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SUMMARY Continuation of Sarah's Sweet Sixteen. This chapter covers the first part of her birthday in the Goblin Kingdom.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing...well...not Labyrinth at any rate. No goblins, humans, humanoids or chickens were harmed in the writing of this chapter, although 'Phil' the chicken did suffer a bout of low-self esteem and a goblin did get into my donuts and got soundly thumped for it. Me on the otherhand, I would happily snog Jareth within an inch of his immortal life if given half a chance - just sayin!
WARNING: Some references to 'nekkid' Goblin King (sadly, not explicit. Poor Sarah probably would've swooned had I gone there.) Rating is currently T, but is likely to go up to M later (maybe).
Author's Note: Please read and review... they inspire me to keep going and to write faster.
Admittedly, on her first visit to the castle beyond the Goblin City, Sarah had been somewhat preoccupied, so it was natural that she missed seeing some of the more interesting aspects of it, something Jareth was happy to remedy on the way to breakfast. Still recovering from the embarrassment of landing on top of a naked Goblin King, Sarah was relieved to have something else to occupy her mind as he led her through the twists and turns of the stone corridors.
But you have to admit, a naked Jareth is a great birthday present – insisted her inner-self. Yup. It isn't everyday you get the chance to ogle a naked Goblin King and you had to go and ruin it by running screaming from the room.
Shaking her head slightly, Sarah blushed trying to clear the image of him standing there partially wrapped in a sheet, his bare chest glistening in the morning light. She gasped slightly at the thought, before glancing quickly at Jareth, hoping he didn't notice as she tried to pay attention to what he was telling her about the extensive collection of books in the library. The library was immense and incredibly well-stocked with books from both the Underground and Aboveground.
Seeing her rapt expression, Jareth gestured toward the room. "You know Sarah, you are welcome to visit again to enjoy the library if you so wish. Or to visit for other reasons…." he said, leaving the rest of the thought unspoken, yet the intent hung in the air between them like a fog.
Smiling shyly at him, Sarah nodded, "I think I might enjoy that. Thank you for the invitation."
Hmm…Yes. Other reasons… – purred her inner-voice again, making googley eyes at Jareth.
From there, Jareth took her into the ballroom, surprised at the way she hesitated at the doorway as she peered suspiciously around the heavy doors while he held them open for her.
He smiled gently at her, his pale eyes shining mischeviously, "I know it isn't as grand as the ballroom of your dream, Precious, but you don't have anything to fear here. There is no baby to save, no time limit, in fact, it is empty."
Jareth watched her as she dipped her head, her face flushing. She seemed to do that quite a bit and he found it charming. He chuckled softly, longing to caress her crimson cheek, instead, he held his hand out to her, a smile lighting up his aristocratic features. A brief look of doubt flickered in her emerald eyes, before she placed her hand tentatively in his. Instead of simply leading her into the room, Jareth began humming and spun her around the room in a waltz, slow at first, then spinning her faster around the room. At first she looked up at him in shock, her jade eyes wide, then after a few spins and turns amongst columns that lined the edge of the dance floor, she began to relax and laugh. His heart thundered in his chest at the sound of her laughter as it bounced merrily off the marble walls of the room, and he couldn't help himself but to join her, the sound of his own tenor laugh dancing with hers to echo in the empty ballroom.
The ballroom was grand enough, with grey marble walls, hung with tapestries of what Sarah would call fantasy creatures, but what in the Underworld, were just different races of creatures. As they whirled around the room in an impromptu dance, Sarah smiled, her eyes shutting as she picked up the tune he was humming and hummed along, losing herself in the feeling of his hands holding her as he guided her through the room.
After dancing her around the room several times, Jareth pulled them up to a stop against the marble dais along one side of the room, the both of them panting from the speed of the dance and their laughter.
"Oh my," gasped Sarah, laughing softly and holding her sides as she fought to regain her breath. "I could just imagine this room full of people and music and talking. It is magnificent."
Her words made Jareth laugh all the more. If he had any say in it, she would see the room just like that someday.
"Perhaps someday you shall, Sarah," he drawled, his voice dropping an octave as he gazed at her, enjoying the way she was flushed from the dance and her joyous laughter.
Taking her hand, he led her through a door behind the dais, pushing aside a heavy tapestry in front of them to arrive in the throne room, standing behind the throne. Seeing the look of surprise on her face, he winked at her, a wide smile baring his sharp canines as he pulled her through the passage and fully onto the dais, leaning lightly against the semi-circular throne in front of them.
"Don't tell me you are surprised to find secret passages in the castle, dearest?" he laughed quietly, his eyes sparkling with delight at her reaction.
Sarah giggled and shook her head, "Actually, I'm not. It seems only natural that the Lord of the Labyrinth would have a castle that is as mysterious and convoluted as the Labyrinth itself."
Cocking his head to the side, he smiled at her. Having beaten the Labyrinth, he knew she was clever, but she seemed to understand things better than he expected. Jareth looked at the girl questioningly, "Sarah precious, how did you know I am the Lord of the Labyrinth as well as the Goblin King?"
She shrugged, her breath hitching in her throat at the way he looked at her. Turning away from him, she looked around the throne room, her slender fingers lightly caressing the throne in front of her as she spoke.
"I don't know really," she said, her voice soft and thoughtful. "It just seemed to make sense. You may rule the Goblin Kingdom, but the Labyrinth is…well…it feels…alive and magical, like it can't be ruled, but can be, well…overseen."
Jareth nodded, placing a gloved hand over hers as it traced the scrollwork on the back of the throne. With his other hand he lightly caressed her chin, tenderly lifting her head so he could see her face. Shaking his head slightly, he peered into her emerald eyes, a bemused smile teasing his thin lips.
"You really are a most remarkable and perceptive young woman, Precious. And in this case, you are absolutely correct. The Labyrinth is a sentient force and cannot be ruled. The Labyrinth grants me the power to adapt it in many ways, but it is a being in its own right, alive and magical. I do not rule it, merely watch over it and use it to challenge runners as needed."
Holding his arm out to her once more, Jareth was pleased when she placed her hand on it without hesitation this time. She really was a remarkable young woman. Over the years many Fae women had visited his kingdom, hoping to claim the Goblin Queen's crown for themselves, but none had ever understood his bond with the Labyrinth, assuming that he ruled it just as he ruled the kingdom, merely because it was within the kingdom borders. Yet, Sarah instinctively understood the relationship, and accepted it as natural and normal. She never ceased to amaze him. He could now see that he had indeed underestimated her when she had been running the Labyrinth to reclaim Toby.
