— PLEASE TAKE CAUTION: THIS CHAPTER INCLUDES GRAPHIC CONTENT NOT SUITED FOR CHILDREN. IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THIS CONTENT, PLEASE WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. —
Suddenly Sarah found herself sitting up from her warm covers. There was a nasty sensation of what she could only describe as her eardrums getting blown out.
Pressing her hands to her ears she repressed a sense of dizziness. Looking at Alana she could see a similar reaction except that she seemed to know exactly what was going on. Alana rushed out of bed, talking to Sarah. All Sarah could hear was the ringing in her ears but seeing the panic on the woman's face she quickly crawled out of bed. Alana pushed some clothes into her grasp while the ringing slowly disappeared. Rubbing her ears the brunette moved her jaw and frowned. "What the fuck was that?"
Alana didn't use the screen to change, instead she stripped right in front of Sarah, which alarmed her enough to start doing the same. Outside she could hear commotion rising up. "The ward has been shattered. Get dressed, quickly now."
They scrambled to dress when they heard a familiar voice outside the tent. Suddenly Jareth stormed in, dressed in full imposing armor, dark from head to toe. It reminded her a lot of the first time she'd seen him. Alana had just put on her boots and Sarah quickly put her bodice on.
"We're under siege. Alana you ride with Kylan, Sarah you ride with Girvin." Jareth kneeled by Sarah's side and helped her put her boots on.
"Is it Torin?" Alana helped Sarah put on a cloak.
Sarah narrowly avoided falling over as both Jareth and Alana helped her dress. "There's no time. You two need to leave, now."
"What about you?" Sarah looked up at Jareth as he quickly fixed her hair for her. His eyes were uncharacteristically cold.
Suddenly there was a whizzing of air and cloth ripping. Sarah yelled as three flaming arrows, nearly large enough to be harpoons, pierced the ceiling of the tent, effectively tearing it down. Just before the fabrics making up the top of the tent collapsed Sarah saw fire spreading.
Instinctively, Jareth brought the women close when the heavy fabric came down on them, letting out a string of profanities. Huddled together Jareth pulled a dagger from his boot. Putting it in between his teeth he pushed one end in Alana's hands and the other in Sarah's. "Pull it taut," he snapped. Cursing again as temperatures rose in just a few seconds he grabbed the knife from between his teeth and tore a large hole in the tent's material, ripping it far enough for them to get out. Six men came to help, pulling the women away from the burning cloth.
Just before Sarah was dragged off she could see Jareth barking orders while he sheathed the dagger and doused a fire that had started on his arm. Two men took the women by the waist and put each of them on horseback before joining them.
Sarah looked around wide eyed, her heart racing. Everywhere people were scrambling to help others and salvage what they could. Jareth was instructing his men, remaining calm and strict. People were running, yelling and screaming. Children were crying as more burning arrows whistled through the sky, destroying everything in their path. They knocked over tents, splintered wood and destroyed crates without effort. Trees were set on fire and people scrambled out of their tents which turned an ugly black before burning away completely.
Almost as if in slow motion, Sarah's widened hazel eyes moved to look ahead. In a split second she saw a woman getting speared by a large arrow so hard that she was pinned to the tree behind her. The arrowhead the size of her hand disappeared all too smoothly into the woman's chest. A horrific crunching sound combined with a strangled gasp nearly made Sarah throw up. As fast as she could Sarah shut her eyes and turned her head away, one of her hands gripping tightly onto the horn of the saddle she was sitting on. Her free hand clasped over her mouth as a vile taste rose up into her mouth. Feverishly she was trying to repress the event she'd just witnessed.
The man sitting behind her spurred the horse. From the corners of her eyes she could still see people scrambling. Some people were motionless, likely suffering the same fate as the poor woman. The sounds of the yelling and the arrows soaring by were creating a disastrous cacophony around them. Several women and children were taken away on horseback.
Soon horses were weaving left and right throughout the trees at various speeds, spurred to go as quickly as they could through the foliage. It was a rather bumpy ride but the horses did their best to keep their footing. Sarah's heart was racing and her mind was in such a panic that it was difficult to focus on anything.
