Title: Of Demons and Goblin Kings
Author: The Fantastically Fantabulous Kadasa Mori
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is not owned by me… I think… therefore I am…?
Summary: Princess Sarah of Sylvan lived a quiet life, day after day, the same routine. When a demon, a fae, the same species that had slaughtered her mother years before, drops in front of her, her routine shatters. But if he thinks she's just gonna roll over and let him kill her, he's got another thing coming.
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Chapter 7
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"Sarah! Sarah come back!"
"No!"
"Stop being stubborn!"
"I'm going to go enjoy the last few hours of my freedom! Leave me alone Kit!"
"Sarah!"
The brunette nudged Bella's sides, the mare whinnying and tearing out of the barn. It only took a few minutes to reach the river, Sarah sliding out of the saddle and letting out a yell of fury. Bella, wisely, trotted around the corner to enjoy the peace and quiet and leave her mistress to her fury.
Sarah paced back and forth, curses pouring from her lips hands fisting then unfisting angrily. A rustle of leaves made her look up as a wolf emerged from the bushes across the river. Sarah growled. "Come and eat me. I dare you." It huffed a few times, pacing, not wanting to cross the river before turning and hurrying off. She snarled after it.
"Perhaps I should come back later?" She turned and glared darkly at Jareth who held up his hands in defense. "I only suggested it." When she snarled at him he frowned. "What has your tail in a knot, Princess?"
"My darling father has decided I'm to have guests this evening."
An eyebrow slowly rose. "Oh? And are these 'guests' suitable to society?"
"Usually not. They're idiotic princes my father believes are the best suitors out there and he keeps them in the castle for a few weeks to drive me mad before I attack one of them and send them all home."
"Oh." She glanced at him and he was looking at the river, a dark look on his face.
She sighed heavily and flopped to the ground. "I'm sorry to have taken my anger out on you Jareth… it's just… oh! I hate it so much! He does this to me at least five times a year and I hate it!"
He slowly took a seat beside her, eyes on the river. "Are you still allowed out?"
"Yes, but I must be back by midday for a late lunch. Usually one of the suitors will take me for a walk or ask for company while he duels another and then dinner and then another walk until I can finally escape again. Oh I hate them!"
"Would meeting cause too much chaos?"
"No I need to be out and about, to relax myself before the day begins." She turned to him quickly. "Promise you will meet me here in the morning! Promise!"
"I've made you promise me if you don't recall," he said dryly.
"I'll be here! I swear it! Unless my father restricts me to my room, I'll be here, rain or shine."
He made a face. "Only shine. I shall greet you in a room of your choosing should it rain. I dislike the wetness that accompanies it."
She laughed. "Fine then, if it rains, the room directly above mine is my art studio. If I wake and it is raining, I will meet you after breakfast in that room unless we've something else planned that day."
"That sounds fantastic," he chimed dully.
"I know but it's better than not getting to see you at all."
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "You know you would miss me too much."
She sighed. "I would."
This time he turned to face her. "I was just kidding."
"I wasn't. You're my only relief to an otherwise horribly boring life… beyond Kit and Bella of course."
"Of course," he murmured then sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just a clash between people at home."
"What's your home like?" she asked, drawing her legs up to her chest.
"Hm… well… it's pleasant enough, I suppose. It used to be chaotic but a new ruler took over and slowly eased peace back into the castle and town. There are demons of all races living there now. Our shopping district is filled with their wares and is a stopping point along the border so our country is rising in power nearly every day."
Sarah smiled. "It sounds nice."
"It is." He cocked his head and leaned back on his hands. "I suppose… peaceful isn't a term for it…"
"Living," Sarah offered. "Life's got its ups and downs but it still goes on and you know there'll be a tomorrow when your head hits the pillow even if you don't accompany it."
"Indeed…" He was quiet for a long moment. "Then… do you see your home as 'living'?"
She smiled faintly. "You know me well enough by now to know the answer to that."
"Enlighten me nonetheless."
With a sigh she folded her arms on top of her knees. "My country is living but my home is not. The servants work daily but they hope every night when they awaken they will no longer be in a position to serve under such a king. My father awakens every morning hoping life will not be as it was the day before, that he will earn more wealth, more status and more power during the upcoming day. The townspeople go about their lives with no care towards the castle or the rulers. They know that should something happen to the ones in charge they will simply be transferred to the next in line."
"And you?"
