I don't own anything, not even the beautiful quote that will be used later this chapter! Thanks again for reading.
Even after falling asleep for a few hours, Cassandra could feel the tingling sensation of her kiss with Troy still lingering on her lips. She tried to read books to distract herself and keep busy until Troy came that night, but it didn't work so she went to sewing instead, forcing her fingers to be useful.
She finally finished sewing the blanket. Proud of her handiwork, she held it up to inspect it. The word "Goblin Prince" was sewed in by black and gold threads, and underneath it was her father's coat of arms in blue and silver, a designed made by Sarah when she was 12 years old. Hearing that Jareth would be the first king of goblins, she drew a design for him, one that he presented to the High Court and one that he was proud to use.
Soon, it was dinner time. Walking into the dining hall, she saw Troy walk in. He was a vision, and her heart skipped a beat, seeing how handsome he was. Walking closer, they gave each other a bow, before Troy caressed her face to kiss him. Her bright red blush was easily shown on her light skin.
Dinner was a lovely affair, much like the day before. Jokes, bantering, debates, and lots of innocent touches happened. Holding hands, arms around each other, the usual couple things. And of course, no Goblin meat or seafood for either of them.
Troy held his arm out for her, looking very much like a gentleman. "So, my lady, how about a dance, but without anyone interrupting us this time?" Behind that confident smile was a nervous aura, something that Cassandra noticed right away. She accepted, wanting nothing more than to be in his arms.
The ball room was even more magnificent than the first time she saw it. The lights floated around, like small fireflies, and the marble floors seemed to shine. But, the most beautiful sight were the two dancers.
Per Cassandra's request, she wanted to wear some Aboveground clothing. She changed into a black spaghetti strap evening gown, Aboveground style. A lovely slit showed off her long legs, paired with silver high heels. The neckline wasn't too low, but low enough to make any man shiver with desire. Her hair was let down, in beautiful waves. For jewelry, she wore a silver ear cuff, the peach necklace Jareth gave her, and the bracelet that Troy gave her. To say that she looked absolutely stunning was an understatement indeed.
Troy wore a handsome dark blue suit. Instead of a tie, he decided to instead unbutton the top few buttons, leaving part of his chest open to see. His hair was swept to the side instead of to the back, making him look even better than he usually did. Reaching the princess, he held out both his hands for her. Placing her hands in his, they danced.
There wasn't any way that she learned to dance from Sarah, for her mother was a terrible dancer and only danced well enough to get by. Jareth, on the other hand, was an exquisite dancer, something he had passed on to his daughter. Since Cassandra always wore beautiful large dresses, one was not able to really see how gracefully she moved her body. In this evening gown, however, she flowed as easily as water did down a stream.
Having Troy's hand on her body made her feel a little warm, and no, it was not from her ability to make fire. The dress was a thinner fabric than the conservative ones she usually wore, and she could feel his hands almost burning through her dress. Eyes locked on each other, both were thinking about how mesmerizing the other person was.
This is what I want, thought Troy. No one would make him as happy as the woman in front of him. He'd marry her right then and there if she asked him to.
After dinner, they retired to the library. Troy looked nervous, and reached for a book, one that Cassandra had not yet read. Anne of Avonlea, it was called.
He turned to a page, and read something out of it. "Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one's life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one's side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music, perhaps . . . perhaps . . . love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath." He closed the book and turned to the princess. "Cassandra, I know I've only known you for such little time, but I love you. I have never felt this way towards anyone. You are someone that can be honest with me and would care for me. Your independent nature and fire, literally and figuratively, have captured my heart. Please. Marry me," he whispered.
Cassandra stared at him. This was insane! He'd only known her for not even three whole days, and was asking her to love him? So, she blurted out the first question that came to her mind. "Why me?"
He went on his knees. "Because, you are so unique. You and I fit perfectly, and I can't imagine my life without you. You're not like the other girls where I'm from."
This brought her back to reality. Even with her heart yearning for Troy, she could not in good conscience accept his offer. Assuming the intimidating stance, she narrowed her eyes at him. "Where are you from? Why can't you tell me? Who are these other girls that you speak of?"
He shrugged. "No one. I've never kissed a girl before you. I just mean that you're different and that I want you." He held her hands pleadingly.
Cassandra wasn't going to let go so easily. "Why can't you tell me where you're from?" She repeated. He looked away from her, causing the princess to let out an exasperated sigh. "Cassandra, I told you, to protect us, I just can't tell you. Please. Trust me."
She shook her head. "Troy, I cannot marry you. Not now. I hardly know you and how can you ask me to do this? I'm not saying that I haven't felt anything, because I do. I really do." She looked up and saw that his eyes were brimming with tears.
He nodded sadly. "I understand. I guess, I took a chance. My people believe in soul mates so there's no need to wait to marry anyone. I feel that you are my soul mate." He clutched her hand to his heart.
