"Torren, show me how to access the portal to my old mirror. I don't have time to argue with you," Sarah asserted. Why wouldn't he see reason? Tying the sash of her robe over the nightgown she wore, she stalked him down the hall as he retreated from her room to Jareth's.
The Lord Chamberlain shook his head with a hum of disapproval. "You need rest. You need to recover. Who knows what damage all this time travel will have on you? You have the information. Let's use it and be done with this."
Sarah ignored the aches in her body and pounding in her head. The remedy she forced Torren to concoct for her took the edge off the side effects she felt last time. There was no time for her to sleep the night away. She'd survived worse hangovers than this during college. She could power through this one. Time was too short.
They stopped outside the large wooden doors leading to the king's chambers. "I told you. I want to check and see if we can narrow it down more. I know Kildare, Ireland. I know her name is Brigid. I know she thought of becoming a nun. Maybe I could find a nearby abbey or convent," she argued. "We would be able to figure out exactly where to search for her grave?"
"And how would you be able to find that information so quickly? You told me you lived an ocean away from where she was." This woman was nearly as impossible as the king. Ignoring trivial things like logic and reason in pursuit of her aim. As always, it fell to him to try to reason with the eccentricities of others.
"I told you. We have a way–it's called the internet–people use computers–oh, never mind. I am not going to explain modern technology to you right now. Show me how or I'll get Hoggle to." She didn't want to drag her friends into this mess but she would if she had to.
Torren removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. She would not leave well enough alone until she got her way. In no time, she could have all the goblins whipped into a frenzy. The dwarf, knight, and monster raiding the castle for portals. And who would have to deal with the chaos? He would.
Replacing his spectacles, he grabbed her wrist. "Fine." He'd done his due diligence. It was not his fault she would not be deterred.
They disappeared and reappeared in what looked to be a storage room. Mountains of books teetered precariously around them. The carpet had threadbare paths worn on it between the towers. The legs of a desk were all that was visible under stacks of parchments, scrolls, and ledgers. It was impossible to tell if the room had any windows.
"Where are we?" Sarah asked afraid to step anywhere. One false move would send everything crashing down around them.
Torren maneuvered sideways through a small alley of cleared floorspace with practiced ease. "My study." No one had ever been inside this particular sanctuary of his for this precise reason. His methods were never well received even though the results he achieved were impeccable.
"This is where you work? How? Why?" Her eyes widened. She grasped her hands in front of her as she tried to make herself smaller as she followed him. He seemed so studious and organized. Had she ever tried to envision his natural habitat it would have had filing cabinets, a clean desk, or even just a visible floor.
"I know where everything is. Try not to mess it up." He stopped when they reached a wall and pulled back curtains to reveal a floor-length mirror.
Don't mess it up? How by cleaning? She kept her thoughts to herself though she was not certain she was in full control of her facial expression. Now was not the time to tease or torment him. She needed him if only for a moment. She stared at their reflections in the mirror that seemed to waver on the surface of the glass.
"This is my personal portal. It's enchanted by His Majesty himself. Tell me very specifically where you want it linked to," he said. His patience was wearing thin with the Champion and her need to put herself in danger at every turn.
"The bathroom on the second story in my parent's house has a full-length mirror. I can sneak into their house and use their computer while they're asleep. No one will be any wiser." The night still had a few hours left before her family would be up preparing for work and school.
"Very well." He tapped the mirror and stood to the side. Yet again, letting her have her way.
Sarah touched the surface which no longer reflected her image. Instead, she saw the bathroom she grew up with. The wallpaper was still the same tacky jungle, just faded with years of steam and moisture. She walked through, waving back at Torren. "I'll be back soon," she whispered.
The only light in the room shone through a skylight. Opening a cabinet, she dug through its contents quietly looking for the bottle of baby oil Karen always had on hand. She put a few drops on the hinges of the door, remembering how it always squealed whenever opened. They never would fix the doors, wanting to know their children's comings and goings.
