Labyrinth- Jareth's Return

9. Trouble in the Kingdom

It's been two days since coming back from the Shadowlands and the castle has been.. chaotic. Ja'dar has been scurrying around trying to take over some of Jareth's duties while Jareth recoups. For a goblin, however, he works fast. Sarah felt bad at first watching the castle go into a frenzy. They've never been without the aid of their king for he never became sick nor injured. Some goblins worried their beloved king was dying while others held onto hope that he will pull through. That's the issue with goblins. They were simple minded beings.

Sarah has been waiting along Jareth's bedside keeping the sweat that had finally dissipated off his face. She ate here and there by persistence of Ja'dar, but she rarely went back to her room to rest.

Her head rested next to Jareth as exhaustion finally overcame her. Her arms curled around her head as she breathed softly from her deep sleep. Her hair cascading along the bed around her; slightly brushing Jareth's hands. Jareth slowly opened his eyes to a tickle to his fingers. The light from his window barely shining through due to the curtains staying closed, which allowed his eyes to adjust. He took a deep breath in feeling the tightness of his body as he moved his hand to stretch. How long was I asleep? I haven't felt like this in.. well.. I'm not sure I ever felt like this. Jareth slowly slid up his body to sit but paused when he felt a tug on his bed sheets. To his side, that's when he noticed the soft ball of hair lying next to him. As he brushed the hair aside his chest tightened. Her pink lips glistened against her pale skin as the hair around her softly moved with each beautiful breath she took. Jareth held his chest as he caressed her cheek softly, barely touching her ivory skin. How is it she makes me feel this way? His heart felt as if it'd flutter away from him as he watched this sleeping beauty. Taking a deep breath he sighed softly. How long have you waited for me my sweet.

Jareth carefully slid away from his bed and walked around toward Sarah. He eased his arms around her before lifting her onto his bed. Gently laying her down before covering her in his silk sheets. He gazed upon her close lids mesmerized by her peaceful slumber. He watched her as she continued to breath softly. Carefully pushing a stray hair aside to see her face more clearly. Why does my heart throb seeing you this way? What magic have you used against me? He got up and glanced one more time before leaving his room.

The sound of chaos rang his ears as he descended the stairs to the throne room. Goblins arguing and clashing in every corner so loud you barely can hear ones thoughts. A very disheveled Ja'dar stood next to the throne with his hand on his nose. Now I see how Jareth feels.. The room went quiet as Jareth stepped into the room. His hair still a mess but still fell so gracefully over his shoulders. He wore his usual lounging pants and loose long sleeve shirt that was still barely open revealing his kingdoms insignia pendant. His knee high boots tapped as his arms are crossed staring at all the goblins in the room. His eyes piercing through each one as he glanced around before landing on Ja'dar.

Ja'dar sighed in relief, he never felt more grateful to be skinned alive visually in his life. His king is awake and alive. Everything will be alright.

Jareth glided across the floor to his throne before leaning back and taking a breath. He closed his eyes and sighed as a pungent smell hit his nose. He cringed as his eyes shot open and glared at Ja'dar. Almost as if reading his mind, "Yes yes. Your majesty. My apologies.." Ja'dar looked around with his arms raised before yelling out. "Get this place cleaned and scrubbed for his majesty! Everything is fine now." There were grunts of cheer and groans of dissatisfaction for goblins aren't necessarily the cleanest living beings. But for their king, they'd do anything. Jareth still staring at Ja'dar and shook his head in a chuckle. "You do realize I was meaning you. It smells as if you hadn't bathed in days." Ja'dar chuckled nervously and groaned. Of course he hasn't bathed. what was he suppose to do? Let the kingdom go into ruin? Looking around the goblin sighed and bowed toward Jareth. "My apologies sire, in my defense you were out for days. I didn't really have any time for myself." Jareth raised an eyebrow at him. "How long?" Ja'dar looked back up to Jareth and mumbled. "Two days sire." Jareth leaned back gripping his nose. "That explains a lot." He sighed again then furrowed his brows. "What of Sarah? Has she rested as well?" Looking down at his advisor he watched as the goblin fiddled his fingers in his hand avoiding his gaze. "Well.. My Lord, she... Never really left your bedside. I was thankful to get her to eat but she never formally.. rested sir. I believe she was worried of you." Ja'dar flinched waiting for a punishment that never arrived. He looked slowly up to a now smiling Jareth. Wait, smiling? Is my king actually smiling?  The goblin stood dazed and confused, as he watched Jareth undeniably smile ear to ear with his eyes closed as if lost in a world other than theirs. So, she is falling for me? He thought before holding onto his chest. There it is again, that same feeling. What is wrong with me? I must ask Almother when I can. Jareth stood up and snapped his fingers, instantly he was dressed in his long black leather cloak that draped over his shoulders. His dress shirt tidied as he appeared ready to face the underground. "Ja'dar gather my council, we have much to discuss." Ja'dar bowed low as Jareth passed him, "Yes your majesty. But what of Sarah?" Jareth paused in his steps before glancing back. "Let her rest in my chambers, but make sure food is prepared for her when she wakes." Ja'dar nodded with a smile as Jareth walked out of the throne room. His chambers aye. He chuckled before following behind.