Memory

Chapter 2: Marry Who?

Sarah tried inviting the brooding Jareth to eat but the only thing he said was that mortal food doesn't impress him. The only words that left the air was "Suit yourself."

"You didn't come here just to stalk me, right?" Sarah started as she struck the fork down the meat. "I mean... 10 years, Jareth. I would've thought you married some woman—queen, I think."

Jareth suppressed a sigh. The time in this world is different than his but it would take days for him to explain it. At first he didn't answer. But the impatient look on Sarah's face made him do otherwise.

"Well you aren't wrong with me getting married..." Sarah did not know what to say but nodded in understanding.

"So what are you doing here when your bride-to-be is right in the underground?"

There was a deep chuckle from Jareth. His hand covering his mouth. Sarah could only stare in curiosity. She hasn't got an answer, but looking at him from this angle, he seems different. Not at all like the Goblin King back when she was 17.

"Oh sweet thing... if only you knew." Wiping a tear from his cheek "She's actually here."

Sarah doesn't see anyone but the two of them inside her kitchen...

Wait...

"You're 1300 years way older than me! You actually terrorized me!" She shouts as she shot him a glare.

"Hush with such feral language, my sweet. I am not what you humans call a creep! I don't woo women below the marrying age."

"Marrying age of what?"

"16 as what our customs--"

Sarah tried hard not to roll her eyes. "Not in ours!--"

"Although you might hear reputations of me being a 'cad' or a 'pervert' and such other titles you needn't worry about I find them quite untrue."

"I don't even know why I'm talking to you." She stood from her chair to walk to the sink.

"I'm afraid the goblins underground have been... what was the word?"

"Getting rid of the chickens?"

"Disorganized!"

Sarah scoffed at his words... as if the goblins aren't as disorganized on her last visit.

"I still don't see why me being married to you has a connection."

"Since I am a slave to your wishes and as you have quoted, 'my will is as strong as yours; my will as great.'"

From that line of thinking, she didn't want to continue this conversation.

"Then they would surely listen to your words unlike any lady I'd find myself." She felt him stand and walk towards her. It left Sarah indecisive to whether accept his proposal or not. "You have practically dictated yourself as my superior!"

"So... chaos. In your Labyrinth? My responsibility?"

He did give her the world once. Everything in his power included the city and the Labyrinth. Back then she was just an awkward kid trying to find truths in the world. And even Jareth who was—is the King has his reality issues. What part of him can she trust? It's like every time there's a sudden crossroads in her life, he appears to bring more mayhem!

She paced from the kitchen to the nearby window overthinking. There was a sudden tug in her chest that made her think she forgot to breathe. Being a Queen isn't part of her lifelong plan nor is it a dream. What comes out of her mouth may impact her direction greatly and that is not who she is. Thoughts began to spring in her head and only one thing was loud enough: I am not ready.