Title: Of Demons and Goblin Kings
Author: The Crazy Coocoo 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 10
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Kit I know how much you love Alex but he will die by the end of breakfast.
Sarah glowered at the young man whenever her father turned to speak with Wollburt and Grinny. Alex simply sent her a dull look or ignored her. The reason for her fury at him was caused only a short while ago. Running late to breakfast, Sarah had decided to take the short-cut by sliding down the banister. In a fit of pure joy, she allowed a wide grin to grace her lips.
It instantly fell when she spotted Alex-er-Lord Annoying leaning against the far wall, a single eyebrow raised, entire expression conveying his belief of her idiocy. She had immediately begun to stammer some excuse out but he cut her off with, "do all princesses act so immaturely, or are you a rare deformity?"
All thoughts of apology had been violently slammed out the window.
As she drew in breathe to begin an epic rant that would live in stories for centuries, her father turned the corner, ushering them to breakfast. Now she had to sit beside the man, still fuming from the single sentence, wishing she could vent her fury while listening to her father, Wollburt and Grin-Mister babble on and on about things she had little care for.
Ducking her hands under the table under the appearance wiping them on her napkin, she fisted them so tightly, he nails began biting into her skin.
What is wrong with me? she thought furiously. Normally the suitors don't bother me this much and usually his little barbs don't make me homicidal to the point of actually committing homicide. She wrung her napkin tightly, worry barely creasing her mask of polite formality. Something must be wrong…
"Sarah." She glanced up at her father who looked irritated. All eyes were on her and she barely held back a flush of embarrassment realizing he'd been calling her for some time. "Now that your head has been removed from the clouds," he chuckled, eyes scowling, "I must speak with you after breakfast."
She nodded slowly and returned to her food. She felt a tap at her leg and glanced at Alex who was looking at her out of the corner of his eyes, a small uneasy frown tugging at the corner of his lips. She sent him a small smile and turned back to her food.
I guess he can be forgiven, she remarked to herself, fury vanishing quickly, leaving only a hollow pit in her stomach.
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After breakfast, Sarah wished a good day to the suitors and followed her father from the room and towards his private den. Once he was seated behind the desk and she stood before it, did he begin to speak. "The suitors will be leaving the day after tomorrow. If you want one to stay, you need to inform me immediately." He glared at her. "Does one catch your interest?"
She shifted then shrugged. "I will spend the day observing them and tell you upon the morrow."
He nodded, used to this answer by now. "Perhaps this time one will finally catch the elusive Princess Sarah of Sylvia."
Her lips curled into a wicked smile, exposing more teeth than necessary. "Of course, your highness. You shall be rid of me yet."
"One can only hope," he replied emotionlessly before waving a hand and dismissing her. Snarling inwardly, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the room.
As she swept through the entrance hall, Grinny slid into her path. "Why hello, my princess." She felt her inner fury building. "Might I ask a pleasant stroll through the gardens with you upon my arm?"
"Of course," she replied in false cheer, inwardly adding though it is debatable whether your arm will still be attached once the stroll is completed.
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A few hours, a nearly hospitalized Grinny, a guard who needed to be paid more for what he had to deal with and a happy Sarah later, the princess stretched as she entered her room. The sun was just setting outside her window and it was red, hopefully meaning the following day would be gorgeous. She smiled to herself.
And the suitors will be leaving the following day! Her face fell. But then I can't make fun of Kitsune… A thoughtful look crossed her features and she tapped her finger on her chin. Perhaps I could offer that he stay a bit longer to get to know 'me'… She grinned wickedly. Perfect… although… She scowled. That means I have to be in his presence more often. She grinned again. Perhaps I'll tell father I'm going on a picnic with him but instead send Kitsune in my place! She hugged herself. Oh I'm brilliant!
"This is more entertainment then I've had in the past four days."
She shrieked and spun, Jareth lounging in the chair – his chair – in the corner. "Damn it! How long have you been here?" she cried, feeling her heart throbbing painfully against her ribcage. Kitsune had never managed to beat so fast when she took it upon herself to scare Sarah.
