Chapter 3

Sarah walked through the castle with June by her side as the steward lead them down the hall before leading them into a large open room.

"This is the first option, Lady Sarah," Taden said walking out into the center of the room. "It has not been used for some time," He admitted.

Sarah walked out toward the center of the room and began to slowly look it over. The ceiling was covered in ornate gold tiles. Gold and red drapes lined the walls. The walls them self were medium oak paneling with floral and vine coverings etching each panel.

"It's nice but…it feels ….wrong," The dark haired girl replied. "To be honest I think it needs to be completely redone."

"Desperately," June agreed. Sarah looked over and smiled at the blonde woman.

"Shall we continue then?" Taden suggested gesturing to the door.

"Please," the two women said in unison. They looked at each other and both let out an amused snicker before following the red haired man out of the room and down the hall once more.

"This is nothing like I remember," Sarah commented as they made their way to another side of the castle.

"You where here under a wish then," June reminded her.

"I guess I shouldn't have even taken the castle for granted then," The green eyed girl remarked glancing over at the light blue eyed woman next to her. June gave an unconcerned shrug.

Taden lead the women to two more rooms before leading them into a room Sarah recognized all too well. Sarah walked in and as Taden went to follow June stuck out her hand stopping him. Surprised he stopped and looked at the woman assigned to help the dark haired woman. June looked at him knowingly and pointed. Silently the two watched as Sarah walked further into the room.

Slowly Sarah looked the room over. It looked exactly as it had when she'd been in the ball. The only thing missing were the people in masks dancing and the goblin masks. As Sarah looked around she could see the woman in the peach colored dress with a goblin mask as clearly as when the woman had actually been there.

"It looks just like I remember it," The green eyed girl commented. "Nothing has changed at all." She touched some white sheer fabric hanging on the wall. Turning she noticed shattered glass on the ground. A flash of her breaking glass and ending the enchantment entered her mind.

Slowly she looked over at where Taden and June stood by the entrance. "When was the last time this room was used?" Sarah inquired.

"Would you care to see the last two options or do you wish to use this room?" Taden asked not answering her.

"I'll look at the other two," Sarah said and walked back toward the entrance. Taden gave a nod and lead the two women to the last two rooms that would be suitable for the winter ball.

Sarah entered the last room and was surprised by what she found. It was dark, dusty, and cobweb infested. Looking around she doubted anyone had actually been in the room in many years.

"This room has not been used in many years," Taden informed her.

"Doesn't look as if anyone has stepped into this room in many years, let alone used it," Sarah commented.

Sarah walked further into the room; her heels leaving footprints in the dust covered floor. Reaching the other side she coughed as a bare touch of dusty fabric released a cloud of dust into the air. Seeing light she held her breath and barely pulled on the curtain. It was almost instant the curtain not only pulled free of her hand but the curtain rod seemed to crumble.

"Sarah!" June yelled as Sarah moved in time for the entire row of curtains to crash to the floor with the deteriorated curtain rods.

"I think they need to be replaced," Sarah commented looking at the crumpled fabric on the floor. She looked up and gasped at the sight of the Labyrinth before her.

The view of the Labyrinth revealed beautiful flowers and trees in the not too distant maze. A smile crossed her face at the sight before her. "It's so beautiful," she said with open admiration. As her eyes fell on an ornate marble banister she realized there was actually a balcony off the room.

Sarah looked the large windows over before realizing several feet away off to her right were two glass French doors. The dark haired girl walked over and tried to open the doors but quickly found them locked.

"Allow me," Taden said. Sarah nodded and the steward quickly unlocked the doors and opening them stepped back.

"Thank you," Sarah said and walked out onto the balcony. A smile graced her face as she took in the sight of the Labyrinth. She walked to the railing and for a moment just stood there taking in the breathtaking view. "Here."

