A Spoiled Prince

Updated this chapter by adding more to it. An actual update is soon to follow.

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A long time ago, there lived an Aboveground prince. He was very spoiled and not used to hearing the word, "No." So naturally he almost always got what he wanted. And if he didn't… Well let's just say I'd pity the one who had to tell him.

A prince used to always getting his way could be a very dangerous commodity

to a kingdom. It is generally known that spoiled princes grow up to be petulant kings; starting wars over trivial things, ruthlessly pillaging villages, sacrificing one's own people for his own wants and desires. Sadly, while it is a generally know rule, it is generally forgotten too. It of course is much easier to raise a spoiled and irascible prince than a educated and refined one.

So one day when this spoiled young prince, -who was soon to be king- was out riding his favorite steed, he spotted something, or rather, someone. It was a girl, despite her shabby clothes she was beautiful, there was no doubt about it. She was obviously a poor girl from the village, but the way she held herself seemed so regal. He could only imagine how exquisite she'd look in expensive gowns and jewels.

She'd certainly outshine any other woman in the room. The young prince knew then he just had to have. She would be his trophy, to show off to any man that entered his castle. He decided he must know more about her at once. He carefully hopped down from his steed and walked towards her. Her eyes were closed and she was humming quietly to herself.

The prince cleared his throat, causing the girl to jump. She opened her eyes and looked up in shock to see the prince walking towards her. Quickly, she got up and curtsied.

"Your highness." Sarah, shifted uneasily under his gaze. She'd heard plenty of rumors about the prince and how he liked to travel to villages and force girls to go to bed with him in exchange for a few coins. He was a sorry excuse in her opinion, but to tell him that or deny him of anything would not end well for her.

The prince gave her what he thought was an enticing grin, but it really just made him look dopey. "Fair maiden," he bowed in front of her. "I was riding my gallivant steed, when I saw you. And my, aren't you such a sight? I was wondering what one might call such a beautiful creature such as yourself?"

"My name is Sarah. Sarah Williams." She curtsied again, she wasn't sure if it was the proper thing to do but it felt right.

"What a lovely name for a lovely girl. You may call me Caspian." He grinned at Sarah, she tried to smile back but felt it probably looked like more of a grimace. She was worried as to why the prince had taken such an interest in her. In that moment she wanted nothing more than to be in the Underground with Jareth.

"I don't mean to be rude but I really must be going. My mama and papa will be worried if I don't make it home soon, they're expecting me." Although, that was a lie. She had been planning on going to the Underground and seeing what Jareth was doing. The last time she visited he'd promised to take her to the Goblin Market and she couldn't wait to take him up on the offer. She was growing rather impatient with the Prince and hoped he'd leave soon, so she could head to the Goblin Kingdom.

Sarah, backed away from the prince as she spoke. "It really was a pleasure making your acquaintance." She curtsied again for good measure.

"Wait. My fair Sarah, I will give you a ride to your house upon my noble horse."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly. I wouldn't want to be a bother." Internally cringing, Sarah just wanted to be away from this awful prince. She was afraid of what the prince's next offer might be.

"I insist. I promise you dear, dear, Sarah it would be no trouble at all." She supposed he was trying to sound charming but he was failing, miserably.

She was certain he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Sarah's stomach lurched forward, possibly oupwards, she was going to the Aboveground after all. When she opened her eyes, she was once again in the clearing where she spent most of her days.

It was odd knowing this might be one of her last times visiting this place. For years it'd been her own sacred oasis, a place to go when she needed to clear her head or wanted to fantasize about far off lands with magic and handsome kings. But now she'd outgrown it, in a sense. She no longer needed to go there to escape, for she had the Underground. And her old fantasies seemed rather dull, now that she been exposed to real magic and a devilishly handsome king.

A king whom she just confessed her love to. Her heart beat faster as she thought of that moment. How he said he loved her too. Nothing could ever make her happier than that golden moment.

It had been the perfect end to a horribly dreadful day. Just hours ago she'd met Caspian, an Aboveground prince and he'd asked for her hand, after only knowing her a few moments. Of course her parents had graciously accepted, thanking the young prince for his immense generosity and interest in their daughter. Talk of engagement balls and wedding dates were being discussed before Sarah could even process what had just happened.

When the prince left -promising to be back in a few hours time- her parents began speaking of how life changing this would be for all of them.

