AN: Thank you joyindenver for being so thoughtful and thorough in reading my work. This chapter is almost twice as long as the last chapter and proved difficult to write. You made it much better and are without parallel in 'beta-dom.' Thank you for helping me be a better writer.

Thanks also to all who have read, reviewed, alerted and favorited. Please know how much I appreciate all of you and I will consider it a milestone if I reach 100 reviews before this story is finished.

If you recognize a character's name, remember that Charlaine Harris is mother to them all.

Previously…

Pleased that we had passed this small hurdle with little rancor and no bloodshed, I said simply, "Good enough. I will see you tomorrow." I quickly kissed her on the cheek and took my leave.

Walking to my car, I thought about Sookie and how she loves. I do not like Eric and Sookie together and I do not think Eric is right for her. But, for reasons that are not wholly clear to me, Sookie loves him with her whole heart. She knows no other way. She had loved me with everything she had. My hope for her lay in the fact that when I left her and then betrayed her, she did not break. The coming days would test her strength to face the end of her marriage to Eric and my resolve to protect her.

I had been right about King de Castro's intention to move quickly on ending Eric's and Sookie's marriage as soon as Eric had began to heal properly. A few days after my conversation with Sookie about her meeting with Eric at Fangtasia, we both received a call asking us to meet with Mr. Cataliades at Sookie's home. The lawyer showed up, briefcase in hand with various agreements and arrangements for both Sookie and I to consider. We were sitting at Sookie's kitchen table as Mr. Cataliades began to pull file folders out of his briefcase one by one.

"King de Castro," addressing Sookie, the demon lawyer began, "Is most pleased to continue his protection of you and looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship in the years to come." He laid out forms in front of us. "The King is certain that you understand how important it is that we all cooperate in making these negotiations and proceedings go smoothly."

Cataliades' emphasis on the words 'certain' and 'cooperate' earned a roll of her eyes and what can only be described as a disdainful snort from Sookie. Listening to her, all I could think was,"Uh Oh." Her stubbornness and I were old acquaintances. "Tonight might be a long night."

Surprisingly, and in fairly short order, Sookie agreed to a graduated contract for her telepathic services to the king and the agreement to ensure my role as her representative and escort should she have to travel to perform those services. Without Eric's protection, I had half expected de Castro to pressure Sookie to relocate to Nevada, but as it turned out, the contract's financial rewards were generous and reflected her desire to remain in Louisiana and in her own home. It was also flexible enough to allow her to continue working at Merlotte's. The offers showed the great respect that the King held for Sookie.

Just about the time that I thought we would get through the meeting quickly and with little acrimony, Cataliades' last agenda item raised Sookie's righteous indignation to shatter the peace of the early fall evening. Even without sensitive hearing my ears would have rung from the rushing torrent of her outrage.

"What do you mean Eric wants to give me a financial settlement?" She was outraged. Her body vibrated angrily. It was like watching a beehive that had been disturbed. "Two million dollars!" The chair shrieked as she stood up. "He must be out of his mind! I have no intention of accepting any money from Eric or anyone else, let alone two million dollars. You can tell Eric Northman that I do not want his money. I didn't want it or expect it when we were together and I sure don't want it now."

Cataliades had held his hands up, palms out in the universal sign for peace."Miss Stackhouse, please, hear me out!" he insisted. "Mr. Northman simply wants to make sure that you are able to stay in your own home comfortably and without worry. Surely you can't fault him for that?" He was desperate to placate her.

Sookie's sharp intake of breath coupled with words drowning in venom left no doubt as to how she felt about Eric's offer. "I repeat: I will not accept money from Eric. Not now. Not tomorrow. Not next week, next month, or next year. I do not want it, I do not need it, and I will not accept it!"

The demon looked down at his stack of papers his chubby hands working in a flurry of straightening his pens, adjusting his glasses, and running his hand down the front of his tie, as if straightening himself and his tools would calm Sookie and get her to agree to the settlement without verbal or physical bloodshed.

"Miss Stackhouse."He had very nearly come to pleading with her."Mr. Northman was very insistent that you should have this money. I do not want to risk his displeasure if I am unable to come to some agreement with you. Is there anything I can do to persuade you to accept his very generous offer to ensure your future?"

Sookie's face took on a pinched look as she gathered herself for another verbal barrage. "You…," she stopped suddenly and stared at him so deeply in thought for so long that Cataliades shifted nervously in his seat with a wide-eyed look of apprehension firmly affixed to his face. I had no idea what she was thinking, or what would come out of her mouth when she chose to speak again.

"Yes," she said quietly as her eyes focused on the table top. She took her seat. "There is something you can do. I have had no opportunity to speak to Eric about any of this." Her body suddenly seemed smaller as she crossed her arms over herself; her voice carried notes of sadness and confusion as if for the first time she really understood the reality of both her situation and Eric's. "In a very short period of time I have gone from being married to Eric by Vampire custom to being negotiated with and 'bought off to end the marriage.'" Her voice trailed off miserably.

Suddenly she sat up straighter, her voice taking on a harder and more commanding tone as she said, "I won't consider any kind of settlement from Eric until I have had an opportunity to speak to him in person and in private. If you can arrange that I will agree to 'consider' a settlement offer."Her voice placed hard emphasis on the word consider.

"Oh Sookie," I thought to myself. "Only you would demand the one thing that de Castro has applied exhaustive efforts to keep from happening." Aloud I said,"Sookie, I don't think the King will ever go for that." Mr. Cataliades looked at me gratefully and shook his head in agreement.

"Miss Stackhouse—"

"I appreciate the position you are in Mr. Cataliades,"Sookie cut him off before he could go on. Sympathetically she said,"I have to see Eric. Get me in to see him privately, and I will consider a settlement offer." The set of her mouth and her unwavering gaze were a study in determination.

As that long night wore on with many attempts at negotiation, the demon lawyer finally realized that at least for Sookie, this was a nonnegotiable request, and he reluctantly agreed to speak to the King and see if he would give his approval for a private meeting.

