Ummmm yeah... I know I said I had written a lot already for this story (totally true by the way), it took me a very long time to piece everything together because I ended up adding a crap ton more stuff lol. And then I sort of went off script and wrote a 100k word fic and a few short stories. Thank you for your patience as you've been waiting for this update! I will never abandon this fic.

This chapter is brought to you by Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. He wrote this song when for daughter, Aisha, and the lyrics fit perfectly for our favorite fictional couple who are having a baby girl.

While most of this story is from my imagination, I will (at the bottom of the chapter) share some inspirations that shaped this story. Thank you all for reading as always. I hope that you will continue to review this story!


Sarah rubbed her eyes, feeling nauseous. Again. She really hoped that morning sickness wouldn't last the whole pregnancy for her like it did for some women.

Next to her, she heard Jareth shift the covers off, yawning. The soft light from the sun illuminated his body, so lean and strong. She couldn't stop staring at him, always awed by the raw beauty that her husband possessed.

He ran a hand through his hair and turned to look at her, smiling apologetically at seeing her wake. "I'm sorry, did I wake you? I tried to be quiet."

"No, I was already awake. Just admiring you." She sat up carefully, not wanting to throw up all over the bed again. She did that yesterday and Jareth didn't complain once, although he did yell in surprise and tried to not make a disgusted face at the smell of the vomit. Just told her he would take care of the mess himself.

"Hungry?" He slipped a shirt on, getting ready for the day.

"I feel more like I want to throw up, to be truthful." She didn't realize that her sense of smell really would increase while pregnant. If something was too strong, she couldn't eat it. So she had been settling for plain foods in small amounts, worrying Jareth. When he found out she was pregnant, he ordered too much food for her and she had to tell him that while she was eating for two, the baby wasn't a whole new person yet.

"That's too bad," he said sympathetically, knowing by now that it was better than pressuring her to eat a ton. "Well, eat what you can. Maybe take the day off?"

"I'm not doing that." She shook her head. "I want to get this damn degree done and over with before the baby comes. I can't do that if I take days off whenever I want to throw up. I'll be fine, I promise. I'll call you if I need anything."

After going to the bathroom and getting dressed, she found that Jareth had made breakfast for her, some oatmeal and fruits. He even packed her a lunch instead of asking the cook to.

She remembered how he was so worried that he wouldn't be a good father, afraid that he would turn out to be like Raynard. He proved that wrong. So wrong.

They talked a bit of what he would be doing that day and Sarah's first day of the school year. Her last, first day of school, in fact. It was exciting, the last stretch before the finale.

"Have a good day." Jareth kissed her lips, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride for his wife and queen. Bending down, he kissed her belly. "You too. Be good for your Momma."


The first day of school went wonderfully. She met with her mentor and was going through more and more of her thesis, excited for when she would be able to actually publish it.

She was joined with one of her colleagues, another PhD student named Matt.

"We should set a time to work together," Matt said, flipping through his planner.

Sarah agreed. "I would like that, it's nice to study with someone else."

He was about to ask her a question when he looked down and to the side. "Hey look! You don't see that every day!"

Sarah looked to see a barn owl. People were walking all around him, looking at him curiously.

"Huh, I wonder how it got there. Do you think it's hurt?" Matt asked Sarah.

Sarah bit her tongue, trying to not give a sassy remark as she eyed the suspicious owl. "I'm sure it's fine. Hey, I'm actually going to head to the bathroom, I'll talk to you tomorrow to set up a time."

Matt waved goodbye and Sarah went to the sleeping owl.

Not just any barn owl.

Jareth.

She could recognize him anywhere. He was just there, sleeping on the pavement, in the way of foot traffic, right in front of the research commons. He must've not slept well last night and she felt bad. Still, he shouldn't be out and about here.

"Jareth." She tried to whisper without causing attention to herself. "Jareth."

She thought about nudging him with her foot but if she did, she was worried someone would think she was abusing the animal. She leaned down instead, observing him even as others were looking from afar. "Hey."

The owl blinked a few time and looked up. His beady eyes shone as he saw his wife crouching down.

"What are you doing here?" She asked him sweetly, offering her hand out. She was a little annoyed, he was too protective over her now that she was pregnant but she couldn't deny that she was happy to see him.

Jareth walked to her and rubbed his head against her hand with affection.

Sarah started to feel uncomfortable with the onlookers who were observing her excitedly as they saw this lady get comfortable with a seemingly wild barn owl.

Well, they weren't totally wrong. Jareth was wild in his own way.

At that moment, someone walked by, eating their lunch. Normally, it would have smelled wonderful.

But Pregnant Sarah was not handling the smell very well.

She turned from Jareth just in time to throw up. Her entire breakfast was now all over the pavement and a few onlookers were looking at her either with pity or disgust.

She turned to see the owl again but he was gone. Instead, she felt a hand on her arm and one rubbing her back. Feathery hair tickled her face as soft whispers caressed her ear.

"I'm here, Sarah." She heard him soothe her. Helping her stand, Jareth wiped her mouth and handed her water bottle to her.

"I feel gross," she whimpered. She absolutely hated throwing up.

"Let's get a place to sit." He lead her away.

Unfortunately, most of the places where they could sit had either really loud students, way too quiet for them to have a conversation, or outside where it was cold. Sarah settled for outside, hoping that it wouldn't rain for a bit.

"What are you doing here?" She frowned. "I told you, I'm fine. It's just morning sickness. Shouldn't you be doing your duties?"

"I thought I would stop to see you for lunch, and I was worried." He rubbed her back as she laid her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead. "The Little One is causing you a lot issues."

He bent his head down a little to speak to the baby. "I told you to be good. You are one defiant little child."

"I have a headache," Sarah moaned.

Jareth immediately shifted his attention to her. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Just hope this gets better after the first trimester is over." She groaned.


A month later, Sarah was still experiencing morning sickness but not as badly as before. She came home one weekend, finding Jareth pushing the bed closer to the bathroom. When he was done, he nodded to himself, smiling triumphantly.

"Jareth?" Sarah asked. "What are you doing?"

"Moving the bed," he said, not understanding her confusion.

"I meant, why are you moving the bed?" Sarah walked to to him.

"Well, you keep getting up to use the toilet, either for vomiting or urinating due to the Little One. The least I could do is make it easier for you." He looked in the bathroom and pointed inside. "I also added some other things you may need, some cups for you to rinse out your mouth with and installed a chair in the shower area so that you can get up and down easier as the pregnancy goes on."

This was what she meant she said to people that she married her dream man. He was the king of her childhood fairy tale dreams, dangerous yet noble. He also didn't shirk at his duties as a husband, taking care of her even when they would argue. His love for her was all encompassing, just as her love was for him.

She did not feel like those glowing pregnant mothers, but rather, closer to one of her goblin subjects than expected. Stupid hormones. She really wanted that shiny thick hair and glowing skin. Not this other stuff.

Her hormones did show in other ways though. Whenever she saw a baby, she started to get attached and Jareth banned her from taking care of Wished-Away children. She said that she understood why the goblins wanted to steal children. Jareth didn't comment, knowing that the motivations for wanting to take children were very different between goblins and their queen. He found it amusing that Sarah loved the little creatures, she certainly was a balance to the usual the coarseness to how he treated his subjects.

He would see how much her nurturing desire would come out when she introduced a new "friend" to him.

One day, in Sarah's university apartment, Jareth's keen eyes saw a toy mouse on the ground. Then some cat food by the door.

He heard Sarah's voice, cooing at something. He raised his eyebrows and walked around the corner.

"Sarah?" Jareth looked at the furry black cat on his wife's lap. "What is this?"

His wife at least had the decency to look guilty. "Well, umm, I, uhhh-"

He folded his arms and raised an eyebrow, not amused. "You lectured me for adopting baby owls without discussing it with you first and now you have this cat? I would like to remind you that the owls only really lived with us for a month. A pet is forever, until it dies."

"But he's so cute." She scratched the little guy affectionately right behind his ears, looking very proud of herself. "I found him on the street a week ago and gave him some food. I think he was abandoned, no collar or microchip either. Don't worry, I waited to make sure that he didn't belong to anyone. He was so dirty, but is so friendly for a feral kitty. I even gave him a bath and he didn't even wiggle! I just can't bear to see him so lonely. He mewed the whole time and snuggled up to me."

Indeed, he was settling quite comfortably on Sarah's lap and purring quite loudly.

"Please?" She looked at her husband with big, green eyes. "You know that I've always wanted a cat. And I haven't had a pet since Merlin died. You have four owlets!"

"Those are not my pets, they are our children," Jareth reminded her firmly.

Sarah gave up arguing with him about the pets versus children argument. "But I want to keep him. He's adorable."

Her eyes got large and sad at the thought of losing this cat.

Jareth sighed. Gods knew that he couldn't resist those eyes. He supposed this was better than her hormones tempting her from kidnapping children. "Fine, you can keep the furry creature. But if he scratches the baby, he's gone."

The cat started to meow. Sarah picked him up again and started to baby talk to him. "Who's my handsome guy? You! Yes you are!"

He obviously liked Sarah very much since he just let her touch his face when he clearly wanted some time alone. When he finally stepped off her lap, Jareth could see that he only had three legs, one of his back legs was missing.

He softened up a bit. Trust his Sarah to see the beauty and value in everything that others would consider broken.

Like himself.

"I'm going to the bathroom. You two should bond." She kissed Jareth's cheek. "Oh and by the way, I've named him Duke."

"You named him already?" Jareth stared at her incredulously as she walked to the bathroom, ignoring him.

He slowly sat down on the ground to get himself acquainted with Duke, since his wife wanted him. "Well, hello, Duke."

Duke blinked once, then turned around, his rear end facing Jareth.

"So that's how it's going to be?" He folded his arms, quite displeased. "Huh. I can't believe she called you her 'handsome guy.' That's me, you know."

Duke's tail swished back and forth, as if waving at Jareth to shut up.