Before he could continue that thought, their progress was halted by a contingent of goblins that came racing into the room, with Bob and Squint in the lead.
"Lady! Lady," they clamored, bouncing eagerly around her legs.
"Bob! Squint!" she laughed happily, ignoring the dirt, chicken feathers and sludge that Jareth feared was rancid goblin ale, as she knelt on stone floor of the throne room to hug her goblin 'roomates'.
Jareth stood there silently, an amused smirk playing over his face as he watched the scene before him. No woman Fae or otherwise, had ever accepted his throne room in its normal state of goblin chaos. Over the years he had found that the mess, dirt and chaos of the throne room was a great way to discourage the 'throne-seeking' females of the Underground, as none of them wanted to be surrounded by the mess and chaos for long and all demanded that it be cleaned up. Yet, here was Sarah, who seemed totally unperturbed by it all, in fact, she didn't even seem to notice it.
The other goblins stood back a bit, shuffling nervously as they watched Sarah hug Bob and Squint tightly. Turning back to the others, Bob stood up, his chest puffing out importantly as he spoke to them, the colander he wore as a hat sliding low over one eye, before he shoved it back up again.
"This be Boss Lady. You gotta be good 'round 'er or no cookies," he said, waggling his finger at them sternly. "And no jumpin on 'er. She doan like dat."
"Yup. Yup!" agreed Squint, nodding his head. "An doan play wit 'er drawing stuff, or ya get thumped."
Raising an eyebrow, Jareth looked at Sarah, with mock sternness, his mismatched eyes glinting merrily, "Is this true, Precious? Are you taking liberties and punishing my subjects by thumping them?"
Nibbling her lip, Sarah felt her face flush again as she clapped a hand over Squint's mouth.
"Me…um…of course not. I wouldn't dare," she replied, while Squint struggled to nod despite the headlock Sarah now had him in.
Leaning close to her, Jareth smiled mischeviously, his lips curled in a feral smirk.
"And you are lying through your teeth, my dear. Have you no shame lying to the King?" he purred silkily, watching as she shivered under his gaze.
Sarah cocked an eyebrow at him and grinned cheekily, releasing the struggling Squint and shoving him behind her with her foot.
"Apparently not, Your Majesty. And to my credit, they deserved it. Bob nearly ruined my end of term art project by spilling cocoa on my drawing notebook. And Squint made it worse by trying to use my eraser to erase the cocoa. Throwing a pillow at them to make them stop was less drastic than… than kicking them," she grinned impishly, as if daring him to challenge her claim.
Jareth's chuckle rumbled from his throat, making Sarah sigh deeply at the sound.
"Hmm…yes…although some of them rather enjoy being kicked," he laughed, kicking the goblin nearest him, who squealed with delight as it flew across the room before landing on a black chicken that squawked indignantly. Once it landed, the goblin hopped up, brushed itself off, hugged the chicken then raced back to the pack of goblins near Sarah and the King, grinning madly.
The goblins around them were aghast at the way Sarah spoke to their King.
"She gonna get kicked fer sayin that," claimed a goblin with blue horns and a bulbous red nose.
"Nah…Kingy gonna bog 'er fer dat fer sure," nodded a goblin with black chicken feathers tucked over his ears, and wearing a striped sock as a hat.
"Nope…I bets on oub…orb…oublett…yous know dem holes he dun gots," replied another.
Sarah couldn't help but giggle as the goblins ceased to pay any attention to she or Jareth and instead began arguing about how he would punish her. The next thing she knew, they were organizing a betting pool on the event. Reading the hastily scrawled notes being drawn on the wall with a piece of chalk, she laughed.
"2:1 odds that I'll be bogged? Really Bob? Don't you think that is a bit high," she asked, glancing briefly at Jareth to see him shrug and wink at her.
"But Kingy really likes boggin us," Bob replied, handing the goblin with the striped sock on his head, who was acting as bookie, three black chicken feathers and a cracked rock – which seemed to be the preferred currency for the betting. Speaking to the bookie, Bob said, "I take the boggins."
"Um, Bob…why is bogging down on the list as both 2:1 and 4:1?" Sarah asked, as she read the list over once more.
The little goblin bookie looked up at her and snickered, the other goblins stopping their bets to join in.
"Dat second one ain't boggin, Lady….dats 4:1 on snoggin," he replied emphatically. "Catcha read?"
Snatching the chalk from the little goblins hand, Sarah rolled her eyes and grumbled. With a huff of irritation, she turned to the wall, and crossed out the second notation of 'boggin', before writing 'snogging' clearly over it.
"Gee thanks, Lady!" grinned the bookie goblin, going back to taking bets, as he changed the odds on oublietting from 6:1 to 10:1 in favor of bogging.
Realizing what she had done, Sarah blushed brightly, swiftly moving to erase where she had scrawled 'snogging' on the wall. She gasped as Jareth gave a low chuckle from behind her, a gloved hand snaking over her shoulder to pluck the chalk from her fingers.
"No changing the odds list, Dearest," he laughed, his breath teasing her ear as he spoke. "Besides, I rather like those odds."
Taking her hand, he guided her around the mass of goblins, as others entered the room to place their bets, Sarah still blushing furiously. Turning he inclined his head, inspecting Bob and Squint.
"Bob…Squint….I want you two to come with Lady Sarah and I to the Goblin Markets this morning."
"Yes, yer Majesty," the little goblins chorused, following their King and their beloved Boss Lady from the throne room.
Finally reaching the dining hall, Sarah gasped as they entered. The walls were lined with lovely tapestries and candle sconces. In the center of the room was an extensive table that could easily seat 50 people.
"You eat in here?" Sarah asked in awe.
Shaking his head, Jareth smiled and led her toward the balcony, where a small table was set for two.
"No, this is the formal dining room. As I usually dine alone, I eat in my chambers. However, given the way you reacted to being in my chambers earlier, I thought it best that we eat in…shall we say….neutral territory," he teased, his pale eyes dancing as he looked at her. "While my balcony offers a better view of the Labyrinth, I thought you might prefer someplace less, personal."
Seating Sarah, Jareth then settled himself on the other chair, as several goblins began placing platters and plates upon the table. Unsure what to do, Sarah sat there nibbling her lip thoughtfully. She had read somewhere that in the British monarchy, no one was supposed to eat until the Queen had started. While that obviously applied to an Aboveground monarchy, she figured it wouldn't hurt to follow those guidelines here, since she had not idea what else to do and didn't want him to think ill of her.