The door opened with nary a squeak. The house was dark, its occupants all tucked in bed slumbering deeply, blissfully unaware of their visitor. Though she wished she could see them, she was on a mission. She would make it up to them the next time she saw them though.
Now, she just needed to tread lightly through the hall. She skipped the step on the staircase that always creaked. Vivid memories of being in high school created a sensation of deja vu. Sneaking out to meet friends and hang out in the middle of the night, usually driving with the radio on. No direction. No pressure. No rules.
Those days seemed so long ago. Now every move she made felt like it was life and death. Her every decision threatening to rip apart the fabric of time.
She exhaled in relief as she reached her destination undetected. The study was located in the back of the house on the first floor. Its doors opened to the living room allowing Karen and her father to monitor Toby's computer use, ensuring he took breaks and pried his adolescent eyes away from his games every once in a while.
Sitting at the desk, she booted up the computer. The static dial tone of the internet sounded as loud as a fire alarm in her ears. She froze waiting for the sound of feet descending the stairs but none came. She typed in the search engine. Over and over, the results were too much and not enough. For all she thought she had enough to go on, she knew now that trying to find any trace of Brigid in the modern era was impossible.
Not only was there a Saint Brigid of Kildare but an entire sect of Brigidine nuns was started a few years after Brigid disappeared. How could she possibly find her now? There must be hundreds of nuns named Brigid. Why had she thought this would be easy? Of course, it wouldn't be. Nothing ever was.
"Sarah?" a small voice asked confused. "Aren't you supposed to be in Europe?"
Toby stood behind her rubbing his eyes. His pajamas an inch too short, his limbs long and slender from a recent growth spurt. His features were slowly morphing into the man he would one day be. No longer looking like a small child at the age of eleven, he was in that awkward phase before puberty changed everything overnight.
"I am buddy. You're dreaming." She held her breath as he gave her a discerning glare.
"Are you sure?" He crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side. With his blonde hair, the pose made him look like a golden retriever puppy.
"Of course. How would I get into the house without setting off the alarm? I don't even know the code." She did of course, but she always let Toby be the one to disarm it when she stayed with them, feigning ignorance so he could dramatically rush to press the buttons.
"I guess that makes sense," he said with suspicion still clinging to his words. "I wish it weren't a dream. I miss you taking me for ice cream."
Never had she wanted to hug her brother more. "I'll come visit soon and you can get a whole banana split. Go back to bed"
"Yeah, this is a dream," he said turning his back to her and retreating. "Sarah would never say yes to a banana split or wear a stupid nightgown. Good night, dream Sarah."
"Good night, dream Toby," she whispered trying desperately not to laugh or feel offended.
Sarah sifted through the information on the screen one more time. It was useless and pointless though. There was nothing she could do but go back and make sure that Jareth and Daisy fell in love. No matter what it changed. No matter how much it hurt to watch. It would hurt more if he died.
Torren was waiting for her in the mirror's reflection after she snuck back upstairs. There was no way to explain what she found and her conclusion in a positive manner.
"So, your search was fruitless?" Torren asked. He knew it would be. Hadn't he told her?
"Yes. But there's still one crystal left. I can go and follow her after she runs away to see where she goes. There is still hope." She wasn't sure who she was trying to convince more. Torren or herself. But she knew she couldn't give up. Not until she had tried everything.
"Is there? His magic is fading. Your trips lasting shorter each time. You might get a few hours for your next visit. Do you really think it's worth the risk?" he asked.
Sarah hesitated. She knew the chances of success were slim to none. She knew she shouldn't change the past any more than she already had. But maybe just maybe she could convince Daisy –no– Brigid to stay.
She took his arm as he transported them back to Jareth's room away from the cluttered mishap of a study Torren usually took refuge in.
As Jareth sleeping in his bed, came into view, she saw his greying complexion, the gaunt hollows of his cheeks. Red streaks were the only thing vibrant against his ashen skin. Approaching, she leaned over him and pressed a kiss to his forehead. She wanted this Jareth to be as healthy and powerful as he was in the past. To be able to live up to his true potential.