"Bout twenty minutes. You sure take your dandy time getting here."
She stuck her tongue out childishly. "How'd you get up here?"
He shot her a dull look. "Must I remind you again of my demon heritage?"
She laughed embarrassedly. "Oh… right…. So did you miss me?"
"Never. Life was very boring though. Nothing to do but kill stuff."
"And that is, oh, so boring." Rolling her eyes she went to her vanity and grabbed her hair brush, beginning the ritual night time activities trying desperately to ignore the squeal that wanted to erupt and the hug she wanted to bestow on him.
"It is," he replied, grabbing her cup of water and sipping at it. "The hunt is only amusing for so long, then it gets dull and downright tedious."
"I hope you know that was my glass of water."
"Of course I know. Your point?"
"I'm a girl."
"…and?"
"Girls have cooties ya know."
He rolled his eyes. "That stopped working when I was eleven years old."
She pouted. "But that's my glass of water!"
A single swift knock at the door interrupted them and before Sarah could shout not to come inside, it swung open, Kitsune entering. She took three steps into the room and stopped dead, staring between them.
Sarah paled, set her hair brush down quickly and walked towards her. "Kit… Kitsune, it's all right. Please don't scream."
"What the hell?" she cried. "Why's there-"
Sarah slapped a hand over her mouth. "Don't Kit. Please don't scream. Don't yell. Don't. Please."
Kitsune nodded, warily watching Jareth who'd retaken his seat. Sarah released Kitsune and shut the door behind her. She looked at Sarah, eyes narrowed. "Are you having a secret affair?"
Sarah choked and Jareth spewed out his drink, coughing furiously and pounding his chest. "No!" Sarah shrieked, turning bright red. "He's just a friend!"
Kitsune noted Jareth's look of surprise but didn't comment on it. "Oh? Is he who I've been smelling around recently?"
Sarah made a face. "I suppose… Kit that's an awfully weird statement. Don't say it again, yeah?"
Kitsune scowled and grabbed a pillow, smacking her with it. "I'll say what I want! You're harboring a demon in your room!" she hissed the last part in case anyone was walking by.
"I'm not harboring anyone!" Sarah hissed back. "He entered my room via open balcony door!"
"Did you?" she asked.
"I did."
"So he did."
Sarah spluttered. "You'll just believe him automatically but it takes me twenty minutes to get you to believe me?"
"I know better than to believe you right away Sarah." Despite the situation Sarah couldn't help but grin wickedly. "And by the by, Theo would like to kill you very much."
As she cackled, Jareth sent Kitsune a questioning look. "Theo?"
"One of the chefs in the kitchen. Sarah apparently added an extra fun ingredient to the sauce today and the kitchen staff had to clean it up for two hours after the explosion." Kitsune crossed her arms, ears flattening against her head. "And I had to help. Thanks so much for that."
"You're welcome!" Sarah chimed happily.
"I do often wonder if I was high when I decided to save you," Jareth muttered, sipping at his stolen drink once again."
Sarah pouted and Kitsune raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"
"She was in the path of a minotaur I'd had the unfortunate luck of attracting and I rescued her when she refused to move."
"Why?" Kitsune asked dryly. "Do you not understand how much work it is trying to take care of her every need?" Sarah scowled at them both and threw her hands into the air, stomping into the bathroom to finish getting ready for bed.
Shutting and locking the door behind her, she lifted her hands up, seeing them shake. What is WRONG with me? she cried mentally. How is that he has such an effect on me? All of the rage I could feel behind every action is gone, the strange hollow in my stomach… She let out a shaky sigh and reached for the buttons to her gown. Oh I hope it's just a phase I'll get used to. If I have to deal with this every time he's out of sight, I may commit seppuku despite Sir Annoyance's regret for a ruined gown.
