor, she was surprised to feel the warmth of another being shielding her fall. The source of this cushion, however, repelled her as soon as she looked up and heard his voice.

"I see you're falling for me once again my dear Sarah." It was Darien. He spoke this as he purred into her ear in an all too seductive voice. His arm smoothly cradled her in an extensive caress.

"Let go of me." An obvious blush was slowly creeping upon her. Sarah recognized how she seemed to be in this particular man's arms a little too often.

"So rude little one," Darien said as he returned Sarah to a more comfortable, standing position. He placed his hand on her head teasingly and gave her an affection pat, "and the day is still young."

Not too fond of the foreseeable joking that lay ahead at her expense, Sarah began to stroll away. She held her head up high, trying to preserve whatever dignity she still possessed. Once she was far enough way though, she could not help but give in to the infantile instincts within her. She turned in her spot and sent a frowning glare towards Darien.

Darien, however, only had a mocking and amused smile to return.

Exasperated, Sarah announced, "Now that you've gotten your amusement for the day Darien, I'll be leaving now. I'm already late, and Jareth's going to have a fit as it is." She gathered her skirts around her in an undignified manner- perhaps she could prevent another tumble. The layers now were surely above and out of the way of her feet, but is was difficult to balance now that her arms were filled with yards of intricate cloth. She was tottering at a turtle's pace.

Unsurprisingly, her movements were easily halted by someone grabbing her wrist. It was Darien again, and he had a curious twinkle in his eyes.

"Wherever could you be so fervently rushing to?"

Sarah eyed him for a quick second- trying to decipher his peculiar behavior. He patiently waited for her response but did not let go of her wrist.

"I'm supposed to be at some special breakfast with-"

Darien interrupted her with a growing smile upon his face. "Why, what a coincidence," he interjected with a feigned look of surprise, "I was invited to said breakfast as well." He was playing with her, trying to see when she would finally blow up at him.

Sarah merely rolled her eyes and began to walk away, but Darien's strong grip on her arm remained. She began to protest but Darien was quick to interfere with his own kind of input.

He had gracefully adjusted his hold on Sarah's wrist to gently caressing her fingertips. Bowing slightly, he moved her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. His silver eyes were dancing mysteriously in their depths and were striking against his dark hair.

Standing up again, he offered Sarah the crook of his arm and asked, "Would you then do me the honor of escorting you?" He attempted a look of pure innocence as he bravely stared Sarah straight in the eyes.

"Yeah, right, Darien," Sarah proclaimed in an assertive voice- although a light touch of humor was detectable in its tone.

"Come on. You're just being difficult now."

"Bye, I'll be off now."

"Wait"

"No," Sarah asserted firmly, "walk to breakfast yourself. For all I care, you can just -"

Sarah's last comment was abruptly cut off with the sound of her shocked scream. The extravagant layers of her dress rolled in folds around her, and her feet were left dangling in the air.

Darien had picked her up. He had gabbed her from behind and was now supporting her in his arms, while they both made their way to the breakfast room. Interestingly enough, he made a smooth and swift pace in spite of his load. He was also noticeably gentle in his clutch and expertly handled the struggling girl against his chest.

"You know Sarah, if you keep struggling like that, I might just have to drop you."

"You'll tear my dress," Sarah warned.

In the few minutes that passed, Darien seemed to seriously consider that idea but still walked on. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you and you're pretty little dress." He held her closer to him for a short second, "Besides, we're already here."

Two familiar wooden doors now stood before them as well as a frustrated-looking Rem. Light chatter could be heard from behind the structures.

The group stood in an uncomfortable silence for a short while. Rem held an expectant look up her face while Sarah crossed her arms across her chest. Placing a visible pout upon her face, Sarah waited to be put down.

But Darien continued to walk.

He made it nearly through the doorway and simply ignored the equally horrified looks upon Sarah and Rem's faces.

Sarah, finally pushing against his chest, her efforts were only met with a growing grin upon Darien's face. She immediately went to slap him but his arms quickly switched holds to restrain her.

"What are you doing? We can't walk in there like this!" Sarah whispered in a harsh cry.

"Why not?" Pleasure and joy were perceptible in his voice and expression.

Sarah let out an audible grumble seeing she was not going to win this battle. She waited for Darien to finish this mortifying walk, quietly hoping he would still let her down before anyone else saw.

The two completely came to a stop a few seconds later. Sensing the curious eyes now upon her, she cautiously lifted her line of vision.

Her quick survey was abruptly halted within the fiery glare of a former Goblin King. Jareth's jaw was tight and a rumbling tension echoed throughout his demeanor. He did not speak but his lips were pierced to a ghostly white as he beheld the scent before him. He was sitting in the seat nearest them and had rotated his body so that he could see the new arrivals.

But Jareth was not the only occupant in this now, tension-filled room.

To the far left and the far right ends of the table, two conspicuously magnificent individuals sat with similarly shocked and dismayed expressions. Their royal clothes seemed to glitter with an unnatural magic.

The High King was first to speak. There was a noticeably tiresome aspect to his voice and face.

"Darien, Sarah," he paused to analyze both their faces and then his son's, "I'm glad you could join us.

Thank you once again to all my readers. The next update is actually almost done but... (please forgive me) I'd really like to see what you have to say about this installment first. I'm sorry, but I honestly love hearing what you all have to say... Until next time!