Oh…and why is that, Sarah? Since when do we care what the Goblin King thinks of us? - cooed her inner-voice, in a voice that suggested that if it could wink, it would have winked suggestively at her.
Seeing her nibbling on her lip once more, something he had noticed she did when she was nervous or unsure, Jareth smiled gently at her, gesturing toward her plate.
"Eat, Sarah. Formal court manners are not necessary for a casual breakfast amongst friends," he said, his voice calm and reassuring as he nodded at her.
"Um…thanks…not that I know anything about court manners. I mean, they aren't anything I ever thought I'd need to know, not like there is anyone at home to teach me even if they were needed," she grinned, breathing a sigh of relief as she tucked her napkin in her lap and sugared her coffee.
Picking up his knife and spreading jam upon a pastry, Jareth nodded in agreement, "True. Just trust me, Precious. Should you ever need to know such things, I shall make sure that you are taught."
Jareth watched, smiling indulgently as she picked up her coffee cup, brought it to her lips, then paused. Her emerald eyes flickered momentarily with fear, before she set her cup down, a frown creasing her eyebrows as she studied her plate.
"Would you prefer something else, Sarah?" he asked quietly as he watched her, trying to read her strange reaction. "It is your birthday afterall. I'd be happy to have Cook make something else if you would like."
Shaking her head, Sarah smiled wanly, her eyes still creased with worry. "No, it looks delicious, I just….I'm not sure… I…." she stammered, still staring at her plate.
She had been having a lovely time on her visit, more so than she had expected, but when faced with eating food, his food, she started to have flashbacks to the enchanted peach and she was afraid. Afraid the food would enchant her once more. Afraid that if she ate it, she would be trapped here, just as her Gran had said.
Oh….if only Gran had told me that before I came to the Labyrinth the first time. Then I wouldn't have eaten any of that damnable enchanted peach, she thought.
True, but then you wouldn't have gotten to dance in Jareth's arms. And you know he was going to kiss you. I'm still ticked off that you ran from him. Don't you want to know what it would feel like to feel his lips….
Enough! Don't even think it…
But what if….
Shut up!
Taking a deep breath, as if steeling herself, Sarah peered up at the Goblin King, who was calmly biting into a pastry as he watched her intently. She had to ask, but it was difficult.
Yeah, great way to insult your host. 'So Goblin King….is the food safe to eat or am I going to end up in your enchanted ballroom again…. grumbled her inner-self.
… or in someplace better….like your bedroom?' – quipped another part of her brain.
Sarah blushed, biting her lip hard to squelch the images that filled her mind.
Seriously, neither of you are making this any easier, she scolded herself.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head, determined to look the Goblin King in the eye when she asked him. At the last minute she chickened out, taking intense interest in platter of eggs instead.
"Well, when Gran came to visit last year, she was telling Toby and I tales from where she grew up and said that should we ever find ourselves in fairy land as she put it, that we should never eat or drink, or we'd be stuck there forever. And well… the Underground would probably qualify for Gran's warning."
Jareth looked up, vaguely surprised by the rush with which she spoke. Seeing the earnest worry on her face, he suppressed his natural urge to laugh.
"Precious, while I would welcome you staying here indefinitely, I am not about to trick you into it. Firstly, you already have eaten Fae food," he replied quietly, watching her face as he explained.
Sarah shook her head. "No I haven't," she replied adamantly.
"Yes, you have. Think about it. What happened when you ran the Labyrinth for your brother," he hinted, his pale eyes narrowing as he watched the color drain from her face as the answer hit her full force.
"That blasted peach," she gasped, looking at him with wide eyes that flashed angrily.
Jareth couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Yes, the blasted peach as you call it. You ate it and were you forced to remain here?"
"Well, no…but not through lack of trying and trickery on your part," she grumbled, glaring at him sharply, the unsaid accusation apparent in her tone.
"Precious, you were sent home. The only long-term effect of the Fae fruit you ate was that you would always be able to see what other mortals view as 'mythical' or fantasy creatures – like my goblins. Other than that, there is no effect," he replied, his voice soft and soothing, as he smiled at her. "Not only that, but as the Champion of the Labyrinth, you are a protected class. While you currently need an invitation and my help to come to my kingdom, should you ever really want to return home, you have merely to ask the Labyrinth for help and it will be given.
Sarah ventured to look at him, her lips parting in surprise as she listened to his explanation.
"Furthermore, do you remember your last words to me before you were returned home last time?" he asked, his voice dropping as the words became somewhat icy, his eyes pinning her in place as they darkened momentarily.
She nodded, a sad frown creasing her lovely face at the memory. Jareth sighed heavily seeing the regret written on her face. He had been very angry when she had denied him, it had taken a very long time to get over it. To have her here willingly was doing wonders for banishing any further bouts of it, but the memory of being denied by a mere slip of a mortal girl still grated at him when the memory was teased.
"In saying those words, I can no longer use trickery to keep you here, Dearest. That is just the way it is," Jareth sighed, before continuing. "So it is perfectly safe for you to enjoy the food and drink. Although I suggest you avoid goblin ale should it be offered to you. It is a bit…potent and I'd hate for you to have to explain a hellish hangover to your parents, when you are most definitely underage Aboveground," he continued with a laugh, his eyes twinkling merrily at her discomfort.
Relaxing a bit with his explanation, Sarah hoped he was telling the truth. In thinking about it, she had eaten the peach last time and been sent home, so it seemed likely that he was being truthful in his explanation of things. With a deep breath, she picked up her coffee cup once more and took a slow sip of the bitter liquid, fairly purring as it burned a clearing path down her throat, the searing heat bringing her senses to life once more.
They ate in companionable silence for awhile, Sarah finding that she was not just hungry, but starving. Having found her appetite, she dug into the delicious breakfast set before her with a smile. As she sated her hunger, she returned to her coffee, sitting back in her chair and watching as Jareth finished his breakfast.
He was as handsome as she remembered, in fact, if it could be possible, he was even more handsome than her memory said. In the mid-morning light of the balcony, he did not seem as scary or villainous as he had when she was running the Labyrinth, and she wasn't sure if it was the light, a change in her attitude toward him, or his lack of leather clothing, but despite the cause, she liked the change.
"Jareth, why do you keep calling me Precious and Dearest and the like?" she suddenly found herself blurting.