A few days later, we were in my car heading into Shreveport. In the passenger seat next me, Sookie vibrated with nervous energy as her knee bounced rapidly up and down. Her stiff shoulders were turned slightly away from me and her attention seemed fixed on the passing scenery out of the passenger window. She alternated between twisting the end of a strand of hair in her fingers, clasping her hands together in her lap or digging through her purse. Her persistent edgy motion was beginning to wear on me as I found myself shifting in my seat and gripping the steering wheel tightly as I drove.

I needed to get her talking. "What are you thinking?" I asked. The only sound, aside from her heartbeat and the thudding of her leg, was her chewing on a nail. "Sookie?" I wasn't sure if she heard me or not. I considered asking her again when she finally spoke.

"I wonder if Pam will be there," she said absently. "Do you think she will?"

"It would seem unlikely that under the circumstances that she would be."

"You're probably right." With a deep sigh she turned and continued to gaze out of the window. Her bouncing leg never stopped.

"I will be with you the entire time," I assured her.

"What if Eric refuses to see me?"

"If he does refuse, I'm sure he will have a good reason."

Sookie huffed. Abruptly she turned in the seat. Her finger jabbed the power button on the radio. It came alive with a shriek and startled us both. Her lips were moving wordlessly; needlessly, she was likely uttering something unpleasant by the creases on her brow. I sighed deeply. I was doing a lot of that lately. My gaze darted between her and the road. The radio seemed to be receiving the brunt of her agitation. It was a good thing she only had the strength of a human. Otherwise, her violent jabs may have broken the radio.

"Do you think Eric's marriage to Oklahoma will be a hundred year deal like Mississippi and Indiana?"

"Yes," I answered her question, making my voice as gentle as possible. "Vampire marriages are a hundred years. It's the standard."

"Will Eric have to stop being Sheriff of Area 5?" She didn't pause for me to answer. Her words seemed to spill at the same speed as her bouncing leg. "If he does, would Pam take his place or will they make Pam go to Oklahoma with Eric?"

"I do not know," I replied. This was all new territory for me as well. "I am not certain on the details of their marriage contract."

"I'm asking what you think Bill." Her voice was forceful.

"Well…I. Umm." Her leg stopped moving as she turned in her seat to look at me. I wasn't sure if the stillness that overcame her was a good sign or not. "Vampire marriages are not like human marriages. They are business arrangements; a consolidation of power. Each vampire typically continues with their separate lives, only coming together to consummate the contract once each year."

She stared at me. Her expression was unreadable. "Do you think she will allow Eric to continue with his separate life?"

I exhaled loudly again. "I don't know, Sookie." The conversation was going into an arena of speculation I did not want us traveling. "I'm not sure of anything I've said." I took the last turn that would lead us to the parking lot of Cataliades' offices. "We'll have to wait and see."

Sookie's jaw tightened. Her attention turned to my poor radio again. The bouncing leg resumed its frantic rhythm.

The hectic, stress-laden week had finally gotten us to this point. I pulled the car into the parking garage and took the first spot I found.

"Ready?" I asked cutting the car engine off.

"Oh Bill." Sookie reached across the seat and gripped my hand. "I don't know how to do this. I don't know if I can do this."

"You'll get through it Sookie." I sounded confident and it was sincere. She was strong and resilient.

Silently, we walked into the demon lawyer's office. Sookie's death grip on my hand never let up. We stood, like gawking tourists, in the reception area. I had always pictured Cataliades as a leather and mahogany kind of lawyer, but the reception area was bright and uncluttered with clean lined modern furniture. Surprisingly, it was not unwelcoming as I had often found modern design to be. The entire office seemed very spacious and very open. Glass walls separated the reception area from a large common work area and still more clear glass walls created several private offices, a separate large conference room, and a law library. You could see from the front entrance of the office suite straight through to the conference room at the furthest point away. The back wall of the conference room was a large glass window wall that looked out on to downtown Shreveport and the river beyond. It was very open and I was sure it would be very bright in the daylight.

Sookie suddenly stiffened at my side. Concerned, I turned my attention to her. She was staring straight ahead. I followed her gaze. Eric. He had entered the conference room.

"I hope you didn't find the office hard to find," the demon lawyer greeted us. The three of us exchanged the customary pleasantries, until it was time for Sookie to have her private meeting with Eric. The tasteful wall clock read 8:15.

"You'll do fine." I assured Sookie. She smiled tentatively at me. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and then released her. I watched her walk across the now empty open work area, slowly at first and then more quickly as she neared the open conference room door. Her rush to get here and her slight hesitation before entering proved to me that she was a mess of both anticipation and anxiety.

Continuing to watch her, I was brought back to the events of the past week. I had been shocked when Sookie told me that Cataliades called her to let her know that the King had reluctantly agreed to allow a brief period of time alone with Eric with two conditions: one, that it take place immediately before the meeting to confirm her earlier agreements, and two, that she agree to accept a financial settlement offer. My shock deepened when she told me that she had countered back to King de Castro that she expected no more than fifteen minutes and that having it before the meeting was fine, but she would not agree to accept a financial settlement, she would only consider one. Shaking my head at the memory, I knew she was the only human I had ever known with the temerity to make demands of a Vampire King and then have the audacity to 'counteroffer' his initial reluctant agreement. Even at risk of losing King de Castro's proffered protection and good will, she had been determined to get what she wanted and was willing to pressure a Vampire King to get it.

I suppose I really shouldn't have been shocked given her past courage and willingness to take self-sacrificing risks on my behalf as well as Eric's. I just hoped her courage would carry her through this evening and her risk-taking behavior would be somewhat muted. Much would depend on how she reacted to tonight's events.

Sookie was fully inside the conference room now and had closed the door behind her. Eric's back was to her as he stood looking out the windows. She continued to stand near the conference room door, and I could hear her muffled voice as she called Eric's name; he gave no indication that he was aware of her or perhaps he was simply choosing to ignore her. Either way, he did not turn to greet her.

