Somebody Still Loves You
Chapter Eight
Colleen
"Dancing?" She asked her voice a bit shaky "Why dancing?"
Jareth kept his hold on Sarah, the music slightly swirling around them.
"Well, I believe you agreed to working on the most difficult things first, many of the dances are choreographed to a point, at least the formal ones. I'm sure you don't know them, and that seems much harder than anything else on the list," He answered in a matter of fact tone.
"I guess you're right," Sarah let out with a sigh, it couldn't be too bad right? "But I am going to warn you, I'm a horrible dancer and you might want to consider steel toe shoes." Jareth mildly laughed at her self-doubt.
"It may be easier then you think."
Sarah placed her free hand on Jareth's shoulder, assuming that was the correct pose she was supposed to be in. Jareth then explained to her the basic beat of the music, and the first few steps, demonstrating them by gently nudging her feet in the direction they were supposed to go in. They went over this a few times, Sarah slowly picking it up. He really only corrected her once, telling her not to look at her feet.
"That's really all the opening dance is, repeated several times," He told her loosening his grip on her. "Think you want to try it with the tempo of the music now?"
"That's it? Really?" Sarah asked a bit surprised. She had it in her mind that it was going to be so much harder, and that she would stumble everywhere.
"That's it," He confirmed taking his hold on her once again. "So let's give it a try, hm?" Sarah silently agreed by taking her stance with him once again. They waited for the beat to repeat itself and then stepped into the tempo. Sarah locked her eyes with Jareth's, determined not to break the rhythm. They whirled around the room pretty much effortlessly. They had each other's sways and turns down so naturally. Even though they had repeated the dance pattern enough and Sarah surely had it down, they continued dancing on, until the song was over. The music slowed to a faded stop, leaving the two of them standing there in each other's arms. Things had just seemed too easy for Sarah ever since she got here. Homesickness was nowhere to speak of, and though things were different, the only thing that she felt was missing was her family. But she almost felt as if everyone here was her family too. Lynnett and Terra were like the sisters she never had, Lydia was like that fun loving aunt that visited frequently, and Jareth.
Well, what was he? Ever so slowly, she found she longed for his company. The few times Sarah found herself alone, Jareth was the first person to pop into her mind. She didn't feel uncomfortable under his stare. But how did she feel about him? How did he exactly feel about her? She found herself not sure what to tell her subconscious.
Jareth began explaining the next dance, but Sarah was only half listening. Her mind was occupied on the questions that she had formed.
"Sarah?"
She wanted to know what was there, what she wanted.
"Sarah?"
Why it seemed too natural around her.
"Sarah!"
Jareth voice snapped her out of the thoughts. He was staring at her with his face in a curious expression.
"I'm sorry, what was that last step again?" She replied quickly. Jareth seemed to be pondering whether to pursue her daydreaming. After a moment though, he appeared to let it go, and repeated the step.
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Lydia had finished her work a bit late tonight. She had almost forgotten about checking up on Sarah. So she decided to pay Sarah a visit before heading off to bed, though she might already be asleep. She strolled down the hall, inspecting the cleaning crews work as she went. Soon she thought she heard music playing quietly somewhere. If the home wasn't so silent at this hour, she might not have heard it at all. It was getting pretty late, so she wondered who it was. Instead of turning down the hall to Sarah's room, Lydia followed the sound of the soft music. It got louder the further she went. Her eyes soon locked on the Ballroom doors. One was just slightly ajar, so Lydia tip toed over to take a peek. She strained her eyes to peer across the room at the two figures dancing to the music. Jareth was easily identified. Once they turned slightly, Lydia saw it was no other then Sarah in Jareth's hold. She dared not look on too much longer for the sake of looking like she was spying. Which she kind of was, she supposed. Lydia hurried down the hall into her room to send a message to Terra.
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"See, you've done very good for never even knowing these dances before," Jareth complemented her. They had gone over a few more songs and she had seemed to pick them up quickly without too much trouble.
"I guess so," Sarah said as she stiffened a yawn. Jareth glanced over at the clock that hung on the wall. It was well into the night, and they had made more than enough progress tonight.
"I say it's time you head to bed, hm?" It was more a statement then a question. Sarah nodded sheepishly and he escorted her out of the ballroom, waving his hand as the music faded off and the candles blew out. They slowly walked down the halls, Sarah's mind still buzzing with her unanswered questions.
"So you said that everyone is presented in couples? Who's with who?" Sarah asked him glancing over.
"Well, my mother and father obviously, Then Terra is with someone different almost every time. Since she is not yet married or engaged in any relationship, our parents pick one of the sons from another ruling family to try and win her over. She's very picky," He lightly laughed to himself. "Lynnett is too young, so she is an exception to the pairing rule."
"How old is Lynnett exactly?" She asked. That question had popped up in her mind a few times, but she had just never asked.
"She is technically eighty seven years old," He looked at her face for a reaction.
"Eighty seven? How does that work out?" Sarah had stopped walking to turn and face him. That had caught her off guard.
"She is 87 here, but Aboveground, she would be the equivalence of a eight, almost nine year old." He saw Sarah was still at a bit of a loss, so he continued. "You see, we as Fae's are immortal yes, but we do age to a point. We age until we marry, once we find the person we are to spend the rest of our life with, the aging process stops. Lynnett is only a child, and there is some time before she has to worry about that. She does still age, I believe it works out to be around one year of aging for every ten that go by."
Sarah took all this in and it made sense after she thought it over again. The continued down the hall before Sarah spoke up again.
"So how old does that make Terra? And you?"
"Terra is one hundred and ninety two, making her around nineteen, and I am two hundred and twenty, so around twenty two on your calendar," He answered mildly.
"Oh I see," Sarah added. "But you never answered my first question completely." By this time they were outside Sarah's door, she leaned her back against the wall.
"And what question was that?"
"Who's paired with who?" She asked again, he knew she meant who was he paired with. He had skipped over himself when answering her question.
"It depends, normally I am paired up with..." He dismissed that thought from his mind, not wanting to irritate himself. " Well for this upcoming event, it depends on who you are with. You may take anyone you like to escort you, but if you want to be with a familiar face, I would be humbly honored to be your partner."
Sarah's face turned a little pink.
"Well, who else would I go with?" She asked him. "I don't even know anyone else other then whoever is in the castle."
"Still, it is your choice," He replied.
"I would love for you to be my partner," She smiled warmly. "Besides who else would forgive me if I messed up and stepped on their foot?" They both laughed together for a moment. Sarah leaned against her door frame, her door ajar.
"Wonderful. Well, then I will bid you goodnight," He told her nodded his head.