With the buzz of adrenaline she was riding she couldn't tell how much time was passing. She could have been on horseback for five minutes or five hours. The man behind her and several other men were yelling back and forth as they repeatedly spurred the horses to keep them from slowing to a walk. Sarah still had her firm hold on the saddle, the skin on her knuckles stretching to a pale white.
Despite her iron grip on the saddle her hands were shaking. Badly. Worse than ever before. Her heart was beating so quickly that she could feel it thumping against every nerve in her body. It beat so quickly that distantly she felt afraid it might burst. Her breathing was past quickened and had gotten stuck in a state of hyperventilation. Her lungs stung, her mouth and throat were dry and her head was spinning. The woman could hear a raspy gasping but she couldn't tell where it was coming from. Distantly she could hear the man behind her ask her something. He repeated it. Once. Twice. Three times. Maybe more. Despite knowng he was asking something, she had no idea what. She couldn't react, verbally or physically. There was a loud ringing in her ears and her eyes couldn't focus, causing the world around her to dance in muted colors so quickly it was almost vibrating.
Then she was floating. Sarah's arms swung as she tried to regain her sense of balance and footing. A sense hit the soles of her feet and her knees buckled. Her legs felt like jello yet at the same time she couldn't feel them. Her legs remained unresponsive. Slowly her body crumpled until it wouldn't move any further. There was a pressure somewhere on her body. Her waist? Or was it her arm? Something touched her hands and she flinched, pulling her arms back. They were pulled forward and she almost fell over.
Sarah blinked. Once. Twice... Maybe ten times before slowly the narrow tunnel of blurry vision started to get back in focus and widen. She could see things but her mind couldn't process what it was she was seeing. Her vision flickered, then gradually settled like the ceasing rippling of water until she realized she was looking into a pair of blue eyes.
Quickly the man in front of her took his helmet off, revealing a mess of sandy brown hair shining in scattered sunlight. He shook her lightly and as he did so, Sarah's mind started to catch up. With her mind sharpening a rush of fresh air sucked into her lungs and she wheezed. Her head rolled in an unfamiliar downward motion. Gradually her body returned to her. She was sitting on her knees and she sank to the side, the man in front of her worriedly supporting her, his brows furrowed. He was saying something. But what?
It was repeating… Whatever it was. With every gulp of air she started to get a hold of herself a little bit more. Coughing as her mind was still tumbling over itself she suddenly noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her hands tightened as she tried to regain control over her own body and she could feel something in her hands.
"Lady Sarah, can you hear me?" The man's voice was deep and insistent but gentle. "Please, talk to me!"
"I-I… I…" The woman whimpered uselessly and the man looked down, taking the leathery object form her. He cupped her face and held something to her mouth. A liquid beckoned against her lips while the man helped her keep up her head. Almost like she'd forgotten how to drink she spluttered once before taking a drink. Her hands trembled so badly that it looked like they weren't even hers.
Lowering the waterskin after she had a sip the man hung his head with a sigh. "Oh, thank the Gods," his voice muttered with obvious relief. "Lady Sarah, you are okay. You are safe."
Sarah blinked a few more times, nodding slowly. Looking around she could see at least two dozen horses standing nearby, all riders looking down with worry etched on their faces. "S-S-Sorry," the woman stuttered apologetically when she noticed everyone seemed to be waiting for her.
"Nonsense," the man in front of her whispered, squeezing her shoulder firmly. "You are okay. You are secure. Breathe deeply, slowly now," he said, demonstrating a few slow breaths to her. "You are safe," he repeated. "It is over."
It was strange. She knew how to breathe, definitely. But at that moment, the man's instructions seemed incomprehensible. Mimicking it her senses restored little by little and she rubbed the tears out of her eyes with still violently trembling hands. "Oh God, I'm so sorry…"
"Don't be, it's okay. I will care for you," the man said patiently. His voice was like honey to her sore ears. So soothing, so calming that she wished for more of it. "I am Girvin, your personal guard. I will keep you safe. Nothing and no one will harm you, I swear it."
