Chapter Thirty-One

Sarah

I'm stuck in gravity

I'm clawing for some bravery

Try to be still in a moment

And I'm hoping for a never ending odyssey

I don't know high from low

Or when I should be letting go

It's like I'm anchored to the floor

And I need more, I need stars to light the colony

- Stuck in Gravity, Of Monsters and Men

What would be Day 29 of Quarantine.

Underground.

The Labyrinth.

The first thing that came back was sound, and pain.

"Regina!" Jareth screamed, and the arms around her body tightened.

And then she was spiraling out again, falling once more into the fire of pain and misery that her body had become. She trembled and fell to sleep, but did not dream.

When next she became aware, her fingers were twined with Aldric's, and she could see the mating brand on him the same as what was on her hand, and Jareth's. He was not looking at her, but spoke to Jareth who stood on her other side.

"—wrong with her."

"That was more magic than I've experienced save the moment I came into power as the Goblin King," Jareth said. "I'm just grateful she's still alive."

"You should be grateful to me," said someone too far to her right to be visible. She sounded familiar, with a low, friendly, intelligent voice. "As soon as I met your intended, I started reading up on fae touched and how they interact with our world. Catalysts burn out unless there's intervention."

"When will she be able to use magic again?" Aldric asked, and then glanced at her, noticing— "She's awake!"

Jareth had hold of her other hand a moment later, and an ogre came into view that Sarah assumed was a physician of some sort. She was trying to remember when the words she heard in the painful dark came back to her. "You're Regina?" she asked, her voice scratchy.

The doctor nodded, her dark gray flesh tinged deep green in certain lights. She wore a bright white tunic over black long-sleeved shirt and pants, and held a clipboard in her hand that she was writing things down with a very odd-looking pen. It looked more to Sarah like a tattoo gun, but she noted that Regina did not have to re-dip her nib, and assumed the large block she saw was a reservoir for ink.

"Miss Williams, did you hear what I just said?"

She blinked hard, and focused on the doctor's face. "No," she whispered.

"I said," she paused, noting Sarah's attention before continuing, nodding when satisfied. "I am Regina, the one who healed your eyes. I also released the magic that was building up inside of you, before it had a chance to burn you alive. You're welcome."

Sarah glanced between the two who held her hands, then back at the doctor. "How? Where did it go?"

"It was enough to imbue several powerful artifacts, which are currently in my possession, but I will give them back to you and his majesty as soon I am bid. I only wished to study the properties a little longer, to see what we may have on our hands now." There was an edge of true excitement to her words, and she smiled, tusks curling out of her mouth. She enunciated quite well in spite of them. "When an item is imbued, there's always the possibility of awakening dormant abilities."

Sarah frowned, and looked at Jareth. He said, "There were several old relics of weaponry in the armory just here, and those items were brought forth to hold your magic. You shattered the great war ax of the third Goblin King, but the rest we were able to imbue. Some of these weapons may now possess additional powers. No matter what, they will be formidable to come up against in battle."

Jareth did not smile as he spoke, instead running his thumb over her knuckles again and again.

Sarah felt hollow, empty. She licked her lips, which were dry. "Water?"

Regina said, "Just a moment," and turned away before coming back with a glass of cloudy liquid. "Something extra. A restorative, my lady."

Struggling to sit up, Aldric and Jareth were there to help her, easing her up with hands at the shoulders and elbows. She smiled gratefully at them before taking the offered fluids, gulping it down the moment it touched her lips and feeling instantly more awake.

Taking the time to look around, Sarah noted they were in a different part of the castle. It must have been something like a hospital wing, for there were multiple beds with other patients on some of them. They all looked at rest, though one goblin was sitting up with a book in hand. She thought he was reading but while she watched he took a page from the book and slid it into his mouth, chewing.

"Is it the same day?" She asked next, handing the empty glass back to the doctor.

"The next morning, precious," Jareth said. "It was a long night."

Her heart stuttered. "The Queen!" She started to swing her legs out of the bed.

Aldric stopped her, hand on her knee and arm both. "Love, please," he said in a smooth voice. "You need to treat yourself gently. This has been…" he trailed off, looking at a loss for words.

Jareth spoke at her other side, drawing her attention. "We forget that you are still, mostly, mortal. Until the full ceremonies are complete, the bonds remain unconsummated, so to speak, and you will not be at your full strength of power." He hesitated and then added, "You've also lost some of what you once possessed, through being with us both. There's been, as I warned, an unequal exchange of power."

