~I do not own the Labyrinth and no copyright infringement is intended. I want to thank everyone for their reviews and let you know that I have at least a good two or three more chapters in the works. The more you review the faster I will make sure I post! Thank you Joie Cullen, for having more faith in me than I have in myself! ~
Jareth and Sarah spent their days with Dorian and Sophie, all apparently, according to Shaemus, was in need of a chaperone. Most free time was spent in the meadow with the unicorns that had come to Ivy, spreading their beauty and joy throughout the village. Jareth marveled over the people and how truly attached to their lady they had become. It would be a sad day when she married unless the place could be merged with her new home, something he fervently hoped for.
The High King and Queen had accepted Sarah's invitation to dine with them and stay for a night. It appeared that Jareth's remaining siblings, Garin and the Princess Mina, would be in attendance as well. Rydin was nearing the end of his visit and would be leaving with the Royal family when they returned home in two day's time.
Squeakem joyfully chattered, running along after the King and Lady. He played with the village children by the pond, causing much laughter. The villagers prepared for the High King and Queen, making an abundance of breads, gathering game, and baking sweet treats that were a specialty in Ivy.
Squeakem laid a blanket on the ground, quickly laying out lunch so that he might be dismissed to go play. As Sarah shooed him away he let out a squeal of delight, Jareth squeezing his eyes shut in annoyance and pinching the bridge of his nose. Sarah could only laugh at him. "He is so sweet Your Majesty. How can you not see it?"
"Spend a week with him, my Precious, and your hair will look like mine."
"Not a good look for perty lady, Kingy!"
At Jareth's groan Sarah burst out laughing once more, shooing him away again lest Jareth throw something at him. Settling down on the blanket she watched Dorian and Sophie choose a secluded spot near the woods, holding hands and whispering, an occasional blush lighting Sophie's cheeks. Sarah smiled watching them. Dorian hadn't asked her yet. But she hoped she was there when he did. Something caught her eye and she turned to see Jareth staring at her. His face was devoid of expression, perhaps a bit quizzical. When he spoke it was quiet, hushed, and unusual for him as he was always in such an agitated state. "Precious, you never answered my question."
"Hmm?"
"Will you or will you not allow me to court you?"
"I thought that was what you were doing here, Your Majesty. Unless you visit your new neighbors to welcome them home." Turning her head once more she watched Dorian and Sophie. Glad for their happiness.
"I do not. Only when they are..special. Answer me, Sarah." His voice was fierce, enough to snap her head back around. It was the angst in his eyes that stopped her. He looked genuinely disturbed that she might say no.
"Your Majesty….."
"Blast it, stop that. Call me by my name or do not address me at all."
"You are so frustrating Jareth. Fine, I will agree to allow you to court me, but first I must make you aware of something." Yeah, that was a dangerous gleam in his eye. This was so not going to go over well.
"Proceed."
"Your brother Garin asked to formally court me three weeks ago and I agreed. He'll be here at the end of the week…when you leave."
"By the Gods I won't be leaving anywhere. He can't have you." Jareth stood and began to pace, his face becoming more and more pinched by the moment. Oh he was pissed, but at least he looked damn good while he was about it.
"I am not a property to be bought and sold, Jareth. It is not for you to decide who can have me or who can't. Aside from your mother, father, and my grandfather I need no one's blessing to marry and I certainly don't need you telling me what I can or cannot do." Jumping up from her place on the ground she smacked a hand against his chest effectively stopping his pacing. Yep, still pissed. "Don't presume to think that just because I have agreed to allow you to court me that I have given you rights to me. I can easily take back what I have said."
"You wouldn't dare, precious. Tell me something…when he touches you, kisses you, does it feel like this…" Running his hands down her arms to rest at her waist he gently tugged her to his chest, effectively silencing whatever argument she was about to voice when his lips covered hers. When they broke apart, chests heaving, he could see the angry glint in her eye. But there was also passion.
"No, it doesn't. Happy now?"