See, there it was again, that little nagging voice in the back on Sarah's mind, that little skip of a heart beat as he turned to leave.
"Jareth," She started as he turned and took a step back towards her. "I really had fun tonight, learning all the dances and such," Once he locked eyes with her, that was the only thing she could think of to say. Just anything really to keep him in her company for a second longer. Before she comprehended what she was doing, she stepped forward and placed a hand on his chest, the eye contact never breaking. She stood up on her toes and presses her lips softly against his. His arms pulled her closer, pressing into the kiss harder. Sarah slipped her hands around his neck automatically, leaning into him. His mouth moved from hers and down to her neck. Jareth stepped forward pressing her back against the wall as he trailed his mouth along her neck. When he reached her collarbone, he smiled against her skin. After a moment, he pulled away to look at her. Sarah's face was flushed and her eyes a bit dreamy. Jareth ran his finger along her chin line.
"Goodnight Sarah," He mumbled. She slipped into her room and Jareth made his way down the hall.
'This is even better' He thought to himself. He intended on just slowly hinting things with Sarah. But for her to act on her own was just all that much better. She had been here for a little over a month now, and time was short. His six month deadline stayed in the back of his mind. Things needed to be going faster than they were, he knew that. But he wasn't too sure how Sarah would react if he were too persistent. Well, maybe he wouldn't have to be. He was at his door when Lydia came around the corner.
"Your Highness," She asked giving a quick curtsy.
"Lydia, what are you doing up and about still?" He asked her.
"Well, ya' see, I was sendin' messages back and forth with Lady Terra, and she gave me some news," Lydia wrung her hands as she spoke. "She informed me that Lady Colleen was not attendin' the meetin' as well and she was on her way here."
"You can't be serious. Why?" He asked irritated.
"I'm not sure why, but she should be here any-" The chime of a door bell interrupted her. Jareth ran his hand over his face and sighed deeply. This was the last thing he needed right now. Without looking up at Lydia he spoke.
"Show her in and send her to the Drawing room," He grumbled. Lydia nodded and headed down the door. With a quick thought, Jareth teleported himself into the Drawing room, sitting himself in the chair behind the desk. He crossed his arms and leaned back heavily into the chair. A few moments later Colleen waltzed into the room like she was walking down a runway.
"Jareth, there you are. How are you this evening?" She purred as she sat in the chair across the desk, crossing her legs.
"Tired. Colleen, not to be rude but what can I do for you? It's an unspeakable hour of the night and I didn't have any notice you were coming," He said flatly. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Well I heard that you weren't attending the meeting with everyone else. So I was curious to see why," She leaned her elbow on the desk, resting her chin in her hand. Jareth was unaffected by her gaze. "It's not that little human girl everyone is making a muck about it is?" The venom in her voice was obvious.
"I really don't think it's any of your business," He stood to leave the room. "And if that is all you need then Lydia will escort you back out to your carriage."
"Well I thought I would stay here until the ball. It's a two day trip back home, and since I have to come back in a week anyway what's the point of going all the way home and back?" She asked innocently.
"Why don't you go stay with everyone else at my parent's home, hm?" He suggested heavily.
"Well not everyone can teleport from place to place like you can Jareth, my horses are tired and need to rest," She was good at making excuses. Jareth's patience was running short though, and he really didn't want to deal with her any longer than necessary.
"Fine, you may stay in the guest wing for tonight, you will see yourself out in the morning," He told her, heading towards the door. He paused for a moment and turned back to her.
"And you are to stay in the guest wing only. Is that clear?" His authoritative voice commanded.
"Whatever you say Jareth," She smirked as he left the room.
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The next morning Sarah lazily made her way down to the dining hall. She yawned out loud as she pushed open the dining hall door. Instead of Jareth sitting at the table, there was a young lady. She had fiery red hair that swirled around her shoulders and back, lightly tanned skin, and was more than likely one of the prettiest girls Sarah had ever seen. She would blow any Aboveground model away that's for sure. Her outfit also fit her delicate features. She was dresses in a long elegant dress of a garnet color that cut low on her chest. Her matching necklace, earrings and ring sparkled lightly. She glanced up at Sarah.
"Good morning, you must be Miss Sarah," her siren voice called. Sarah ran her hand over her messy hair trying to smooth it. The girl got up out of her chair and walked over to her.
"Uh yes, Good morning," She stammered out. She hadn't bothered to change out of her pajamas yet, she had run a brush quickly threw her hair, but it was still mused and messy. She felt like a peasant next to this girl. Sarah compared her wrinkled night dress to the one of the other girl. She sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry, let me introduce myself, I am Colleen Rozengem. I am the youngest daughter of King Simon," She curtsied quickly.
"It's nice to meet you," Sarah replied polite, although she still didn't know why they girl was here. Nor was she confident enough to ask, and by the looks of her, Sarah's status was nowhere close enough to ask.
"My, My. You are very pretty for a human," She walked around Sarah in a slow circle, looking her over. Sarah pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Um, thanks" She said a little unsure.
"No wonder everyone is making such a fuss, they can't wait to hear more about you," She told Sarah. "I have heard a few stories on how you got here, maybe you would be so kind as to enlighten me on the true story?"
Sarah quickly summed up the story of how she had gotten here. Her heart gave a slight jerk of pain talking about her home again.
"Very interesting..." Colleen took in the story. "Well I have some things I'd like to get done today, so if you'll excuse me. It's been very nice talking to you," And with that, she walked out the door.
Sarah walked over to the table and sat down, a few goblin servants had come out to clean up the plates from Colleens breakfast. Jareth walked through the door just as they were bringing out more food.
"Good morning, Sarah," He sat down across from her.
"Good morning," She replied. A plate full of food was placed before her. "So what are the plans for today?"
"I thought we could go over the order of how things are done today, I don't want to take up your whole day though," He inquired before he went on. His food was set in front of him as well.
"It's not like I have much of anything else to do," Sarah said around a mouthful. "Terra and Lynnett aren't here so," She shrugged. She took another bite of food before going on. "Oh, I did meet Colleen though."
"Colleen?" He scrunched up his face as though discussed. "I told her to stay in the guest wing."
Sarah was obviously confused at Jareth's reaction to her. She didn't seem all that bad. Well maybe her attitude came off a bit snobbish, but still.
"What's the matter with her? Why is she here anyway?" She probed.
Jareth sighed heavily. Colleen was really the last person he wanted to talk about, especially when it was Sarah here.
"She is a daughter of another ruling king. My parents invited her to stay here until the ball in a few days," He told her quickly.
"I thought it was important that all the members of the ruling family were supposed to attend those 'meetings' you all have?"
Jareth thought carefully before answering.
