Labyrinth Pt. II

36. Lock In Your Answer

The knock on the door was a goblin maid who was sent to escort me to dinner. She was giddy with joy and spoke nonstop of the celebration that poured from the main hall in to the city. She thanked me for my part in restoring her home. She was kind. Her name was Abygayl.

We arrived at the main hall and true enough, goblins of all walks of life and status were dancing and feasting. At the back of the hall, where the main table was placed sat a king worthy of the happy people. Jareth smiled and laughed along with his subjects and played with the kids who ran around him. They were so small compared to him, but they weren't afraid.

His eyes caught mine watching him and stood up. The children turned to me and ran at me. I was startled at the force of their group hug. I was knocked over and had goblin youths hugging me and telling me their plans for games and how they wanted to show me their school and lake.

I laughed at their fervor. It was contagious, this happy feeling

"Ahem." A deep voice interjects the younglings. "I believe Lady Sarah would like to eat. Shall you prepare her place?"

The children cheered and ran to the main table. Who knows what for?

"Here, love." Jareth reached his hand towards me to help me up. "The children are harmless for the most part but when they are excited, they don't know their own strength."

"Oh, no it was fine." I placed my hand in his and felt warmth light my body. It was stronger than the times before. He pulled me from the ground like it was nothing. "They are a pleasant kind. I love kids."

"I know." Without releasing my hand, he tucked it in the crook of his arm to escort me to the main table. "You always had a way with kids, even when they were pestering you. Your brother adored you."

"I like to think he has fond memories of me." I smiled sadly. Toby was at home. I couldn't leave him. "The party certainly is boisterous! What a change in tone from what I remember."

"Things changed, remember? Plus, they have something to celebrate." The kids pull the chair out for me, and Jareth helps me sit. The giggle and scurried to the side. "It seems they chose items for you to try."

I looked at my plate and noticed looked like it was covered in sweets! I laughed and looked their way. They were waiting for my response, and I gave it to them. I smiled brightly and gave them a thumbs up. The children cheered in response and ran off.

"Perhaps we add a new plate with things a tad more sustaining, hm?" Jareth begins making my plate, choosing exactly what I would've chosen myself. "Now, drink and be merry, is it?"

"It is. Thank you." I bow my head in thanks, but he quickly stops me with a finger under my chin.

"No. You of all creatures should never bow to me. You are why I am here. I should be bowing to you." His eyes darken. "Never, ever bow."

"I- Jareth. I need to give you my answer."

"Not now." He releases me from the grasp I was in. "Eat, you need to put more in your body than what you have been. I've seen you not eating."

"I ate!"

"Not like you should." He looks at me again with a scolding look. "He wasn't feeding you enough, and you were protesting by not eating. Now, eat, please."

I nodded and began eating. Jareth divided his attention amongst the crowd, but I new he was watching to make sure I finished the plate. He wasn't wrong. I was starving and the food was so good.

"Please tell whoever made this, that it was delicious." I tugged at Jareth's sleeve.

"I will. They will be pleased to hear it had you satisfied." He took my hand from his sleeve and held it. "Now, perhaps we should take a walk in the garden."