She walked briskly to his side and stood looking out the window with him, but because her back was fully toward me, I could not see if she was speaking. Sookie turned to look at Eric who continued to stand rigidly erect, perfectly still and looking straight ahead like a store mannequin dressed in a very expensive, well tailored suit. She was speaking rapidly; close enough so that her head was pitched back to look up at him; her stiff back and clenched fists gave testimony to the depth of her anger and anguish. At one point she reached out to place her hand on Eric's arm, and I saw him glance down at her hand and then at her face before stepping out of her reach. His mouth never opened to speak to her. With rising anxiety, I slid forward to sit on the edge of the reception room sofa, my hands clutching the edges of the cushions.

I felt a painful constriction in my chest as he retreated from her and she continued to follow him, her voice rising as she tried to speak with him. Suddenly her hand darted out to catch the sleeve of his jacket. She clutched it fiercely, tugging it hard to turn him to face her. In a flash, Eric snapped and turned on her. I had seen that look before. A frisson of fear swept through me as I leapt to my feet, but before I could take my first step, he grabbed her by her upper arms yanking her up until she was scrambling for purchase with the tips of her toes, her face only inches from his. His face came down to meet hers with fangs fully extended and he bore the look of a man who was not to be disobeyed. He began to shake her as he spoke. His words were muted, but the intent of his actions was clear: 'Back off!'

A low menacing growl echoed in my ears. A firm hand held my shoulder. I turned. It was the demon. The strain on his expression from his effort to restrain me, stayed me. It was then that I realized the dangerous growl was mine.

"Wait," he said. "The King promised Miss Stackhouse undisturbed time alone with Eric. He won't hurt her."

I whirled around on him and snarled, "You don't know that."

"Yes…I do." A look of sympathy softened his face. "Please, Mr. Compton…Bill…for both of their sakes, please stay out of it. It will not go well for either of them or you if you interfere." With a note of clear warning, he said, "We may not be able to hear what is being said, but others can. You need to stay out of that room until we go in together."

Choked with anger, frustration, and fear for Sookie I could only nod. Standing fixed in my spot, my attention returned to the glass walled conference room.

Sookie struggled to be let down, but the more she struggled, the harder he held her until he spun her around and lifted her up until her back was pressed against his chest. His long arms encased her upper body, pinning her arms to her sides in an iron grip. He leaned against the conference table and brought his right leg around trapping the two of hers against his left. Having her pinned like a rare, prized butterfly on a display board, he lowered his mouth to her ear. As I watched helplessly, her struggling finally began to lessen.

Suddenly Eric released her, and she stumbled forward into a conference room chair at the head of the table. He reached out to steady her, but released her quickly and took a step backward. He stood staring at her with all emotion wiped from his face and then turned on his heel and walked out of the conference room by a side door. Considering Cataliades' warning, I had no doubt that King de Castro was waiting on the other side. Sookie sank into one of the chairs and sat motionless, staring out of the windows overlooking the river.

Turning to Cataliades I asked, "Were you sent out here to keep me in line?"

"Yes," he replied without hesitation. "Now come along, it is 8:28 and time for the meeting to start. King de Castro insists that we be punctual."

Looking back toward the conference room, Sookie was still in the chair at the head of the table, but she seemed to have folded in on herself. She was bent over clutching her stomach. Her hair fell forward to shield her face. "Sookie may need a few minutes," I told him.

Cataliades shook his head, "No, we need to get on with this." His quick glance in Sookie's direction revealed his own sadness about the task at hand. "A few minutes are not going to make a difference in how Miss Stackhouse deals with this, and the King is insistent that we rip the band-aid off quickly and efficiently. I am sure you understand the consequences for failing to accede to his wishes."

"Fine," I bit the word out. The emotions that had raged through me while watching Sookie with Eric merged with my own feelings of impotence in my inability to shield Sookie from heartbreak. The weight sat like boulders on my chest. Grasping for a way to suppress my feelings and not add to Sookie's burden, I felt myself trying to arrange my face into the most neutral expression possible as I approached her. She straightened up, but was sitting still as a stone staring at the door through which Eric had exited.

'Don't let them break you.' These words, like a mantra, ran through my head as I knelt in front of her. "Sookie, would you sit with me over here?"

Slowly she turned her head to focus on me and simply nodded; her eyes were dry, but held wide as if she was willing the tears not to fall. Offering my hand to help her stand, I guided her over to the right side of the table and pulled out a chair for her. Her anxiety was palpable as she smoothed her skirt with trembling hands before taking her seat. Her attention returned to the door through which Eric had exited. She tried to calm herself by clenching and unclenching her hands as they lay in her lap. I took her hand in mine and ran my thumb over the palm of her hand in slow circular motions in an attempt to sooth her.

Sookie flinched slightly as the side door opened and took her hand away to lay it back in her lap. King de Castro entered the room followed by Freyda, Queen of Oklahoma, Eric and Sandy Seacrest, the King's lieutenant, who was carrying a small stainless steel brief case in her right hand. King de Castro took his seat at the head of the table, his back to the plate glass windows. Cataliades was to his left and Eric was sitting next to him with his hands clasped together in front of him on the table's surface. Queen Freyda and Sandy sat next to each other at the opposite end of the table. Sookie and I were to the right of the King with Sookie directly across from Eric who was silent, looking unseeingly over Sookie's left shoulder at the wall behind her. His face was an absolute study in control as the room settled around him.

King de Castro remained standing and proceeded to greet Sookie and I effusively as if we were here to celebrate the closing of a long sought financial deal. "Miss Stackhouse, how lovely you look and how wonderful to see you again! Mr. Compton, thank you for being here tonight."

He continued making introductions as if Sookie and I didn't already know or know of everyone there. Saying nothing, Sookie simply looked at each person the King introduced. When he got to Freyda, she stared at her for several seconds with narrowed eyes, her mouth in a grim line as she listened to the King. "Miss Stackhouse, this is Her Majesty, Queen Freyda of Oklahoma."

