~With the time that I have I have decided to write another chapter. So here you go. I don't own it the creators of Labyrinth do! ~
When Sarah awoke the next morning she felt as if she had been beaten quite thoroughly. Sitting up slowly in the bed she took in her surroundings. Jareth slept beside her, practically falling off the bed as if intentionally keeping his distance. Aireya slumbered on a chaise, looking quite uncomfortable with dracomus lounging on the floor, leaned up against her. Rashem, the healer, stood looking out the window. His shoulders slumped as if a great weight pressed up on him. Folding an arm against her stomach she shoved herself to the edge of the bed, apparently startling the healer who swirled around to face her.
"Please Your Grace. Don't get up. You need your rest." He whispered, though he held his hands out pleadingly. Moving quickly towards the bed, he stood as if to shove her back down on it.
"Alright. Alright, calm yourself Rashem." Grimacing she lay gently back on the bed. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong? You look positively ashen. Please, sit." Patting the bed she glared when he made as if to move away. Frowning in acknowledgment he sat, uncomfortably so.
"Your Grace, you are….with child. As your body has just completed it's changing so recently it was not prepared to accommodate a babe. It puts you at great risk." He patted her hand when she gasped and Sarah could only frown.
"What do we do?"
"There are two options before you Your Grace. One would be to take the risk. Carry the child and be as safe as you can."
Sarah nearly growled as he hesitated to continue on.
"Rashem, I believe my future wife asked you a question." They both turned to look at Jareth. He lay back on the bed watching Sarah closely.
"Yes, forgive me Your Majesty. The other option would be to….end the danger. Give yourself a year. Get married and try again."
"I thought babies, especially royal ones, were a precious commodity in the underground. Did you not tell me that it is immensely difficult for the Fae to produce children?" Now she turned to Jareth for answers.
"Indeed they are Sarah. Though as much as I want this child and fear we might never have another chance, the fear of forever without you would drive me mad. Forgive me, for laying this burden upon you. I thought I had protected you against this."
"There is nothing to forgive Jareth. We are two adults, very much in love I might add. Though you might hate me for it Jareth I cannot give up this child. I love you…but I love our child too. Don't ask me to choose between you."
Sighing heavily he stood and made his way around the bed to kneel before her. "I promise you on the blood of mine own that we will have another child Sarah. Stay with me, give yourself time to heal, let us get married and share a wondrous year together, but I beg of you….listen to Rashem. Do not take yourself away from me only to keep this child."
"I can't. Don't you understand that I can't! I cannot do this thing that you ask of me! I cannot kill our child. Don't ask this of me." Much to everyone's surprise Sarah burst into tears, folding her arms across her body as if to protect the child and pulling away from Jareth.
"Alright love. But you must promise me something."
"Anything Jareth…"
"You will do everything that Rashem tells you to do without question. No matter how much you dislike it. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Embracing each other Rashem excused himself as the Queen stepped up near the bed.
"You are sure Sarah?"
"Yes Aireya. I'm sure. I cannot take a life, especially of one who is so dear to me. I beat the Labyrinth, I can do this."
She ignored Jareth's huff, amazed that he could still be aggravated at a time like this.
"It is your choice my dear. I will go speak with your grandfather and mother. I think I shall have your room refreshed so that you might be moved there. Rashem will be in shortly to explain the next month to you in detail."
"Month?"
"You promised Sarah." Now it was both their turn to huff at each other.
"Fine! I'm going back to sleep." Rolling over she pulled the covers up over her head, sighing as the tears began to dribble down her cheeks.
Jareth shut the door behind his parents, excusing Rashem to get some rest as well. He could watch over her long enough for Rashem to get some sleep. They would need him in the days to come.
"Please tell me you are joking."
"I'm afraid not Rydin. Sarah is indeed with child." Dracomus sat down in front of Rydin, though he did not meet his eyes. Tortured as he looked.
A tapping at his elbow produced a large bottle of whiskey. "I canna understand th' bloody problem with these here children. Runnin off ta get married in a wee chapel to some Princely beast. Makin babies wit' a man they haven'a married yet. S'bloody unheard of it is. Drink Rydin. Some whiskey ought to make ye feel a might bit better than ye look at th'moment."
"Thank you Shaemus."
"Ye can thank me later when ye'renumb." Shaemus scuttled to the nearest chair, climbing to sit atop it and glare at the King. "Ye stole me grandbabe ye did. Now ya mean to be stealin 'is? Tis somethin to be said for havin all th' bloody power aint there Dracomus?"
"I didn't steal your granddaughter. She married Dorian because she loved him."
"Didna steal…..Why ye bloody well did! Shouldna introduced em ye daft fool! Now tha wee lass is gonna have a bairn afore she is ready. Tis troubled times ye've brought amongst yer own Dracomus. I always warned ye it'd be so."
"Shameus take thee off and do what you do best and drink yourself into a better mood! Your precious grandbabe will be back afore the week is over and I will do all in my power to protect her Grace and that of my grandchild!"
