I am really behind on replying to the reviews, but I want you all to know I truly am grateful for each one, and of of course the people that have followed this story or added it to their favourites.

Anyway I hope you all like this Chapter, its the longest so far and from now on is when the story really starts moving forward ...

I Never Told You

Perched on the high stool Pam had forced her onto nearly an hour ago; Sookie tried her best to put up with the two girls getting to grips with her hair and make-up. With no mirror for her to keep track of their progress; it was a case of enduring their fussing and hoping for the best. With her body wracked with restless energy, it was becoming near impossible to keep still, and more than once Pam had had to stop her from leaving her seat altogether. Yet Pam's presence was causing problems of its own, or rather her habit of loitering, and scrutinising every move they made was.

Both girls were becoming more anxious with each passing minute, and Sookie already fighting her own nerves for the night ahead discovered with them touching her so much, their individual fears of upsetting Pam only helped to fuel her own anxieties. Worse than that was under the pressure of her own fears, the walls she put up to block them out weren't as strong as they should have been. When they finally stepped back, she jumped off the stool, and without a word began to pace the room, anything to get rid of the nervousness threatening to bubble over.

All day she had confined herself to the three rooms of the suite Richard had given her access too. She had planned to wait for him to emerge from the fourth heavily secured room in solace, knowing if she needed anything the Were guards outside in the corridor would be all too happy to send someone to get it for her, however that wasn't what had happened. Last night, Richard had shown her how in an emergency to override the scanners and password that protected his resting place. Though there had been no crisis, when she had realised Richard had saddled her with his day man as a companion, devoted to her entertainment, she had been more than a little tempted to put to the test just how far Richard's definition of an emergency would stretch.

Patrick had been with Richard for the last five years, and unlike his choice in a child Richard had chosen a day man who was as filled with as much forceful energy as he was. Already exhausted from a night of tossing and turning she had had little patience to being dragged around New Orleans as was his plan. Instead she had worked hard at convincing him she was sincere when she claimed she would be happier here waiting for Richard to rise just after sunset at eight. In the end he had finally relented to her plans, and she had gained herself a small amount of freedom when he had disappeared for an hour to fetch them a lunch big enough to make up for the breakfast she had missed. There was the added bonus that when he returned, the attention he paid to the food took the pressure off her from keeping up her end of the conversation. One thing however that his presence had been useful for, was creating a diversion from the face swimming in her mind. The incessant scenario making, that had been going on ever since Pam had left her alone with the note from Eric last night.

She had gone through every which way tonight could go, but none she knew could prepare her for seeing Eric in the flesh. The Were memory had given her a taste of what was to come, and then she had had to tear herself away, so how would that work when he was stood right there in front of her within touching distance. Just as dawn had approached, she had even come to doubt whether she could play the part how he wanted her too. How would she be able to show that her life was better without him, when she already knew different.

In spite of this, the one belief that had never wavered was that she was going to go through with this. Not once had she considered backing out, that wasn't an option, there was no way she would be able to live with herself, if she let him down again.

"Sookie, "

At Pam's voice she turned to find they were now alone again, and gesturing to the garment bags Pam had carefully laid over an armchair, she tried to concentrate on what she had to get through first.

"Is that my dress?"

She asked, feeling the first stirring of curiosity. With everything else that had been going on she hadn't put much thought into what she would be wearing tonight. Pam had told her a week or so ago to leave it all to her, and Sookie hadn't fought her over it.

"There are two to choose from, however now seeing the way your hair is styled I think there is only one real option."

"Can I at l least see them before you decide?"

"Will you be boring, and argue with me?"

"It depends,"

"Wrong answer,"

"Fine, you win I am at your complete mercy." Sookie acknowledged defeat, and regretted the words the moment they were out of her mouth, and Pam's blue eyes lit up with pleasure.

"Now that is an interesting proposition, maybe later I will hold you to that. "

After blowing her a kiss Pam reached for the first garment bag, with a flourish she pulled down the zipper to reveal a blue strapless gown. Velvet accents framed the bust, whilst velvet petals covered the bottom and train. Sookie couldn't stop herself from reaching out a hand to stroke the material. It was beautiful, and they stocked similar dresses at Raven, but the colour and the way it would clearly cling to every inch of her, made her instantly regret the fries she had managed to force down earlier.

