~I own nothing as usual. I know it's been too long. I apologize but to list my reasons would be a story all its own. I only ask that you forgive me and thank you for staying with me through all my drama, real or otherwise. Thanks to my Beta for sticking with me although I kinda skipped this chapter in without having her Beta it. Thanks for always understanding Joie! Posidena thank you for the review! This chapter is dedicated to you, think of it as WISH GRANTED! hehehe. ~
"Eldens and Elders of the realm, it is with great pleasure that I announce to you that Jareth, King of the Goblins and heir to the throne of the High Court has chosen a bride!" Dracomus waved his hands, attempting to silence the deafening roar of delight that broke out amongst his guests. Jareth chuckled, decked out in all his finery, crown upon his head, waiting for the double doors to open. A loud whistle broke out from over the dais, brining things to quiet once more. The Royal Family turned to look at Dorian who merely shrugged and grinned, folding his hands behind his back once more. The King took back to his speech, the joy and mirth rolling off of him in scores. "May I present to you your future Queen of the Goblin City, Her Grace, Seralyn, Arch Duchess of Ivy."
When the double doors opened Sarah slowly made her way in to the room. As instructed she walked slowly towards the dais, smiling at a beaming Jareth. Stepping down he met her halfway, taking her left hand so that the large Emerald on her finger glimmered for all to see. He kissed her cheek softly, noticing the slight tilt of her mouth and how a pout was beginning to form. Chuckling he swept her up in his arms like a groom carrying his bride and escorted her the rest of the way, nuzzling her ear. "Hang protocol." Giggling she heard the approving shouts and joy spread throughout the entire room. It seemed the people had waited long enough for a Goblin Queen. For the moment all was well.
"Dorian, your mother sure can throw a party."
"That she can, love. Tell me something. Do you want all this?"
"All what?" Sophie for once was utterly bemused.
"A ball for our engagement, a large wedding….you know all this?" Dorian gestured around the room as Sophie laid her head against his shoulder.
"I don't need all of this. I just want you. You have plenty of time to make me feel like a princess later."
"I thought that's what you might say. Come…." Standing he took her hand, seeming a bit more serious than usual. Sneaking out the terrace doors he took her around the palace to a small side door. Grinning at him she crept inside and froze. Having just stepped inside a small chapel there at the front stood Dracomus, Jareth, Garin, Rydin, and of course Shaemus.
To the left a beaming Aireya, Vale, and Sarah waited.
"Oh…."Mouth hanging open she took Dorian's offered arm, her other hand gripping the flowers that suddenly appeared in her hand. Slowly making their way up the little aisle she was too in shock to speak.
Rydin took his place up front and slowly began to speak the words that would join them as man and wife. The women all watched silent and teary eyed save Sarah. Her eyes rested on another who only had eyes for her as well. Grinning she winked at him only to see him chuckle. Without warning a sharp pain gripped her, stealing her breath and breaking the eye contact she held with her future husband. Pulling her arms against her chest she inhaled sharply, gritting her teeth as her eyes rolled back in her head, willing herself by sheer strength not to move. She was not about to ruin this wedding. Biting her lip she kept her arms pulled in against her, opening her eyes to see Jareth staring at her in concern. Shaking her head she nearly shouted in frustration as he moved, just a bit, as if to come towards her.
"No!" The words were mouthed though they were a shout in her head. Her hand shot forward to stop him before he could come to the rescue again. Shaking her head once more she turned to watch her Grandfather marry her best friend, trying desperately to hold it together. When the ceremony ended Sarah allowed Jareth to wrap her arm through his, grateful for the support to keep her from tumbling to the ground. Exiting the door the party had moved outside, those still at the ball shouting and yelling their joy, a grand carriage, Unicorn drawn waiting for the newly married couple. Sophie turned surprised to Sarah and Jareth.
"A gift, my sister, from Sarah and I." Bowing low at the waist Jareth was careful not to jostle Sarah, though he was ready to throttle her. Something was not right here.
Sophie threw her arms around them both, hugging them tightly. Sarah could only be glad she didn't hear the gasp of pain it brought to her lips. Congratulations were exchanged, Jareth prying Sophie from Sarah and just like that her best friend was gone even if only for a time.
"Take her to my suite Jareth through the side door. Your father and I will join you as soon as we can." Aireya rarely missed anything.
"Thank you Mother." Lifting her in his arms he cringed as she gasped in pain and promptly fainted on him."
"She is of the Fae Rashem this should not be happening!"
"We cannot control everything My King."
"Bah!" Jareth collapsed in a chair, having frightened Tallie off with his shouting for her to fetch the healer. Who was, at the moment, doing nothing to reassure him. He stood as his parents entered the room, the look on his face making them both freeze for a moment.
"Jareth, come with me son."
"I'm not leaving her."
"Jareth….." Sarah's eyes fluttered and he was instantly on his knees beside the bed.
"Sarah….what is it precious?"
"Go….with your….father…." She promptly passed out again as Rashem's hands moved slowly above her body.
"By the Gods….she commands me leave when she is suffering! Mother…" Turning in a panic he stared at her, seeking answers he did not have.
"Go Jareth. Give her some peace. I will stay with her and send for you should anything change. Go have a drink." She pulled a chaise near Sarah, knowing that Tallie would come nowhere near Jareth when he was like this.
"I swear by the Gods you are all hell bent on driving me mad!" Storming from the room he dropped down heavily into a chair right outside. He would go no further. When the glass appeared before him he drank it to the last drop without question then would take no more. He ignored his father next to him.
"Are you sure?" Aireya was in shock. It simply wasn't possible.
"I'm afraid so Your Majesty. Should I?..."
"No! I must speak with my family first. Sarah should be a part of this as well. The final decision will be hers. Please, send for Rydin as you leave and tell my husband and son that they might enter once more. You are to speak of this to no one Rashem. You understand?"
"Yes You Majesty. I shall await word of your family's intention to this matter. I have given her something for the pain. She should awaken soon."
"Thank you Rashem, for all you have done."
"It is my greatest pleasure to serve you My Queen." Bowing he backed out of the room. Aireya rolled her eyes as the shouting commenced followed by the door being thrown open and Jareth being bodily dragged into the room by Dracomus and Rydin.
"WELL?"
"There is no need to shout Jareth. Sarah needs her rest after all that she has been through this day."
"Mother….I cannot take another minute of this. You must tell me what I desire to know or I shall indeed go insane."
"Well Jareth, it's quite simple. Sarah's body is newly changed and it needed time to rest that it has not received." She stayed seated as her son began to pace. The color had drained from Rydin and Dracomus' faces though apparently it was taking Jareth longer to wrap his pretty little head around it. Perhaps because he had never before been through it himself as they had.
"That does not make sense mother. Sarah's body heals naturally as she is of Fae now. Why should it be causing her pain?"
"Because Jareth, being newly changed it was not ready to sustain a babe as well."
Time indeed stood still. If all the forces of the earth could have shifted beneath their very feet he would not, could not have felt it. Falling to his knees beside the bed once more a terror rose up within him. To have this chance to be together once more, to finally have his only love at his side…..only to have to face the possibility that she might be ripped from him once more, but forever? For once Sarah was right, forever simply was too long to live without her. Now she was in danger, because of him.
"What do we do...?"
~Cha-Ching! Man I love cliffies! Sorry! Almost to 100 reviews! WOOT! I really am sorry, long story short: Husband had surgery, Kids started back to school, cheer, football, and we have a new English Bulldog puppy. Plus work. Yikes! Thank you for staying with me. Love you all!~~