Yay for another chapter! Writing makes my lunch hour go faster :) Please review. Reviews keep me writing. No reviews make me discouraged.
For the 19th time, I do not own Jareth or Sarah; just everyone else in this chapter.
The high queen smiled but did not point out Sarah's love mark. She could tell Sarah would be quite embarrassed if it was pointed out. Of course, Queen Genevieve was not repulsed by the mark; she was fairly used to seeing marks on fae. High King Zareth gave Sarah a hug. She felt uncomfortable since his busy hands inappropriately touched her at her wedding. Jareth could sense his wife's discomfort. He walked over to her and snaked his arm around her waist to get her out of his father's embrace. Jareth looked at his father and playfully said, "Now father, this one is mine. Don't try taking her away."
Sarah smiled at Jareth and whispered, "Thank you," as he leaned down to kiss her cheek. Jareth had his wife a glass of champagne. He held up his own to propose a toast, "Let's raise our glasses to Bentley and Arianna. May their marriage be filled with love and happiness forever." Sarah thought that Jareth's toast was short but incredibly sweet. He definitely has his sweet moments, Sarah said to herself.
Jareth led his wife and their guests to the dining table. Being the gentleman he was raised to be, he pulled out the chair for Sarah and did not sit himself until all of the ladies were seated. Sarah was not pleased to see her father-in-law sitting across the table from her. Jareth placed his hand on Sarah's thigh for reassurance. Jareth made a mental note to reward Sarah if she made it through dinner without verbally lashing out at his father.
First course was a smooth cream of potato soup. Sarah found it delicious. As she was sipping her soup, she looked up at the high king. He was looking at her too, but not in her eyes. He was mentally undressing her. It was plain to see. Sarah didn't want to cause a scene by yelling at King Zareth, so instead she squeezed Jareth's leg as a sort of stress ball. Jareth was not expecting the squeeze and looked at Sarah inquisitively. He could see the uneasiness in her eyes. Instinctively he looked at his father knowing full well how uncomfortable he made Sarah feel. Zareth did not notice his son looking at him, so he continued his visual assault on Sarah's body. Jareth did not want him to continue. "So father, tell me how negotiation talks with the Shadow King are going." The request instantly broke Zareth's trance like state. Any talk of that toad Calabar, King of the Shadows, stresses the High King. "That man is unreasonable. He wants nothing to do with peace. He would rather let his own people suffer than compromise," Zareth said while rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Jareth was not surprised by this news. The Shadow King has had a vendetta for the High King and his family for quite some time. The Shadow King had unlawfully invaded neighboring kingdoms. High King Zareth had no choice but to cut off any possible trading between the Shadow Kingdom and any other kingdom of the Underground. He would happily restore trading if the Shadow King would make restitution to the kingdoms he invaded. Naturally King Calabar has refused this compromise. As a result, his people have been suffering greatly. Many are starving or homeless, but Calabar refuses to swallow his pride.
Sarah was dismayed that a ruler would do that. "He sounds like a horrible ruler. How can anyone rule if they have complete disregard for their people?" Sarah muttered. Jareth cocked his head at Sarah. He was relatively surprised to learn that Sarah had been listening. Not too many women are that interested in the political details of the Underground. Then again, Sarah was not like many women at all. "You are right my dear," Jareth said. "A good ruler knows when it is time to swallow his pride if it is for the good of his kingdom."
High Queen Genevieve beamed at Sarah. Jareth had truly found a precious gem. In that one statement, she could tell Sarah was bold, intelligent, and caring. She knew that Sarah will make an excellent queen and a formidable opponent for her son.
Sarah was confused. Why was everyone so impressed with her mere observation? It was not as though she came up with a brilliant notion that no one else could have thought of. Was she not getting something? She would have to ask Jareth when she had a moment alone with him.
Dinner was, as always, delicious. The main course was a sort of baked cod. It was delectable. There was even tiramisu for dessert. Sarah could definitely get used to always having scrumptious meals for the rest of her life. She wondered if the castle came equipped with a gym, for she was certain to gain weight if she continued to eat such rich foods.
Once everyone had finished eating and given their bodies ample time to digest the food, Jareth led his wife, parents, and of course the love birds to the royal chapel. They were all going to do a run through of the wedding ceremony that was to take place tomorrow. Jareth found it hard to believe that he had said his wedding vows here mere days ago.
