**It's only forever, not long at all.**

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Happy was the day that Sarah Williams became Sarah, Queen of the Goblins in mind as well as deed. I would like to say that it happened the night of my near demise, but alas, my Sarah is nothing if not complicated.

Oh, she said she'd be my queen right away—it was inevitable anyway and she was loathe to see me die. We were immediately transported back to my castle where my power and health were fully restored, but she had her own conditions…

"Jareth, you said I could have my dreams," she breathed as my lips moved from hers to gently trail up and down her neck. We were alone in my chambers and I was ready to take my prize.

"Yes, my dear. I offered you your dreams and you shall have them all," I whispered into her ear, nibbling a little before returning to her neck. Her delicate flesh called out to me from the soft V of her green tank top. I was tempted to slide the thin straps off her arms entirely—so long had I waited to view that which she had always kept hidden—but I kept my hands firmly clasped at the small of her back, savoring every moment of our first encounter. I had waited fifteen years for this night; I would not rush it now.

As my mouth moved to slowly caress her collarbone, Sarah inhaled sharply with anticipation and tilted her head further back for easier access. Smiling in response, I pulled her closer to me—our bodies practically welded together—and moved us a little nearer to the bed. But though her body reacted automatically to my experienced touch, her mind had to ruin it.

Pushing me back slightly, Sarah tried hard to keep her voice from shaking, though the pleasure was a little too much for her self-control. "Jareth, I want a white wedding…with all that entails."

My lips stopped their graceful decent to her décolletage and I froze. 'Blasted woman!' I screamed within my head.

Redoubling my efforts, I continued kissing up her neck as I argued my point, trying hard to make her mind stop working. "Sarah, by our customs, once the king—that would be me—has given approval for a marriage—which I have—the marriage has taken place. You are already my queen. There are celebrations still to be had, but for all intents and purposes, we are married." Oh how my heart beat faster just to say that. Sarah was my queen.

The fire of passion was causing a blush to creep out along her skin, but Sarah always had a strong will. "I have dreamt of walking down the aisle on my father's arm since I was a little girl…"

I straightened and looked her in the eyes. Her rapid breathing and dilated pupils told me that she was just as excited about the foreplay as I was. This must have been very important to her. I sighed. "Very well. If that will make you happy…"

The look of utter joy that encompassed her face almost made up for the postponement of our festivities. Almost.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me with abandonment. I had self-control, but not as much as she was giving me credit for. Chuckling, I unwrapped her arms from my neck and kissed the back of her hand. "Sarah, if you want to have your white wedding preserved, I suggest I move you to a new location." She smiled back and in an instant we were in the guest bedroom two doors down the hall.

Before I left her that night, I passed on my demands. "You will have free access to make the wedding however you want it. Tell me what you want and it will be done, but I warn you—I will not wait long." She nodded, and with one last, tender kiss I left her for the evening and returned to my room for a cold shower.

It amused me when she arrived the next day with her dream wedding all listed out. She looked at me sheepishly as she explained that, unfortunately, the earliest we could be married would be three months—after all, we would need to make sure that the guests had plenty of notice. I tried not to laugh at her, but my Sarah was still quite naïve about my magic skills.

The wedding she had planned, took place the very next day, in the same park where I had watched her play all those years ago. All of her extended family was in attendance, and all of her family's friends. Each one was certain they had received the invitation two months prior and had been eagerly anticipating the day.

I had created a whole life with Sarah in her family's memories, so when Sarah's father acquiesced to my request to take his daughter's hand (again, in his memory), it was to an old family friend—someone who had been in the picture for years—long before James. It came as no surprise to anyone that Sarah had finally come around to seeing me as a lover as well as a friend. Her step-mother was quite beside herself with happiness.

Since Sarah had moved away from home nearly ten years prior, I had not had a chance to observe Toby's transition into adolescence. It did not surprise me—though his parents tried to hide it—that he had quite the rebellious streak for a thirteen-year-old. He had grudgingly agreed to be my best man to appease his sister, of whom he was secretly quite proud. His parents made him dye his hair back from emo black to a slightly more natural peroxide blond, but he kept in the single ear piercing; his piece de la resistance.

