Rating: Part of this slips into M

Note: Went longer than expected but parts seemed to write themselves.

Courtship of The Goblin King - Part I

Ellamora pulled berry scones out of her cooker. Sarah brewed morning tea. Toby arranged the table with a pot of sweet yellow butter, jam, small plates, and spreading knives they needed for their breakfast. It was Rest-Day and they had all slept in a bit. The kitchen was filled with warm light, and laughter as the dark-haired young woman regaled them with tales of the night before.

"Then he took me to his ballroom and…well…when we started to dance, a clear image of a dress I'd admired a few months ago popped into my mind. The next think I knew, I was wearing it. Just that quick." She snapped her fingers. "My magic chose that moment to appear and created this magnificent gown I'd seen when shopping."

"Wow, enchanted clothes." Her brother was impressed. He had noticed the slight changes in her complexion when they got up, but it was nothing compared to the idea that she could actually make things appear and disappear. "That sounds great."

"Not so much, Big Guy." Sarah giggled. "The new gown lasted about a minute before it changed back. No matter how hard I concentrated, it kept flipping from the silk to the cotton and back again. Jareth offered to help and added a bit of glitter to my shoulder. With his assistance, everything mostly stayed in place. Though a few times he'd give me this odd grin." She wanted to say endearing, but didn't want to embarrass her brother. "Then he'd twitch a finger and a few sparkly specks landed me. We just kept on dancing with me in a Aboveground designer ballgown."

"Oh, my dear, my dear," the elderly Elf was laughing so hard she had to blink away tears. "If His Highness had magicked the outfit on his own, it would have remained until he undid the spell. His abilities are among the strongest in the history of the Underground. Instead he supported your powers, and gave you a lesson at the same time. You're changing and it sounds like it is all for the good."

"It was quite the experience. I'm just glad it happened when we were alone." Sarah poured tea and passed around cups as they sat at the table.

"You learned your first rule about dealing with magic and had fun doing it." Ellamora nodded knowingly and handed Toby the basket of warm scones. "There's a legend from before the folk of power moved to the Underground. Don't know if it is true, but I always keep it in mind when I'm tempted to take a shortcut with my sewing. There was a ruler who thought magic was the end-all-be-all. He had all his clothes made that way. Cloth and thread weren't to touch his skin. One day when he was walking through the streets of town, his outfit just disappeared. He ended up naked as the day he was born, and never new it."

"'The Emperor's New Clothes'," the Williams siblings spoke at once.

"You've heard of it?"

"Yes" Toby laughed. His sister hummed and nodded in agreement since she'd just taken a bite of scone. "It's a fairytale from Above.

After she chewed and swallowed she asked. "Are there other things that I should worry about?" This magic business was going to be harder than she thought.

"Mostly it depends on how much power a being's got and if they decide to use it." Ellamora shrugged. "Two items most everyone is careful about are clothes and food. The issues with edibles are that they taste bland, and lack nutrients to sustain life. You make something out of nothing and that is what you'll ingest. Course there are some who change vegetables into a tastier form to avoid an argument with their child. Most of those items maintain their life-giving value. Though a body could be half-way through dinner and suddenly everything changes back to what it was originally." She humped. "I never took the easy way out. A child needs to learn, not be tricked or lied to."

"That's why when you cook you use real food, tea, and herbs?" Sarah wondered.

"Yes, and I enjoy putting meals together for folks and mixing potions. But the clean up, I'll let magic take care of that." She looked around her tidy kitchen as they ate. "When I retired, Her Highness added some of her power to this cottage. I've got some of my own, but I never used them much, so they didn't develop to their full potential."

"Can magic set the table and and not harm the food?" Toby asked, since that was his job everytime they ate.

"Just moving things around doesn't do any harm. But if I let the cottage do all the work, young man, you'd never learn how to do it. A body needs to be able to make a bed, and keep his room in order. I've put cooking on your to-do list when you're a bit more settled."

Their breakfast was interrupted by a knock on the front door.

"Hoggle," Toby greeted the Dwarf with joy, glad to get Ellamora's mind off all the things she wanted to teach him.

"Mistress Kilhaggen, Master Toby, Lady Sarah." The little man nodded to them, gripping his hat nervously in his hands.

"Would you care for some breakfast?" The Elf offered.

"That's right kind of yous, but I's wondered if Lady Sarah could go for a bit of a walk."

"May we take a scone with us?" Sarah asked.

"Sure can." The elderly being handed one to each, as they headed out the door. "Enjoy."

Hoggle took a special path he knew that began near the cottage. Five minutes later they were at his post by the large entrance doors to the great maze. "I don't gots no discretion spells likes His Majesty, so's this is the place ta talk. T'aint no one around here. Too early for them damn pixie-fairies and we'll get plenty a warnin' if a runner's comin' our ways."

She looked around in amazement. "Toby and I walked for hours and hours when we came up by the sundial. I never realized Ellamora's was so close."

"It tain't near at all, but there be shortcuts all over the place cause of the Labyrinth." Hoggle used his chin to point to the wooded area where they'd just been. "The start and finish to any of the hidden paths that lead to the maze stay the same. It's the middle that changes a might. Somedays it takes five steps and sometimes all day. I's came this way ta see yous this morning, so I knows it would get us here right quick."

Sarah took in the information but knew a discussion of geography wasn't why they were here. "I'm sorry I didn't contact you yesterday, or even when Toby was meeting with Jareth to make our courtship official." She plucked at the seam of her dress. "You deserved to hear it from me. You're my friend."