"The colour, with your skin tone would bring out your eyes, but it is not the one, not for tonight at least. This one however…"

With a blink of the eye Pam was holding out another dress in front of her, and this time a gasp escaped her lips. It was perfect, completely different to what she had been expecting to wear, and even what she might have picked out for herself. Nude, a colour she might have shied away from, doubting her ability to pull it off, but Pam obviously had thought different. The dress had an off the shoulder, deep neckline, that Sookie knew would leave little to the imagination. Gold embroidered lace featuring beaded embellishments encrusted the elongated bodice, and contrasted so prettily into the flowing gathered tulle full length skirt.

"It's beautiful …" Sookie breathed not daring to touch, scared of catching a glimpse at the price tag, that she knew would be more than she would ever consider spending on one dress.

"Did you expect any less?"

"I think I expected something red …"

"Hmm red does look lovely on you, but tonight I suspected it would be too obvious. I was aiming for regal glamour, still sexy and showing off your more obvious talents…"

Pam murmured, staring in the directions of her breasts that were covered by only her thin dressing gown.

"Now you can strip."

There was no point in refusing, or asking for a bit of privacy, it would get her nowhere and after all these years there was little need to be shy in front of Pam. Undoing the belt, Sookie let the dressing gown drop in a heap to the floor, and before she knew how with only the minimal amount of teasing Pam had her in the dress, and pushing her towards the full length mirror in the bedroom. The click of her fangs descending was the only noise in the room, as Pam perfected her hair before Sookie was allowed to finally take herself in. The dress like she had expected, left very little to the imagination without actually revealing too much skin. She wasn't sure if it was the way it clung to her curves, or maybe the bare shoulders that gave the illusion, either way she couldn't remember ever seeing herself look this way before. Her hair had been styled in loose almost messy waves, with her make up left deceptively simple, except for the slash of red on her lips.

"Well?"

"Thank you."

"You will thank me by not ruining my creation; I want no blood on this dress that is an order Sookie! There is something else too."

Pam disappeared back into the living room at Vampire speed before returning with a black velvet box

"A gift, a gift you are not permitted to refuse, and to do so would only bore me and ruin my mood,"

She was about to argue, insist that she couldn't accept any more, but when Pam flipped open the box, the words stuck in the back of her throat. Subtle diamond drop earrings sat twinkling up at her, next to a matching white gold diamond tennis bracelet.

"It is from both Eric and I. A thank you for what you are doing for him."

Not caring about the dress or crushing Pam's own, Sookie hugged her hard, pressing a kiss onto the cold cheek.

"You don't have to thank me,"

"Be brave tonight my friend, remember it is the first step to having Eric returned to us,"

With a kiss to her own cheek from the cold lips, Pam led her by the hand down from Richards's suite to where he would be waiting. Pam threw open the doors, and let her pass so that she would face the room first. Sookie searched for Richard's familiar face in the small group of Vampires, and found him almost immediately. She felt suddenly self-conscious as he looked her over from top to toe, his fangs were out as he stepped forward, hands held out to her.

"Exquisite… Flawless … You Miss Stackhouse, are truly a sight to behold,"

"Thank you,"

Sookie replied, taking a moment to admire the picture he was presenting himself. Dressed in a steel grey suit, a black shirt and tie, his always vibrant green eyes seemed more prominent than ever. She knew he must have seen the admiration in her eyes, as his grin grew wider, green eyes sparkling down at her.

"We are the perfect contrast for one another, dark and light, "

He bent his head, mimicking her action from last night, to press a brief kiss to her lips; before she felt his breath against her ear.

"You look like a Fairy princess, your Viking will be tortured tonight believe me, and every other male there will envy me."

"Brother, will you not introduce us?"

"Do I have too?"

Sookie stepped back from Richard at the sound of the deep voice from behind him, allowing Richard to take her hand. The Vampire who had spoken stepped forward, and Sookie had to tilt her head up to meet the unusual silver grey eyes that were looking down at her. With wavy black hair framing an impressively handsome face, a very masculine square chiselled jaw and strong chin, Sookie thought it was no wonder he had become King of Los Angeles.