The woman nodded, sniffling as she tried to keep up the breathing exercises. When she hiccuped, choking on her own breath, Girvin patiently joined her again, using his hands on her upper arms to illustrate the exercise. Calmly he moved them up, squeezing her shoulders softly as he inhaled, then moving them down as he exhaled, loosening his grip.
"You're okay, Sarah. You're in good hands," came a familiar voice from her right. Looking up, Sarah saw Alana look at her with a worried look on her face. With her mind clearing the brunette could see tears rolling down the pale woman's cheeks. Sarah nodded and slowly moved to get up. Girvin jumped up quickly and assisted her, gently holding her elbows as Sarah tried to regain control of her legs.
Shaking her head, Sarah laughed rather humorlessly. "Well, m-my hands are not going to stop shaking. We need to get back on the road, y-yes?" The man nodded with an encouraging smile. "Can you… help me back on the horse, please?"
"Absolutely, lady Sarah. Please allow me," he said as he picked her up and lifted her back on the horse. "Can you take another sip of water for me?" Sarah nodded and he handed her the flask. With her hands still aggressively trembling he closed his warm hands over hers momentarily while she formed a grip on it. Shakily bringing the waterskin up to her mouth her throat rejoiced in the soothing moisture. Girvin smiled as she let out a shuddering breath. Taking the waterskin from her he closed it and clasped it back to his belt, putting on his helmet. Jumping on behind her he instructed the others and they continued on their escape.
Sarah kept doing the breathing exercises as they trotted onwards, Girvin's low voice consistently and warmly repeating the instructions over and over for minutes on end. It was heavenly. Girvin used one hand to hold on to her elbow supportively, managing the reins with the other. "Thank you, Girvin. I'm sorry I panicked."
"Worry not, my lady. No one enters war prepared and no one expects you to."
Sarah shuddered. "How many people do you think will escape?"
"Less than half of the camp is expected to survive. It is a very sad truth but every life saved is cherished as every death will be mourned."
Sarah felt sick to her stomach, the image of the woman violently being speared resurfacing. Instantaneously her hands increased their quivering. Shaking her head she tried to distract herself. "Where do we go now?"
"We will travel to the nearby town of Blaethfeiir. We can regroup there. While it will cause a strain on resources we pray the town will have enough food and shelter to keep everyone provided at least for the night. If the town proves too sparse we will have to move on."
"What about the others back at the camp? Did they stay and fight? What about Jareth?"
"It is difficult to say," he admitted. "If there are enough souls left to warrant a fight, we will do whatever we can to fight for them. His Majesty will make sure of it."
"How will we know? If they will stay and fight, I mean."
"We won't," he said simply. "All we can do is get as many people away as fast as possible and provide for them as best we can. Until we meet them later or hear from a messenger, there is no way to tell."
An hour later the woods were thinning and they started to reach a clearing. In other circumstances Sarah would have thought the area was beautiful, but currently her mind was still very much occupied. The poor woman that had been shot kept creeping to the forefront of her mind no matter how desperately she tried to subdue that memory. The sounds echoed repeatedly in her mind and made her queasy. "Girvin," she asked with a surprising sense of urgency. "Can you tell me something about yourself?"
"I am afraid my life is hardly interesting. I grew up in a village in the far west in Gathghear. A cold town with inhabitants with an even cooler disposition to one another. When I was young I volunteered for Deramat…" He was quiet for a moment as he searched for words. "A military schooling of sorts, which involves learning of politics, battle and offensive magic. I was one of the youngest to join since it was founded. While my peers were at drinking age, I was barely old enough to be able to lift a sword. I dedicated my life to it and felt great accomplishment from doing so. For over two hundred years I was taught there before first entering battle. My personal life was, and is, close to non-existent. I would not and will not allow room for it. Thanks to His Majesty I advanced in ranks quickly. I was at his side every minute if I could help it. While I'd wished to continue to do so, once the revolts started he entrusted me to travel his kingdom as his eyes and ears. I was to report my findings to him and as tensions rose he elected me and three other men to found the First Battalion. And so now, I am here."