"Even though you've had more magic at your disposal than ever before, you're still flesh and blood human," Aldric whispered. "We cannot risk you."

Sarah frowned, then narrowed her eyes. "If you mean to keep me from this—"

"We only wish to protect you," Jareth said, gently interrupting. "There can be no future without you."

She pushed at Aldric, moving off the bed and standing somewhat unsteady, bracing herself against him. His arm came around her waist, his warmth sinking into her so that she stopped shaking. Regina watched with glittering eyes, frowning a little.

"I don't like you standing so soon after your attack," the doctor said. "Take it slow."

Sarah huffed out a breath. "Take it slow," she repeated with a grumbled breath. "I'm not going to lay around when we're about to receive the High Queen."

Jareth came to her other side, so that she was bracketed by her lovers. Regina stepped forward as well, large hand resting on Sarah's elbow to help steady her.

"You still have excess magic from the Labyrinth," the doctor said. "But none of it should harm you. Conduits are rare even among the fae touched, lady Sarah, but you're stable now."

Sarah smiled. "Thank you."

Regina gave a bow of her head and moved away to attend to her other patients.

Looking up at the two fae males, she asked in a low voice, "Do we have enough power now? Is it enough that she won't touch Aldric?"

"We can hope, precious, for that seems to have been what the Labyrinth intended for us." Jareth did not sound convinced, but there was also a weariness and edge to his voice she had rarely heard. He smiled at her as they started to walk. "It has been a difficult few days, love. And we have much to discuss before Aurora arrives."

Though Sarah tried to be wholly under her own power on the walk, soon she had to stop, leaning heavily against Jareth who had his arm around her waist. "Why do I feel this way?"

"Because you had a city-leveling amount of power roar through your body," he murmured, and without another word lifted her into his arms. "The restorative Regina gave you should help more soon, but it does take a few minutes to kick in."

Sarah grumbled a little but settled against Jareth's grip. Aldric kept pace with them, his silence loud as they ascended a widening set of stairs until finding themselves in the throne room.

Jareth took her to her seat and set her down. The Labyrinth rustled in her mind, feeling almost… ashamed. She tilted her head. "It seems embarrassed. The Labyrinth."

"It did almost kill the very first queen it was ever granted," Jareth said, sounding annoyed himself. "It should have known better. You're still mortal."

Sarah smiled and stroked the arm of her throne, the polished horn slippery under her fingertips. "I think it knew how desperate I was, to save Aldric."

Mismatched eyes found hers, and Aldric smiled sadly, still silent.

She frowned at him. "You don't think this is your fault, do you?" she asked him.

Before Aldric could respond, however, there was the sound of running footsteps and Toby skidded into the room, panting, casting about before his gaze landed on his sister. "Sarah!" he cried. "Where the hell have you been? This place is massive and awesome but you took off."

Sarah glanced at Jareth, who shrugged. "We did not leave your side, love, but I sent a messenger."

"Yeah, that only said, your sister is well do not worry. I don't know how to break it to you, but saying do not worry out of the blue makes someone do just that."

Sighing, she waved at Toby. "Hey little bro. I'm sorry. Crazy magic stuff has been happening and I was out of commission." She grinned. "Apparently I helped make a bunch of nifty new weaponry."

"Huh?" he asked, coming up the dais to crash on Jareth's throne.

"I don't think so," the Goblin King said, pulling Toby by the back of the shirt away from the high seat. He leveled a narrow-eyed look on the teenager before settling himself with more fuss than usual upon his throne.

Sarah rolled her eyes. "I don't quite understand it myself," she said, answering Toby's grunted question. "But I was out of it most of the night. Sorry I missed dinner. And breakfast."

"You were in the library all day yesterday, too. What were you doing in there?" His voice held a slight whine.

"Finding a solution to a problem. Books are good for that." She settled back in her seat, crossing her legs at the knee. She was still wearing what she had been the day before, though her shoes were missing so her toes were on full display. "Was Jareth able to get the video game system working down here?"

"No," Toby complained. "Apparently our modern technology is at odds with magic," he said in a voice meant to sound like Jareth and failing spectacularly.

Sarah grinned.

Jareth snorted, gazing distractedly into the depths of one of his crystals. He cleared his throat. "Tobias, we need to have a frank discussion about the coming days." Glancing at Sarah he said in an undertone, "Aurora is set to arrive at noon."

Her gaze flew to the ornate clock on the wall.

They had half an hour.