"Of course I am, I'm her husband." Jareth stood up and sat on the couch, facing Duke. "I'm the most important person to her. You know, I offered her everything, even to be her slave. What have you done for her?"

Duke meowed in protest and licked his paws.

"All you can possibly do is sit around all day, occasionally snuggling with people and look cute. She's mine." Jareth crossed one leg over the other and sat up straighter in a sort of power pose.

If Duke could roll his eyes, he probably would have. He just gave a tiny hiss at Jareth, seemingly annoyed. He turned towards the bathroom door where Sarah was and began to scratch it.

"You know, I had sex with her this morning!" Jareth called after the cat. "And she was screaming my name many times in ecstasy."

Sarah opened the door at that moment, Duke gathering around her feet. She picked him up and gave Jareth a strange look. "What are you doing?"

"I must assert my dominance, he's taking up too much of your attention from me." Jareth used two fingers to point at his own eyes then to the cat. "I see you, Duke. You won't steal my wife from me."

"You are so obnoxious." Sarah shook her head. "He's a cat, not some male seeking attention from me."

"I beg to differ, he is a male that ran after you and then got you to carry him. Master manipulator. I'll give him credit for that." Jareth walked to her and gave Duke scratches behind his ears. Duke seemed hesitant at first, as if he didn't want to enjoy Jareth's affections. After a few seconds, he couldn't help but purr.

"He's only nice to me because you're holding him." Jareth whispered to Sarah, as if afraid Duke would yell at him again. "I'll allow him to share you with me."

"It is way too early in the day to deal with your shenanigans." Sarah looked at the clock. "Yeah, way too early. We only just got here."

"That's not what you said when you woke me up for sex." Jareth showed off a pointy fang as he smiled deviously. "You practically begged for it."

Sarah looked at him, doing her best to put on a bored expression. "Keep saying that, and you're not getting any tonight." She set Duke back down on the couch so that she could finish getting dressed.

"Are you sure about that?" Jareth called after her.

"You really want to find out?" Sarah raised an eyebrow.

She had a good point.

He sat down next to Duke, who was still staring at him. Duke yawned at his face.

"You know, you're a right asshole." Jareth grumbled, reaching out to scratch Duke's ears. "I think I'll call you that, Asshole. It has a nice ring to it."

"You are not calling our cat Asshole!" Sarah yelled from the bedroom.

"He doesn't seem to mind, do you, Asshole?" Jareth said in a voice a little more high pitch than usual, as if he was calling Duke "Sweetie" instead of "Asshole."

Duke purred at Jareth's ear scratches as he climbed onto Jareth's lap.

Sarah came out to see both of them settled on the couch. She smiled brightly. "Aww, you two are getting along. Jareth, are you coming with me on that morning walk?"

Jareth made a face and looked back at Duke. "With him in my lap like this? I am not moving."

"I thought you just called him an asshole?" Sarah questioned.

"I did, and this further proves it. He's making it so I can't get anything done." He gave Duke more pets. "Damn it, he's shedding all over me."

Sarah just facepalmed.


Luckily, the morning sickness eventually went away as Sarah transitioned into the second trimester.

There were also some changes that both were quite happy with, the actual hormonal changes that Sarah had been looking forward to. As Sarah's morning sickness went away, her hair was shinier. Her skin was glowing, nails thicker, and her breasts got bigger. Sarah also was craving sex much more than she usually did.

Much, much more.

It got to the point where Jareth was actually the one getting worn out for once. Not that he would complain.

"Oh Sarah?" He stood in the bathroom, his bathrobe opened so that she could see his chest. "I had a terrible day, maybe you can make it better?"

Sarah smoothly walked over in her lacy gown, her hips swaying and her eyes dark and full of lust. Licking her lips, she took his hands and put them on her hips. "What would you like me to do, Your Majesty?"

He slid his hands under her shirt, growing as he leaned into her ear. He whispered what exactly he wanted.

The next morning, there were bruises and love bites all over their bodies, proof of their love and lust embedded all over them.

Sarah wiggled on top of him, biting her lip seductively. He thrust his hip up in response, always enamored by his amazing, wickedly beautiful wife-

"MEOW."

The royal couple turned their heads, seeing that Duke had climbed on the other side of their bed. He licked himself, his feline eyes watching them.

"What are we supposed to do?" Sarah definitely was aware of how naked she and Jareth were. Even if Duke was just a cat, it was so unnerving and they were not about to have sex with him in the same room.

"Put him outside," Jareth said, but he looked hesitant about going near the cat. "You do it."

"Me?" She stared incredulously. "Why not you? I'm pregnant!"

Jareth rolled his eyes. She knew that he would do anything for her while she was pregnant. "I don't want him to bite my…" Jareth looked down below his waist.

Sarah laughed, falling down on her back. Duke hissed at the bed jiggling then went back to lick himself.

"Oh very funny." Jareth huffed. "And you know that if my Crown Jewels are lost, you'd be just as upset because who's going to please you now?"

Sarah recovered from laughing although she was still grinning. "Okay, first of all, I think I can take care of my own needs. That's what toys and fingers are for." She winked at him, holding up her hands and wiggled her fingers.

Jareth tried to not show any emotions. She looked deliciously sexy and the image of her pleasing herself was almost enough to make him forget that they had a cat on their bed.

Almost.

"I've seen you take your own pleasure many times, if you recall." He climbed on top of her, kissing her lips. "I wouldn't mind watching you do it again."

Sarah closed her eyes, trying to ignore the heat from their bodies. "Second of all, Jareth, Duke is not going to bite your penis. That's just gross."

"You didn't think it was gross when you were doing it last night," he grinned playfully.

Sarah tried to smack him (playfully), but he caught her wrist. "Only teasing, Love. You know how grateful I am that you please me so well, and I enjoy pleasing you too." He kissed the inside of her wrist, lightly scraping his teeth along it.

"Asshole," she mumbled.

"No, that's the cat's name," Jareth tilted his head at Duke.

By the time they had decided who was going to take Duke away, it was too late for them to have sex. Jareth suggested turning back time but Sarah was not having it.

"You ruined my sex life, you know? Cock-blocking cat," Jareth told Duke, who did not give a single shit about what Jareth was saying and walked off.

"At least he didn't bite your penis off," Sarah teased him.


Toby Williams was in his dorm, studying for his psychology exam. Man, what the heck was wrong with Freud anyway? He was so weird.

He was so deep in thought that he almost didn't hear the squawking outside his window. He jumped then glared at the barn owl outside. Looking closely, he saw a few markings on him that identified the bird as his brother-in-law.

"What the hell, Jareth?" He snapped his fingers to open the window. The owl hopped inside and transformed into none other than the King of the Goblins.

"Good to see you too, Toby." He dusted himself off, looking very out of place in his kingly garb as he stood in the messy dorm room.

"You really couldn't have just come through the front like a normal person? What if my roommate was in here?" He threw his hands up in the air.

"Normal? Now, have you ever known me to be normal?" He waved a hand and transformed himself to look human. "Now, I have a tiny favor to ask of you."

"Liar," Toby rolled his eyes but pointed at his bed to invite Jareth to sit. "If it was small, you'd just send me a crystal message. Dude, what could be possibly so important that you had to bother me about it?"

"It's about Sarah," Jareth blurted out rather quickly.

Toby was taken aback. He saw the worried look on Jareth's eyes and assumed the worst. "Oh no, you guys didn't fight or anything did you?"

"What? No, not that." He shook his head. "What do you know about Thin Mints?"

Toby was even more bewildered now. "Thin mints? As in the Girl Scout cookies?"

"Yes, I need to procure them immediately." Jareth tilted his chin up, just as he did whenever he gave commands to his goblins.

Toby raised an eyebrow. "You realize that it's not cookie season, right? And why the hell do you want them? Go buy some Oreos or something. And NO STEALING MINE if that's why you're here! I'm a starving college kid!"

"Hush Hush. I am not here to steal anything. Why would I want to anyway?" Jareth looked around the room and waved his arm at the mess, proving his point. "As I was saying, I need them because Sarah has been craving madly for them for the past two days."

"It can't be that bad, can it?" Toby raised an eyebrow. "I mean, I know she's pregnant-"

"Oh my boy, you have no clue." Jareth snorted. "Sarah has gone from feeling like she was going to throw everything up to craving for very specific food all the time. She raided the cabinets of our chocolate, trying her hardest to find them, it's getting bad. I know that she tries not to but she's been crying in shame because of how bad the cravings have gotten. It seems our Little One has been torturing her for some of her favorite childhood snacks."

"Jeez, that sucks. I really hope she feels better soon." Toby rubbed the back of his neck, feeling bad for his sister. "Look, I have no idea how to get them. If Sarah can't find them herself with the amount of magic and the strong craving that she has, how am I supposed to help?"

"Simple: you will help me cook." Jareth folded his arms proudly.

"Dude, are you kidding me?"

"Stop calling me 'Dude.' You know how unsophisticated it sounds." Jareth scrunched his face in disapproval and unfolded his arms, absolutely offended by the nickname.

Toby plopped on the bed beside the king. "Whatever. Look the point is, I'm horrible at cooking. I don't even have a kitchen! Why don't you ask Mom to help you?"

"You think I wouldn't want to try that?" Jareth snorted. "Going to your parent's home means that Sarah would visit and occasionally smell the baking if she goes there. Plus I want to surprise her. You have a kitchen area here in your dorm. I will provide everything, I just have never tasted a Thin Mint. I just want you to be my taste tester."

"You could've said that in the first place," Toby mumbled. "Well, I don't know anything about being pregnant but if it's worse than when Sarah is normally hungry-

"Oh much worse."

"-then we have a mission to do, don't we?" Toby grabbed a pen and started to walk out of the door.

"Where are you going?" Jareth called after him.

"To sign up for time to use the oven, duh. Get with the program, dude!"

"STOP CALLING ME DUDE!"