"Have you never wanted a family?"
"Of course, but due to my drive to serve I was a bore at parties and even worse during attempts at courting." He chuckled with a comforting sincerity. "Once I entered the field my loyalty belonged only to king Jareth. A decision I have never once felt regret for. Private indulgence can wait until after the king deems my service fulfilled. Until then, I will fight for His Majesty."
"That's very noble of you, I don't think I could be that courageous," Sarah admitted.
"Being noble is not only about courage. It's about intentions, devotion and the willingness to fight for what is right. Whether that is with a sword, with politics or with acts of kindness are all noble in my understanding."
Sarah mulled that over, looking quietly at her surroundings. It was fascinating to see such devotion towards Jareth. While her knowledge of him as a king was very limited, she recognized Girvin's attachment to the Goblin King. It made her wonder if somehow she could make a difference here. If her limited time could mean something or bring on something bigger than herself. Though perhaps somewhat naive, it filled her with a sense of determination.
A while later Sarah let out a deep sigh, adjusting her position on the saddle. Her initial stress had subsided a little, her hands barely trembling anymore. They had now been riding for at least two or three hours since they spoke. Alana was at the head of the group, at least five horses in front of her.
"Are you well, lady Sarah?"
The woman nodded. "I'm okay, all things considered. Just growing tired, that's all."
"I completely understand. Blaethfeiir is only half an hour from here. We can't stop to rest just yet, unfortunately."
Roughly twenty minutes later a soldier at the back of the group alerted the others. People looked back around at him and he held up a hand, signaling, followed by the gesture to keep going.
"It looks like our brothers are joining us," Girvin said.
In the far distance of the open fields she could see horses approaching. Once the group reached them a sense of relief washed over everyone. It was telling that the large beasts weren't wearing their muzzles. The cuts, gashes and burns on their bodies eluded to a battle fought. On her right she saw Jareth joining. His face was stony and his eyes the full black pits she had seen before. It was haunting.
Girvin yelled something at Jareth. Despite Jareth not reacting, the man seemed confident he heard him. "Sarah, can you ride a horse?"
The woman looked at him a second before nodding. "Uh, I suppose I have ridden a horse before."
"Good, I need you to ride this horse in line with the others until we arrive in town. Don't stray from the group and keep up. His Majesty needs to scout ahead."
With a sense of purpose she nodded. "Okay, got it."
"Wonderful. I'm taking Jareth's place."
Sarah took the reins from him. The man pulled up his legs, grabbing hold of her shoulders. He stood on the horse mid-gallop just like Jareth. Sarah kept an eye on them, praying Girvin wouldn't miss the jump and receive a couple of hooves in the face. Jareth jumped forward off the horse and with a bright flash of light transformed into his owl form. He faltered for a second before stabilizing his flight. Meanwhile Girvin landed on the horse, grasping the saddle and maneuvering himself to sit down. He looked at her. Sarah smiled and Girvin nodded before pulling the horse a little further aside to a safer distance. The owl headed swiftly to the town up ahead at a speed Sarah had never seen a bird wield before.
Approaching a small village she could see the townspeople looking out of the windows curiously. Girvin called out that he'd be back soon and instructed her to stay with the group before holding back. Everyone slowed to a walk and the horses sank their heads gratefully. The warhorses stalled in the narrow roads. The hooves of the horses clacked on the stone roads. They were led to a town square where everyone dismounted. A little clumsily, Sarah got off the horse's back and grabbed the reins, distractedly petting the horse while looking around what to do. Suddenly the reins were taken from her, a man smiling at her kindly as he led the horse away.
"Sarah."
The woman jumped, whirling around. "Jareth!"
The man walked up to her with large strides, she could see his eyes had returned to normal. He was very pale with dark circles under his eyes and he was clearly tired, but kept his regal posture as best he could. Once he reached her he cupped her face with both hands, looking into her eyes. "Are you alright? Dizzy? Nauseous? Short of breath? Can you tell what day it is?"
"Jareth, I don't even know what weekdays you have here," Sarah said dryly while he studied her face.