"Don't worrys your pretty head 'bout it." He smiled and patted her hand. "In the mornin' light I's can see changes been goin' on." The dwarf watched the sun sparkle off her cheekbones and eyelids. "I come ta check for myself that yous okay with what's happenin'. He's cared about yous for years and that Fae has some tricks up his sleeve."

"He isn't tricking me." She smiled softly. "I love him, Hoggle." Sarah sat on a large rock near her friend. "I always have. Back then, I messed up badly."

"Naw ya didn't. Ya did what ya thought ya had to do ta get your brother back." His tried to encourage her. "'Sides for a Human girl from Above, yous was awful young."

"At the end when I told him he had no power over me, I lied. But I thought I had to say it to save Tobes. And you're right, I was too young to understand what he was asking and how he made me feel."

"We's figured as much. Me, Ludo, and Didymus'd seen yous cryin' from our side a the mirror, but ya never called us after that first night. We'd have set it right with Jareth for yous and yous woudn'ta hurt anymore."

"I was afraid to contact you." Her voice crackled with pain. "I thought I killed your King."

"You couldn't a killed him, not unless yous had iron on ya and we checked, all of us did." The Dwarf shook his head at all the time that had been wasted. "Don't yous worry no more, Little Lady, what's done is done. Yous here and gets to be happy now." He pulled back because she held out her arms to give him a hug. "No yous don't. Jareth loves you but he still scares me. But that's for us men folk to work out." He shook his head as Sarah rolled her eyes. "We's both want you happy."

"I'll always love you as my first friend in the Underground." She smiled and gently patted his gnarled hand. "I am so happy that you and the others are good to Toby."

"He's your brother, Lady Sarah, and we been watchin' over him since you went away to that strange school. We ain't gonna stop now. Sides he's fun." The Dwarf snickered. "He reminds me a yous when yous was young."

"Please don't let him get into the trouble I got into." She eyed the Labyrinth with pleasure and doubt.

"We's will do our best, but you gots to remember he's a boy." Hoggle laughed as she began to sputter about girls being just as adventurous as the males of the species. "We needs ta get back Little Lady. Dydimus, Ludo and me are meetin' Toby, Mortimer, and Quentin to go fishin." He rubbed his hands together with glee at the thought of fryin up his fresh catch for dinner.

Sarah enjoyed the morning of Rest Day in the company of friends and family. Jareth was coming to Ellamora's for dinner and the next day she would meet the the Dowager Queen's seamstresses. She decided that this courtship business wasn't so bad, blissfully unaware that her name was being mentioned in homes and estates throughout the Underground. Livia's dinner party invitations had arrived.

Lady Marilee smiled softly over her morning tea. Ellamora, her mother, was full-blooded Elf though her father was Fae. When it came to matters of the heart her Elf side rang true and clear. It was evident to her that the King had found his Chosen One and she was very happy for them. Galen wasn't as cheerful as his wife. He liked Sarah and Toby, but was well aware that Livia's party was extremely important to the political outcome of the match.

Lord Sedgwick Dennimar and Lady Rhea, his wife, waved to their son Mort and his group of friends before closing themselves into her sitting room. This time they took the precaution of casting a discretion spell. Their past carelessness could damage the family name they'd worked so hard to repair. It was considered careless and rude to allow one's staff to overhear gossip, especially about the King and they had done so.

"They are an odd bunch, but Mortimer is certainly happy." Rhea watched out the window as the group disappeared into the woods, armed with fishing poles and a picnic basket.

"They certainly are." Sedgwick sighed wishing he'd been allowed such freedoms as a child. "King Jareth was correct when he said that group epitomized life in the Goblin Kingdom, especially when young Maia is along."

"Different beings living in harmony. We were wrong to try and interfere." His wife said what was on both their minds.

"About that, unless you take issue, I you plan to stand with His Majesty should problems arise. I want to put to rest, once and for all, the strife my grandfather created between our family and the royal house." Sedgwick read over the wording of the invitation one more time. "I'd like to knew if His Highness really cares for the young Human or if he is simply tired of interfering suggestions from the High Court and this is his way of thumbing his nose at them."

"Considering his parents that question should be easy." Rhea sighed. As a girl, she'd been very taken with Mesmer and Livia romantic natures. "King Jareth had his wilder days in his youth. He had his moments even after he took the throne. But in the last decade or so he hasn't taken a lover with the exception of an occasional minor interlude."

"Of course, he has." Her husband insisted. "He is Fae, after all. His Majesty simply learned to be discrete for the good of the Kingdom."

"No one is that discrete, not even the Goblin King. You forget that women boast when they've caught the attention of an eligible bachelor. I choose to believe he cares for her." Lady Dennimar announced. "One look and anyone can see she is taken with him. In fact, I think he met her on one of his trips Above. Who else has the magical strength to leave a portal where it doesn't belong. A portal that Lady Sarah and her brother were able to use to escape when their home was attacked." She crossed her arms and gave her head one emphatic nod. "And I think it is as romantic as his parents' story."

"My dear, when did you get old-fashioned religion?" He grinned at his wife and put his arm around her. "They say passion is more intense when one believes." Sedgwick whispered in Rhea's ear. The couple had always cared deeply for one another, but could never quite let go and embrace the old ways. "Mort will be gone for at least another hour-and-a-half, shall we experiment?" He offered his hand to his wife and laughed.

"Only if you keep the discretion spell in place, Wick." Rhea's eyes twinkled with mischief as she added the neck name she used for her husband during their most intimate moments.

"Are you planning on being naughty?"

"Only if you let me get away with it."

Duke Aiden of Montash and his wife, Duchess Tomlin, had been traveling with their daughter Lady Enya. They had been gone for three weeks attending the wedding of his twin brother, Ryan. Second pregnancies were unheard of when both parents were full blood Fae, but occasionally twins would be born. The Duke was eight minutes older than his brother. Due to the inheritance laws of their Dutchy those few minutes left the younger son with almost nothing, once he was of age.

