~ I don't own anything of the Labyrinth. Only what I create belongs to me. Hey hey Beta! You rock Joie Cullen! If you leave me a review I will post chapters faster. Thank you everyone who had alerted and commented on my story. Keeps me going. ( I wrote a whole nother 8k words last night but no posting yet. I need to know how I'm doing so please review!) ~
"Oomph!" Sarah sat up as something settled rather heavily on her chest.
"Perty lady must wake up. Kingy too! People stirring." Squeakem whispered, leaning close to Sarah's face. Groggily rubbing her eyes she rolled, effectively tossing Squeakem off her chest and on to Jareth's. Laughing as he sputtered, sitting up and tossing the covers back, Sarah lay back against the covers, grinning. "Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Good morning, Precious." Crawling back in the bed, he pushed Squeakem back as he rolled towards Sarah, nearly shouting in triumph as she moved to meet him. Without hesitation she nestled her head against the crook of his arm, lifting her head to meet lips with lips, sighing against his mouth. Pulling her closer against him Jareth took his time ravishing her mouth with feathery kisses, drinking in her sweetness as she opened to him.
"Perty lady must get up, must get dressed. Kingy can't be in bed with perty lady! Master Rydin wakes!" Squeakem bounced beside the bed, nearly frantic with worry.
Laughing Sarah broke away, standing from the bed as Jareth leaned back, arms behind his head, watching her. "A little help Jareth?"
"Your wish is my command Precious." Producing a crystal he tossed it at her feet dressing her in a sky blue gown. Corset and all. He dressed himself to match, black breeches, sky blue poets shirt, blue wisps of color in his hair. By the time Vale arrived they were seated on the terrace, having a light breakfast of fruit, laughing and chattering as if nothing had transpired.
"Your Grace is dressed. You look refreshed Sarah. I trust you slept well?"
"Indeed Vale. Perhaps the best sleep since I came. Jareth gave me a crystal. Isn't is lovely?" Standing she twirled a bit, Vale smiling and nodding. "I think His Majesty and I shall go visit the babe this morning. Will you go to with us?"
"I cannot Sarah. I promised Rayna I would come help her this morning with Lela. She needs checking on and I wanted to make sure they have everything they need for the babe."
"You will make sure of it?"
"Indeed Sarah. Good day to you, Your Majesty." Curtsying to Jareth, she left.
"Precious…we need to talk you and I."
"I agree but can it wait until we have seen your sister and parents off? Your mother has told me that she wishes to accompany them home so that she may spend some time with the babe. Are you going to?"
"No. I have other things to attend to and would stay close by, if that is agreeable to you."
"Of course it is. Thank you, for staying with me."
"Don't thank me. I cannot tell you how happy it has made me." Smiling he stood to brush their lips once more. Offering his arm he escorted her to Mina's rooms to say good bye to the rest of the royals.
"I shall never be able to repay you." King Madeus knelt in front of Sarah, hand over his heart, gallantry at its best.
"You can start by standing up, Your Majesty. I was lucky to be of service, grateful that I could help. You owe me nothing but to make sure that your Queen and Prince shall be kept safe and loved by all for as long as you breathe."
"It shall be done, Your Grace." He stood, kissing her cheek. Mina came next, the baby in her arms.
"He is truly precious, Your Majesty. Take good care of him. I expect to visit soon if you will permit it."
"Indeed Sarah. You are most welcome in Wintreyus whenever you wish it." Kissing her cheek Sarah hugged her, kissing the baby on the forehead.
It was then as the royal family descended the steps that Sarah noticed Garin, waiting off to the side. He strode towards her, smiling softly. "You are truly magnificent Sarah. You have given our family something truly precious. We will forever be in your debt. Might I talk with you a moment?"
"Of course." Linking their arms Sarah ignored the angry flush that crept up Jareth's cheeks. Walking down the stairs with him she curtsied to the High King and Queen as they said their goodbyes. Garin turned to her then, a worried look on his face.
"Perhaps I should not stay. I do not wish to cause you aggravation. Jareth and I will be at our wits end for your attention." Smiling he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to prove a point, eliciting a low growl from Jareth as he watched them from the steps of the manor.
"He isn't going to leave so long as he knows you are courting me. If you want a shot I suggest you take it while you have the chance, if you truly want it, that is." She pushed his arms off her shoulder and grinned.
"Well, I have time to figure it out." Kissing her cheek he took off running as a ticked off Jareth poofed away in a cloud of glitter to go after him. Sarah could only roll her eyes and turning to the laughing family, waved a goodbye. Just like that, the royal families were gone leaving their princes behind.