"Yes," she said reaching for the last crystal. She turned towards Torren. "He is worth every risk."
Closing her eyes, she felt the universe tugging her through time. The sun was just coming up through the windows of her pink room in the High King castle. Flinging herself on the bed, she let her exhaustion overtake her vowing to find Daisy after a few minutes of rest.
Jareth stalked the halls. Servants scurried out of sight as he passed. A hare exited a room, arms filled with dusters and rags, only to walk right back through the door from whence she came as soon as her eyes locked on him.
This castle was oppressive with its bright walls and cheerful murals. The whole place was abuzz with recollections of the previous evening's debauchery and excitement for the ball that would be held tonight. He stormed passed a statue of a woman in her lover's embrace. His fingers twitched with furor as he resisted blasting it to pieces.
Ivy was once again absent from a meal. He was forced to endure the association of others all for the chance of assessing her well-being. He would not tolerate leaving this to fate any longer.
Rowan and Daisy were useless. He left them to finish their luncheon. If they would not provide him with evidence that Ivy was in no danger, he would search it out himself. He needed to know how she fared. Never had he felt so worthless or hopeless as he had watching her suffer, unable to aid her. Unable to fix her.
After she fell ill in his arms, he was awake most of the night grappling with the unfamiliar feeling of concern. Would she be alright? Did she need a healer? He should never have acquiesced to her pleading. He would not have in the past. He would have kept her with him. Tied her to his bed until she was well. What happened after would only ensure she would have never left him. Never wanted to.
Damn mortals and their fragile vessels. Her blithe countenance as she watched the stars fall in the heavens twisted in agony from some unknown ailment without warning. Rowan should have seen to her health after the first bout. It was willful negligence to take the word of a human about their health. They were known liars and their healing ways barbaric at best.
He stood at the entrance to the hallway. She was mere feet away from him. The wards were strong but not unbreakable. Not for him. He'd given Rowan the chance to avoid this. But the Crown Prince's refusal to take the situation seriously forced his hand. If anything happened to Ivy, he would make sure Rowan paid–maybe with his pet mouse.
With a flourish of his wrists, the wards disappeared. As his boot crossed the threshold, a hand gripped his shoulder.
"I would unhand me if I were you," Jareth said through gritted teeth. He was in no mood. Everything in his body screamed to unleash all the pent-up anger roiling inside him, consequences be damned.
Rowan smiled unphased as Jareth spun to face him. He removed his hand, crossed his arms, and said, "Really, Jareth? You couldn't let me finish my meal first?"
Jareth's brows furrowed as his lips twitched into a snarl. "If you had seen to Ivy and provided any assurances of her health, this would not have been necessary. But you once again failed to ascertain her condition. If you will not take care of her, I will."
"None of the wards were broken after her outing last night, which I'm sure you had nothing to do with. She slept until noon last time. The best thing for her is rest." If he weren't so concerned with Jareth acting recklessly, he would have found the whole situation amusing. But Jareth was dangerously close to throwing away what little scruples he had if he did not get his way.
"You do not know what is best for her. If you did, you would not have allowed her to become sick again. She would have been forced to see a healer and the ailment cured."
"You're concern is noted and unnecessary." Rowan produced a crystal and handed it to Jareth.
Within the orb, Ivy slept soundly. No signs of pain or discomfort. Her face was relaxed. Her chest rose and fell with steady breaths. There was no reason for Jareth to be on the verge of rampaging through the High King's castle. Especially not over a mortal.
Rowan stepped towards Jareth and reset the wards to the hallway. "You have no claim to her. No right to see to her needs. She is my guest. Do not cross this threshold again." He paused and smiled adding, "I look forward to seeing you this evening. I'm sure it will be memorable as always."