"It is somewhat important for us to be there," He motioned to himself, and the empty seats where Terra and Lynnett were normally seated. "We are the highest family. But as you can see, there are ways to slink out of it."
"Well how did she get off out it?" Sarah asked not looking up from her plate.
Damn she couldn't just leave it be. Well it wasn't her fault, she was just course.
"She can be very persuasive I am told," He told her. He wasn't lying to her, just wasn't giving her the full story about Colleen and the six month arrangement. Sarah just seemed to raise her eyebrows in agreement and they both finished off breakfast.
"Shall we head to the drawing room?"He asked her, standing up.
"Sure," she agreed cheerfully. "Just let me go change first?" She went quickly to her room. She changed into a simple brown dress. She ran a brush over her hair one more time, smoothing it out better. She stepped out of her room to find Jareth waiting for her.
They made their way done the halls, Sarah occasional running her hand across the banister rails. She was kind of excited about this ball coming up, but nervousness stayed in the back of her mind. She didn't think it would be too much of a problem with Jareth there though. Jareth pushed open the door to the drawing room with the welcoming fire that lit as soon as they entered the room. Jareth sat down the desk and waved another chair over next to his.
"I'll sketch out a set up of the tables and such," He said as they sat down. He pulled out a notebook of sorts and an elegant pen with a 'J' on it out of the desk. He began quickly sketching out and bird's eye view of the ballroom. Sarah leaned in a bit closer to watch.
"Now here is where my family, you, and I will sit" He pointed to the rectangle representing that table. When we are all seated, my father will introduce us all, then the other ruling kings. Once that's done, my father gives a few sentences on why we are all here, our dinner will be served first, then everyone else. That normally takes an hour or maybe a little less. Then the band will strike up something and it is customary for the ruling family to dance, along with anyone else who wishes it," He looked over at her to make sure he had her attention. She met his gaze for a moment before he went on.
"Once that's over, it's pretty much free for the remainder of the night, everyone drinks, dances and mingles. That's probably when everyone will start swarming you. We are really only needed for the last dance as another formality," He slid his finger across the paper and made a circle. "This is the dance floor..." And he pointed out the tables were each family sat. Sarah rested her elbow on the desk and put her chin in her hand.
"I thought you said this was going to be a lot to learn. It doesn't seem too hard," She stated.
When you broke it down her supposed she was right. Ah well. So all they had to really work on was the dancing, and one more thing came to mind.
"We also will ring for Lydia later today, she should be able to work something up for you to wear. Do you have any idea on what style you would like?" He asked her.
"I don't know. I never been very good with picking out things like that," She smooth her hand over her hair. "Isn't there any generic-can't-go-wrong kind of dress?"
Jareth laughed slightly at her. Didn't she have any vanity in her? At least enough to say out loud what looked good on her. Which was really anything in Jareth's eyes.
"I'm sure Lydia can come up with something," He confirmed with her.
Sarah eyed the stack of paper, focusing on the sheet of paper under the one Jareth had just written on. She reached he hand out to pick it up.
"What's this?" She asked. Jareth pulled up the stack of papers and slide them out of her reach.
"What's what?" He asked innocently as she stretched for the paper.
"What's under that paper?" She stood up leaning over him, stretching even further for the paper.
"Nothing," He answered simply, trying his best to keep the papers out of her reach.
"Show me," She demanded lightly. The tips of her fingers caught some of the paper and she pulled, causing the papers to scatter among the floor.
"Sarah..." He groaned. She stood up straight and smiled.
"Sorry?" She apologized. He gave her a fake scolding look. She went around his chair and knelt down to start picking up the papers, as did Jareth. She picked on up and examined it.
"Jareth did you draw these?" She looked over an inked sketch, it was of his family. They all looked a bit younger, maybe by just a few years. It was Jareth's parents, his father's arm around his mother's waist. Terra was standing next to her father, smiling warmly. Jareth was standing next to his mother with Lynnett clung to his back, peeking over his shoulder. It looked like a perfect family portrait. Every detail of everything was completely perfect. Everything was proportioned, a photo wouldn't have even compared.
"Yes, some a while ago," He said over her shoulder. "We don't have 'pictures' like you do Aboveground. The only thing we can do is draw and paint." Sarah picked up a few more. Most were of his family, some of familiar goblin faces from around the castle.
"Jareth these are amazing," She told him.
"Not really, it's just a hobby," He gently shrugged off her complement.
Sarah picked up another, it seemed to be a perfect screen shot of the other day. It was Sarah knelt down behind her makeshift snow fort from the snow ball fight. Terra and Lynnett were in the background, there details not filled in completely. Sarah's were though, the few small pieces of hair that few in her face, the wrinkles of her clothes, he details incredibly defined.
"Hm, I haven't finished that one yet," Jareth said gently taking the paper and adding it to the stack.
"That's still amazing, it looks wonderful, but I don't look like that, it's way too pretty," Sarah handed over the last page.
"I draw what I see, that is what you look like," He put them all back in the draw he had pulled them out of. Sarah just shook her head slightly in disagreement. Jareth stepped close to her and lifted her chin so she looked at him.
"Sarah Williams, you are that pretty whether you like it or not. Stop doubting that, I'm sure I can find more than enough people to agree on this," He leaned his head down to her slowly, his mouth hovering above hers. Suddenly the door flung open and they both straightened themselves.
"Jareth, I was wondering when I would see you today," Colleen studded into the room like a peacock showing off its feathers. "Sarah," she said with false excitement, "Whatever are the two of you up to?" She spoke to Sarah as though she were in injured animal.
"We were going over some things about that Ball," Jareth answered for her. Colleen's eyes lit up at the mention of the ball.
"That's right Jareth. Maybe you could spare a little time today and we could work on what we are going to wear, I need to know what suit you are wearing so the style of my dress can fit with it accordingly and-"
Jareth raised his hand cutting her off.
"I am afraid I already have a partner Colleen," He spoke slowly, letting the words seep into her.
"What?!" She exclaimed. "No you don't! We always attend together!"
"Not by choice," He stated, hoping Sarah would pay attention to that.
"Don't tell me," Her eyes darted to Sarah who instinctively stepped closer to Jareth. The fury in the woman's eyes was inevitable.
"Yes, as a matter of fact. Sarah is my partner, I'm afraid you're going to have to find someone else," He said almost smugly. He put his hand on the small of her back, Colleen fumed at this.
Sarah looked back and forth between the two. Jareth, with a calm smile on his face, and Colleen, who looked as if she were ready to kill. Sarah bit her lower lip. Colleen shot a look at Jareth, and then once more back at Sarah before storming out of the room with an angry growl. Jareth laughed as soon as she was out of sight.