"Miss Stackhouse."

All ready to nod Sookie was slightly surprised when he took her hand and shook it. With his hand engulfing her much smaller one Sookie found the silvery eyes intent on her. In that one moment Sookie knew he had realised she wasn't what he had first thought her to be.

"Sookie, my brother Conrad Mandeville,"

"Pleased to meet you,"

"I assure you the pleasure is all mine. I have heard a lot about you over the years; it is good to finally put a face to the name. May I say you look beautiful this evening?"

"Thank you,"

Sookie smiled stepping back as in amusement she watched Pam greet Conrad more warmly than she had seen her before. Glancing at Richard she wondered whether it was for his benefit, Lucian catching her look, winked at her and Sookie guessed her assumption had been correct.

"Miss Stackhouse this is my lieutenant Henri, and my child Alec."

"Nice to meet you both,"

Sookie nodded to the two men, smiling when the blonde winked at her, ruining the almost angelic impression made by his outward appearance. Pam moving back to stand beside her, linked her arm through Sookie's as she addressed the rest.

"I will travel with Sookie, and Bubba. Bill Compton is waiting outside with him, he will drive us."

"I know Compton, but Bubba can he be relied upon?"

It was Conrad's child Alec who had spoken. It was common knowledge Sookie knew among their kind that Bubba's bringing over hadn't been a totally successful one.

"Yes."

Pam answered just as Sookie was about to open her mouth in Bubba's defence

"He is a good soldier, he will follow instructions, and when it comes to Sookie's safety he has proved more than capable in the past. Any more questions?"

Pam's tone made it clear, even if they had any; they wouldn't be welcomed and with a flick of her long blonde hair led the way out of the room. As the others moved to follow, Sookie could feel Conrad's unique silvery eyes watching her, when she turned to face him he studied her closely, much the way he had when they had shaken hands. He seemed to want her to wait, and she was curious enough, or willing enough to put off what was to come that she did.

"You are more than you seem aren't you? "

"Yes,"

Richard had told her this would happen, that an older Vampire will be able to sense what was held inside of her, and there seemed little point in lying to him. He had asked her, when just as easily he could have gone to his brother.

"My brother obviously thinks a lot of you; it is rare that he does not tell me everything…"

Sookie had a sudden worrying thought as she saw Richard's black head disappear through the door.

"You know we aren't really, well that this, me and Richard isn't real?"

Her embarrassment seemed to amuse him, his eyes gleaming with a mischief that suddenly reminded her all too much of Richard.

"Yes Miss Stackhouse I do. My brother is a lot of things, but he does not have a death wish…"

"Are you sure? The way he seems to enjoy pushing all of Pam's buttons I would have to think twice about that,"

He laughed for a moment before becoming serious again, that suspicious look in his eyes back again.

"I expected to find tonight a once renowned telepath, who was willing to help my brother repay a debt for whatever reasons of her own. One, maybe who has a little more of the essential spark, than would normally be anticipated for her heritage, but you have exceeded all expectations Miss Stackhouse …"

"What is it you're really saying?"

Sookie didn't feel that Conrad wanted to harm her, she felt unlike Richard who from the first moment they met she had felt an instant kinship with; he was holding himself back from her purposefully. It was to be expected she thought, he didn't know her after all, but when Pam, and Richard had spoken of him, she had somehow imagined he would be just like Richard.

"I do not wish to offend, I am simply wary of having so much faith placed in one with so much Fae essence inside of them. As you know I am sure yourself, there are not many Fairies you can trust. We are not natural allies, Vampires and the Fae …"

Her initial reaction was to be offended that he had called her honour into question, that he thought she would ever betray her friends, but when she bite down on her irritation she realised he was only doing what she would in his place, he was protecting his brother.

"I wouldn't ever betray my friends or Eric. Being Fae doesn't define who I am; it has however given me the means to protect those I care about,"

"I have known the Northman a long time, we have fought side by side in the past, and I will do so if needed again to secure him the freedom he wants, and to protect my brother … I hope you don't disappoint him."

"Eric or Richard?"

"Both Miss Stackhouse,"

"You can call me Sookie, if we are going to be blunt; it seems silly to keep calling me Miss Stackhouse like that."