His hands dropped to his sides and he circled her. "Do you feel any discomfort? Are you hurt at all? Do you have a headache? Are you trembling or feeling faint?"
"Jareth," she snapped, grabbing his arm to halt him. "Quit it. I'm alive and well enough under the circumstances." She steadied him in front of her. "How are you? You look a step away from death."
"Girvin told me you suffered severe trauma symptoms."
The woman sighed. "I saw someone get speared to a tree, which was fucked up. I'm as fine as I can be in the circumstances. Girvin took great care of me. How are you?" Jareth's eyes were earnest, worry very clearly etched on his face. Wordlessly the Goblin King hugged her close, pinning her arms to her side and enveloping her in his warmth. She chuckled. "Hey birdbrain, answer the question."
"I nearly went mad with worry when the ward was destroyed. Then Girvin reported that you almost succumbed to trauma…" Letting go of her he kept his hands on her shoulders, taking a calming breath.
Sarah could feel his hands trembling and covered them with her own. "Girvin took great care of me. I'm okay. Really."
Jareth gazed into her eyes, his fingers tightening briefly and his thumbs brushing up and down her neck. "I wouldn't trust anyone else with your life." His hands tightened again, his gaze pinning her down with a passionate anxiety. One of his hands moved to cup her cheek, almost if he couldn't believe she was standing right in front of him.
Uncomfortably she broke eye contact. Resorting to looking over his shoulder. "So what happened?"
"An assault. A few bowmen from Gods know where found the camp… While people lost their lives today I count my blessings that I managed to save the vast majority… Especially my most unexpected guest."
Her eyes rose up again to meet his. Even though he still looked exhausted his eyes bore down on her with overwhelming intensity. Sarah smiled up at him. "I'm glad you're okay."
Jareth scoffed. "Oh please, it takes more than a few burning arrows to get rid of me."
"I'll keep that in mind," she teased, grinning up at him. It was good to see he was still the cocky old Jareth. "Maybe you should sit down for a bit."
He let his hands move down her upper arms before they fell back to his sides. "Not yet, there is still much to be done."
Girvin walked up, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, the First Rank is working on increased defenses and a guard patrol. I have just spoken to the baker and recruited several people to increase production so people can be fed. There's not enough livestock to support everyone with meat but luckily they will receive a fresh delivery of fish tomorrow. There are empty beds available in this town but not enough for everyone."
Sarah was suddenly filled with a renewed sense of purpose. "I'm going to ask for people to collect blankets, coats and whatever can be spared to keep people warm. Perhaps stables can be repurposed as emergency shelters."
"Good idea, lady Sarah," Girvin praised with a smile.
"You're not going anywhere," the Goblin King interjected. "You are staying here with the others."
"I'm not going to sit around like some dumb garden ornament while there are people in need. I'm going to make myself useful." Girvin seemed a little shocked at her tone towards the king and looked back and forth between them awkwardly. Jareth and Sarah stared each other down for a second before suddenly Sarah bolted into the streets. Distantly she could hear Jareth shout after her.
Knocking on doors, street after street, she kindly beckoned everyone she met if they could spare any clothes, blankets and the like. She had definitely noticed Girvin following from a distance, trying to apply himself as well as possible while guarding her.
By the time she was done the sun was already setting and her stomach growled loudly. Left and right people had been bringing supplies to the town square while others were busy constructing makeshift tents. Kids and women were taken to other people's homes for refuge. Walking over to the large pile of fabrics she started helping to distribute them. Girvin joined her quietly. "You must be bored to tears babysitting a grown woman."
"Quite the contrary," he insisted. "It is an honor to guard someone close to the king."
"Close?"
"You don't use his title. You even use his given name. You go against his word, you leave undismissed. His Majesty makes it all the more clear with how protective he is of you. It's not by coincidence that you and his sister were the first to leave the camp while we were attacked, guarded by the founders of the first regiment."
Sarah wasn't sure how to respond to that, so instead changed the subject. "How is Alana doing? I haven't seen her since we rode up to town."
"Princess Alana is doing well, she is ensuring that as many people as possible will have cover through the night. She is happy to keep herself busy."