I focused my attention on the Queen. Freyda was a stunningly beautiful woman, but she and Sookie could be a study in opposites. Where Sookie was blond, blue-eyed, tanned, and voluptuous, Freyda was raven haired with green eyes, very pale, slender, and supple. The information that I had collected for my database indicated that she was about 475 years old and had been born human in Germany in about 1538. She was made Vampire shortly after England's great earthquake in 1553. The original spelling of her name had been Freida, but she had chosen to change it to a more exotic spelling when she became Queen of the area that would become Oklahoma in 1771. While the details of her having become Queen were murky, her reputation was that of a cunning and strategic monarch who was ruthless in pursuit of her goals. If my suspicions were correct, she had her eyes set not only on Eric, but also de Castro's three-state kingdom.

"Miss Stackhouse, I have heard so much about you from King de Castro…and Eric, of course." This last was delivered with a sparkling smile on the Queen's face. "Of course I am aware of your bravery at Rhodes. It is such a pleasure to finally meet you in person. You are a great asset to King de Castro." Her comments were accompanied by an appraising and speculative gleam in her eyes as she looked at Sookie. "I hope that I will be fortunate to have a telepath as a part of my retinue one day." Her words were slyly suggestive as she turned her gaze to the king.

Sookie gave no verbal or visual reaction to Freyda's words. She simply turned her gaze back to Eric where it had been since they all entered the conference room.

The Queen's cunning comment raised alarms in my head, and I glanced around the room to register the varying responses. Eric's carefully neutral face contorted into that of a predator as his eyes narrowed and his body turned slightly to face Freyda. He looked ready to take her head off with the slightest provocation. Sandy was wide-eyed with astonishment as she watched her King for his reaction. The King had gone very still, fixing Freyda with a hard stare and a pinched expression on his face. His next comment was more subtext than substance. "Yes, Freyda, we are very proud of our Sookie and until you find your own telepath you will understand that the rarity of talents such as hers makes us very careful as to how and by whom they are used."

"Why Felipe," her voice a study in innocence, "I completely understand. You know of course that our casino operations are expanding rapidly in Oklahoma, and I may need her services as we hire new mangers and dealers. I find myself having to hire so much new personnel so quickly that my lieutenants don't have time to do the thorough background checks so necessary for people handling the vast amounts of money flowing through our casinos." The timbre of her voice had changed to a higher pitched, cajoling tone, "I am sure you understand that it would be so much easier if Sookie could just 'listen' to the interview candidates." Leaning forward slightly and gesturing toward Eric she said, "Eric and I will be very pleased to pay whatever you require for her services, and I am sure your sweet Sookie would like to work for us given her long association with him. Rest assured, we will take very good care of her." She leaned back looking very pleased with herself.

And there it was: the Queen of Oklahoma had just managed to drive home the differences between their two monarchies. Her Realm was stable, prosperous, and growing, and she was about to take his most capable and profitable Sheriff to compete with and possibly overthrow his former King. King de Castro was faced with falling revenues as result of a faltering state and national economy and its impact on tourism and discretionary spending. The relative prosperity of Mississippi and Louisiana could not provide enough revenue to balance the drain of the King's faltering hotels and casinos. De Castro's kingdom seemed ripe for the taking and the bonus prize would be won when she maneuvered his best and rarest asset away from him.

My suspicions concerning the events of the last few weeks were confirmed. Eric's forced obligation to honor his deceased maker's marriage contract, the less severe punishment, the lockdown at Fangtasia, and the hurried insistence for the ending of Eric's and Sookie's marriage were de Castro's efforts to show that he was strong, in charge, and able to manipulate, order and coerce his subjects to his will. All of it should have functioned as a not too subtle reminder of his power to forestall a hinted at coup. Instead, his plan to appease Oklahoma might end up working to bring about his end and Sookie would be caught in the middle.

I don't know how much of this Sookie had paid attention to or even heard as she continued to sit quietly with her gaze fixed on Eric. I reached under the table to take hold of one of her hands and give it a light squeeze. She turned her head to look at me, her face devoid of all expression, but for the look in her eyes. The sadness was there for sure, but I was startled to see a strange mixture of hope and calculation there as well. She smiled slightly, returned my gesture of comfort and removed her hand from mine. Once again, her eyes were drawn like a magnet back to Eric. I was left to speculate about the thoughts, plans, and calculations churning in her head.

Mr. Cataliades cleared his throat. "Your Majesties, Mr. Northman, Miss Stackhouse, we have several items to review and Miss Stackhouses' financial settlement to discuss. Are we ready to begin?"

Sookie turned her head to look at the demon. Quietly and with almost no inflection in her voice, she asked, "Why is she here?" She turned to look at Freyda.

"To whom are you referring, my dear?" The King's irritated tone underlying an otherwise polite question, betrayed his surprise and annoyance at her question.

Sookie turned to look at the King. "The Queen of Oklahoma; why is she here?" There was no deference in her tone.

Leaning forward to catch Sookie's eyes, the King firmly replied, "Her Majesty is here as my guest, Miss Stackhouse." His exasperated reply was veiled in courtesy, but clearly indicated that he would tolerate very little more from her.

I stole a quick glance at Sookie and was relieved to see that she seemed to understand. She looked away and fastened her eyes upon Eric once again. For her, his face seemed to be the only tether holding her in this room.

Looking at Cataliades, the King barked, "Get on with it." The King's impatience was clearly evident as he sat back abruptly in his chair at the head of the table.

Moving with haste, Mr. Cataliades reached toward a stack of folders. One folder each was given to the King, Sookie, Eric and me. Opening the folder, I saw a copy of the general agreement for Sookie's services that Cataliades had discussed with Sookie in her home on Tuesday, a copy of the contract for my services, and a new financial settlement agreement from Eric.

I remembered the emotional firestorm on Tuesday as she had roundly rejected Eric's offer. It had been difficult for me to witness. I was reminded of my own attempts to see to her welfare when I left her to heed Lorena's call. My intentions had been sincere, but I did not factor in how Sookie would view it. Apparently, Eric had not learned from my mistake.

Eric's and Sookie's folders remained unopened in front of them as Mr. Cataliades began to run down the list of issues that had been discussed at her home on Tuesday evening.