"The good thing about Faerie is that there is an easy way to keep your brother from the Queen's sights," Jareth continued. "But either Aldric or I will have to claim him, which will include the word ownership—" he held up his hand as Sarah let out a harsh exclamation. "It is archaic, but it does not mean what you think it does. Only that while the boy remains in Faerie, I am wholly responsible for him. His care, his actions, all of it." The Goblin King looked at Toby severely, "That includes your words, which you will be careful of."

Toby tugged at his shaggy mop of dirty blond hair, brow scrunched up. "Does this mean I can come back whenever I want?"

Sarah glared at Jareth, who was keeping his regard focused fully on her brother, but as she watched he slipped a hand under the cuff of one sleeve, and next she heard his voice it was in her mind. It's either this or we must send him back to the Above, my love, for his own safety. I'm sorry, but it must be either-or.

Aloud, he said, "You have the privilege to come and go already, for you are my betrothed's kin, and I will not keep any of you from her. But understand, Toby, you cannot go prancing about the castle speaking your Americanisms about being a free man. It will make you a target and, likely, someone's dinner."

Arching a brow, Sarah asked, "Americanisms?"

"It's a prideful place," Jareth said, tone flippant. "Do you agree to my claiming, young Toby? Or do I send you back to your father and mother?"

Toby blanched. "You'd send me back to mom and dad? Yuck." He hesitated, then looked to Sarah. "What do you think?"

She sighed. "I trust Jareth, but you don't have to. Know that." She hesitated, then continued. "I think that, unfortunately, we don't have much choice. Take the claiming if you wish to remain here, and I will tell you everything, little brother. It's just going to take time we don't have right now."

"We ask your patience," Jareth said. "And that we finish this quickly because there are still things that we three need to discuss in private, before our illustrious guest arrives."

Sarah watched her brother deliberate, which she appreciated because, despite what Jareth said, it was no small matter.

Finally, though, he sighed and shrugged. "Okay, sure."

Typical teenager, she thought.

The Goblin King rose off his throne and approached Toby, expression severe. "Tobias Eliot Williams, I would claim you as mine. Do you accept?"

Magic rose with his words, scenting the word with ozone. Toby took a slight step back, eyes wide. He glanced at Sarah and she nodded, trying to appear serene. Mostly, though, she was tired. Her entire body ached.

"I accept," Toby said, the words ringing like struck bells.

The magic swell, then snapped, focusing in on her brother and husband-to-be. Jareth held out his hand, and Toby took it, shaking once before letting go.

"I'm going to give you this," Jareth said, pulling a red leather bound book from thin air and handing it to him. Sarah saw that there was a title across the cover in gilt, but could not tell what it said, though the book struck her as familiar. "Among other things, it discusses proper etiquette for a human under our care. Please," the last word was clipped. "Read it."

Toby looked like he would rather chuck it out the window, but sighed and nodded. "Okay. Sarah? Can you find me after… whatever is happening?"

"Of course," she soothed. "Thank you. I'm glad you'll be here for the wedding."

"And the coronation," Jareth said softly as Toby took his leave.

Together, they all glanced at the clock on the wall. They had fifteen minutes remaining.

Jareth raised his hands and a sound ward came down, Sarah's ears popping with the pressure change.

For a moment they simply stood or sat in silence. Aldric had been standing all the while off to the side, his hands in the pockets of his leathers, his gaze either on Sarah or on the floor.

She slid off her throne and went to him, motion somewhat wobbly. He stepped toward her, meeting her partway to help aid her balance. "Sarah, you shouldn't—"

"I'm fine," she said, smiling up at him, then leaned in and wrapped her arms around his middle. He went still, and she spoke against his chest. "I know you're worried. I am too. But, Aldric?" She lifted her head enough that she could see him again, his darker hair shimmering with copper strands in the light through the windows. "This isn't your fault, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if it means keeping you safe."

He palmed her cheek, eyes searching hers. "We could have lost you. Both of us, because of the danger I pose, and I—you don't realize how much you mean, pet. If you were to die, we would be lost. Not just to each other, but utterly."

Jareth spoke from just behind her. "My brother is right. We should have been far more careful, but we were both swept up in the moment with you. It was risky and we both knew it, but we did it anyway, and you were almost…" he trailed off, sounding more upset than she had ever heard him.

Sarah twisted so that she could see each of them, but still held onto Aldric. "Both of you are being dramatic," she scolded. The restorative must have been taking effect, because she was starting to come into herself more, breathing deep of magic-scented air and straightening her spine. "I would not do it any other way, not if it means we keep him from her."

"This could go to hell, very quickly," Aldric warned. "Especially if she decides to leave."