"Jareth what was that about?" Sarah asked the slightest hint of worry on her face. Jareth just shook his head.
"My parents almost always have me go with Colleen. I honestly hate it though, she is the daughter of a king my father knows well so..." He shrugged.
"I don't want to take her dance partner away," Sarah told him, disappointment hidden somewhere along the line. "And she's very pretty."
"Skin deep maybe, but her attitude ruins her. She's fussy and spoilt, her company is almost completely intolerable," He said with frustration. Sarah sighed with relief at hearing him speak so lowly of her. It wasn't like her to think badly of people, but Sarah liked the thought of Jareth rejecting her so deeply. Sarah shrugged the thought of the other woman off and Sat back down at the desk. Why should she be so concerned anyway? It wasn't like Jareth and her were anything special. She glanced up at Jareth who had walked over to a small book shelf, his eyes scanning the spines of the books.
She took the chance to observe him while he wasn't looking. His wild hair, as always, was in wisps around his face, neck and shoulders. He wore a casual poet's shirt, with a long V line that showed off his chest slightly, his same old breeches, outlining him in a devious way. The beat in boots he wore looked as though they were worn for over a life time. In human terms, she wouldn't be surprised if they were that old.
Jareth pulled a book from the shelf, walked over to the desk, and laid it down in front of her. Sarah almost laughed.
"Where did you get this?" She asked surprised, picking up the worn out book of 'Beauty and The Beast'. She smoothed her hand over the cover.
"Terra," He answered, sitting back down beside her. "Her goblins do find the strangest things. She keeps all the books she finds in here."
"I loved this story when I was little," She traced the figures of the characters on the cover with her finger. She remembered reading this story a million times over.
"Read it to me," Jareth leaned back in his chair, putting his feet up on the desk. He folded his arms over his lap and looked at her expectantly.
"Read it to you?" Sarah's answer was a bit delayed. "You've had it here and you have never read it?"
He just shook his head no.
Sarah watched him for a moment to see if he was serious. Apparently he was, his expression not changing. Timidly she opened the book and flipped to the first page. It was different when she read for Lynnett, she was just a little girl. Jareth was normally there to but still, it seemed odd such a person like him would want to be read to. She glanced over once more at him before she spoke in a cool voice.
"Once upon a time there was..."
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"...Beauty ran through the halls of the castle, searching for the Beast, who was nowhere to be found. She turned down the..." Sarah stopped slowly when she heard a soft snore come from the sleeping Jareth.
"Like sister, like brother I guess," She whispered to herself, closing the book. "They never make it to the end of the story." She wasn't too sure of what she should do now. She didn't want to just leave him in here and wake up to see her gone. Then again, she almost didn't want to wake him. He looked so relaxed. Even when awake when he was calm, he still had some type of intriguing expression on his face. While he slept though, he looked completely at ease. His body relaxed his chest slowly rose and fell.
Sarah got the fuzzy feeling again. She knew she was attracted to him, that much was sure. But something else was stirring too. She couldn't tell want, but there was something. Slowly she reached her hand out and brushed a stray piece of hair from his face. She leaned in a little close to him, her finger tracing the outline of his face, his nose, his lips. He had to be attracted to her too right? He showed it, or was that just her imagination. No. Something had to be, she wanted to know, she was so very curious.
Soon Sarah heard footsteps coming down the hall. She pulled away from Jareth and sat back in her seat. She hoped Colleen wasn't coming back in to spit some venom again.
Lydia's head peeked through the door. Her eyes instantly fell on the sleeping King, she waved Sarah over to the door.
"I was comin' up to see if ya' were comin' down for lunch but, " She eyed Jareth again. "I guess not. Also as soon as ya' can, I'd like to take your measurements for ya' dress for the Ball. Nothin' in your wardrobe will do for that occasion." She gave Sarah a warm smile. "Maybe we ought to do that now, while he's sleepin', hm?"
Sarah gave her an uneasy look.
"Oh, he'll be fine," Lydia waved her arm. "Come on now, let's get movin.'"
"Well...all right," Sarah complied, following Lydia down the hall. They soon came to a room Sarah had never been in before. There were clothes of every color and shade about, boxed of thread, needles, buttons and such. Ribbons and gems were organized in some. Manikins were lined up in a row, most with half sewn items of clothing on. Mirrors lined the walls. There were tall wide windows alone the walls as well, letting in a ton of sunlight. It looked like a small fabric shop.
"Wow, Lydia, do you make all of these?" Sarah asked, looking over the finished pieces of work in some of the manikins.
"Indeed I do. Speakin' O' Which.," She flicked her fingers at a box of sewing supply at the feet of a manikins with a partly sewn dress on. "Back to work with ya!"
With the slightest movement of her hand, the needles and thread seemed to ready themselves. They started weaving though the dress and made steady progress stitching things together. Little gems slid up the cloth to attach themselves on. Sarah watched, enchanted by the easy magic. Lydia pulled her up to a full body mirror, pulled measuring tape out of her pocket, and began getting Sarah's measurements.
"So do you have anythin' in mind that you want particularly?" Lyida asked, running the tape down Sarah's arm. Sarah watched their reflections in the mirror as Lydia went back and forth between measuring and writing the numbers down.
"I'm not sure really. Can you just surprise me?" Sarah looked at the other dresses sewing themselves together in the reflection of the mirror.
"If that's what you want Miss," Lydia smiled. "I'm sure I can come up with somethin' or rather." She continued her measuring.
"Lydia, how long have Jareth and Colleen known each other?" Sarah seemed to ask out of the blue. Lydia's hand stopped what they were doing for a moment. She caught Sarah's gaze in the mirror for only a moment. She couldn't lie to her, she let her hands go back to work.
"All his life I believe," She told Sarah quickly. "Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering I guess," That wasn't really what Sarah wanted to hear. Colleen really bothered her. She saw the way she looked at Jareth and didn't like it, not a bit. Lydia must have seen her facial expression change.
"She bothers you that much?" She asked, laughing a bit. A light blush came over Sarah's face.
"A bit..." Sarah mumbled.
Lydia finished up Sarah's measurements shortly after. She told Sarah she would get to work right away, and to go run along. She wanted to start working on the dress immediately. She let herself out of Lydia's homely fabric shop and headed back down the hall into the Drawing room. She slowly walked into the room to find Jareth still slumped back in his chair, sleeping soundly. She wondered why he was so tired. He had been asleep for a little while now, she thought she might as well wake him up. She walked over to his chair and knelt down beside him.
"Jareth?" She whispered. She waited for a moment, he didn't stir. She gently shook his shoulder. "Jareth!"
"Huh, what?" he spat out quickly, his eyes suddenly wide open and alert. His eyes quickly locked on Sarah.
