Sarah awoke in a cold sweat, her heart beating erratically. She sat up straight in her king-sized bed and attempted to slow her breathing. She scoffed at herself. It was just a dream for God's sake and she was a queen! Something as trivial as a bad dream shouldn't have shaken her up so much. But then again, this was the 5th time that week she had had the same nightmare…
It was always the same. In the dream, Sarah would be walking through a dark forest. She would be unable to see anything very far in front of her. Mist and fog would circle around her as she wandered through the dark. She wouldn't know where she was going; only that she was looking for someone important. As she would continue on, the scene around her would suddenly change and she would be falling down an endless hole. As she would open her mouth to scream for help, no sound would escape her lips. She would continue falling, and just before hitting the cold ground at the bottom of the hole, she would be jerked awake in fear.
Sarah sighed and rubbed her forehead, a strong headache coming on; the same headache she had gotten every morning after having the nightmare. She sighed again. She would just have to deal with it until it went away.
Sarah got up out of bed and began to get ready for the day. She picked up her emerald green silk robe from the back of the lounge chair in the corner and slipped it on. She made her way to the service bell by her bedroom door and gave it 3 short rings. Seconds later, a middle-aged female goblin named Zalma entered the room.
"Good morning, your highness," the goblin greeted with a bow. "How may I serve my Queen this morning?" Sarah sat down in front of her vanity.
"Hair, please." She ordered simply.
"As you wish, your highness," Zalma replied, grabbing a step stool from behind the door and setting it behind Sarah's chair. Climbing on top of the stool, she took Sarah's hair in her hands and began to braid it. As the goblin worked quietly, Sarah's mind wandered back to her dreams. What could it all mean? What was it that her subconscious was trying to tell her? Sarah sighed gently and began to rub her forehead again, nursing her headache. Zalma spoke up gently.
"Is m'lady feeling alright?" Sarah exhaled and looked up at the goblin through the mirror.
"I'm fine. Just a headache."
"Was it the dream again?" Zalma asked as she twisted Sarah's braided hair into an elaborate up-do. Sarah nodded slightly.
"I can go get the master for you if-"
"No," Sarah said suddenly cutting her off. "I don't need his help." Zalma nodded once and kept her mouth shut while she finished her work. As soon as she was done, she hopped down from her stool and put it back behind the door. Before she left, she spoke.
"Master Jareth would like to see you in the dining room for breakfast." She then left Sarah's bedroom, closing the door behind her. Sarah made a noise at herself in the mirror. She had hoped to avoid the Goblin King that day, but it seemed he had other plans.
Sarah had learned in a little over a decade of serving with him that Jareth could be a bit overbearing at times. Ever since he chose her to be his queen, he spent every waking moment of his life trying to please her. He bought her gifts and showed her many fantastic places inside the Labyrinth. He was even teaching her how to use magic, but she couldn't help feeling like she was missing something from her life, like she was…empty. She had tried to accept him into her life, but the closer she got to him, the emptier she felt inside.
And so, she chose to avoid him. As soon as it was light enough outside, she would often wander through the gardens or explore the Labyrinth on her own. Sometimes she would even lock herself in her room and read old books, pretending he didn't exist. 12 years of ruling by his side, and she still didn't know how to act around him.
But this morning was different. He had specifically requested her presence, and she knew better than to anger the Goblin King.
She stood from her seat in front of the vanity and crossed over to her wardrobe. Opening the double doors, she gazed inside, a variety of dresses staring back at her. She ran her fingers along the row of them, until her hand landed on one of her favorites.
It was a light, mint green dress, made from the softest cotton she had ever worn in her life. It seemed to flow endlessly, and always floated gracefully behind her as she walked. Its sleeves were long as well, the ends landing just below her fingertips. It's only accessory was a white belt the hung low on her hips, it's strands connecting just below her waist line, where they met and hung loosely down the front of the dress. Sarah ran her fingers along the belt line, feeling the intricate lacing of each brightly colored bead that was sewn into the middle of the strands. She smiled at the familiarity of it all, lifting the dress out of the wardrobe and taking it off its hanger.
Slipping off her silk robe and laying it back over the lounge chair, she pulled the dress over her head and onto her body. She ran her hands along the side of it as it rested on every contour of her body just perfectly. She smiled again. The dress always made her feel more comfortable about herself, no matter what situation Jareth seemed to throw at her. Stopping in front of her vanity once more before heading to meet the King, she grabbed the crown of flowers sitting on the desk and placed it on her head. Taking one last look in the mirror, she left her bedroom and headed down to the dining room for breakfast.
The castle was already bustling with working goblins. Sarah ignored their awe and flattery as she passed them. She wasn't really in the mood that morning for groveling. In only a few minutes, she reached the grand dining hall. As she stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat. As hard as it was to act around Jareth, that didn't make him any less attractive.
There he was, lounging in one of the dining chairs, his right leg draped over the right arm of the chair. He was staring up at the ceiling when Sarah walked in. But as soon as her bare feet hit the dining hall floor, he looked at her and sat straight up, a smile growing on his face. He leapt up at once and moved over to her.
"Sarah," he greeted gently. He pulled a chair out for her and gestured her to sit. "How did you sleep?" he asked as he sat back down in his own seat next to her.
"Fine," she responded quietly, sitting in the offered chair. She took the napkin in front of her and folded it in her lap. Jareth examined her closely. It made her uncomfortable.
"So the nightmares have stopped then?" Sarah looked at him incredulously.
"How did you…?"
"Zalma," Jareth explained. Sarah sighed and looked down at her empty plate. "Sarah, why didn't you tell me?" Jareth asked her gently, taking her hand. Sarah pulled back sharply, and stood from the table.
"I'm fine. I don't need your help." She walked toward the closest window and glanced out, her fingers subconsciously moving to her forehead. She could feel Jareth's presence behind her, but she did not turn to acknowledge him.
"Is your head hurting you?" She could feel him place a hand on her shoulder. Sarah shrugged out of his touch and shook her head.
"I said I'm fine." She continued to rub her forehead. Jareth sighed behind her and suddenly he took her wrist and turned her to face him.
"Jareth, what are you-?" Sarah started but her words were cut off as Jareth's hand landed on her forehead, immense warmth running through her body. Sarah's headache was gone in seconds, along with every other ache and pain she might have been feeling at the time. Jareth stepped back and removed his hand from her head, the glowing light of magic in his palm slowly disappearing to nothingness.
"You know I hate it when you do that," Sarah scolded.
"You know I hate it when you're in pain," Jareth retorted cleverly.
"I can take care of myself, Jareth." Sarah attempted to pass the Goblin King, but he blocked her path, stepping in front of her and moving in closer. She backed up against the wall as he trapped her there. Jareth lifted her hand slowly and caressed Sarah's cheek.
"Sarah, why won't you let me in? What more do you need from me?" Jareth's eyes were sad and longing. And Sarah hated it.
"Jareth, please." She lowered her eyes, not wanting to see the look in his any longer. After a few more agonizing seconds, Jareth stepped back and to the side. Sarah fled instantly, away from the Goblin King and away from the feelings she was trying so hard to suppress.