"YOU MADE FUN OF ME!" Sarah screamed at him, thoroughly done with Jareth. "And in front of the council. I look like an idiot."

"Sarah, you do not look stupid. You're just pregnant."

"Oh so me being pregnant means I'm stupid?"

"I did not say that-"

Sarah stalked into their room and went into the bathroom to try to avoid him. "You laughed when I farted!"

"It was funny!" Even now, Jareth was trying to control his laughter. "I couldn't help it, just as you couldn't. Sarah, it's a normal biological reaction. It happens."

"But you didn't have to laugh or draw more attention to it!" She was in tears now. This whole week had been shit, what with her people at university being assholes and people thinking that she was less capable because she was pregnant. And on top of that, Jareth had been mysteriously disappearing.

"Come, Sarah. It wasn't anything big." He tried to hold her but she still avoided him. "It was just silly and funny."

"I'm glad I could be some sort of joke for you," she bit out.

Jareth took a few deep breaths, trying to not lash out at her. "Woman, you are driving me absolutely crazy."

The moment the words left his mouth, Jareth knew he messed up. Sarah's eyes started to instantly tear up. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Jareth cringed. He was in for it not. "Sarah I didn't mean-"

"Is that why you've been gone? Because I piss you off?" Her bottom lip trembled and she whimpered a little.

He had only made Sarah cry a few times in her life. The first was their meeting, but that wasn't as much from him as from her stupidly wishing Toby away and him having fun egging her on for her stupid mistakes (something he since learned was a sadistic and idiotic thing to do). Then there was when he pushed her away their first Yule Ball. And then the thing with the Trials but that didn't count as they were both under a spell.

He never, ever wanted to be the source of her unhappy tears again.

"Sarah, no." He put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It was insensitive." He didn't realize how often he was gone that week and the week before. He thought he was careful but he suppose that Sarah was more on top of where he was and the time he spent away more than he realized, even with her own responsibility.

"Then why have you been gone?" She sniffed. She thought about how he had been talking to a few ladies and joking with them, suddenly not speaking with her and refusing to tell her what had happened.

And then that wink he shared with one of them.

She got mad again.

"Are you cheating on me?" She cried out.

"WHAT?!" Now he was pissed. "You cannot be serious!"

"Well, with you keep changing clothes and making eyes at-"

"I can't believe that you would even think such a thing!" He sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. "I make eyes at NO ONE but YOU, Sarah. And as for changing clothes, I do that all the time! You are my wife, my love, my everything. Even when you say stupid shit like this!"

"If I'm so stupid, then maybe you shouldn't have made me queen." She cried even harder. "Why are you so angry?"

"Because you are accusing me of a sin that I would have never and WILL never commit." He growled. "I love you and ONLY you! For you to accuse me of such a thing - I - Who the hell do you think I am? My father?" He took a shaky breath, tearing up too. How fucked up was he if his beloved thought he was being unfaithful? "Even if I didn't love you, I would never have an affair, especially behind your back. That is against my own moral code."

He glared at her. "I'm going to take a walk. Alone. I need to be by myself. I will be back in an hour. And don't worry, I am NOT going to be with some other woman!"

He stalked out of their chambers, leaving Sarah crying her eyes out.

Jareth kicked a few goblins here and there to ease his temper, but it only made him feel more mad that they weren't screaming in terror so he told them to at least act scared.

"That infuriating woman! Accusing me of being a disgrace. I would never marry anyone, especially her, and then warm the bed of another. Not even a stolen kiss. This is madness."

He stomped so loudly and so in focus that he didn't notice that someone was in front of him until he ran into Lydia.

"Oh, excuse me, Your Majesty," she curtsied. Then she frowned when she saw his face. "Are you alright?"

He sighed. "I think so. I just got in an argument with Sarah."

Lydia tilted her head consolingly. "Ah. Would you like to speak about it? You look like you're deep in thought."

So he told her what happened. Lydia listened patiently as he finished and then put a hand on his shoulder. "Jareth, she just needs love."

"I know I lost my temper but she was being irrational!" He threw his hands in the air. "What am I supposed to do? I know why she thinks that with me being gone but she also knows me. I wasn't gone that long."

Lydia took his hand and put it on his heart. "You know why, feel it here." She let go of his hand. "She loves you and is usually a very logical person who learns her mistakes quite quickly. Pregnancy can make one irrational. It is the unfortunate side effect women must go through to have a child. I had the same thing happen with I was expecting Alistair. Also, you know as well as I do that affairs do not need that much time to happen from all the infidelity you've seen in International courts. It is understandable that she is feeling upset."

Jareth softened at this. "I see."

"Sarah will come around, I know she will." She patted his shoulder. "A love as strong as yours will come through. She doesn't really think that you're unfaithful, and I know that she knows it in her heart. You've gone through too much for her to question that seriously. She probably hears stories and feels the need to be everything but she cannot. She is limited as we all are. We are not gods. Even Muraco and Solana have limits."

Jareth felt so grateful to have Lydia in his life. He studied her for a moment, feeling a wave of affection towards her. What a wonderful friend she is. "Thank you, Lydia. What do you suggest I do?"

"Do not expect an apology from her. She may forget it all or feel embarrassed. She will return to normal soon. Just love her. Show her so, tell her so in the ways that you know how." She gave him another head nod. "Now if you will excuse me, I have some things to do. I hope that things will smooth over for you two soon."

Jareth beamed. "Thank you for your advice. I will take it for sure. You have done so much for us, Lydia."

He walked to Hoggle's house, knocking on his door. "Higgle?"

Hoggle opened the door and rolled his eyes. "What in the Underground took ya so freakin' long? Come on in."

Jareth stepped into his home. "It's a long story. I made Sarah upset with me."

"Uh oh. Angry Sarah ain't ever good." He handed Jareth the batter. "These will cheer her up."

"That's what I was thinking," Jareth smiled. He hoped that it would work.

Meanwhile, Sarah was petting Duke, deep in thought about how stupid she was.

Yeah, she was still wondering where the hell he was, but that wasn't okay. The first thing she said was to get angry and accuse him of cheating.

He had been nothing but loving to her. He always held her and massaged her feet or gave her any food she wanted (besides those damned girl scout cookies). She loved him with all she had and he with her. He was adorable and cute with his bright blue eyes and fluffy hair.

Damn it. She was getting teary again.

She heard a knock on the door. Before she got to it, Duke went to stand in front, as if to protect her. When Jareth walked in, Duke left and settled in some blankets.

She launched herself at him. "Jare, I'm so sorry. I went too far and, and-"

"Shh. It's alright, you've had a hard week." He held her with one hand, hold the box in the other. "I should have been more gentle with you. I have short tempers and I was impatient."

He kissed her forehead as she buried herself in his chest.

"But it's not your fault," she sniffed. "I mean, we're married. I'm supposed to trust you. Stupid pregnancy hormones and me letting it get to me."

"I'm not arguing with that, but you are the one who is with child. You have the difficult part in both being a student and a queen as well on top of this pregnancy. I cannot blame you, love. Do not beat yourself up over this. Even if you did not apologize, I would have understood after my walk. I am just glad you realize this." He kissed the top of her head.

Sarah let her tears fall on his shirt. He was always so comforting to be near. "I just hate everything about myself lately, especially the way I look. I love you, Jareth."

"And I you, Precious. With all that I have." He tilted her chin up and kissed her lips. "You are my wife. The mother of my child. I want no one else and I swear upon you to love no one else. Even if I did not love you, I will not go behind your back like a coward. But you will never have to worry for my love for you will last forever."

Sarah tip toed and kissed him. He was the perfect husband in every way. He smelled so good too.

Speaking of smell…

"You smell like chocolate," she sniffed his neck. "Where have you been?" She noticed the box. "And what's that?"

Jareth took her hand and brought her to the bed. "This was why I was gone this week and last. I thought I was being sneaky but nothing evades you, Dearest."

He handed her the box and Sarah tentatively opened it, watching his reaction. He was smiling brightly and she smiled too.

She gasped. "Thin mints!"

"Yes. You said that you craved for them, and I felt so horrible seeing you want them so badly."

"How did you get these?" She took a bite and beamed. They were perfect!

"I tried to find them. Nowhere!" He huffed. "So I asked Toby to help me with finding a recipe. I was so desperate that I didn't think twice about 'poofing' into his dorm room for the emergency."

"He was probably annoyed at you." Sarah laughed at the image of Jareth in his Kingly garb appearing in Toby's room and Toby rolling his eyes at the "emergency."

"He was. But he helped me in the end. We tried to find recipes but couldn't, and I didn't want you to know what I was doing, hence my change of clothing and showering as I didn't want you to smell anything with your good sense. I borrowed his dorm room's kitchen and we kept trying and failing at getting them perfect. As I've never had them, Toby had to taste for me. We had so many imperfect batches that Toby even gave them to his friends since they thought it was good enough."

He didn't mention that a lot of Toby's female (and a few male) dorm mates wanted to help him out, many of them flirting openly. When Jareth reiterated that he was married with a pregnant wife, many of them stopped the flirting and sighed in awe at this handsome man being a doting husband. He was flattered, but of course, uninterested in them. He would have teased Sarah about it if they didn't just have a big argument about her own insecurities.

"I'll bet. Some good food is always envied by college students," she took another bite.

"That 'winking' you saw me doing was me not being able to keep quiet and having to tell someone that I was planning this surprise for you. I finally got the perfect recipe, designed it with Toby's help and so Hogwart and I made them today at his home."

Sarah threw her arms around him again, almost knocking the cat over. "What did I do to deserve you?"

"It should be the other way around, sweet love." He held her close, happy to see her smile. "I am imperfect but I try to keep my darkness and temper in check because you have shown me that I can be that better man."

"Well, a little darkness is okay. It wouldn't be you without it," she rubbed her nose with his. "After all, even the devil is an angel. These taste delicious by the way, wow! I can't believe that I never gave you these."