She twisted back to face him, holding onto his shoulders. "Your safety is more important than any revenge any of us may take on her."

"I have vowed, my love," Jareth reminded her. "You asked, and I will answer. One way or the other."

"Did I give you a time limit?" she asked, not looking away from Aldric. "You impose that on yourself." Though she knew that, were it not now, the High Queen would find some method of torment for them all. The Labyrinth could tell her that much. Her words were flippant, but the reality was that they had to do this, soon.

Jareth laughed, and she backed out of Aldric's arms, reaching for both of them so that their hands were all linked in a chain. Both wore gloves, but she squeezed their fingers regardless. They had less than five minutes remaining, and had to get to the castle gates if they were to be in place for Aurora's arrival.

Sarah took a deep breath. "We're going to get through this," she said. "Even if it takes us a year, Jareth, you will fulfill your vow. Aldric, you know what I have vowed regarding her and you. You are mine, and I am yours. She cannot change that."

They embraced each other, all three in a huddle, Sarah somewhat sandwiched between the two fae lords. It smelled divine. She could live in that cocoon forever, only—

"We have to go," Jareth reminded them. "My love, let me help you change."

Sarah stepped back and felt magic pepper her body from head to toe a moment later. She was instantly taller by two inches thanks to boots only visible when she lifted long skirts of emerald silk and black velvet. They were long and pleated, topped with a bodice embroidered with vines of black that became three dimensional and laced over her shoulders, a gauzy ombre black and emerald cape trailing behind her. He did something to her hair, as well, pulling it up into some elaborate updo. She could feel the pins and combs keeping everything in place, and as she blinked she could sense the heavy weight of mascara on her lashes.

Makeup, too, she thought, lifting a hand covered in an elbow-length silk glove. Her engagement ring glimmered over the fabric, despite that she knew it could not have fit prior. Her wrists were also cuffed with several bangles of black diamond and emeralds set in silver.

"You look a vision, my love," Jareth said, waving a hand to dispel the sound warding. "Shall we?"

She lifted her chin and nodded, taking his arm and letting him lead her to the castle gates.

They did not have too far to travel, but Sarah's heart was hammering all the while. She had heard tell of Aurora. Even seen an etching of her in one of the books she had studied out of the library. But she had never met someone that struck fear into the two most powerful creatures she had ever come across.

There were milling advisors, generals, and members of the nobility in the foyer to the castle gates, which had already been thrown open to let in the early autumn breeze. Dried leaves skittered into the hall and across the great green and black carpet arrayed for the occasion.

As the trio approached, the few goblins not in hibernation, and other creatures of the Labyrinth, court quieted to less than whispers, but they still spoke enough that Sarah could catch snatches of the words.

"—with both—"

"—fae-touched…"

"—does it mean?"

"…resonance equals great power!"

She glanced at the last and caught a wizened-looking old man whisper-shouting to his younger attendant, who was beet red and furiously looking anywhere but at her.

Sarah spared the poor lad and turned away. She let Jareth lead her to the entrance so that their court minus those who were in their seasonal sleep were arrayed at their back, and they were awash in the pale light of the Underground sun.

The whispers ceased when Sarah reached behind her and dragged Aldric forward, tucking her hand into his arm just as she was with Jareth, so that they bookended her.

Jareth glanced her way and raised an eyebrow, but she simply lifted her chin, determined. It would not do to dance around the subject for long. She intended Aurora to know as soon as possible that Aldric was off-limits.

The courtyard before the gates was empty, save for a contingent of guards along either side to form a dual crescent. Leaves and flower petals strewn the ground, but all was still. Even the city beyond was eerily quiet.

Sarah's heart was still pounding hard, and she was growing both impatient and anxious, when there was a shift to the very light of the sun. It dimmed, for the span of a blink, and when it came back, Queen Aurora and her retinue were before them.

Sarah could recognize her from the engravings, but even if she had never seen a picture of the monarch, she would have been able to tell who it was immediately. Everything about Aurora screamed royalty. From her cloth of gold gown to the simple but heavy crown she wore on her brow, but most especially with the look in her eyes. As though nothing in this world or any other was out of her reach.

That dark gaze flew to Aldric in an instant, and then down to where his arm was linked with Sarah, and then to Jareth, who she addressed. "Goblin King. A fine day."

"None like it. You are most welcome to the Goblin Kingdom, High Queen Aurora of the Seelie Court. May I offer you food and refreshment?" He beckoned, and a serving goblin bowed, holding forth a tray with small chunks of bread in an ornate bowl, and goblets of red wine in silver chalices.