Jareth glared at the spot where Rowan had disappeared. No claim. No right. He would not be put in this situation again. He'd held her in his arms last night. He felt her melt against him for one moment as she clung to him out of fear–not of him, but from the height. She sought him for safety. No one had ever sought him for anything akin to comfort. It made him feel more powerful than any of the times he had exerted his dominance over others. Every victory over those around him felt hollow as though they had never held any significance at all. The moment she smiled at him, he was lost.
He deserved her. Deserved to have someone who did not flinch from his touch. Who did not feel shame from his company. At first, her persistent lack of fear infuriated him. But now he craved her attention. Her easy presence. He would do anything to keep her.
And nothing would stop him.
Daisy opened the door to Ivy's room. It was late afternoon and Rowan bade her to wake her friend. Apparently, she had suffered another headache last night. She pushed in a tea cart she had asked Juniper and Laureline to fetch. Some strong tea and light fare would surely improve her state.
Ivy was asleep on top of her covers in her nightgown and robe. Her bare feet looked cold as they curled up under her hem. Her hair was a mess sprawled out over the pillow. It would take great effort to tame those tangles.
"Ivy, it's time to wake up. I've brought you some food." Daisy laid a hand gently on Ivy's shoulder.
Sarah stretched her body. Head no longer pounding, she looked around the room and found Daisy standing next to her with her sweet smile.
"What time is it?" Sarah asked with a yawn. The sun wasn't shining into her room as she would have expected it to. Long shadows from the furniture graced the floor.
"It's quite late. I've brought you afternoon tea. I thought you could use it before we begin to dress for the ball." Daisy left her side and started to pour tea and fill plates, taking them to the little sitting area the room possessed.
Afternoon? She was only supposed to rest for a few minutes. How much time did she have left? She felt a rush of dizziness as she stood. Maybe she should eat something before rushing into battle.
She sat next to Daisy, accepting a cup of tea. She sipped and ate a few bites of a raspberry tart to tempt her appetite while Daisy told her what she missed that day and the goings on in the castle while she slept.
'Most of the Fae slept until late morning. No one came to fetch me for breakfast so I just rang for it myself. When luncheon was served, they looked as though they slept in a barn all night. A more ravaged group of nobles you never did see. A healer with his assistance walked around the table applying salves and handing out potions to everyone in need. By the end of the meal, everyone looked refreshed and healthy. T'was miraculous, indeed. The only two who did not look worse for wear were Rowan and the Goblin King," she remarked.
"Jareth," Sarah corrected.
Daisy nearly choked on the sip of tea she took, her shock threatening to spray the warm liquid from her mouth. "I do not think I could call him by his given name."
Sarah placed a few more tea sandwiches and tarts on her plate. "Why not? You call Rowan by his."
Staring at Ivy uncertainly, Daisy stammered, "I'm certain the Gob–
"Jareth," Sarah insisted as she pocketed her food in her cheek to speak.
"That Jareth," she all but whispered the name fearing repercussions at any moment, "would not appreciate that level of informality from me."
"I'm sure he would. He is not as scary as people make him out to be. He has good qualities. I think he likes you just fine and would welcome your friendship." And hopefully, something more.
"I think maybe you might still be sick." Daisy reached over placing the back of her hand on Ivy's forehead. "Possibly a brain fever."
Sarah shook her friend's hand off her face with a laugh. "Give him a chance. He can be every bit as charming as Rowan."
Daisy looked at Ivy, incredulity shaping every feature. How could anyone compare the two? Rowan was dashing, eccentric, and fashionable. The Goblin King was cruel and intimidating although, he had been tolerant of her in their few moments alone. She supposed he was attractive though his monochromatic manner of dress was stoic and subdued in comparison to most. She could see why someone like Ivy would be drawn to him but he was too forceful and fearsome for her.
"I suppose I could try if it would make you happy." It wouldn't hurt to make an effort to smile or speak without trembling, but she wasn't sure she would be able to.
Sarah beamed. "It would. You should dance with him this evening at the ball." She took a bite of cucumber sandwich relishing the soft texture and hint of dill.