"It was a nice enough wedding. More importantly it will see your brother well situated in life, even if he had to wed an Elf to accomplish it."

"I'm just relieved Ryan finally gave up wondering." Aiden had always looked down his nose at his twin's life aboard a cargo ship that traveled to all corners of the Underground. It didn't matter that the younger man had been an officer on a vessel he'd eventually had part ownership; it was because his brother had to deal with the most unsavory characters.

Lady Tomlin sipped her morning tea. She had married the brother with the title and ancestral lands. It made her feel superior to her new sister-on-law in every way possible. The bride had a large estate, with farmland surrounding it, but it hardly counted since it was in Elvish Territory. "I am glad to be home. I had trouble sleeping with the irritating sound of wind blowing through those retched fields."

"Elves are spinners of dreams. The flax they grow is a very lucrative and important crop." Aiden dug through the stack of papers that had piled up in his absense and pulled out a dazzling roll of parchment. "This bears the Dowager Queen's seal. It appears to be an invitation."

"Open that first." His wife insisted. "Enya and King Jareth are smitten. It will be another chance for them to be seen together in public without causing talk."

The Earl had his doubts. The Goblin King and his daughter had only met at social events. Unlike his wife and child, he was under no delusions about His Highness. If the King had been interested in Enya, courtship papers would have been signed long ago. The Duchess and their daughter had manipulated the King of the Goblins into an extra dance at the last party and gods help him the Duke had used his influence as a member of the High Court to apply pressure on the Monarch to wed. It was a misuse of power that he did not plan to repeat. At the time he'd been desperate to gain peace in his home.

Aiden unrolled the invitation and read. He was unsure if he should laugh or cry at the news. Whatever his reaction, he would keep it to himself.

"Well?" his wife demanded.

"It's a party. Read for yourself." He handed over the scroll and waited for the explosion.

"No," Tomlin gasped. She blinked and read the information a second time. "How can he do such a thing and with a Human." She demanded and sniffed as if smelling something foul.

"Momma what is the fuss about?" A tall slim Fae female yawn as she joined her parents for breakfast. Eyna was exquisite, even first thing in the morning. Despite her height she appeared delicate due to fine bones. Her blonde hair hung to her waist in curls, accenting flawless skin with a hint of sparkle that spoke of magic. But it was her eyes that everyone noticed first. They were the blue of a clear spring day.

The Duke had often mused that it was unfortunate that her mental capacity didn't live up to her stunning looks. If it did, she would have been married off her first season in society.

"Oh, my Treasure, I don't know how to tell you this, but Jareth has been unfaithful."

"What?" Enya clasped her hands as tears filled her eyes. She was so sure she was making progress.

"Livia is-" The Duchess began.

"Stop." Aiden interrupted his wife. "Just stop this nonsense now. You will address the royal family by their titles even in the privacy of our home." He insisted. "I have no idea what the two of you have been up to, but it will stop immediately. His Highness has made his choice and from the look of this invitation the girl has the Dowager Queen's approval, not an easy thing to acquire. There will be no funny business." He could tell it would be a difficult week, his daughter would be in tears and his wife angry.

"But daddy, he…he…"

"His Majesty…" He corrected his daughter.

"His Majesty," she gulped. "I was led to believe…" she bit her lower lip in apprehension. "King Jareth was the reason I ended my relationship with Count Morgan." Enya had realized the parentally approved affair she and the Count were involved in was not going to lead to marriage. He had become bored and his attention began to wander. She had ended things to save face. At her mother's urging she'd set her sights on the Goblin King.

Enya had been thrilled when she'd been out riding one day and happened to cross paths with the King. A little maneuvering and she'd managed to entice him by that small waterfall and pond near the great maze. It had given her the orgasm of her life when she thought about being addressed as Queen and adding some of the power of the Labyrinth to hers. But as hard as she tried, she had been unable to lure him into a repeat performance. In fact, the more effort she put into the endeavour, the cooler he'd treated her.

"The courtesan documents I signed on your behalf did not mention His Highness." The Duke's brows rose and his face was stern. "You do realize they are not transferable? Once one relationship ends, you may not simply substitute another."

"Of course, she knows that, Aiden." The Duchess ground her teeth when she thought about the status that had slipped through her fingers all because of some newly arrived Human. "King Jareth must have seduced our darling daughter or worse, taken advantage of a woman alone. Given his powers he could take any woman he wanted."

"As is his right as absolute sovereign. He has never exercised that power and neither did his father or grandfather. If he changed his mind, there are documents that we would have signed in order for a sanctioned liaison to take place. Speak now child, did he treat you improperly? If he did I will file a complaint before the High Court." He could see his wife nodding at their daughter, encouraging her to speak against their ruler.

Enya's eyes sparked with pride. The idea that a being, even one as magically strong as Jareth, would force her was absurd. "No father." Her eyes and voice hardened. "Our moment of passion was outside the bounds of society. And that made it all the more delightful." Her chin rose and she dared either parent to find fault. "It was a lovely afternoon and he chose me, as I did him. I wanted to be Queen."

"Have you asked yourself what he wanted." Her father glared, unsure if he should be proud of his daughter or embarrassed.

"Oh, my poor baby, he used you to satisfy his desires." Tomlin gasped.

"I didn't feel used, I felt sated and given his parents reputation, I was trying to make him fall in love me."