Jareth left shortly after, going home to meet with his advisors on some matter of the Goblin Kingdom.
Dorian stayed behind with Sophie, trying to slyly meet with Sarah to discuss his proposal, which wasn't going very well thanks to Garin. Rydin had gone as well. As the King was not in residence it was up to him to manage the kingdom for a time. As word spread in Wintreyus of Sarah's bravery beautiful gifts began to arrive. A lovely chandelier made of diamonds to, according to the letter, hang above the tub in Her Grace's bathroom, a beautiful jewel encrusted brush and mirror set to enhance Her Grace's beauty, and the jewels and dresses were simply amazing. Her vault had been filled in her closet and there was no longer room for more clothes. She couldn't give them away as they were gifts, but she did get rid of any jewelry she had bought herself, spreading it out amongst the villagers. It was several days later that she received a letter from the High King and Queen, along with three trunks. Opening the letter she smiled.
To her Grace, Arch Duchess of Ivy,
It is with great pleasure that we send you news of our grandson. He remains in good health and a joy to his parents and Kingdom. We wish that you should accept these gifts as a token of the High Court's love and appreciation for your safe delivery of our most treasured blessing. May the Gods keep you in good health and grant you much joy and safety. We formally request your presence at the blessing of our grandchild, Prince Bastian in Wintreyus in one weeks time. An escort will be prepared for the Ladies of the house of Ivy and your Grace. Prepare for a three day stay.
Many Blessings,
Their Royal Majesties
Dracomus & Aireya
Smiling, shaking her head at such nonsense Sarah bent to lift the lids of the trunks and gasped in surprise. Shaemus walked by grumbling loudly and it took all Sarah's strength to keep her mouth shut. Lifting the cloth out of the first trunk she could only stare. The most beautiful white fabric she had ever seen, encrusted with what had to be diamonds over the entire skirt and bodice, it shimmered like something straight out of a Disney movie. Move over Cinderella!
There were girly squeals all around as Sophie and Vale joined her, Sarah not sure if the rest of the trunks could live up to the dress. She was wrong. Vale lifted a large jewelers box, and turning it towards Sarah opened the lid. A beautiful crown nestled amongst blue velvet, it was Goblin made silver she was certain. Half moons turned upside down circled all the way around, encrusted with diamonds as well. A matching necklace, ring, bracelet, and anklet followed. In the very bottom of the box were the most beautiful heels Sarah had ever seen. All sparkly they closely resembled Dorothy's ruby slippers but these were diamonds. Sarah carefully put the items back in the trunk and instructed it to be carried to her rooms while Vale and Sophie looked on in awe.
Sarah was too nervous to open the second trunk so she let Vale do it, rocking from one foot to the other while the lid was lifted. Closing her eyes she heard their intakes of breath and couldn't help but peek. Sophie and Vale both held up two dresses, gorgeous dresses that were nearly as beautiful as the first. A letter accompanied it from the High Queen. Something about not having to pack for next week, but Sarah was too busy staring. The first gown, a deep purple, had a jeweled belt of amethysts and diamonds, the bottom of the skirt sprinkled with like jewels. The second gown was a beautiful sky blue. Let's face it, without the poufy white hip decorations this WAS Cinderella's dress. In the bottom of the trunk were jewels to match, tiaras as well but smaller than the crown. As this trunk was put aside for the weekend trek to Wintreyus the third trunk was opened.
Another note accompanied this one simply reading : For the Ladies of the house of Ivy. Sophie and Vale gasped as four gowns were unloaded, Sophie's a beautiful jewel encrusted grass green and another of a darker blue. Vale's were a light purple and white, jewel encrusted as well. Sarah could only smile at the tears in her eyes. Laughing and chatting they went through the jewels and put them with the proper dresses. Each girl took their new bounty to their rooms, packing them in smaller trunks along with a third dress for the weekend. Excited was a drab word for their condition.
On the morning of their trip Sarah and her Ladies eagerly awaited the Carriages to take them to Wintreyus. Dorian and Garin were inside, playing an Underground version of chess, their shouts carrying to the ladies outside. Suddenly Vale gave a shout as dust could be seen coming from the gravel road leading up to the estate. Sophie ran inside to get the men, the footmen anxiously waiting to load the trunks. Sarah could only stare as the carriages stopped. Beautiful white with gold trim around the entire door and windows, the door of the first popped open and out stepped Jareth.
"Your carriage, my lady." Bowing low he rolled his hand towards the carriage, smiling at Sarah.