"Oh, my darling daughter. Sarah I'm so proud of you. To think you've caught the eye of a prince. Think of the riches and the jewels, we'll all be taken care of forever." Her mother spoke quickly and hugged Sarah.

Sarah didn't say a word. She stood emotionless, trying to gather thoughts.

"I need a moment to collect myself," Sarah pulled away from her mother, tears began falling from her eyes. She quickly ran out the door and to the stables, ignoring the calls of her parents.

There was only place she wanted to be right now and that was in the Underground, in Jareth's arms. She couldn't marry Caspian, she feared him. All the stories and rumors of his behavior, frightened and disgusted her. She heard he'd been prone to tantrums and was known to have a cruel hand. And most importantly, she did not love him.

She loved Jareth, he'd stolen her heart and she couldn't imagine ever being with anyone else. She didn't know if he felt the same way, but the way he looked at her she thought he must. Or at least she hoped he did.

When she arrived to sanctuary of the stables she transported herself to the Underground. She thought the chances of her parents coming to look for her away were unlikely. And honestly, she didn't care if they did. Tears streamed down her face and when she opened her eyes, she was back in the Goblin City. She had to find Jareth.

"Jareth," she called out. Using her magic trying to pinpoint where he was. Despite, much practice with both Jareth and Oberon, Sarah's ability to track magic was not great. She struggled to tell the differences between magics. Which made it hard to tell what direction it was coming from, especially in a place in the Underground where everything and everyone had a little.

But still she tried, taking a deep breath she began to try to feel the magic around her and the energies it gave off. At first she was overwhelmed by the feel of the magics around her, but as she focused more specifically on Jareth she began to notice the differences.

See each living thing within the Underground possessed some magic. Some more than others and there were all different types. If you knew how you could feel the aura or energy a thing's magic emitted. This made tracking a person or thing by their magic possible, but still challenging. Being able to find and pinpoint a certain being's magic could be very difficult, but the more familiar you were with a person or thing and the closer it was to you the easier it became.

She took another deep breath and felt for the familiarity of Jareth's magic. It was stronger than most all beings she'd come across. His magic gave off a fiery heat, which was very contrary to the cool blue glow it emitted. She searched for the heat and blue glow, he was in the castle. Perhaps in his office. She was going to make her way to him, but another strong energy caught her attention.

This magic was almost frighteningly strong, she was so overwhelmed by the power it was giving off, she couldn't even begin to fathom who or what it came from. She turned around, whatever it might be, was within in the walls of the Labyrinth.

In an almost hypnotic state, she took a step towards the feel of the magic. It was pulling her in, calling to her. Finding Jareth didn't seem nearly as important as finding the source of that magic.

"Sarah?" A gloved hand reached out, pulling her away from the Labyrinth and out of her daze. Sarah glanced up.

"Jareth," she sighed. "I was just…" She turned to the Labyrinth, shaking her head. "I was just looking for you." She wasn't sure how to explain what she felt in the Labyrinth, and she could do that later. Now with her mind clear again, she had to tell him about Caspian.

They sat in the throne room, tears fell from her eyes as she explained she was now engaged to an Aboveground prince.

Doing his best to listen, despite his growing anger. Jareth held Sarah as she recounted the day's events. 'My Sarah?' How dare some foolish mortal think he have any claim to 'My Sarah.' And damn her parents for allowing such a blasphemous proposal.

"Jareth, I can't marry him." Sarah sounded so timid, it interrupted him from his thoughts of hunting down this measly prince and teaching him a lesson.

"You won't have to Precious." He spoke without thinking, "Stay here, with me." Usually, so cool and sure of himself, Jareth began to feel nervous. What if she says no? Just because she doesn't want to marry some petulant Aboveground prince doesn't mean she'll want to marry me either? Not that she'd have to marry me. But as he thought of her with anyone else he felt enraged and depressed, all at once.

"Jareth…" Wincing, he prepared for her rejection. "Do you really mean it? I could stay here? With you?"

"Of course I mean it. You should know me well enough, I don't make offers lightly." Her response wasn't a 'no,' but it hadn't been a 'yes' either. "Stay in the Underground, you will never have a need or want for anything again. I'll make sure of that." Hoping, his words conveyed the true emotion of what he felt. "You can have all your dreams and more. Precious, I will be a slave to your every whim and desire."