The green eyed girl looked back at her new friend June and Taden. "I want to do the ball in this room," she said gesturing toward the dusty room inside. "Jareth is the Master of the Labyrinth and it should be showcased at the ball."

Taden would normally have corrected one for addressing his king in such an informal way but did not where Sarah was concerned. "As you wish. I am certain his majesty will appreciate you wanting to bring notice to something he cares so much about."

"Now that you've chosen where you need to choose a theme and the colors as well," June reminded her.

"Do I have to choose now?" Sarah asked.

"No. You can think over it for a day or two. His majesty will be expecting you for dinner soon," the blonde fae woman replied.

"Dinner?" Sarah asked. June and Taden both smiled at the young mortal raised woman. Sarah had been so focused on choosing a room she hadn't realized how much time had passed.

"Come, King Jareth does not like it when someone is late for dinner," June told her.

"Of course." Sarah looked at the Steward. "Thank you Taden."

"My pleasure my lady," he replied. He gave her a respectful nod of the head and then the three of them reentered the dusty room.

"Come we need to get you dressed for dinner quickly," June warned. Sarah didn't argue and the two women quickly left the room she'd chosen for the Winter Ball.

Jareth was so focused on the paperwork in front of him he nearly jumped when the clock chimed. He laid his pen down and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He hated looking over requests from lords in the kingdom; they usually had to do with something concerning the goblins.

Hearing a knock Jareth removed his hand and leaned back in his chair. "Enter," he called. The door opened and he watched as his captain entered the room. "Dante."

"More lord requests?" Dante said less than surprised. He smiled amused as the king gave an annoyed shrug. "Do I even want to know?"

"Not really," Jareth replied.

"Yes well you'd best get ready. I'm sure June will ensure Lady Sarah is not late for dinner," The blonde fae man told him. Dante watched as his king just stared at him for a moment. "Was I wrong in assuming you would wish to dine with Lady Sarah?"

"No," The Goblin King said getting up from his desk. "Come," he said and began leaving his office to make his way to his room. Dante didn't argue and was immediately at his side as they entered the halls.

"Any idea how things are coming?" Jareth inquired as they entered the hallway to his suite.

"Taden tells me Lady Sarah has already chosen a place for the ball to be held."

"And where would this be?" The king inquired as they entered his room.

"The Perpetual Garden Ballroom." He watched as the king suddenly stopped and turned to look at him. Seeing the question in the king's eyes the captain said, "Apparently Lady Sarah enjoyed the view from the room and felt that since you were Master of the Labyrinth that it should be shown as a sign of your station."

"She hated the Labyrinth," Jareth scoffed and turned back to head for his dressing room.

"Perhaps at the time of her run but she has called it beautiful more than once since her return," Dante called after him.

The captain walked over toward a window and gazed outside to see the sun beginning to set. "Taden thinks she would have chosen the ballroom you created for her had she not seen the Perpetual Garden room."

"Is that so?" Jareth said walking back out now dressed for dinner.

"Of course she doesn't know you created the room specifically for her," Dante told the king. "Taden did however mention Lady Sarah had commented the room looked like it had when she was there. She questioned glass on the floor." Jareth's mismatched eyes immediately went to his captain. "No one told her anything."

The king nodded pleased. "Good, No reason to tell her anything that she doesn't need to know," he said slipping on a dark gray jacket.

"Sire…"

"Sarah is here and I am the one in control this time," The king said firmly as he headed for his bedroom door.

"You had most of the control last time," the captain reminded him.

Jareth paused at his door. "I have all the control this time. Sarah belongs to me."

"Yes, but in what capacity?" Dante asked.

Jareth looked back at his faithful captain. "Every capacity!"

"No sire you do not." Before the king could argue he said, "You don't have her heart completely sire. You cannot have her in every capacity if you don't have her love. Lady Sarah is yours to do with as you please but…"

"I will never truly have her without her heart," Jareth sighed understanding his friend's warning. Dante gave an elegant nod.

