Labyrinth Pt. II

34. Proposition

We make it to the throne room, finally. I am slightly embarrassed by my slow walk and the fact that I needed Jareth's help. The energy left me and I felt emotionally and physically drained.

My mental functions have returned. Unfortunately that means I now have many questions swimming around.
What happens now? Like in the long run? Will there be a larger war? Will there be peace?
Then come the more selfish-centric questions. What happens to me? Do I go home soon? Should I go home? Do I want to go home? Why do I feel torn about going home?
Then lastly the Jareth-centric questions. Why did Jareth holding me make me feel safe?  Why do I actually like him holding me?

Jareth seats me in an elaborate chair next to the throne and goes to sit in the icy seat next to me. Once he settles in to the seat, he breathes a sigh. The throne melts and turns in to one of stone and wood. Intricately woven together, well balanced and strong.

His appearance changes in to a similar look to how he did when he was fighting, but less terrifying and more regal. His shoulders square off even more, broad with his rightful magic. He blasted off the aura of power. How anyone would want to cross this creature after meeting him in his element, is inconceivable.

Jareth's eyes glow a deep green and, under his breath, he speaks in a bizarre language. Slowly the ice disappears from the surrounding ground, almost like it's melting. In the ice's place nature blooms and flourishes. Flowers grow along the sides of the throne room, the floor is like a hardwood floor in my realm but is all one piece.

I stand and hasten to the window on the wall to the left of where I was sitting to see the same was happening outside. Gone was my exhaustion, replaced with excitement. Buildings were changing to fit the semblance of the land and to the new throne.

I look back at Jareth and his eyes changed to a auburn orange color that reminded me of fall. He was still speaking the melodic language. His eyes changed back and forth from the green to the rich orange for what felt like hours.
When he stopped his eyes were two new separate colors. One was the fall orange color and the other was the summer green. They were beautiful and striking.

"There is still a remnant of the winter magic." Jareth spoke from his throne. "I allowed it to settle here. I have taken a fondness to a winter season. Perhaps an additional season change will be nice. That season also brings warmth and comfort when done correctly, does it not?"

"It does. I'm not sure I will feel the same about winter for a while though. I may need to spend winters in the tropics for a bit. Hawaii sounds nice right now." I respond. His smile shows his sharp teeth but is not intimidating. His aura is commanding but not fear-striking. A urge to run and hug him was strong but I resisted the urge. 

"Sarah, love, because of you this kingdom, its people," he chuckled briefly, "its ruler, are all in your debt." He arose from his seat and strode towards me by the window. He was taller, his shoulders were broader and proud. He was beautiful, and I am embarrassed to say that I could barely take my eyes from him. "It is because of this that I wish to extend an opportunity. My dear, if you wish, you are welcome to stay here, watch over the people, and stand next to me as my equal, but the people may see you as superior." His smile dazzled. "Rightly so, I believe. However, I will make sure you are delivered safely to the Human Realm if you choose to return."

His smile changed feeling when he offered me the second choice. He did not like delivering it, but I know he meant it. He is not going to force me to stay here. He didn't the last time he proposed my staying here either. This time, though, I couldn't answer confidently and quickly. All my what if's and what should I do questions made me mute.

Sensing my struggle, Jareth took my hand and gently pressed a kiss to my knuckles. 

"Why don't you rest for a bit, and give your self time to process all that has happened. The last thing I wish is to break you with a question. Especially after you survived such an event." The king intertwined his fingers with mine and lead me to the room I had been staying in. 

Standing outside the door gave me a knot in my stomach. I don't have the best memories here. 

"Fret not. This is a different room in the same location as your last. You will find it safe and without a trace of what was here before." He squeezed my hand and let it go. I immediately missed the security I felt from it. "Here, please rest. I had water and some fruit placed for you to have. The people will want to celebrate tonight. I will have someone fetch you when dinner is ready. Until then, please, rest."

He opened the door for me and gave me a petitioning look. The goblin was worried about me. He was eager for an answer but knew I needed a moment. It pleased me that he is not pressuring me and giving me time.

"Please rest too." I said said softly. He grinned in response and closed the door. I waited for the sound of a lock but it never came. I only heard his fading footsteps. 

I approached the water and drank. I was tired, perhaps a nap will do well. I walked to the new couch, brown leather (I assume) since it looked comfortable.

The whole room was different. The walls were beige, the carpet was a dark brown. The furniture was the same type of material that the couch was, and the bed, beyond the second set of doors, was donned in green blankets and soft-looking, yellow pillows. The nightstands had yellow flowers in vases just like the orange ones in the sitting room, they were beautiful. This room was perfect. 

I grabbed a moss green blanket from the back of the couch and fell asleep with just a feeling of peace inside me. 

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