As The World Falls Down

Chapter 40

Even though you and Jareth had tried to slip unannounced through a backdoor into the castle, the goblins had apparently prepared for that possibility and made sure to cheer and crowd around you both as you awkwardly waved and Jareth tolerated it with a tight smile. Once inside, the absence of sound made your ears ring a little as you listened to your heels click against the stone floor as you quietly walked arm in arm with Jareth. Neither of you were talking, but every time you opened your mouth to say something, you couldn't seem to find anything to say that felt right. He seemed to be feeling the same way because he came to a halt when you were halfway across the dining hall and turned to you.

"What do married people talk about, do you think?" Jareth asked jovially, and you laughed.

"Well, we certainly haven't figured it out yet," you replied.

"We've only been married a half hour or so, I'm sure we have time yet," he said, the nervous smile he'd been wearing outside finally melting into a genuine one as he wrapped his arms around your waist and looked at you adoringly. "I must say, darling, your vows were exceedingly romantic. I wasn't quite expecting them to touch me so."

"I made sure to write them that way so you would touch me so," you quipped and he raised an eyebrow at you in amusement.

"That could certainly be arranged," Jareth murmured, his hands moving to your hips over the bloom of your dress' skirt. "But let me look at you a moment longer, won't you? I must say, you really outdid yourself with this dress."

"Aegina is a magician," you hummed, swiveling your hips a little so the stars kissing the fabric twinkled a little.

"Indeed, but it really shines because you're the one wearing it," he complimented and you rolled your eyes, lacing your fingers at the nape of his neck.

"You look very handsome, too," you shot back. "And I'd say that your vows were even more romantic than mine. I could hardly believe you were being so lovey dovey in front of all your subjects."

" Our subjects now," he corrected gently. "Well, at least after your coronation. I wanted them all to know just how deeply I believe in you, and trust you to be a good leader."

"It sounded a lot more like you have a big, fat crush on me," you giggled, and he flushed.

"You are such a nuisance," Jareth grumbled and you laughed, lifting yourself slightly up off the teeter of your heels to reach his lips. He dipped his head a little, not quite enough for your lips to touch and complete the kiss you had been aiming, but enough for your noses to graze as he leaned you back slightly.

"It's customary for the bride and groom to have a first dance," he explained softly, his breath warm and sweet.

"The band is probably packing up by now," you said just as quietly, and he smiled, shaking his head slightly as his eyes traced your features.

"When I look at you, it's like a whole symphony in my head," Jareth breathed like you were foolish for thinking otherwise, and his serious tone left you a little breathless as he began to hum quietly and sway you from side to side.

"It seems like we're always dancing," you replied, enjoying the feeling of your dress rushing like a wave with you as he led you in a slow dance.

"Mm," he agreed, spinning you before pulling you to his chest again. "It's easy to dance when your partner moves you the way you move me."

"You're just saying that," you mumbled with a flush. "With the way you dance, you've probably been doing it for centuries."

"How wrong you can be, Y/N," Jareth chuckled. "I was afraid I was born with two left feet for most of my life, up until I met you. Put a pep in my step, you did."