Outside Kitsune waited until she heard the door lock to start making the bed. "Have you any ill intentions towards Sarah?" she asked, eyes focused on the bed sheets instead of the demon watching her carefully.
"Nothing beyond making fun of her."
She inhaled slowly before nodding slowly. "I expect I can't make you change your mind about sneaking in here but… Sarah's father, King Richard is… well the king-"
"Is prejudice. I know." She looked up at him sharply but he was looking out the window. "I overheard one of his rants at Sarah."
"Ah." She couldn't hide the wince that crossed her features.
"Yes. A particularly harsh one signifying the loss of her Bella and a fox whom I can only assume was you."
"Yeah I'm one of her… privileges I suppose."
Jareth snorted. "Her father is a ba-"
The bathroom door swung open and Sarah let out a sigh of relief. "Bedtime!" she chirped happily.
Kitsune glared at her, ears flat against her head. "We're speaking. Go away."
Sarah blinked in surprise then scowled. "It's my room. You go away!"
The fox reached forward and poked her side, Sarah squealing and falling into her bed. Kitsune followed quickly, continuously poking her, Sarah squealing and squirming and trying to get away.
Jareth watched them fighting and smiled faintly. His meeting, while having normally taken five days to complete with another day of travel, had only taken three because of his insistent pushing to finish it and get back to the pretty brunette. He knew a few of his friends would give him hell once they found out but he missed Sarah. He hadn't realized before how… boring other demons were compared to his human companion.
She finally got away from Kitsune's hands and tackled the fox over the side of the bed. Kitsune yelped, trying to get away but Sarah pinned her. "Say uncle!" she cried triumphantly.
"No!"
"Say it!"
"No!"
"Sayyyyy iiiiiitt!"
Jareth walked over and grabbed her sides, picking her up and throwing her over a shoulder. "Be nice to the fox," he scolded and held out a hand, helping Kitsune to her feet.
"Jareth!" Sarah wailed. "Let go!"
"Thanks," Kitsune said, brushing herself off before she poked Sarah's side. The girl yelped and batted at her hands. "Alright. It's time for bed, Sarah. Jenny will slit my throat if we annoy her again tonight."
Sarah sighed. "Fine." Jareth chuckled and set her gently on the ground. "Oh!" Sarah walked over to her desk and picked up a rolled up piece of paper with a ribbon round it. "Here ya go."
"Another one?"
Sarah smirked and tapped his nose with it. "You offered."
"So I did," he replied with a heavy sigh, tucking it into one of his pockets.
"Did what?" Kitsune asked. "Wait…" Her eyes widened. "Is that for Alia?" At Sarah's nod she shook her head with a sigh. "I knew you'd find a way. You can't help causing mischief, can you?" Sarah smirked and Jareth just rolled his eyes.
"With my own personal demon on hand, Kit, how else am I supposed to react?"
The fox rolled her eyes. "Bed. Now."
"Yes sir!" She saluted and jumped into bed. Kitsune walked over and pulled the covers up.
"Good night Sarah."
"Night Kit!" She turned to Jareth who was standing by the balcony doors. "Night Jareth. See you tomorrow?"
He nodded. "Here or there?"
"There where?" Kitsune asked in confusion.
"Either or. I've been allowed access again."
"Alright. I'll wait there till noon then come here."
"There where?" Kitsune growled then realization dawned in her eyes. "Wait! You're the one in the portrait!"
Jareth turned to Sarah with a look. Sarah held up her hands. "She didn't know you were real till tonight."
Kitsune looked confused but just sighed. "I give up. I don't care. It was nice meeting you sir demon."
"You as well lady fox."
"Good night Sarah."
"Night Kit." The fox walked out of the room and shut the door behind her. "Night Jareth."
"See you tomorrow Princess."
"Until then." He vanished out the window and she waited a few minutes to ensure everyone was gone before jumping out of bed and hurrying to the balcony. She knelt on the ground, sitting on her legs to look up at the stars. "I'm sorry I doubted you," she whispered, clasping her hands together and resting them in her lap. "Thank you for giving me another chance. I thought not having spoken to you for a very long time would put me out of the running for wishing but… thank you for bringing him back."
