Sarah turned to the queen and swallowed. This was not going to be easy for her to say. But she knew if she wanted to get Jareth out of her system, this was the only way. Some silly school girl crush on a Goblin King was not going to rule her.
You don't really want him out of your system, a little voice in her head told her. He's been on your mind every moment since you've met him, do you really think spending more time with him will convince you that you don't like him? He sees the real you, not the spoiled brat, but the scared girl. And somehow that scares you more than some old oubilette or Fireys ever could.
Sarah ignored the voice and coughed, to clear her thoughts. She could feel herself blushing which was stupid. No one could hear her thoughts, at least she hoped not.
"I'm willing to give him a chance. He said he wanted to be friends. I can do that."
"And if he wants more?" A new voice. Sarah turned and saw the man Jareth had shaken hands with earlier.
"Sarah, this is King Logan - my husband." At Sarah's hurried curtsey, the king considered the girl closely. She would either be his son's angel, or murderer. He had to know which way she was leaning.
"It is an honor to meet you, your majesty," Sarah said shyly. Logan nodded, eyes narrowed.
"I've heard much about you, young Sarah. Beating my son at his own game. Tell me - how did it feel?"
"I'm not sure I understand - Toby wasn't in any danger." Sarah felt a hint of fear, this man looked as though he could kill her with a single thought.
"Toby? No, I am not speaking of Toby. I am asking how it felt to win against Jareth's Labyrinth. The boy was in no danger true, but the Labyrinth and all of it's challenges - they were real. At any time, you might have chosen the wrong path and been hurt. Would you have blamed Jareth?"
"What? I don't know - would he have let me be hurt? I don't think so - from the little I've heard about him today, I don't think he would let friends get hurt if he could help it."
"Friends? Is that what he is to you? And if it had all been real, if he had taken the child and you'd won him back - would you still be considering friendship with my son? He is a bit of a villian after all, his charming behavior tonight notwithstanding."
"Logan please," Seline chided. "The girl is not used to your bluntness." She turned to Sarah. "I apologize, my dear, but we are rather protective of Jareth. He's never shown such interest in a female before and you are mortal which makes you an unknown element to the situation. But I am curious - would you have considered friendship with Jareth had the babe been taken in truth?"
"I - I don't know, maybe not. But I'd like to think I would realize that he didn't steal Toby and even if he had, it was really my fault for wishing him away in the first place. I mean, it only happened yesterday. I don't know how I feel about him or what he wants from me. I just think that he looked - well, lonely last night in my room," Logan's eyes widened at this but he said nothing. "And I'd like to know more about him before I decide if he's a villian or not."
"Fair enough," Seline said softly. "I hope he lives up to your expectations. Fae are just as flawed as humans, Sarah, we are all neither hero nor villian but somewhere in between. Come, let's continue our walk. Logan, I believe you have work to do in your study."
The two wandered deeper into the gardens together as the High King watched them, amused by his wife's abrupt dismissal. She liked the girl, he could tell and that pleased him. For if Seline approved, then all was not yet lost for Jareth's future.
JSJSJS
Jareth studied another one of his books from the Above Ground, striving to learn more of human courting rituals. So many silly rules humans used to tell one another that they were interested in mating. He smirked as he saw himself as a bird of prey, swooping down on Sarah's innocent defiance much as an owl swooped down on a helpless mouse. Birds knew how to get attention, flashy plumage, songs of love, traps set to entangle a potential mate in a dance of passion. He patterned his flirting with Sarah last night as a love struck bird, and she had denied him. Perhaps he would next go to her as a human male would. Karen had invited him to spend a week above to learn more about Sarah and her world. It was an intriguing offer.
"Hmm, bundling, interesting concept from Colonial America. Where a couple lie in bed together wrapped separately in blankets so that nothing - untoward happens. Well, we've done that without the separate linens. I don't think I'd like to not touch what is mine. So that is out," he muttered to himself.
Hoggle rolled his eyes. "She's not yours yet, you haven't done anything to deserves her."
"Hush, Higgle, I'm researching. Hand me that large blue book." Jareth flipped through it, scanning for ideas on wooing his love.
"Why does this mean so much to ya?" Hoggle asked, still slightly suspicious. "You're a king, ain't ya? Don't kings just order someone to marry them?"
"Don't be stupid, you can't order someone to marry you. But you can tilt the odds in your favor by being prepared. Now then, let me read."
"And what if she doesn't want you at all? I still think she'd have more fun living with me than with you." Jareth raised an eyebrow at that and glanced over at his servant.
"Highly doubtful, Hogbert, I'm exceedingly fun under the right circumstances. Ah, now here's something. In ancient Persia, a couple would drink each other's blood to show their commitment to each other." A far off look in Jareth's eyes and a hint of a smile."While biting Sarah is surely a pleasure I look forward to, I doubt she'd enjoy such a messy display of emotion on her clean sheets. So that's out as well." He continued reading. "In almost all cultures an interested male also courts the family of his beloved by giving them gifts of intent. Hmm, gifts. Interesting. I shall go to friend Robert and give him many gifts to show my sincerity. And a special gift for young Sarah as well, yes - this has possibilities."