Oh Gods…you did not just ask the Goblin King that? – yelped her inner-voice. Honey, he could call us a weasel sandwich and I wouldn't care, so long as he called us something…..really…who cares what he calls us!
Jareth paused in mid-bite, cocking an aristocratic eyebrow as he looked at her. Yes, she was full of surprises.
"Does it bother you, Sarah?" he enquired smoothly, a bemused smirk teasing at the corners of his mouth.
Blushing, Sarah shook her head, feeling like a colossal idiot for asking in the first place.
"They are merely terms of endearment. Your achievement here makes you precious and dear, not just to me, but to the kingdom as a whole. If you would prefer that I refrain…" he replied quietly, a mischevious look flickering across his face. "Would you prefer…love…darling…..pet?" he purred darkly, stressing each new variation with seductive glee and taking immense pleasure at the crimson flush that washed over her face.
"Umm….No….they are okay," she breathed, feeling her face flush again.
Pushing back from the table, Jareth held out his hand to her once more. As she took it, he led her from the dining hall, through the throne room and out the front entry of the castle. The large marble entryway of the castle offered a wonderful view of the Goblin City, one that Sarah had not appreciated in her haste to get to the castle on her last visit. The buildings of the city were not the muddy brown she remembered from her frantic run through the city, rather they were a rainbow of orange, brown and rust colored shades, glowing vibrantly in the morning sunlight. From her vantage point at the entryway of the castle, Sarah could see figures milling around the cobbled streets and alleys of the city, busily going about their morning work. It was fascinating.
With Bob and Squint trailing them, their little chests puffed out importantly, Jareth swept into the city, Sarah on his arm, trying desperately to keep up with his long strides. It wasn't until she tripped on a cobbled curb racing to keep up, that he realized he had been taking her for more of a drag than a stroll, and finally slowed down, a vaguely sheepish grin flitting over his face.
Sarah was surprised to note that the goblins of the city reacted differently to the Goblin King than those who lived in the castle. While the goblins in the castle were a bit clueless and obtuse, those in the city seemed more intelligent and pleased to see him, bowing or curtseying to him in a friendly manner. More surprising however was the fact that the city was not just populated with goblins, but various humanoids as well.
Steering her through a small russet colored door marked with a needle and thread, Jareth pulled her to a stop inside a small shop, filled with racks of clothing and bolts of cloth.
"It is my understanding that young women of your age Aboveground enjoy shopping for clothing. So I thought we might start your tour here, so that we can remedy the current state of your skirt," he chuckled at her startled expression, "After all, it would never do for you to show up to dinner with your friends in this state. Hogwart would assume I have been up to no good," he winked wickedly at her, his gloved hand gesturing at the splotches of unknown origin along the hem of her skirt from when she had knelt on the floor of the throne room.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," said a small, rotund woman as she rounded the counter, a friendly smile breaking across her ruddy face as she curtsied. "I was not expecting you this morning. I'm afraid your new wardrobe items are not yet ready, Sire."
Sarah tried not to stare at the little red-haired woman, but could not take her eyes away. Seeing her look of shock, Jareth leaned down to her, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.
"Sarah Precious, this is Genevive, she was a wished-away child who was adopted by my favorite seamstress and has now become the royal seamstress for my court," he said, smiling quietly at Genevive.
"Genevive, I am not here today after items for myself. This is Lady Sarah, the Champion of the Labyrinth," he continued, introducing Sarah who looked flustered. "She is in need of some clothing. I think a new skirt to replace the one she has on and at least one dress for semi-formal wear. Although I want you to take measurements for others, in case they should be needed," he added, a mischevious smirk lighting his face as he looked at Sarah's reaction.
For her part, Sarah just looked pleasantly confused. So far, her birthday was turning out to be anything but ordinary, in a good sort of way.
This is not a birthday for an ordinary girl – snickered her inner-self.
Nodding, Genevive grinned widely at Sarah, "Welcome m'lady. I'm so pleased to finally get to meet you."
Bustling about the shop, Genevive plucked several skirts from a nearby rack, laying them on the counter. She looked at Sarah, as if appraising her, then nodded, muttering to herself as she snatched up a full skirt made of deep black material, with a black lace overlay that shimmered with iridescent black threads.
"Hmm…yes. This would work so much better than the brown. No offense dear," she smiled, as she led Sarah behind a small screened off area. "Try this on and we'll see about hemming it."
As Genevive pottered about the shop while Sarah changed, Jareth flicked through the bolts of cloth on the racks, considering the color selections available. When dressed, Sarah peeked nervously around the corner of the screen, catching Jareth's eye, she blushed as he motioned her to step forward. Stepping around the screen, she smiled shyly. Jareth smiled, his eyes hooded as he appraised her, nodding approvingly, he twirled his finger at her, to which she slowly spun in a circle so he could view her from all sides, the skirt swirling lightly around her legs with a gentle rustle of fabric.
"Hmm…yes. I do like the black. Good choice, Genevive. Of course, she'll need new boots to go with it," he drawled, his voice a low rumble of approval. Pausing, he inclined his head as if listening to something none of the others could hear, then cursed under his breath. rubbing the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Damn it all, I must go."
Sarah looked at him in surprise, a sudden feeling of loss threatening to overwhelm her.
Oh goodness girl. Get a hold of yourself! It isn't like he is going forever – scolded her inner-self.
Jareth raised a gloved hand, his fingers lightly caressing her jawline, secretly pleased at the look of loss that flitted over her face, knowing that she was becoming used to his presence pleased him in ways he had not anticipated. Dipping his head to brush his lips tenderly on her forehead, the sigh that escaped her lips making him smile as he murmured softly, "I promise to return soon, Dearest. It is a wisher, so duty calls."
Addressing the seamstress, Jareth continued dictating his desires, "Genevive, I leave Lady Sarah in your capable hands. See that she is outfitted for touring the kingdom today, and the semi-formal dress for this evening….something in deep green or a nice blue, I should think."
Then, he turned his attention to Bob and Squint, who were merrily clambering over empty fabric bolts in a corner of the shop.
"You two, listen up!" he snapped at them, making them quake while grinning stupidly up at him. "Should Lady Sarah finish at the shop before I return, I want you to take her to the Goblin Markets. Stay with her and keep her safe!"
"Yes, Majesty," the goblins squeaked, Bob winding a scrap of navy velvet studiously around the top of his colander hat.
In a puff of glitter and silver smoke, the Goblin King vanished, leaving Sarah at the mercy of the royal seamstress and two small goblins of limited intellect.

