Two lonely hearts who have always yearned for one another has led up to a very important meeting. What will happen? Is a happy ending on the horizon?
"I feel your heartbeat inside me
Now you're so close I can hardly breathe
I look at you and I can't believe
*******************************************************
Looking out the window from her apartment that evening, she let out a deep sigh. Her breath appeared and disappeared on the fog-stained window panes, performing continuous magic tricks. It had been storming for what seemed like an eternity, not showing any signs of ending.
The roads were massively flooded, and everyone was ordered to stay home and not travel if they could help it. City officials were risking their lives by warning others of the unceasing turbulence, and big “TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN” signs were everywhere.
“Well,” Sarah said aloud, “Guess I'm not going to work today.” She pulled herself away from the window and plopped on the couch. Grabbing the remote, she tried finding something on the television to watch. But there was nothing.
I mean, one can only watch their favorite shows so many times!
She wiped the loose strands of brown hair away from her face. Scanning the room, she picked up her favorite novel and began to read.
As she read the familiar words, her thoughts immediately went back to when she ran the magnificent maze.
It had been five years now since her triumph. Five years since she had seen Hoggle, Ludo, Sir Didymus...
After about an hour, she came to the part where it was the final showdown between herself and the enigmatic Goblin King.
She could still see his inviting face as he emerged from the shadows in the Escher Room and circled her.
Just as the image played in her mind, thunder boomed and the rain came harder. Her skin prickled at the noise, and she thought she had seen the recognizable appearance of a barn owl.
Sarah continued reading when, all of a sudden, a big flash of lightning knocked the power out.
The rumble of thunder that followed almost made her jump out of her skin. Once she recovered, she went into her kitchen to retrieve her emergency flashlight and batteries.
She followed the light from the lightning and opened the drawer. From the corner of her eye, there was a quick flash of someone or something.
Her heartbeat quickened, and she looked around the darkness.
"It's just my mind playing tricks on me,” she thought. “It will be all over soon.”
But there it was again. This time, the flash of whatever it was made a thudding sound at her front door.
Suppressing a scream, Sarah shakily turned on the flashlight and walked slowly back toward the living room. The storm was raging on like an army invading its enemy, and the fear that came along with impending war encapsulated her body.
As she drew closer, she noticed that the extreme winds blew the door open and the heavy rains sprayed her entryway. Breathing a sigh of relief, she shut and locked her door, grabbed some towels, and cleaned up the puddles.
“Oh, thank God!” She whispered.
After throwing the towels in the hamper, Sarah returned to the living room to find an elegantly wrapped package on her coffee table. Scanning the surrounding space, a lump formed in her throat.
"Where did this come from?” She asked out loud.
She bent down to read the writing, and, instead of the usual address, it was written in calligraphy and had the Royal Stamp:
"To: Miss Sarah Williams.”
Intrigue and curiosity overcame her, and she carefully unwrapped the package. Inside, there was a deep purple velvet evening gown aligned with silver trim and black strappy heels to go along with it. It also included a letter. Sarah, unsure but excited, opened the soft brown envelope. It read:
"His Majesty, King Jareth of the Goblins, requests the honour of your presence the twenty-first of June at seven o'clock in the evening.”
She softly gasped and again scanned the dark room with her flashlight. How? How did this get here?
Then she thought about the mysterious figure invading her home. The owl…
As she came to the realization, something brushed her face.
******************************************************
Sarah glanced at the grandfather clock that stood next to the front door. Two in the afternoon. She had exactly five hours to get ready and prepare herself for what could be anything, for nothing was what it seemed in the Labyrinth.
She had her misgivings, though. All these questions were running through her mind. Should she go? Should she stay? What will happen if I see him again? Did he miss me?
Oh! Too many inquisitive thoughts! If she didn't put an end to it, her mind was going to short-circuit!
Taking a deep breath, Sarah finally decided to attend. Not only was she going to quell the apprehension that was bubbling inside, but she was also going to see the man she ever truly... well, anyway.
Though it was dark, the treacherous weather provided enough light for Sarah to take a bath and prepare for her evening. Relaxing in the tub, surrounded by candlelight, her thoughts drifted toward a certain time. A time of laughter and gaiety, dance and song, bubbles and champagne, desires and whispers.
All eyes had been on her, watching and scrutinizing, waiting to pounce on her if she faltered in any way.
While she quite enjoyed, it seemed, this merry game of cat and mouse, it was time for it to come to an end.