With a smile, she slid back into her room, not realizing the blond fae sitting on the roof above was staring at the spot she'd been, jaw dropped.
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Trying to get to know Grinny better had been a disaster. Her personal bubble had been invaded too many times and he'd nearly lost a limb (again) when he grabbed her arm to get her stay longer (again). The boy just did not know when to quit. Luckily the guard had turned the corner just as she was reaching for a sword mounted on the wall otherwise his hand would have hit the floor followed shortly by his head.
Trying to get to know Wollburt better had been boring. She was sure that there was a princess out there who would fall in love with the young man and live happily ever after but… goddess above he made her ears bleed. Luckily they had gone riding in the woods so she could tune him out, vaguely smiling and nodding at the right intervals, mentally sending Bella visions of her boredom, the horse letting out a suspicious sounding cough every once in awhile.
Lastly, the toughest suitor to get to know better.
"Lord Alex?"
The young man turned, spotted Sarah and sighed. Turning on his heel he made his way over and bowed lightly. "Good day my princess. How do you fare?"
She curtsied lightly. "Quite well good sir." She smiled faintly and held out her hand. "If you would take a walk with me? The gardens are looking quite lovely today."
"Indeed." He took her arm and laid a hand over hers, both walking outside. Once they were far enough into the hedges, he glanced at her. "So what ails you? You're not one to willingly ask for my presence."
"Would you like to stay here?" He looked confused. "What I mean is, if I go and tell my father that you're not the prince for me, he will cast you out."
"And this would affect me how?"
"Well for one, you wouldn't be able to see a pretty red fox anymore." He frowned. "But if I tell my father that you may perhaps be the one, you'd be allowed to stay longer and get to know her much better."
"What do I have to do for you to commit such an act?"
"Do you like her because she's something interesting-"
"Someone," he corrected.
She hid the wide smile that wanted to erupt. "-someone interesting or because you actually like her?"
"I think Kitsune is a fine woman indeed," he replied then sighed. "And I do find her quite intriguing. We've had many chats over the past few weeks," he raised a hand to his chest, frowning softly as though something were wrong with his heartbeat, "and I find life quite depressing without her companionship."
Sarah bit her lip but couldn't hold back the squeal of happiness. "Oh! That's what I wanted to hear! I will inform my father that we've gotten closer and he may be rid of me yet." She pushed him towards the castle. "Now go find the pretty fox and spend some time with her."
"Thank you Sarah." He smiled brightly and walked quickly towards the doors.
Sarah sighed happily. "If only he smiled like that the first time I saw him," she commented. "Kit would've never had a chance."
"You'd marry him?" She jumped and turned to her blond haired fae friend who sat on the stone bench behind her.
"I would if only for the fact he's very cute when he smiles."
He sent her a dull look, leaning back on the bench. "Princess, no one smiles around you. You cause them constant headaches."
She rolled her eyes. "Then you must have a constant pain in your tiny skull as you're always in my presence."
"I do," he sniffed. "But it's a very large ache as my brain is many times bigger than your own." She scoffed and took a seat beside him. "So… matchmaking is another of your nosy hobbies."
"Indeed," she replied with a faint smile. "If I can't have happiness I'll try to make my friends happy."
He cocked his head at her. "You're unhappy?"
She rolled her eyes. "I mean happiness in the romantic relationship area my thick headed fae."
"Ah… you're unhappy in this romantic relationship area?" She sent him a dull look. "Why… I thought your romantic heart would be bursting at the mere sight of me!" He let out a haughty scoff. "I am quite handsome you know."
"Only the hair." He blinked at her and she shrugged. "It's poofy."
"Poofy."
"Yup. Poofy."
"Uh huh… is that the only reason you hang around?"
"Yup. For the poof."
"What a sad life you have."
"Yup. And poofy."