They looked up as they heard a group of children cheering and saw Jareth walk onto the town square. He was carrying a four year old on his hip and was holding the hand of another. Around him the kids swarmed while yelling excitedly. He was talking to them with a smile, patiently dodging running kids.
"Looks like Jareth has already won some of the townspeople over," Sarah commented dryly.
Girvin laughed and handed a blanket to a woman nearby. "Yes, His Majesty is wonderful with children."
"Isn't he like five hundred years old or something? Did he never long for kids of his own?"
"Who is to say? King Jareth is a very private man. Even the First Regiment knows little of him and we've been traveling alongside him for years." Girvin bowed silently as Jareth spotted them and the king made his way over to them.
"Sarah!" One of the kids rushed for her excitedly while the others scattered into the streets. The little girl reached up to her and Sarah picked her up.
"How do you know my name, little princess?" Sarah smiled down at the blonde girl with blue eyes as the child excitedly snuggled up to her.
"King Jareth told us about you," she confessed.
"Really," the woman asked as she looked up at Jareth who quickly looked away and put the kid on his hip down. "What did he say?"
"He said that you are a mule!"
Sarah narrowed her eyes at the monarch and he quickly peeled the excited girl from her grasp. "No Leena, I said she was stubborn as a mule."
"What does that mean?"
"That means that she often doesn't listen to you," he said. "Sometimes, she will even do the exact opposite." He put the girl down again. "Time to go little one, it's time for dinner. Tell your father to expect a visit later tonight." Leena happily waved to the three of them before running off. "Girvin, you are dismissed for today. Many thanks for your services once again. Rest well, tomorrow will be another day." The soldier bowed deeply and formally thanked him before walking off. "Sarah, if you'll join me," he asked as he picked up a blanket and laid it over her shoulders. She thanked him politely before he put his arm around her shoulders and brought her with him.
"Where are we going?"
"We are expected to be present for dinner." He heard her stomach growl and he chuckled. "And not a moment too soon it seems."
Blushing Sarah put a hand over her stomach. "Are we expected or are you expected?"
"I am expected by my people, you are expected by me," he grinned down at her and she rolled her eyes.
Walking into a town hall she found it rather crowded, the scent of fresh bread overwhelming her senses. People spotted them and they descended in a low bow. Awkwardly, Sarah looked up at Jareth whose face remained blank. Of course he was used to this. He spoke a few words and the people rose. The two walked to the far end of the room, people bowing their heads as they made their way through. Once they were seated, people sat down. Townspeople happily started serving bread, meats and fish. Sarah looked at the other people in the room. "Where's Alana?"
"She is visiting someone in town, we will see her at the end of the evening." His eyes shifted towards her. "Thank you," he said softly. She looked up at him. "For what you did this afternoon. While it's difficult for me to let you out of my sight here, I appreciate your help."
Sarah looked back down again, pushing her hair behind her ear. "You're welcome."
"But don't run off again," he added. "Because next time I will come after you."
"We'll see about that."
Jareth looked at her, narrowing his eyes at the small smile playing around her lips. He leaned in just a tad too close. Seeing her grow uncomfortable he grinned. "Don't think I won't tie you up if need be, Sarah."
The woman blushed and leaned back, looking around the room. "Jareth, people are watching." He held her gaze as she looked back at him. Eventually he relented, leaning back and continued eating. "You used magic again, didn't you? Back at the camp."
"I did, yes. Not to worry though, that won't impede me from bringing you home."
She was silent for a moment before looking at him through her lashes. "What if I run?"
It was meant in a rather playful manner. She didn't know this world. She wasn't really going to do it, but Jareth was not amused. He put his food down. "That's it." Suddenly he grabbed her chair and with a loud groan the piece of wooden furniture was tugged to his side of the table. People looked up at the loud noise droning through the room. "I'm putting a binding charm on you."
"E-excuse me," Sarah asked as she attempted to move away from him.
