VII
Jareth and Sarah arrived at the Alderaanian palace to confront the rulers of the strange planet so very far from home. "It is a very beautiful place," Sarah remarked as they made their way up the palatial steps toward the main doors. "Much nicer than the Goblin Kingdom," Jareth added as they were approached by a pair of heavily armed guards. "State your business," one of the guards demanded roughly. "The King and Queen of the Underground to see the Queen of Alderaan on the matter of the missing child," Jareth replied calmly while the guards exchanged confused glances. "Follow us," the other guard motioned for the door to be opened as he lead Jareth and Sarah into the palace.
The couple were lead through the beautifully decorated halls, covered in ancient, brightly colored tapestries depicting the origins of Alderaan. "Wait here," the first guard ordered as the party came to a halt before a door bearing the royal seal of Alderaan. Jareth and Sarah remained outside as the guard entered. He returned moments later and ushered the pair inside.
"Your majesty, the King and Queen of the Underground," the guard announced as the Queen of Alderaan stood and cross the room toward them. Sarah looked the Alderaanian Queen over, searching for some distinguishing feature that would prove her parental claim to the little girl but she could see none. The Queen's hair was black as midnight and here face much too severe. A trickle of doubt began to pool in Sarah's stomach. "My guard says you have knowledge of the whereabouts of my daughter," The Queen stood a careful distance from them, watching as Jareth stepped forward to confront her.
"Your majesty, your daughter is quite safe. That I can assure you, however, I cannot bring her back to you." He waited as the words took their full effect on the Queen. She swayed slightly before collapsing into a high backed chair. "What do you mean?" She finally managed. "Where I rule, people are wished away to my realm and those 'wished-aways' become my subjects. Once they have become my subjects they are forbidden to leave my realm. Someone has wished your child into my realm and you have thirteen hours in which to retrieve her or else she must remain my subject forever," Jareth knelt beside the Queen as tears fell silently down her cheeks. "All hope is not lost, your majesty!" Jareth implored as the Queen met his gaze. "Our code expressly forbids the taking of children of royal blood. So if you would accompany me back to my realm Leia will be promptly returned to you." This declaration only brought a fresh wave of tears from the Queen.
"You aren't her mother are you?" Sarah levelled a serious gaze on the Queen. "Of course I am Leia's mother!" The Queen snapped. "On paper perhaps. She is not your child by blood." Sarah watched as the Queen's face fell. "It is true. Leia is not of royal blood," the Queen admitted weakly. "She was the daughter of my dearest friend. My husband and I took her in to protect her from the Emperor." She could face neither Jareth nor Sarah who had been stunned into silence. "No one was to know her true parentage. No one could know. How did this happen!" the Queen sobbed. "Your majesty, I suggest you bring me to your husband," Jareth patted the Queen's shoulder comfortingly while Sarah kept her distance. "Of course, this way," the Queen rose from her chair and led Jareth and Sarah to the Protectorate.