"You told me the Samoas were sweeter so I didn't bother with any of the rest." He reminded her. He took a bite. "Hmm. This isn't sweet enough for my taste."

"Oh you." Sarah kissed him, tasting the chocolatey, minty goodness on his lips. "I love you."

"I have another surprise for you." Jareth handed her a large scroll of paper rolled up. Sarah quizzically opened it, spreading it out on the table.

Her breath was taken away. "Oh my god… Jareth…"

It was a blue print for a personal library.

"I thought it was time for my queen to have her personal library." He kissed her cheek as she looked at it with awe. "I did not have it built yet as I wanted to ask you what you thought of it and make any changes that you would want. It's connected to your study so that you can easily come here when you are done with work for the day or just want to spend your time in the library instead to work."

Sarah could hardly breathe. The concept drawings were beautiful. There would be a sitting spot right next to the window, fluffed with cushions where one could lay down or sit, allowing the space to be illuminated with natural light. You could pull out what looks to be a drawer but really, it was a table to place snacks and other things if you wanted.

In said library was also a fireplace on the other side for colder days. There was even a revolving bookshelf that could open to give more space in case she wanted to entertain guests or to keep more books, a place for the rest of the family to stay. Leading to that room was a possible balcony in case she wanted to read outside. There would be a way to rotate the floor so that the couch or whatever seat she was in could face outside without having to sacrifice comfort.

This would be her personal library. Not one in her name. Not one where there were books she didn't care for. Every book she ever owned could be put here and any more that she would collect.

"If you would like, there could be a play area for children to play in while you read, but this is your space and I want you to feel like it's yours to decide what you want to do." He put a hand on her lower back. "It has a versatile design, so you can change it it if you choose."

"Jareth…" She started to cry. "How long have you been working on this for?"

"A long time." He rubbed her back, the joy in her face was enough for him to want to build ten libraries. "It's meant to be your graduation present. It will be finished by the time you're done for sure. Is it to your liking? Your father and I were discussing plans for the nursery and this library. I could just hire people, but he is insistent on being a part of this himself."

She leaned on his shoulder. "That's so sweet, both of you."


Nearing the later weeks of her second trimester, Sarah and Jareth were having more frequent check-ups with the physician.

Sarah and Jareth met with their castle healers regularly, but this time, she wanted to go Above to meet Marianne, the doctor who had helped them with fertility problems.

Because this time, it was special.

"I can't believe I didn't think to get an ultrasound picture before," she said with frustration as Jareth drove them to the clinic. "I want to keep every little step of the baby's growth and-"

"Sarah," Jareth said sternly. "I told you, you are not allowed to feel bad about this. You are a queen, a graduate student, and you are doing well in taking care of our little one by keeping yourself healthy. It's alright, trust me."

"I just feel bad, you know that my friends all have-"

"I will not have you comparing yourself to someone else, Love." His tone was final and curt.

Seeing the hurt look in Sarah's face, he reached over to hold her hand apologetically. "I just don't want you to obsess over this idea that everything is going to be perfect. You have so many responsibilities and you are giving the little one so much love. I don't want you to think poorly of yourself."

"I'm trying," she promised him. "I just feel so inadequate. What if I can't do this? What if I'm not equipped to be a good mother? What if I'm exactly like my own mom?"

Jareth parked the car and let go of Sarah's hand. He turned to her, an intense look in his eyes, almost anger. She knew him well enough to know that it wasn't anger at her, but anger at her mother for making her feel this way.

"You are not her because you have made decisions to not be like her," he whispered, holding her face. "Just as you told me that I will never be like Raynard. You have faith in me, so please trust in my faith in you."

Sarah let a tear fall, Jareth lovingly kissing said tear away. For the most part, she kept herself busy that she hardly had time to contemplate these things in coherent thoughts, just letting feelings float around in her mind. Jareth had been quite temperamental lately, so the fact that he was able to put aside his usual demanding nature to make her feel better about herself meant the world to her.

In the clinic, Sarah nearly shouted at Marianne to get going, seeing as her bladder was about to burst from drinking so much water before the ultrasound. Unfortunately, Marianne had to go take care of another patient so an actual ultrasound technician came to be with them. It was trickier this way, since Jareth and Sarah ended up doing some heavy magic to make her think that they were regular patients when she was asking questions about why they hadn't seen anyone for an ultrasound before.

"Baby looks healthy so far," she commented. "Do you see the little head here?"

The two monarchs leaned over to see the tiny head on the screen. Without even looking at each other, their hands found their way to each other and gripped tightly, admiring the baby.

"Do you want to know the sex of the baby?" The technician asked after talking about the health of the baby.

"Sure," Sarah said. Not that she or Jareth particularly cared, they would love their baby the same no matter what. It was that the curiosity would have driven them crazy, knowing that they were able to find out now instead of at the birth.

"Well, congratulations, you are having a baby girl!"

Sarah watched as Jareth's eyes widened, tears gathering in them. "A little princess. Sarah, we're having a princess!"

"I find it sweet that every parent sees their baby as royalty," the technician smiled. "I have no doubt that the baby will have all the love to her from you two."

Jareth looked at Sarah, smiling at the fact that their baby is quite literally royalty. "Yes, absolutely."


"Sarah? Love?"

Jareth couldn't find his wife anywhere. Where the hell was she? "How well can a pregnant woman hide anyway?" He looked outside, in their greenhouse, in her study, in their room, everywhere.

Then he found her. In his study.

Asleep in a pile of books.

And not figuratively either.

She was on the floor with some of her books, finishing up her thesis with papers all over the place. There were a few books on top of her and under her head. One was on her belly even.

Jareth slowly picked each book off and gathered her in his arms, trying to get her comfortable.

Sarah snorted, rubbing her eyes. "Ugh. Jareth, I thought we had a rule that where I sleep, I will stay there until I wake up. It's too hard to move when your baby is growing in me."

Jareth smiled a little. She always referred to the baby as his baby instead of their baby when she was feeling under the weather about her pregnancy. "I know but you've overworked. Look at you, asleep on the rug with books all over. I will take care of you."

"But I have to get back to work. I'm still finishing up so I can defend my thesis. Damn my back is sore." She tried to wiggle out of his arms but she really was too tired. "And you have to work too don't you?"

"Me? Yes, but no appointments. Just things to read and sign off, things I can do later. You are my first priority, Precious. Remember that. You and the Little One." He walked to their rooms and set her on the bed.

Sarah sprawled out, stretching. "You're sweet, but really. It's okay." She looked away shyly but he kissed her lips, making her laugh.

"You have the job of growing this child. The least I can do is make you feel comfortable," He ran his fingers through her hair. "It should not be seen as anything extraordinary for me to be an equal and loving, that is to be expected."

"Heh, that's actually not wrong." She laughed. "You are full of wisdom today."

"I try." He kissed her forehead. "I was doing a bit of reading, and since you've mentioned that your back is hurting, how about a massage?"

Sarah wasn't sure about that, but the idea was too tempting. "Are you sure?"

"Of course." He began to set up their pillows and blankets to accommodate her belly. "I will do it as often as you want or need."

Sarah felt a little bad. Massages weren't exactly easy since the hands can get quite tired. "Jare, really. I should go and work on my dissertation. I have so much to do-"

"And you will, after some relaxation. You are far too tense." He cocked an eyebrow. "Don't make me tie you to the bed."

"Jeez you are commanding today!" Sarah laughed. "Oh, alright. If you insist."

"Of course I do." He huffed. "Now, lay on your belly."

Sarah started too, but then made a grunting noise as she laid on the special pillow Karen had gotten her for pregnant women sleeping on bellies.

"What is it?" He asked her.

"My clothes feel itchy. I feel like my senses are amplified during pregnancy. First my sense of smell. Then touch. It sucks and I need more comfortable clothing if I have to do a few more months of this." She started to take her shirt off but nearly fell over from exhaustion.

"You need to also wear clothes easier to take off than that. Could be nice for more ways than one," Jareth winked at her as he helped her to undress, leaving her in her underwear.

"If you think the massage is going to end up with us having sex, you're wrong because I'm too tired and cranky to do anything except for studying but that's because I have to." Sarah said, half serious and half joking.

He chuckled and made sure that she could lay on her belly without feeling uncomfortable. "I am always under the assumption that you could end up saying no at any time, Darling. I do this because I love you. Now, how do you feel?"

Sarah sunk into the little make shift massage bed Jareth made for her, smiling. "It feels really good. Thank you."

He kissed her shoulder. "Anything for my wife and the mother of my child."

He started with her shoulders, kneading them with his hands. He added a bit of lotion to smooth out any knots in her muscles. He moved down her back, earning a satisfied groan from Sarah.

"I'm going to fall asleep if you keep this up," She muffled into the pillow.

Jareth laughed. That was the thing about Sarah, that she was never boring. He massaged her arms, squeezing and rubbing even her fingers. He massaged the back of her neck and kneaded her scalp and around her face. He moved to her feet, massaging each foot.

Sarah loved the way he was touching her. It was as relaxing as a masseur's handiwork but with love. He would give kisses her and there and she felt her whole body tingle in happiness.

Jareth peeked once in a while at her face, pleased to see happiness and satisfaction. He always prided himself in being able to please her in every way possible. When he was done, he got a blanket to cover her, letting her sleep. As quietly as he could, he got his work supplies and worked in their room, wanting to be near her. Usually, they had a rule of trying to not work in the bedroom as that was their personal space but since she was pregnant, he was going to make an exception.

A few hours later, Sarah woke up, feeling more relaxed than she had been in a long time. She looked to the side and saw Jareth reading through papers intently. She hugged the pillow under her chin and just observed him. He was so handsome with his lean and strong body, his fingers gracefully flying over each sentence.

Jareth sensed some movement and looked over to see his wife awake and smiling at him. "Good evening, Sarah. How was your nap?" He put his things down and turned in his chair, facing her.

Sarah's eyes brightened up. "It was amazing. I feel as limp as a noodle. Thank you for doing that and for convincing me to take a break."