Jareth growled having her just admitted to kissing his brother was not exactly to his liking. Garin had some explaining to do. "Not in the slightest. Let's go get ready for dinner."
With a whistle Dorian and Sophie stood and followed, Jareth leaving Squeakem to clean up behind them. It would not due to be late to greet their family.
Standing outside the doors of Ivy Sarah fidgeted with her dress. Jareth finally reached out and placed her arm through his. "Stop that. It isn't as if you haven't met my family before."
"I haven't met your sister and her husband!" Grimacing at him she rolled her eyes as he patted her arm.
As the carriages pulled to a stop the footmen were quick to open the door standing back as the King helped the Queen down. The second carriage door was open and out stepped yet another handsome Fae. Dark swept hair, crystal green eyes, gorgeous smile, but this one was built. The biggest Fae she had yet to see. He offered an arm and out stepped Jareth's sister. A small crown rested atop her head, the Queen having one as well. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a simple braid, accenting her features. Regal high cheekbones, flawless skin and deep blue eyes. She was gorgeous. A girl version of Jareth with simply more feminine lines. The attendants bowed, Sarah and her ladies sinking into a curtsy. Jareth bowed as well, and then reached out with his free hand to shake the larger gentleman's hand. "King Madeus, it is a pleasure to see you again. Mina, may I present Her Grace, Sarah. Sarah, this is my sister, Queen of Wintreyus."
Sarah curtseyed again and was nearly knocked over as the girl threw her arms about Sarah, hugging her. "Oh to be able to see Jareth's face the day you defeated him. You are the only one to do it, you know! He moped about for a good year! You must tell me everything! Was he cruel? He's so good at playing at it isn't he?"
"Mina, I do believe you are overwhelming her Grace. She must breathe you know." The High Queen was kind enough to hug Sarah as well. "How are you my dear?"
"I am quite well, thank you." As Garin exited the carriage, winking at her, she felt Jareth's grip on her arm tighten. "You must all be tired from your journey. Come, I will show you to your rooms." Sarah turned, grinning at Mina as she linked an arm through her free one, they entered together, all wandering up the stairs as the women all exclaimed over the beauty of Ivy. The men decided to bow out, leaving in search of Rydin who had disappeared to safety in the confines of his study, a drinking Shaemus in tow. Everyone was shown to their suites, resting and relaxed when Mina removed her cloak and Sarah gave a little gasp of shock. Everyone turned to look at her, The High Queen raising her eyebrow in question.
"Yes, Sarah?"
"Why, Your Majesty is pregnant." Sarah stared at a very round belly, protruding from Mina who grinned and rolled her eyes.
"I would hope so Sarah. I'm not exactly this big all the time." The women laughed, and Sarah merely shook her head smiling.
"Is it not dangerous for you to travel in your condition? You look very far along…"
"Oh, I am due in a week or so. Seeing as we will only be here for a few days I thought there would be no harm in it." Smiling she sank carefully down into a chair while the High Queen turned to glare daggers at her.
"Mina, you should not be traveling this far along. Gods forbid you were to go into labor on the road! Why, you told me you had a good three weeks left."
"I may have fibbed a bit mother but I would not have missed seeing Garin and Jareth fight over Sarah for the world! Besides, Madeus and I will be leaving in the morning. " Smiling, she took a glass of water from Vale, who oo'ed and awed over her condition. Sarah had Vale fetch a stool and Mina was propped and moved until she was made comfortable.
As conversation began about the evening ahead, King Madeus came to check on his wife, making all the ladies sigh a little. Once he left, Squeakem came bounding into the room, jumping up and down on the spot, shouting something unintelligible through his high pitched nasal squeals. As a crash sounded down stairs and raised voices could be heard Sarah jumped up from her seat to see what all the commotion was about. Behind her she could hear laughter and squealing as Mina, Vale, the High Queen, and Sophie all ran up behind her to stare over the railing.