"I know you are angry with her my king. Give yourself some time before you make a decision that could cost you what you want most," Dante said carefully. "Be sure of what it is you want before you act." Jareth nodded and opening the door walked away leaving the door open.

Jareth walked toward the dining room in silence. Dante's words played in his head. He often found himself acting rash where Sarah was concerned. The Goblin King thought through anything he did before he did it except for Sarah. His sense of reasoning always seemed to slip away where the dark haired girl was concerned.

"Your majesty."

"June," the king said giving her a nod and snapping back to reality. Years of training kept him from showing how caught off guard he was that he had already reached the dining room.

Jareth entered the room to see a table sat for two. Sarah was there and he watched as the green eyed woman rose to her feet as he entered. It took effort for him to not visually react to how beautiful she looked in a darker green dress.

"Your Majesty," Sarah said as she gave the king a curtsy.

Jareth gave her a nod and to both their surprise he came up behind her and helped her with her chair as she sat back down once more. Once she was seated Jareth walked around and sat down in his chair at the head of the table next to her.

"I understand you've chosen The Perpetual Garden room for the ball," Jareth commented.

"I'm not sure," Sarah admitted as a salad was placed before her. "Is that the room that overlooks the Labyrinth that hasn't been used for … a long time?"

"Yes," he replied. "You must like a challenge to choose a room that needs so much work."

"It does need work but…it seemed like the most fitting place," Sarah replied. "Why hasn't it been used for so long?"

"I usually manage to get out of hosting a ball," The Goblin King replied.

"So you like to attend just not host," Sarah summarized.

"Actually I avoid them whenever possible," Jareth admitted as he picked up his glass of wine and took a sip.

"Here I thought you liked to dance," Sarah commented watching him.

"I suppose it would depend on the circumstance and with whom I was to be dancing with," The Goblin King replied. He sensed her about to ask a question and quickly spoke first. "Have you chosen a theme yet?"

"No, not yet," The dark haired girl replied. "It needs to be winter related of course but…I guess I just haven't had quite the right inspiration hit me yet."

"I see. Colors?"

"I think that could be part of the problem," Sarah admitted. "You could make it easier and just tell me what colors you like or prefer."

"I told you the decision is entirely up to you," He replied as their meals arrived.

"Thank you," Sarah said as a steak dinner was placed before her. "I'd prefer to know I won't be choosing colors you hate," she pleaded.

"Sarah rarely does a member of royalty let alone a king actually give someone free reign to design and be as creative as they like for an event. Given your drawings I would not think the task I've given you would be so difficult," he said dryly.

"Jareth…"

"You're Majesty." Jareth looked over to see Dante and Gilbert enter the dining room.

"I trust there is a relevant reason you are interrupting my meal?" Jareth said calmly but clearly not pleased about the interruption.

"Lady Carisse is here and demanding to see you. She says she brings a message from her father that is only to be delivered to you."

"Lady Carisse is looking for another opportunity to gain my favor," Jareth said openly annoyed.

"I'm sure. I did assure her I would see you received the letter but the woman is being stubborn," Gilbert said sounding less than pleased himself.

Jareth looked over at where his former opponent sat quietly. "Bring her here." The two men bowed and left their presence.

"I take it you don't like her?" Sarah said.

"No she's looking for an opportunity to be a queen. She wants status but let us say…she is not to be trusted," Jareth warned. "Carisse can be as underhanded as her father; which is why I never allow her to be alone with me."

"Gotcha," Sarah said understanding his underline meaning.

"Your Majes…ty," the dark haired woman said clearly caught off guard to see the king dining alone with a woman.

"I understand you have a letter for me?" The King said directly.

"Uh...yes. Perhaps we could speak in private?" Lady Carisse suggested; she held a smile on her face but there was a look in the woman's eyes toward Sarah that Sarah couldn't miss. There was a less than friendliness look to them.