"Yes. I'll stay!" Her words came out in a jumbled rush. She spoke aloud as she tried to plan her future in the Underground. But Jareth could barely hear her over the sound of his beating heart. "Could I stay in the Goblin City? I…"

"No." He interrupted. Holding a gloved finger to her lips as she started to stay something more. Her face now red and tears started to fall again. You'll be here in my castle. Unless of course, you'd like it better, boarding with one of my goblins." He arched a dark brow and smiled at her. "You could rule by my side if you wanted." His heart thundered in his chest, he wondered if she'd realize the true implications of what it'd mean if she ruled alongside him. She would be his Queen. His life devoted to her and her alone.

Oh, Jareth." She threw her arms around his neck. "I love you."

"I love you too Precious." His heart soared at her proclamation and the news that she was going to stay with him.

She loosened her grip on him and leaned back smiling brightly. "I have to go right away. I have a few mementos I'd like to bring here." Her smile visibly dimmed. "And to see my family for the last time." For a moment she looked like she would start crying again, but after a moment she smiled at him again.

"I'll be back later tonight." She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and disappeared into a cloud of glitter.

That'd been just moments ago, but now she had returned to the Aboveground, likely for the last time.

When she arrived home she carefully snuck into her room to gather up a few belongings, she wanted to make a quick getaway. She'd have her belongings packed and ready to go. Leaving was going to be hard and she knew the longer she lingered the harder it would be to go.

She tried to imagine what she'd say to her parents and most importantly to her siblings. Tears began to fall as she imagined their lives without her. She wondered how'd they grow up, if they'd even remember her. How could she say goodbye to any of them? She didn't want to leave. But she couldn't stay either.

She thought of everything she was giving up, then thought of Jareth. A warmth flooded her, suddenly feeling sure of herself she finished packing and headed downstairs. Stopping mid-step as her mother's words echoed through the house.

"That girl better return soon, she can't mess this up for us." Her mother's voice, both shrill and angry.

"Relax darling, she'll be back soon. If she knows what's good for her." Was her father's gruff response.

"She better be. You heard what the prince said when he returned for her and she wasn't to be found. We could be tried for treason. Arrested for crimes we didn't commit. Think of the children? What would become of them." Fear creeping into her mother's voice. "Our fate lies in her hands."

Sarah listened in shock. What could she do? All the hope and promise the future had to offer came crashing down around her. Her fate had been sealed, she would be wed to Caspian. She would do what was right by her family. Her hopes and dreams be dammed.

The weight in Jareth's pocket slowly grew heavier and heavier. It was getting late, he'd expected Sarah hours before. He worried for him well being. He thought of changing forms and traveling realms to check on her, but something held him back. He felt dejected a feeling of rejection filled him. It wasn't something he'd felt before, but part of him feared she'd changed her mind.

"You're being selfish, she's giving so much up, she's saying goodbye to her her family and world as she knows it." Jareth, spoke aloud to no one in particular.

So he sat and he waited and waited and waited. It was another two days before Sarah finally made her way back to the Underground.

Present day~~~~~~

Sarah sat in the oubliette near tears. Every time, she thought she was finally a step ahead she was pushed another three steps back. And she just couldn't seem to make sense of anything in this terribly dreadful labyrinth. At times it felt like she'd really truly been here before. But that could've just been some psychological trick from the wretched Goblin King. All she knew was she was developing a terrible headache trying to make sense of it all.

Though, she was scared in the darkness of the hole the "helping" hands had put her in, she was also able to clear her head, just a little. She took a deep breath and tried to focus.

I need to find a way out of this weird cavern so I can get to the castle and save Toby. If only there was some light down here, then I'd least be able to see any possible exits; she thought as she carefully felt across the rough stony walls.

She could hear some shuffling and then she was basked in candlelight. It was that horrible dwarf from earlier. Hogwash? Or something like that. Although, he seemed a bit harsh she was happy to see him. If he was able to get in, there must be a way out.

"Well, look at the mess you've got yourself into girlie. Falling into an oubliette. Lucky I found ya, this is where people go when you want to forget about them." The dwarf let out a shrill laugh. "And I happen to know a way out of this oubliette and out of this dreaded labyrinth and I can take ya there."

"Oh, no. That won't do." Sarah, cried. "I've come too far to leave the labyrinth now, if I restart I'll never make it to the castle in time."

"Why would a nice young girl like you want to go up to that castle anyways?" The dwarf asked accusingly.