:) (Smile) — Description
SUMMARY Continuation of Sarah's Sweet Sixteen. This chapter covers the first part of her birthday in the Goblin Kingdom.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing...well...not Labyrinth at any rate. No goblins, humans, humanoids or chickens were harmed in the writing of this chapter, although 'Phil' the chicken did suffer a bout of low-self esteem and a goblin did get into my donuts and got soundly thumped for it. Me on the otherhand, I would happily snog Jareth within an inch of his immortal life if given half a chance - just sayin!
WARNING: Some references to 'nekkid' Goblin King (sadly, not explicit. Poor Sarah probably would've swooned had I gone there.) Rating is currently T, but is likely to go up to M later (maybe).
Author's Note: Please read and review... they inspire me to keep going and to write faster.
Admittedly, on her first visit to the castle beyond the Goblin City, Sarah had been somewhat preoccupied, so it was natural that she missed seeing some of the more interesting aspects of it, something Jareth was happy to remedy on the way to breakfast. Still recovering from the embarrassment of landing on top of a naked Goblin King, Sarah was relieved to have something else to occupy her mind as he led her through the twists and turns of the stone corridors.
But you have to admit, a naked Jareth is a great birthday present – insisted her inner-self. Yup. It isn't everyday you get the chance to ogle a naked Goblin King and you had to go and ruin it by running screaming from the room.
Shaking her head slightly, Sarah blushed trying to clear the image of him standing there partially wrapped in a sheet, his bare chest glistening in the morning light. She gasped slightly at the thought, before glancing quickly at Jareth, hoping he didn't notice as she tried to pay attention to what he was telling her about the extensive collection of books in the library. The library was immense and incredibly well-stocked with books from both the Underground and Aboveground.
Seeing her rapt expression, Jareth gestured toward the room. "You know Sarah, you are welcome to visit again to enjoy the library if you so wish. Or to visit for other reasons…." he said, leaving the rest of the thought unspoken, yet the intent hung in the air between them like a fog.
Smiling shyly at him, Sarah nodded, "I think I might enjoy that. Thank you for the invitation."
Hmm…Yes. Other reasons… – purred her inner-voice again, making googley eyes at Jareth.
From there, Jareth took her into the ballroom, surprised at the way she hesitated at the doorway as she peered suspiciously around the heavy doors while he held them open for her.
He smiled gently at her, his pale eyes shining mischeviously, "I know it isn't as grand as the ballroom of your dream, Precious, but you don't have anything to fear here. There is no baby to save, no time limit, in fact, it is empty."
Jareth watched her as she dipped her head, her face flushing. She seemed to do that quite a bit and he found it charming. He chuckled softly, longing to caress her crimson cheek, instead, he held his hand out to her, a smile lighting up his aristocratic features. A brief look of doubt flickered in her emerald eyes, before she placed her hand tentatively in his. Instead of simply leading her into the room, Jareth began humming and spun her around the room in a waltz, slow at first, then spinning her faster around the room. At first she looked up at him in shock, her jade eyes wide, then after a few spins and turns amongst columns that lined the edge of the dance floor, she began to relax and laugh. His heart thundered in his chest at the sound of her laughter as it bounced merrily off the marble walls of the room, and he couldn't help himself but to join her, the sound of his own tenor laugh dancing with hers to echo in the empty ballroom.
The ballroom was grand enough, with grey marble walls, hung with tapestries of what Sarah would call fantasy creatures, but what in the Underworld, were just different races of creatures. As they whirled around the room in an impromptu dance, Sarah smiled, her eyes shutting as she picked up the tune he was humming and hummed along, losing herself in the feeling of his hands holding her as he guided her through the room.
After dancing her around the room several times, Jareth pulled them up to a stop against the marble dais along one side of the room, the both of them panting from the speed of the dance and their laughter.
"Oh my," gasped Sarah, laughing softly and holding her sides as she fought to regain her breath. "I could just imagine this room full of people and music and talking. It is magnificent."
Her words made Jareth laugh all the more. If he had any say in it, she would see the room just like that someday.
"Perhaps someday you shall, Sarah," he drawled, his voice dropping an octave as he gazed at her, enjoying the way she was flushed from the dance and her joyous laughter.
Taking her hand, he led her through a door behind the dais, pushing aside a heavy tapestry in front of them to arrive in the throne room, standing behind the throne. Seeing the look of surprise on her face, he winked at her, a wide smile baring his sharp canines as he pulled her through the passage and fully onto the dais, leaning lightly against the semi-circular throne in front of them.
"Don't tell me you are surprised to find secret passages in the castle, dearest?" he laughed quietly, his eyes sparkling with delight at her reaction.
Sarah giggled and shook her head, "Actually, I'm not. It seems only natural that the Lord of the Labyrinth would have a castle that is as mysterious and convoluted as the Labyrinth itself."
Cocking his head to the side, he smiled at her. Having beaten the Labyrinth, he knew she was clever, but she seemed to understand things better than he expected. Jareth looked at the girl questioningly, "Sarah precious, how did you know I am the Lord of the Labyrinth as well as the Goblin King?"
She shrugged, her breath hitching in her throat at the way he looked at her. Turning away from him, she looked around the throne room, her slender fingers lightly caressing the throne in front of her as she spoke.
"I don't know really," she said, her voice soft and thoughtful. "It just seemed to make sense. You may rule the Goblin Kingdom, but the Labyrinth is…well…it feels…alive and magical, like it can't be ruled, but can be, well…overseen."
Jareth nodded, placing a gloved hand over hers as it traced the scrollwork on the back of the throne. With his other hand he lightly caressed her chin, tenderly lifting her head so he could see her face. Shaking his head slightly, he peered into her emerald eyes, a bemused smile teasing his thin lips.
"You really are a most remarkable and perceptive young woman, Precious. And in this case, you are absolutely correct. The Labyrinth is a sentient force and cannot be ruled. The Labyrinth grants me the power to adapt it in many ways, but it is a being in its own right, alive and magical. I do not rule it, merely watch over it and use it to challenge runners as needed."
Holding his arm out to her once more, Jareth was pleased when she placed her hand on it without hesitation this time. She really was a remarkable young woman. Over the years many Fae women had visited his kingdom, hoping to claim the Goblin Queen's crown for themselves, but none had ever understood his bond with the Labyrinth, assuming that he ruled it just as he ruled the kingdom, merely because it was within the kingdom borders. Yet, Sarah instinctively understood the relationship, and accepted it as natural and normal. She never ceased to amaze him. He could now see that he had indeed underestimated her when she had been running the Labyrinth to reclaim Toby.