"Stop saying poofy!"
"What's she doing now?" Both turned as Kitsune walked out, arms crossed.
"Being annoying," Jareth grumbled.
"When is she not?"
Sarah scowled at the both of them then crossed her arms with a 'hmph!' "See if I'm ever friends with you again." Jareth suddenly vanished. "Jareth?"
"My ladies?" Both turned quickly as Alex came around the corner. He looked uneasy. "I've…" He spotted Kitsune and paused. "I've reassessed the situation my lady Sarah."
She frowned. "Pardon?"
"If I am to stay longer, I must tell you of my heritage for it will surely spread." She glanced at Kitsune who looked just as confused as she was. "I am a descendent of a panther demon."
Kitsune stiffened and Sarah flew at him before the fox could move, slamming a hand over his mouth. He yelped, falling back into the hedge behind him. "Don't!" she hissed. "Don't ever say that aloud. My father will have your head as a trophy!" He stared at her, wide eyed and obviously confused. "My father hates demons. Even Kitsune is not allowed close to him unless I'm around and she works here. You must keep this a secret. If it gets out, he will find a way to get you killed."
Alex's eyes darkened and flickered towards Kitsune as Sarah pulled her hand away. "Is Lady Kitsune in danger while working here?"
"No-" Kitsune began but Sarah cut her off.
"Yes she is. Always. But I've made a deal with him that she's not to be touched as long as I comply. He will not break it for he does not wish to see the side effects of doing so."
The man growled darkly and Sarah took a quick step back. He sighed. "My apologies my lady… I thought it better to have the truth out should I stay. Apparently not here."
She laughed sadly. "This is a bad castle to speak honestly in my lord." She turned to Kitsune. "Why don't you show Lord Alex to his chambers for the evening. I'll ask around and see if any one suspects anything."
"Sure." Kitsune looked worried but took his offered arm as he led her to the castle. Sarah waited a moment then turned around. Sure enough Jareth had reclaimed his seat looking thoughtful.
"I knew something was off about him," she muttered. "I just didn't know what it was."
"I couldn't even tell he was demon," Jareth remarked as she took a seat beside him, "until he got angry. It then flared from deep inside. I think he may have some sort of concealer on his person."
"Concealer?"
"Hides his scent, his aura, anything remotely related to demonic qualities." He scratched his cheek. "I outta get me one of them."
Sarah pouted. "But then your poofy hair would go away."
"For goddess' sake Princess. Stop saying poofy."
She giggled. "You know you missed me."
"I did." She looked over in surprise and he winked. "You're much more entertaining."
She blushed. "Thanks."
He chuckled and leaned back, an arm going around behind her to rest on the bench beside her left hip. She felt her heart beat out of rhythm for a second and she frowned. "Something wrong?" he asked in concern.
She shook her head. "Just thinking."
"Bout what?"
She shrugged. "This and that." She slid off the bench so she could lay on the grass and stare at the sky. "Mostly how to annoy Kitsune."
"You do that very well my dear."
"I do, don't I."
He leaned into her line of vision and grinned. "And that is why you're so much more entertaining."
She laughed. "Only for you dearest. Only for you."
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"Sarah!"
She mentally groaned then turned to her father with a pretty smile. "Yes father?"
"Have you decided yet?"
She spotted Alex rounding the corner. "Uh… one moment please - Lord Alex?" He turned with a dull look. Sarah smiled prettily. "Would you be willing to accompany me on a picnic? A late lunch perhaps?"
"I'd be honored."
"Shall we meet in the half hour?"
"I will meet you in the barn." He bowed lightly then continued towards his rooms.
"That was the last suitor I needed to meet with. I will inform you before bedtime if he is the one for me." Sarah dipped her head in farewell to her father and rushed to her room to wait.
Almost twenty minutes later, Kitsune walked into her room. Sarah let out a wail. "Kit! I can't do it!"
She frowned. "Do what?"
"I left my notebook in the barn! The suitors are in there!"