Daisy set her cup and saucer down, fearful that the shake in her hand would rattle the china and belie her anxiety. "Yes, perhaps. But first, we need to get ready. Why don't I draw you a bath? You soak and wash. You'll feel so much better. You come to my room after and we'll have Juniper and Laureline assist us. They are so much better with hair and makeup than I ever could be."
"That sounds like a plan," Sarah said, dabbing her lips with a napkin.
She followed Daisy into the bathroom as Dasiy tugged a velvet bellpull next to the tub. The once-empty tub was now filled with steamy water. Daisy laid some clean towels on a stool next to the tub and smiled brightly.
"There," said Daisy. "Everything is ready. No need to rush. The ball does not start until well after dark. I'll see you in a little while."
The soft scents of vanilla, pear, and peony wafted through the air on swirling tendrils of steam. Daisy was right. Sarah felt refreshed and ready to face the world after washing away the failures and disappointments of the last few days. The warm water soothed her aches and relaxed her body.
Sarah hoped her friend would take her words to heart. Tonight, she would give Jareth a chance and realize that there was so much more to him. What better place to fall in love than a ball? It worked in other fairy tales. Why not for Daisy? Sarah just had to make sure she didn't run at the stroke of midnight.
With her fingers properly pruny and her skin as clean as it would ever be, Sarah finally left the safety of her tub and dried off. Dressed in her underthings, her hair still damp, she wrapped a robe around her and crossed the hall to Daisy's room where she and the hares were waiting for her.
Several gowns were laid out across Daisy's bed. They were all of similar style. Unlike the empire waist dresses they had been wearing throughout their days, these gowns had full voluminous skirts. The bodices were lower, more daring, with off-the-shoulder sleeves. Matching accessories were with each gown. There were several different color options. A peach-colored gown immediately caught her eye. Ambered-honey.
"Oh, Daisy. You should wear this one." Sarah said, her hands delicately lifting up the silken skirts. "It's beautiful and would look absolutely gorgeous with your complexion."
Daisy approached Ivy. It was a lovely gown but she had thought to wear one of the white gowns as was traditional for a maiden. "Truly?"
"Yes. And the pearls in your dark hair–" she lifted the combs attached by strings of pearls.
"But Rowan likes my hair powdered for formal events," Daisy said. "The pearls are lovely though."
Sarah thought she detected a hint of disappointment in Daisy's voice. "Do you like your hair powdered?"
"It is tedious." Daisy's eyes darted side to side as guilt tinged her cheeks pink. "It also itches."
"Well then, maybe you leave it tonight. Let everyone admire your natural beauty, especially if you plan to cover it for the rest of your life with a nun's habit. Is that still what you want?"
"I'm afraid what I want does not matter." The truth was it never had and it was a fact of life Daisy had resigned herself to.
"Daisy, you don't have to go home if you have found a reason to stay. When you have a chance for happiness don't run from it." She paused as she stopped in front of a silver dress with ribboned combs to match. Nostalgia swept through her, causing her heart to ache. "I'm certain a particular Fae would want you to."
"You believe that?" Daisy tried to picture her life if she stayed. Would Rowan let her? Would he want her to? "I'm not so sure."
Sarah rested her hands on Daisy's shoulders as she looked into her eyes. "I think that when the opportunity presents itself, and I believe it will, you should welcome it with open arms."
She pulled Daisy into her embrace, hugging her tightly. Trying to reassure the girl and possibly herself, that this was the right decision. It was the only decision if she wanted to save Jareth.
The Great Hall was bedecked in festoons of ribbons and boughs of pine. The railings and columns were covered in great spirals of green, red, and silver. Holly and mistletoe hung in every doorway. Every table hosted a bouquet of poinsettias.
The court had assembled to be introduced by rank and importance as they entered the ballroom on the other side of the grand staircase. Their heavy velvet gowns and jackets of reds, greens, gold, and black made Sarah glad she guided Daisy to her peach gown which stood out in the sea of festive colors.
The other women wore their hair in elaborate twists, curls, and braids arranged on top of their heads, flowers or feathers sticking out against their coiffures. Their necks, ears, and wrists bedazzled by diamonds and sparkling gems. More was always more it seemed.