"It's so small…" Sarah stepped forward allowing Jareth to take her hand and assist her inside.
"That is because it is only for two."
Laughing, Sarah sat on the seat across from him. "You sly thing you. How long have you been planning this?"
"I borrowed it from mother. Blame her." Smiling, he ignored the grumblings of Garin who suddenly realized he would be riding the entire trip with Sophie, Vale, Dorian, and Shaemus.
When they were all seated, carriages rolling, Sarah stared out at the landscape smiling as they passed the border of the Goblin Kingdom. "It has not changed. It is just as I remembered it. It's beautiful Jareth."
"Yes, yes it is." He wasn't looking out the window though, his eyes were only for Sarah.
"Jareth…?"
"Hmm?" He sat back into a more relaxing position as she turned to look at him.
"Why can we not just, I don't know, poof into Wintreyus?"
"Well my dear, whenever a Fae child is born the families, especially Royal ones will not allow such transport in the interest of keeping the child safe. You see, Little Bastian's Nurse has been employed within the High Court's household since I was a boy. She is well trusted and will keep the child safe from harm."
"But what is the need for that? Has no one ever hired someone from within the Villages?"
"No my dear. You see, many Fae women have passed in child birth, as well as Fae children. My sister was indeed very lucky. Children are highly treasured here and many would die for one. Do you understand?"
"Stolen children? !" Sarah could only gape at him in shock. The Fae did indeed have a darker side to them.
"It is the reason that we do not turn away children in the Goblin Kingdom. They are all changed once here so that they may live as we do and it keeps the theft of children much lower. Many a noble have adopted from me. Some of them simply would not want to risk their wives."
"Would you? Want to risk your wife?"
"I would leave that for her to decide. I want children Sarah, as many as possible, but I cannot ask someone to risk their life for me and my desires. I would ask that she honestly consider it. What about you? Now that you have seen a Fae birth, once your changing will you want a child?"
"We both know I love to take risks Jareth, but I have not decided how I feel about having children…yet."
He smiled and nodded, watching her turn to glance out the window again.
Sarah slept for a good part of the trip, the gentle swaying of the carriage putting her to sleep. When she woke she found herself against the Goblin King's chest, his hand resting over hers, caressing it lightly.
"We are almost there. Come, you'll want to see this." Leaning forward he helped Sarah back to her seat, pretending not to see the blush in her cheek. A mountain seemed to stand in their way, a large waterfall cascading into rivers at the side, washing across the road. Sarah asked no questions, knowing that things weren't always what they seemed in the Underground.
Without warning the waters parted, allowing them to pass through a huge steel gate. It seemed as if night had fallen here. The sky was littered with stars. A large village rose up from within the side of the mountains, torches lighting the road way as the carriages slowly made their way up to the castle. It seemed to be one with the mountain itself, jutting out over the craggy rocks, waterfalls flowing out from beneath the rocks to splash into the beautiful springs surrounding it.
Once over the bridge they entered a court yard, fountains spouting colored water. It was the most relaxing place Sarah had ever been. She nearly jumped out the door, rushing to meet Mina and Madeus, embracing each of them warmly. Adorable little children handed them all manner of flowers as everyone was ushered inside. Sarah was immediately taken to the nursery so that she might see Prince Bastian. He cooed up at her, grinning and waving his chubby little fists at her, legs kicking as if shouting to be picked up. Laughing she reached over and lifted him, never noticing that Mina and Madeus had left the room and only Jareth remained, silently watching. Sitting in a nearby rocking chair Sarah began to quietly sing to the babe, smiling and twirling their fingers in and out.
"With the breeze comes a dream
Meant to warm my young ones sleep
Safe and warm and loved by all
Handsome prince is standing tall
Blessed is this falling night
Give us moon a gentle light
Keep my babe within your grasp
Keep him safe is all we ask
Someday he will be a King
Meant to stand within the ring
Fae come praise this little life
And bless him come each morning light"
The room fell silent, the little Prince having fallen asleep at Sarah's singing. Jareth grasped the door frame, searching for some semblance of breath, seeing her there, holding the child, his heart ached for what could be. He would have her. Garin would fail. Their fates had been intertwined and nothing could tear that apart. As the gentle rocking of the chair ceased, He pushed off from the frame, watching as Sarah laid him back to rest, covering him gently. When she turned she realized Jareth had been listening. Smiling sheepishly, a bit embarrassed she put her fingers to her lips and they quietly left the room. Out in the hall they walked silently until Jareth took her hand and pulled her towards a set of double doors. Once inside he closed them behind him, taking her hand and leading her to the terrace. Without warning she was dressed in the Amethyst evening gown, jewels and all. Her hair was twisted up in what was beginning to be his favorite style. Light makeup covered her face.