"I have to save my baby brother. Now, if you would please show me how to get out of just this oubliette, if it's not too much trouble could you lead me to the center of the labyrinth too."

"No, no, no. I cannot take you to the center of the labyrinth."

"Oh, please. I'll give you this bracelet." Sarah threw her arm in front of his face, showing off a plastic bracelet she got from a gum ball machine a few months ago." She'd seen he had a bag of jewels and hoped the bracelet would seem like a prize enough for taking her to the center of the labyrinth.

The dwarf looked like he was weighing his options. Finally, after a few seconds he agreed to help her. He walked to a wall and lifted up what looked a like a small wooden door; and laid it against the wall. Shockingly when he opened the door a small bucket, broom, and mop toppled out.

"Agh, can't be right all of the time." He shuffled around kicking the cleaning supplies out of his way. He opened the door, opposite of the way he originally had and this time an opening out of the oubliette appeared.

Sarah, was still shocked by this. This whole place was kind of amazing. If it hadn't been for the fact she had a time limit and had to rescue her brother she would most definitely want to explore every bit of it.

She followed the dwarf through the small tunnel which led to a sandy path with giant stone heads. Shocking her yet again the heads began to speak. Saying things such as "This is not the way, go back while you still can." It was slightly frightening but the dwarf told her not to worry about them because they were just "false alarms." She really hoped he was right because she really couldn't spare any more time caught up in some silly little situation. But he did seem to know his way around the labyrinth and that helped ease her worries.

"Ow," Sarah yelped as a sharp pain shot through her head. She fell to her knees clutching her head.

Hoggle unsure of what to do knelt besides her. "Little lady? Are you alright? Do you need some water?" That rat Jareth, I tried telling him this was not a good idea, but nobody listens to Hoggle. Hmmph. And ain't he gonna be mad when he sees the state of her. And who's he gonna blame? Hoggle.

Sarah groaned and slowly sat back up. "I don't know what's happening to me Higgle." Hoggle was a little offended by being called the wrong name but knew now was not the time to go correcting her. "Hoggle?" she spoke sounding weak and tired. "Have we met before?"

"No, why would ya think that? I think ya need some water." He was doing his best to sound nonchalant. Oh, goodness. She's remembering things. I told him this was bad. Of course he doesn't think so, can't see past his own grief. Poor King. Poor Sarah.

Though, it was unlikely he'd ever say it out loud, Hoggle really did care for Jareth. He was a good king, he did his best to maintain the labyrinth and kingdom. After, all that trouble with Sarah all those years ago it was obvious the king was very rarely happy, but still he did his best. And then one day he came to Hoggle with news he'd made a deal with the Fates. This made Hoggle uneasy, but the king wouldn't listen. And now the king was again meddling with stuff he shouldn't be meddling with, forcing Sarah to come back here when it'd been too soon.

"I feel so strange, like maybe I've been here before." Sarah said as she stood, her legs shook and for a moment she thought she was going to fall again, but she steadied herself. "Lets go, we can't waste any more time."

"Are you sure? Maybe you better rest a minute?" Hoggle was really unsure of what to do and hoped Jareth was watching in one of his crystals, he'd be able to help Sarah. Maybe send her home and make her forget this whole thing ever happened. It was much too soon for her to be here that much was obvious. "Damn you Jareth."

"No, we have to keep going." With that Sarah marched forward. Hoggle sighed and followed along. This whole thing had bad news written all over it. But who would listen to him anyways.

Jareth, gently placed Toby or "young Jareth" as he'd taken to calling him in the circular pit in the center of his throne room. He'd just finished singing the babe a song and now he was fast asleep.

He watched Sarah through one of his crystals, shocked by how far she'd made it but other than being stuck in an oubliette she seemed to be doing just fine. Even though the dwarf had voiced his concerns about bringing Sarah here so soon Jareth felt it would work out. As long as everything went as planned that is.

Hoggle would do his best to distract Sarah and keep her from the castle. He'd been threatened with a bogging if he didn't comply and while usually the bog was used as an empty threat, this time Hoggle was certain the Goblin King had meant it.

After, Sarah failed to get to the castle in time he'd make a deal with her. Toby could leave and go back home, but she must stay. He'd give her anything she could ever want or need and hopefully over time he'd help revive her memories of her past life; more importantly her love for him. They'd finally get to be together, this time nothing would stand in their way