"No, we cannot," Jareth said and held his hand out for the letter.

"Sire…it's just…you see I'm expected to wait for your answer. Hardly something to discuss, in front of your…guest." Lady Carisse said before batting her eyelashes at the king.

It took effort for Sarah not to roll her eyes at the determined woman. Calmly the green eyed girl looked at Jareth. His face was calm but she sensed he was anything but pleased.

"Surely your father does not expect his Majesty to give you an answer on anything before he considers any ramifications of what he is asking for," Sarah said calmly looking at the interrupting woman. "It must be of upmost importance for you to feel it necessary to interrupt our dinner. Dante or Gilbert either one would have ensured King Jareth received his letter."

Jareth almost smirked seeing the fae woman practically glare at Sarah. "Give it here," the king said calmly.

"Sire.."

"Now!" The King said becoming impatient. Lady Carisse was surprised by his sudden harsh tone and quickly gave him the letter. Silently he handed the letter to Sarah. "Lady Sarah would you be so kind as to look this over and tell me what is so important?"

Sarah was surprised but obediently opened the letter and began scanning the letter over. "I do hope I'm wrong," she said before she could stop herself. She looked up at the woman with long straight black hair. "Your father sent you to interrupt the King's dinner over a dispute with another lord over a barn?"

"That's what's in the letter?" Dante asked clearly caught off guard.

"He is also offering to send his daughters to help his majesty with any ball preparations if he'd like," Sarah said.

Jareth abruptly took the letter and scanned it over himself before becoming very angry. "Tell your father he had best be here at 9am tomorrow," Jareth snarled. "Get out!" The woman's eyes flew opened shocked before she picked up the front of her dress and nearly running left the room.

Sarah looked at the angry Jareth and said, "I can see why you don't like her." Sarah smiled at him before picking up a bite of steak and continuing her dinner. Jareth just looked at her. "She might as well be wearing a sign that says 'take me I'm yours.' taped to her chest. Well actually more like I'm begging you to take me'. The woman isn't even subtle."

Jareth snickered before he could stop himself. "Is that a smile?" Sarah teased. "No that can't be right. you're mad aren't you? You couldn't possibly find a woman glaring daggers at me and throwing herself at you amusing."

"Really Sarah if she were to actually glare daggers she'd need medical attention," Jareth replied amused.

"No kidding she probably doesn't have good aim," Sarah said and picked up her glass.

Dante and Gilbert exchanged a pleased look before the captain said, "I'll have anyone else that comes to interrupt thrown in the dungeon."

"Please do," Sarah remarked. She bit her lip and looked at Jareth knowing she may have overstepped a boundary.

"I completely agree," Jareth assured her. Sarah smiled and the two continued their meal as a much lighter tone took hold of the atmosphere.

It was late as Sarah walked through the halls of Goblin Castle. She'd already chosen where she was to have the ball but one room had been on her mind all day. Now that things were quiet she'd elected to return to the room of her dreams.

Sarah made her way to her enchanted ballroom and pleased to see no one around she entered the room. She was surprised as the room suddenly became lit. Her green eyes scanned the room as the ball of her dreams came to life in her mind.

As the room and her memories sprung to life she could almost feel the white dress she'd worn against her skin. She looked toward the back of the room and could picture Jareth standing there in his midnight blue jacket. A smile crossed her face as she remembered how very handsome he's looked. He'd looked every bit the part of the handsome powerful king.

Sarah walked over and sat down in a chair at one of the tables as she continued to look the room over. The ball had been magical and at times frightening to her but she'd never forgotten it. It had haunted her dreams since she'd left.

"When I get my hands on…" Jareth stopped surprised to see the lights on in the ballroom he'd created for Sarah. Suddenly feeling angry he marched toward the room. 'How dare anyone be in that room!' he thought angrily.

They were about to enter the room when Dante suddenly stopped him. Jareth looked at him but following the captain's gesture looked further into the room and was surprised to see Sarah sitting alone in the room.