"So?"
"Please Kit! Please go get it! I know father told me you weren't supposed to be near to them the other day but… please."
She shifted uneasily. "I… I can't Sarah."
"I know." She sighed. "I just… wait! Dress up like a lady! They won't suspect anything!"
"Sarah-"
"Please Kit!"
She sighed. "Very well." Sarah quickly got her dressed and tidied up, shooing her out of the room. Once she was gone, she darted over to the balcony, and watched as the fox quickly made her way into the barn. Five minutes later, two horses rode towards the forest, Alex on one, Kitsune on the other.
Sarah grinned and waved when the fox glanced towards the castle. Despite being so far away, she could imagine the 'I will kill you mercilessly when I return' look the fox was no doubt sending her.
Cackling, she headed for her art studio to continue her painting.
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"Your highness?"
Richard turned from his papers and found his daughter standing in the doorway. "Sarah." He looked back at the papers. "What is it?"
"I have made my decision on the suitors."
He dipped the quill into the ink and tapped it on the side of the bottle. "And do any suit your fancy?"
"Yes. Lord Alex. I wish for more time to get to know him better."
"Very well. I shall send them home-what?" He looked up sharply.
She lifted an eyebrow. "What?"
"You actually fancy a suitor?"
Her smile was humorless. "You'll be rid of me yet, father. Simply allow me some more time to know he won't… hurt me." He just stared at her. She dipped her head in a farewell. "I shall inform him he is my chosen and you shall inform the others they were honorable company but not quite perfect. Thank you." She walked out of the room and vanished.
Richard blinked, shaking himself from his stupor and smirked. "I knew I could get rid of her one day." He turned to look at this paper only to find a large ink blot ruining it.
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To all readers and reviewers,
D:
Oh. My. God.
Has it really been nearly a YEAR since I last updated this? HOLY HELL! I've become one of them! You know, those authors that never publish except once a year? AAAAHHHHHHHH!
Well then you all need an update (if you still have me on story alert because you're such faithful readers T.T zomgIluvyou). I am now a senior in college, I have changed my major, I have a 15-20 page senior seminar paper due in December and I pretty much am doing something ALL THE TIME.
I want to thank everyone that has sent an email / message / review in the past year asking if I was still alive. Every time someone did I would realize I hadn't updated for awhile and write a bit more of the story.
Today though I finished my homework (OMG earlier than 20 minutes before class!) and decided to write a bit of fanfic cause I hadn't for awhile then realized I haven't updated for a year… wow…
I sincerely am so very sorry for making you all wait so long! Thank you all for still holding on and waiting for an update.
- Kadasa
P.S. Fun fact. Beginning of last month hit SEVEN years of my being a fanfiction member. Wow.
Next chapter preview: Chapter 11
After a few minutes her door flew open. "No Kit!" she cried. "I can do it myself!" She shut the door behind her, Kitsune shouting something Jareth was glad was muffled by the wood for Sarah probably would've slaughtered her.
Sarah spun on her heel, hands reaching for her hair, pulling at random ornaments and throwing them onto her dresser in fury. After only a few moments her hair was a mess, half still up, the other spilling onto her shoulders. She tore off the first layer of at least four gowns and threw it onto her bed with a cry of fury.
Jareth figured he should probably intervene before she became angry enough to hurt him. "Perfection is not as perfect as it may seem, hm?"
She jumped and spun then snarled. "Shut. Up."
He raised an eyebrow as she tugged off all but a simple white gown, throwing them into a heap on her bed, cursing darkly under her breath. She stormed over to the seat across from him, hers in the little light given off from the storm clouds still in the sky. She tugged on her hair for a few moments before giving up completely and just staring outside.
"Do you need some assistance?"
"No… Kit will be back in an hour…"
Jareth snorted and got his feet, only her eyes following him. "That is far too long for me to sit in the presence of such." She scoffed but didn't argue as he expertly unwound all of the ornaments out of her hair.