It seemed simple enough. The ceremony was not unlike those conducted Aboveground. A worthy minister would conduct the ceremony; in fact, it was the same minister who not only married Jareth and Sarah, but also the High King and Queen. He was quite ancient and highly respectable. Sarah was to serve as matron of honor, and Jareth was to serve as best man.
The run through was smooth and over quickly. Bentley and Arianna stayed behind with the High King and Queen to pick out décor. Jareth took Sarah back to their bedchamber. He did not stop at the bed, much to Sarah's dismay considering Jareth's insatiable sex appetite lately. Instead, Jareth led her to the balcony off of their bedchamber. It was a perfect night to sit and stare at the stars. It seemed as though the sky sparkled as much as Jareth's magical signature.
Jareth sat down on a chaise lounge. He took Sarah by the waist and pulled her down to sit in between his legs. He laid there for awhile with his arms around her. He nuzzled his head in Sarah's hair, taking in the intoxicating smell. After a rather hectic day, Sarah found herself not wanting to be anywhere else.
Sarah's eyelids kept getting lower and lower. Soon enough, Sarah had fallen asleep. Jareth smiled. It had been a long day. It was long but very enjoyable. He gingerly gathered Sarah in his arms and stood up. Quietly, he walked back into the bedchamber and gently placed Sarah on the bed. Jareth produced a crystal and lightly placed it on Sarah. Once it dissolved, Sarah's dress was replaced by a night gown, and she was now under the covers. Jareth placed a chaste kiss on Sarah's forehead. Though her eyes were closed, Sarah whispered, "I love you Jareth."
Sarah blinked her eyes open. The sunlight poured into the bedchamber through the balcony door. Sarah noticed that she had no blanket over her, yet she was quite warm. She figured out why. Jareth had his arm draped over Sarah. His strong, sculpted body was pressed against her own body. His warm breath caressed the back of Sarah's neck. Though being in Jareth's arms was Sarah's favorite place, at this moment she was far too warm. She gently shimmied from under his hold. Sarah quietly stood up from the bed and looked at Jareth. She smiled at Jareth as he continued to sleep. Sarah made her way to the opened balcony door. She took a seat in one the oversized plush chairs and conjured up her daily Earl Grey tea. Sarah could not get over how breath taking the view before her was. It certainly wasn't the same Labyrinth and Goblin City she remembered from her prior journey. Oh the wonders of magic, Sarah thought to herself.
Jareth stood in the doorway of the balcony, arms crossed over his bare chest and head cocked to the side. He found the view of his wife first thing in the morning intoxicating. The way her silk nightgown hugged her graceful curves made his heart skip a beat. Her dark hair shined like the light of a thousand suns. She's outspoken, challenging and stubborn. And she is all mine, Jareth thought to himself with a grin.
Jareth also noticed that Sarah conjured up a cup of tea. He was quite pleased to see her magic progressing quickly. He made a mental note to teach Sarah how to harness her magic and how to protect herself. If his inkling was correct, Sarah would become quite powerful, and there could be those who would want to harm her because of it.
Sarah looked up and saw Jareth looking back at her from the balcony door. She loved his smile; it was so full of mischief. Her breath was taken away when she took his entire body into view. He was bare chested, wearing only black silk pajama pants. His chest looked quite defined, and his pants hung off his hips in a most alluring way. All and all, Sarah had to admit that she had one sexy husband!
Sarah smiled shyly as Jareth made his way to where she was sitting. Jareth took her hand as she stood up. He kissed her lightly at first then let his tongue explore Sarah's mouth a bit. He did not want her to spill her tea, so he pulled away before the kiss progressed to anything more.
Sarah felt a twinge of disappointment when Jareth pulled away. She quite enjoyed the intensity of Jareth's passion. Though her female parts felt a bit sore from the love making the day before, Sarah would not mind having a morning romp. This was her turn to be bold.
Sarah magically dismissed her cup of tea. Before Jareth knew what was happening, Sarah had thrown her arms around his neck, and her lips passionately found Jareth's lips. Sarah's tongue went for a bold exploration in Jareth's mouth and did not stop until it was tangled with Jareth's tongue. Jareth quite enjoyed Sarah's boldness and carried her to the large chaise lounge and took full advantage of Sarah's early morning boldness.
Sarah laid in Jareth's arms post coital. She loved the way he stroked her hair. She could stay in that moment forever. It is not long at all. Unfortunately, they did not have a whole lot of time. Jareth kissed Sarah sweetly on the forehead and said, "Come Precious. We have a wedding to get dressed for."
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