XIII
Sarah found her husband pacing back and forth in his throne room. "Jareth!" She called out breathlessly as she rushed through the door. "What is it?" He growled as she skidded to a halt before him. "If a questor cannot physically run the Labyrinth, then can another run in their place?" She gripped his arms tightly, forcing him to face her. "I suppose. As long as I give my consent." He muttered darkly. "Grant me consent!" She pleaded urgently. He pulled away from her grip. "You can't be serious!" He stared at her openmouthed. "I will run the Labyrinth for them. I will see those children safely home!" She snapped. "I will not allow it!" Jareth countered, his eyes flaming. "You don't have a choice, Jareth. Someone must run the Labyrinth." She pleaded, grabbing hold of his arms once more. "The questor must come forward or the children remain here." His voice was cold, detached, and almost mechanic. He pushed her away a final time before striding from the throne room.
Sarah remained. Pacing, crying and tossing anything that happened to cross her path against the stone wall behind the great throne. She continued this pattern until Hoggle hurried into the chambers, careful to avoid Sarah's path of destruction. "Sarah," He stammered as she turned to him with flames in her eyes. "What do you want?" She snapped and continued to pace. "There is a woman at the gates of the Labyrinth. She won' speak to me. Says she'll only talk to you," he shrugged as Sarah paused. "Take me to her," Sarah demanded hoarsely. "Of course," Hoggle gave a slight bow before leading Sarah out of the Goblin Castle, through the secret passageways at the heart of the Labyrinth until they emerged at her outer walls.
Sure enough, as Sarah and Hoggle approached the Gates of the Labyrinth, there stood a young woman (about Sarah's age) shuffling her feet in the red dirt. "The Queen of the Underground," Hoggle announced as the pair approached. The woman gazed over Sarah before dipping into a low bow. "Your majesty," the woman spoke softly as she rose. "Who are you and how did you come to be here?" Sarah stepped forward noting the familiarity of the woman's piercing gaze. "I am Padmé Naberrie, former senator and Queen of Naboo. I believe I am required to best your maze so that I might have my children back."