"Just to be clear, I want to remind us all of what was discussed and the agreements that were made earlier this week," Mr. Cataliades explained. "First, Miss Stackhouse, you agreed to allow King de Castro to use your telepathic services on an as needed basis in exchange for a fee of $2,000 per day, per diem expenses, and adequate advance notice. Second, for a period of one year, Mr. Compton will act as your agent and escort when your telepathic services are requested for out of state use during that time. The salary for his service during this initial period will be paid by King de Castro. At the end of the one year period, you may negotiate with Mr. Compton to continue this service, choose another agent, or act as your own agent, but you will be expected to travel with a suitable escort. Because you will then pay for your own agent/escort, the day rate for your services will increase to $3,000 per day with per diem expenses. At no time will out-of-kingdom use of your services be allowed without the expressed approval of the King."

Throughout Cataliades litany of agreements, Sookie sat quietly, occasionally glancing at Cataliades, but most often continued to keep her eyes trained on Eric. She may have been paying attention to what was being said, but looked as if none of it seemed to make much of an impression on her. She looked very detached.

"Miss Stackhouse!" Unaware that Cataliades had called her name a second time, Sookie jumped slightly and with a sharp intake of her breath she blurted out, "Yes. Yes. I agreed to all of that."

The King smiled and nodded at Sookie as Cataliades went on. "Good. Now we need to address the issue of Mr. Northman's financial settlement in your behalf."

The words were barely out his mouth before Sookie erupted.

"Mr. Cataliades, I thought I made it clear that I do not want any financial 'settlement.'" She said this last word derisively as if she had tasted something nasty. "I appreciate Mr. Northman's 'concern,' but I do not want any of his money. I have done nothing to earn his money and will not accept money being paid to clear a conscience." Taking a deep breath and scanning the room with her eyes, she added, "His or anyone else's."

Eric looked only slightly taken aback by her vehemence, but said nothing. I imagined that he had been expecting this reaction from her.

"Miss Stackhouse," de Castro said with barely concealed annoyance, "in exchange for a private conversation with Mr. Northman, you agreed to consider a proper financial arrangement. I expect you to honor your part of the agreement as I did mine."

Sookie opened her mouth to protest, but the King cut her off. "In the past, hasn't Mr. Northman provided you with things that have improved or maintained the quality of your life?" Not allowing for a response, he continued, "It has come to my attention that he replaced and improved your driveway and has replaced items in your home that were damaged by his actions from time to time often improving the quality of those items in the process. You have also accepted liberal payments for your telepathic services from Mr. Northman and most recently you have been his trusted companion. Mr. Northman's settlement offer is not 'conscience money'; it is simply a way to say thank you for your past association with him and allow you to have the ability to continue providing for yourself without worry." Each item he listed had been accompanied by a tap of his finger on the tabletop.

His gaze continued to be fixed on Sookie as a smarmy smile slid across his face. "I believe that your own highly touted 'southern manners' would deem it ungracious to sit in this company and treat his generous offer so callously." His tone made no attempt to conceal the menace behind his words as he sat back in his chair with his gaze riveted to Sookie's face.

Throughout his speech, Sookie had directed her hot gaze at the King with an intensity that ignored everyone else in the room. I knew she was becoming angrier by the moment, and when Sookie is angry she sometimes loses her ability to filter or temper her words. In this setting, that failure could be disastrous. I reached under the table to take the hand clenched in her lap and squeezed it hard with the hope that she would be sufficiently distracted to come back to herself a bit.

No such luck; she shot a glare in my direction, snatched her hand out of mine and took a deep breath that seemed to suck all of the air out of the room.

I braced myself for the worst.

"Your Majesty," she said with a hint of a sneer in her voice, "I am here, in this company, because you are requiring Eric to honor a contract made by his maker without his knowledge or consent. His'dead' maker. I am here, because to honor that contract, I have to be 'set aside.' I am here, because my being 'set aside' serves the purposes of everyone here other than me. So, don't tell me that my 'southern manners' should compel me to accept conscience money, because it is those same 'southern manners' that oblige me to tell you and everyone here to take that money and stick it where the sun will NEVER shine."

Her voice rose and became more vehement. "I took care of myself before Eric Northman entered my life, and I will continue to do so when he leaves it. Now if you have something for me to sign that deals with the issues we've discussed except this weak attempt to buy me off, then I will do so. Otherwise we are done."

Had I been human, I would have been holding my breath. In the midst of her angry speech, I took a surreptitious look around the room. Eric's eyes were focused on Sookie and his face had lost that detached look he had been wearing like armor. His eyes showed that he was clearly engaged in what Sookie had to say, and he appeared to be proud of her.

Mr. Cataliades was clearly nervous as he began his default stress management routine: shuffling papers back and forth, lining his pens up in straight rows and smoothing his tie. He'd certainly had practice in doing that the last few days.

Freyda, sat still watching the interplay between de Castro and Sookie with a look of amused surprise and a smile that broadened with each of Sookie's outbursts and rising vehemence. Sandy carried the same bland expression she always wore, but it appeared again that she was looking to de Castro for some kind of cue.

Finished with her impassioned speech, Sookie huffed, sat back in her chair, and crossed her arms defensively across her chest while the echo of her words died around us.

Clearing his throat, Cataliades began, "Miss Stackhouse—"

"Miss Stackhouse," King de Castro interrupted, his voice just shy of being a shout. "I find your manner and your comments extremely rude and disrespectful. However, I choose to move past that to recognize that this has been difficult for you and because I continue to respect you for previously rendered services and for your demonstrated talents that have proved both rare and useful." He was clearly referring to Sookie having saved his life and her work for Sophie Ann in Rhodes.

He continued to focus on Sookie with a hard glare. "However," he continued. "I will not tolerate disrespect for those who occupy this room and for actions that are intended to protect and provide for you. You are an asset of MY kingdom, and I expect my assets to be maintained properly. Therefore you WILL choose one of the two options that Mr. Cataliades will outline for you," he commanded. "And understand this Miss Stackhouse," his fangs snapped down and his voice leveled, "I alone decide when we are done."

Glaring at the King, Sookie hissed, "I. Will. Not. Accept. Money. From. Eric. Northman."

'Sookie, you are pushing too hard. Back off and shut up.' My instincts were screaming at me to clap my hand over her mouth.