"Bloody fool he is, that one." Shamues jumped down from his chair, scuttling into the other room but leaving the bottle of Whiskey with Rydin who poured out a good measure for himself and Dracomus both.
"She'll survive."
Rydin frowned at his longtime friend. "I should hope so Dracomus. If anything should happen to my granddaughter I will resign my position and leave this place for good. Perhaps Mina would have a place for me."
"You would end our friendship so easily?"
"Easily? Did I not protest at him sharing her bed? Have I not asked that he be kept apart from her all this time? I have had her in my thoughts. The royal family has had their son in their thoughts. I see it with my own eyes and if you cannot then you are fools." Pushing back his chair and swallowed his drink in one long gulp.
"Rydin, they love each other. Perhaps more so than we have ever loved. This is their fate. They have fought long and hard to be together. Do you think the fates would be so cruel as to rip them apart now?"
"The fates are cruel Dracomus. The Gods did not smile on me the day they took my lady wife. I have never loved another. The Gods will not be so kind to you should she die….for I am sure that if what you say is true then Jareth will not be long to follow her into the great fade."
"I pray that you are wrong Rydin."
"Don't we both."
Turning he left the King to his drink, Sitting on his bed to stare at the ceiling and simply breathe.
Sarah sat up in the bed once more, the fire within her stomach finally subsiding. Jareth was gone, the bed beside her empty. Rashem sat on the chaise, reading a book with odd symbols, the language of the Fae she supposed.
"How are you feeling?" Closing his book he stood and made his way to the seat beside the bed.
"Much better actually. Hungry, a little moody, and overwhelmed perhaps."
"I understand that you have decided to keep the babe?"
"Yes."
"Well then, let's go over do's and don'ts. Don't roll your eyes; it's very unbecoming of Your Grace."
Sarah stopped her eye rolling only to laugh. "Is this a lesson for my health or are you going to teach me Fae etiquette?
Chuckling softly he chucked her under the chin before continuing. "I am under strict orders to tell you to stay abed, do as your told, eat only what is given to you, etc. etc. But I am not going to do that. The Kings intentions are well but they will not keep you safe. I will be your personal healer until the birthing when a lady of your choosing may take over that position. Until then I have a few simple rules for you to follow. No stairs. It is too much of an exertion for your body right now. Once you have made it past the first month we will try them out and see how you feel. When you become tired you must rest. When you become hungry you must eat. Whenever you are in pain you must tell me so I can give you something for it. It will not hurt the babe. Do you understand?"
"Yes but what can I do?"
"You can walk about. Read. Perhaps Jareth will take the time to teach you the Fae language. It is quite easy to learn. No riding and no long walks. I am sure Jareth will not mind carrying you should you wish to go far. No carriage rides and no transporting. They are quite bumpy and not safe for the babe."
"Well at least I don't have to lay abed all day."
"No Your Grace. Such a thing would only weaken you. You will, after all, need your strength in the coming months."
"Thank you Rashem." Without warning she leaned in and threw her arms about his neck. She giggled when he squirmed a bit. Jareth came through the door chuckling, trying hard not to glare at the beet red healer. So he refused to make her stay in bed. Maybe guilt would work.
"I suggest that there be no arguing between the two of you. Sarah should be kept happy and well contented. Anything that upsets her could upset the babe as well. It is not healthy for either of them. I will leave you two to your dinner." Standing from her embrace he made his way to the door, squeezing around Jareth and the tray he held.
"You cannot keep me locked up. It truly isn't healthy Jareth."
"One can dream."
Rolling her eyes she stared at the tray he carried, bringing forth a smirk from Jareth.
"Hungry precious?"
"Duh…."
Sitting down together they began to eat, the silence heavy in the room. She worried about the babe, he about her.
~*~* A month later ~*~*~*
"I wish to return to Ivy in the morning Tallie. Can you send someone for my things?"
Curtsying Tallie left the room, stopping the King on her way through to inform him of Sarah's plans. Growling in frustration Jareth made his way to their rooms, frowning as Sarah began to load her jewelry up in cases.
"What are you doing precious?"
"Rashem said that since I have not had any pains for the last few weeks that I might go home. You can return to the Labyrinth and I can return to take care of the people of Ivy. It will give you time to visit with me when you are not busy. Rashem is coming with us and I have written and informed the Estate that Rayna should be moved in or near the house to assist if we need her. I cannot travel so far as the Goblin Kingdom but Rashem says it is safe for me to return home. Plus your mother will be coming to help plan the wedding.
"Sarah, you promised me you would rest love. I thought the carriage ride was dangerous for you in your situation."
"This is not a situation Jareth, this is our child. Rashem said that now have the pains have stopped and I am a bit more along that there should be no danger so long as I am only returning to Ivy and rest when I get there. Stop worrying. I'm fine, the babe is fine."
Leaning over he placed his arms around her waist, pulling her close and kissing the fabric just over her belly button. Sarah giggled as he cooed and talked to their child. Looking up at her he smirked.