Aurora held up her hand, staying the server from approaching. "Introductions are in order, I expect."

"Apologies, my liege," Jareth bowed his head minutely. "You know my brother, lord Aldric. And this is Sarah Williams, my betrothed." He smiled a cuttingly polite smile. "We all welcome you here, to our home."

The Labyrinth rumbled a little beneath her feet, trembling the ground, and all seemed to feel it, murmurs breaking out around them. Sarah felt Aldric tensing beneath her hand, and she squeezed his arm slightly, though she did not take her eyes off the Queen.

Aurora tilted her head, looking intently at Sarah, and then at Aldric. "Home," she repeated, lips smacking on the last syllable before she shook her head, smile rueful. "How rude of me." She gestured for the serving goblin to come forward, and took from the platter a hunk of fresh bread and one of the goblets of wine.

The server went on to the others in her retinue. Advisors, courtiers, guards, and scribes—it looked to be about two dozen strange fae that would be coming through their doors. The tray never seemed to empty, despite how many people grasped cups from it, and soon all were taking a bite and a drink.

There was a magic that swelled and snapped with this consumption, and Sarah's attention drew to Jareth. He explained with a low voice, "Guest rites."

How the hell are we going to do this if she's protected under guest rites? Sarah thought.

Aurora wiped her mouth free of crumbs with her fingertips, then approached. Aldric tensed even further the closer she came. Sarah held onto him, not tight enough to hurt but enough for him to pull strength from her if he could.

But she had the feeling he was in a full-blown panic, and attempting to hide it.

"Why, Jareth," Queen Aurora purred as she came close enough to talk, canting her voice low for just the four of them. "You've already allowed your betrothed to select another? How very modern." Her eyes narrowed. "I thought I made wishes for my guest gift quite clear."

Sarah's stomach soured. She was speaking of Aldric being given over to the inner chambers. Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from saying any of the dozens of things crowding her tongue, Sarah instead leaned closer to him, though she still had hold of Jareth, as well.

"I'm afraid that there were previous, longer-standing claims," The Goblin King said, and his tone was edged with frost. "My beloved made her selection days ago."

"Days." Aurora said, a smile flickering on her face for a moment before she turned to Aldric. "Have I not made intentions clear many years ago?"

Sarah could be silent no longer, and Aldric was struggling with something to say, his lips containing a faint tremble. "It wasn't clear, your majesty," she said, her words far calmer and stronger than she expected to manage. "From all I've been told of your interactions, Aldric was never made aware of your desires beyond—"

"Enough," Aurora hissed, stepping back. "We will speak about this later."

Lifting her chin, Sarah spoke loud enough to be heard by all. "As my betrothed the Goblin King said, we welcome you to our home. Rooms have been made ready for you and your attendants. We will have a feast tonight in honor of your safe arrival."

May you burn in hell, she thought, staring straight at the High Queen with a broad smile.

###

An hour later found the three of them in Jareth's tower room, Aldric collapsed across the couch near the fire, Jareth leaning against a bookshelf with his arms crossed, and Sarah pacing between them. There was a sound warding up, but they had agreed that saying her name was likely to draw attention, even if she could not hear precisely what was being said.

And the castle was now overrun with her people.

Spies could be literally everywhere.

"So could allies," Jareth said, after Sarah voiced her fears. "There are others who are close to her, people who may align with our purpose."

Sarah stopped, staring at him. "Who?"

He shrugged, rubbing at his temples. "I don't know, it's just a feeling."

Aldric snorted. "You know nothing of court. You were—" he stopped, sitting up, his hands hanging between his knees. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—"

"No, you should not," Jareth agreed. "But while we will discuss your transgressions at length at some point in the future, now is not the time." He sighed. "What do I not know? Fill us in."

"They all fear her," Aldric said. "But some of them even love her. That imp, she lets it taste her blood sometimes and they say that it makes it like a devoted slave to her. Others, she's very good at making sure they know where their interests lie. I do not think we will find allies among them."

Sarah remembered how he had trembled. She had never known Aldric to be frightened like that. His whole body reacting to Aurora's presence like she was the greatest predator ever seen. She went to him, sliding onto the edge of the couch and taking his hand. She wanted to tell him that he was incredibly brave, standing there before that creature like that, but she did not want to condescend to him. Instead, she smiled gently, squeezing his fingers.

"What guest gift will you give her, now that it won't be me?" he asked, not taking his eyes from Sarah but speaking to Jareth.