Daisy's hair was pulled back at the temples and pinned with combs that crisscrossed three strands of pearls against her tresses. The only jewelry she wore was a single pearl on a golden chain. She looked delicate and ethereal. It would be much easier for Daisy to catch Jareth's eye this way.
Sarah's own silver gown and silver ribbons made her feel like the tinsel Karen always added to the tree. Garish and hardly necessary, but at least she was not in pink or purple. She appreciated the memories it invoked. Of a dance she shared with a man she was too naive to understand. It would be useless to dream of what could have happened had she been older and wiser. He was in love with someone else the entire time. Nothing she could have done or said would have changed that. But still, the dream of dancing in his arms remained and would remain forever.
Her hands fiddled with the talisman at her wrist. She had fought Daisy, Laureline, and Juniper to keep it even though it did not match the rest of her ensemble. They finally settled on wrapping a silver filagree chain around it though it was still just leather with a bit of shine now.
The lower courtiers were announced one by one to the king who sat on his throne in the ballroom. Being with the Crown Prince, Daisy and Sarah were relegated to the back of the line. The only person behind them in distinction would be the Goblin King whenever he decided to make his appearance.
Jareth waited until the Great Hall was half emptied as he did every year. As always, he would not wait amongst the masses any longer than he needed to. Appearing in an antechamber off to the side, he took in Ivy's appearance as she waited with Rowan and Daisy. She looked well enough as though the illness of last night had never happened. She was a vision in silver. Her dark hair cascaded down her back with silver ribbons twisting through it.
Silently, he joined the queue of nobles and royalty. Leaning forward, he whispered as another Fae of middling class was announced, "That Lord will be stumbling in an hour. He is well known for his inability to hold his spirits and drunken wandering hands."
Sarah jumped, her hand flying to her chest as she turned toward the deep voice so suddenly close to her. "Stop scaring me." She swatted his arm playfully.
"But seeing you vexed has, by far, been the most enjoyable entertainment throughout this week," he said straightening his black brocade jacket as though she had the strength to do any real damage.
Sarah's gaze traveled up his body. His jacket was held closed by one silver fastening in the shape of his amulet at his left hip. He wore a cravat with a single silver broach with a black sapphire baguette at his neck. His pants were black as were his boots. His hair was wild as ever, flowing long down his back, no colors streaked the flaxen locks. The markings around his eyes looked navy, enhancing the steely blue that looked back at her. Once more his hands were encased in leather gloves.
She rolled her eyes and turned back to face Rowan and Daisy who stood just before her.
"You seem to have recovered from your malady," Jareth commented, gauging her response.
Sarah paused. "Nothing to worry about. It happens every now and then. "
Rowan turned with his finger pressed to his pursed lips in an effort to silence her as they neared the stairs.
Another Lord and his Lady wife with red hair ascended the steps. Their trappings were gaudy. Each looked like a Christmas bauble, dipped in glitter and wrapped in layers of ribbons. The woman might as well have worn an entire peacock on her head with as many feathers that stuck out of her curls.
Jareth's eyes narrowed. He leaned down and whispered to Ivy. "That woman has never been faithful to her husband. They acquired their first child through the wished-away mortal babes who come through my kingdom. There are rumors that there were half a dozen bastards roaming their halls before they sought my services."
"I thought the Fae couldn't have children?" she asked. Wasn't that the price they had paid? Why Jareth took wished–aways?
"Siblings are often born several decades or centuries apart. It is not impossible to conceive but it happens far less than it used to," he said.
"How do people know they're illegitimate?" Sarah whispered.
Jareth had her undivided attention now. Curiosity would always get the better of mortals. "Every single one resembles whichever guard was tasked with her protection. Not one looks like her husband. It is easy enough to draw conclusions."
"What about them?" she prompted as a couple leading a human on a leash were announced.
