Then sun had just sat– Marking the second day of travel when the elven army arrived in goblin territory. Now all they had to do was rest for a couple of hours until they tackle the Labyrinth, then eventually the castle itself.

The tri-bladed dagger was heavy on Nalth's side as she dismounted her Palomino horse, itching to finish the Goblin King off with the elven monarchs heirloom. She looked out to the grand Labyrinth below them with the small castle in the middle and smiled. Soon that Labyrinth would be all hers. Everything in its walls will belong to her; starting in three hours.

What would be less painful for both of them?

What would be easier for both of them?

The questions never left Sarah's mind since this morning as she was now sparring against Jareth for the second time today. Despite blocking and dodging his attacks, trying to win this round. Every time his eyes flashed at her as if she was an enemy, her heart would break like they were mocking her. Through the ringing and the clashing of their swords, she couldn't help, but think of him. Then she nearly lost her footing within three minutes of the round and was brought back to reality. She needed to prove that she was good enough to fight in the battle and that meant defeating the King. She came back with a fierceness that would make one think that they were on opposite sides.

For fifteen minutes the swordsmen kept it up without laying a single blow on one another as they flawlessly foresaw their opponent's moves– Making them both even more determined. By the thirty-minute mark, they were both worn out.

"That's good for now," Jareth panted, sheathing his sword. He smirked at her as she did the same. "You have certainly improved within four days."

"Am I ready for the battle?" She gasped for air, looking at him with wonder.

He released a breath as the smirk faded. "Can't say. You and I have been training twice a day for four days now, but when it comes down to it– we'll see."

Sarah just nodded, understanding and hoping that she was going to be ready because who knows when the enemy would strike.

Sarah was gnawing on the back of his mind and just wouldn't leave him alone, causing him to be too reckless to lounge in his throne. Jareth made his way up the stairs to the chamber of illusionistic stairs and just stood at the edge, thinking. "I can't," he whispered to himself, "live…within you…" He took a deep breath, slightly turning away in disappointment, remembering that song fourteen years ago when he fell for the girl at the time, then she broke his heart. What was he thinking? She was only just a girl. Still sixteen. But now she was a woman and lovely as ever… and crueler than before as she was still holding her dagger that was fortunate enough to taste his heart's blood. Now, he was just waiting for the final blow.

Foot steps quietly echoed up the staircase behind him.

He closed his eyes and inhaled, placing his gloved hands behind his back, knowing who exactly they belonged to. He opened his eyes, preparing for her sharp words.

"I have to talk to you," she quietly said behind him.

"What of?"

"There's something that I have to tell you, actually." She sounded uncertain and hesitant.

Jareth looked at the corner of his eye, then back ahead of himself. "All I ask is that you tell me the truth because for the passed couple of days you have been tormenting me and driving me mad."

"I know that now," Sarah murmured. "I just didn't know when or if I should tell you."

His eyes darted to the corner.

If?

He turned around, facing her with bafflement. "If?" He sharply questioned. "If you should tell me?"

The young woman avoided his gaze. "I just wanted to make it easier… on both of us." She then looked at him, but for only a second.

Jareth stepped forward in cold frustration. "Four days you have been tormenting me," he hissed, "as I have been waiting to figure out what your feelings for me were. When I kissed you, you left. You know that I love you and yet you won't give me an answer and now you don't if or when you should tell me?" He stared at her in disbelief.

She certainly was cruel… And yet, her long, green dress and lovely face gave her an energy that was strong and lovely. How he hated and loved her at this very moment…

"Now tell me, Sarah Williams," he grabbed her by the arm, causing her to look at him with surprise, "tell me exactly what you feel."

The woman hesitated as fear washed over her lovely and mocking hazel eyes. "I love you, but… I can't stay. I just wanted to make things easier and–"

His breathing grew heavy and his eyes were locked on her own, questioning if her words were true.

"I do love you, Jareth," she repeated, her eyes were now aching with inner pain, "but I can't stay. I…" Her voice faded.

Jareth just clenched her arm, not breaking their gaze, trying to figure out what to say or even think. She just admitted that she loved him, but right now, he felt… nothing. Absolutely nothing as if his heart just went numb… as if her dagger had done its job. Was she too late? Was he over her just like that? "For the last two days," his voice was low and dry, "I was trying to figure out if you loved me or if you were just trying to get my hopes up… You could've spared me the pain by telling me sooner."

"I only figured it out since you kissed me," she admitted.

"And all this time I thought you were just being cruel."

It felt like his heart didn't even have a beat.

Sarah looked away, then back at him. "When this war is over you want me to stay, don't you?"

He did want her to stay. He always wanted her to stay. "After being alive for 145 years," he dryly began, "it would be nice to have someone at my side."

Her eyes drifted away as if another thought came to mind.

"Don't think about it too much," he bitterly stated and released her, then made his way for the stairs with his heart numb and lifeless.

Sarah just stood there for a moment, replaying what had just happened.

Never had she seen Jareth shut down like that nor had he grabbed her like that before. There was no doubt that she had hurt him deeper than she had imagined. With a heavy heart, she walked down the stairs, to an empty throne room, then made her way to her room. When she got to her room, she just threw on the white nightgown, crawled into bed, and thought about the man's heart she had just broke.

The woman was having a dreamless sleep that was abruptly shattered by a loud bell that started to ring through the castle in distress.

Sarah's eyes flew open, knowing exactly what was happening. She got to her feet, ran out the door, and took a sharp right. As she ran down the hall, soldiers could be heard echoing; scrabbling for order, until a familiar voice shouted orders, causing her to halt to listen for where it was coming from. Just as Sarah looked behind her, she jumped as Jareth was now standing in front of her dressed in a white blouse; black pants; and boots, and his glare was enough to make her blood chill.

"They have arrived," he coldly stated. "Fifteen groups in fifteen difference entrances. I need you ready and on your guard if you're going to fight." He walked passed her, heading to the stairs. "They should be here within thirteen hours if they do make it."

"Jareth–" Sarah tried.

"I'll be in the throne room," he called without looking back at her.

Without another thought, Sarah hurried to her room, slammed the door closed, threw on her armor, then ran out the door. This was it. They were under attack! The war between goblins and elves had began!