"I thought that was something we could arrive at together," he said, beginning to pace. "There are the weapons that Sarah recently imbued, and then there's a trove of treasures beneath our feet. I haven't even found it all, I'm sure."

She sensed something, and cocked her head. "I think the Labyrinth has an idea."

The fae men paused, staring at her in silence. She could sense the tension in them, the fear that had been there since she woke in the infirmary.

Wishing to ease that fear, she said gently, "The room of mirrors. The Labyrinth says—I mean, it seems to feel like it's urging us to give her one."

Jareth tilted his head as though he, too were listening to the Labyrinth and its instructions, its intent. "I will retrieve one," he said. "You should rest."

He did not wait for her to respond, but disappeared from the room.

The sound barricade was still in place, for which Sarah let out a grateful sigh. She pulled on the hand where her fingers were still linked with Aldric. "I think I need some rest before the feast, and I have to speak to Toby before then, warn him properly and explain everything…"

Just saying it aloud made her feel weary.

Aldric glanced behind her shoulder to where Jareth's massive bed lay. "I think if I were to accompany you, my brother may skin me, mating brand or no."

Sarah leaned forward and pressed a kiss to one cheek and then the other, the press of her lips gentle and firm. "Stay, please?"

He nodded, swallowing hard, and his voice was thick with emotion when he spoke next. "I could read to you, if you like, until you fall asleep."

In response, she stood and went to the bed, shedding layers as she went until she was just in an emerald green sleeveless shift that hit her at the knees. She crawled into Jareth's bed, between layers of silk and fur, and nestled against soft pillows.

She was already fading when Aldric pulled a chair up beside the bed, and started to read to her from an early history of fae royalty. There were endless names that were more like music than words, and as his voice ebbed and flowed, her eyes drifted shut…

###

Sarah woke with a startled cry, her dreams full of the specter of Aurora. Pinning Aldric beneath her while Sarah watched, helpless.

Jareth stirred, his hand reaching out to pet her hair, to press a kiss to her brow and murmur assurances. "It was just a dream, my love," he whispered. "I saw it. We will not let that happen."

If Aldric was in the room he did not make a sound, and Sarah had a sense that he was gone, that Jareth had asked for some privacy.

So she took advantage of that, shedding the final layer of clothes that remained between their naked bodies.

Their lovemaking was quick, breathless, and by the end she was trembling, tears coursing down her cheeks along with the aftershocks of pleasure. Jareth murmured soothing words in the tongue of the fae, in a language she was beginning to understand more with every word. Beloved, he whispered against her skin, tasting her tears before wiping them from her face. Brave and fearless lover. Be at ease. All will be well.

She clutched him tighter.

She was not sure she believed him.

###

Sarah met with Toby in her tower room before the banquet, and was relieved to find that he was halfway through the book that Jareth had provided for him. "There are so many rules," he complained, collapsing onto a couch in her sitting room and looking around with unabashed awe. "This place is cool. It's like you're sleeping in a forest."

She smiled, serving him tea made from sweet flowers and steeped with honey. It was the closest thing she could come to soda in the Underground. At least for now.

Toby still made a face when he took a sip. "Water?"

She motioned to a sweating pitcher on the table beside him, and he poured a glass, switching between the two drinks as he studied the room.

Taking a deep breath, Sarah ventured, "I'm sure you want to know what's been going on."

He looked at her and gave her a smirk that she wanted to pinch off his face. "So you have two boyfriends now? Or is it two fiancés?"

Sarah flushed and looked away, struggling for a moment with her words.

"You don't need to tell me," he said, sounding resigned.

"No, it's okay," she said, swallowing hard before going on. "You're an adult, but you're still my little brother. My baby brother. You're safe enough, but this is a dangerous place, and I want you armed with the most important weapon of all: information. Just," she let out a huff of breath and gave him a lopsided smile. "Forgive me if it takes a moment to get used to the idea of talking to you about certain subjects."

Toby took her at her word, and was relentless with his questions. The only details she withheld were the more intimate ones, the whispered conversation between her and her two fae lords.

Far too often, however, she had to admit that she did not know why, or how something had happened.

"Magic is… strange," she said, struggling with how to describe it. These were never conversations she thought she would have, neither were the experiences ones she would ever forget. The strange sensation of being overcome, of following some deep-seeded intuition, echoed within her. She had never felt so out of control. "So much of it is intuitive, or sometimes fully beyond your ability to comprehend."

She tried anyway, but ever since waking the magic within her had felt strange. Wrong. Somehow more and less than what it had been since she started spending more time with Jareth. He had told her once that just their proximity had been enough to help forge channels of power within her. She had been like a long-dormant thing, finally coming to life.

