Chapter Text
Two months later…
After Namir healed, the Council held an important meeting. With Vezzeryn, the head of the Council, dead, they had to figure out a new head. Al’denel ended up with the honor; he wanted Jareth to do it, but Jareth didn’t want to take the time out of his life from his own kingdom, and Al’denel didn’t have a kingdom of his own to rule over.
Al’denel had been changed by the battle with Maldonek even though he hadn’t been a part of it. Everything that had happened had greatly changed his view of the world around him, and Jareth accepted his sincerity. He felt that Al’denel would do a fine job as head of the Council.
Al’denel had even formally recognized Sarah’s involvement, going so far as to suggest adding her as a member of the High Council itself. He was quickly reminded by the remaining members, however, that a non-magical being could not be on the council, as the use of magic was often required. Sarah thanked him all the same, and was pleased to note that they all referred to her as Sarah now. Al’denel did, however, inform her that she was welcome to accompany Jareth anytime there was a meeting.
There were no immediate replacements for the ones they had lost from the council; they were simply smaller in number until someone suitable came along.
Namir had destroyed the scales of the dragons who had died so they couldn’t be misused in any way. Even he, so disdainful of Sarah before, had warmed up to her.
With no more trips Aboveground (and regular time alone with Sarah, of course) Jareth was more or less back to normal. He was at full strength, of course, but he had been in such a pleasant mood with Sarah’s return that it was ridiculous to call him “normal”. Not that this was directly observable; he was still quite as horrible to his subjects as he had always been before meeting Sarah the first time, but his happiness was evident now; he did not even threaten the Bog very much anymore.
Sarah had gotten to work with Veraina, learning quickly and enjoying the time spent with her friend. She felt a lot more comfortable now that she was earning her own money in a meaningful way. When she wasn’t working with Veraina or spending time with Jareth, she sought out her friends from the Labyrinth, spending afternoons with them as well. It was a better life than she had ever dreamt possible for herself, and she knew she was the luckiest woman in the world – Aboveground or Underground.
This evening, a ball had been planned. Jareth wished to throw it in honor of Al’denel for becoming the new head of the High Council, but was also secretly throwing it for Sarah. Ever since being pulled into her dream when she had run the Labyrinth, he had wanted to truly dance with her…and to end with the kiss he so desired this time.
When they were next alone after he had announced the ball a few weeks before, Sarah had asked him about that very night.
“What happened, anyway?” she asked. “Was that all real?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Jareth said. “It happened inside your head; however, as the creator of the dream crystal, I saw it, too.”
“What do you mean, you ‘saw’ it?” Sarah asked, confused.
“I mean that I created the crystal to show you your dreams,” Jareth informed her. “I didn’t know what they were; it was meant to look into your heart and see what you desired, then manifest that desire for you to watch as though you were living it. However, the vision, as it were, came to me as well; I was quite surprised, as I had not expected to be part of it.”
“Oh,” she said. She had dreamed of that particular part of her trip to the Underground more than any other over the years. “So that was all my creation.”
“Indeed,” Jareth said. “I admit it quite confused me at the time; you clearly desired me, but then changed your mind when it seemed you were going to get what you wanted.”
“I was fifteen,” Sarah reminded him again. “I didn’t realize I was in over my head.”
“I realize that now,” Jareth smiled at her. “But if you only knew how crazy you made me then,” he added with a laugh.
“I am sorry, you know,” she said, though she smiled too. “I really didn’t intend to make you crazy.”
“I know, my Sarah,” Jareth grinned before kissing her.
“What about the song?” she asked after that. “Did I come up with that as well?”
“You remember that?” Jareth asked.
“I remember every detail,” Sarah said softly. Jareth smiled at her.
“No,” he said finally. “That was my own addition. Once I was pulled into viewing the vision, I made that a part of it.”
“And you wrote it yourself?”
“Yes,” Jareth said softly, looking into her eyes. “I wrote every word for you, my Sarah.” She kissed him back, leading to a rather passionate evening for the two of them.
After his explanation, Sarah had come to be rather excited about the ball taking place. The only member of the High Council not attending was Namir; dragons, being more solitary, didn’t generally attend such festivities, Jareth had explained.
Finally, the night had come. Jareth had ordered a dress to be made for her, and Veraina (who was, of course, also attending the ball) had offered to help her get ready. Sarah walked down to Veraina’s room that afternoon with the garment bag that held her dress draped over her arm, a shoebox in her other arm.
Two hours later, Sarah was ready to wow at the ball. Jareth had promised to come ‘pick her up’ from Veraina’s rooms at seven-thirty, and Sarah was standing ready for him when he arrived.
