Masquerade

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Sarah sat in Jareth's private study reading. It had been over two weeks since she and Toby had come Underground. Almost a week ago, Jareth had asked her something. He had waited till after she had put Toby to bed.

"Sarah, I need a favor."

She looked at him. He didn't ask for something for nothing. "What kind of a favor?"

He sighed. "I have to attend a masquerade in a few weeks and I don't want to go alone."

"Why?"

"My family wishes me to wed. They are forcing me to attend in hopes I will find a bride."

Wait a minute didn't he ask her to marry him, the very night she and Toby left their world? "So you want me to go. And what pretend I'm your bride to be?"

Jareth signed. "No, but I would like you to come. You would be able to help me keep most of the ladies away."

"I'll help. I might find someone for me. Who knows?"

Sarah could still see the hurt in his eyes as she said that. Now she was avoiding him as much as possible. She needed time to think. Every time she even though of Jareth with someone else, well lets just say angry or jealous isn't the best word.

Did she love him? She just wasn't sure, but she did care about him. Damn, she needed to think about this.

XOXOX

Jareth paced in the Throne room. Sarah had agreed to come with him. He could see she was fighting with herself over if she loved him or not. She didn't have much time to figure it out. He had to announce at the ball his bride or his parents would force him to wed whom they choose. They already had their costumes, as they would go as what they had at the party Aboveground.

Jareth sighed. If she didn't realize she loved him in time, he would have to in fact watch her marry someone else. There had to be away to show her. There was a way, but he had refused to use it. Well he only had a week left to get her to see. He might as well show her in her dreams what could be.

He hadn't wanted to do it. Since that night three years ago, he had wanted to let her dream what to let her dream what ever she wished, which for the most part him; but now he had to make her realize her feelings or they would be parted for ever.

XOXOX

Sarah smiled down at Toby as she tucked him in with Lancelot. The little tyke had fallen asleep half way through the story his sister was telling him. Quietly she walked out of his room and made her way to her own.

Soaking in the bath prepared for her, Sarah relaxed. She watched as the woman placed out a nightgown. The woman always disappeared before Jareth saw her.

"Why do you not allow the King to see you?"

The old woman stopped and looked at her. "Because He would discover who I am."

"And you would be?"

Suddenly the woman simmered. Then she grew taller and younger. Sarah looked at a beautiful woman with blond hair and blue eyes.

"I am Jareth's mother, Queen Amorica."

Sarah sat up in the bath. "Why are you hiding from him?"

Amorica moved closer to Sarah. "Because if he knew I was here and I've helped him, he would think I plan to take you away or something." She stopped at the foot of the tub. "Sarah, you have to save my son from what his father wishes for him."

Sarah took a deep breath.

"Sarah, you can't be surprised. You've been thinking about it."

"Thinking about it and doing it are two different things."

Amorica sighed. "Sarah, you are all that is between Jareth and a loveless marriage."

"I'm just me. I'm on one special."

"You are the woman Jareth loves. Sarah, when a Fae finds love it isn't like a human. We can only love once."

"I have till the ball don't I?"

"Yes. I've been able to push it back, but his father will not hear of it again."

Sarah sighed. "What happens to Toby and me if I don't choose him?"

"I don't know. I would allow you both to stay with me, but you would have to marry quickly."

"Cause I don't have rights, right?"

"Yes. Our laws are like what your worlds once were. Women have not real say in the would even as Queens."

"Damn."

"Sarah, I don't want my son ending up like me. Forced into a loveless marriage forced to watch the one you love in the same fate."

"I wish I could change the laws."

"You could if you married Jareth. I have a feeling my son once he is High King would be willing to do it so that all Fae are equal."

"Is your husband Oberon?"

"No. Sarah, I should warn you same Fae don't like humans. The only thing in your favor when it comes to my husband is that you defeated the Labyrinth."

Sarah nodded. "I have a feeling I'll understand what I feel soon."

Amorica nodded in return. "I must go. My husband will soon be looking me."

Sarah watched as Amorica disappeared. She quickly got out of the bath and dried off. After changing into her nightgown, she curled up in her massive bed. Slowly sleep over took her as she tried to figure out her feelings.