Before he could continue that thought, their progress was halted by a contingent of goblins that came racing into the room, with Bob and Squint in the lead.
"Lady! Lady," they clamored, bouncing eagerly around her legs.
"Bob! Squint!" she laughed happily, ignoring the dirt, chicken feathers and sludge that Jareth feared was rancid goblin ale, as she knelt on stone floor of the throne room to hug her goblin 'roomates'.
Jareth stood there silently, an amused smirk playing over his face as he watched the scene before him. No woman Fae or otherwise, had ever accepted his throne room in its normal state of goblin chaos. Over the years he had found that the mess, dirt and chaos of the throne room was a great way to discourage the 'throne-seeking' females of the Underground, as none of them wanted to be surrounded by the mess and chaos for long and all demanded that it be cleaned up. Yet, here was Sarah, who seemed totally unperturbed by it all, in fact, she didn't even seem to notice it.
The other goblins stood back a bit, shuffling nervously as they watched Sarah hug Bob and Squint tightly. Turning back to the others, Bob stood up, his chest puffing out importantly as he spoke to them, the colander he wore as a hat sliding low over one eye, before he shoved it back up again.
"This be Boss Lady. You gotta be good 'round 'er or no cookies," he said, waggling his finger at them sternly. "And no jumpin on 'er. She doan like dat."
"Yup. Yup!" agreed Squint, nodding his head. "An doan play wit 'er drawing stuff, or ya get thumped."
Raising an eyebrow, Jareth looked at Sarah, with mock sternness, his mismatched eyes glinting merrily, "Is this true, Precious? Are you taking liberties and punishing my subjects by thumping them?"
Nibbling her lip, Sarah felt her face flush again as she clapped a hand over Squint's mouth.
"Me…um…of course not. I wouldn't dare," she replied, while Squint struggled to nod despite the headlock Sarah now had him in.
Leaning close to her, Jareth smiled mischeviously, his lips curled in a feral smirk.
"And you are lying through your teeth, my dear. Have you no shame lying to the King?" he purred silkily, watching as she shivered under his gaze.
Sarah cocked an eyebrow at him and grinned cheekily, releasing the struggling Squint and shoving him behind her with her foot.
"Apparently not, Your Majesty. And to my credit, they deserved it. Bob nearly ruined my end of term art project by spilling cocoa on my drawing notebook. And Squint made it worse by trying to use my eraser to erase the cocoa. Throwing a pillow at them to make them stop was less drastic than… than kicking them," she grinned impishly, as if daring him to challenge her claim.
Jareth's chuckle rumbled from his throat, making Sarah sigh deeply at the sound.
"Hmm…yes…although some of them rather enjoy being kicked," he laughed, kicking the goblin nearest him, who squealed with delight as it flew across the room before landing on a black chicken that squawked indignantly. Once it landed, the goblin hopped up, brushed itself off, hugged the chicken then raced back to the pack of goblins near Sarah and the King, grinning madly.
The goblins around them were aghast at the way Sarah spoke to their King.
"She gonna get kicked fer sayin that," claimed a goblin with blue horns and a bulbous red nose.
"Nah…Kingy gonna bog 'er fer dat fer sure," nodded a goblin with black chicken feathers tucked over his ears, and wearing a striped sock as a hat.
"Nope…I bets on oub…orb…oublett…yous know dem holes he dun gots," replied another.
Sarah couldn't help but giggle as the goblins ceased to pay any attention to she or Jareth and instead began arguing about how he would punish her. The next thing she knew, they were organizing a betting pool on the event. Reading the hastily scrawled notes being drawn on the wall with a piece of chalk, she laughed.
"2:1 odds that I'll be bogged? Really Bob? Don't you think that is a bit high," she asked, glancing briefly at Jareth to see him shrug and wink at her.
"But Kingy really likes boggin us," Bob replied, handing the goblin with the striped sock on his head, who was acting as bookie, three black chicken feathers and a cracked rock – which seemed to be the preferred currency for the betting. Speaking to the bookie, Bob said, "I take the boggins."
"Um, Bob…why is bogging down on the list as both 2:1 and 4:1?" Sarah asked, as she read the list over once more.
The little goblin bookie looked up at her and snickered, the other goblins stopping their bets to join in.
"Dat second one ain't boggin, Lady….dats 4:1 on snoggin," he replied emphatically. "Catcha read?"
Snatching the chalk from the little goblins hand, Sarah rolled her eyes and grumbled. With a huff of irritation, she turned to the wall, and crossed out the second notation of 'boggin', before writing 'snogging' clearly over it.
"Gee thanks, Lady!" grinned the bookie goblin, going back to taking bets, as he changed the odds on oublietting from 6:1 to 10:1 in favor of bogging.
Realizing what she had done, Sarah blushed brightly, swiftly moving to erase where she had scrawled 'snogging' on the wall. She gasped as Jareth gave a low chuckle from behind her, a gloved hand snaking over her shoulder to pluck the chalk from her fingers.
"No changing the odds list, Dearest," he laughed, his breath teasing her ear as he spoke. "Besides, I rather like those odds."
Taking her hand, he guided her around the mass of goblins, as others entered the room to place their bets, Sarah still blushing furiously. Turning he inclined his head, inspecting Bob and Squint.
"Bob…Squint….I want you two to come with Lady Sarah and I to the Goblin Markets this morning."
"Yes, yer Majesty," the little goblins chorused, following their King and their beloved Boss Lady from the throne room.
Finally reaching the dining hall, Sarah gasped as they entered. The walls were lined with lovely tapestries and candle sconces. In the center of the room was an extensive table that could easily seat 50 people.
"You eat in here?" Sarah asked in awe.
Shaking his head, Jareth smiled and led her toward the balcony, where a small table was set for two.
"No, this is the formal dining room. As I usually dine alone, I eat in my chambers. However, given the way you reacted to being in my chambers earlier, I thought it best that we eat in…shall we say….neutral territory," he teased, his pale eyes dancing as he looked at her. "While my balcony offers a better view of the Labyrinth, I thought you might prefer someplace less, personal."
Seating Sarah, Jareth then settled himself on the other chair, as several goblins began placing platters and plates upon the table. Unsure what to do, Sarah sat there nibbling her lip thoughtfully. She had read somewhere that in the British monarchy, no one was supposed to eat until the Queen had started. While that obviously applied to an Aboveground monarchy, she figured it wouldn't hurt to follow those guidelines here, since she had not idea what else to do and didn't want him to think ill of her.