I had to smile at his spunk. He would have made a fine heir. However, if all went according to plan, I would have my own heir on the throne within a few decades. That thought made me glow with pride.

Despite the fact that she was already my queen, I awaited Sarah's arrival down the aisle with a nervousness that was rare. Today she would be mine completely—by her own choice—and that night we would consummate our love. I felt like a lovesick teenager all over again.

The orchestra began playing the Theme from Canon in D and I had to turn a laugh into a cough as the first groomsman led his bridesmaid down the aisle. The man was nearly seven feet tall with bright red hair and beard. He awkwardly escorted the diminutive lady beside him, her wispy tresses trailed down her back in crimson curls, contrasting starkly with the blue sequined dress she wore. She took her job seriously, her head held high—a full lady in waiting.

The next couple consisted of Toby and his fair Maid of Honor. I almost pitied him as he stared, awestruck by the blond beauty he escorted. Her blue eyes glowered at me as they slowly marched up the aisle. Hoggle was not enjoying his role in Sarah's wedding one bit. At least Sir Didymus and Ludo were attempting to play their parts.

We all had to make sacrifices to give Sarah her perfect day. Sarah's guests didn't see "the Goblin King," they saw a regular human male. My face lacked its sparkle and coloration, I had magicked my frosted blond hair into a shorter "surfer style", and I had even added in perfectly straight, white teeth. Not to mention, the boring, black tuxedo I had donned according to her specifications. If I had to lower myself to the role of mere human, the least Hoggle could do was act grateful that I allowed Sarah's choice for Maid of Honor. After all, it wasn't like he would be inconspicuous as a mythical dwarf! I arched my eyebrow and Hoggle quickly composed "her" features to a more pleasant expression.

As the wedding march began, I strained with the rest of the audience to get the first view of my bride as she rounded the fragrant Vibernum bushes full of white blossoms. No one noticed that all the trees and bushes were dressed with delicate white flowers—as if a snowstorm had covered the park in the middle of July.

I recalled my place just in time—it would not do to have Sarah see me gawking like a simpleton. I forced myself to look away—which was why I saw Hoggle gazing adoringly at my queen, his jaw dropped in awe. I quickly flicked him with magic, reminding him of his place and he carefully began studying his high heels. Taking a deep breath, I straightened my tuxedo and regally turned to watch my bride walk up the aisle.

My jaw dropped.

Sarah had been stunning in her ball gown twelve years earlier, but she had still been a child. This Sarah was a woman in full bloom. Her hair was pulled back into an elegant bun, dark tendrils cascading from the front to wave gently in the breeze beneath her lacey veil. She looked every ounce the queen in her ball gown-styled satin wedding dress. The cut of her neckline outlined her bosom beautifully, and a touch of the wild was added as silver leaves drifted across the bodice and ran up the halter.

Everything else was forgotten as I stared in amazement at the woman walking toward me. She was smiling with pure delight and in that instant I realized what I had been too blind to see before—I had never really loved her.

It started with the building of the labyrinth. Yes, the goblins needed protection and that was my avowed reason for building it, but if I was honest with myself, I built it because I needed a queen. The goblins just allowed me to use them to appear noble in my intentions.

When I realized that I'd fallen in love with Sarah when she was still a child, I gave her that book in hopes that she would run the labyrinth—not because I wanted to fulfill her dreams of adventure like I had told myself, but because I wanted to spend time with her as a man. I gave her challenges not to help her grow, but to give me the queen that I desired. After she spoke those six words and completely stripped me of my Aboveground power, I continued following her because I needed her.

I saved her from James because I couldn't stand to see her hurt. I took away Hoggle, not because I wanted Sarah to learn to trust her instincts, but because I wanted to be her confidant. I saved her from the Elders because she was supposed to be my queen. I reissued my proposal because I would die without her. I even gave her the wedding of her dreams out of the selfish desire for her to come to me completely of her own free will.