"He is a Fae Lord." The Duke's words ground out. "Fae do not love, no matter what delusions the Dowager Queen uses to keep warm at night." A long time ago, he'd had his eye on Livia the debutant, but it had done him no good, once she met Prince Mesmer. "Pleasure is what is important. His Highness has always been discrete about these things. If you are careful and do not call attention to your misguided intimacy, you may yet come out of it with your reputation intact."

"My reputation, what about his. Why can men enter into a dalliance with no repercussions, but a woman can't." Enya lost her temper.

As a male who was able to pick and choose females all his life, he'd never given any thought to his daughters complaint and saw no reason to now. "The custom is an old one but it is for your protection that signed documents are necessary for a woman. When a babe is born everyone knows who the mother is. Marriage defines the father as her husband. Relationship papers do the same. When a woman gets with child and there is no male sectioned as parent, who is to claim and provide for the babe?"

"But we were careful." Enya insisted. The King was not her first unsanctioned lover, but he was the most talented.

"I am sure His Majesty was. If he were careless about anything, he wouldn't last long in his position. Can you say the same thing, my girl? Have you always used a protection spell?" From the look on her face, he knew the answer was no. He made note to add a stipulation of conception prevention into any papers he signed for her unless they led directly to marriage. By the Seven Crystals of Oberon he was not going to have a nameless bastard in the family.

"What about me, what about what I want?" The blonde girl demanded refusing to answer her father's question.

"Enough." The Duke's patience was at an end. "Can you honestly tell me you want to marry the Goblin King? With royalty your fidelity is bound by magic and your marriage is forever. It is the only way to protect the line of succession." He and his wife had been discrete, but both had had numerous lovers during their marriage. It happened with most couples. Once an heir was produced and the line secure husband and wife did as they pleased.

"I want to be Queen. I want more power." She glared at her father. "He is handsome and…" she smiled when she remembered how he made her feel. "And he…well he has skills."

"Apply yourself to the the study of magic and your powers will increase. You are my heir and will inherent all that I own, including my title one day. It matters not that you are female. Some of your friends are not so lucky. You will have to settle for being a Duchess, since there are no other Fae kings that I know of."

"Do I inherited your seat on the High Court?" If she did, she would interfere in Jareth's life every chance she got in the future.

"No, that must be earned. While you are refreshing your studies on magic, you should check into law and general studies, as well."

Jareth has spent a good part of his Rest-Day catching up on paperwork that had been put aside over the last week. Dealing with Moonbeam had taken time he should have spent at his desk and when the unicorn was finally snoozing happily with his mate, the Goblin King had been called away to deal with a wisher-away.

Just as he'd been about to take off for the afternoon, he'd had an unexpected visit from Lord Sedgwick Dennimar.

"Your Highness, I know I didn't have an appointment, but I would like a few minutes of your time."

"Be seated." Jareth pointed to the chair opposite his at the desk.

"Lady Rhea and I received the Dowager Queen's invitation this morning." He smiled at the thought of his wife. "We would like to offer our congratulations, Sir."

"Thank you and please tell your lady-wife I appreciate her kind words as well." The King watched the man across from him and thought he'd never seen him look happier. It put him on alert for a possible trap.

"We also owe you an apology, Your Highness, Rhea and I were not as careful with a discretion spell as we should have been and one of my stewards overheard us reviewing the problem with the boys. It caused some gossip, but will not happen again. I have decided not to reprimand the man because it might bring more attention to a subject than is necessary."

"I appreciate your honesty." Jareth studied Sedgwick carefully looking for hidden meanings to his words and found none. "My aide Lord Galen keeps me well informed. It would be unseemly for me to interfere in the running of your household when no real damage was done. It appears you have the matter well in hand."

"Yes, Sir." He took a deep breath and jumped into the real reason for his visit. "My father sat on the High Court and disgraced the name of Dennimar. When I inherited, I chose to retire to my estates so no further damage was done. But I still maintained old alliances and am not without some influence. Your Highness, if you should have any difficulties in the future." Sedgwick cleared his throat and gracefully sidestepped the issue of a Fae King courting a Human. "If there are any problems at all, be assured my fealty is to you, Jareth King of the Goblins. I am not my father and am tired of carrying the burden of two generations of dishonor."

"I am proud to call you friend." The King rose, bringing the Lord to his feet. "You were among the young nobles who followed me in the Battle of Stone Valley. Our victory did not come without cost, but it was thorough. The Dwarf invaders were driven away and you helped me bring my father's body home." Jareth remembered it like yesterday. He had ridden out of base camp a Prince and sadly returned a King.

The men bowed to one another as past comrades-in-arms. Jareth planned to watch the situation carefully, but it appeared some magic had been worked to heal old wounds.

Lord Dennimar looked surprised as an old memory fell into place. "The Dwarf, Hoggle, who is right now fishing with Young Tobias, Mort, and Quent, his father was the one who warned us of the ambush."

"Yes, he was King Mesmer's guide for the so-called peace talks that were really a trap. We would have died as he and his escort did, if Hoggle, Sr. hadn't been mistaken for a wounded Dwarf soldier and escaped to get word to us of the army that was heading our way."

"That is the battle that cost Sir Didymus his eye." Dennimar recalled. "He swore an oath to never trust a Dwarf again. Your Majesty, you have powers that I never imagined possible to create a friendship between those two and when you add in the Rock Conjurer, it is truly amazing." his Lordship bowed to the power that stood before him.

"Well," Jareth shrugged casually. He couldn't give Sarah the credit she deserved, since no one knew she'd been in the Underground at the time the link was formed. "They all reside in the Labyrinth. Unusual things happen there. Hoggle lives near the gate, Didymus has taken to guarding the bridge over the Bog since he lost his sense of smell, but refused to retire. The Conjurer wanders about terrorizing runners and making friends with children."