"Morning," She said sarcastically, smiling. He sat up straight, running a hand threw his hair.
"I'm sorry, I fell asleep in the middle of your story," He apologized.
"It's all right, you were just tired," Sarah stood up.
"Well, to make it up to you, what would you like to do for the rest of the evening? Whatever you want," Jareth stood as well facing her. She opened her mouth to answer but suddenly an ear piercing scream came from the hall.
"YOU NASTY LITTLE THING! GET AWAY FROM ME!"
Sarah and Jareth bolted threw the door into the hall where they found Colleen wildly swatting at a few little goblins with a book in her hands. The little creatures seemed to be enjoying this, darting around her laughing. They tugged at the end of her gown, or ran in a circle around her. Her movements just slow enough to miss them.
Sarah covered the smile on her face with her hand.
"Jareth! A little help here!" Colleen demanded, red faced with anger. Jareth looked over the scene once more, stalling the moment. He sighed.
"All right, that's enough you three," Jareth commanded calmly. They froze, and back away from Colleen.
"Aw we was just having fun," One muttered out. They stood in a line in front of Jareth. Colleen fussed while smoothing out the skirt of her dress. Jareth gave them a quick wink while Colleen wasn't looking.
"Run along now," He told them nodding once. They all scrambled back down the hall, sure to brush up against Colleen skirts once more on their way, getting a growl out of her.
"I swear I don't know how you live with these things!" Colleen complained.
"There not that bad," Sarah answered. Colleen shrugged her off, acting as if she hadn't spoken.
"Colleen, I thought I told you that you should leave in the morning," Jareth stated flatly. "Your horses have had more than enough time to rest, so I really think you should leave."
Colleen acted as if she were going to protest, but shut her mouth. She knew it was no good to fight him on it.
"Fine, be a dear Jareth and send something to fetch my things down to my carriage?" She asked him slyly, a calmness came over her face that Sarah didn't like.
"I'll do that," He complied, just wanting her gone, really. He glanced at Sarah, as if asking her if she would be ok alone with Colleen for a moment. Sarah silently nodded back. Without a word Jareth disappeared around a corner. Sarah rocked her weight back and forth from her feet, not sure what to say alone with the princess.
"I see the way you look at him you know," Colleen sneered at Sarah, speaking as if she had just uncovered Sarah's darkest secrets.
"What do you mean?" Sarah tried to play off. Colleen took a step closer to her.
"Don't play stupid with me girl," She hissed. "If you think you're going to get hooked up with the Goblin King, you better think again. Royalty should be with Royalty," She gestured to herself. "Now you, do you know how you're thought of here? Hm? Do you? You're a human, not many Fae's ever get to see one, much less meet one. So let me tell you, your an oddity. A walking freak show, a conversation piece. The whole Ball is so everyone can see you, to meet a human up close, and for no other reason. What status do you have here, hm? None, you may as well be a kitchen maid."
"I own half of-"
"Yes, you own half of Jareth's kingdom. But as soon as Jareth marries, you lose it," Colleen smirked. "He didn't tell you that, did he? Then what will you have here? Nothing. No title, no land, and do you intent to live under this roof if Jareth has a wife?" She had a laugh that could only be described as malicious. "And one day Sarah, I will be his wife. You'll see."
"I think you need to leave," Sarah said in a solid voice.
Colleen's slender hand came hard across Sarah's face with a loud smack.
"How dare you speak to me as if I am lower than you! You'll do well to mind your tongue girl! Remember what I said," Colleen said over her shoulder as she turned to walk down the hall, her work here done.
Sarah didn't move for a full minute. She just stood there, not even bothering to turn her head straight again from Colleens blow. What if Colleen was right? Why else would they host a Ball for her? She was an oddity. There were no other humans here, she knew she was rare here. Sarah thought about how fascinated Terra was with Aboveground objects in her collection. She would ogle at them for hours. Would the Fae's look at her like Terra did with her Aboveground collection? Was this all just for show? To meet a human up close and personal? What power did she have here? None, Colleen was right. And when Jareth married, she would lose her half of the kingdom? He hadn't said anything to her about that. A picture flashed into Sarah's mind of Colleen and Jareth married. Only then did she move to shake her head slowly. Suddenly, Sarah had never felt so alone in her whole life. Colleen had put everything into a sick perspective for her. Even more sickening, was Sarah's mind could back up everything Colleen had stated. She blinked letting hot tears run down her face, and bolted down the hall to her room.
Only then did Lydia open the door all the way and stepped into the hall. She had watched the whole scene of Colleen and Sarah play out.
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Jareth tossed the last bag of Colleen's thing into her carriage. Just then she walked out, dressed in her long warm coat. He stepped away from the carriage, not bothering to open the door to let her in. The footman hopped down from the driver's seat to pull the door back open for Colleen.
"Well goodbye Jareth, it's been a lovely visit," She spoke in a very lady like tone.
"Goodbye Colleen," He barely mumbled as the footman shut the door, climbed back to his seat and cracked the whip. The horses stared of pulling the little elegant carriage. Jareth went inside quickly, the cold air blowing around him. He was surprised she has left so easily, no fight, no begging. It seemed odd but she was gone now and that was all he cared about.
He walked back upstairs to the Drawing room, Sarah nowhere to be found. He figured she had gone to her room, so he headed that way. He gently knocked on her door twice. After a moment of no answer, he knocked a little harder this time.
"Sarah?" He asked softly. Still no answer. He lightly pressed his ear to the door listening. He could hear running water, so he assumed she was going to get cleaned up for dinner. Thinking nothing of it, he headed down to get cleaned up as well.
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Sarah leaned her head against the back of the tub, watching the steam rise from the water. Colleen's words were eating her alive. The 'What If' questions kept generating in her mind. Sarah also noticed the red mark on her face where Colleen had slapped her. It didn't hurt her physically, just her identity. She popped one of the bubbles on the surface of the water. Colleen was the last person on earth she would ever want to see Jareth with. A hint of jealousy came across her mind at that thought.
She stayed in the bath tub until the water grew cold. She stepped out wrapping a towel around her. She looked at herself in the mirror, as if waiting for her reflection to say something.
"Royalty should be with Royalty..." She muttered to herself.
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Jareth walked into the dining hall, sitting down in his seat. Sarah hadn't come down yet, but they servants brought out the plates of food. Setting one in front of Jareth, and the other in front of Sarah's empty chair. He had guessed she wasn't done getting ready yet, so he politely waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Jareth restrained himself from going to get her, sure she would be down any time now. He formed a crystal in his palm and rolled it over his hand a few times, debating on whether he should take a peek to see what she was doing. After a moment he decided against it. He poked at his food that was now cold. Just then Lydia walked out of the kitchen holding a trey of food, and a drink. She looked a bit shocked to see Jareth looking over at her.
