Chapter 17

(A talk amongst Queens)

Sarah walked quietly through the hallway toward the Goblin King's Reception area. The dark haired girl felt a sense of uneasiness as they approached the room. In the next few moments she'd be surrounded by UnSeelie Kings and Queens. She silently wished she could be locked in the tower once again and not have to deal with them.

The gold French doors were instantly opened and the two guards stepped back so that she would enter first. They then took positions slightly behind her.

"Perfect timing my dear." Jareth said pleased. "Ladies and Gentlemen may I present my bride to be Lady Sarah." Sarah grudgingly curtsied to the UnSeelie royals before approaching Jareth. He took her hand and kissing it, slid it through his arm.

"Sarah this is High Queen Lorelei, Queen Acrisia of the Nightmare Kingdom and her husband Prince Duncan. King Starvos and his wife Queen Narissa, King Balthazar and his wife Queen Penelope." The Goblin King said, introducing the other members of royalty.

"Majesties." Sarah said politely.

"Why don't you gentlemen speak in your lounge Jareth and allow us ladies to get to know your bride." Queen Lorelei suggested.

"As you wish Majesty. Gentlemen." Jareth gave a pleased look at Sarah and then led the men out leaving the dark haired girl at the mercy of the Unseelie queens.

"Come and sit Sarah." Queen Acrisia instructed. The last thing Sarah wanted to do was sit down and talk small talk with women who were friends of Jareth. Reluctantly she walked over and sat in the chair the Nightmare queen had suggested.

"You must be so excited about your wedding." Queen Narissa said openly delighted. "Many women have tried to land Jareth and you succeeded." Sarah had to fight the urge to lash out.

"Have you decided on a dress?"Queen Penelope inquired.

"King Jareth is seeing to any wedding details." Sarah said, forcing herself to be calm.

"It's your wedding dear don't let him take it over." The High UnSeelie Queen said.

"I don't mind." Sarah said unconcerned.

"Of course you do." Queen Acrisia insisted. "You will be the Goblin Queen. Things should be as you want them for your special day."

"It's no big deal." Sarah said quicker than she intended.

"No big Deal? You're marrying an incredible man!" Narissa said shocked. "You are the envy of every other Unseelie woman."

"Do you get together often?" Sarah asked trying desperately to change the subject.

"If I didn't know better I'd think you didn't want to discuss your wedding." Queen Lorelei said coolly. "Surely I must be mistaken. Otherwise someone may think you don't want to marry a prize like Jareth." The Unseelie Queen's words almost slithered they were laced with such coldness and warning. "You do want to marry the Goblin King don't you?"

Sarah knew she should lie but couldn't do it. "I have agreed to marry King Jareth."

"Agreed?" The Nightmare Queen said as her voice took on a cold tone. "Do you or do you not want to marry Jareth?"

"I will marry him." The dark haired girl replied.

"That wasn't what she asked!" The blonde haired Unseelie High Queen snapped. "Answer her now!"

Sarah swallowed. She just knew she'd be in trouble if she answered. Unfortunately she could also tell by the Queen's tones she'd be in trouble if she didn't.

"Why would you marry King Jareth if you don't want to?" Queen Narissa inquired.

"Because he would've killed my friends if I hadn't." Sarah said looking toward the window and not at any of the queens.

"He's forcing you to marry him?" Queen Acrisia said, suddenly sounding very amused. Surprised Sarah turned to see the curly black haired woman was in fact smiling at her pleased.

"Call it what you like Majesty." The dark haired human girl replied.

"You do not love your fiancé at all?" The Unseelie High Queen questioned.

"No, no I do not."

"That's alright dear. Given time you will grow to love the Goblin King." Queen Acrisia assured her.

The urge to tell the Nightmare Queen exactly what she thought of Jareth washed over her but she refrained. Instead she looked at the cup of tea a servant handed her.

Lorelei exchanged a look with the Nightmare Queen but neither commented. Silently however they knew they needed to change the girl's mind. Jareth had spoken briefly with them and King Ormond and they were aware of the labyrinth's warning.

"He's very skilled Sarah. He can bring you great satisfaction." The Unseelie High Queen said suggestively.

"What types of things do women enjoy in this world?" The dark haired girl asked attempting to change the subject once more.

"Pleasure." Lorelei replied.

Sarah fought the urge to groan at the woman. It wasn't easy in the least. She could tell the women were trying to change her perception of Jareth.

"That's it!" Sarah said rising to her feet angrily. "I don't love the Goblin King! I'm here because of a stupid bite of Peach I ate during my run that has trapped me here! I will never love King Jareth! He is cruel, heartless and I'd rather die than be his wife!" She shouted at them. Continuing her rant she said, "He has whipped me, humiliated me and nearly killed my friends. To spare their lives I'll marry that monster known as the Goblin King. I will never be happy and I accept that for my friends' sake. If you think he's so wonderful feel free to sleep with him! Maybe it will get me a night off! Good day!" Picking up her skirts she stormed out of the room.

Queens Narissa and Penelope blinked a few times before allowing shock to register at the girl's explosion.

"You know, I think I like her." The Nightmare Queen remarked.

The Unseelie High Queen smiled. "If I was difficult to bring around I can only imagine how much harder it will be for Jareth. She's even angrier than I was."

"You aren't angry at her outburst?" Queen Penelope inquired stroking a hand through her long straight black hair.

"Not with her at this time." The blonde Fae woman replied. "Actually I'm rather relieved. She's full of fire and strength. Just imagine how strong their children will be."

"The Labyrinth is in very good hands." Queen Acrisia said pleased.

Sarah left the room and headed through the halls and out into the garden. 'I have to free my friends and get out of here.' She thought to herself. The dark haired girl didn't know how she was going to flee but somehow she had to get free.

Hidden in a tree the tiny fairy watched in sympathy. "Hold on just a little longer Lady Sarah." The Fairy whispered.

Author's Note : The Next Chapter will Deal with the Seelie Fae. There will also be a discussion between the UnSeelie Kings. Thanks for Reading!