"Then I hope Sookie, for your sake as well as his, that my brother never has cause to regret his association with you,"

Sookie had no answer for him, and nor did it seem he needed one as with a few long strides he was quickly out of the room. Pam was waiting in the corridor for her; she linked arms as they began the walk out to front of the building where Bill and Bubba would be waiting.

"You heard?"

"That is just Conrad, I knew he only wanted to talk otherwise I would never have left you alone, he is wary of strangers, and their line is very loyal to each other… You have become too used to Richard's lax ways,"

"He doesn't like the Fae…"

Pam shrugged her elegant shoulder,

"You have had enough experience of them in the past to not wonder why he would feel that way… Now is not the time for you to worry about Conrad, he is on our side that is all that matters, he will see your true worth."

They were silent then till they were out in the warm night air, Pam on alert beside her as they walked the short distance to where she knew the car would be waiting for them.

"Miss Sookie you sure do look pretty,"

Bubba was the first to speak as they approached, and Sookie forced a smile for him, not wanting him to pick up on her nerves.

"Thank you Bubba, you look mighty handsome yourself."

"Sookie,"

Bill nodded in a distant manner, leaving her to wonder whether he was sulking over the argument they hadn't yet gotten around to finishing or because of her apparent relationship with Richard.

"Doesn't she look ravishing tonight Bill? Mouth-watering wouldn't you say? Just right to hang on our new Kings arm,"

"As you say. I suppose we are ready to leave now?"

They climbed in to the car, Bubba upfront with Bill whilst she and Pam climbed into the back.

"You don't seem in the party spirit Bill…"

"I would think you wouldn't be too, that's if you had actually considered what you are all too merrily leading Sookie into. Do you really find it amusing to flaunt her like this, on another Vampires arm in front of your maker?"

"I never knew you cared about Eric's feelings so much, he will be touched to hear that is so,"

"It is not Eric's well-being I am concerned about,"

"No? What a pity, he always speaks so highly of you…"

"I am thinking of Sookie,"

"But whilst doing that you are forgetting that I am in the car…"

"Of course not, I just want you to consider what you are doing by attending this party,"

"I have, I am spending time with Richard… If all you're thinking about is Eric, then remember we are divorced, he is there with Freyda, his wife, and I'm not sure how much more moved on you can be…"

"Bill doesn't know much about moving on that's the problem here,"

Pam persisted and Sookie on hearing Bill's hiss dropped her head back. Pam may find it amusing to push his buttons, but the closer they got to The Garden District, and the refurbished monastery the less she could think of little else but Eric. She knew she had to convince Bill it was real between her and Richard, but without Richard here, there was little she could do to further the cause.

"I have an idea; you two can finish this after I have left the car?"

"Of course Sookie, I will do that because I actually pay attention to what you want, rather than my own needs,"

"Pam…"

Silence thankfully reigned for the rest of the car ride, and as they drove alongside the high wall that extended for a whole block, shielding the grounds behind it, Sookie sat forward in her seat. She knew what kind of security to expect at the front gate, and wasn't surprised when their car was stopped, and closely looked over, before they were allowed to pass onto the driveway, winding its way through the well-lit gardens.

"I forgot you had been here before,"

"Hopefully tonight won't end the same way,"

"In a fight?"

"No with my boobs hanging out my dress lying on a sidewalk after climbing over that wall."

Pam's cackle of laughter filled the car, and for a moment Sookie saw the funny side of it all these years later, and laughed with her.

"I think I can guarantee your night won't end on the side walk, as for your breasts I can live in hope, or rather Richard can."

Sookie saw the flinch Bill's head made, and though she was in no good humour with him, she still shook her head in disapproval as they pulled up in front of the door.

Though the entrance was guarded by armed Vampires dressed all in varying makes and coloured suits, the same as the ones at the front gate, it was Lucian that stepped forward from them, and opened her door for her.

The instant she was clear of the car Bubba was there at her back, as Lucian led her past security and down the long hall. Though the monastery had obviously gone through a lot of refurbishment over the years, specifically after the devastation of Katrina it was pretty much how she remembered from all those years ago.