Looking at the radiant creature gracefully marching down the aisle on her father's arm, I suddenly realized just how unworthy of her love and devotion I was. How much of my love for her had been about me?

And yet, somehow I knew that Sarah understood my selfish tendencies and still loved me. Me—Jareth—not the Goblin King. She saw past all my pretensions and loved me through all my egocentricity. I was humbled as never before.

Sarah floated to my side, looking up at me adoringly with those beautiful green eyes, and her father gently placed her hand in mine—symbolizing the passing of his daughter's protection to me. I trembled at her touch and vowed then and there to love her—to think of her needs before my own. To contemplate her feelings before I acted. It would take some getting used to—I was conditioned to feel superior—but Sarah was worth that and so much more.

The preacher immediately began speaking about everlasting love and the sanctity of marriage, but I was so enraptured by Sarah that I heard none of it. Finally the man got to the part where Sarah was supposed to speak her vows and she garnered my full attention.

"Jareth…" she held my gaze as a single tear escaped her lower lashes. With my gloves removed, I allowed myself to gently wipe the tear from her cheek, relishing in the softness of her skin. In return, Sarah lifted her hand to tenderly brush a stray hair from my cheek, allowing her hand to linger there for a moment before continuing.

"Jareth, I love you. It has always been you, though I was too headstrong to admit it." She smiled up at me coyly from under her long lashes and my heart leapt uncontrollably."I trust you with my life. I trust you with my heart. You are my hero and I am honored to be your queen. I promise to love you and respect you for as long as we both shall live."

It did not escape my notice that she left out the traditional "obey you," but that wouldn't be my Sarah. It was close enough—and more than I'd ever hoped for.

Although I wanted to retain my dignity, I couldn't stop the smile that lit my face as I stared down at the woman I loved. She was breathtaking. And she was mine.

"Jareth?" the preacher prompted.

I shook myself mentally as I smirked in his general direction. Turning back to Sarah, I opened my mouth to speak, but the long speech I had prepared the day before to declare my eternal love and devotion died on my tongue. Though it had all been true, I hadn't really understood those words until I'd seen Sarah giving herself willingly as my bride. She was the symbol of purity and perfection and my vow to her had to come straight from my heart.

"Sarah, you are everything to me. Without you, I would die." Gazing deep into her eyes, I willed her to feel the truth behind those words. When I spoke again, my voice was filled with tenderness. "With you as my queen, I finally know how it feels to truly be a king. You have taught me what it means to value something greater than myself, for the love that you have willingly bestowed upon me is a treasure far surpassing any riches that a kingdom could hold. Sarah, I vow to love you for all eternity and beyond. I promise to consider your needs before my own. And I will make all of your dreams come true, as it is in my power to do so."

Lost in each other's eyes, the world around us blurred. It was just Sarah and I. Forever.

"Do you have the rings?" 'Drat that preacher!'

I sighed and turned to Toby who actually had the gall to smirk up at me. Yes, he would have made a fine prince.

Toby handed me the ring I had designed for Sarah. It was an extravagant piece of white gold, carved into an intricately woven vine and on either side of the 3 carat diamond, the vines wound together to give the ghosted appearance of a barn owl. Sarah loved it. Her ring to me was bought from a jeweler in town—the one thing that she refused to allow me to create using my magic. She had wanted it to be a surprise. How she found the perfect ring on such short notice was beyond me, but she managed as always. The ring she chose was similar to my ring for her, except the entire white gold band was etched with delicate owl feathers, culminating with an owl head, complete with two diamonds for eyes.

We exchanged the rings, an Aboveground bobble to wear on our annual visits to her parents' home—they would not expect us to travel all the way from Ireland more than once a year—and then I was given permission to kiss my wife. I eagerly wrapped her in my embrace and kissed her fervently. It took all my willpower not to transport us back to our chambers, but Sarah wanted a reception as well, complete with dancing and singing. So, after several cleared throats, I released her. The twinkle in her eye told me that her mind had been similarly engaged.