"As I say, a feat of great power." Sedgwick bowed to his King one last time and left the castle with a spring in his step.

That night after dining with Sarah at Ellamora's cottage Jareth took her to Glitter Cove.

They materialized on a beach filled with soft white sand. It was wedged between tall cliffs and a crescent shaped bay with gently rippling waves. The black sky was filled with stars. At first look it appeared as if the they were reflected in the water. After watching closely, the young Human realized the lights were from below. "Are they fish of some kind? They don't look like they move about."

"They are a living creature, a combination of mineral and animal. They glow to attract tiny fish and other small sea creatures to feed upon. Since they can't move, dinner comes to them. The ancients called them Sea Lights and the name has stuck."

"They are gorgeous. Aboveground has something similar. It's called coral. I think there are kinds that reflect light, but these appear to produce their own."

"They do indeed. Let's sit for a while." Jareth held out his hand and led Sarah to small protected area near the cliffs. He took off his cloak and put it on the sand before plucking Sarah off her feet and laying her on the strong silky material.

"I was wondering if you'd ever get around to kissing me tonight." She smiled up at him and ran her palm against his cheek.

"You have earned many kisses today." The king was dressed in black silk shirt and black breeches. He leaned close and nibbled on his loves ear.

"I've earned them." She laughed. "Just how did I do that?" She liked the pressure of his legs pressed against the side of hers and the feel of his upper body leaning over her.

"You've been working your magic again." He kissed his way up her neck and placed his left hand against her ribs so his thumb dragged the material of her lavender dress over her nipple.

"What…ohhhhhh…yes…what…magic." She finally got the words out by covering his hand with hers. That caressing thumb had been driving her crazy.

The Goblin King rested his head on his right hand as he lay on the cape they shared. The sand was warm beneath them and they were protected from most of the night breeze that increased as the moon rose. "You have created another alliance. Lord Dennimar came to my office today and pledge his loyalty to his King. That would be me."

"I didn't do that." She insisted. "It's your doing. You're a good king."

"Yes, and I was a good king yesterday and many years before. Sedgwick Dennimar proved his allegiance to the Kingdom when we fought in a battle that drove Dwarf invaders from our realm and retrieved my father's body. But never in the two hundred years since, has he stated that he was faithful to the Goblin King, until today. That Precious is your doing."

He leaned into her and covered her mouth with his before she could ask more questions. Their tongues danced and bodies strained. Her soft places fit perfectly with his more muscular ones. Hands moved to explore and fasteners were ripped.

"I want you. Make love to me, Goblin King." Sarah begged. Any thought of magic was lost in way he made her feel.

"I want you as well, My Sweet." Jareth held her tight to keep her in place. "We should wait until after the party." He suggested and covered her with his body as both tried to catch their breath. "Once I have you, I won't be able to let you go." He placed her wondering hands above her head and pressed them gently into the sand. "You need to have a better idea of what you are getting into. If you still want me after facing down a crowd of Fae, Elves, changed Humans, and all the politics involved, I will make you mine."

"Kiss me some more," Sarah's voice was thick with desire.

"You drive a dangerous bargain, my Lady." He leaned in pressing her into the sand. The way she touched him played havoc with his determination, so this time he stretching her hands above her head and trapping them in place with magic. Jareth slid back to straddle her waist, with his hands on his hips, his eyes feasted on his Chosen One. She was desire personified: her nipples were hard tips pressed against the material of her dress; her lips were damp and swollen from kisses already received; her eye lids heavy with want; her lovely dark hair mussed, begging him to touch. "Let's sweeten the deal," he smiled lazily. "Just a small taste to remind you what you will miss, if the party goes array and you contemplate changing your mind."

Sarah moan and bucked beneath him wanting anything he would give her. She'd lost the ability to form coherent sentences when his mismatched eyes drifted over her.

"I take that as a yes, My Lady." He whispered.

Still unable to gather words that made sense, she shook her head in agreement.

"Good, My Sweet." He held gloveless palms not quite touching her breasts. He let his power tease through the material.

"Ohhhh…" Sarah groaned. She arched her back attempting to put pressure on nipples that vibrated from his almost touch. Each time she did tried to get closer, he drew his hands away until she lay down. "Please, Jareth," she shook with desire.

"Since you ask so nicely." He leaned forward and kissed her. He cupped her breasts and creasing them as his mouth played with hers. It took all his effort not to vanish her clothes.

He pulled his lips from hers and offered. "Maybe another tiny taste, since this pleases you so much." His words flowed over her like warm honey.

Jareth stretched out beside her and slid his left arm under her back, causing it to arch seductively. Since her wrists where still pinned in place, it brought her right breast against his cheek. He he turned slightly to suck and nibble through the cloth. The Goblin King's right hand slid her legs apart, locking them magically in place and slowly raised her skirt. Sarah was so lost in the feel of is teeth and mouth on her breast that she didn't realize what was going on below until she felt the cool sea breeze against naked inner thighs.

"Yes, now Jareth." Her muscles tighten in need as she babbled and begged, feeling things she only imagined were possible. "Please."

"Shhhh, easy, Precious." He reassured, unable to take his eyes off her passion filled face. Just watching and touching her brought his need almost to the breaking point, so he slowed down for both of them.

"I don't want to take it easy." She snarled and rocked her hips deliberately brushing against him. If he was going to drive her insane with need she would so the same to him.

"There's my wild thing, who beat my Labyrinth and tormented its King for years after." Jareth went back to nibbling on her right breast while his right hand pressed into her stomach to trap her hips. Once she was magically caught in place he rotated his palm in small circles, exciting the skin and making her muscles quiver. He applied a spell to prevent conception in case he lost control as he pleasured her. Long sensitive fingers slid downward, under her panties until they found her tiny bud of nerve endings. His gloveless hand sent magic coursing everyplace they touched.