"Richard is waiting in the reception hall, not everyone is here yet,"

Sookie took that to mean Eric hadn't arrived, and that she thought could only be a good thing. It would give her plenty of time to get the lay of the land so to speak, and find which Vampires she knew and which she didn't. The rest of the states that made up Amun would be there, as well as, if not the monarch s then highly ranked representatives of the states that made up Zeus which included Freyda and Eric. From Narayana only Conrad and his men were present tonight, but as his oldest child was who had so recently replaced Felipe Del Castro in Nevada that was only to be expected.

"You know I haven't forgotten the experiment I wished to try with some Weres here, I thought we could try it tomorrow, before you head back to Bon Temps?"

"Sure,"

Sookie forced herself to smile up at him and earned a rare grin in return as he led her into the very large room that had once been the monk's refectory. It was set up much as it was before, with the middle of the room cleared for dancing, and a dais for the musicians, who she now realised, had begun to play. The amount of tables and chairs around the edges of the room didn't match with the size of the refreshment table, and turning to Lucian, Sookie stopped him with a hand to his shoulder.

"Will donors be here?"

"Yes, though many will have fed before, and there is synthetic blood available …"

For a split second Sookie considered something that hadn't figured in to any of the million scenarios she had had about tonight. Would she have to sit and watch Eric feed from another human, would she be capable of that, without wanting to scratch both their eyes out and possibly shove her stiletto heel right through his dead heart.

Lucian seemingly unaware of her misgivings steered her through the crowd, to where Richard was talking to Conrad, next to two chairs set slightly apart from the rest.

"Ah there you are,"

Richard pulled her close to his side, his lips brushing her bare shoulder and she returned the greeting by resting an arm around his waist.

"There is someone here who has very much wanted to see you again, Russell."

Richard raised his voice over the music and Sookie found herself facing Russell Edgington, the King of Mississippi. His brown eyes raked over her , she could tell he wasn't surprised by the fact she hadn't aged, but then more than likely he had a spy based somewhere in Area Five.

"Miss Stackhouse, now what a pleasure this is to see you again,"

"Mr Edgington,"

Sookie nodded, they hadn't seen each other since Rhodes, since his wedding, and Russell was obviously thinking along the same line.

"Do you know in the times I have been in Miss Stackhouse's company, I have watched her being staked, she witnessed my wedding, and then of course there was the bombing…" Russell trailed off and then shook his head.

"You saved many lives that day Miss Stackhouse,"

"It was nothing,"

Sookie shook the memories away, knowing the path they would take was a dangerous one, straight to her bood bond with Eric.

"After all, it was you who saved my life the night I was staked,"

"Ah but you left me a thank you gift in my pool if I remember correctly, you have a handful here Richard,"

"Just the way I like them, a dull existence has never been in my plans."

"And the Northman will be here tonight too? My my my Miss Stackhouse, you do like to play on the dangerous side don't you? Flaunting your new, in the face of the old …"

"That was all a long time ago, you learn from your mistakes, follies of youth I think is the right term…"

Sookie crooned, doing her best to look up at Richard with what she hoped Russell would see as love, or at least infatuation in her eyes. Richard took up her bait, and bending his head pressed a kiss to her lips.

"My brother has met his match it seems," Conrad finally interjected after watching the scene in silence, and it drew a laugh from Russell

"It happens to us all at one time or another,"

"Ah Alec there you are, "

Conrad's blond child had approached from behind Russell effectively drawing his attention away from her and Richard.

"Russell has mentioned an interest in a desire to invest in some projects, will you take him to Henri, who will happily show you the figures you were interested in, I need to go welcome Joseph

Velasquez, my brother's manners are sadly lacking, as you know. "

Sookie let a sigh of relief when he was gone, but knew in reality that was just the start of this; leaning slightly against Richard, it was easy for him to manoeuvre her towards the chair to the left of his own. Bubba sat at her feet, patting her knee as he smiled up at her.

"You did well, "Richard spoke softly, "It was best to get the first meeting with Russell over with, I don't think you have had as many run ins with anyone else on our guest list, apart from Joseph maybe, but he is with us, so will not be as inquisitive,"

Her eyes scanning the room, the growing number of guests who had begun to arrive she was surprised to find a gin and tonic being passed to her by Richard, as a waitress disappeared back into the crowd.