"Lydia, what are you doing?" He asked curiously. She deliberated her answer before talking.
"Since Miss Sarah didn't come down for dinner, I thought I would take some food up to her, and a hot drink," She told him coolly.
"Here, I'll take it to her. I want to see why she didn't come down anyway," Jareth stood up and held his hands out to take the tray from Lydia. She stepped back, pulling the tray out of his grasp.
"It's no trouble Sire, I'll take it to 'er. You can finish up yer dinner," Lydia offered. Jareth seemed a bit suspicious of Lydia's sudden actions.
"What's going on Lydia?" He asked her, crossing his arms. She sighed, lying was not an option. She set the tray down on the table.
"You see, Your Highness, Miss Sarah and Lady Colleen has a bit of a...confrontation," Lydia explained timidly.
Jareth narrowed his eyes.
"What kind of confrontation?"
Lydia then told Jareth what happen, what Colleen had said, and what she had done. How she saw the whole thing from looking though the cracked open door across the hall. She told him Sarah had gone straight to her room after that.
Jareth had slammed his fist on the table, causing everything on it to rattle. The nerve of that woman. His temper was going to get the best of him, but he didn't care. Colleen had gone too far this time. Saying what she said was unacceptable and striking Sarah was the icing on the cake. Jareth was fuming.
"Ready my horse Lydia," He ordered, stalking towards the door. He couldn't teleport that far, so it was fly or ride. He deciding on riding, he wanted to save his energy for when he caught up with her.
"Sire, I don't know if that's such a good idea, with your temper right now," Lydia said, wringing her hands.
"I don't care, she gets away with far too much, now she will suffer the consequences!" He hissed.
"Don't you think Sarah needs your attention more?" Lydia spoke a little louder, to make sure he heard. That froze Jareth in tracks. He looked at Lydia for a moment. She was right, his attention was needed here first. Colleen could wait, this wasn't going to be let go. He picked up the tray Lydia had set on the table. In a flash, Jareth appeared himself in Sarah's room. All the candles were out, the only light from the moon shining threw her window. He looked around the room, his eyes locking in on the mess of hair sprawled across a pillow. He walked over, setting the tray on the nightstand and knelt down beside the bed. Sarah lay breathing deeply, asleep. She had twisted herself up in the blankets and sheets. He brushed a damp lock of hair behind her ear. Even with just the moonlight, he saw her tear stained cheeks.
"Sarah?" He called softly. He wasn't sure if it was the best idea to wake her, but he wanted to make sure she was ok. She continued to breathe deeply. He stood up, looking her over one more time. He would talk to her in the morning, it was best to let her rest now. He picked up the tray again and flashed out of her room.
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The next morning Jareth went down stairs for breakfast. Sarah was once again, nowhere to be seen. He sat down anyway, Lydia shortly after bringing him his food.
"Good Mornin'," Lydia greeting him kindly, pouring a drink into his glass.
"Good morning Lydia," he answered politely. Lydia hesitated leaving the table, Jareth looked up at her.
"Your Highness, I went to Sarah's room this mornin' and she said she wouldn't be down for breakfast," Lydia told him. "I told her I would bring her up a tray. Then she asked if she could just have all her meals brought up to her today."
"What else did she say?" Jareth asked her, his appetite suddenly gone. Lydia shook her head.
"Nothin' else, she didn't even open her door."
For the biggest part of the day, Jareth kept himself busy with work. Looking over paper after paper, scratching his signature here and there. He ended up writing to Terra, telling her of the events going on here at home. He formed a crystal and set it on top of his letter, the paper seeming to melt into the crystal ball. He then carelessly rolled it off the desk, but instead of falling, It floated its way out the window quickly. It would get to Terra in minutes. He made it a point to get up and walk past Sarah's room a few times. She hadn't come out all day. He even knocked once, getting silence as his answer. He tried to twist the doorknob slowly, but found it locked. Not that he couldn't get past that easily enough, but there was no point in barging in.
He wasn't really sure what else to do at the time, other than think of what was going to happen with Colleen. Jareth was going to handle this personably. He still wanted to leave to get to Colleen now, but he would wait. Wait until the ball. He would make sure to set a few things straight with her.
Heading back to his desk, he found a crystal orb sitting there. He picked it up, it instantly molding into a piece of parchment. Terra's elegant handwriting was on it.
Dear Brother,
Colleen returned here last night. Lynnett and I are on our way home. The thought of what she did makes me sick! We will see you tonight.
Terra.
Jareth tossed the letter on his desk along with some other papers. He sighed heavily, going back to his work.
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"So, what's wrong with Sarah?" Lynnett asked her old sister. They were riding along in a carriage, heading home. Lynnett had overheard Terra carrying on about something with Sarah. She had picked up comments like. 'Poor Sarah', or 'When I get my hands on her…'
"Colleen stopped by and surprised Jareth," Terra explained to her younger sister. "She ended up saying some pretty mean things to Sarah, she is very upset over it."
"I hate that lady," Lynnett crossed her arms.
"Well..." Terra started. "Let's just try and be as nice to Sarah as we can when we get home all right?"
"Yeah that's a good idea," Lynnett agreed smiling at her older sister.
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Sarah picked through the pages of a book she found in her room. It was filled with tons short stories. She had read a lot of them today. It temporarily pulled her mind away from things. She wasn't really in the mood to see anyone. Lydia came in twice, bring her breakfast and lunch. Jareth had came by too, but she didn't even answer the door. She felt bad, wanting nothing more than for him to comfort her and tell her Colleen was wrong. Again though, Sarah's mind concocted all the reasons for why Colleen was right. Suddenly there was a light tap on the door.
"Sarah?" Terra called out. "It's me, can I come in?"
Sarah debated for a moment before getting up to unlock the door, Terra stepping inside. Terra gave her a tight hug before they sat back down.
"So I heard about Colleen..." Terra started.
"How?" Sarah asked. She hadn't' told anyone about it. Terra gave her a sympathetic look before going on.
"Lydia saw the whole thing. She told Jareth and Jareth told me," She folded her hands in her lap.
"Things do spread like wild fire here," Sarah said rubbing the back of her head. "But really I'm ok, I just didn't feel like having company today." Terra seemed to see right through her cover.
"Sarah, it's ok that you're upset. I would feel the same way if someone said something like that to me. But Sarah, She's wrong. Just because you human doesn't make you an oddity. That's not why we are having the ball. Yes, it's true it is very rare to have a human here, but you have gotten tangled into a very important web here. Other people who are involved in that web want to meet you as well. It's just like a tradition here," Terra gave Sarah's hand a quick pat. "Any way Colleen, is just a selfish, spoilt, jealous girl."