Then, the eyes…those masterful eyes that stopped time and left her breathless…
Sarah felt her heartbeat through her ears as he haunted her with that gaze. It beat faster and faster as he drew closer. His muscular arms intimately wrapped around her waist to lead her to the dance floor, and then... She snapped herself back to reality. The water had turned a cold. Wrapping a towel around her naked body, she blew out the candles and made her way to her bedroom using the flashlight.
Standing in front of her full-length mirror, she dried herself off and put on her bra and underwear. Sarah wanted to do her hair first, but, alas, no electricity.
"Oh, no! What am I going to do? I can't go looking like something the cat dragged in!” She thought. “I wish my hair would automatically style itself.”
In that instant, soft glowing colors of silver and purple radiated around her, gently sparkling and bursting, and she looked in the mirror.
Her long brown hair had been softly curled and elegantly wrapped in a braided crown, her ears adorned with exquisite lavender diamond studs, and her neck was graced with a teardrop amethyst necklace.
Gasping, she softly caressed the jewelry set for royalty. She was astounded and wondered at the same time. “Wow!” She whispered. “Just…Wow!”
Tearing herself away from her reflection, she went over to her bed and gazed over the evening gown that lay softly across. She carefully picked it up and held it up against her porcelain skin, twirling around with closed eyes and giggling. The excitement was brewing! She put the gown on, feeling the luscious velvety fabric soothing her body. She then put on the strappy heels that revealed her recent pedicure and finished her look with a dab of peach-scented perfume.
Satisfied with her complete look after glancing in the mirror, she took notice of the clock: 6:45 p.m.
The time had arrived for her to depart for the Underground. After five years, Sarah decided to return to the very place, to the very person who captivated her long ago and held her heart.
With her voice barely above a whisper and a nervous smile, she took a deep breath and focused on what no doubt would be a magical evening.
"I wish to go to the castle beyond the Goblin City.”
A swirling whirlpool appeared in the rain, making it look like a hurricane, and an elaborate, intricate carriage appeared.
One of the guards bowed up before Sarah and said, “Your carriage awaits, my lady.” She let out a wondrous, in awe gasp, took the guard's offer to help her in the carriage, and, instantly, she was on her way.
On her path to destiny...
******************************************************
It came upon a moment in time where the mystical Goblin King reflected on his past, present, and future. All he had was time after all.
He had everything: loyalty, respect, power...
If he had to be honest, he was missing the one piece of the puzzle that would make his life complete.
These were the thoughts that kept him up at night as he lay in bed. His restless mind plagued him all the time with reflections of...
Jareth spent many a night and day, almost absent-mindedly, “going through the motions,” so to speak. Her friends would entertain others about their adventures from five years ago ever so often, but each time the king entered the room, they went silent as if it were forbidden.
To Rummy, his trusted advisor, the poor king was constantly walking in a trance—a drunken stupor.
She certainly left her mark on him.
The Goblin King had been informed that it was storming in the Aboveground, and his mind automatically flashed back to when he first encountered her.
But...no, he would not allow himself to reminisce. It had been too painful, especially when he whispered her name only for silence to greet and lull him to sleep.
Eerily, the same weather was happening, and Jareth sat on his bedroom window sill, looking at the blustery skies overlooking his city.
Talking to himself, he was debating whether to simply move on or make one more effort to request what he desires the most.
He finally made his decision.
Going to his bedside table, he pulled out the drawer to reveal the most precious heirloom in his possession.
Not a living soul, mortal or immortal, knew of this hidden possession. It was only going to be gifted to the right person at the right time. And the time had come.
He placed the heirloom back on the drawer and closed it. Taking a deep breath, he called for Rummy.
A short and stocky goblin with black leather skin and pumpkin orange eyes entered the room and bowed.
Taking a deep breath, he said, "I need you to tell the kitchen staff to prepare the most elegant meal ever created in the Goblin Kingdom. I am going to make a quick delivery, and when I return, I want everyone, and I mean everyone, to decorate and prepare the Grand Dining Hall for a private feast.”
Rummy said, “Right away, your Majesty.” He turned on his heel and left.
In a glittery swirl, Jareth turned into his owl form and made the journey to deliver an important present.
Maybe wishes do come true?
******************************************************
The royal carriage arrived at the castle.
Stepping out and putting her hand in the guard’s offering one, Sarah beheld the grand abode in which the king resided.
Last time she was here, she was confronting him, bargaining for Toby, and breaking his heart while her own shattered into pieces, too.
Now, hearing her heart beat ferociously in her ears, she stepped inside the castle.
******************************************************
"Your Majesty, the lady has arrived and is being escorted in, as we speak.”
“Perfect, Rummy. That will be all.”