"Forgive me?"
"Don't I always?" Laughing she tugged on his hair, bringing him up for a kiss. When he gently pulled away she frowned.
"None of that. Rashem said none of that." Pouting she went back to packing, singing softly as she went. Toby would be at Ivy tomorrow to visit. Hoggle, Ludo, and Didiymus were already there waiting on her. Vale and Garin, Dorian and Sophie were home as well. Her excitement could be felt as soon as you walked in the room. Jareth chuckled, moving to help her pack much to her astonishment.
"Jareth look!" A beaming Sarah leaned from the carriage doors squealing in pleasure as Ivy came in to view. From the distance she could see People lining the drive awaiting her arrival. Practically bouncing with merriment even Jareth's scowl could not keep her from her pleasure.
"Precious, would you stop bouncing our child around and sit back."
"Don't be silly Jareth. I am not far enough along for any bouncing about to hurt the baby. Calm yourself."
Clearing his throat Rashem leaned forward with a frown. "Forgive me Your Grace but his majesty is right. At two months you are well far enough along for the baby to feel your movements."
"Well how is that possible? It takes forty weeks to birth a baby. Surely it is no bigger than a golf ball right now."
"Forty weeks Sarah? Wherever did you get that idea?" and still Rashem frowned.
"Well that's what happens with all human….." Shit….way to go Sarah. Nearly growling in frustration she ignored Jareths smirk as she sat back. Eyeing her tapping foot she was sore tempted to throw her shoe at him.
"Perhaps I was a bit remiss in my duties your grace. Your baby is roughly the size of one of his majesties crystals right now. You only have perhaps four months to go."
"Four months!" Sitting straight up, eyes wide in astonishment she turned to Jareth, the full panic look upon her features.
"Calm Sarah. It's not all that bad my love. You'll have Rashem and Rayna."
"Yes, yes you're right. Forgive me Rashem."
"There is nothing to forgive Your Grace." Opening the carriage doors he didn't miss the squeak of surprise she gave having not realized they had arrived. Jareth came next, lifting Sarah about the waist and setting her gently down on the walk. Vale and Sophie rushed forward only to be stopped by Jareth.
"Gently sisters mine, gently."
"What is the matter?"
"Is she hurt?"
"Nay. We will explain all inside as soon as I get her off her feet." Jareth allowed them small hugs while Sarah pouted at him. Taking her arm he led her inside and lifted her in his arms once more to carry her up the stairs to their room.
"Jareth must you be so overbearing?"
"You promised Sarah. Rashem said no stairs still. Besides, no point pushing it."
"I feel fine!" As soon as the words left her lips she felt a small twinge in her middle, not a pain, but a butterfly effect that had nothing to do with the stairs. "Oh!"
"Precious…are you okay?" Moving quickly up the stairs and into their room he deposited her on the bed, shouting for Rashem who came running through the door.
"Your Majesty?"
"I'm fine Jareth! Fine! I think the baby moved. I felt it." Grinning she rubbed her hands across her small belly.
"Truly?" Chuckling he put his hands atop hers, chuckling when she replaced her hands with his.
Vale and Sophie stood at the door, Vale a bit pale and Sophie smiling.
"Did we just hear right? Sarah are you with child?" Vale shuffled from foot to foot.
"I am Vale."
"I wish you both great joy."
"As do I." Vale and Sophie, both smiling came into the room to sit with Sarah, albeit a bit hesitantly with Jareth there.
"Precious, Vale, Sophie, If you would excuse me I need to check on things at my kingdom. Should you need me?" So saying he placed a crystal beside Sarah's bed on the nightstand, chuckling at her bemused expression as it stayed in place as if glued, no rolling here.
"I'll be fine, stop worrying." Smiling she grabbed a few tufts of his hair, pulling him to her as he leaned down for a kiss. Sophie and Vale turned their heads grinning.
"Later my love." Smiling he backed away, fading into the wall behind them.
"So tell us Dear Sarah, how is it that you and Vale are pregnant at the same time?"
"What?!" Laughing Sarah clapped her hands, careful not to bounce in the bed.
Suddenly the door flung open and in came Ludo, Didiymus, and Hoggle carrying a very excited Toby.
"Toby!"
Rashem moved forward to speak to Toby. "Now Master Toby, you must not bounce on the bed, you must not climb or roll on your sister. Do you understand?"
"Jes. Tob-ee unda tand. Tob-ee no cwimb or hurt Sawah. Tay?" Toby had to stretch to pat Rashems cheek but he just managed with a boost from hoggle.
"Alright then Master Toby."
"Matter Tob-ee see Sawah." With that he climbed from Hoggles arms and climbed up on the bed with his sister. Lying down next to her he patted her cheeks dry of their tears.
"Sawah no cwy. Master Tob-ee here. No more sad."
"Alright Toby, no more sad."
Laughing they began to chatter and talk amongst them all, Sarah dragging Rashem in to the conversation whether he wanted it or not.