Sarah was gasping and began to shake. Jareth brought his thumb against his forefinger with the nerve endings caught between. He squeezed. Tingling ricocheted through Sarah, overloading her as he bit gently down on her nipple.

His hips moved as if they had a mind of their own. They pressed and rubbed against her side. Needing, needing so much as lightening struck them from the inside out.

Sarah screamed and called out his name over and over. Intense feelings shook her body and she burst into tears of pleasure and joy. His completion followed seconds after hers. Filled with happiness magic quickly cleaned them up and arrange their clothes neatly in place.

"Are you hurt?" he was still our of breath as he ran his hands in her hair and up and down her back while she wrapped her arms and legs around him. "Were the magical restraints too much?"

"No, I trust you." Her voice was hoarse from gasping in pleasure. "Everything was wonderful, but you can't possibly…" she didn't have the words. "I mean, I don't want to take without giving." Sarah reached for the front of his breeches and discover his abdomen flat and the material dry.

"You did take care of me, Sweet." He kissed her gently. "Magic comes in handy with small messes."

She giggled against his neck and felt her heartrate begin to return to normal. Her only sorrow was that she'd missed looking into his eye during his climax. She'd been too involved in hers.

"I was rewarded with your screams much sooner than expected." He laughed in delight.

"I did not scream." She insisted.

"My Dear, if I thought I could repeat our experience without giving into your allure and taking you right here on the sand, I would be sure you heard and remembered them."

"You think I'm alluring?" Sarah was surprised.

"Never doubt it." Jareth cupped her cheeks and kissed her until her head spun.

The Goblin King had been with a goodly number of females but none had been as sensitive to his touch as his Sarah nor he to hers. He'd fought and often doubted his decision to wait for her. Now he had his reward, a life filled with indestructible love and ardent passion.

The next few days flew while nights dragged for Sarah. She was aware that people where talking about her, but did her best to ignore it.

The tiny taste of desire that Jareth had given her hadn't satiated her need for him but intensified it. At times it made thinking straight a difficult task. Sleep was almost impossible, especially since most nights, when she climbed into bed, her lips were still warm and swollen from his kisses.

She spent time with Magic and Moonbeam every morning, but since their mating all they would let her do was groom them or watch them munch grass in the pasture. She did her job as best she could. Despite missing the close relationship she'd had with the small brown horse she understood the mere's need to be left alone with her mate.

The day after Rest-Day, Sarah met with Livia, and her two Seamstress. Nola was Fae of indeterminate age and Bree was her daughter and apprentice. The two worked quickly and expertly. Their job made easier by Rinda a young Goblin maid from the Dowager Queen's household. All five females spent hours in Her Highness's sitting rooms that day.

"I've never had clothes made for me before, except the few items Ellamora Kilhaggen has been teaching me to sew. It was either that or wear fire damaged items from Above." Sarah was overwhelmed by cloth samples, styles, and lists that kept getting longer. Jareth's mother insisted more and more things were necessary to get through the next two months of courtship.

"It seems like an enormous wardrobe, because you're starting from the beginning. Since you are so new you lack everything but the most basic essentials." Bree wasn't sure how she felt about a Human fresh from Above, but the woman was courting the Goblin King and appeared friendly. "Momma and I started working on things for my courtship at least six months ago, eventhough Sam and I aren't allowed to even think about courting until we complete our apprenticeships. We have to wait another ten months."

"You needn't worry Lady Sarah, we will have your courtship dress completed and all necessary garments to accompany it ready the day before Her Highness's party, as well as a few other gowns and day dresses. Within ten days your wardrobes and cupboards will be filled to capacity with new outfits. Some of my fellow seamstresses have volunteered their help. We owe King Jareth a great deal." She looked at her daughter with eyes filled with love. "It is a pleasure to assist his Lady."

"Thank you so much." Sarah realized that sixteen-year-old Bree must be a wished away child. It tugged at her heart to see another example of the good the Goblin King did.

Jareth and Sarah sat on the swing-rocker to watch the sunset from Ellamora's front yard. The King, as was his habit, had spun a discretion spell to give them privacy. He had arrived after dinner due to a meeting with the head of the Goblin Army, General Sir Reginald Fitzhugh, II and General Lord Keefe, Commander of the elite Royal Guardsmen.

"You had a meeting with the head of that army that Hoggle, Ludo, Sir Didymus, and I were able to break though to storm your castle?"

"No," He laughed in delight. "Keep in mind that when you were here before, things were not always what they seemed. The troops you battled that day were a small group kept for the specific purpose of confusing and delaying wishers-away. If you had been up against my real army, you would have been either killed or capture before you could open the city gate."

"That explains why I never see those little guys anywhere. They weren't very organized. When they couldn't keep us out, I wondered why you hadn't been invaded years ago." Sarah reached for his ungloved right hand. "It worried me even then."

"Magic keeps my kingdom and its territories safe." He pulled her into his arms and rested her head against his shoulder. "It is the same with the other kingdoms. One of the High Court's main jobs is to mediate should problems arise. A war between regions of power would be disastrous to all of the Underground. It is the beings who lack magic that can be a problem. During my reign there has been no need for me to add my strengths to my army's fighting skills."

"The Goblin Army and The Royal Guardsmen are seen everywhere but magic is invisible." Sarah added. "The Goblin Kingdom's perceived power is one thing while it's real is something completely different"

His Highness laughed and kissed her. "That is the idea. I believe one of your leaders said, 'walk softly and carry powerful crystals'."