King Jareth stood alone in the Grand Dining Hall, breathing in the grandiose scenery that lay before him. He was quite impressed with the goblins' workmanship.
The long mahogany table had been prepared with two bouquets of deep red roses from his personal garden. One on each end.
In the middle were long-stemmed candlesticks glowing rich, warm flames, casting dancing shadows on the wall. And the air was filled with creamy peach and cinnamon.
This was the culmination of the past five years. Everything he hoped, wished, and prayed for was about to enter the room.
Jareth quickly checked his pocket and breathed a sigh of relief.
The double doors opened, and it was announced:
"Your Majesty, Miss Sarah Williams.”
He took a deep breath and released it. Poising himself, he whispered to himself, “Wish me luck.”
******************************************************
There was a symphony of beating drums that seemed to echo throughout the walls as Sarah entered the room, looking devastatingly beautiful!
Both Jareth and Sarah’s eyes met, this time in mutual respect and prestige rather than a contest to see who is more powerful.
“She is just as beautiful as when she was younger, even more so.” Jareth thought to himself. He quickly put a hand on his heart to see if it was still beating as he bowed to her.
Likewise, Sarah found herself more enchanted with the Goblin King than when she was a mere teenager. She focused on his beguiling eyes and natural smile as she curtsied before him.
Still overwhelmed with her actual presence, Jareth cleared his throat and welcomed her. “Welcome, my lady. I am so pleased you decided to join me.” He took her hand, which sent another round of electricity through Sarah, and placed a kiss. “Please be seated.”
As they took their seats, Sarah was still reeling from the hand-placed kiss. She cleared her throat and said, “Well, Your Majesty. This is absolutely beautiful!”
Jareth observed her for a few seconds, and his heart lit up with her smile. “Jareth, please. I believe you earned the right. And thank you. It really is all for you, Sarah.”
She could feel the warmth in her face as he stared at her. She nodded and said, “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble, but thank you.”
“Oh, but I did,” he countered. “You are worth it.”
Again, she blushed at the compliment. What was it about him that made him so damn… Provocative? So sexy? “Focus, Sarah,” she thought to herself. “Get it together. “
Seeing her internal struggle, Jareth decided to start the conversation. “So, tell me, Sarah. What has happened in your life since we met last?”
It was a welcoming beginning question. Sarah comfortably answered, “Let's see. Well, I graduated from college early with honors. I studied art with an emphasis on the Medieval and Renaissance eras and ended up teaching at my old high school. Basic drawing, sketching, painting, etc. And, Toby?”
Jareth nodded, “Ah, yes. How is young Toby?”
Sarah grinned. “Believe it or not, he is a well-adjusted first grader who is learning to read and explore the world around him."
He gave her a light-hearted smile. “Oh, to be that young and playful again! I am so happy to hear that he is doing well.”
Jareth was, indeed, thankful that Toby had no memory of his time in the Labyrinth. He spent a lifetime worrying about both the child and what Sarah thought of him since that time. Would she be able to forgive him?
“Yes, Toby is doing just fine. Thank you for asking. What about you? How have you been?” She asked.
He pondered her question long and hard and how to answer it. How had he been? She had no idea that life and love without her heart beating had been hell.
Giving her a contemplating glance, he rubbed his chin and furrowed his brows. “Can I be honest?” He asked with twinkling eyes.
Sarah looked at him and nodded. “Please.”
Jareth rose from his chair that was across from the table and moved to the closest to Sarah. She felt her pulse increase at the movement.
He was staring at her, studying her, capturing her attention, and making her body convulse with heat.
“Sarah,” he began. “The day you denied me…” He trailed off with a wistful look on his face.
Whether she was acting on impulse or consciously did it, Sarah touched his face and turned it back to her. “Finish, please.” She implored.
The mighty Goblin King felt as though he would crumble and melt at her simple touch. He smiled and sighed.
“The day you chose to leave was the day my heart died inside. My dreams, your dreams… I kept them locked away within the crystal, though it burst. Echoes of your being here haunted me, day in and day out. I grew exhausted. Not from lack of sleep, but trying to reside within the depths of your heart. Once I realized I could no longer fulfill your needs, I quietly bowed out.”
He took her hands and squeezed them tightly.
“Sarah, when I became a part of your past, my existence vanished. This kingdom, everything, ceased to exist.”
He bowed his head as tears gently fell down his face. He whispered, “I failed you. “
Sarah was crying now, too, as he poured his heart out. She rose out of her chair and kneeled before him. Taking his hand, she raised his tear-stricken face to meet hers. His eyes were even more intense and beautiful through the drops of water.