"My pleasure. It makes me happy to see you in good spirits." He came to sit on the bed, putting his hand on her back over the blanket. "Hungry?"

"Weirdly, not yet." She sat up and patted her belly. Jareth was so mesmerized at how beautiful she looked with her dark hair framing her face and the glow she seemed to emit. Sometimes, she was beyond cranky but there were moments where that "pregnancy glow" really shone in her.

"You are beautiful." He picked up her hand and kissed it. "I adore you, my love."

He put his hand on her belly and kissed it sweetly. "And you too. Even if you make your mother tired and cranky at times."

Sarah swatted at him playfully and he kissed her lips. Sarah lost balance and leaned back on the bed, Jareth almost on top but moving away quickly so he would not hurt his child.

"You are going to be tired and cranky too when the baby is here. Non stop screaming and pooping. Hungry all the time-"

"Easy. I'll just wish the child away to you." He gave her a mischievous grin.

Sarah's mouth popped open as her husband roared with laughter. She threw a pillow at him and he still laughed. "Wait, what actually happens if you do that?"

"Well nothing, I suppose, since it is our baby. Of course I would have to mean it, but it would be fun to try." He wiggled his eyes at her.

Sarah gave a very unladylike snort. Jareth pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.

"I was thinking a little about names." Jareth confided. "I have a few more that I'd like to-"

"Wait, Jareth." Sarah turned her body to face him as best as she could. She held onto his hand that was on her belly and cupped his face with her other hand.

Jareth was not expecting her to stop him so suddenly. She was looking at him very intensely. He waited, just staring at her green eyes as he tilted his head.

Sarah caressed his jaw with her thumb. "Jare, we agreed that we should pick a good name for her. A noble name, one with a good meaning and something to live up to."

She turned a page of the baby book Karen had given her and turned to the page with the letter "E."

She pointed to a name.

Jareth opened his lips just slightly and shuddered, his eyes large, tears welling up.

"Jareth, what do you think of naming her Eleanor? After your mother?" Sarah smiled at his reaction.

Jareth closed his eyes and instantly, the tears were flowing down his face. He was not a man who cried very often if at all. "Sarah, you mean it?"

"Well, Eleanor can mean bright or shining. Sometimes it can mean a torch. Your mother certainly was all those things." She held him to her breast, his face buried in her neck and she patted his fluffy hair. "It would be an honor for me to not only name my daughter such a wonderful name after such a wonderful woman, but to know that she lives on in you and will live on in our little girl. It's a great name for a person, even better for a possible future queen."

"You have no idea what that means to me," Jareth wiped his tears away and kissed her.

It was not a quick kiss, but also not lacking in passion. It was sweet, full of longing and understanding. Jareth moves his lips gently against Sarah's and she kissed him back. Her hands circled around him, holding him as he tried to pull her as close as she could without making it too uncomfortable with the baby growing in her.

He held her face with both his hands after they pulled away. He brushed her lips with the pad of his thumb and put his forehead on hers. Sarah held his wrists and sighed contently too.

"That's the most wonderful idea." Jareth whispered. How was she so perfect? His love, his light, his life, and most of all, his wife and queen. "You are a wonder, you know that?"

He rubbed her belly and lifted up the shirt she was wearing and kissed the little bump. "Hello, Eleanor. You have your grandmother's name, how about that? I will tell you all the little memories I have of her and uncle Jeremy can help with that."

He looked back at Sarah. "I have an idea for the name too."

"Oh? And what would that be?" She was overwhelmed with love. Love for her baby and love for Jareth.

"I know that it is a tradition in your culture to have two names. It isn't Underground as you know, but I'd like her to have a second name to honor her human heritage." He put his cheek to her belly. "Eleanor, after my mother. How about Sarah for her middle name?"

Sarah blinked in surprise. "You want to name her after me?"

"The two most important women in my life, yes." He looked up at her with the loveliest smile. "Eleanor Sarah Sigourney. Has a nice ring to it, I think. And we can call her Ella for short."

Sarah bit her bottom lip, blushing like crazy. "Eleanor after your mom, Sarah after hers. Oh my love..."

"My Princess Ella." Jareth kissed her belly. "I can't wait to meet you."

As their lips met, Jareth felt something jolt at his side. He and Sarah looked at each other, surprised.

"You felt that?" Sarah asked him.

"I did, what was it?" Jareth looked at her, unsure of what was happening.

They felt it again. Immediately, Sarah went to hold her belly.

"Something wrong? Do I need to call the healer?" Jareth got up but Sarah held on his arm.

"No! I mean, no." She put both hands on her belly, laughing.

Jareth grew even more perplexed.

"Nothing's wrong," she said with excitement, dragging him back to a couch. "The baby's kicking!"

Jareth's eyes went from worry to bright excitement. Sarah grabbed his hand and put it on her belly.

They waited a bit, both quiet as to not miss their Little One move.

Jareth's shoulders sagged a little in disappointment. "Maybe-"

Another jolt.

Jareth's eyes widened, the biggest smile ever on his face. He had seen Sarah growing beautifully, but to finally feel that little movement for himself, it meant the world to him.

Sarah gave him a nod, urging him on.

"Hello, Little One," he cooed. "It's very nice to meet you. I love you so much."

The little kicks came all at once. Sarah laughed, delighted that she was able to feel her baby so relatively early on. "I think Baby Ella is happy to hear from her father."

He brushed his thumb gently on the side of her abdomen, as if he was brushing his thumb on a face, marveling at the life that he and Sarah created from love. "Do you think she knows who I am?"

"You sing to her every single morning," Sarah put her hand on his, smiling at yet another kick. "I think our baby knows your voice."

Jareth went to kiss her belly, surprised at being kicked on his lips. Sarah threw her head back, laughing at seeing him leaning back and holding his lip.

"That one is going to be obnoxious, I can tell!" Jareth grinned as the baby kept kicking.

Jareth chuckled and put his hand on her. "Yes. Hello Ella. How do you like your name?"

The baby kicked right where Jareth had his hand. Almost enthusiastically.

"Oh god, this one's going to be a trouble maker and you're going to aid her in that aren't you? I can tell by her kicking." Sarah teased him.

"Oh come now Precious. My daughter just wants to say hello, don't you, Ella?"


Nesting is a common phenomenon among expecting mothers of all species, rearranging the rooms to be more comfortable, clean, and homey for the arrival of the new tiny person who would be joining them.

Now in her third trimester, Sarah was driving everyone crazy with her nesting. Jareth caught her rearranging his clothing. While he let his wife do what she wanted for the most part, he was very particular about his clothing.

"Sarah, what are you doing?" Jareth said from the entrance of their bedroom, quite displeased.

"Your clothes need to be color coordinated." She didn't even turn around, just continued to put things away. "Also, we need to make room for the baby's clothes."

Color coordinated? Most of what he owned was black anyway.

"The baby will have her own wardrobe, Precious." He watched, amused, as Sarah paused in the middle of organizing everything. "Anyway, don't you have a meeting with your mentor?"

"I cancelled it, I think we should focus on getting things ready for the baby."

The "pregnancy brain" phenomenon was also common, where pregnant women weren't as cognizant of everything happening around them or forgetting things. Normal Sarah would not have cancelled that meeting unless she truly needed that day off.

She showed Jareth her notebook. "As for the nursery, I know this is the baby's room but I want it to be next to ours. It's a freaking moving castle, we can change things around, right?"

"That is the added benefit of this castle, yes." Jareth looked into the notebook, a list of supplies that she wanted to get for the baby. Next to it was a drawing of four owls.

"I was coming up with ideas. I thought that since Ella will be our heir, our next queen, it's only fitting that she know about her owl siblings and be surrounded by them." She flipped to the next picture. "Some trees and flowers to symbolize nature as well."

"Not him too!" Jareth groaned when she showed him a drawing of Duke. "You are going to paint him next to our owlets? Our babies?"

Sarah wasn't going to correct him on the fact that their adopted owls were no longer owlets. After all, even if they were grown, parents would always view their children as their babies.

"Well, why not?" Sarah asked. She tried to bend down to pick Duke up but gave up due to her center of balance failing. Without saying a word, Jareth picked the cat up with an eye roll, Sarah grinning as she pet the kitty. "He can be her protector. You've seen how gentle he is with most people. He's only mean by hissing when he's annoyed or when someone yanks his tail. Otherwise, he's just defiant. He purrs at my belly and even licks me, I think that he will get along with Ella."

"I draw the line at the cat," Jareth said with finality, completely ignoring everything she said about Duke being a protector.

Sarah sighed. "Can we compromise? How about we have a painting of Duke on the shelf?"

Jareth didn't really want to, but it was a good compromise. Besides, they could always move it later. "Sure, if that's what you'd like."

Sarah and Robert cleared the nursery. This was more of a storage room for now, since Sarah and Jareth were planning on keeping the baby in their room until she was old enough. The baby's room will still have clothes and such inside, adjacent to their own bedroom for the time being. They could directly access that room through theirs.

"Right, so, let's do this." Robert said.

They had a lovely time bonding, just father and daughter with the occasional cat visits from Duke. Sarah really missed him and made a point to have him come over more often. Robert agreed, saying that he and Karen would love to be around for the baby to babysit her, giving Sarah a chance to bond with her father more and for the baby to know her grandparents.

He did most of the heavy work, Sarah helped with the smaller parts, insisting that she be a part of it too. "I told you, I'm not infirm, just pregnant. Karen would tell you the same."

"I know, I just can't help but worry." Robert beamed at Sarah cradling her belly, his little granddaughter protected. When she told him, he wept at the thought of becoming a grandpa. He couldn't believe that his baby was old enough to have her own baby.

"You know, I remember when we were expecting you." Robert was careful to not say Linda's name. Not that Sarah minded too much, she was a part of their lives at one time, it only made sense that she would be mentioned. "I was a lot like Jareth, although not as annoying, from what you told me."