Dante looked at the girl with sympathy. The look on her face told him her memories were alive in that room. He went to speak to the king but Jareth was no longer able to be seen. He sensed his presence but could not actually see him.

Dante entered the room and looked it over himself. He knew how much thought the king had put into creating the room. "Lady Sarah?"

"Oh. Hi Dante. Is it okay I'm…here?" The dark haired girl asked suddenly not sure.

"Of course. Are you considering changing locations to here?" The captain asked.

"No!" Sarah said far too quickly. The fae guard raised an eyebrow at her. "Sorry no. Jareth would be very disappointed in me."

"Why would his majesty be against this room?" Dante inquired looking the white decor over.

"Because there wouldn't be anything to change," Sarah replied. "I wouldn't change a thing in this room. He created the perfect ball here. I only hope what I create is half as good." Sarah gave a small smile. "I know he uses this room for everyone but…I like to pretend he really did create it just for me."

"Who is to say he didn't?" Dante suggested.

"When I was here it was to win back my brother," Sarah told him. "He taunted me, teased me, enchanted me, and…almost won."

"You fought hard to reach the castle," Dante praised.

"Thank you but…I almost lost at the very end."

"You reached the castle," the captain said.

"Yes I did," Sarah said getting up from the chair. "I reached the castle and learned not everything was about me. That family is important and that a person must accept the consequences of their actions. I wanted to say yes to Jareth and his proposition but…I couldn't be selfish and surrender Toby."

"What proposition?"

"Love me, Fear me, Do as I say and I will be your slave," Sarah replied. "I almost fell for his final trick. Goodnight Dante," Sarah said and left the room.

"She thought it was a trick?" Jareth said becoming visible again. He looked at the doorway in astonishment.

"It seems Lady Sarah didn't understand she'd already won," The captain commented. He watched as the king looked his way. "It seems you may have a much better chance at winning her heart than first thought."

"I need to see her."

"Sire wait," Dante said. Jareth stopped and looked at his faithful servant. "Show her majesty. Don't tell her how you feel; show her. Lead her back to you." Jareth didn't agree or disagree and simply vanished.

Sarah walked out onto the terrace off of the Library and looked up at the stars that covered the sky. She still didn't understand what her place in the Underground was but knew at least she was not confined to a dungeon.

It wasn't long and her thoughts drifted to her family. Her father and Toby and she had taken up star gazing on Friday nights. Thinking of them she remembered she'd forgotten to ask Jareth about them.

"I wonder if they remember me," She said softly.

"I didn't erase you from that world." Sarah turned and was surprised to see Jareth standing there watching her.

"Your…" Jareth waived his hand when she went to curtsy stopping her.

"Your Father, Step Mother, and young Toby believe at the last minute your mother sent for you to join them. Your Mother believes you're with your father," He said walking up to stand next to her by the railing.

"Thank you," Sarah said. Jareth nodded and then looked out at the Labyrinth. "I know I have no right but…will I ever be allowed to see them again?"

The Goblin King looked over at the young woman that had haunted him since the first time he'd ever laid eyes on her. "That may be possible in the future," he replied. Turning his eyes back on the Labyrinth he added, "I can be cruel Sarah; I admit that. I can be harsh and demanding. However I never lie."

Slowly he looked over at her once more. "I am Fae and yes I can be tricky by human standards; I am not opposed to making things turn in my favor. However not even to an enemy would I lie. I've never lied to you Sarah; not now and not when you were my opponent."

"Jareth…"

"I will not be available for the next few days. Taden and June are at your disposal. I look forward to seeing what you have decided when I return." Without another word the Goblin King turned and walked away.

Author's Note: I know it's been a while but I will begin updating my stories and even have a couple of new ones. Now that I am no longer in the desert and can think again my stories will move forward. Thank you for reading and as always I love reviews =o)