Oh…and why is that, Sarah? Since when do we care what the Goblin King thinks of us? - cooed her inner-voice, in a voice that suggested that if it could wink, it would have winked suggestively at her.
Seeing her nibbling on her lip once more, something he had noticed she did when she was nervous or unsure, Jareth smiled gently at her, gesturing toward her plate.
"Eat, Sarah. Formal court manners are not necessary for a casual breakfast amongst friends," he said, his voice calm and reassuring as he nodded at her.
"Um…thanks…not that I know anything about court manners. I mean, they aren't anything I ever thought I'd need to know, not like there is anyone at home to teach me even if they were needed," she grinned, breathing a sigh of relief as she tucked her napkin in her lap and sugared her coffee.
Picking up his knife and spreading jam upon a pastry, Jareth nodded in agreement, "True. Just trust me, Precious. Should you ever need to know such things, I shall make sure that you are taught."
Jareth watched, smiling indulgently as she picked up her coffee cup, brought it to her lips, then paused. Her emerald eyes flickered momentarily with fear, before she set her cup down, a frown creasing her eyebrows as she studied her plate.
"Would you prefer something else, Sarah?" he asked quietly as he watched her, trying to read her strange reaction. "It is your birthday afterall. I'd be happy to have Cook make something else if you would like."
Shaking her head, Sarah smiled wanly, her eyes still creased with worry. "No, it looks delicious, I just….I'm not sure… I…." she stammered, still staring at her plate.
She had been having a lovely time on her visit, more so than she had expected, but when faced with eating food, his food, she started to have flashbacks to the enchanted peach and she was afraid. Afraid the food would enchant her once more. Afraid that if she ate it, she would be trapped here, just as her Gran had said.
Oh….if only Gran had told me that before I came to the Labyrinth the first time. Then I wouldn't have eaten any of that damnable enchanted peach, she thought.
True, but then you wouldn't have gotten to dance in Jareth's arms. And you know he was going to kiss you. I'm still ticked off that you ran from him. Don't you want to know what it would feel like to feel his lips….
Enough! Don't even think it…
But what if….
Shut up!
Taking a deep breath, as if steeling herself, Sarah peered up at the Goblin King, who was calmly biting into a pastry as he watched her intently. She had to ask, but it was difficult.
Yeah, great way to insult your host. 'So Goblin King….is the food safe to eat or am I going to end up in your enchanted ballroom again…. grumbled her inner-self.
… or in someplace better….like your bedroom?' – quipped another part of her brain.
Sarah blushed, biting her lip hard to squelch the images that filled her mind.
Seriously, neither of you are making this any easier, she scolded herself.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head, determined to look the Goblin King in the eye when she asked him. At the last minute she chickened out, taking intense interest in platter of eggs instead.
"Well, when Gran came to visit last year, she was telling Toby and I tales from where she grew up and said that should we ever find ourselves in fairy land as she put it, that we should never eat or drink, or we'd be stuck there forever. And well… the Underground would probably qualify for Gran's warning."
Jareth looked up, vaguely surprised by the rush with which she spoke. Seeing the earnest worry on her face, he suppressed his natural urge to laugh.
"Precious, while I would welcome you staying here indefinitely, I am not about to trick you into it. Firstly, you already have eaten Fae food," he replied quietly, watching her face as he explained.
Sarah shook her head. "No I haven't," she replied adamantly.
"Yes, you have. Think about it. What happened when you ran the Labyrinth for your brother," he hinted, his pale eyes narrowing as he watched the color drain from her face as the answer hit her full force.
"That blasted peach," she gasped, looking at him with wide eyes that flashed angrily.
Jareth couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Yes, the blasted peach as you call it. You ate it and were you forced to remain here?"
"Well, no…but not through lack of trying and trickery on your part," she grumbled, glaring at him sharply, the unsaid accusation apparent in her tone.
"Precious, you were sent home. The only long-term effect of the Fae fruit you ate was that you would always be able to see what other mortals view as 'mythical' or fantasy creatures – like my goblins. Other than that, there is no effect," he replied, his voice soft and soothing, as he smiled at her. "Not only that, but as the Champion of the Labyrinth, you are a protected class. While you currently need an invitation and my help to come to my kingdom, should you ever really want to return home, you have merely to ask the Labyrinth for help and it will be given.
Sarah ventured to look at him, her lips parting in surprise as she listened to his explanation.
"Furthermore, do you remember your last words to me before you were returned home last time?" he asked, his voice dropping as the words became somewhat icy, his eyes pinning her in place as they darkened momentarily.
She nodded, a sad frown creasing her lovely face at the memory. Jareth sighed heavily seeing the regret written on her face. He had been very angry when she had denied him, it had taken a very long time to get over it. To have her here willingly was doing wonders for banishing any further bouts of it, but the memory of being denied by a mere slip of a mortal girl still grated at him when the memory was teased.
"In saying those words, I can no longer use trickery to keep you here, Dearest. That is just the way it is," Jareth sighed, before continuing. "So it is perfectly safe for you to enjoy the food and drink. Although I suggest you avoid goblin ale should it be offered to you. It is a bit…potent and I'd hate for you to have to explain a hellish hangover to your parents, when you are most definitely underage Aboveground," he continued with a laugh, his eyes twinkling merrily at her discomfort.
Relaxing a bit with his explanation, Sarah hoped he was telling the truth. In thinking about it, she had eaten the peach last time and been sent home, so it seemed likely that he was being truthful in his explanation of things. With a deep breath, she picked up her coffee cup once more and took a slow sip of the bitter liquid, fairly purring as it burned a clearing path down her throat, the searing heat bringing her senses to life once more.
They ate in companionable silence for awhile, Sarah finding that she was not just hungry, but starving. Having found her appetite, she dug into the delicious breakfast set before her with a smile. As she sated her hunger, she returned to her coffee, sitting back in her chair and watching as Jareth finished his breakfast.
He was as handsome as she remembered, in fact, if it could be possible, he was even more handsome than her memory said. In the mid-morning light of the balcony, he did not seem as scary or villainous as he had when she was running the Labyrinth, and she wasn't sure if it was the light, a change in her attitude toward him, or his lack of leather clothing, but despite the cause, she liked the change.
"Jareth, why do you keep calling me Precious and Dearest and the like?" she suddenly found herself blurting.