Below the most ridiculous sight Sarah had ever seen was unfolding. Rydin pulled at Jareth from behind who was commanding as a King of the realm to be released. Madeus was tugging Garin in the opposite direction. Of course Shaemus was sitting in a corner, bottle of whiskey in hand, laughing and hollering "Go fer the leg lad! You can't beat im if he's a standing now can ye. Knock him bout the 'ead a bit! Hurrah!" Dorian merely looked bored and the High King leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"Release them; let them have at it then. I suggest, however, that you take this outside as I doubt her Grace would have either of you if you destroyed her home." Laughing the High King looked up and winked at Sarah who gave him a furious red puffy cheeked look that sent him in to gales of laughter. Running back to her rooms she grabbed the nearest pitcher of water using the pump to fill it to the brim with ice cold water from the spring intent upon throwing it at them. Exiting her room, water splashing from the pitcher, she could hear the thuds of what could only be fighting out front on the lawn, a splash of watered followed and Sarah deemed the pitched of water useless.. The women had somehow navigated Mina down the stairs and they were out front with the men, laughing and placing bets. Growling with frustration Sarah sat the pitcher down and was down the stairs and out the door within the blink of an eye.
Nearly falling over as she came to a dead halt she watched Jareth and Garin fight, punching here and there, throwing each other about. Funny, they used no magic, but she was furious just the same. "Enough! Enough of this! I won't have it!" When the crystal appeared in her hand she threw it without thought, without aim, and suddenly there was a wall between the brothers who had at the moment chose to jump at each other, effectively slamming them in to the glass. If she weren't so pissed she would have laughed. Everyone turned to look at her, some confused, others amused.
"Forgive me Your Majesties but dinner is served." With that she turned and went back inside, waving her hand the glass was gone and both men fell flat on their faces.
The party burst out laughing once more, all agreeing that Sarah had won that round. Moving inside they went straight to the dining hall where Sarah invited everyone to be seated. Refusing to sit by Jareth or Garin who sat glaring at each other through the whole meal, Sarah sat by Mina instead listening to her happy chatter. Once the meal was done everyone exclaimed their exhaustion. Deciding that all would go to bed Sarah escorted Mina up the stairs while the men stayed for an after dinner drink so the ladies could prepare for bed.
Vale and Sophie followed behind the High Queen and Sarah, Mina in front of them being ushered along. Sarah suddenly realized that it had gone quiet other than Vale and Sophie's quiet chatter. Turning to look at Mina she froze for a moment, the High Queen following suit. "Sarah dear, are you alright?"
"I'm fine…." Sarah turned Mina to face her, noticing that there was sweat on the girl's brow and lip. She panted slightly, a bit hunched over, and of course it was then that the High Queen decided to panic.
"Oh dear, the Gods bless and help us…." The High Queen took one arm, Sarah the other and they were in action.
"Vale, go to the Village for Rayna. Tell her to come quickly. Sophie, to the steward. I need clean scraps, towels, wash cloths, and we need them an hour ago. Quickly ladies, make haste."
"Yes, Your Grace." They were both gone in an instant as Sarah and the High Queen ushered Mina in to Sarah's room. "Sarah, your room..."
"Is the closest and will not hurt to have a babe born in it. Help me get her to bed." Together they helped to lay Mina on the covers who began to groan and grit her teeth.
"Well, I guess the bouncing of the road may have hurried things a long a bit." Mina grimaced again as yet another pain overtook her.
"You think?" Sarah could only growl in frustration.
Suddenly the door burst open and in came all the men. Garin and the High King were the first to leave, merely at the look on Mina's face. Her husband knelt by her side, Rydin stood at the door as if to guard it. Jareth knelt on the other side of the bed. Dorian came in next with Sophie, their arms full of everything Sarah had asked for.
"Alright men, time to go…" They all turned to look at the High Queen. She shook her head at Sarah. "The birthing place needs to have as few people as possible. If you do not have the stomach to stay you should go. Madeus my son, it is time for you to go down with the men and have a drink."