"Sarah isn't impressed by gifts. If she didn't want her dreams what more could you offer her?" Hoggle asked, a bit annoyed. He still thought Sarah would be disgusted with the whole idea of Jareth courting her, but Jareth was his king and Hoggle didn't have much choice but to help him in this madness.
"Sarah doesn't know what she wants. Human sensibilities have clouded her true feelings. But I am going to break down her barriers and claim her before the year is out." A strange look came into his eyes. "I will prove myself to her, have no doubt about that, or I'll die trying."
"It's true then - you're gonna die if she says she don't want you." Jareth spun on his servant and glared.
"You will not mention this to Sarah - she will not know of it. Swear it or I will Bog you permanently." Hoggle shivered, never before seeing such a look of anguish in the rat's eyes. He almost felt sympathy for the king but pushed it away quickly.
"Fine, I won't mentions it. But when you keel over into your food next year, she's gonna get the idea."
"Oh Hibble, you have no faith in your king if you are already planning my funeral," Jareth's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are you going to sabatoge your monarch's attempts at happiness?"
"What? I ain't makin' no promises. I ain't gonna let you hurt her and I don't cares what you do to me. You can give her peaches on your own and I hopes she throws em at your big poofy head if you try to hurt her. I'm her best friend and she trusts me. So there."
"Such brave talk from someone who hides in women's clothing."
"It got me where I needed to be didn't it? But," Hoggle was loathe to admit it, "she did seem happy to sees ya - just a little."
"That's all I need Hibble, just a little affection on her part to open the door between us."
"Well I still thinks she's gonna slam it in your sparkly face, but you're never going to listen to me."
"On the contrary Hibble, when it comes to gaining Sarah's trust, I do listen to you. And trust me, I will use every advantage your friendship with her gives me. You will hide nothing from me of her feelings towards me or if my efforts are suceeding. I want to know her every desire, no matter how trivial it may seem. You will do this."
"Fine, fine. Here's another book."
Goblins were watching their king debate the different forms of human courtship with Hoggle.
"He's gonna go to court?" one asked as another slapped the back of his head.
"No dummy, he's gonna court - he's gonna tell someone he likes them."
"He doesn't like anybody - is that why he's taking them to court?"
A muttered sigh. An older, wiser female goblin explained. "He's liking the girl and wants her to come back here to be with us. He's going to give her gifts to show he likes her."
"Gifts - we can give gifts to her too!" A stampede of little feet echoed away from Jareth's study and into the dark recesses of the castle.
JSJSJS
"So in answer to your questions. Vampires as you know them exist but they are not humans transformed. They have their own star system many light years away. They rarely come to your world and do not search out humans. The few that coexist do so in remote areas of your planet. I doubt you will ever see one, the humans that have written of them over the years have distorted their history and intent."
"They don't drink blood?"
"They do, but it is consensual and part of the mating process. Actually some human cultures share blood in such a way, though it is rare in your time."
"Thank goodness for that," Sarah muttered. An image of Jareth's sharp teeth scraping her throat made Sarah feel very warm and tingly. She rather liked the feeling. Sighing softly, she wondered how his teeth would feel against her skin...
"Sarah, I hear your school is letting out for a break soon," Seline was saying.
"Yes, for spring. I get a week off," Sarah answered quickly, embarassed by her fantasies.
"I'd like for you to spend it here, in my castle. I'd like to get to know you better. I've already discussed it with Kareena and she say that she'll speak to your father. Would you accept my invitation if your father agrees?"
"Here? In the castle?" Jareth, her mind whispered. She'd see him a lot more often. She hid a smile.
"I - what do you want to know about me? I'm just a girl who wished her brother away - and even that didn't happen because I wished it."
"Sarah, you are more than you realize. You are one of the few humans on your world who appreciate this place and are not afraid to face your fears of the unknown. You bring a fresh perspective to me and I wish to learn more of your heart. I would like to see what it is that my son sees in you. You are a mystery to us all and I do love a good mystery," Seline smiled and Sarah's heart slowed to a normal pace again.
"Well, if my dad says yes, I'd like that."
"Good. And then Jareth can spend that week Above Ground learning more of your world without you there to - distract him."
"He won't be here?" Sarah asked, upset. She hid it quickly, but the queen saw the look and was pleased.
"You wish to learn more of our world and Jareth wishes to learn more of yours. At the end of the week, he will throw his ball and the two of you may compare notes. I think time learning of each other's lives will be well spent. Expectations cannot be met if there is no basis for comparison."
"I suppose you're right," Sarah said. Why was she so upset that Jareth wouldn't be nearby? They were going to be friends, right? And maybe after a week she wouldn't have this impossible urge to kiss him senseless. Yes, a week here without him around would be good for her, she'd learn about this place without second guessing Jareth's every comment.
"Ah look, I see Karen and Marissa approaching. Come, let us all have one more glass of lemonade and then you may return home to discuss your spring break plans with your father."
JSJSJS
"Karen? Sarah? I'm home," Robert said loudly.
