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This is a short EPOV as a bonus and thank you to you all, check out the link on this profile to view pictures relating to our story and an image of the bracelet in this chapter.
Aimee and Michelle.
Disclaimer: Most characters belong to Charlaine Harris. We are just playing!
Chapter 7
EPOV
My senses slowly return to me before the use of my body as I begin to wake for the evening. It's Sunday and I have a couple of hours before I have to be available at Fangtasia for audiences with my subjects. How I wish it were tomorrow when I would be preparing for my date with my lovely little belle! That woman never ceases to amaze me.
It was truly a shock, though a pleasant one, that Pam's new girlfriend is none other than Sookie's roommate Amelia. When I spotted them together at Pam's party I thought that my eyes were playing tricks on me, but she was truly there and I was elated to see Sookie. The look on her face when she found out that I was king was priceless, yet caused me great concern. I felt fear for the first time in centuries with the mere thought that my position would scare her away, and embarrassment when she jokingly addressed me formally. Not her...I don't want that from her; ever.
I could lose myself in the memory of the kiss we shared in my office...in the phantom of the taste of her lips...in the ghost sensation of her warm body pressed against mine. Gods that woman thrills me!
Pam's party went off without a hitch and it was a wonderful night all around. I could not have been more proud of my child: she finally learned to fly. She always wanted to inherit that power and would try everyday as a newborn vampire. Eventually she only tried once a year on her 'birthday', and I could see her utter joy and sense of triumph at finally succeeding when she showed me.
I had sensed the wards around their home when first I visited, but was still surprised that Amelia was a witch and had cast them herself. It seems that Pam was unaware of her abilities until we flew them home but was no less impressed than I was with her girlfriend's talents. I wasted no time in proposing that Amelia work for me or in helping her establish a means to earn a living with her ability. I've known for centuries that one is truly happiest when they are able to do what comes naturally to them without fear. So with that in mind, I offered to have my trusted lawyer draw up a contract.
The best part of the evening was when the girls agreed to spend the night at the palace so that Amelia and I could meet with Mr. Cataliades early in the evening and I was able to show Sookie my home. Again I was somewhat fearful that the palace would intimidate her, but I should have known better. I was enthralled by her reactions and was overjoyed that she seemed comfortable in my home. I would love for her to spend time here with me.
I felt more at peace, more content than ever laying with her wrapped in my arms as she drifted off to sleep. She is truly a beautiful woman, but she is absolutely angelic when she sleeps; a true goddess. I quietly watched her rest, in awe of her, leaving her side only moments before dawn. I didn't want to be parted from her and even considered taking her to my chamber with me, but refrained. She deserved to spend the day with Amelia exploring the grounds, enjoying the sun. I would have to reprogram the security measures to recognize her and there was just not enough time. As sad as I was to leave her side, I reveled in the knowledge that I would still be close to Sookie; that she would be in my home while I rested. I went to ground that morning with her delicious scent on me and an irrepressible smile on my face.
I woke last night to find a text from Sookie saying that she needed to talk to me about something important. I had no idea what it could be about, but my staff had better hope that they had not offended her in any way. I took the fastest shower of my life and dressed in record time, meeting Pam in the hall between our suites. It seemed that she was just as anxious to see her lover as I was to see mine.
The moment I laid eyes on Sookie, I felt complete again. I was becoming accustomed to the feeling but was no less amazed by it. Holding her again felt so right, so perfect; I didn't want to let go. I could tell that she was fearful about whatever she wanted to talk about, so I tried to make her comfortable to help her relax.
I was stunned when she told me about her telepathy and even more amazed by her. She is truly a unique and precious woman and I was further determined to make her mine forever. She was understandably fearful about my reaction to her revelation but I assured her that it changed nothing about the way I feel for her, except perhaps enthralling me further. I instinctively knew there was a reason she decided to tell me this now, but I could not resist showing her how I felt. I could not resist kissing her full lips, and feeling her satiny skin, her warmth against me. We lost ourselves in one another for a while and neither of us wanted to stop. I was seconds away from ripping her clothes from her body and it seemed that she was struggling with the same desires, so we broke apart simultaneously.
As she told me about what she heard from the donors today I felt my ire growing. Anger turned to bloodlust and it was nearly uncontrollable...I wanted to go straight to the dorm and torture the spies for all the information that they could give. But as Sookie continued her tale and told me her ideas, I felt myself quickly relax. I do not understand the effect she has on me, the control she unknowingly exerts on me, but I do not resent it. On the contrary, it makes me certain that she is perfect for me.
Sookie is so ambivalent about her talent, but I know that if she were too truly to accept it, embrace it, that she will shed her insecurities; she will begin to see herself as I see her. So I offered her the same opportunity that I offered Amelia. It only took her a few hours to decide to accept the offer, though she still had some concerns. They are absolutely valid concerns and with a talent as unique as hers, any concessions are worth it.
I had briefed the staff on my wishes for a quiet, private dinner and was enraged that two donors felt entitled to go against my wishes and enter the palace anyway. Their thoughts were clearly disturbing to Sookie and I refused to let those swine's ruin our evening. Without thinking of what she would think of my proclamation, I made it very clear that Sookie was mine, that she alone holds my interest and that she and Amelia both are to be treated like royalty. They were obviously unhappy with this, but they are donors; they have no purpose other than to feed the night guards, my underlings and myself occasionally.
While Sookie was taken aback by my announcement of her as my mate, she immediately calmed my worries by giving me a sincere smile and squeeze of the hand. I wished that we were alone so that I could explain to her...well, everything...but we were not. I quickly formed a plan for Monday night so that we would have a chance to truly be alone and have the time to discuss our relationship and thankfully, with Amelia's assurances, she agreed.
