Lucky number 13 is done! This chapter may have a bit more sap that the last couple, but I think it was due. Enjoy!
I sadly do not own Jareth or Sarah. I do own Arianna and Bentley though!
Jareth blinked at her and said nothing. He feared what Arianna had told Sarah. He didn't want another argument so soon after reconciling with his wife. It was true that Jareth went way too far by imprisoning Arianna, but his pride was hurt and his ego bruised. He had never felt that way before, and he basically flipped out. By the time he propositioned Arianna, his body was in a weird state. He had been separated from his lady love for far too long. His libido could not be controlled. It is like he told Sarah the night of their wedding when his father touched Sarah inappropriately, they are very sexual beings. In fact, it was Arianna denying him that made Jareth decide that it was time to go get Sarah.
"Well what would you like to discuss regarding Arianna, my dear? Jareth asked as calmly as he could. "What do you think?" Sarah responded. Jareth sighed. "What has she told you?" Sarah tried to read Jareth's face to see if she could find any anger pulsating within him. She didn't find any, but she swore she saw fear in him, which baffled her because she didn't think the great goblin king knew fear. "Well," Sarah started, "she told me how you tried to pressure her to have sex with you and when she denied you, you locked her up." Jareth turned and looked out the window. "Is that all she told you?" Sarah walked over to him. "No. She did tell me how you rescued her from the dark life she was living Abovereground. I admire you for that, darling, but it does not excuse your pompous and selfish explosion of anger." Jareth turned and faced Sarah. "You're right, but you got to understand one thing. Being separated from you as long as I was hurt me. It took all the power I had to attempt to control my libido for as long as I did. Finally, I could no longer control it, I went on a sex binge only to be ended by Arianna. When she denied me, I knew that I could no longer be apart from you, for I could not bear to see what I would do if I had to wait any longer. I didn't want to plunge further out of control."
Sarah could almost understand where Jareth was coming from though she could not excuse him for going as out of control as he did. She had felt a yearning deep within her soul for the 8 eight years they were separated. Of course, she was not sure what that yearning was for the longest time.
"Jareth, I feel that I understand where you are coming from, but I have to demand you release her. She did nothing wrong. All she did was prove her moral fiber." Jareth looked deep within Sarah's eyes. He admired her fierce determination and spunk, even though that spunk could go too far at times.
Once more, Jareth wrapped his arms around his wife. "Of course dearest. I will have Silas release her at once." Sarah smiled. Jareth was about to kiss her when she said, "I want you to apologize to her too." Jareth looked deep within Sarah's eyes. He truly admired her fierce determination and spunk, even though her spunk could sometimes get the better of her. "You must have formed quite a bond with Arianna," Jareth said looking warmly at his wife. "I did Jareth," Sarah replied, "and it feels really good to have a friend here. Please can she stay here at the castle with us?" Jareth kissed his wife and said, "Of course, my love, for as long as she wishes."
After a few more kisses, Jareth escorted his wife to the dining hall for lunch. Jareth, being the gentleman he was raised to be, pulled out a chair for Sarah. A guy who actually pulls out a chair for a girl? I could get used to this! Sarah thought to herself. Once she was seated (and Jareth planted one more kiss on her forehead), the door to the dining hall opened. Much to Sarah's astonishment, Arianna walked in. She was so surprised to see her so soon. Sarah was glad to see Arianna smiling and looking refreshed. Sarah jumped out of her seat, rather unladylike, and rushed to her hug her new friend. Arianna tearfully threw her arms around Sarah and simply said, "Thank you Sarah." Sarah also had tears in her eyes and said, "Anything for my friend!"
Jareth smiled at the sight. Then he felt a twinge of nervousness, for he knew that he would have to do something he very rarely did; apologize. The goblin king did not live his life for regrets, so he never really felt the need to apologize, but he is learning that change can be good at times and perhaps he could humble himself enough to apologize (only when it was completely necessary of course).
He walked over to the two tearfully blissful girls. Arianna faced the king and curtsied to Jareth. He cupped her chin as to stop her from the curtsy. "My dear Arianna," Jareth began, "I am so sorry for what I put you through. I had no right to lock you up for denying me. I suppose it shocked me and anger was the first emotion I felt. I do hope you can accept my apology." Arianna smiled at Jareth. She could not even begin to imagine what Sarah had said to not only have Jareth release so quickly but also to apologize to her. To the best of her knowledge, Jareth had never apologized to anyone before.
Arianna smiled that sweet smile of hers and said, "Of course I can forgive you, your majesty." It truly amazed Sarah how forgiving and understanding Arianna was. She was sure that she wouldn't have been so forgiving had the same thing happened to her. In fact, Sarah was sure that she didn't know anyone who could be so forgiving. She almost envied Arianna's sweet nature. From what she had told Sarah of her life Aboveground, she must have done a complete 180 turn around. How could someone that sweet have been on hard drugs? It takes a strong person to change like that, and Sarah was now certain that Arianna is one of the strongest people she knows.
Jareth escorted the two ladies to their seats at the table. Once they were all seated, a servant brought out a salad for each of them. While eating their salads, Jareth had something to ask Arianna. "There is one request I do have of you, Arianna," he said. Arianna looked bewildered. What could he possibly ask of her? Did he want her to leave? She certainly hoped not, for she had grown so attached to Sarah already. "What is that, my lord?" Arianna asked nervously. Jareth knew why she was so nervous. He smiled at her and said, "I would like you to stay with us here at the castle. It seems Sarah here has taken quite a liking to you and would love to have you here for company." Arianna grinned. It was just what she was hoping for. "Of course I will stay! Thank you!" Jareth was happy to see his wife and her friend so happy themselves. "No need to thank me, dear."
When they were about half way through their salads, there was another knock at the door. Sarah looked at Jareth because she had absolutely no idea who it would be. Jareth stood up to go open the door and said, "I hope you ladies don't mind, but I asked my brother Bentley to join us for lunch." Then Jareth opened the door and in walked the sweet and somewhat shy brother that Sarah remembered meeting at the wedding. Jareth and Bentley warmly shook each other's hand. "I hope the day finds you well, dear brother," Bentley said to Jareth. Then, he turned to Sarah and bowed. Then he took her hand and kissed it then said, "Good day, my lady." Sarah smiled. She found Bentley to be terribly sweet. "It's good to see you again Bentley. Allow me to introduce you to my friend, Arianna."
Bentley looked at the flaxen beauty next to Sarah. Their eyes met and locked. Sarah could instantly tell that the two of them had just fallen in love at first sight, and she could not be happier for Arianna. What she or Arianna did not know was that this was not the first time Bentley has seen Arianna.
I didn't get reviews on my last chapter :'( Please review and turn my frown upside down!