Jareth grasped her wrist and when she tried to pull free he pinned it to the table, making their plates clank with the force used. She flinched. With his free hand he moved her plate towards her. "Eat. While you do I will create a binding charm. It will stay there until I drop you off safely at home. You won't be able to leave my side unless I want you to." She opened her mouth to object but he narrowed his eyes. "Eat. You brought this upon yourself."
Sulkily Sarah grabbed her piece of bread and took a bite, munching on it quietly. Soon she started feeling a strange warmth and tingle enter through her wrist. Uncomfortably she tried twisting her arm, but Jareth's grasp was firm and unmoving. A feeling of guilt washed over her. She'd meant it as a joke. She wasn't really going to run off and do something that was probably going to get her killed. She couldn't blame Jareth for taking it seriously and implementing restrictions. She was here against his will and his wishes and was, if only temporarily, powerless to do anything about it. Yet here she was, pushing him even further into discomfort for no other reason than stupid jokes. The woman looked up at him and their eyes met briefly before she turned back to her food. Her fingers flexed uncomfortably as pins and needles crawled up and down her arm and lightly into her shoulder.
Jareth loosened his iron grip and while having dinner, slowly traced his fingertips along her wrist over the back of her hand to her fingertips, easing the prickling along her skin. Looking at Jareth from the corners of her eyes he kept his eyes resolutely down at his food. Sarah shifted her fingers so that his sank in between hers and they intertwined. His gaze shifted towards her and he squeezed his hand. Uncomfortably Sarah retracted her hand to her lap. "I bet you just wanted to use that binding spell so you could see me bathe."
Jareth smiled wickedly at her, she couldn't help but return a rather bashful smile. "Are you offering?"
Her smile fell. "Hell no. If I catch you being a peeping Tom I will kill you."
His arm moved to rest on the back of her chair, very subtly pulling her just a little closer. "That would be a very nice way to go."
"You're just on a roll, aren't you, Your Majesty?"
"Says the woman who was just making amorous moves towards the king. During a public dinner, no less. Quite scandalous." There was an almost boyish grin on his face, almost like he was giddy. Sarah had never seen him smile like that before. It was almost disarming. Almost.
She looked at him venomously. "Wow, look at this pot calling the kettle black." Jareth grinned mischievously and curled his arm to bring her closer. The woman jerked her shoulders with a frown, directing her attention back to her food.
"Flustered, precious?"
He just wouldn't quit, would he? She was flustered. And she hated that she kind of enjoyed it.
Sarah smiled sweetly at him. "Not at all. Why get flustered over someone that will get rid of me before the week is over?"
She hadn't meant it to sound so confrontational and the moment she said it she regretted it. Especially when Jareth's face fell and rejection flashed across his features. His arm disappeared from the back of the chair and his face hardened, most expression draining from his face. "Jareth, I didn't-"
"You what? You didn't mean it?" His voice was tight and agitated.
"No, I didn't," she insisted, slightly annoyed by his sudden change in attitude. "Hey," she snapped. "You can't expect me to just take it, but if I dish something out you have the right to be offended." Jareth didn't respond as he sourly picked at his meal. Huffing she crossed her arms and sat back. "Men."
The Goblin King sighed when she turned from him. He grabbed a piece of her chicken and held it in front of her mouth. "Eat," he repeated for the third time that night. She kept her lips firmly shut. "Please." Shooting him a glance she took the piece of chicken from his hand directly with her mouth. "Thank you," he said softly. Leaning over he pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. Stubbornly she leaned away. The Goblin King readjusted the blanket around her to keep her warm and gently tugged her closer. Slowly but surely she relaxed again. If she'd only have a few more days at best to be around him, she didn't want to spend it by bickering over every little thing.
A few minutes later Jareth looked down at her, pulling back his arm to hold out his hand. "Care for a walk?" Sarah took his hand and got up, letting go of it afterwards.
Moving through the darkened streets, Sarah felt the need to break the silence. "So how far away can I get from you before this spell kicks in?"
"Do you want to try?" Jareth peered down at her daringly.