But it felt strange, still. Unsettling. A sensation she was told by both Aldric and Jareth would pass when her bonds were officially cemented in the coming ceremonies—as bride, and as Queen.

She also told Toby all about her original run, and the friends she had made along the way. Friends who—like Ludo and Hoggle—were either already in hibernation, or otherwise she had sent away. Sir Didymus and Ambrosius were presently on a quest to retrieve a crystal rose from the white fang mountains where Jareth's ancestral home lay. It was a trip that would take at least a week, and would keep all of them out of the sights of Aurora.

Most of all, Sarah told Toby of the High Queen, and the existential threat she faced to them all. "Do not let yourself be alone with her," she said, gripping his hands tight. She had not gone into the details of who she had previous victimized, but had made it clear that Aurora was a predator of the highest order. "I don't care if it feels embarrassing in the moment, scream for help. I will always help you."

Toby nodded, gaze distant as he chewed his bottom lip then lifted blue eyes to her. "Do you think I can do magic too?"

She shook her head, letting go of his hands to settle back in her seat. "I don't think so. Maybe if humans have an intrinsic amount, you could potentially do some spellwork? I'll ask—"

"I say, young Tobias should have some spark, but it might not be more than what could light a candle flame." Aldric said smoothly, pacing toward them on silent feet. He smiled a little at the sight of her, but then turned his attention to her brother. "If you want, we can start you studying after the coronation. There are plenty who would happily tutor the brother of the Queen."

Toby stood up and then looked Aldric up and down. "So you're dating my sister too."

The fae tilted his head, then spread his hands, a rueful smile on his lips. "She insisted."

Sarah snorted, rose, and went to him, sliding her arm around his waist and leaning against his warmth for a moment, eyes slitted.

"Will you two get married as well, or is it like the Above and you can only do it the once?" Toby asked.

Sarah blinked, then turned her face up to him. "What say you? I know there are dual partnerships, but nothing I've read said anything explicitly about marriage."

Aldric cupped her cheek. "It is not often done, but we have precedent." He stroked the back of his hand down her neck. The hand with the mating brand. "Would you want to?" he whispered, not looking at her exactly.

Toby made a gagging noise.

Sarah shot her brother a withering look. "You can absolutely go now. I think I've told you enough."

He made a face but left quickly. Aldric lifted a sound barrier the moment the door snicked shut.

Sarah breathed a sigh, then took his hands, staring up into those mismatched eyes. "To answer your question… yes. Eventually. But give it some time. I'm—" she swallowed hard. "It's hard for me to imagine that tomorrow morning I'm going to do that with Jareth. Marriage. But I have known him longer." She gave Aldric a slow, shy smile. "I do love you. I would love to, one day, just—"

"I understand," he said, lifting their joined hands so he could brush a kiss across the back of her fingers. "You don't need to worry." He grinned. "Admittedly, though I want to call you mine in every way, I am simply joyous you said yes. Even if it will be far in the future."

Not that far, she wanted to say, but he pulled her close, kissed her soundly, and broke away only when they were both a panting mess. She had her hands curled in his brocade vest, and she lifted her eyes so she was looking at him beneath dark lashes. "The banquet…" she started, trailing off when his gaze drifted to her mouth.

He took her across a wide fainting couch, their crashing together happening so swiftly that they were both almost fully dressed even when he finished within her with a roaring cry.

Sarah's heart was pounding, and she wanted sleep more than attend a function fraught with political tension, but she knew she was needed.

Pressing kisses to his face and lips, Sarah whispered, "I love you."

Aldric held her tight and whispered back that he loved her too.

###

The feast hall was like a chapel, so high and arched were the ceilings. Thin windows let in the last of the slanting sunlight, but already there were thousands of candles lit along candelabras and sconces. A massive fireplace blazed as she approached the table set for at least forty people. There were no plates, but an array of crystal glasses, flutes, and goblets, as well as a spread of highly polished silver flatware marked each place setting.

Most of the goblins were slumbering, so Jareth had summoned sendings out of the castle walls to attend to their needs this evening. The creatures were like thick shadow, only their bone white hands and wrists opaque enough to look fully formed. Standing against either wall in a line, at least a dozen of them, they were at the ready for whatever was required.

But his magic, most of all, would be what served them this evening. He said it was part of the game, whatever that meant.

Sarah and Aldric were the first to arrive, but soon she heard the familiar tread of Jareth's steps, and moved out of the circle of Aldric's arms to go to him.