"Trust me, I can't imagine how anyone can be as annoying as him," she said in a way that told him that she appreciated her husband, that he kept his marriage vows to love and care for her.

"We can't help it, you know." Robert took a few nails. "We can't carry babies, so we husbands just do what we can to take care of our wives. It's so out of our control and we want to help out in any way shape or form. And with you, oh my god, Sarah. You were our first. My first baby."

Sarah looked at him. Really, really looked at him. She could see the gray hairs and the wrinkles increasing on his face while she aged only very slightly in the past few years as she was becoming less human and more fae. It hit her then that her little baby was going to know her grandfather for a few years relative to her lifespan. Hell, she would know her father for however many years, then outlive him by many lifetimes.

She shook those thoughts away. It wouldn't do any good to think of them right now. She had an eternity to eventually mourn for their eventual losses. This was the time to cherish him here and now.

She was taken out of her thoughts as Robert kept on speaking.

"I couldn't wait to meet you, to see how you'd become. Every time you and I would have an argument, I would just think back to the day you were born. How small and innocent you were. How I would have taken a bullet for you right then and there, even though you couldn't speak to me or know me yet." His eyes glazed over, the events of that fateful day fresh in his mind as he looked at the young woman in front of him. "Remembering how much I loved you then reminded me of how much of a gift you are. And look at you! I couldn't be more proud of you. And not because you're a queen or a smart student, but because of how good you are. How kind and how selfless you have become."

Those were words that Sarah would keep in her heart for the rest of her life. One day, her little Ella and any other future children, if they had any more kids, would learn about how much their Grandpa Robert loved them.

Meanwhile, Jareth and Karen were out shopping at Target with the list that Sarah gave.

"Well, did you guys think of buying this?" Karen held a baby car seat.

"What's that for?" Jareth looked at it, frowning at the plastic material that would be so out of place in the Underground.

"For when the baby is in the car," Karen said, shocked that Jareth didn't think of such a thing. "You know, another advice I can give is-"

And Jareth clocked out after that. He and Sarah had been given more pregnancy and baby advice than they had expected and it was utterly overwhelming, especially as they were in such a unique position. He may have been in a better mood to listen if Karen wasn't talking about the most random and inane myths.

"If Sarah lifts her arms above her head, she could potentially strangle the baby with the umbilical cord!"

"Karen, that's not how that works," Jareth sighed. "Think about it. Is the cord attached to Sarah's arms? Then how would she suffocate the baby?"

She paused for a moment, seeming to concede, but then said something else that was absolutely crazy that wasn't backed up by either experience or scientific studies.

Still, they had a mostly lovely time. Jareth was awed at all the adorable little clothing but had to force himself to limit the amount of things that they were buying. Besides, some of the clothing was just utterly sexist.

"My god!" Jareth picked one little onesie up. "This one says 'Pretty like Mommy, Smart like Daddy.' What the actual fuck?"

"Jareth!" Karen exclaimed. "Language, there are children around."

"They'll hear it sooner rather than later then," he grumbled. "People actually buy these?"

He also didn't understand why the hell everything was so divided by sex, including the damn colors. Why did a little girl have to go to the boys' section to buy something related to dinosaurs? Why did little boys have to go to the girls' section to buy something with glitter or unicorns?

Of course, his kind still largely separated clothing by sex, but even then, people wore what they wanted. And interests were not separated by sex. Humans have come so far but still had so far to go when it came to gender equality, it seemed.

He found an adorable owl shirt and a glittery skirt that would be perfect for his little daughter. He and Sarah had shopped for books for their baby and toys earlier so they wouldn't be getting those. He made sure to get practical things as well, like breast pumps for Sarah who asked for them.

"What's this?" He lifted a thing with straps up.

"That's a baby carrier!" Karen exclaimed. "You can strap it to yourself like this," she said, putting it on Jareth. "And then you can carry the baby around. You can swaddle for smaller infants though."

"I like this!" Jareth put it in the cart. It turned out that Karen could be a great person to shop with after all. Even though she gave insane advice at times, she made sure to talk about her own hardships with being a new mother to Toby and what helped.

As they kept on shopping, Jareth realized that he was attracting a fair amount of women of all ages, even young teens, who found him adorable, shopping with his mother-in-law. It was natural that as a fae, he would attract humans and even more so when he was showing off his nurturing side.

"What does your wife look like?" One teen girl asked.

Jareth happily showed them a photo of her from their wedding day that was in his wallet. They ooed and awed at her, also giving advice.

"Make sure to put some sort of cloth on top of the baby when you're changing diapers," the same teenage girl said. "It prevents the pee from splashing all over you."

"Noted," Jareth said, even though he had changed many babies while being the Goblin King. It was still good advice though. "Thank you for telling me."

"I found that these are the best bottles to use!" One woman with two kids said. "They are the most durable and easiest to clean."

"Listen man," the woman's husband said. "If you ever go out of the house, make sure to buy more diapers and toilet paper. Just do it. Even if you think you won't run out. If the kid outgrows the diapers and you can't return them, just donate it to some charity. Trust me, better to have a surplus of diapers than not if you are able to afford it."

Jareth thanked everyone for the wonderful advice that they had given him, even though he was completely exhausted by the time he and Karen got into the car.

"Well, how about I take you out for ice cream?" Karen said.

When they were done, they picked up Toby went back to the Underground for a family dinner. Sarah didn't want a big baby shower, but agreed to do something small with close family and friends Underground as they would have to do some big event with other foreign dignitaries by the time their baby was born.

For the dinner, they had Sarah's parents and Toby, Sarah's three friends, Daniel, Lydia, and Alistair. Jareth had wanted to invite Jeremy, but of course, he wasn't allowed Underground and they didn't want to cause issues with him and Robert. It would make things awkward even if the two men were cordial.

Everyone had such nice gifts. Toby, being a handyman from his time learning from Robert, made a treasure chest with gifts that his parents made for the baby. Sarah admired the intricate details, loving it. Inside, Karen made tiny sweaters for a newborn up until it would fit a two year old child.

"As she gets older, I will make more sweaters," she promised, looking immensely proud of the beautiful sweaters that she made for her new granddaughter.

Sarah couldn't believe how thoughtful she was. She would treasure these always. "Thank you, Karen."

Jareth asked her how to make it and she promised to show him.

Robert had carved two barn owl figurines and one small one, symbolizing Jareth, Sarah, and the baby. "If you two have more kids, I will make one for each of them," he said.

Hoggle and Ludo made a baby mobile. He put together some rocks and crystals that Ludo had collected. Ludo found these rocks especially for Sarah, beautiful shiny ones that were sure to mesmerize Baby Ella.

Sir Didymus gave them a wooden sword that he said would be of use to the baby, once she is able to learn how to defend herself and offered sword fighting lessons.

Daniel and Lydia knew that Jareth and Sarah would get a lot of gifts for the baby, so they got them gifts for the parents-to-be. Sarah got a new paint set and Jareth a new guitar since his had broke by the goblins.

"We thought that as parents, you would want something for yourselves," Daniel said. "It's important to take time for yourselves too."

Sarah was itching to try to use them. They were such beautiful colors.

Alistair wanted to give her his favorite book, a collection of stories about different mythical creatures. "Can I read them to her?"

"You sure can!" Jareth said to his godson. "In fact, since this is in Elvish, you can practice reading it to the baby if you'd like, to brush up on your language studies."

The last present was from Jeremy. He got a little music book with children's songs that they could sing for her. He even wrote a private little letter to the little princess, remarking on the memories that he had of her mother, the late Queen Eleanor, along with blessings for her appreciated this.

They played some games, walked around the garden, and had dessert after.

Just as everyone was about to go home, there were a few more visitors.

The once baby owls were now grown, visiting quite often. They even got along with Duke, much to everyone's surprise.

"Look, they have leaves in their beaks!" Alistair said.

It was true, they did.

Athena and Artemis seemed very interested in her enlarged belly, snuggling next to her as Apollo and Ares joined in.

Whether they understood that Sarah was pregnant or not, they hadn't a clue. Even so, they kept the leaves that they had brought to them so that Princess Eleanor could see them herself one day.


This was years of work building up to one moment. This was done through sweat and tears, done through the desire of wanting to quit many times. Done through time of grief and assassination attempts. Done through happy times and from the support of her loved ones.

Here she was, Sarah the Goblin Queen, nine months pregnant, wearing a ceremonial robe, waiting to be handed her scroll as she walked across the stage (as her actual diploma would be mailed later). Her whole family cheered for her from the side of the stadium.

Grinning from ear to ear, she waved at the direction of her family, her fae-like eyesight allowing her to spot them. Jareth spotted her first, pointing down to where she was and the rest of her family waved after her too. Being so close to her due date, she waddled with each step, determined to do this without anyone to help her. Her feet were swelling but she kept telling herself that this was just a few hours and it would end soon.

As she got towards that stage, she felt something sharp on her abdomen.

Shit.

She clenched her fists, trying to pretend that it felt like a period cramp. Except worse. A period cramp that was a million times more horrible than anything she had ever experienced.

She started to count the seconds, trying to appear calm and collected. "Really? Today?" Sarah wiped the sweat from her head as she talked to the baby. "You really can't wait to do this until after the ceremony?"

Everything was a blur after that. Before she knew it, she had crossed the stage and sat down. The contraction had subsided by then.

Then started again a bit into the president of the university's speech.

From high above, Jareth watched with hawk eyes, seeing Sarah put her head down between her knees, taking shuddering breaths.

"Something's wrong." His voice was laced with alarm.

"What did you say?" Robert asked a few people down, unable to hear what Jareth said.

"What do you mean?" Toby looked at his brother-in-law, seeing the urgency in his eyes, the same urgency as when they had that one assassin at that party. He knew that sometimes Jareth could be overbearing and overreact, but it was always best to not dismiss the worries of a Goblin King.

"Sarah," he said, pointing to where she was. "Down there with her head between her knees."