"And I go to bed every night hoping that it's the last night I feel like wishing the world would stop spinning," she remarked calmly. "It's such a… boring existence."
He hummed his agreement. "It's as you said, I'm your relief to an otherwise boring life."
"Horribly boring life, Jareth. You cannot forget that word."
"Pardon me. My sins are innumerable."
"Well of course. You are a demon."
He chuckled then sat up. "Will you try an experiment for me tonight?"
"As long as it doesn't interfere with my beauty sleep," she said, brushing a hand against her cheek. "I do so dearly need it."
He rolled his eyes. "I don't think sleep with do anything to alter your appearance. Besides, you look quite fine as it is." She hid her smile. "Anyway, tonight, when you go to bed think of the coming day in its greatest. Think of how the sun will rise upon the land and begin a new day."
"The sun does that every day."
"Then think of something you'll look forward to."
"I don't have anything to look forward to."
"Good lord you're obnoxious," he muttered.
She laughed. "I know." She flopped back on the grass. "But I'm tired and I have a long day ahead. Give me a break."
"Just for today then."
She giggled. "Thanks."
An hour later, Jareth suddenly glanced up at the sky. "I believe you said you needed to be back by midday?"
She glanced up as well then cursed darkly and got to her feet, fingers rising to her lips. A whistle echoed and Bella trotted around the corner a minute later. Sarah moved towards the mare then spun around and dropped back to her knees beside Jareth. "You promised."
He drew back as her face was suddenly too close to his. "I promised what?"
"That you'd be there. I will meet you here tomorrow morning."
"Unless it rains," he said dryly. "Then your art studio in the room above your own. I can recall the past few hours of conversation, Princess."
She smiled brightly and hugged him. "Thank you Jareth!" Leaping to her feet, she missed the shocked look on his face as she hurried to Bella's side and leapt into the saddle. Turning the mare around she saluted. "Tomorrow then! Bye Jareth!"
He lifted a hand and waved as Bella charged back to the barn. After the mare's hoof beats faded, he sighed and stood, brushed himself off and vanished.
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Sarah scowled mentally, glaring darkly at the three suitors before her, each groomed to perfection, sitting straight in their chairs. Lord What's-His-Face, the first in line had just been asked about his lands and he was talking… and talking… and talking and talking and talking and talking…. He was the picture perfect prince, rich with manners, short neatly groomed blond hair, baby blue eyes any woman would swoon over, clothes perfect with not a speck of grime and a voice that was… perfectly monotone.
Sarah could feel her eye twitching at the sheer boredom emanating from this man. If she was ever forced to marry him she'd puke, maybe all over those shiny boots. A sudden thought occurred to her on how to make this evening more enjoyable.
Hiding a smirk as she spooned soup into her mouth, she imaged this perfect prince… then imagined throwing mud in his perfect hair and smearing it all over his perfect face.
Then she'd set Bella after him and watch him run screaming out of their territory… maybe sic Jareth on him as well. She was sure the fae would enjoy torturing another victim as he was probably doing right now. The poor rabbit was a much less worthy victim than the perfect prince across from her.
"That's wonderful!" her father announced as the Perfect Prince finally stopped speaking. He turned to the next. "And you sir, your lands?"
As that one began speaking Sarah raised an eyebrow. His grin was… 'grinny'… He was like a popstar, a ridiculous one, trying to convince everyone that he was wonderful. His hair was brown and stuck up, eyes black and twinkling in sheer enjoyment about talking about his lands and how wonderful he was. Sarah couldn't even think up torture ideas because she was so focused on… how absolutely ridiculous he was. Her eye twitched as his voice hit a high spot and movement to his right made her glance at the third in line.
His lips twitched every so often in accordance to the high squeals and sparks in the Grinny Man's speech. Sarah raised an eyebrow. This one had promise of being-dare she say it?-Normal.
Grinny was still chattering like a fool… like a… like a monkey. She squealed in her mind. A perfect comparison. He was one of those monkeys she saw in the square dancing for a banana, especially since his dark hair and eyes complimented that simile. So far; Perfect Prince, Grinny Monkey and the last who she was soon to get a name for. Grinny Monkey finally stopped talking.
"Incredible. So full of history! Lastly, you sir, how are your lands?"
"My lands are quite fine sire. We do well with our imports and exports, our people are happy and there hasn't been a revolt in nearly four hundred years."