"You may need this is a moment,"

"Thank you,"

"Our most important guest has just passed the first security check,"

Lucian told her as he took his place beside the seats, as Richard sat down.

It was only minutes later when Sookie became aware of the exact moment Eric entered the building, followed his progress past more security, until he was finally there in the hall. The ache in her chest made her breathless, if she hadn't known better, or it hadn't been so long since she had had his blood she would have thought it was calling out to her. It was the beating of her heart, so loud, and fast she was sure it was going to beat its way right out of her chest. Her palms were clammy, the drink she had just downed churning worryingly in her stomach.

She began in earnest to search the growing crowd, the most pressing thought in mind that she would need to be as discreet as possible. It turned out she didn't need to search, he seemed to call to her, and like the pull of a magnet she couldn't refuse.

Only the top of his golden head was visible, but it was his void that held her captive. It called out to her, demanded her attention, seeming to pulse at its very centre as she had never known one to do before. She almost smiled when she realised he had been right when he had declared he would not be a true red. In fact he wasn't really one colour at all.

The centre that seemed to pulse was a true pink, surrounded by what she could only think of as an orchid pink, fading into a fuchsia pink, all encompassed within a barrier of hot pink. Outside of that pulsing centre, it was all the shades of red she had first expected, the burgundy and maroon of his children, even a slash of scarlet; it was the most mesmerising sight she had known. Hours she thought she could spend, picking out the different shades, looking up there meaning, and what it might mean in the way she saw, or felt about him.

"He is here,"

Sookie leaned over so only Richard and Lucian could hear, she placed a hand on his cheek and pulled him down to her, speaking the words against his lips, to others watching would seem like a kiss.

"Then let our fun commence,"

Sookie kept track of the voids as they moved around the room, saw when Pam joined her maker, and knew as planned it was now they would approach, with Pam bringing them forward.

The sight of him caused the breath to leave her body, for an instant she was terrified she doubted everything, including herself. How was she meant to look at him, act as if he meant nothing, when her whole being screamed to be able to touch him again.

She felt Richard take her one of her shaking hands, removing it from where it was clutching on to the chair arm in desperation, he gave it a squeeze then used it to pull her closer to him as if to comfort her with his nearness.

Lucian at the side of Richard moved round to stand at the back of them, whilst Bubba who was still sat at her feet looked up at her he moved into crouch as Pam had instructed him to do when any of the out of state Vampires approached them. Before she had a second more to think he was there, and she considered if maybe this could be used as some kind of torture, as she forced herself to look through them as if she was already bored of their presence. It was a constant battle to keep her nerve, and where Richard's hand covered hers she dug her nails into his skin. A human man would have winced, but the only sign he gave that he felt anything was a wink.

"Richard, congratulations on your success," Freyda spoke first, her accented voice sounding more stilted than Sookie remembered, as if she was trying hard to sound sincere.

"How very polite of you Freyda, I suppose I should say I am sorry for the loss of your friend Felipe, however I am not, and it's so tiresome to waste time on insincere pleasantries, don't you agree? "

Sookie knew Richard was purposefully provoking Freyda, especially when he didn't give her time to answer before turning Eric.

"Northman it has been too long,"

"Richard. You have been rather busy since London it seems,"

"And so have you I hear… Conrad will be sure to want some time to catch up with you, it was him that insisted on your invite, "

Whilst they spoke Sookie concentrated on the feeling of Richard's hand, keeping her eyes anywhere but on the man stood so close to her.

"The devotion between you is admirable, rare now some would say."

"Oh I don't know, look at the Northman, his two children are renowned for their fidelity to their maker, and their fighting skills of course… I was more than happy to have Pam stay on as Sheriff for that very reason, she is a great strength to the Kingdom of Louisiana and Arkansas, and of course it was through visiting her I made the greatest discovery of what Louisiana has to offer…"

Richard brought Sookie's hand up to kiss her wrist, a teasing grin playing on his lips as if to encourage her into his mischief making, Sookie forced herself to return his smile for all it was worth.

"You both know Sookie of course, there's no need for introductions is their love?"