Cassandra shifted awkwardly. She so wanted to say yes, but what would that mean for her? Would her future be in this palace? One thing was for sure, she felt that he was a good person. But, were her emotions and feelings enough to dictate what was truly in his heart?
She brought his hand to hers and kissed it. "Troy, just, give me time." He seemed satisfied with that answer, and brought her back to her room.
Truth was, she wasn't sure if she would ever marry him, not without knowing who he was.
3 months later
After putting it off for months, Jareth and Sarah finally decided to have an official announcement to their son's birth. With Cassandra gone, they didn't want any distractions, but Sarah was beginning to balloon like a blimp.
Before greeting the crowed, Sarah gave Jareth a kiss. "Darling, I know Cassie isn't here to celebrate this special day, but it is still a happy one. Imagine how upset our son will be if you don't give him the same fanfare as you did for his older sister." She teased. Jareth smiled, clutching the small blue blanket they received from Cassandra as if it was Cassandra herself
They were also relieved to receive a message from her. Cassandra didn't say much in the letter that she sent, but it was enough to calm their fears.
Dearest Mother and Father,
I am safe where I'm at. I have fought the monster and have been transported elsewhere. The palace is beautiful, with many rooms. There's a library, a room full of instruments, and even a room filled with magnificent sewing materials. It is lonely, but I am alright. There's a man here who saved me, and don't be upset, but it's Troy, the man I met at the ball. He had been nothing but generous and kind so far, but don't worry, I am using my head and being careful. The food is delicious, but it's not homemade food that you'd make for me. Please take this baby blanket that I have made for my little brother. It has been enchanted to grow to his body, always be clean, self repairs, and fire resistant. I wish I could be with you, but if I leave this place, the goddess could come and find me. I love you always and if I can find a way to get back to you, I will.
-Your Sweet Pea
Neither parent approved of Troy caring for her, but Belle convinced them that he really did have noble intentions. "Noble indeed," scoffed Jareth. He was still bitter about how he rudely interrupted the dance with Zarek.
Stepping out into the crowed, the Goblin King and Queen's presence silenced everyone in attendance. Sarah stepped forward, letting go of her husband's arm. She gave a curtesy.
"Thank you, everyone, for coming here. King Jareth and I have an announcement. We are expecting a son." The goblins shrieked excitedly and went up to give their king and queen hugs. The monarchs that came in attendance clapped politely. Jareth stepped forward. "We are proud to announce that his chosen name will be Tobias Jareth, named after Queen Sarah's late brother and myself." Sarah's eyes filled with tears.
Earlier that week:
Sarah started brainstorming names, but she didn't like any of them. Sarah had suggested naming their son after Jareth, but he refused, saying that one of him was enough. Sarah silently agreed, knowing that as much as she loved Jareth, having two of him would be a disaster.
Jareth wrapped his arms around his wife. "Precious, I have a name in mind, but only if you're alright with it." He held the official scroll that would bear their son's name during the announcement of his birth. "How about Tobias Jareth?" Sarah gasped, then sobbed. Oh, how she would love to tell Toby that she had named her son after him. She wished that she could tell Toby herself and see him play with her children.
Jareth ran his fingers through her hair. "Is that a yes, my love?" Sarah nodded, still crying. "Oh Jareth, that's a perfect name. We'll call him Toby for short." Jareth smiled, and kissed his wife.
King Zarek was also in attendance, with a woman on his arm. Sarah frowned. This woman had a very proud look on her face, as if bragging that she was in the arms of the High King. She may be dressed in the best finery, but it didn't hide her bad attitude. The couple bowed in front of the King and Queen in respect. Normally, Jareth and Sarah were much more casual with the young king, but this was an official party that required the right protocol.
Zarek kissed Sarah's hand. "Queen Sarah, I hope that your pregnancy is going well." Sarah bowed her head. "Yes, my lord, it is going smoothly." Zarek turned to Jareth. "Congratulations on a child, Your Majesty. A boy and a girl, you must be proud."
Jareth also bowed his head. "Yes, Your Grace. We look forward to his birth." They bowed again and walked away.
Still eyeing the girl, Sarah looked at Jareth, and could see that he had the same thought. "This is ridiculous," he said. "Where did he get her from?" There was nothing wrong with marrying a woman that didn't have a station, or even one that didn't understand protocol. But, when she walks around like she owns the place, it was alarming.
Later in the evening, Zarek approached the King and Queen alone. "Aunt Sarah, Uncle Jareth," he greeted. In formal situations, they referred to each other by their proper titles, but he was their godson in all other situations. When he used their names so casual, Sarah knew that he must need help.
"What is it?" Sarah asked. He shifted nervously, making Sarah uneasy.
"Boy, straighten your posture. You're High King, for crying out loud." said Jareth sternly. Immediately, Zarek straightened out. "Sorry sir," he mumbled. Jareth waved his hand. "Don't apologize to me. It makes you look weak and I'm trying to help. Now what is it?"
Zarek took a deep breath. "How is Cassie?" Sarah was taken back by his response. It was out of nowhere, and Cassandra's disappearance wasn't known in the Underground, just kept between them and Belle.