Sarah blinked. He'd just summed up the information Perfect had taken forty-five minutes and Grinny had taken thirty-five minutes to explain in… seven seconds… She realized she was staring wide eyed and opened mouth and snapped her mouth shut seeing his lips twitch again.
"Er… well… excellent!" Her father recovered quickly, obviously disappointed this last prince proved unworthy to keep his daughter as annoyed as possible. "All three of you have great potential. I would enjoy it immensely if you could possible stay a week or two to enjoy meals and afternoon walks with her, separately of course, to perhaps woo her. I fear she's been as cold as ice to her other suitors so do not think failing the first time will destroy your chances." She glowered at her soup. "Isn't that right Sarah?"
She turned and set her jaw tightly. "Yes father…" she ground out, then turned back to her soup.
How… how DARE he… he's such a ba-
"Sire, I do not mean to disagree but I believe that would only push the princess into further withdrawal from selecting a suitor. Perhaps scheduled one-on-one meetings that she herself can schedule?"
Sarah looked up at the third man sharply as her father stuttered out a "well… that does seem to be more assure in her choosing… Sarah? Does that sound well?"
"…yes…" She narrowed her eyes at the man who met her gaze dully, then picked up his glass and ignored her.
This prince was going to be trouble…
As soon as lunch was over, Sarah got to her feet and curtsied, then tried to book it out of the room. She made it only two halls away before she heard her father calling for her. She mentally heaved a sigh but physically turned with a pleasant smile.
"Yes father?"
He motioned towards 'Grinny'. "This young prince has asked for an after lunch walk with you. Would you care to accept the invitation?"
"Yes sir," she said as she placed a hand on top of the other before her and bowed lightly. "Thank you for the kind request."
Grinny… well… grinned and held out an arm. "Shall we?"
"Of course," she replied happily, gently wrapping her arm around his. He led her outside and Sarah caught the guard's eye as he stood before the entrance to the labyrinth of hedges. Making sure Grinny couldn't see her, she shot the guard a look, the man's lips twitching as he stood tall.
Grinny tried to make pleasant conversation, Sarah reluctantly agreeing the weather was pleasant, that this summer was turning out to be quite wonderful, that the flowers were beautiful; she even managed to produce a light blush when he plucked a daisy and said it wasn't nearly as beautiful as she was.
"Thank you sir," she said innocently. "You are too kind."
"I'm serious, Sarah-" he obvious missed her bristle at the informality of using her name and not her rank "-you are gorgeous."
"So you've said," she said stiffly.
"I've traveled the world, seen beautiful women, had many hearts broken because I vowed I couldn't rest until I found the perfect one," Grinny smiled and leaned in, "but Sarah, I've never met someone as gorgeous as you."
She sent him a dull look, giving up the innocent 'I'm just a sweet princess' act and took a step back. "You mean you've never met anyone as rich as I."
"Darling, wealth has nothing to do with it."
"Or everything." She realized the hedge was against her back.
He put an arm against the hedge over her head and leaned in closer. "You really should raise that self-esteem."
"And you should get out of my face before I hurt you. Badly."
He frowned but didn't move. "What have you got against princes?"
"I'm telling you to move."
"I've heard from every suitor that you're picky and no one's good enough for you."
"You've got three seconds."
"They're not handsome enough, not smart enough, not rich enough-"
"One."
"Or is it that you're just playing hard to get? Need a little more attention?"
"Two."
"What? Upset Daddy's picked his newborn son over his daughter of eighteen years?"
"Three." Sarah took a half step forward and her knee jerked up. Grinny let out a yelp of pain and collapsed on the ground. Sarah dusted off her hands. "I warned you." She leaned over his red faced form. "And the reason I rejected all suitors was because every single one of them was exactly like you; weak, pathetic and no good." Standing she made her way back towards the castle. The guard at the entrance to the hedge glanced at her then sighed.
"Again, my lady?"
"He started it," she shot back childishly.
"Started what?" Both turned and she found Sir Annoyance standing there.
She scowled. "None of your business."
"The prince acted dishonorably," the guard interrupted. "Luckily our lady is knowledgeable in hand to hand combat."
She crossed her arms with a 'hmph!' "I wouldn't have to be if they all didn't try to molest me." She shot the prince a glare. "And don't you even think about cornering me somewhere. I'm quite sure he-" she jerked her thumb in Grinny's direction "-won't be having kids."
The guard winced but Sir Annoyance didn't even look phased. "Have you told your father about this?"
