Labyrinth Pt. II

20. Think A Few Moves Ahead

Sarah's POV

Outside my door I can hear the fae bustling around. About 10 minutes ago a servant girl came to inform me that we were hosting a special guest for dinner. Apparently Nyx would come to escort me in an hour. She wanted to dress me, which I denied immediately. I could dress myself and I don't need a flawless fae to judge my human imperfections.

 
I'm not ugly but when I stand besides a mythical being, there's no competition. They have flawless white skin and I'm slightly tanned with bruises from the journey here and scars from my childhood. I'm definitely not flawless.

 
I back away from the door and walk to wear I laid a few dresses on the bed. I wasn't sure what to wear but I am sure it should be fancy. Nyx had all the dresses tailored to me, without even knowing my measurements. Which I find convenient and weird.

 
The dresses were in all colors so, me being me, I picked the colors soft blue, grey, and pale green. They were floor length gowns that had a medieval vibe. The dress that I was leaning towards was the blue one. The trim along the waist and the cut out pieces on the sides were white. The sleeves were three-quartered and had white lace on the ends.

"I wouldn't pick that one." A small voice called out. I look to where the sound came from. A small worm on my nightstand smiled at me. "'Ello there!"

My brain stalls for a moment. Something was familiar about this moment.

"The prince might like it." The worm's cockney accent continued.

"Why would that be?" I voice. I think I remember where this has happened before.

"It would remind him to much of himself." The worm laughs at my question like it was silly.

"Then maybe I shouldn't put it on. I'm not here to please the Prince." I smirk and grab the pale green dress to put on.

"It's funny how much has changed, innit?" He watches and speaks to me from the small table.

"It is definitely different from I was last here. The biggest change of all being that I'm not against Jareth." I stop and look at Mr. Worm. "So, how's the missus?"

He laughs and wiggles around. "You do remember me!"

"Of course I do! One of the first friends I made here was you. I don't think I'd every forget you." I smile at him.

"The missus is right grand. We moved from our hole to a new crevice near water. She always wanted to live near water. We've had a few kids since the last you were here." He grins proudly.

"Well I hope to meet them, and finally have a cuppa with you and your missus." I sit on the bed next to him and sigh. "What a precarious situation I'm in, Mr. Worm."

"Aye. Quite troublesome. I've seen our king, on his way here." He sounded solemn.

"Was he okay? He isn't used to being mortal." I ask quickly.

"I'm glad you're concerned. He seemed tired but determined. I stopped him when he passed us. The missus made him sit and replenish his energy."

"That's good." I stare at the wall thinking of how his water supply and food rations are. His stubbornness would keep him from overindulging but is he being smart enough to drink enough.

"We gave him more water and some food even though he had enough. He was scolded by the lady because he wasn't eating properly." He laughs. "Then while he was sleeping he kept saying your name!"

"What? Why?" I stopped. "Well maybe not why, I can imagine it's because I was taken by the prince but what in the world!"

"He's worried, deary. He blames himself for you getting hurt."

"Well I'm not hurt! A bit confused, yes, but Nyx hasn't hurt me."

"Nyx, is it?" He looks at me warily. "The prince works in many ways and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Be careful that you don't fall under him, girlie."

"I'll admit, I don't trust him. What he did to the Goblin King was wrong." I get a sick feeling in my stomach. "What he did to J-Jareth... was wrong."

"His favorite plan of attack is getting in to people's heads. Remember that." Mr. Worm looks at my with concern.

A knock on my door startles the both of us.

"Who is it?" I call out.

"Miss, I'm here to ask again if you need help getting dressed." It was the servant from earlier.

"No, no. I'm almost finished!" I lie.

"King Nyx will be here soon to collect you." Her foot steps recede.

"I need to get dressed." I look at my worm friend with worry. "I'm not sure I will be okay. I think he has messed with my head before."

"Put the green dress on. Keep fighting and don't give in. You must stay strong, Sarah. He won't admit it fully but Jareth needs only you," he pauses, "and you, him."

"I think I'm starting to get that. Strength in numbers..."

"Well, not just that, but we will talk later. I'll stay in the drawer here and see you when you return." He nods and crawls in to the drawer.

I walk in to the restroom and get dressed. My mind and thoughts were everywhere. On one side of my mind I was happy because I got to see an old friend. The other side was worried about Nyx and his tricks. In between the two sides was chaos.

 
I took a breath and slipped on the dress. It fit perfectly and was actually quite flattering. There was no make up, so I washed my face and braided my hair. I kept the key around my neck. It fell under my dress and rested between my breasts. The weight of it was comforting and gave me courage.

 
Another knock on my door brought me out of my head and in to the present. I walked to open it.

"You look... lovely." Nyx stood in a royal blue outfit that was similar to the one he wore the last time I saw him. It was also very similar to the dress I chose not to wear. His eyes looked at me from head to toe. Something made his eyes light up but I wasn't sure if it was good or bad.

Maybe it's my shoes. There wasn't any that I could find, so I kept my hiking boots on.

"Let's head to dinner, shall we?" He said and offered his arm, which I accepted.

Our walk to the dining hall wasn't very long but I took the chance to ask Nyx a question.

"So the servant said that you had another guest tonight." I set up.

"Yes, we do have a guest." He didn't look at me but he was smiling in his weird way.

"Who- I mean, May I ask who it is?" He now looks at me amused. "I would hate to be rude and show my ignorance."

He scoffs. "Oh snowflake. You can't do anything to hide your ignorance."

We stop at the doorway and he turns to look at me. His free hand comes up to my face and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. He lingers his fingers on my neck and jaw. I blush at the intimacy of his action.

 
The doors open before he or I could say anything. He turns to his court and leads me to our seats at the main table.
People are clapping and raising their glasses filled with Nectar towards us.

Once we sit I survey the area looking for the guest. Nectar and food are placed before me, and Nyx grabs my hand, interlocking our fingers. I look to him in confusion but he starts to speak.

"My kindly court! Today we are graced with another guest that is of high importance. He has traveled quite a distance to be here with us today. So before we began our feast, I'd like to welcome our esteemed friend!" Nyx nods his head at the guards by the door we came in. They open the doors and there standing in all his mortal glory, is Jareth.

—

Thanks to @sophieaspin for being the first to comment to me. It's because of you asking for more that I feel motivated to write again.
I've had some health issues, that are resolved, so the updates will be slow. But I see the story line and it's going to be awesome.
Thanks to you too, silent readers. I see the numbers and know that my story is being noticed.
-Tori 🖤