"No I don't think so; we're all old friends after all…"

Sookie made sure to emphasise the word friends, it was how she remembered the popular girls in High School saying it whenever a teacher was questioning their behaviour, whilst making sure you knew it was the last thing you all were. This was what Eric had asked from her, and right now concentrating on remembering that, was all that was holding her together.

"Miss Stackhouse,"

Freyda murmured, and Sookie remembered the last time they had met. How she was sure as she took back Freyda's invitation to her home that Freyda had decided to end her life, despite what she had said minutes before about harming her would make Eric hate her. Freyda was now however looking at Eric, awaiting his response.

"Sookie."

Eric somehow made her name sound unfamiliar on his lips, as if it hadn't crossed then once in the passing years, yet what struck her more was the accent that seemed to filter through into that one word. A contrast to his whole demeanour, the cold, uncaring, indifference that seemed to roll from him in waves, except for something, only she, sat right in front of him, was in the right position to see.

The slight twitch of Eric's hand, as Richard's own hand moved to wind one of her curls around his finger, seeming lost in the lock of her hair as he ignored his guests, his lips grazing her bare shoulder in a passing kiss. It was a tick she had seen once before, sat in his office in Fangtasia when she had the realisation she was the only witness to the death of the King of Arkansas, apart from Sophie-Anne and Andre. It was involuntary; the same way her name had made his accent suddenly stronger.

Sookie wondered for a second if that was the initial reaction that Freyda would have wanted to see. Something so little, almost indiscernible, yet had cracked Eric's mask of self-control when faced with her, the woman Freyda thought he had loved and left to become her consort.

"Eric, Freyda,"

Sookie knew she had hit just the right note when stood just to the side of Eric, Pam's corner of her lip twitched in approval. Freyda was watching them both, and seeming pleased with Eric's response she turned again to Richard but her attention was caught by Bubba sat at her feet.

"She has a guard?"

Richards's elegant shoulders shrugged as he continued to stroke her hair, turning to look up at him Sookie poured all the emotion she had to shut off from showing to Eric in to that one look.

"I find myself incredibly unwilling to risk losing her, you once felt the same I believe Eric, so you understand the impulse…"

"Naturally, the lure of her kin and blood affects us all after all… "

"Oh but it is more than that Northman, I don't know how you could tear yourself away from her, I find myself a slave to her wants and demands,"

The anger Eric had wanted from her was easy to find then, he had used words he knew would bring forth the reaction, and she allowed it to flow through her bringing forth a fire to her eyes clear for all to see. Her head held high, raising one eyebrow, channelling Pam, as she focused all the disdain she could muster into that one small gesture and directed it towards him.

"You know it's funny isn't it, when you have so little experience what you find so impressive, then after you realise was little above ordinary?"

She was sure she heard Pam snicker, before Richard's bark of laughter drowned it out

"I shall take that as a compliment, and Northman a well-deserved put down."

Standing he held out a hand to Sookie and without a word more to either Freyda or Eric guided her through the crowds, to the empty dance floor, and smiled before pulling her into his embrace.

"Well done, that was exactly what she expected, if you had given any more or less she would have been suspicious, you play the angry ex-wife well."

"It's not all pretend,"

"No and nor is his, but he held it together, though once this is all over it may be better if I take a trip somewhere before his gratitude has ran out, and he remembers how I have been touching you."

"Why didn't you stay and talk to her when it was obvious that was what she wanted?"

"Because that was what she wanted, I am not known for doing what people want, and she will expect to have to work hard for any of my time… I like for others to sometimes live by that old saying, I want doesn't get."

"But not yourself of course?"

"No, never!"

With that he twirled her unexpectedly and Sookie found it easier than she had expected to laugh as he swung her around. The whole time they moved around the dance floor, he whispered in her ear. Sookie knew what he wanted was for her to laugh, and smile, to use him as a distraction from Eric's ever looming presence.

They were the only ones on the dance floor for maybe only few minutes, before couples started to join them. Richard put as much energy into dancing as he did everything else and though she had to concentrate to keep up with him, that couldn't stop her from tracking Eric's void, trying to ignore the one of his wife next to him.