"Of course," she said, waving a hand and making her way inside. "But even the most polite of princes can be horrid when they've got a girl to themselves."
Sir Annoyance looked like he would follow her to interrogate her some more but she made sure she was well hidden in the library for the rest of the evening.
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Thoughts still on the book she'd just been reading, Sarah almost missed her father asking "where did Sir Leonard go?" during supper that night. Sarah glanced up in confusion. Richard was motioning to the empty seat beside Prince Perfecto where Grinny had been before...
She looked back down at her plate sharply and lifted a piece of food to her mouth. Sir Annoyance was watching her and she sent him a dark glare.
"Sir?" he called and Sarah paled, eyes wide. "I believe I know where he went."
"Oh? Where?"
He stared at her for another second before turning his gaze to Richard. "I believe our spar was too wild this afternoon so he is currently resting in the infirmary. I apologize."
"Oh! Jolly good then! I was afraid he'd left after only a day!" He smiled brightly to Sarah who watched her plate. "Can't have that! He can't get to know our precious princess in only a day! Right Sarah?"
"Yes father." The hand on her lap curled tightly and she felt her nails digging into her palm as she tried to calm herself.
The rest of dinner was filled with the king boasting about his lands, Prince Perfecto and Sir Annoyance chiming in every once in awhile with their congratulations on how well he ran the country. Sarah tried to block it all out, counting down the seconds until she could vanish to her room and not need to see another creature until the morning if she so desired.
Once dessert was finished, Richard bid them all good night and left through the door leading to the royal chambers. Prince Perfecto didn't spare the other two in the room a glance before he left towards the guest housing.
Sir Annoyance grabbed Sarah's arm before she could escape to her room. "Why haven't you told him?!"
"Told who what now?" she snapped angrily, trying to pull her arm away.
"Your father about Leonard."
She smiled sarcastically. "Oh we can't do that! He doesn't know me yet!" She tore her arm away. "Besides, it was an isolated incident. I'm sure we'll be much greater friends once we get to know each other!" She curtsied. "Good night sir!"
Hurrying back to her room, she left the prince frowning in puzzlement. She opened her door and stepped in, shutting it quickly behind her and resting her forehead against the cool wood. A hand grabbed her elbow and spun her quickly and she fisted another hand to hit her attacker only to find mismatched and worried eyes.
"Are you okay?"
She blinked. "Yes. Why?"
Jareth snarled darkly. "I saw what happened during your walk and knew I couldn't do anything."
"Saw what…" She flushed. "Oh."
"Does that happen a lot with these suitors?"
"Yes. They all think that kissing me will suddenly make me fall in love with them." She muttered something not nice under her breath and snuck into the bathroom to wash her face.
"Have you ever?" She glanced back and found him leaning against the doorframe, arms and legs crossed.
"Ever…?"
"Fallen for one."
"Only once." She smiled faintly. "But I wasn't yet thirteen and far too immature to have to deal with love. He's married with three kids now," she added with a wicked grin, "so no need to get all jealous."
He scowled. "I'm not jealous. I rather wish you'd gone and married off."
"Awww. That's not nice." She pouted. "But for your info, I like wild haired blonds rather than neat and tidy chestnuts," she said ruffling his hair in the same manner Bella usually did. He snapped at her hand and she giggled and made her way to her closet to find clothes for the night.
"So…" She turned quickly as he stood right behind her. "You'd rather I be one of those suitors than the charming young man who tried to get you to tell your father?"
She glared. "He's not charming, he's annoying."
He leaned in. "You didn't deny it."
"Because that would be a lie," she said sagely then poked him in the chest. "But I know you better. You couldn't stand being one of those princes because you would go insane." She turned around and shuffled through the closet. "Oh and I'll have you know, whilst in their general area, all I could think of was turning Prince Perfecto over to you and seeing how he enjoy having a killer fae out for his life. Perhaps for once he could use his vocal cords to not be monotonous."
Jareth snorted, leaning against the wall beside the closet door. "Now that sounds like entertainment."
She grinned at him. "I thought as much. Glad you agree."
"See," he chimed lightly as she headed for the bathroom. "I would do well in that line up of princes."
She rolled her eyes. "Good night Jareth."
As the door closed behind her she heard, "see ya tomorrow."
She leaned back against the door and sighed happily. "Until then…" As she climbed into bed, she smiled as she realized she was looking forward to the next day.
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To all readers and reviewers,
See next chapter
- Kadasa