"They are quite close to the High King and Queen. Some question how close seeing as one of their children resembles the High King himself." He watched her eyes sparkle with all the gossiping rumors he had collected over the years. He would never have guessed he would have used it to amuse a human rather than blackmail a foe.
" Why isn't the High Queen here?" Sarah asked. "I haven't seen her all week."
Jareth looked over her head at Rowan who shot an angry scowl back at them. Grinning, he explained, "The High Queen, Morrigan, hates this time of year. The winter solstice is a constant reminder of her husband's affair that resulted in yet another illegitimate child. Who knows how many there are throughout the kingdoms? She refuses to attend. She and her ladies sequester themselves away in warmer climates until the New Year."
"Best keep those tales to yourselves or, at the very least, save them for halls that don't have servants listening for treasonous tongues to cut out." Rowan nodded towards the fox footmen who stood at attention several feet away.
"But is it true?" Sarah asked him.
Rowan winked and patted Daisy's arm which was linked with his. "Let's not discuss such sordid details. All of my siblings are remarkable in their own ways." He offered Sarah his other arm as they approached the steps they would soon climb. "Even the bastards," he whispered.
The three of them stood at the top of the landing, the stairs to the Great Hall behind them and the ballroom in front of them. Great evergreens were in every corner lit with candles and glowing crystals. Garlands were draped and wrapped around every window and column.
On the left side of the ballroom, a boar was roasting and a cauldron of mead with servants ready to help the guests. The center of the ballroom was to be the dance floor with the double doors leading out to the terrace open. To the right, a dais had been placed in front of the garden doors Sarah had slipped out of the previous night.
"His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince and his mortals Lady Daisy and Lady Ivy of Above," announced a fox dressed in his black uniform with a sprig of holly in his cap.
As they descended, a few Fae looked appraisingly at the trio while others glared, their envy obvious. On the dais, a throne stood with High King sitting merrily enjoying the pomp and circumstance. They bowed and curtsied before taking their places to the right of the throne.
"His Majesty, The Goblin King," echoed through the ballroom.
Jareth marched down the center of the staircase. Glaring down his hawk-like nose as he surveyed the faces below him. He noted and marked every face that turned, every grimace, every furrowed brow. Let them seek him out later. They would all pay for their disdain sooner or later.
Trumpets sounded. "His Majesty, King Dagda, Eochair Ollathair, Ruad Rofhessa."
The High King, never one to be left out of the festivities, had disappeared from the dias and reappeared at the top of the stairs. A wreath of holly crowned his white hair. He wore a long coat of hunter green with matching trousers. His black boots shone. His walking stick accentuated every step down the stairs. As he passed the masses, they dipped in bows and curtsies.
Sarah's vision swam and her balance teetered as she lowered herself. Jareth caught her, holding her steady until the High King had ascended the dais standing before his throne.
Jareth's hands slipped from her shoulder's to her waist. "Are you quite sure you are alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine." It wasn't a lie per se. She wasn't ill or injured. But her head had a slight ache. She didn't have long. Sarah knew now how Cinderella must have felt with the countdown of midnight looming over her. Except at least Cinderella knew exactly when her magic would end.
Stepping out of his grasp, Sarah turned as everyone crowded towards the dais, eagerly awaiting the opening of the ball.
"Welcome to all who congregate here tonight on this blessed eve of Yule as we continue to celebrate this time of year when darkness and light are equal and we host those from above, under. To open tonight's festivities I shall announce the winner of this year's Yule pageantry. The winner is a mortal who captured everyone's attention and perhaps a few hearts, creating scenes that will be recounted for years to come."
Sarah glanced around the room. She missed so much of the week. Her mind so filled with Jareth and Daisy that she forgot the humans' presence was just another folly for the Fae and one human would win a wish.
"Our warmest congratulations to Rowan and his most enchanting mortal, the Lady Ivy."
Notes: Headed into the home stretch. I have the last chapters all typed out. They just need editing. As always, I look forward to your thoughts. I cannot believe we're almost done.
Next Time: The Champion Breaks a Promise