Chapter Nine/Changelings
Gertrude was still in shock as she arrived to the castle, the old witch had given her the magical blanket and a silver chain with the a copy of the royal symbol. With this chain any child Gertrude got would look like Jareth. But the old witch warned Gertrude that that chain could never come off or the child will go back to looking how he was born. The old witch had placed fairy glamour on it so the child would look like Jareth. Gertrude thought Jareth would never suspect. The blue blanket would give the baby dark magical powers so that when he became king he would rule all of the Underground and the old witch would be there to guide him and get her revenge.
Gertrude did not care about the future all she cared about was the fact that she would keep Jareth. She was obsessed with him, she even made the old witch conjure up a spell to make him love her but the old witch told her that love is not something to just make appear, she could only make him think he loved her but if true love came knocking on his door the spell would break. But Gertrude did not worry about that, she had already taken care of that. She knew Sarah would not go back on her word and she would marry Ryan. Sarah was out of her way. Gertrude thought that her life was exactly as she wanted it to be, and she was right for now.
Jareth came in from having been flying around following Sarah around. He transformed into himself and there was Gertrude holding a golden goblet.
“Why hello darling husband of mine, I was just about to toast to our child. Will you join me?”
Jareth had no choice in the matter for he knew that if he declined Gertrude would throw another temper tantrum. ‘ If only I could escape this hell!’ He thought to himself. “Fine but make it snappy, I have things to get to.”
Gertrude sneered knowing full well what he meant with that. ‘Surely this fool wants to go back to his sweet bitch, that Sarah! I hate her! But I will have my way from now on! Good ridense to you Sarah!’ She almost cackled out loud but only gave a sly smile to Jareth and handed him the peach wine. Jareth not wanting to fight left his commen sense aside and accepted.
Gertrude continued,”May the rest of our lives together be full of love and may our child be blessed.” They toasted and drank. Immediately the spell began to work, the peach wine worked wonders. Jareth was under Gertrude’s spell. He was now her slave. Gertrude taking advantage and testing the spell leaned over to kiss Jareth and all that she asked for he complied.
“It worked!” She couldn’t help but say outloud.
“What worked my muffin?” Jareth said in a manner so loving she could only smile.
She threw her arms around him and kissed him everywhere,”Finally Jareth you will be all mine, and only mine. ”
Jareth looked at her quizically not really realizing what was going on.
“Come my darling, we have lots of catching up to do.” She said as she ordered the servants not to bother them and pulled him to her room.
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Sarah and Ryan’s mother had not come to an agreement on what color the wedding’s theme would be but finally Sarah caved in and agreed to whatever Ryan’s mother said. She was too tired to argue with her.
“Then it’s settled, the color will be rouge. Why that’s a lovely choice Sarah. I couldn’t have done it better myself.”
Sarah tried not to roll her eyes,’What are you talking about you did do it all. I would have rather picked ivory.’
Sarah smiled a fake smile and she knew deep in her hearts that that was just the beginning of her trail of fake smiles. Ryan only hugged Sarah and kissed her on the cheek.”See mom and you said that Sarah had no taste.”
Sarah looked at Ryan and could not believe he has said that outloud. Sherry Ryan’s mom smiled and patted Sarah on the head,” You’re right Ryan,” She said turning to Sarah again,” Now let’s go see about what you are going to wear, so what kind of underwear do you plan to wear cause silk is the best you know. You SHOULD really wear a corsett.” She winks at her,”You know to hide those little extra pounds you are carrying around.”
Sarah looked at Ryan and he merely shrugged his shoulders smiling at all his mother had to say. Sarah felt utterly disgusted by the whole thing but remembered her word to Gertrude and sighed.
He held her hand tightly as they walked behind his mother who was already leading the way. “And we need to get that lovely ice sculpture ready. It must be just right! And those roses need to be on time.”
Sarah sighed once more wondering what Jareth was doing at that moment. And if she only knew………..