The men all left the room, save for Jareth who stayed by his sisters side. At Sarah's questioning look the High Queen pulled her to the side to explain. "The fathers rarely stay. Birthing a Fae child is dangerous. There aren't scores of us for a reason. We are immortal; very few Fae women are blessed with many children, let alone one that is made in their time of changing. Should this go badly we do not need to restrain a husband while we try to care for a wife and child. This won't be easy Sarah. Every time a life is taking its first breathe another takes its last in our world. Half the time it is the mother."
Sarah held her breath for a moment, her eyes meeting Jareth's terrified ones. When the door burst open once more it was Vale, Sarah looking frantically for Rayna, the Fae healer. "Well? Where is she?"
"Forgive me Your Grace but she isn't coming. Lela has gone into labor and is having a difficult birth. She cannot come until it is done."
"Oh Dear Gods…." The High Queen collapsed in to her chair. Sarah took action.
"Forgive me Your Majesty, but it is only us here. I'll take it from here. You are in no right mind to deal with this. Vale, Sophie, we can do this. You will give us permission Mina?"
At her nod, Sarah turned to the High Queen. "Trust me?"
The Queen turned to stare at her, then turning to look at her daughter a tear rolled down her cheek. "With their lives…."
"Are you staying?" Sarah bathed Mina's forehead, her cries beginning to come closer together.
"YES." Jareth's response was quick and fierce. He refused to leave his sister. It would be endearing if she had a moment to think about it.
Vale paced the floor; Sarah had sent Sophie out long ago to wait for Rayna. Mina left out a rip roaring yell, her hand snaking out to claw at Jareth's arm, who, Gods bless him, didn't even flinch.
"Sarah…I can't do this…I can't…."
"You can. If I can defeat the Labyrinth, a mere mortal, then you can do anything. We'll do this together. Come now. Let's get this done shall we?" Sarah smiled down at her and she nodded.
"Jareth, go stand by her head, hold her hands, comfort her. Mina, I want you to bend your legs at the knees. Vale, come hold her knees." They had long ago changed Mina in to a dressing gown, Jareth leaving the room only the once. As each did as they were told Sarah began to walk Mina through her labor.
The High King paced in front of the fire. It had been 13 hours so far, and not a word. The estate front doors burst open and in came Rayna. Without a word she ran up the stairs, Sophie right behind her. Sophie threw open the doors just as the cry of a newborn babe rent the air, a tearful Sarah holding a wiggling Fae babe in her arms. Without a word, Sarah handed the child and mother over to Rayna, standing back so the Fae could tend to mother and babe. Jareth grinned, leaning down to kiss his sisters cheek and wipe at her tears. The babe was swaddled and given to Sarah. Leaning by Mina's side, she handed her the little one, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Your son, Your Majesty."
"A son..." Mina cuddled the babe, nuzzling his cheek, warm against the cold of the room. Sarah stepped back, bowing and turned to leave the room. A gasp whipped her back around. Mina was unconscious. Rayna squawked for air, everyone moving to throw open the windows.
Pulling Sarah to the side, Rayna whispered softly. "Her Majesty has lost too much blood. I must stop the flow. Get the Queen and the other ladies out. I only need you and His Majesty." Taking the baby from Mina she placed him in a cradle.
"All right, everyone out!" Sarah turned, ushering everyone out the doors, pulling Jareth back in by the scrap of his collar. "Not you!" She ignored his growl and mumbled a quick "forgive me" as she shut the door in the High Queen's face. Jareth and Sarah were quick to do as they were told by Rayna while she finished with the process. With the use of Jareth's magic the danger was quickly removed, now only time would help. They sat for an hour or so when Mina finally stirred. With a cry of delight Sarah was at her side.
Rayna bustled about the room, cleaning and caring for mother and babe. "Thank you, all of you."
"Your Majesty should not have traveled so close to your time." Rayna clucked at her, glad to have something to take her to task for. Sarah brought the baby to Mina once more. Jareth moving to kiss his new nephews head. Rayna tsked and clucked, taking the babe from his mother to place him in the cradle. "You must rest now Your Majesty. You must regain your strength."