Through her tears, she told him, “Listen to me, Jareth. The day I rescinded your offer and returned home was when I knew I truly loved…I mean…”
Her heart plunged into her stomach, and nervousness invaded her body. She didn’t mean to imply “love”… Did she?
Jareth’s eyes profoundly looked into hers. “You love me?” He was searching her soul.
A lump formed in her throat. It was now or never. This was the time to make the confession she waited so long for.
“The day I returned home, Jareth, was the day I knew I loved you. Yes, Jareth, I love you. I knew it then, but I had to grow up and experience the world. My family needed me.”
She continued, “You never, ever, disappeared from my life. You were never far from my heart, which is yours, Jareth. I never thought to give it to anyone else, and I never will. Yes, I love you. I always have.”
A smile he had not seen in five years formed on his mouth. This time, happy tears fell from his and Sarah’s faces.
Wearing their hearts on their sleeves, Jareth and Sarah buried their heads in one another's shoulders, having finally been vulnerable to each other.
Jareth stood up, composed himself, and gazed down at his one true love. He took her hands once more and pulled Sarah up from her kneeling position. As she rose, he became enchanted by her glistened emerald eyes.
The feel of his breath and hypnotic gaze he was giving her had Sarah overcome with an erotic, burning fury. They were locked in on one another, and, slowly but surely, Jareth moved in closer… closer... and...
“Dinner is served, Your Majesty.” Rummy announced.
Jareth quietly groaned into Sarah's neck and lightly chuckled. “What a buzzkill.”
Sarah laughed at the inconvenience.
"Are you hungry?” Jareth asked.
"Yes, I could eat something.” She nodded.
Jareth smiled, took her hand, and pulled out the chair for Sarah. Once she was seated, he sat himself down. “Let us eat. Rummy? You may serve us now.”
******************************************************
Sarah never experienced royal dining ever in her life! It was all elegantly prepared, and the flavors were all so exquisite!
The feast specially made for her consisted of: roasted duck with an orange glaze, buttery steamed vegetables, baked potatoes with all the amenities, and dessert. A freshly baked peach pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sprinkled with cinnamon.
After engaging in fine conversation and finishing their dinner, Sarah sighed contently. “This was the best dinner I have ever had! Thank you, Jareth.”
He fixed her with his brilliant eyes and said, smiling, “You are most welcome. You deserve only the best.”
She blushed at his statement, and he continued to stare at her for a few minutes. Wiping his mouth, he put his napkin down and rose from his seat.
Jareth offered his hand to her and said, “I believe we have a dance to finish.”
Sarah put her hand in his as he magically transported them to the ballroom. This time, though, there were no guests, no prying eyes. Just the two of them.
The music slowly and softly started playing and drifting through the ornately decorated room. Jareth slithered his arms around Sarah's waist, and the fire within once again raged wildly.
He felt her heartbeat as he held her. She could feel his mutual desire as she admired him.
And they twirled around and around in a cloud of passion, want, need, and inclination.
Jareth was able to finish his song for his Sarah. As the words departed his lips, they infused Sarah with the truth and depth of his love.
Their intimate dance came to an end, and they were both enveloped with one another, breathing hard.
Jareth's mind had told him, "Now. Now is the time."
Sarah wasn't running away anymore. There was no clock warning her with its incessant chimes.
Holding her gaze, he reached into his pocket, pulled out the family heirloom, and kneeled before her.
Realizing what was happening, Sarah gasped and put her hands to her mouth.
He reached down deep in his heart and soul and let the words pour out.
“There comes a point in every man’s life when he realizes what is valuable and precious. In all my immortality, I have never met a woman who has both challenged and captured me fully. You have bewitched me, mind, heart, body, and soul. These past five years without you have been most dreadful, so I am asking you tonight…”
He opened the box to reveal a classic white-gold diamond ring and asked, “Will you marry me?”
Through tears of joy, Sarah said, “Yes! Yes, I will marry you!”
Jareth’s smile reached all the way to his eyes as he slipped the ring on her trembling hand. He rose and put his hand on her face, lovingly caressing it and wiping away her tears.
She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes, breathing in his scent.
Jareth leaned in, lifted her chin, and collected her lips in a long-awaited, passionate kiss. Their tongues met in a fiery, sensual tango of love in its true art form, leaving them breathless and fulfilled.
“I love you, my Sarah. My future queen,” He said, still holding her face.
“I love you, too, my Goblin King…forever.” Sarah said as she kissed him again.
The music started up again with the wave of his hand, and, he pulled her close. As they embraced one another, they began to swirl around the room. Two lovers, having fallen in love and reunited forever, only had eyes for each other as the world fell down.
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