"Dinner will be ready soon. I thought we might sit for a moment?"
Nodding, Sarah moved to a chaise and sat, staring out over the night of the land. "Who's rooms are these, and the terrace?"
"Ours. There is a set of doors on your right that will lead to your bed. The set of doors on your left will lead to my rooms. We share the terrace with whomever my sister put on the other side."
"I am surprised they allowed us to be so close"
"I told my sister you requested it."
Sarah frowned at him, shaking her head in amazement. "You never cease to amaze me Jareth."
"I hope I never shall." Smiling he moved to kneel before her, lifting a crystal. Nearly yanking it from his hands Sarah could only stare at him in question. Inside a laughing Toby filled the globe. Bouncing on a beautiful bed was Toby, Hoggle, Didymus, and Ludo. When a crash issued from the other room Sarah yelped, her voice shaky with tears as she ran inside, throwing open the doors on her right. Inside she found the vision in the crystal.
"Toby!" With a squeal she threw herself across the bed, grabbing her little brother up in a fierce hug, sobbing in her happiness. Jareth had disappeared but she was too enamored with her brother and friends to notice. "Oh Hoggle! Didymus! Ludo! You're all here!" Laughing, tears streaming down her face she hugged her little brother to her as he happily took turns clapping and patting her cheeks. "Sawah! Tow-be come to see ju!"
"What a wonderful surprise!"
"We thought you might like to see the little master, now that you are better."
"Oh thank you Hoggle!"
"Don't go thankin me Sarah. Thank yer Majesty when you see im."
"How does our Lady fare?"
"Oh I am wonderful now that you are all here Didymus!"
"Sawah Fwiend!"
"That's right Ludo!"
Sarah barely noticed as trays of food for them all began appearing in the room. Jareth having sent up dinner so that she might spend time with her brother and her friends. When Toby began to doze he suddenly returned, taking him back Aboveground, sending her friends back to the Labyrinth. Once he returned he found Sarah just as he had left her. Sitting on the bed, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Thank you." She said it so quietly, he almost wondered if he had heard it.
"You will see him again soon. Once we return your friends will have homes set up in the village so that they might visit you whenever they wish. Master Tobias will be able to visit Hoggle through the mirror realm so he will often be brought to you now. I have set it all up so that it shall be done once we return."
"Why? Why have you done this?"
"You brought my nephew safely into this world, Sarah. You have given my family much without any request for yourself. Since this was the only gift appropriate after all you have done, I had my sister open the portal tonight long enough for me to traverse the worlds. Sleep, Precious. You are going to need it tomorrow. My sister plans to take you to meet the nobles, and I am sure you will need an extra carriage just to bring home the gifts from delivering their Prince to them safely."
"Alright, but will you do one more thing for me?"
"All you need do is ask."
"Will you take this, to Prince Bastian?" Lifting her hand the crystal there was replaced by a stuffed bear. Even though it was new, Jareth could tell it was a replica of her treasured friend Lancelot brought to life once more.
"I will go immediately." Taking the bear he bowed, leaving the room without a kiss for once. Sarah was exhausted, so much so that she left no time to analyze it. When Vale entered shortly after it was to find her lady dressed and in bed, sleeping, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
As the sun was barely peeking through the clouds Sarah rolled over in the bed only to freeze in place. A light hand brushed up the calf of her leg, gently caressing, bringing goose bumps to her flesh. Flipping over she stared up in to Garin's eyes, a bit shocked. Leaning down he kissed her. Only this time he really kissed her. Crushing her to him he ravished her mouth like a man starved. Suddenly flat on her back, half naked Fae on top of her, it didn't miss Sarah that although he was a damn good kisser, she was still left wondering where the hell his shirt was. Rolling over on to his back he pulled Sarah across him, so that she was basically sitting on his lap. When he wrapped his hands in her hair intent on kissing her again she put a hand against his chest, stopping him.
"Garin. I can't. Please….this is not good. Someone could come in."
"I merely came in to invite you to breakfast."
"Well that was some formal invitation." She was still staring at his chest, her cheeks slightly flushed, when the door opened and Jareth and Vale entered the room. "Ack!" Sarah fell from the bed, rolling too fast to stop herself from tumbling over the left side of the bed. Laying there, absolutely mortified, not even brave enough to look Jareth in the face, she hid until Vale came to pull the covers from her face.