"In here, darling," Karen said from the kitchen. Robert made his way into the kitchen and kissed his wife.
"Well, how was your day?"
"Better than I'd hoped. Marissa loved Toby and has said his destiny is his own. She won't try to get him to ascend to the throne unless he decides to years from now."
"Well that's a relief," Robert said. "I'm already losing Sarah. I can't lose both of my children."
"Daddy, you are not losing me," Sarah said, coming into the room from the back porch. "How could you say such a silly thing?"
"Sarah, you came back," Robert said, hugging her tightly.
"Why wouldn't I?" Sarah asked, confused. "I do live here, right?"
"Yes. Yes you most certainly do." Robert was relieved to see Sarah was safe at home, where she belonged. Now that she'd had a chance to visit fairy world, maybe she could admit she didn't belong there.
"I had such a wonderful time. Queen Seline and Queen Marissa are very nice. And I got invited to a ball Jareth's throwing." She smiled and Robert's heart clenched.
"Jareth? You saw him?"
"Yeah, he visited his mom to invite us all to his ball - it's at the end of my spring break. Um, actually we wanted to talk to you about that."
"About your break? I was thinking we could go to the mountains, do a little camping."
"Actually," Sarah said, "I got invited to spend the week with Queen Seline. I'd really like to do that, if it's okay with you."
"You want to go back? For a week?" Robert was shocked. "Honey, it's a week. You've never been away from home that long."
"Daddy I'm fifteen and I've been to camp every year for a week since I've been eight." Sarah looked amused.
"Oh - yeah, well that's different. You were on the same planet as your family. And I don't like the idea of you being there with Jareth where I can't - I mean where you won't be nearby."
"Oh Jareth won't be there," Karen said, biting her lower lip. "I've invited him to spend that week here, learning about our world."
"You what? He can't stay here - what will the neighbors say?"
"Robert, he'll put a glamour on himself, he'll look totally human - you won't even realize he's a Goblin King."
A loud crash from the living room interupted them and Sarah wondered if Merlin was knocking something over. A babbling of voices and barking intermingled and Sarah gave a quick glance at her stunned parents before the three of them rushed to the living room.
Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus were beating drums and crying out "All hail the Champion of the Labyrinth." Well Ludo was just saying "Sawa - Champion" but his heart was in the right place.
Fairies flew around Merlin, as he growled and tried to bite them. They laughed and tried to bite him back. Goblins ran around in black robes and white wigs shouting, "Order in the court." And in the middle of all the chaos, stood Jareth, silently staring at Sarah with a small smile on his face. She stared back, not noticing anything but the fact that Jareth was here, in her living room and her heart was beating faster than her mind could follow.
"What's going on here?" Robert yelled. A goblin banged a gavel on the glass coffee table, shattering it.
"We come to take Sarah to court!"
"Hi Sarah, are you guilty or not?"
"Sarah," Jareth said softly. "I come to ask your father's permission to court you. I bring you these gifts."
A silver owl pin with one saphire eye and one onyx appeared on her blouse. She looked down at it and smiled. She could swear she heard it hoot gently in her mind. Jareth raised a hand and the room was filled with fragrant flowers from his private gardens, the scent filling the air with magic. He turned to Robert and bowed.
"Friend Robert, I come bearing gifts to you as well." Another wave of his gloved hand and Robert was surrounded by wood nymphs, laughing at his surprise as they took turns handing him jewels. Karen stepped in and glared at them. Instantly the women disappeared and she glared at Jareth who shrugged an apology.
"I am new at this, dear aunt, please forgive me." Karen scowled, then a grin broke out across her face.
"May I court your daughter?" Jareth asked Robert who was running around trying to catch Merlin.
"It's up to Sarah," Robert yelled, distracted.
"Our gifts now," the goblins yelled, throwing chickens around the room. Merlin started chasing the birds as they squawked and complained. Fairies chased the dog who was chasing the chickens. Robert and Karen tried frantically to round up all of the creatures to push them into Robert's study.
Jareth walked over to Sarah. "Sarah, Precious - may I court you?"
Sarah looked around at the huge fiasco surrounding them and laughed so hard she cried. She took Jareth by the hand and grinned.
"Yes, Jareth, if this is any indication of what it's going to be like, then yes - you can certainly court me."
Jareth's expression softened and he kissed Sarah's hand.
"Jareth - get these things out of here - now!" Karen yelled. Jareth looked up and with a wave of his hand, all the Under Ground citizens were gone, leaving only the Goblin King still holding his Champion's hand.
"I will call on you soon, Precious," he promised and disappeared in a wave of glitter.
Robert sat down hard on his expensive leather sofa covered in chicken feathers and fairy dust. "What just happened?"
"Sarah has agreed to allow Jareth to court her - after you agreed of course," Karen said trying to keep a straight face. Robert looked as though he'd been hit by a truck. He sighed then coughed as a chicken feather blew out of his mouth.
"Of course," Robert said weakly. "I think I'm going to go take a short nap now." He wandered upstairs and Sarah grinned at Karen.
"Well that went well," she laughed and Karen hugged her.