"Jealous?" Sarah asked. "What do I have that she can't have that makes her jealous?"
"My brother's attention," Terra smiled knowingly. "Whether anyone sees it or not, he's got quite a soft spot for you. Colleen has always wanted to be with my brother. When he shows no interest in her, she can't take it. She will say or do anything to make someone else miserable."
"Sarah!" Lynnett's musical voice rang loudly as she burst through the door at an inhuman speed. She flung her arms around Sarah's neck. "Did you miss me?! Did you?!"
"Of course I did," Sarah confirmed. "Did you have fun?"
"No, it was really boring," She emphasized the word 'boring'. "Are you still sad about Colleen?"
"Lynnett," Terra scowled.
"It's ok," Sarah told Terra. "I'm fine Lynnett, I know she was just being mean. I'm all right see?" She gave the young girl a grin, pointing.
"Good! That means we can play!" Lynnett squealed, running out of the room. "I'll be right back!"
Sarah laughed out loud. It was nice to have some company today. You couldn't be really upset about anything with Lynnett's bubbly attitude around.
"Are you sure your all right Sarah?" Terra asked again. "If you want, next time we see her, I'll hold her down and you can slap her back."
"Sounds good to me," Sarah smirked. Just then Lynnett came in with a big box of colored pencils and a stack of paper.
"Well I'm going to go and get something to eat and a few other things need my attention, so if you need me just call," Terra said letting herself out of the room.
"Here Sarah," Lynnett patter a spot on the floor for Sarah to come sit down at. She set everything up and began scribbling away. Sarah started doodling as well. Lynnett talked and talked, telling Sarah everything and anything that popped up into her mind. It was fun to listen to the little girl, here things from her perspective.
"What did you draw Sarah?" Lynnett asked, turning her attention to Sarah. "What is that?"
"It's Merlin. He's my dog back home," Sarah had just finished scribbling in his tail. "What about you? What did you draw?"
"My family," Lynnett grabbed her paper setting it in front of Sarah. It was a typical eight year old drawing, maybe a bit better. There were six people on the page. The first two were a lady and a man, with crowns on their heads. Sarah assumed that was Lynnetts parents. Then there was a girl with a long braid down her back, Terra. The short little girl next was obviously Lynnett herself. Then there was a man with wild blond hair, Jareth no doubt. Lastly there was another girl standing next to Jareth.
"Who is this Lynnett? Do you all have another sister I don't know about?" Sarah asked puzzled.
"That's you silly," Lynnett said getting to work on drawing another picture. Sarah looked closer, it was a girl with long dark hair in a pair of jeans and a button up shirt. The outfit she had been brought here in.
"Aw Lynnie that's so sweet, but you didn't have to draw me in there," Sarah told her.
"But you are family now. Don't families live with each other and see each other every day and care about each other?" She asked not looking up from her paper.
"Well yes but-"
"Then I'm right," She said triumphantly. "Terra and Jareth think so too."
"They do?"
"Yep, Terra loves having you around and my Brother really likes you," She picked up a red pencil.
"He does? How do you know?" Sarah innocently pressed. She started a new picture as well, trying not to be obvious.
"He told me before we went to see my parents. He said that he didn't want you to leave and he liked spending time with you. Normally he had gone back to his castle by now. He never stays this long. I asked him who was taking care of the Goblin city and he said it was fine and not to worry," She changed to a blue pencil. "He'd rather be here with you."
"Oh," Sarah stated simply. She dare not press any further. They just continued coloring until there was a knock on the door.
"Sarah, can I come in?" Jareth asked.
"Yeah," She called back, putting her pencil down. Jareth walked in, looking at the mess of papers and pencils scattered across the floor.
"Having fun?" He asked, taking a seat in a nearby chair. Sarah nodded not looking up from her paper. "Lynnett, why don't you head on down to the sewing room? Lydia needs to fit you for your dress."
"Aw fine," She said, gathering up her things. She stopped at the door. "Promise to come and read to me tonight?" She asked Sarah.
"I always do," She confirmed. Sarah sat up on her knees.
"Sarah, about Colleen," He brought up delicately.
"It's ok, don't worry about it," Sarah waved her hand.
"It's not ok," He locked eyes with her. "It was completely unacceptable, I should have known better then to leave you alone with her. She won't get away with it." He paused for a moment before going on. "You know she was just trying to stay those things to hurt you right?"
"If you marry Colleen, and I lose my half of the kingdom, what would I do?" Sarah asked, not bothering to answer his question.
"Excuse me?" He asked baffled by the sudden question.
"What would I do?" She repeated.
"Don't worry about it, the thought of marring Colleen turns my stomach. I'm guessing she out that thought in your head," Jareth got up and walked over to sit on the edge of Sarah's bed. He hinted to her to sit next to him, patting the spot next to him. She complied and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I don't want you marrying that awful woman," Sarah quickly rushed the words out of her mouth. She avoided his eye contact, the tone of her cheeks deepening.
"Sarah," he said lightly pulling her chin to face him. "Colleen is far from the woman I want. How do you feel about me Sarah?" He asked her bluntly.
Sarah was a bit taken back, she wasn't sure what to say. She liked him probably more then she should.
"Well," She said uneasily. "I like you, a lot." She fiddled with her hands, looking at her lap.
Next thing she knew Jareth's lips were on hers. An arm slid around her waist, a hand pressed into the back of her head. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into him. He pushed her back into the pillows, leaving her half sitting up. He leaned over her, his lips never leaving hers. His hand slid from her waist to her thigh slowly. Sarah sighed against his lips. She felt his tongue glide across her lower lip once, butterflies stirring in her stomach. After a moment she parted her lips to let him explore her mouth. Jareth quickly took control of her mouth, toying with her tongue. He slowly kissed his way down to her neck, gently nipping at her skin. He stroked her stomach, drawing imaginary shapes. Jareth's lips skimmed across her collarbone when someone knocked on the door. Jareth let out a low growl. Sarah cleared her throat.
"Yes," She steadied her voice.
"It's time for dinner," Lydia called out.
"Of course it," Jareth muttered, sitting up. Sarah sat up as well, running her fingers threw her hair.
"Be right down Lydia," She answered back. Jareth stood up offering her his hand. She took it, standing up. As they headed towards the door Jareth whispered low in her ear.
"By the way, Good answer."
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The next few days went by quickly. With Terra and Lynnett home, they kept Sarah pretty busy. She spent most of the day with them, and the evening with Jareth, repeatedly going over dances and such. No one had brought anything up about Colleen. It was now the night before the ball, and everyone was scattering about making sure things were ready.