Sarah smiled as she left the room, going directly across the hall to Sophie's. Mother and baby were going to be fine. It was a wondrous evening. Vale came to help her clean up as Jareth ran to tell the family the news. All breathed a sigh of relief and ushered themselves up the stairs to welcome the new babe and congratulate Mina.
Sarah sank into a welcoming warm bath, the High Queen having come to sit with her. "You delivered my grandchild into the world. Brought mother and child through safely. How shall I ever repay you?"
"I need no payment. Rayna was an enormous help. As was your son. He was magnificent Your Majesty. Not a hint of fear."
"The man was terrified and said as much." Laughing together they shook their heads.
"Rayna has agreed to stay with Mina and the babe tonight so that we might all get some rest. Tomorrow they will take the child home so that the people might see their new heir. They will travel by magic, of course, for safety. Thank you my child. I will never be able to thank you enough."
"Your trust was enough."
"And you shall always have it." The High Queen stood and bowed, bowed of all things, to Sarah then took her leave.
Having bathed and changed in to her dressing gown, Sarah stood at the balcony glancing out over the fields, restless. Still in shock over the night's events her mind could not settle. Sighing she leaned against the rail, resting her cheek against her fist.
"Can't sleep?" Sarah jumped, laughing breathlessly as Sophie came up behind her.
"No. I've never seen a baby born before. I can't believe I did that."
"You can do anything my friend. Promise me something?"
"Hmm?"
"You'll be there for me? When my time comes?"
Sarah turned and hugged her friend, grinning the most foolish of grins. "Of course I will. I would trust no one else with your safety."
"Good. Now go to sleep. You need some rest."
"Where are you going?"
"To Vale's room. Too many men in the Manor. It's safer there." Laughing they went inside, Sarah leaving the balcony doors open, Sophie leaving the room.
Sarah had just settled in to bed when there was a knock on the door. "Enter. What did you forget Sophie?"
"I most certainly did not forget Sophie. I told her goodnight in the hall." Jareth chuckled as Sarah nearly fell from the bed in surprise.
"Jareth…I don't think..."
"Shush Precious. I merely come to bid you goodnight." Jareth walked across the room, leaving the door slightly open. He sat at the edge of the bed, turning to look out the balcony doors. "You brought my nephew into the world tonight. You kept him safe and my sister. Another courtier would have left her to suffer and wait for the healer. What wondrous things you do, precious. It is clear to me now why I have never deserved you. I have loved you and prayed to the Gods to possess you. Before this night I did not understand your reluctance. I do now. You have honor. The likes of which I have never seen. Something must truly mean something to you for you to care for it, love it, and give yourself to it. You give of yourself so freely but not without honor. I see that now, and I beg your forgiveness. I wish to be your equal in all things. I want to be your friend. I want to be a part of your everything. I want to make a life with you, to love as you love. To feel all that you feel. I want to share every moment with you. I pray that you will give me some chance." He stood then, moving to the side of the bed, leaning down to give Sarah a kiss, barely a breath tickled her lips so soft as he passed. He turned to leave, his hand reaching for the handle as she spoke.
"Stay with me Jareth." Sarah sat up in the bed, moving to stand. He was frozen, there at the door. Neither moving, nor breathing. "Stay with me, here. Tonight. Just hold me. Show me that you truly mean what you say. I don't want to be alone."
"All you need do is ask and I would be your slave." Turning, he caught her embrace just as she wrapped her arms around him. They held each other for some time. Jareth, finally lifting her and carrying her to the bed, lay her down so that he could remove his shirt, watching as her breath caught in her throat. He circled the bed, crawling in next to her, throwing the covers over them both. She moved towards him, wrapping an arm around his chest, running her hand up and down his smooth back as he slowly caressed hers in turn. Her breathing slowed, her hand slowly coming to rest as sleep over took her. Leaning forward he kissed her forehead, closing his eyes. "Rest, My Queen. Tomorrow begins forever."