Jareth, glaring daggers at his brother stalked forward and grabbed him by the throat. In a poof of glitter they were gone.
"They're gone Sarah. You can get up now." Vale began making the bed, then moved to choose a dress for the day.
"Why aren't you telling me about how improper what just happened was?"
"Because I get the feeling His Majesty is taking care of it for me. I am sure he will deal with you later."
"I didn't invite him in here you know. I was just telling him to leave."
"I'm sure His Majesty will be glad to hear that. Come Sarah, lets us get dressed for the day."
"Did he hurt him?"
"Before or after he grabbed His Highness by the throat?"
"Vale!"
"I only told Your Grace what you asked."
Sarah rolled her eyes, standing from the floor to prepare for a most dreadful day.
Jareth , arms crossed in front of his chest eyed his brother who shouted to be released. With Garin finally fully clothed it was all Jareth could do not to throttle him where he...hung.
"You cheat." The High King, leaned on the mountain wall next to Jareth eyeing his younger son, currently hanging by a rope attached to his ankles, upside down.
"It was a fair fight. How do you think he's hanging there?" Jareth smirked at his father, though the High King could see the red behind his eyes. His eldest was in a full fury, and for Garin's safety he was there to interfere, but only if he had to.
"The Lad can't bloody well figh' strung about like a worm."
"I'll thank you to stay out of this Shaemus."
The old man grumbled, as was his favorite past time of late. Nevertheless it was fun to see a High Prince get what he deserved for once. Shame they hadn't strung his brother up next to him.
"Did you sleep with her?"
A hush fell over the crowd of men, all waiting with bated breath. If he had, there would be no more talk of anyone courting Sarah, but a marriage on the horizon.
"No. I merely went to fetch her for breakfast."
"Did you kiss her?"
"I did. It was quite nice."
With a yelp of pain the rope began to swing, Jareth's foot having placed a well laid kick to Garin's chest.
"You cheat I say. Let the boy down."
"Fine"
Just like that the rope disappeared and Garin was unceremoniously dropped on his head.
"You are not in love with her." It was more of a command than a question.
"I don't know." Garin rubbed at the back of his head, still refusing to stand.
That was all it took to push Jareth over the edge. He jumped at Garin, fists poised, they began to fling each other around. Jareth nailed Garin hard in the jaw, his head snapping back as a grunt left him. Garin took Shaemus' advice for once and hit for the legs, effectively knocking Jareth over. When King Madeus found them they were still at it, both black and blue, Jareth actually growling and shouting in his anger, Garin quiet other than the grunts of pain. Leaning back against the mountain wall, rocks at his back he let them fight it out until Garin collapsed, hands and knees to the ground, Jareth leaning against the wall seeming barely winded so great was his anger.
"Do you concede?" Jareth moved to stand before his brother, eyes flashing dangerously.
"No. It's you she loves, if she would admit it. I had my shot, but you are the only one for her. But that doesn't mean I'll just give up."
"About time you realized it but I would suggest you keep your hands to yourself. Touch my future wife again and I shall cut off your hands." Jareth turned, eyebrows raised as his father began to clap. When Rydin suddenly walked up Jareth knelt on one knee, fist moving to cover his heart.
"You do much honor for my granddaughter on this day King of the Goblins. Love however is a stronger emotion. One would not concede without fighting to the death to gain his ladies love, and her safety."
"I would give my life for hers."
"I believe you would. Rise King of Goblins."
"I would first request My King and his Grace's permission for the Arch Duchesses hand in marriage. I should like to be betrothed as soon as she will have me."
"Granted." The King and Rydin spoke at once, chuckling as Garin scraped himself off the ground with Jareth's assistance.
"Come! The ladies shall be returning soon. Let's go get some ice!"
Laughing as Rydin made himself scarce, the King's helped Garin in to the castle, laughing and cracking jokes about Jareth's fierce right hook. Madeus watched them, shouting out his disappointment that the women had missed such a fight. Jareth refused ice, instead laughing heartily as Garin whined about the piles they were sticking on him. When the women returned Garin stayed where he was as Jareth and Madeus ran out front to greet them. Sarah looked plain exhausted, taking Jareth's arm quietly and allowing him to escort her inside for lunch.
~Just so everyone knows, this is rated M for a reason. Now that we are getting further in to the story we will be touching on some realitively steamy M material. If you dont want to see it, don't read it. I wil post a warning in the chapter and it will not affect the major outcome of this story should you chose to skip it.~