A/N: I do not own Labyrinth or anything associated with it. Except this story.
Sarah lay in the overlarge bed, pondering Jareth's words. 'You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow,' he had said. What, precisely did that entail? Was she to become his slave and do his cleaning? Or would she be his slave in an entirely different manner? She shuddered at the second possibility and tried to wipe it from her mind. She lay back on the pillows, her mind working furiously. She didn't know when she fell asleep, but at some point, she did.
The dream visited her again, frightening her. Sarah knew she harbored feelings for the Goblin King; a year away from a person who was so memorable could do that. But to that extent? Would she really go out on a whim to satisfy him? No. She wouldn't let him know what she felt. But for some reason, she felt he already knew. Her feeling from earlier that he could read minds was coming back stronger. It frightened her that she would never be able to keep a secret from him, but at the same time, it thrilled her that he would never have to worry about misreading her emotions. Some men were just idiots when it came to picking up hints from women; some didn't see the hints when they were there, others saw hints when there were none.
Sarah awoke with a jolt, sitting up the moment she awoke. Her vision was still blurry. As her eyes cleared and she could see, she screamed. Jareth was sitting at the end of the bed, watching her. He smirked in amusement. She glared at him, and he leaned closer to her, scrutinizing her gaze. Sarah was unnerved, and she blinked and looked down.
"Sarah, lovely, this is my castle. I can go where I please," Jareth said with a small sigh. He shook his head, trying to suppress a laugh at Sarah's wide eyes. "My dear, you're probably wondering what I meant when I said you have a long day ahead of you." He chuckled at the sight of her expression, wondering how he knew. "You humans are so predictable." She relaxed a little, but her suspicion that he could read her mind stayed. "Sarah. I simply meant that you will be staying by my side. And my agenda is very full."
"Oh. I thought you were going to…" she faltered. "Going to make me your slave or something." He shook with silent laughter. She glared at him and slapped his arm. "It's not funny! I don't understand you," she sighed, flopping back onto the pillows with an irritated grunt. "Damn Fae! Why do you have to be so complicated? God damn you…" Sarah trailed off, her rant fading to nothing as her irritation abated. Jareth still shook with silent laughter, which he now fought to control. As he regained his composure, he looked at her.
"Sarah, dear, I will call a maid who will dress you in more… appropriate clothes. She will then take you to the dining hall, where you will have your breakfast with me," he said matter-of-factly, giving her no choice in the matter. "Dear," he added, almost as an afterthought. She made a face. He looked at her with curiosity.
"What's with calling me 'dear' and 'love?'" she asked, crossing her arms. She raised an eyebrow at him. His jaw fell open in irritated shock. How the hell could she not see why he used such endearing terms for her? Was she really that oblivious?
"You mortals are so oblivious to everything!" he groaned, rubbing his temples with a gloved hand. "Do I have to actually tell you?" Jareth nearly screamed, trying to gain control of himself. Sarah's expression went from one of irritation to one of utter bewilderment. She had clearly forgotten his kiss from the night before. "Damn it, Sarah!" She shied away, now terrified that he would hurt her. His eyes burned, with both frustration and passion. Sarah's eyes met his, and their gaze was locked, despite her desire to look away from the eyes that burned and consumed her. As their gaze held, Jareth shocked Sarah into silence.
"I love you."