As The World Falls Down

Chapter 9

When you woke the next morning, warm, bright sunlight was spilling over the bed that made you squint and blink uncomfortably out of your serene sleep. You hadn't slept that deep and dreamless in a long time, but when you sat up, your body immediately ached and your muscles tensed in sore knots in your back and legs. The window facing the bed was open a crack and a cool wind came in and smoothed itself over your naked skin, and you looked out at the bustle of the Goblin City as the goblins started their day. You knew they couldn't see you, but you couldn't help but pull the sheets up over your exposed chest, still fully naked from the night's events. By the time Jareth had left you, you had no energy left and collapsed from exhaustion after an excruciating 12 rounds, out like a light by the time the door had shut behind him. As you climbed out of bed and made your way to the wardrobe, selecting a new linen shirt and pair of leather pants, you wondered what Jareth was up to now. Usually after a hookup, you did everything in your power to avoid the other person for the following days. But as you dressed and plotted the rest of your day within the castle, you hoped you would have another encounter with the Goblin King sooner rather than later.

When you emerged from your room, you were surprised to see a shoddy tray with a plate of simple breakfast to the right of your door, complete with a crystal cup and saucer. When you bent to examine the cup, you got a whiff of the warm, spicy steam coming off of it, inhaling a wisp of a cool magic that made you clear your throat. It was undoubtedly a traditional fae tea, and you warmed at the fond memories it stirred in your memory. You brought the tray back into your room, grateful that Jareth wanted to make sure you ate, but also a little offended that he did this so obviously because he didn't trust you to find the dining room on your own. Yet another power play, you thought with annoyance, but smiling a little as you took a bite of a soft roll dipped in salted butter. Even you yourself weren't sure you would've been able to, but you wished he had a bit more faith in you. After all, he had placed quite a bit of trust in you last night.

You explored the rest of your plate, making your way through slices of soft, orange fruit and small, sweet cookies that tasted like the coffee you wish you could eat them with. You left the tray where you had found it after you had eaten your breakfast in record time, forgetting how ravenous you had been after the day (and night) before. However, you kept the cup and its sparkling saucer, placing it on the surface of a dresser so you could enjoy the last of the tea later. For now, there was exploring to be done.