"Big stick, not powerful crystals." She jabbed him lightly in the ribs. "And if there was any real danger you would zap them before your troops could saddle their horses."

"To each his own weapon." Jareth caressed her cheek. "You are tired, My Sweet. Did I keep you up too late last night and sap your energy?"

"It was the Dowager Queen and her seamstresses who wore me out. After the first hour I lost track of all the different designs and material. I was very glad for your mother's help. It was daunting, all those choices at once and often for things I wasn't sure how or when to wear." Sarah sighed and leaned completely against him. "You did not tire me."

"Hmmm, I must have been doing something wrong." He teased.

"You did not and you know it." She kissed his jaw and moved tighter against him. "Last night was wonderful and I was hoping we could have a tiny repeat. The pond and waterfall aren't far from here. We would have privacy there."

Jareth was in a quandary as how to answer. He finally took the wisest course: the truth. "I would enjoy your suggestion very much, but I am hesitant to take you there for an assignation, since I have been there with others."

"Oh…I never thought about that." She caught her breath. "Of course, you're Fae… You explained that you fought against believing, and for a long while didn't…It wouldn't matter if you believed or not. You are an adult and have been so since long before I was born. I hardly expected you to be inexperienced." She pasted a smile on her face. Her stomach turned because up until a moment ago she had loved that little spot and had often dreamed of making love to him in the pool and on the soft flowering grass. "What about the cove last night?" The words stuck in her throat.

"It belongs to only us." He assured her. "Do you understand why I spoke about the pond? I have lived a full life for centuries and am not apologizing for it." Jareth hated that he was the reason she had a stricken look on her face. "You are special to me. I don't want any past affairs or dalliances to echo around us as I pleasure your body and fill heart."

"I never expected…just because I have never been with another." She shook her head knowing she wasn't making any sense. "I love you Jareth. I've always assumed there were others in your past, but never gave it much thought.

"I haven't taken any of them in my bed or anyplace in the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. That I saved for the one who would be my Queen." Jareth cupped her cheeks and looked her in her lovely eyes as he spoke. He wished he could tell her that it was because he saved those places for her, Sarah Williams his Chosen One, but it would only be the truth over the last two decades and even then he had doubts. It was due to the respect owed the female who would one day rule beside him and bear his child.

"We were together at the pond before. It was the just before you showed me the Escher room. That was a good day. It was the start of so many changes for me. I'd rather remember that, than the fact you've had other lover there. Maybe, we can exorcize your past from that place and any others in the Underground. If you never brought of your…ah…interludes home, it might put restrictions on where we could be intimate." She kissed him determined to wipe any other female from his mind.

The next days were filled with activity. Sarah spent time with Magic every morning. She and Galen worked on the necessary paperwork to make the Williams siblings citizens. She made a point of watching the King when he oversaw grievances one afternoon. From her hidden spot in a balcony high above the throne room it thrilled her to see how well he handled his subjects. It made her realize just how many different types of beings populated the Goblin Kingdom.

Mixed in to what she would have considered a normal day, were dress fittings. Each time Sarah left Nola and Bree's neat home her head spun at the amount of work that was being completed.

"Are you sure there is no magic going into these clothes." She asked Bree after trying on five outfits complete with undergarments. Granted many of the items were only basted but Sarah who took forever to sew on a button was amazed.

"Very sure, My Lady." Bree laughed, enjoying time spent with the woman from Above. "Mama's powers are in creating designs on paper and mine are slight. I can transport small items, but nothing of any size or weight. It is very handy when I forget where I have placed my thread or thimble. I simply call it to hand." She demonstrated by opening her left hand and both items appeared in her palm. "It does not effect them since they were only moved by magic."

Every evening Jareth and Sarah spent time together. There had been no repeats of the evening on the beach, mainly because the King was taking no chances. He'd come too close to making love to his Chosen One that night. He'd been telling her the truth when he said once he made love to her he would be unable to set her free despite what was in their agreement.

They spent their time talking, holding hands and enjoying restrained kisses. He found out that Sarah had decided not to be an actress after being in his Labyrinth. She had realized that acting had been a bid to gain her mother's attention, to give them common ground. It wasn't what the fifteen-year-old really wanted. She'd believed what she wanted most, returning to the Underground, was out of reach, so she had studied hard to keep her options open. In the end she'd decided to help people and majored in psychology. It took a while for Jareth to understood what she had been studying, but when he did, he believed it was a perfect fit.

He told her about the Battle of Stone Valley, about his father's death and the pain of becoming King much younger than was expected. He also told her about the part Sir Didymus and Hoggle's father played in the victory for the Goblin Territories.

Jareth reserved an hour everyday to work with Sarah on magic. So far she'd been unable to transport, move, or make anything appear or dissappear. He was more convinced than ever that her powers lay in dealing with beings. It was much like her Aboveground schooling. She cared about those around her and others could feel it deep in their bones. Her abilities went beyond simple friendships. She created bonds that could cement realms for generations.

Sarah was not so positive about her abilities or inabilities as she called them. She was frustrated and would have doubted that she was anything but a regular Human if it weren't for the prominent Fae coloring that became more visible everyday.

The night finally arrived. Rinda assisted Sarah as she dressed for the Dowager Queen's dinner party. They were in the large guest room the girl has occupied once before at Corramar.

Though no sound was heard from below, the main floor was bustling with activity. Long tables were in place and each setting was rechecked. The dining steward walking around the room with a large parchment in hand to be sure seating cards were as Her Highness had directed. The large kitchen was a center of activity. The head housekeeper and butler were checking and double checking every server's uniform. Lights were lit on the lawns and paths ready for arriving guest.