They matched, both wearing hues of amethyst from the deepest purple to something as pale as lavender. His outfit was a combination of what she had seen on him before, and a regency style brocade vest and long jacket. His boots were highly polished, reflecting the many flames around them, and he had pulled the longest strands of his hair back with a thick piece of black cord. She took this all in as she approached, then hauled him to her and kissed him soundly.

Jareth murmured softly as she pulled away, "You taste sweet."

She embraced him. "Are we really getting married in the morning?"

"We are," he affirmed. "But first we have to get through tonight. We will feast, but before we do and once everyone is assembled, we must give Aurora her guest gift, and those I've made for the others."

Sarah lifted her brows. "What is it?"

He stepped away, holding her arms out so that he could take in her outfit. It was something similar to what she had worn earlier, only the skirts were full and gauzy, many-layered, and she did not have a cape at her shoulders. Her arms were covered in dark purple elbow-length gloves, his ring shining on one finger. Offering her a smile and an arm, which she took, he said, "That would ruin the surprise, my love."

She opened her mouth to argue when she heard the sound of a cleared voice, and the sprite, Klothe, stood just behind them. It smiled wickedly at her, then said, "Her majesty arrives."

Aldric was at their side, her hand slipping into his even as she gripped Jareth's arm.

When Aurora arrived with her retinue streaming in behind her, all glittering like jewels in the sun, the room seemed to fill with a strange vibration.

The Labyrinth was not pleased, Sarah realized. She extended her senses, and the Labyrinth brushed against her mind, showing her what it felt.

Aurora was a tumor. A malignant growth that the sentient structure did not like near it for so long. Soon, she sent toward it. An assurance. Then she cut off the connection, not wanting it to distract her further.

Even though Sarah had assured Jareth that there was no time limit on his vow, that it might take a year, she knew that he would still hold to his original plan.

She and the fae lords bracketing her inclined their heads toward the High Queen. "Your majesty," Sarah said, echoing the others. "Thank you for joining us," she added, smiling sweetly. It was the only thing she knew to do. Smile and be faultlessly polite so she didn't try to scratch the woman's eyes out.

The faintest tremble was noticeable in Aldric's fingers. Sarah squeezed them in reassurance as Jareth broke away from her to approach the Queen alone, bowing at the waist. "Please allow me to present your guest gift."

The Fae were big on gift giving, a part of the ritual of guest and host, though Sarah had been quick to point out that for all Jareth had been a guest in her home he had never offered her presents like this.

With a wave of his hand, a silvered, heavily framed mirror came into view, leaning against thin air in the mist of the banquet hall. At that angle, it for the moment reflected nothing save the exquisite candlelight.

Aurora laughed, a nasty sound that made the hackles on Sarah's neck stand up. "A mirror? Do you think I have none?"

"Born from the Labyrinth itself," Jareth said, circling the thing. It did look very fine, but also very old. From it, Sarah could sense a thrum of energy, something so similar to what had happened the night before that she took a half-step away, pressing against Aldric. "This is one of only a handful, and all have stayed within our halls, until now."

"And what makes this so special?" Aurora asked, coming up to Jareth's side to examine her reflection. Then she gasped, reaching for the surface before her hand withdrew like she had been burned. "What is that?" she demanded.

"This is a mirror that shows hearts desires and portents of the future. Only you can see whatever the mirror is presently showing you. Its vision changes to the viewer." Jareth glanced at it, raw longing on his face for a moment, and then away, circling back to Sarah and Aldric. "I hope that it is an acceptable guest gift."

Aurora licked her lips, whatever the mirror was showing her capturing her entirely. "Oh, yes," she murmured. "Quite acceptable."

Sarah scratched her neck, fingers brushing against her tattoo for a moment so she could send a message to her betrothed. Why in the world would the Labyrinth want her to have this? It seemed to her to be a little too pleasing.

Jareth's voice slid into her mind a moment later, full of satisfaction. Trust me, my love. We have her, and she does not even know it.

Oh, hi there 😅

*clears throat*

So, I have no real excuses. Life just did its thing again. I hope this chapter was adequately entertaining and made up for some of it.

Next chapter, the wedding!

Also, side note and a bit o' news is that I finished up with my trilogy. The finale is going to release in mid-October and I am super excited for it. Feedback has been trickling in and it has been... really nice.

Thank you to all of you who are patiently staying with this story and reading my updates and author notes. I appreciate all of you. Thank you for your attention and I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Cheers,

~CrimsonSympathy