Nothing Is What It Seems

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

The smile on Jareth's face slowly disappeared as time ticked away. Sarah remained silent. He watched as she took a step back, pulling her hands up together against her chest. She looked at him with a mix of fear and something else in her eyes. He wasn't sure exactly what it was, but what did she have to fear?

The smile on his face disappeared the longer she remained silent. Slowly, he stood up. Well, he had been a fool to think she would just say yes. When would he learn to never expect her to do as he hoped? Sighing, he turned and walked over to the window.

His heart filled with dread as he looked out over his kingdom. Well, it wouldn't be his for much longer now. He would loose his claim to it and the crown of High Prince.

A few moments later, he heard her footsteps coming up behind him. He turned face her. She stood looking so much like the queen should be, could be if she would just say yes.

Sarah took a deep breath and lowered her hands to her side, "I can't really give an answer yet, but I don't want you to loose everything cause of me."

He knew she wanted time. Time he couldn't give her. Time he wished he could give her.

"I can't reorder time for you, Sarah. Not this time."

"I doubted you could, but maybe we can think of a way to keep you as the Goblin King."

He smirked at her," what do you have in mind, Precious?"

"I know you have to make an announcement tonight, but is there a way to phrase it in a way that makes it like we have an understanding or something?"

Jareth shook his head, "saying those words mean that you said yes. I'm afraid."

Sarah groaned, "there has to be some way to save the kingdom."

"You could always just say yes."

She glared at him but remained silent.

"Sarah, do you think I haven't tried to delay it all? I knew you would come back, but I had no indication when you would."

She frowned slightly, "how would you know I would come back? Were you watching me?"

He shook his head, "no, but I knew you didn't belong in that world." He then actually shrugged his shoulders, "I just had hoped things would go differently." Sighing, he turned back towards the window. There was nothing left to do.

XOXOXOX

Sarah stood staring at his back. He had given up. It was that simple. "Your mother said that if I didn't answer..."

He turned his head slightly to face her, "I could marry whom ever she and my father have decided on. The problem is that I refuse to marry anyone but you." He turned his head back and leaned forward placing his hands on the bottom of the window.

He wouldn't marry anyone but her? That could mean so many different things. She knew how good of a king, no man, he was now. She looked at the back of his head. Sarah really had no choice. He could not be the Goblin King.

Sarah raised her chin , "just how far off can the wedding be?"

He slowly stood and turned to face her, "what exactly do you mean?"

Sarah took a deep breath, "I'm saying yes, but I need you to delay everything until I'm actually ready if possible."

"Sarah, I can't promise anything. I have to be married before my next birthday, which is fast approaching, but I'll do my best to give you as long as I can."

Sarah nodded, "that's all I ask."

"Jareth, why are you still in here, My boy? You and Lady Sarah, need to get back to the Ball. You two need to do the Betrothal Waltz."