"If you won't accept it from Eric," hissing as he glared right back at her, "then you will accept it from me. Mr. Cataliades, explain the two options to Miss Stackhouse. The funding source is really irrelevant. Miss Stackhouse, you will hold your temper. Be quiet, and listen!"

Throughout this heated exchange, Eric focused on Sookie as if he was trying to 'will' her to look at him. He understood, as Sookie did not, that she was being shown extraordinary leniency by the King. I was sure that he also understood, as I did, that the King's patience was not without limits and the raised eyebrows and amused expression on Freyda's face might hasten the end of that patience. The King would not allow himself to look like a fool in front of her.

As Mr. Cataliades picked up a sheaf of papers, Sookie opened her mouth getting ready to deliver some sharp retort.

"Your Majesties," I cut her off. "May I take Sookie out for a short break? I think things might be improved with a little cooling off." I desperately needed to speak to her alone; she was so wrapped up in her anger and righteous indignation that she wasn't thinking clearly. I was surprised to see Eric lean back in his chair and relax slightly as I made my request.

All eyes were trained on the King. In what would be considered a very human action, he heaved an exasperated sigh and looked away before saying, "Yes. PLEASE do see to Miss Stackhouse. She definitely needs a 'time out.'"

Having been dismissed, I took firm hold of Sookie's arm, lifted her out of her chair, and guided her out of the room. "Bill…," she drew out my name through gritted teeth. She tried to yank her arm away glaring at me as we exited the room. I tightened my grip and quickly escorted her into the hallway outside Cataliades' offices.

Once we were out of view and hopefully out of earshot of the King and the others, I whirled Sookie around to face me. She was red faced with anger and loaded to let me have the full force of her temper. Before she could open her mouth, I put as much emphasis on my words as possible. I said, "Sookie!" I was sharp with her and very near to losing my own temper. "Be quiet and listen to me. Your continued welfare depends on it."

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at me, but finally she gave one sharp nod of her head as she crossed her arms over her chest. Seizing what might be a very brief lull in the storm, I launched ahead, speaking rapidly, "Sookie, I know that at best all of this is unfair and at worst it is heartbreaking. I know how much Eric means to you, and I know how much you mean to him. This stubborn refusal to listen and consider any of the agreements on the financial settlement, as justified as it may be, will not work in your favor and will only bring more heartache to Eric." Her head snapped up and she focused on me.

"What do you mean more 'heartache for Eric? '

This financial settlement is as much for him as it is for you. Once he becomes Freyda's Consort he will not be able to offer you any form of personal assistance. He needs to know that you will be protected both financially and personally. He would have given you ten times that amount if he thought there was any chance you would take it."

As I spoke, Sookie's rigid stance softened slightly and the mutinous look on her face began to dissipate only to be replaced with the beginning of tears.

'Great. Now comes the tears and the heartbreak.' Part of me wanted her to cling to her anger if only to hold off the grief that I knew would wash over her once this was finished. However, I knew that I had to help her bring her emotions under control and I knew I didn't have long to do it.

Forging ahead, I said, "I looked ahead in the file. Cataliades has prepared a trust agreement that would put me in charge of the money Eric wants you to have. I would not be able to spend the money, but I would be able to make it available to you should you have need for it. I am sure the king sees this as a way to get you to accept the money without having to manage it or have anything to do with it if you choose."

Looking absolutely desolated, Sookie said, "Bill, I don't want Eric's money, and I sure don't want the King's money. I am SO tired of being treated like a child that needs to be taken care of or a piece of equipment that needs to be stored properly until it is needed again. I feel used and I feel less of a person because of it. All of it infuriates me and makes me feel powerless. I am sick of feeling that way."

I felt the press of time as we continued to stand there. "Sookie, you have the ability to make choices not only about the financial agreement, but also about the way that you react to this entire situation. It may not be much power, but it is some and it is certainly more than most humans would be offered by a Vampire King."

Desperate to comfort her, but knowing she would not welcome it, I continued, "De Castro is being very lenient with you. Your outbursts, tone of voice, and general attitude would have earned you a harsh punishment from most other monarchs; Freyda comes immediately to mind. How do you think the King feels about the raised eyebrows and perpetual smirk that were plastered on Freyda's face during the entire exchange between you and him? Hmmm?"

I hoped letting her know what had gone on around her in that exchange between she and de Castro might shock her into being more cautious when we returned to the conference room.

Sookie's face paled and she looked away from me. Subdued and quiet, she said, "I suppose it made him look weak; like he can't control the humans in his 'retinue.'"

Finally…she was beginning to understand the gravity of her situation and the implications of her outburst at de Castro. "Exactly," I said. "That is the very thing he wishes to avoid for all of the reasons that we have already discussed. Sookie, the thing that is wonderful about you is also the thing that may get you killed despite my best efforts or even Eric's best efforts."

"And what is that, Bill?" she snapped. "My track record as a doormat for every supernatural that I come across?"

Listening to that defensive and petulant response, I was torn between my desire to shake her or hug her. She had the singular ability to make me both murderously angry and stupidly adoring. I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss all of this away, but I knew that this was an approach that would be neither welcomed nor understood. So, I drew yet another breath and stuck to reasoned explanation.

"No," I answered; my voice gentle. "It is your ability to accept supernaturals forwho they are rather than what they are. You look at the person behind the being: the man rather than the vampire, wolf or shapeshifter. That tolerance draws us to you, but sometimes you forget that we arekillers, our world is harsh and unforgiving, and you can be hurt by us. You need to remember that when you are dealing with us."

Her face was thoughtful as she considered my words.

Feeling that I finally had her complete attention, I continued. "De Castro respects you, but he is also anxious to conclude these negotiations so that he can go through the ceremony to end your marriage to Eric. Freyda has been pressing him to move on this and is here to witness it. He is NOT going to put up with much more from you. Do you think we can go back in there and give him a respectfully worded decision about Eric's financial arrangements?"

"Do I have much choice?" A flippant answer to be sure, but at least it was delivered with less heat than it would have been earlier.