"She's fine," whispered Sarah. "She-she's unwell at the moment. She regrets that she cannot come." Zarek raised an eyebrow, knowing that Sarah was lying. He shrugged, letting it go.
"Why do you ask?" Jareth inquired. Zarek bowed his head a little. "I would like to ask for her hand in marriage tonight," he said a little too casually.
Sarah blinked. "What?" That was the last thing she had expected him to ask.
She looked at Jareth, who had his arms folded, feet apart in a stance that no one wanted to see for it meant danger. "Young man, you come here with that woman on your arm, and you have the audacity to ask to marry our daughter without even courting her? What has gotten into your head?"
The High King shirked back a bit under Jareth's gaze, which looked like they could vaporize him at any moment. "I just, you know I'll treat her with the highest respect and be her friend-" Jareth held up his hand, stopping Zarek as if someone had choked him.
The Goblin King took a step closer to him. "You don't love her," he concluded. "Cassandra deserves the best, and a marriage without love isn't what she'd want. I know that much." Zarek nodded sheepishly.
Sarah stepped forward, just as angry as her husband. "Zarek, who is that woman?" She cocked her head to the left, where the young woman was insulting goblins, even making one of them cry. Zarek rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh. She's... my lover."
"WHAT?" Sarah yelled. The people around them looked around. Jareth put his arm around her. "I apologize, my wife is with child, you know how that is." He gave a fake smile, and everyone laughed, going back to their conversations. As soon they turned around, Jareth continued his glare, but let Sarah carried on.
"Why did you ask to marry Cassandra when you have a lover?" Sarah demanded.
Zarek tried to make himself a little taller. "Well, Cassie would make a good queen, you know that. She's powerful, has a good heart, and is smart." Sarah rolled her eyes. "That doesn't explain why you want to marry her when you already have a lover."
"I wanted to marry her, but I couldn't. She's not powerful enough or would be a good wife and queen. I want her to be my mistress," whispered Zarek.
"What? Why? Why is she so special?" Sarah questioned him. She just couldn't believe this whole thing.
"I think I have a hunch as to why." Jareth said in a low voice.
Sarah and Zarek turned around, seeing Jareth with a crystal in his left hand and making a pinching and expanding motion with his right hand, much like touch screens did. "No," Jareth whispered. "She's a prostitute!" He hissed.
"What?" Sarah grabbed her husband's hand and looked at the crystal. The crystal magnified a small smear on the bottom of the woman's foot, showing a tattoo that branded all prostitutes of that specific brothel. "Zarek, she isn't just a sex worker. She's actively taken advantage of homeless women and children to exploit them for sex! How could you?!" She spat.
He looked at the ground, ashamed. "I love her," he told them. Jareth groaned. "Love? Love? Tra la la?" He waved the crystal at him before tossing it over his shoulder, turning it into a harmless bubble. Sarah's eyes seemed to be on fire. "You dare choose a woman who takes advantage of children to be a lover? And what did you expect out of that? That you can just marry Cassie to get away with it? Is sex with that whore really worth it?"
When Zarek didn't respond, Sarah and Jareth buried their face sin their hands. "Oh Zarek," said Jareth. "No," snapped Sarah. "You dare come in here and expect her to do this? A marriage is binding, only broken under the most extreme of circumstances!" She seethed.
"Hey lady, I wanted to do what's best for the Underground! I didn't say that Cassie couldn't have another consort of her own," he said angrily. Jareth stepped forward, looking more angry than the time that Hoggle accidentally left Cassandra alone in the Labyrinth where she ended up in the Bog and almost got dipped in it. "Don't you DARE talk to my wife like that," Jareth said. "What have we tried to teach you about being a monarch? You MUST use your head! And as High King, you need to most of all! Get rid of that woman right now. Other women may want you, but Cassie deserves better. You may be the High King, but you do not deserve someone like Cassie as your wife!"
Sarah left with Jareth, mumbling something about wanting to kick Zarek like a goblin. On their way to tell the prostitute to leave the goblins alone, Belle stepped in front of them. "Not now Belle," Sarah tried to push her away, but she stayed still. "Your majesties, I know you are busy, but you must contact your daughter." Sarah's face drained of all color and Jareth's eyes bulged, worried. "What's wrong? Is she alright?" Sarah panicked.
"Oh, she's fine for the time being. But, she needs to wed to that young man, Troy. And you need to tell her so, for she is pregnant with his child."
Dun dun dun! Geez Troy is moving fast, like a freaking Disney prince! And come on Zarek, dude Jareth and Sarah tried to teach you to use your stinkin' head. FYI: the prostitute thing is inspired by my uncle, who actually brought a prostitute home as a girlfriend once to his family and she was definitely a good digger. He was like 17 and she was 38 or something insane. She ended up stealing thousands of dollars worth of stuff before dumping him. He learned that lesson the hard way!
As always, leave a review and thanks for reading!