"Miss Sarah would you mind commin' with me for a while?" Lydia asked Sarah. "I want you to try on your dress."
"It's finished?" Sarah asked, a little excited to see what Lydia had come up with.
"Sure is" Lydia said proudly. "I finished it this morinin'. I want ya to try it on now, to make sure everythin' fits all right."
"I'm coming too!" Terra called. "You'll love it Sarah"
"You've seen it already?" Sarah asked.
"Well, I did have a little bit of an influence on it," Terra confessed. The girls followed Lydia to the little sewing workshop, the needles and thread still at their work. Lydia opened a door to a walk in closet, and came back with the dress in hand. Sarah only caught a glimpse of it before Terra covered her eyes.
"Wait, put it on her before she can see it," Terra suggested. "Keep your eyes closed ok Sarah?"
"All right, all right," Sarah agreed. They helped her change, Sarah feeling her clothing being tugged around. After a few moments Terra gave the ok for Sarah to open her eyes.
"This is my dress?" She asked amazed. It was a deep blue, sleeveless dress. The back of it dipped low, to the middle of her back. Its skirts flared out around her, the top of the dress although sleeveless, had a slight V to it. It was lined with silver trim at the top, and the ends of the skirts. Silver glitter twinkled everywhere on the dress, the tiny gems here and there reflecting any light. Sarah also noticed the black lace sewed into the hem of the dresses skirts.
"Like it?" Terra asked,
"This dress is amazing, I love it. Thanks so much Lydia," Sarah turned around, looking at the dress from all angles.
"I knew you would," Terra chimed in.
"You're welcome. Let get it back on the hanger now before it gets wrinkled," Lydia said, tugging on a few spots to make sure everything fit before helping Sarah out of the beautiful dress. Sarah quickly changed back into her cloths.
"Ok, Miss Terra, your turn," Lydia said bring out another dress.
"Terra I hope I'm not being rude but would you care if I left you all to it?" Sarah hinted.
"Sure, go on. I take forever anyway," Terra said waving her off.
"Thanks," Sarah said before dodging out of the room. She walked down the hall into the Drawing room. Jareth was lounged back in a chair, reading.
"Knock knock," Sarah said walking in. Jareth closed his book and sat up straight in his chair.
"Well hello there," Jareth greeted her. Sarah sat next to him. "Nervous about tomorrow?"
"A little," She confessed. "But I think I'll make it."
"You'll do just fine," He confirmed.
"Any last minute Fae things I need to know that you may have missed?" Sarah asked.
"None that I can think of," He told her. The clock chimed once. It was ten o'clock.
"Guess I better go read to Lynnett, Sarah said standing. She didn't realize it was so late already.
"I'll join you," Jareth said standing. He offered Sarah his arm, she took it and they made their way down the hall to Lynnett's room. Sarah knocked on in door.
"Come in!" Lynnett called. They walked in to find Lynnett pulling down a book from her book shelf. She rolled into her bed and held the book out. "This one!"
Sarah took her seat right next to Lynnetts bed, while Jareth sat in a chair a bit further away, watching. Sarah opened the book and began reading with dexterity. After what seemed like only a few pages, Lynnetts eye sagged down, she blinked a few times slowly before she started lightly snoring. Sarah closed the book.
"This girl is never going to hear the end of a story," Sarah whispered. Jareth flicked his wrists, dimming the light as they made their way out of the room.
"You may as well go to sleep to," Jareth told her. "You have a big day tomorrow."
"I guess you're right," She agreed. They headed towards Sarah's room. "I don't know how well I'll sleep. I'm too antsy about tomorrow," She told him in light conversation. She opened her door and Jareth leaned in her door frame. "Wow look at that."
Sarah walked into her room and over to the balcony glass doors. The sky was completely clear, and every star shone brightly along with a full moon. Jareth walked up beside her.
"I've never seen the sky so bright at night like this," She told him. "It's pretty."
"I suppose it is," He answered.
Jareth snaked an arm around Sarah's middle, pulling her closer. She leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Oh I almost forgot," Jareth pulled a small box out of his breast pocket. He walked Sarah over to her bed, sat down and handed it to her.
"What's this?" She asked, opening the little box. She pulled out a silver chain, she looked closely at the pendent. It was an owl, its wings spread wide, as if in mid flight.
"Though you might need a necklace," Jareth said. "May I?"
Sarah handed him the chain, and pulled her hair to one side. Jareth quickly latched the short chain around her neck. The owl resting right below her collar bone.
"Thank you Jareth, it's lovely," She said running her finger over it.
"Good, then it matches it owner," He said slyly, tilting her chin upwards. He pressed a soft kiss on her lips. "I guess I should let you get some sleep."
"I can't stay up a little longer, just let me go change into my pajamas," Sarah told him. She reluctantly pulled away from his hold and headed into her closet, closing the door behind her. When she emerged she was in a long lavender nightdress. Jareth cocked in eyebrow looking over at her. Sarah crawled onto her bed and folder her legs under her.
"So..." She started.
"So...?"
"Well I own half of the Labyrinth right?" Jareth nodded. "I don't really do anything, I don't feel very useful."
"The only thing you really have to do is sign a few papers here and there, make sure everything is in check, so on and so forth. But you needn't worry, I've taken care of it," Jareth told her.
"Well it doesn't seem fair to give you all the work," She told him.
"It's not anymore then I used to do."
"Still I'd like to help," Sarah said waiting. Jareth deliberated momentarily.
"If you wish," He answered. Sarah rubbed her eyes and stiffened a yawn. It didn't go unnoticed.
"You are tired, go to sleep. We can talk more in the morning," Jareth stood to leave, but Sarah reached out and grabbed his sleeve.
"No it's ok really," She wasn't ready to be alone just yet. Even if she was tired.
Jareth paused and looked her over one more time. He waved his hand quickly, the light in the room turned to darkness. Another wave and the fire place lit itself. Sarah could only see his silhouette against the light of the fire. She felt the weight on the mattress shift as Jareth sat down close to her. She thought she heard him kick off his boots. The blanket was pulled from under her, and Jareth's hand pulled her closer to him. He pulled her until she was lying down, her head on his shoulder. He flung the blanket back over them, pulling Sarah closer until there was no space between then. He kissed her for a long moment before pulling back, speaking to her with a slightly commanding voice that wasn't to be argued with.
"Now, go to sleep"
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Sorry everyone, last week was exams I was slammed with studying. I also had a makeup class I had to crunch in along with packing my things. It's been busy so I made a extra long chapter! Hope you guys like.
Also thanks soooo very much to my Beta, ModFae! 3 Review please3