"Yes, Sookie, you have a choice. You just have to ask yourself if continued obstinacy is going to make the situation better or worse. Choose the answer you are willing to live with."

Any bond that we'd had from our time together was long gone, but I could feel the warring emotions of anger, frustration, fear, and defeat rolling off of her in waves. She paced the narrow hallway, head down, arms wrapped around her waist. The more she walked, the more anxious I became. Finally, she stopped and looked up at me.

"I hate this with everything that is in me, but I guess I will accept Eric's original offer."

"Do you mind if I ask why?

"Well as you said, I have to choose what I can live with. If I have to do this, I would rather take Eric's money and look for a way to give it back to him than be obligated to de Castro on any level at all."

Relieved that she had come to a decision she was willing to act upon, I responded, "Sounds like a plan to me."

Her face clouded up again. "What should I expect from this 'ceremony' ending the marriage to Eric?

"I have no idea Sookie. I have never seen one, but the King needs to prove to Freyda that you are being set aside, so he may play to make a show of it for her benefit. The fact that de Castro allowed Eric's pledging to you to continue is unusual among our kind. I would caution you that any great show of emotion on your part will probably not be welcomed. Nor do you want to give Freyda anymore reason to question de Castro's ability to control his humans."

Sookie nodded sharply and said, "Alright, let's get this over with."

"Are you going to be okay?" I was frankly stunned by this sudden urge to go back in there to face de Castro's annoyance, disapproval, and political posturing.

Glancing over her shoulder as she walked through the doors into the offices, she answered uncertainly, "I really don't know."

Mr. Cataliades, sitting alone in the conference room, glanced up apprehensively as we made our way across the open office space. Sookie preceded me into the office and took her seat. I took mine and we waited.

The lawyer took what might be described as calming breaths and looked at Sookie with a slight smile. "My dear, King de Castro has asked me to hear your decision and manage the appropriate paper work. Do you have a preference as to which financial settlement you wish to accept?"

"Other than the funding source, is there any substantial difference between the terms and provisions of Eric's plan versus the plan offered by King de Castro?" A logical question, calmly asked.

"The only real difference is who administers the money." His smile broadened slightly and his tone was a little heartier. "Mr. Northman's arrangement names you as the sole custodian and beneficiary of the money. King de Castro's plan places Mr. Compton in the role of custodian, but you would have complete access to the money. Both arrangements allow you to use the money in whatever manner you wish."

"Alright then, I will accept Mr. Northman's financial arrangement." She was calm as she answered.

Somewhat startled, but clearly relieved, Mr. Cataliades' face lit up. "Excellent, my dear! I think you have made a superb choice. I know that Mr. Northman will be pleased that you are allowing him to look after your future needs."

"Oh Lord, could you have said anything more patronizing?" I could feel Sookie's temper starting to rise. I think if he had worked at it, he could not have chosen anything to say that would have been any more condescending and paternalistic. Sookie glared at him, but held her temper and said nothing.

Sensing that he may have raised the room's temperature again, he hurried on. "I will just step out to let the King know of your decision. We still have one more item of business to which we must attend so I will bring the interested parties back in." His smile was tight as he scurried out as quickly as a man his size could.

I braced myself for what was coming. I had been telling Sookie the truth about how unwilling de Castro would be to allow histrionics during whatever 'ceremony' was about to take place. Stealing a glance at Sookie she looked calmer than she had at any point up until now. She turned to see me staring at her, smiled reassuringly, and patted my hand.

"Don't worry Bill," Sookie assured me. "I'll be okay."

I did not pretend to have a clue as to why she was so calm about this, but I was grateful whatever the reason. I prayed that she was telling the truth, that it would be 'okay.'

The door opened and the King, Freyda, Eric, and Sandy Seacrest filed in followed by Mr. Cataliades. Unsmiling, the King looked at Sookie, nodded sharply and took his seat. Eric remained standing behind his chair and Freyda resumed her seat at the far end of the table. Eric's face once again wore the expressionless mask that he had worn throughout most of the meeting and Freyda's carried a look of smug satisfaction.

Sandy Seacrest laid the briefcase on the conference table, opened it, and withdrew a velvet pouch and placed it in front of the King. Sookie grimaced when she saw the pouch, but maintained her silent observation of Sandy's activity.

The King took the velvet pouch in his hands and opened the drawstring. Reaching in, he withdrew a small jeweled-handle dagger and then placed the pouch on the table and laid the dagger on top. He continued to look at the little arrangement on the table top for a moment, but then looked up at Eric and then at Sookie. "Mr. Northman, Miss Stackhouse, would both of you join me at the head of the table?"

I stood to pull back Sookie's chair to allow her to rise. She thanked me and walked to the head of the table. Eric moved to stand opposite her. A tense stillness had settled over the room. I think de Castro was expecting Sookie to have a melt down and I know Freyda was hoping for it.

The King looked at Eric and said, "Proceed." Eric picked up the dagger, held it flat in the palms of his hands, and stared at it for a few moments.

He shook his head slightly before he began speaking, "By returning the knife to her who gave it," His voice was devoid of emotion. "I forswear my pledge and consider our marriage ended."Both his words and his expression were flat. He replaced the dagger in the velvet pouch and extended it toward Sookie, his face bearing the same stoic expression that had seldom been broken throughout this proceeding.

King de Castro instructed Sookie to take the pouch from Eric. Holding Eric's gaze she hesitated slightly before extending both hands, palms up to take the knife.

"Repeat after me," de Castro instructed Sookie.

"By accepting the return of the knife from him who received it," repeating de Castro's words exactly, "I release you from your pledge and consider our marriage ended."Her voice faltered slightly as the word 'ended.' I had expected her to lose control or cry, but her eyes, while indescribably sad remained dry.

King de Castro reached for the pouch which Sookie placed in his hands. Holding the dagger between the two of them in his flattened palms, he asked each of them in turn, "Before this company and these witnesses, do you renounce all claims of each on the other?"

"I do," they each answered.

Looking at Freyda at the end of the table, the King made his pronouncement, his voice resonating authority. "With the return of the knife by him who received it and the acceptance of the knife by her who gave it, the pledge between Eric Northman and Sookie Stackhouse is forever broken. From this point forward neither may lay claim to the other and all private associations are hereby ended."