Livia, dressed in a rose-colored ballgown of antique silk, was doing a final check of floral arrangements. She hadn't given a party this size in over two-hundred years. It was gratifying to know she hadn't lost her touch. She went into her downstairs sitting room for one last moment of peace until the festivities were over. At her desk, the Dowager Queen picked up a small oval portrait of her husband. "My dear you would be so proud of our son." She whispered. "Not only is he a good king, be did as we did. His wait was far longer and harder than ours. But Sarah was worth it. She is a good woman and Human, newly arrived from the Above," she chuckled lightly. "She loves our Jareth deeply and is as stubborn as he. You would be very pleased with the match. I'll miss you beside me tonight, but my gown is the color you favor me in. You are in my heart." She blinked a stray tear away, put down the image of Mesmer and exited the room, locking her private area magically.

"Don't pull the stays too tight or I won't be able to breathe." Sarah was having problems catching her breath due to nerves. "On the bright side, wearing this thing I won't have to worry about my posture." She giggled at her silliness and found it helped relieve some anxiety.

"Miss Bree made sure I could do it right, My Lady. Miss Nola designed the dress knowing you were unused to corsets." The little Goblin was thrilled to be a real lady's maid, if only for one night. She'd helped the dark-haired Human once before and had been in on most of the fittings at Her Highness's instructions. "Now the dress, Miss Sarah." Rinda climbed a step stool to reach the fantastic sapphire creation Nola had delivered early that morning. "Hold onto the dressing table and I'll help ya step into it. Then I'll do your hair." As she'd been talking, she helped Sarah into the dress and reached for the button hook she would need to fasten the closers that run almost next to one another from between Sarah's shoulders, down her back, to below her waist.

"Wow," Sarah looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The deep sapphire made her skin glow. The material had the drape and weight of one of Irene's favorite evening dresses, but lacked the distinctive weave patter that was typical of brocade. The corset below made her appear far slimmer than she believed she was, while pushing up her breasts and giving them support at the same time. The neckline dropped in a V, showing off some cleavage, and held her firmly in place. The skirt flared out from just below her slim waist and would hit the tops of her shoes. Jareth had sent the footwear over that afternoon. They appeared to be made of one of his magic crystals, but he had assured her they weren't. Though when she slipped them on her feet, each gently cradled and supported her arch, her toes had plenty of room despite the height of the stiletto heels. They were unbelievably comfortable

Half an hour later Rinda had Sarah's hair piled on her head in intricate braids. Small wispy curls dangled here and there softening the formal style. "There ya go, My Lady. No need for make-up the way your magic is showing."

There was a knock on the door and Marilee came in carrying a large leather case. "These are for you from King Jareth. You look fantastic."

"So, do you. With your fair skin and white blonde hair light pink is perfect for you." Sarah admired her friend and tried to ignore her sinking feelings about the contents of the box. "What's in there?"

"A present for you from His Highness." Lady Marilee flipped open the lid and the contents sparkled with diamonds and, sapphires. "And they're gorgeous." She hadn't peeked after the King given them to her, as much as she'd wanted to. These now belonged to Sarah and she should be the first to see them.

Sarah gasped in dismay and Rinda in delight.

"His Highness asked that I remind you that this is one of the times it is necessary." The half-elf wasn't sure what the message meant, but it soothed the Human who was looking more and more Fae as the days passed.

"Tell him thank you. Am I supposed to wear them all? I don't want to be to…ah…flashy. Understand what I mean?"

"Indeed, I do." Marilee laughed and took a moment to look though the box. "They will be perfect. After you and Toby make your entrance, you will be on the arm of the Goblin King. He would not have been remiss to include a tiara, small, but a tiara none the less."

While the Ladies were talking the Goblin had reached into the case and pulled out a number of diamonds. Each stone was attached to a twisted platinum wire. She wound them one-by-one into Sarah's hair, until it looked like stars had landed among the brunette strands.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Sarah glared and finally realized her friend was teasing her. "That was a joke, right?"

"Those are far lovelier than a tiara." Galen's wife pointed to the reflection in the dressing table mirror. "The King has impeccable taste and I think he knows you well enough to realize you are no quite ready for a crown, even a small one. Maybe I should have brought you a glass of champagne after all. I didn't because I remembered how I felt when I was dressing for my courtship dinner."

"Smart move, between the gown, the shoes, and nerves, I'll have all I can do to stay steady when Toby and I are announced." She shook her head. "Is my brother ok?"

"He's fine. Mama handed him over to my husband when the men arrived. He's adorable in his formal clothes, especially the vest that matches your gown." Marilee kept talking while the maid placed dangle earrings that dripped diamonds and sapphires in Sarah's ears.

"Oh my," Sarah blinked at her reflection as the weight of the matching necklace settled around her throat. Diamonds and sapphires incrusted an intricate platinum design. The simple style of her dress was a perfect foil for the fancy jewelry. Marilee was correct, it was perfect.

Rinda left the ladies alone and Sarah had time to relax. "Did I understand you correctly. Did you say my brother has a vest made out of the same material as my gown?"

"Yes, and King Jareth as well. It symbolizes your family's approval of the male who is courting you."

"Falling in love it much easier in the Aboveground." Sarah declared.

"But would you have as much fun?" Her friend countered.

"If I was there, I wouldn't have him, so no," The dark-haired woman shook her head and fought to keep tears from forming. "No, I wouldn't be having any fun at all."

Note: The diversity of the Underground is not meant to be a comment on politics of today. When I wrote Toby's friends, (lots of years ago) I took a hard look at a society that regularly adopted children who were very different. I needed to create an atmosphere where they would be accepted.