Sarah pursed her lips and ran ahead. Less than fifty feet was cleared when suddenly the wind got knocked out of her. She gasped for air as she was suddenly flung backwards by an alien force. Once her feet reached the floor again she nearly toppled back. Jareth caught her and pulled her to her feet. The woman coughed as she tried to regain her breath. There was a strange ache in her chest and a dizziness in her head. "Jesus, that sucked," she breathed. "Fuck me."
"If you insist," his voice purred in her ear. He went to pick up the blanket she'd dropped and dusted it off before moving to face her to put it back around her shoulders. Quietly he pulled her closer. Looking up at him, still catching her breath, she saw the sincere look on his face. "I really am going to miss you," he admitted.
"Yeah, well," she said and dropped her gaze. "at least you have a hand in whether or not you will have to miss me."
"You can't talk me into keeping you here, Sarah."
She sighed, holding the blanket around her as she moved past him, walking further down the street. "Yeah I know. I can't tell you to do anything." Sarah looked around briefly with a hollow smile. "Meager little mortal girl and all that."
Jareth walked after her but didn't quite catch up. "Stop belittling yourself in situations like these, Sarah. You are much more than that."
"Cheers."
Sarah looked at the quiet little town. Behind the windows she could see warmly lit rooms with people inside. She huddled into herself, wrapping the blanket closer around her as the evening started cooling down. The brunette wondered where she was going to sleep tonight. Up in the darkened sky the two moons loomed over them, surrounded by the stars.
Jareth peeled off his gloves, still completely silent as he caught up with her. He put the gloves inside his pocket, moving to stand in front of her and held out his hands. Unsure of what to do she put her hands in his. His skin was warm and smooth.
"Close your eyes," he beckoned. Sarah would have questioned it, had he not so freely made himself more vulnerable by taking off his gloves. So she did. He turned her palms forward, then pulled them a little closer. Her fingers slightly flexed as they came in contact with a lightly textured surface. The armor on his chest, almost certainly. He covered her hands with his. Sarah could sense him stepping closer. Then, a warmth touched her forehead. She kept still, waiting as the silence stretched out between them. The warmth of his hands seeped into her skin.
A gentle tingle started entering her body. It wasn't one of his calming spells but she recognized it. Once the feeling slowly started to crawl across her skin it clicked. It felt like the binding spell. Whereas a minute ago it had felt nauseating and uncomfortable this time it felt almost dreamlike. Taking deep breaths she focused further on the feeling and a strange but comforting numbness spread across her forehead. Weirdly, it almost seemed to feel like the limit of her body was shifting.
She slowly opened her eyes. His face was right in front of hers. His eyes closed as he rested his forehead against hers. His eyebrows were drawn slightly. A single tear drifted down his cheek, making her heart sink.
Jareth was definitely just as affected about the situation as she was. She just hadn't let herself see it before. Worse yet, she had insisted that he simply didn't want to see her.
With her hands still over his heart she tilted her head up just a tiny bit so their noses bumped into one another. Their foreheads parted and the strange sensation faded. His eyes drifted open. Tugging one of her hands free, Sarah brushed away the tear like he had done for her in the past. Jareth took a big gulp of air, holding it for a few seconds, before slowly releasing it through his nose. The force behind his gaze calmed.
"I don't have any magic or something like that to help you get through this, Jareth. I don't live for centuries to always be there for you. But I am here now and in the relatively little time I have to help you, I want to do so."
"Sarah -" She put her finger over his lips.
"Don't insult me, Jareth. I know what is happening. I am aware of the consequences." They stepped back and Sarah smiled up at him. "You'll just have to accept that even though I am no longer a child, I still am a pain in the ass. And this pain in the ass is not going away without a fight."
Jareth looked down at her quietly, studying her face almost as if he was seeing it for the first time. The man's still bare hand rose up to brush her cheek, his soft fingers with a hint of manicured nails gliding along her skin. His saddened look suddenly turned to one of agitation - maybe even anger. "I've grown soft," he growled as he walked past her.
Sarah turned towards him when he marched off. The spell tugged her along and she stumbled after him until she caught up with him. "Does that mean I can stay to help?"
"It means I will think about it," he sighed defeatedly. "You really are a pain in the ass." He looked down at her. "And stop looking so goddamn pleased with yourself."