His eyes grew wide as he stepped into the room and saw her. She was perfect. He’d had a golden yellow ball gown made for her with shoulder straps draping to the side, a fitted bodice, and a full skirt, and given her coordinating yellow shoes and gloves that came just past her elbows. Veraina had put a little makeup on her and fixed her hair so half of it was up in a bun, the rest of it flowing down her back with a slight wave to it. She was wearing golden earrings that she had purchased earlier in the week with her new wages, accenting the rest of it perfectly.
“You are utterly gorgeous,” Jareth said, stepping toward her and bringing her hand to his lips with a slight bow. “Perfection captured in physical form.”
“Don’t be silly,” Sarah said as she blushed, but she smiled, pleased. “You look really nice yourself,” she added.
Jareth was in a deep blue jacket, quite like the one she remembered from her ballroom dream, though without the jewels, she noted, and not quite so long or shiny. It flowed easily into black pants, as fitted as his usual ones (much to Sarah’s delight). His ruffled shirt was white as it had been then as well, and he wore white gloves on his own hands. She noticed his hair was streaked with blue again as well, and smiled at it.
“Thank you, my Sarah,” Jareth said. He kept her hand in his own and pulled her toward the door. “Let us give Veraina her room back, shall we?”
“Of course,” Sarah grinned. “Thank you so much for everything, Veraina!” she added. “I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime, Sarah,” Veraina grinned back. “Have a great time tonight.”
“You, too,” Sarah said as she and Jareth left the room. Sarah shut Veraina’s door behind her and then Jareth quickly pulled her to him for a kiss.
“You are truly too beautiful for words,” Jareth informed her as they pulled apart. She smiled.
“Thank you,” Sarah said. “So…should we go?”
“In a moment,” Jareth said. “I wanted to give you something first.”
“Jareth!” she chided. “You’ve already given me the dress and everything. You don’t have to keep buying me stuff.”
“If it makes you feel better,” Jareth teased, “this is something that I have had for a very long time; not something I purchased.” He held out a somewhat large velvet box to her. “It belonged to my mother. I would like you to have it, and to wear it tonight, if you wish.” Sarah opened the case and gasped. Inside was an opulent necklace, diamonds glittering in between strands of gold forming a small leaf-like pattern.
“Oh my gosh, Jareth,” she said quietly. “This is beautiful.”
“Then it is perfect for you,” he smiled. He held his hand out for the box. “May I?” She handed the box back to him and he took the necklace out of it, fastening it around her neck.
“I feel like a princess,” she said quietly. Jareth grinned inwardly at that; he wondered what she would think of being a queen instead. He’d soon find out.
“You look more divine than even the most beautiful princess, my precious Sarah,” Jareth said sincerely, kissing her softly. He conjured a crystal and easily sent the box back to his room before holding his arm out to Sarah. She took it and walked with him toward the ballroom.
She truly did feel like a princess, being escorted by her handsome prince to the ball. Except, she reminded herself, he was a king, not a prince. Even better, she thought with a grin.
*****
The ball was going well. Dinner was enjoyable, and Sarah had been surprised to realize she wasn’t even that bad at dancing. She suspected some of it was Jareth’s own skill not allowing her to mess up, but even as she granted Al’denel a dance, she wasn’t half bad. After dancing with him she returned to Jareth at the high table, who looked less than happy.
“What’s the matter?” Sarah asked.
“I didn’t like you dancing with him,” Jareth said, his eyes flashing slightly. Sarah was surprised.
“I thought you liked him,” Sarah protested.
“I don’t like to share,” Jareth informed her. Sarah laughed.
“Oh, come on, that made you jealous?” she asked in disbelief.
“I am not jealous,” Jareth said, disgruntled, as he took Sarah’s hand.
“Uh huh,” Sarah said, raising an eyebrow. “Well, if you’re not jealous, then you’re overly possessive, and we’re going to have a problem,” she added. Jareth huffed.
“Fine. I was jealous. Are you satisfied?”
“Hardly,” Sarah snorted. “You can’t get jealous of me dancing with someone else at an event like this, you know. It’s only polite of me.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to like another man having his hands on you,” Jareth said defensively. Sarah laughed again.
“Oh please,” Sarah said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t be silly, Jareth. No one else is going to put the moves on me. And anyway, you’re the only one I’m interested in,” she reminded him.
“Is that so,” Jareth said, a grin crossing his face at this. “Well, I suppose that might help. A little.”
“You are hopeless,” Sarah giggled.
“Perhaps,” Jareth said as the music changed. “But perhaps I am simply hopeful,” he added. He held a hand out to her as he stood up. “May I have this dance, my lady?”
“Of course, sire,” Sarah grinned, knowing how much he liked it when she used that term for him. She took his hand and he pulled her to her feet, pulling her into him as well and kissing her gently. She smiled up at him. “Hopeless,” she repeated.
He laughed and led her onto the dance floor. She finally recognized the song and looked up at him with wide eyes. He took her hand in his, placing his other hand around her waist. Almost as though in a dream, her arm floated up to his shoulder as he began to lead her around the floor.