Oh Gods…you did not just ask the Goblin King that? – yelped her inner-voice. Honey, he could call us a weasel sandwich and I wouldn't care, so long as he called us something…..really…who cares what he calls us!
Jareth paused in mid-bite, cocking an aristocratic eyebrow as he looked at her. Yes, she was full of surprises.
"Does it bother you, Sarah?" he enquired smoothly, a bemused smirk teasing at the corners of his mouth.
Blushing, Sarah shook her head, feeling like a colossal idiot for asking in the first place.
"They are merely terms of endearment. Your achievement here makes you precious and dear, not just to me, but to the kingdom as a whole. If you would prefer that I refrain…" he replied quietly, a mischevious look flickering across his face. "Would you prefer…love…darling…..pet?" he purred darkly, stressing each new variation with seductive glee and taking immense pleasure at the crimson flush that washed over her face.
"Umm….No….they are okay," she breathed, feeling her face flush again.
Pushing back from the table, Jareth held out his hand to her once more. As she took it, he led her from the dining hall, through the throne room and out the front entry of the castle. The large marble entryway of the castle offered a wonderful view of the Goblin City, one that Sarah had not appreciated in her haste to get to the castle on her last visit. The buildings of the city were not the muddy brown she remembered from her frantic run through the city, rather they were a rainbow of orange, brown and rust colored shades, glowing vibrantly in the morning sunlight. From her vantage point at the entryway of the castle, Sarah could see figures milling around the cobbled streets and alleys of the city, busily going about their morning work. It was fascinating.
With Bob and Squint trailing them, their little chests puffed out importantly, Jareth swept into the city, Sarah on his arm, trying desperately to keep up with his long strides. It wasn't until she tripped on a cobbled curb racing to keep up, that he realized he had been taking her for more of a drag than a stroll, and finally slowed down, a vaguely sheepish grin flitting over his face.
Sarah was surprised to note that the goblins of the city reacted differently to the Goblin King than those who lived in the castle. While the goblins in the castle were a bit clueless and obtuse, those in the city seemed more intelligent and pleased to see him, bowing or curtseying to him in a friendly manner. More surprising however was the fact that the city was not just populated with goblins, but various humanoids as well.
Steering her through a small russet colored door marked with a needle and thread, Jareth pulled her to a stop inside a small shop, filled with racks of clothing and bolts of cloth.
"It is my understanding that young women of your age Aboveground enjoy shopping for clothing. So I thought we might start your tour here, so that we can remedy the current state of your skirt," he chuckled at her startled expression, "After all, it would never do for you to show up to dinner with your friends in this state. Hogwart would assume I have been up to no good," he winked wickedly at her, his gloved hand gesturing at the splotches of unknown origin along the hem of her skirt from when she had knelt on the floor of the throne room.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," said a small, rotund woman as she rounded the counter, a friendly smile breaking across her ruddy face as she curtsied. "I was not expecting you this morning. I'm afraid your new wardrobe items are not yet ready, Sire."
Sarah tried not to stare at the little red-haired woman, but could not take her eyes away. Seeing her look of shock, Jareth leaned down to her, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.
"Sarah Precious, this is Genevive, she was a wished-away child who was adopted by my favorite seamstress and has now become the royal seamstress for my court," he said, smiling quietly at Genevive.
"Genevive, I am not here today after items for myself. This is Lady Sarah, the Champion of the Labyrinth," he continued, introducing Sarah who looked flustered. "She is in need of some clothing. I think a new skirt to replace the one she has on and at least one dress for semi-formal wear. Although I want you to take measurements for others, in case they should be needed," he added, a mischevious smirk lighting his face as he looked at Sarah's reaction.
For her part, Sarah just looked pleasantly confused. So far, her birthday was turning out to be anything but ordinary, in a good sort of way.
This is not a birthday for an ordinary girl – snickered her inner-self.
Nodding, Genevive grinned widely at Sarah, "Welcome m'lady. I'm so pleased to finally get to meet you."
Bustling about the shop, Genevive plucked several skirts from a nearby rack, laying them on the counter. She looked at Sarah, as if appraising her, then nodded, muttering to herself as she snatched up a full skirt made of deep black material, with a black lace overlay that shimmered with iridescent black threads.
"Hmm…yes. This would work so much better than the brown. No offense dear," she smiled, as she led Sarah behind a small screened off area. "Try this on and we'll see about hemming it."
As Genevive pottered about the shop while Sarah changed, Jareth flicked through the bolts of cloth on the racks, considering the color selections available. When dressed, Sarah peeked nervously around the corner of the screen, catching Jareth's eye, she blushed as he motioned her to step forward. Stepping around the screen, she smiled shyly. Jareth smiled, his eyes hooded as he appraised her, nodding approvingly, he twirled his finger at her, to which she slowly spun in a circle so he could view her from all sides, the skirt swirling lightly around her legs with a gentle rustle of fabric.
"Hmm…yes. I do like the black. Good choice, Genevive. Of course, she'll need new boots to go with it," he drawled, his voice a low rumble of approval. Pausing, he inclined his head as if listening to something none of the others could hear, then cursed under his breath. rubbing the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Damn it all, I must go."
Sarah looked at him in surprise, a sudden feeling of loss threatening to overwhelm her.
Oh goodness girl. Get a hold of yourself! It isn't like he is going forever – scolded her inner-self.
Jareth raised a gloved hand, his fingers lightly caressing her jawline, secretly pleased at the look of loss that flitted over her face, knowing that she was becoming used to his presence pleased him in ways he had not anticipated. Dipping his head to brush his lips tenderly on her forehead, the sigh that escaped her lips making him smile as he murmured softly, "I promise to return soon, Dearest. It is a wisher, so duty calls."
Addressing the seamstress, Jareth continued dictating his desires, "Genevive, I leave Lady Sarah in your capable hands. See that she is outfitted for touring the kingdom today, and the semi-formal dress for this evening….something in deep green or a nice blue, I should think."
Then, he turned his attention to Bob and Squint, who were merrily clambering over empty fabric bolts in a corner of the shop.
"You two, listen up!" he snapped at them, making them quake while grinning stupidly up at him. "Should Lady Sarah finish at the shop before I return, I want you to take her to the Goblin Markets. Stay with her and keep her safe!"
"Yes, Majesty," the goblins squeaked, Bob winding a scrap of navy velvet studiously around the top of his colander hat.
In a puff of glitter and silver smoke, the Goblin King vanished, leaving Sarah at the mercy of the royal seamstress and two small goblins of limited intellect.