"Dude, you do realize that there are thousands of people, right? And that we have normal human vision and not Elf vision?"

The Goblin King glared at Toby. "Why do you keep calling me that? So unrefined."

"What? Dude or Elf?"

"I was referring to the former, but the latter is not what I am either. Have you learned nothing from our lessons?" Jareth stood up, only to be lectured at by someone behind him who had a family member who was walking across the stage.

"Honey, I thought you didn't have to go to the bathroom anymore?" Karen asked Jareth kindly, but also sternly as she did not want to move over for him to walk.

"No, it's not that, it's Sarah. Something is wrong," he repeated.

He saw Sarah stand up…

Then faint.

He didn't even hesitate. Jareth jumped over people on the bleachers, hopping better than any olympic athlete even as they yelled at him. He ran across the confusing graduates in the sea of ceremonial robes to his wife, who was being attended by a few staff.

In her own large robe, it was hard to tell that she was pregnant. They finally got her to sit, offering her some water.

"Ahh!" Sarah clutched her abdomen, freezing as the contraction was passing through.

Jareth got to Sarah as soon as he could. "Sarah?" He put his hand on her back.

"It's too fucking hot!" She tried to yell over the speakers, tugging at her gown.

People nearest to her looked at her with concern.

Jareth helped her out of the gown and felt something leak.

Her water broke.

At seeing the gown come off and finding that Sarah was visibly pregnant, the staff panicked, not expecting a pregnant woman or were sure of what to do.

"I'm fine, I just needed some water, that's all." Sarah stood, proving her point. "I'll be fine."

"You are in labor." Jareth gestured to the fluid leaking down her leg. "Let's go home."

"Home? The hospital is there, Sir." One man pointed to the hospital buildings behind the stadium.

"Yes, that's what he means," Sarah said, covering Jareth's mistake. "I swear, I'm fine. The contractions are - FUCK!" She doubled over in pain again.

"Yes, we are moving you, Love." Jareth easily gathered her in his arms, carrying her. "Let's go."

Not too long after, Jareth and Sarah transported Underground with Robert. Karen and Toby were taken to their home to pack.

Their baby was coming a little early, but not too early to cause any concern. The healers quickly set everything up, putting Sarah in a room that they had designated for the birth of their baby. They even had something that worked similar to an epidural, in case Sarah changed her mind and wanted to have the drug for the pain.

Sarah was dressed into a comfortable and light day dress. The healers encouraged Sarah to do whatever made her feel more relaxed. Deciding that sitting around was making her antsy, she opted to go for a walk with Jareth around the castle grounds for a bit, getting some fresh air outside.

Sarah had read a while back that for the birth of their first child, women usually would be in labor for longer than the rest, sometimes around 12-24 hours. "I have to fucking deal with this for another 12 hours? Holy shit," she groaned, holding onto Jareth's arm. She wasn't in pain at the moment but it was very tiring. Whenever her contractions came, they would come in waves of pain in her lower back.

After one such contraction, Jareth urged her to sit down on the bench. He attempted to put his arm around her for comfort, but was pushed away.

"I'm sorry," she said when saw his displeased face. "I'm just so hot that I can't bear the thought of being touched by anyone at the moment."

"That's alright," he reassured her, softening. "I know that this is difficult. I just wish I could help you more."

"You already are, Jare," she took a deep breath, trying to focus on him and not on the pain. "Just by being here, being ready to help me with anything."

Everything had happened so fast that they hardly had the time to really contemplate on what was happening. Jareth looked at Sarah, cradling their baby. "We're going to be parents today."

He thought she looked absolutely beautiful. Some may not say so, with how red her face was and the sweat coming down from her forehead as he fanned her. Sarah really taught him to see the beauty of the world, and he could honestly say that he found her absolutely stunning at the moment. She had done so much, given up so much for his kingdom. For him.

Sarah rubbed her belly comfortingly. She thought of all the times during her pregnancy when all she had to do was ask Jareth for help and he would help her, no matter what. He wasn't perfect, sometimes he would grumble, but at seeing how hard things were for her, he would apologize and remind them both of his love, like the time she woke him up in the middle of the night to help with putting on some belly cream to soothe the pain of it stretching. "She's going to be so loved, with all the wonderful people around her. Especially from us."

Growing up as a princess would not be easy. Sarah and Jareth had talked in length about wanting their children to grow up as they want. Ella may not even agree to be queen in the future, even if it was expected of her. They would raise her with a rich education to instill a passion for learning, with humbleness so that she would understand the people that lived in their kingdom. While she would always have the safety net, they would make sure that she would understand that she was blessed with it, and to always fight to make the kingdom and the world a better place for all those who lived in it.

"Sometimes, I'm afraid of doing something wrong. Of possibly screwing up this kid," Sarah contemplated, a concerned expression on her face.

Jareth held her hand. "I am too, but we will do the best and she will be loved."

Sarah relaxed. "Yes, she will always have us to come back to. She will never be without a support system."

As the labor progressed, they found what was most comfortable for Sarah was for some distractions. Her parents and Toby stayed in the infirmary when Sarah was too tired to walk around. To make the atmosphere lighter, Jareth even put on some music.

They heard the sound of a camera from Robert. Jareth and Robert had been taking pictures of the birth, wanting to remember this moment, to capture it in photos that they could look back on in the years to come. Robert was also taking videos here and there when they would have fun conversations, occasionally asking Jareth and Sarah questions about being parents.

He also interviewed the healers, Karen, and Toby. "Hey Tobes, how do you feel about being an uncle?"

"It's gonna be so great!" The young man adjusted his glasses and winked into the camera. "I'm going to teach my new niece to be really cool and how to annoy her parents, like constantly calling her dad 'dude' to piss him off."

"Don't you dare," Jareth threatened his brother-in-law. "She will address me as Papa, Father, Sire, or Your Majesty."

"Seems a bit formal," Karen clicked her tongue, trying to be tactful in how she showed her disapproval.

"Well, she would call me the latter two in formal situations of course, like state dinners and such," Jareth said in a matter-of-fact sort of voice. "If she calls me 'dude,'" he shuddered. "I will not do anything to her, I promise."

Karen settled down, no longer worried.

"Instead, I will bog her miscreant of an uncle instead for being a bad influence."

"Wow, you think you're so big and cool, don't you?" Toby mocked Jareth, getting a rise out of him on purpose. He stood up, hands on his hips, tipping his toes in an exaggerated strut. "Oh look at me, I'm Jareth! Tra la la-"

"Toby! Jareth!" Karen snapped. "Honestly, you two are so immature."

"I dunno, it's pretty entertaining to me," Sarah shrugged with a smile. "If you guys could get me popcorn while they hash it out, I would be very appreciative of it."

"And you, Mama Sarah!" Robert brought his camera down so her face could be seen. "Or should I say, Dr. Williams! Let's not forget, you became a doctor today, You have a PhD! How does that feel?"

"It feels so unreal!" Sarah put her had back in the pillows. "I'm so glad to be done. I'm really proud of my work. It kind of felt like a baby in its own way. I'm so glad we did pictures before the graduation ceremony and attended the department's ceremony so that I could take pictures with my colleagues and professors."

"I'm going to show your thesis to everyone I know," Robert beamed. "And then send them all copies."

"Dad!" Sarah exclaimed, touched but a tad embarrassed.

"What? Trust me, no matter how old your kid gets, you love them for who they are and want to tell the whole world how proud you are. That's why parents are often some of the best yet the most annoying people on the planet. You'll know soon enough!" Robert nodded towards Sarah's big belly.

Jareth brought the thesis in book form, so very proud to have held it. He placed it in her library as the very first book to be put there. He bought other copies to be put around the castle, so that any visitors would see that she was an accomplished woman she was, and of her own accord. Much of her research, while relevant to the human world, would be relevant in her own role in making the Goblin Kingdom a better, more equal kingdom for all those who lived in it.

For years after, Jareth would brag about the fact that his wife finished her thesis while pregnant with their first baby.

All through the night, Sarah's contractions were getting closer until it was unbearable. Getting into position, Jareth sat behind Sarah, massaging her to soothe her pain. It helped somewhat, but what really helped was just having him with her to bear the pain. When a contraction got really bad, she would grip his hands to ride it out.

The last few contractions would come so strongly that Sarah could hardly think. It took over every part of her mind. It radiated from her lower abdomen to her head, bringing a few migraines.

The healers would periodically clean up whatever body fluids came out of her when her pads would overflow, not saying anything as they had seen the likes of it many times before. Normally, she would have been absolutely embarrassed by how gross it was but fuck it, she was bringing life to the world. She pushed all thoughts of shame out of her mind.

Karen, Robert, and Toby would rotate sitting next to her. At the moment, it was her father who was next to her. "Hey sweetie."

"Hi Dad," she reached out to hold his hand. Robert caressed her face, smiling at both her and Jareth, who was still kneading her back.

"I'm so proud of you, you're doing so well," he patted her hand. "You're almost there."

"Really? Because it feels like it's never going to end. The sun is coming up," Sarah looked out, seeing the dark sky turn a little pink to signal the break of dawn. "The little princess is keeping us waiting, knowing that we're at her beck and call."

"Welcome to parenthood," Robert laughed. "It's going to be really hard."

"Yeah, no shit," Sarah snorted, smiling a bit even through her pain. "You've never given birth."

"Men, am I right?" Karen joked from a corner of the room, also not sleeping a wink since she came Underground. "Honestly, it's not the birth that's the hard part. It's the recovery that sucks."

"You two really aren't helping, you know." Jareth's voice was a bit sharp and commanding, every bit the Goblin King that he was.

Robert didn't take it personally, even smiling at Jareth's words. He knew that Jareth was just looking out for Sarah. "What I mean to say is, it's hard. You're going to hate everything and want to give it all up sometimes. But more often than not, you'll find the quiet moments that remind you of why you want to be a parent in the first place. You will feel stubborn and want to do things on your own, but we are here to help you too. I want to be here every moment that I can, so don't hesitate in calling us for help when you need a break, okay?"