The reception lasted long into the night, but the time was not an issue as I kept Sarah closely tucked in my embrace all evening. We moved as one throughout the crowd and danced gracefully to the awe of all around us. Sarah's beauty far surpassed anyone in the room and it was hard for her guests to take their eyes off her. As the evening wound down, a white stretch limousine pulled up to take the bride and groom to "the airport." Sarah gave a tearful goodbye to her family and promised she would be in contact, but, although it was difficult, she was not as upset as she could be—Sarah had long ago cut ties with her family. She was fully ready to begin her new life in the Underground.

So, with the wedding party (sans Toby) tucked into the overgrown vehicle, we left Sarah's past behind to begin our future.

After a few miles, I transported us all back to the castle. Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo were grateful to return to their forms and give Sarah and me the congratulations we were due with their own voices. Sarah was polite, but I was impatient.

"If your new Goblin Queen wills it, "I growled, "you may see her at a later date. However, it is now time to say goodbye." And with that, I transported them to their various homes, and transported us to our "bridal suite"—my old chambers bathed in a brilliant white and colored with a multitude of red roses.

Sarah arched an eyebrow in my direction, but I didn't give her time to speak. Looking deep into her eyes, I stalked forward, taking her in my arms for a passionate kiss. She responded to my urgency with a fiery kiss of her own, surprising me with her intensity.

There was no timidity in the fervor at which she tore at my tuxedo, and I found myself trying to calm her down in my desire to love her as delicately as she needed to make her first time as pleasurable as possible. In the end, we complemented each other as if we were one body with two halves. She was made for me, and I was made for her. A perfect fit.

When our need for each other had finally been satiated, Sarah snuggled in close to me, her glossy black hair fanning out across my bare chest before she fell asleep. Staring down at her in contentment, I couldn't help but think that it had all been worth it. All the heartache and pain we'd been through only served to strengthen our natural bond. Would I have loved Sarah still if she had simpered and fell at my feet eager to serve? Probably…but it wouldn't have been nearly as fun.

My Sarah.

My love. My challenger. My friend. My queen.

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My forever.

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A/N: And it is over! I hope you approved of the ending. Am I the only one who thinks endings are the most difficult things to write? I apologize to any of you who were hoping for some colorful euphemisms relating to various reproductive organs. I have four small children—I figure your imagination is better than mine in that area! (Uh, oh…I hope my husband doesn't choose to read this now! Um…Honey…I only say that because I haven't read any romance novels lately…yeah…that's it…)

So, how many of you caught my minute reference to Pirates of the Caribbean? That is absolutely my favorite quote (well, part of it anyway)—I use it all the time :-D. And, just curious…how many of you thought of Billy Idol when Sarah made her request—even though it really had absolutely nothing to do with the scene? Just me? Oh…

I wanted to thank everyone for sticking with me and reading this all the way through. I really hadn't intended to write this much—it was just supposed to be a fun little side excursion for my own enjoyment. I am so glad so many people liked it! :-D. Thank you so much for your reviews and words of encouragement! I can't tell you how much it means to me just to get a little note saying you are/were reading—it truly brightens up my whole day.

I am toying with an idea for a sequel—really just toying with it at this point. I feel there are some unresolved issues regarding the Elders that could turn into something more. Especially Torin. He suffered quite a bit of humiliation at Jareth's hands and I don't think that sits well with him. Also, the Elders haven't given up their desire to rid the Underground of the savage goblins. And then, of course, there is our favorite newlyweds…maybe I'll even pull out some of those overused colorful euphemisms…

I would probably write it in 3rd person so I could have other POV's besides Jareth's (not that he isn't fun to write, but I really want to get into Torin's head and I think it's time Sarah had something to say, don't you???) Let me know if you think you'd be interested. If I did end up writing it, you would not see it for at least a few months down the road because I would want to have it mostly done before posting it, so you might want to put me on author alert if you are interested in more of this story.

Anyway…thanks again…I wish you all the best! :-D