So now I lay here in bed trying to plan the perfect date for us. I will require Rockne's assistance as I wish to have it on the grounds, but for now I think I'll use the internet on my phone to order a few trinkets to be delivered to her during the day tomorrow.
First I order another bouquet of orange roses and gorse flowers to be delivered, but ask that red roses be added to the mix. I thought for a minute on what I wanted the note to say, and when I was satisfied I completed the order.
I wish to keep the details of our date a surprise for her, so I'm sure she will be uncertain as to what to wear. If I've learned anything about women from Pam, it's that dressing appropriately for an occasion is very important to them. I doubt that Sookie would feel any differently, so I log on to the Neiman Marcus website to browse their selection. They have many options, but I finally settle on a lovely blue cocktail dress and matching shoes to be delivered to her by 10 AM tomorrow.
With a grin I continue to order a few more simple items, debating whether or not to peruse a jewelry site. I decide that it would be overkill to send something like that, but I still cannot shake the idea of giving her jewelry. Inspiration suddenly comes to me and I jump out of bed and speed to my personal safe. I know with certainty what I wish to give her, the only piece of women's jewelry that I own. As I take the box from the safe and open it, my mind drifts to the day I purchased it.
~Flashback to London, early 1700's~
The night is quiet and the streets deserted as I wonder London alone at 2 in the morning. It was raining earlier in the evening but the only evidence left of the storms are the muddy puddles in the streets and the sound of water running in and dripping from the rickety wooden gutters of the buildings around me. I find no comfort in this night, it only echoes the feeling of desolation I've struggled with for years now; it's mocking me. In the nearly 700 years of my life - existence - whatever, I've always found contentment in something but now I find myself becoming bored and tired of the night. Godric, my maker, and I parted ways nearly 300 years ago seeing each other only infrequently; perhaps it is time we reunite? I tire of being alone; I tire of the repetition that has become my life.
To say my life has been long and fulfilling would be an understatement. I've done more and seen more than most vampires twice my age. But now? Now I have no enthusiasm, nothing driving me in any direction. There has always been something to hold my interest or some goal to which I strove, but now I feel as if there is not a lot left for me to accomplish.
The silence of the night is unrelenting as I continue to walk these deserted streets without a destination until I suddenly feel an urge to cross the street towards an alleyway on the right. As I approach its mouth, the pull becomes stronger so I begin down the new path. I am not sure what my senses have picked up or if it is actually anything at all, but I refuse to ignore anything that piques my interest right now.
About halfway down the alley I catch a glimpse of something gleaming in my peripheral vision. It's coming from a shop window: peculiar because there are no street lights lit here to cause a gleam; their fuel burned out hours ago. As I reach my destination I find it is a jewelry shop, closed with metal wire caging for the night. I look in the window to find what caused the light to reflect and instantly my eyes fall upon a lovely platinum filigree bracelet adorned with diamonds and sapphires. It is the most intricate design I have ever seen. In the center of the top of the bracelet is a large round diamond so brilliantly faceted that reflects the non-existent light in the alley. Two narrow triangular sapphires flank it, their points facing the center stone. I simply cannot take my eyes off of the bracelet. Although the bracelet is obviously made for a female I want it, no, I feel like I NEED it.
I have never felt a pull like this before in my entire existence! I don't have anyone to give it to, no mate or child; I just know that it must be mine. Even if I never see anyone wearing it, I know that I will not be happy until I have it. I decide that I cannot leave until I have the bracelet in my hands. I look around to find that there is no-one in sight so I do the only thing I can; I snap the lock with my bare hands and pull the shutter on the door out of my way. With very little force the door opens and I enter the shop.
I do not bother to look around the shop; my focus is solely the bracelet in the window. I know that I cannot just take it, I feel a call to pay for it, so I take out my cash and leave twice the amount marked on the tag on the counter with a note apologizing for breaking in and a description of what I purchased. I move slowly to the window display and pick up the bracelet and I somehow feel a connection to it as if it is warming me from the inside out.
The change in my mood is instant, I feel as if it is bridging a chasm deep inside of me. I begin to feel optimistic, like the intense sense of loneliness that has been my companion for years is beginning to fade. How can a simple bracelet make me feel more whole? Why do I feel this attachment to this particular piece of jewelry? I surely will not find any answers standing here so I tuck the bracelet safely into my inside pocket and exit the shop securing the door as best I can.
I make my way back to my resting place and as the dawn approaches, I lie clutching the bracelet to my chest, reveling in the feeling of contentment for the first time in years.
~End flashback~
As my thoughts come back to the present, my eyes are locked on to the beautiful bracelet that inspired new life and perspective in me so many years ago. As I run my finger across the stones set into its face, I recognize that the feelings I get from this inanimate object and those I feel with Sookie are one and the same. She makes me feel them much more intensely, of course, but they are kindred nonetheless. I know that this is the last gift she will receive tomorrow; it is destined for her and I will present it to her at dinner after we discuss our relationship so that I can tell her of its origins. I guess it's a good thing that I ordered a sapphire blue dress!
With a small smile, I set the small box on my bedside table so that it will be the last thing I see before I rest and the first thing I'll see when I wake and go to take my shower and prepare for my evening of listening to the monotonous squabbles of my subjects.
I find Rockne soon after I make my way to the main floor and ask him to accompany me to meet with the chef. I spent several minutes reviewing my plans with the two of them and was adamant in my instructions.
"Gentlemen, this must be perfect! There will be no mistakes as there was at dinner the last night...do you understand?"
"Yes Majesty." They replied in unison.
"I will not tolerate interruptions, and I will not be so lenient with those responsible for any mistakes. Is that clear?"
"Of course Your Majesty" they responded in unison once again.
"Then I will leave you to make preparations."
That being said, I walked out onto the patio and took to the sky to begin my evening of boredom.