He kissed her forehead. "I love you, my little princess. You will always be my little baby girl, no matter how old you get."

"I love you too, Dad."

Soon, it was time. Jareth stayed by Sarah's side as she pushed.

"Don't push yet, do it with the contractions," the healer said. "It helps the pain and to push the baby out."

By now, Sarah was on some medications and feeling a little woozy. Everyone talked about giving birth as this magical experience. Maybe she would feel like that later, but right now, she felt like absolute shit.

"Another push, Your Majesty."

"AHHH!" Sarah screamed, squeezing Jareth's hand. The Goblin King's eyes widened at her grip. She was becoming physically stronger, and might have crushed her family's hand if they had been holding it. "Jareth, I am never having sex with you ever again!"

Jareth said nothing, just stayed by her side with an amused smile. He tucked this away in his mind so that he could tease her about it later, when the time was right.

"I can see the head!" Karen squealed with excitement, standing behind the healer. "Sarah, you're almost there!"

Robert refused to look down there. He had fainted when both Sarah and Toby were born after seeing everything down there, much to his embarrassment. "I'm going to take Karen's word for it."

"I don't think I can do it." Sarah looked at Jareth. He looked so blurry. "I'm so tired, I haven't slept in two days."

"You can do it, I promise you," Jareth held her hand to his heart while dabbing her forehead with a wet cloth. "For Ella. Remember, then we can meet her."

"It's too much!" Sarah screamed. She wasn't exactly thinking straight. "I want to give up!"

Karen came to her side. "Sarah, you can't give up now. Come on, you're the strongest person I know."

"I am?" The Goblin Queen asked, dazed.

"Yes!" Karen gave her some water, lifting the water bottle's straw to Sarah's lips so she could drink. "I believe in you as much as I love you."

Sarah and Karen didn't always get along, mostly due to Sarah's teenage tendencies. But, there was no doubt that Karen loved her. Their love for each other grew as the years went by, becoming the mother that Sarah needed.

"I love you, Karen." Sarah cried, feeling emotional. She hardly said those three words out loud to her stepmother and made a mental note to say it more often.

"I love you too, Sarah," Karen rested her forehead on Sarah's, holding her hand like the mother that she was.

Sarah felt the next contraction. Even with the medication, it wasn't as dulling as the stuff Aboveground, so Sarah could still feel quite a bit pain. She gripped Jareth's hands again and let out a grunt, screaming a bit as she felt that ring of fire around her as the baby's head was coming out.

From that point, everything was a blur. She just concentrated on pushing or not pushing, depending on what people told her. She didn't register any words of encouragement, needing to put her energy into not fainting from the pain.

Hands started to move inside of her, twisting the baby's body. With a grunt, Sarah pushed and she came out.

"One more push for the placenta, Your Majesty," Healer Cordelia said. "Then you will be all done."

Before she knew it, she felt something small and crying on her chest.

"Oh my god," Sarah breathed, feeling starry-eyed as she looked upon her new daughter. "Hello, Eleanor. It's so nice to meet you!"

She looked like most newborns, small and wrinkly. And yet, she was the most beautiful thing Sarah had ever seen. This was, after all, her baby. The baby that they had longed for so long. The baby she had carefully grew in her womb for the last nine months.

Jareth stared at his little family in awe. Never, ever did he imagine being married to someone he adored so much and with their own little one. He was given the chance to hold her on his chest for some skin-to-skin bonding and to allow her to get used to his scent. "You are so tiny!"

He placed a tiny kiss on her head, careful to be as gentle as he could. He had no idea that he could love anyone this much, that his capacity for love could increase in such a short amount of time. He would do anything for her. This baby was the result of their love, and he would never forget that.

Right on time, the music started to play "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder. Jareth looked into Sarah's eyes and started to sing with Stevie.

Isn't she lovely

Isn't she wonderful

Isn't she precious

Less than one minute old

I never thought through love we'd be

Making one as lovely as she

But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she pretty

Truly the angel's best

Boy, I'm so happy

We have been heaven blessed

I can't believe what God has done

Through us he's given life to one

But isn't she lovely made from love

During the harmonica solo, Ella turned her head to Jareth, as if seeking out his voice.

"I think she knows your voice, Jareth," Sarah said, touched. It would make sense as Jareth talked to her quite a bit and would sing to her over and over.

For the next verse, Jareth changed the lyrics a bit, making sure that Sarah was paying attention.

Isn't she lovely

Life and love are the same

Life is Eleanor

The meaning of her name

Sarah, it could have not been done

Without you who conceived the one

That's so very lovely made from love

After Jareth helped to clean her and cut the umbilical cord, the family of three posed for a photo by Robert. As the baby was passed around between family members, they each commented on who she would look like.

Karen checked on Sarah again, understanding that the mother was often ignored as the new baby was getting attention. "I'm so proud of you, Sarah. How are you feeling?"

She gave him a weak smile. "Like I had been run over by a truck and yet somehow I'm happy about the result."

"She has really fine blond hair, I think she'll have Jareth's stupid hair," Toby commented, earning a glare from the Goblin King. He held his little niece, adoring her. Speaking into the camera, he said "Hey, future Ella! This is me, your favorite Uncle, Toby!"

"You're her only uncle," Jareth mumbled.

"Here you are, fresh out of the vagina!" Toby held her up so that the camera could get a clear view of her face.

"Toby!" Karen face palmed at his lewd joke. "Honestly!"

Jareth and Sarah made a crystal call to Jeremy so that he could see her as well. He offered his congratulations and beamed at the tiny new person. "Well, there's Little Eleanor! She's lovely."

"She's perfect, isn't she?" Jareth placed a tiny kiss on her forehead. "We've been waiting for her for so long."

For their family to witness, Jareth gave his daughter a father's blessing followed by Sarah's blessing as her mother.

During Sarah's blessing, Eleanor opened her eyes long enough for them to really look at them.

"Sarah, she has your eyes!" Jareth said in awe. "My, you are a perfect little baby, aren't you?"

The goblins came to say hello, being very gentle with her just as they would be to Wished-Away babies. They tried to offer any help and gifts to the baby. Sarah convinced them that the best way to take care of the baby was to go and drink ale outside of the castle so that the new parents could get some sleep. It worked wonderfully, and Jareth was once again impressed by his wife's intelligence and sharp mind.

Jareth was hesitant about Duke, but the cat proved to be quite useful. Whenever Ella would fuss, he would meow at them, demanding that they take care of the baby. If anything, he treated Ella like a giant, hairless kitten, guarding her the whole time. They had not expected him to take to the new baby so well, but they weren't about to complain either.

A few hours later, Sarah and Jareth, with their new baby, went to the balcony of their castle where many of their subjects would cheer congratulations to the happy couple. They received many gifts, asking the gifts to be in the form of things that the baby could use when she was older like fabrics and such. Any excess was donated.

While waving to their subjects, they were joined by their adopted owls.

"Did you come to say hello to your baby sister?" Sarah cradled Ella, the owls gathering around to get a good look at her.

Still on high from all the well wishes, Jareth and Sarah shared a kiss, finally happy that they had their daughter, the very child that they had wanted for so long.

The King and Queen of Wishes and Dreams were finally granted their own dream.


The General kneeled before his Master, worried about the news that he was now about to deliver. "Master."

"Speak," the formidable figure said.

The General kept his head bowed, not looking up. "Master, it has been announced that the Mortal's and the Goblin King's child is born. A princess."

The Master was silent for a few minutes. No one dared to say anything before Master did.

Many had disagreed on his initial plan. They said that they should cause the Mortal to be hurt, or at least to have an "accidental" miscarriage. It would be easier this way, that way the Goblin King would not have an heir, an heir that added yet another level of difficulty to The Vision.

But of course, it wasn't like they were going to go against what The Master said. The Master said that if that were to happen, there would be even more security around them, so he told them to leave them be.

"I see," Master finally said. "Let the happy couple enjoy their celebrations for whatever time that may be. We know it won't last long."

He stood up, walking away from them. "I know that this is a deterrent, that it adds even more complexities to the plan, but it doesn't change our goal. It doesn't change our Vision. It doesn't change the fact that we will still rise up against them, that we will take our rightful place in this new world. We have forever to wait. Not long at all."


nspirations:

Jareth and Sarah calling their baby "little one" is inspired by Jennifer Connelly and her husband, Paul Bettany. They called their son, Stellan, "Little One" in an interview. I thought it was so cute that I had to add it in.

Jareth being an owl and stalking Sarah at her college was inspired by a real owl at my university. I was passing through the library and saw a little barred owl asleep in the middle of the walkways, in broad daylight! I was thinking how funny it would be if Sarah saw Jareth asleep while waiting for her to finish class lol. I didn't realize it then, but he had an injured wing and was resting. Don't worry, the university's veterinary department picked him up and rehabilitated him until his wing was fixed.

Literally the only reason that they're having a baby girl is because when I had conceived of this story a while back, I was massively inspired by a few family members. This specific family had a daughter as their oldest. Jareth and Sarah will have more kids but I won't give away as to how many more or the sex of those children lol.

Toby saying "fresh out of the vagina" was inspired by some post a guy made of his brand new niece or nephew right after his sister was born. I thought it was so ridiculous (and it's something my own brother would say) that I added it here.

Jareth and Sarah being starry-eyed for their baby is a wonderful thing, but it isn't always the case. Many parents, while they feel love, may not exactly have that instant and intense bonding. Every parent and every child is different. Some may even feel nothing. There's nothing wrong with that! I just wanted to give that shout out to all the amazing parents who do their best even when they don't feel their best. Don't be so harsh on yourself and know that whatever you feel, it's valid!

I hope that I got their birth story to be somewhat believable, I tried to do research but if I messed up, let me know! I've never given birth lol and the person who would have been the best source (my mom) never had a natural birth.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter! I'm so sorry for taking so long to publish it, lots of love! There will be more chapters :)