As this odd little marriage ceremony in reverse came to a close there was only one face bearing any expression at all and it was on the face of Freyda, Queen of Oklahoma. It was the chilling feral smile of a predator.

The ever officious Mr. Cataliades broke the heavy silence in the room. "There is the matter of signing and witnessing of the dissolution agreement by both Miss Stackhouse and Mr. Northman." He held the pen and a single sheet of paper out to Sookie. Her hands were shaking slightly as she laid the document on the conference table, signed it, and returned to her seat. Eric took the pen, hastily scribbled his signature, and strode to his seat. Mr. Cataliades asked me to sign as witness to both signatures. There was a time, not so long ago, that I would have seen this signature as the start to a renewal of a relationship with Sookie, but not today. Today, it felt like the signature on a death warrant.

With all of the official business out of the way, King de Castro's face brightened considerably as he thanked us all for coming and bid us good evening. He swept out of the room with Sandy and Mr. Cataliades in his wake. Eric remained seated looking at Sookie as if trying to memorize her face.

Rising to claim her prize, Freyda walked to Eric, laid her hand on his shoulder and said simply, "Come." She stepped to one side as he pushed his chair back. He seemed numb as he rose and turned his back to us facing the side door. Freyda looked pointedly to his right arm. He seemed momentarily confused and then bent his elbow to offer her his arm. She tucked her left hand into his elbow and grasped his bicep with her right, hugging his arm possessively. Without looking back they left the room.

I looked at Sookie. She was dry-eyed, but still focused on that side door leading out of the conference room into the private offices beyond.

"Sookie. Are you…" I wanted to get her out of these offices before she lost it.

She held up her hand in a 'stop' motion and shook her head, so I waited giving her time to collect herself. After a span of about two or three minutes, she picked up her purse and pushed back her chair. I followed close behind as she left the conference room and headed down the hall toward the elevators. As we turned the corner to approach the elevators, Sookie came to a sudden stop. Eric and Freyda were waiting there ahead of us.

Sookie turned and wordlessly motioned me back around the corner. She was clearly not willing to share the elevator going down. I looked past Sookie to see Freyda advancing in our direction; Eric was following behind her watching her carefully. I moved Sookie to stand behind me as Freyda came to a stop in front of me. She was close enough that I could smell the heady fragrance of her perfume. In heels, she was almost as tall as me. Her beauty and regal bearing gave her a commanding presence.

"Mr. Compton," she said chuckling softly, "why so defensive? I'd just like a brief word alone with Miss Stackhouse." Her tone was politely amused, but her eyes flashed with authority.

Before I had a chance to respond, Sookie stepped out from behind me to stand by my side. "I prefer that Mr. Compton stay with me." Her voice was firm and did not falter.

Focusing on Sookie and smiling, she said, "Very well. I just wanted to thank you for your cooperation. I am sure that you will agree it was for the best for all concerned." Freyda's smile was conciliatory, but triumph sparkled in her eyes.

"Be careful, Sookie. This is a dangerous game you are playing." I moved fractionally closer to Sookie to either protect her or restrain her as the need might dictate.

"No Ma'am, I would not agree with that," she said as she lifted her chin to look straight into Freyda's eyes. Behind Freyda, Eric's eyes bored into the back of the Queen's head. He looked ready to spring; his body was in a slight crouch and his hands curled into claws.

"Whatever do you mean?" Her mock confusion was nearly laughable. "Surely you understand that vampire-human pledging is inappropriate and ultimately doomed to failure?"

"I mean nothing more than what I said," Sookie replied evenly. "I do not presume to know about the 'appropriateness' of human-vampire relations; therefore, I cannot agree that what happened today was for the best." Pausing slightly, she continued, "But I do know about the consequences of taking what does not belong to you."

"Sookie!" My voice was sharp with a warning that she should curb her tongue. Now was not the time to engage this powerful and menacing Queen.

With a cold smile that did not reach her eyes and fangs extended, the Queen looked at Sookie and asked, "Are you threatening me?"

No one was distracted when the elevator dinged to indicate its arrival. The doors opened and then closed again with no one inside.

"Not at all." Sookie held her ground, her head high. "I would never presume to do such a thing."

"Then tell me. What did you mean by 'the consequences of taking what doesn't belong to you?'"

Inching closer to stand within easy arm's reach of the Queen's back, Eric was poised to intercede if tensions escalated. We made quick eye contact; with a slight nod of his head Eric let me know he was ready if necessary. We were both ready. His eyes returned to the Queen's back.

"Only this." Sookie's voice was firm. "When you take something that doesn't belong to you, be prepared for someone else to take it away from you. What goes around comes around." She could have just as easily been referring to the theft of kingdoms as easily as the pilfering of lovers. I was fairly sure that the Queen also understood the duality of her message.

We could all hear Sookie's heart was beating rapidly in the tense silence.

Suddenly, Freyda laughed in genuine amusement as her fangs retracted. "Miss Stackhouse, I can certainly see why the King values you so. You are an original."

Turning to Eric, and noticing his tense watchfulness, her tone was light and dismissive as she said, "Oh Eric, don't be so worried. Miss Stackhouse and I are very much alike: we both know what we want and react badly when we don't get it," glancing at Sookie, she added, "or get to keep it. In another life, we might have been good friends. Come along, we have a wedding to plan!"

Looking between Freyda and Sookie, Eric seemed satisfied that the danger had passed. Turning without offering his arm to Freyda, he walked toward the elevator and pushed the button. Freyda followed close behind and took his arm that was hanging loosely at his side as they waited for the doors to open. He did not bend it to offer a gentleman's assistance. Since the elevator car was still on the floor it opened almost immediately, and the two of them stepped inside disappearing from view.

Sookie and I stood silently by, listening to the elevator make its descent.

Heaving a weary sigh, she looked into my eyes and took my arm, saying, "Take me home, Bill."

As we took our own arm-in-arm stroll to the elevators, neither of us could have imagined what was coming next.