“There’s such a sad love, deep in your eyes,” he sang softly to her with the music. She stared up at him in awe, much like she had done in her dream with him. He held her tightly, staring into her eyes as he whirled her around the dance floor.
Everyone had moved aside to give them room; they were the only ones dancing now, while the rest of the guests looked on.
“But I’ll be there for you as the world falls down,” Jareth sang, his voice still soft, eyes still locked onto hers.
She felt tears in her eyes at the perfection of the moment, wishing she could hold onto it forever.
“I’ll paint you mornings of gold, I’ll spin you valentine evenings,” Jareth continued, meaning every word; anything she wished, he would make it happen.
“Falling in love,” Jareth finished, barely whispering the last bit as he stopped moving her. His eyes had not moved from hers, and he slowly leaned down to kiss her. To his slight surprise, she raised up on her toes to kiss him, meeting him halfway, too impatient to wait. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, reveling in the feeling.
A few moments later, the murmurs of the crowd broke through their minds, previously clouded by one another, and Sarah blushed deeply as she realized everyone was watching them. Jareth realized it, too, and glared around at them all, clearing his throat. Everyone quickly went back to their conversations, ceasing their staring, as Sarah buried her face in Jareth’s shoulder. He grinned and patted her back gently.
“Come, my Sarah,” he said softly, placing a hand on her back and leading her from the ballroom. A few watched them go, but none followed.
“I can’t believe I did that in front of everyone,” Sarah muttered, her cheeks flaming.
“Don’t worry,” Jareth laughed. “They’ve seen much worse. They’ll have forgotten it by morning. At any rate, was it that terrible?”
“Well, no,” Sarah admitted with a small grin. “But still.”
“I’m rather fond of the idea of everyone knowing exactly how we feel about one another,” Jareth smirked. “I believe that made it quite clear.”
“Yeah, I’d say so,” Sarah laughed. “Okay, you have a point. It wasn’t that bad. I still didn’t like everyone staring.”
“They shouldn’t have been,” Jareth said. “But no matter. Shall we go for a walk?” he asked, nodding toward the castle door. Sarah nodded, feeling a little shy somehow.
Jareth led her out the door and to the grounds, heading toward his gardens. They walked silently, content with one another’s company, the moon shining down on them.
“This place really is beautiful,” Sarah said at one point, stopping. The moonlight was shining down over the Labyrinth, and with the castle situated above it all, it was spread out before them like a picture.
“I am truly touched that you like it so well,” Jareth said quietly as he stopped with her. The moonlight shining on her hair, catching the bit of sparkle in her dress, left one with the impression that she was glowing. Jareth turned to face her, grabbing both of her hands in his now. “It is nothing in comparison to the beauty right before me, however,” he whispered, staring into her green eyes. He loved how she blushed when he complimented her.
“Thanks,” Sarah said shyly.
“My Sarah,” Jareth said finally, “I would like to ask you something.”
“Okay,” Sarah said, cocking her head in interest.
“I have been in love with you for over ten years,” he began quietly. “I knew it when you ran my Labyrinth, though I was unable to do anything about it until recently.”
“I was in love with you, too, you know,” Sarah said, just as quietly. “Just because I didn’t understand doesn’t make it less real.”
“I know,” Jareth smiled. “Nevertheless. Ten years I have loved you; several weeks I have had you back by my side. You saved my kingdom, you saved my home, and you saved my life.” Sarah was silent as she listened to his heartfelt speech. “You are so much more than you think you are. You have done amazing things, and most importantly, to me anyway, you have made my life infinitely better.” He paused and took a deep breath, steeling himself for the next part. He wasn’t entirely convinced of her answer, but went on with it anyway. “My sweet Sarah,” he whispered, lowering himself onto one knee and staring up at her, her hands still in his, her eyes widening in realization. “I want you by my side, forever, as my queen. Will you marry me?” he asked, letting go of one of her hands and producing a crystal in the same movement that quickly changed into a gold ring, set with a moonstone surrounded by tiny diamonds.
“Oh my god,” Sarah choked, tears in her eyes. “Yes, of course I will, Jareth,” she said, her voice breaking. “Of course.” Jareth grinned widely and stood up, pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply. He pulled away from her to see a wide smile on her face, though her eyes still sparkled with tears. He took her left hand in both of his own, pulling the glove off her arm and sliding the ring on her finger, fitting it perfectly to her.
“Thank you,” Jareth said, his voice full of emotion. “I love you, my Sarah; I will love you forever.”
“Only forever?” Sarah asked in a whisper, half-smiling at him. “But that’s not long at all.” And with that, she launched herself into his arms, kissing him with all the passion she possessed.
He truly had given her her dreams, she thought. Everything she had ever dared dream for, and even things she hadn’t thought to dream for. Every bit of it had come true. That night, underneath a crystal moon, she had everything she would ever want.