As they swung past them she was able to snatch a quick glance, and at the sight of Eric's head bent listening to whatever Freyda was saying with a smile on his face, Sookie had to fight the urge to rip herself from Richards hold and launch herself at the pair. Before she could put any such thought into action, Sookie found herself whisked away to the other side of the dance floor, and Richard had closed all distance between them.

"My little firecracker you will scorch me soon if you do not gain control, it is hard for me even to hold you, and your body is pulsating with magic,"

"Sorry,"

Sookie took a deep breath, trying to regain the control she had lost there for a brief moment, relieved when she found he was moving her off the dance floor. She knew what she was seeing was an act; she knew Eric had to have Freyda believe in his commitment to her, but to have to see it, it was excruciating.

"You looked beautiful out there Miss Sookie, like a Fairy princess."

Bubba had worked his way round the room to stand beside her again, following the orders he had been given not to leave her side.

"Thank you Bubba,"

Sookie tried her best not to let any of her feelings creep into her voice, it would only agitate him.

"Maybe I'll sing for you later, a special song just for you, cos you look so pretty, would you like that?"

Sookie looked in shock at the Vampire knowing how rare it was that he was even offering, usually it took some coercion and a lot of placating. She hadn't heard him sing since the night Victor had been killed in Fangtasia, and with a brief nod from Richard she smiled at him.

"Oh Bubba, that would be lovely, if you won't mind too much,"

"No ma'am it'll be a pleasure, you will dance whilst I sing, I like watching you…"

"Okay, we will dance…"

"Good , good…"

"Bubba why don't you go find Bill, tell him your idea,"

"But I can't leave you Miss Sookie, Mistress Pam said so,"

"Sookie will be fine, I am with her." Richard spoke softly and it was a tense few seconds before Bubba nodded.

"Have you heard him sing before?"

Sookie asked watching Bubba as he moved through the crowd and it was obvious whilst she had been so occupied tracking Eric's void the room had filled to capacity.

"No, and I was specifically told never to ask outright…"

"It is something you never forget, even when you have heard it before you can't grow bored of it…"

"I'm not sure I'll be thinking about his singing ability when I have you in my arms…"

The waggle of his eyebrows drew a laugh from her, only for it to die a quick death on her lips as she felt the voids she couldn't seem to turn her mind off from grow closer. As if sensing her growing distance again, he turned her around to face the dance floor away from the approaching Vampires. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Close your mind to them Sookie, gain control, remember why we are here…"

His words were mere breaths on her neck and Sookie closed her eyes and forced down everything, trying to rope in the emotion that seemed to pump through her blood like fire. She knew tonight would be hard, she had prepared herself as best she knew how, but nothing had prepared her for this.

"Master,"

It was Lucian's voice, and Sookie let Richard turn them so they were in the same position but now facing him.

"So formal Lucian, hello Freyda back again I see? I'm told I am hard to resist…"

"So I have heard, it seems Miss Stackhouse would agree,"

"What can we help you with? Though of course your company is a delight I have many guests to entertain, it would make me a bad host if I was thought to favour one?"

"Just a few minutes of your time that is all,"

Though her head was held proudly, Sookie knew as easily as if she could read her, that Freyda hated having to do this.

"Ah Sookie does not want to listen to business tonight, and as Lucian does not like to be parted from me, there is no one to entertain her…"

"Eric will, he was just telling me it would be good to catch up, they have many mutual friends after all, and who better to trust her with, than my husband?"

Sookie had to school her face so not to let the shock show that was rooting her to the spot, Richard had no such worry as he laughed, and pressed a kiss upon Sookie's nose.

"Well if you are willing to let the Viking be torn to pieces by his ex-wife, then who am I to stand in your way. You must be rather desperate to talk to me, though if you are will to sacrifice him so callously…"

"I am sure they can find some common ground…"

With a last wink, and an instruction to be kind Richard was directing Freyda towards a nearby group of chairs. Left alone, Sookie finally for the first time that evening, for the first time in twenty five years, allowed her eyes to rise above the knot of his tie, to meet the blue boring down into hers with a look so intense she forgot to breathe.

"Dance with me?"

If anyone is interested in Sookie's dress, then just google Scarlett Johansson Met Gala 2012, i based it on that... .