I stood immediately and went straight over to Mike. "What are you doing here, are the kids ok?" I asked him in a whisper. "I've been trying to call you for hours." He told me and I started to go through my handbag and realized I didn't have my phone with me. I must have left it on the kitchen counter earlier and forgot to grab it. "What is going on?" I asked a little frightened at his urgency. "I got a phone call from a mutual friend of Bobby's and mine. He was looking for Bobby, said the military police had been looking for him because he was to testify at a trial in Hot Springs. I got nervous afraid that if the government found out where Bobby was Eric would be in danger and that meant you." Mike told me. At the sound of his name Eric rushed to my side. "We need to step outside where not everyone has such good hearing." He said and ushered us out of the room.
"Mike, how did you get past security?" Eric asked. "I still have an active military id. They are suspecting many military personnel at the trial, and they don't have names for all of them." Mike answered. "Why was Bobby going to testify?" Eric questioned Mike. "I don't know honestly I was as surprised as you are." Mike told him. "We'll handle this, you need to leave before you're recognized or someone does a military headcount." Eric told him and took my hand to walk back into the room. Mike grabbed my arm. "Sookie, be careful, you're on unchartered territory." "Mike, go home to the kids, I'll be fine, and I'll call and let you know how it goes." I told him with a smile and walked to catch up with Eric.
"Will he listen and obey?" Eric turned and asked me. "Yes, our children are his priority." I told him in confidence. "It's almost time." He said and sat back down. "I sat next to him and worked on tuning out the noise of the EEE workers and staff of the hotel so that I could focus on the military personnel. I searched through the minds until I found the Rear Admiral. He was feeling confident. He was planning to win. He felt that he had the vampires by the balls since the AVL had been pushing for equal rights in the military. This trial was not going to be pleasant.
I saw Andrew come in out of the corner of my eye. He was wearing a suit, trying to look as civilian as possible. He caught my eye and nodded at me. I knew he had hoped I would help him, and maybe my conversation with Eric would help, but not in the way he wanted. They would never let him meet the sun. He sat down alone at the table in front of the judges table. He didn't have a lawyer. "Eric, you can't let him got without a lawyer." I told Eric nervously. "Sookie, I don't think he's without a lawyer, look." I turned back to the table and there was Mr. Cataliades sitting next to him. I breathed in relief. "Did you hire him?" I asked Eric quietly. "Yes, the moment he contacted you." Eric told me. The room got quiet as the Coast Guard entourage came in. I recognized only four of the twelve, only Andrew's maker was vampire, the rest were all human. They all sat on the opposite side of the room from us.
I went from mind to mind in hopes of finding something, anything that could be of help, but all anyone was thinking was the same verse of the same song over and over again. Obviously they had been prepped for me. The Rear Admiral looked in my direction and smiled at me. It was a good thing he couldn't read my mind because I was cussing him a blue moon.
The three judges were the last to enter the room. There was a female vampire who I'd met in Indiana, an older male vampire from Minnesota, and a very young male vampire from Florida who were acting as today's judges. The one from Florida was acting as the head judge. He called the room to order and asked for opening statements. The military's lawyer went first. He went into a long spiel about duty, honor, service, it sounded almost like the recruiting officer who once came and talked to Jason his senior year of high school. Mr. Cataliades opening statement surrounded on the idea of human rights. How since the coming out people have chosen a life style of being vampire or not, and how the military took away those rights. Over the next hour the military lawyer called each man in uniform up to testify to the same story. That it's an honor to serve their country, and that when you sign up you know that you can be asked to do dangerous things, and that you give up the right to choose so that you can be a good soldier, and that they would want to continue to serve their country in any way even if it meant being turned. Each one was lying, and I whispered as much to Eric. Then it was our turn.
A representative from the AVL spoke on their take on the matter. They thought that the man needed to give his consent that the military needs to have a document when enlisting on being turned in order to fulfill their term of service. The next person called to the stand was a retired military vampire. He talked about the strain and toll of being a vampire in the military, the added stress, and the inability to really connect with your comrades. Next up was Eric who told the room what his thoughts as Andrew's King were. He said just as we had discussed, that he felt since the two months that he had remaining on his term of service was up that he should be released to live as he wish. That he agreed that he could find a life away from the military and that he'd be happy to help him find his place for at least ten years. If at that time he felt he still did not want to be a vampire that as his King he would make arrangements for him to meet his final death. Andrew was the last witness. He spoke passionately about his since of duty, his willingness to abide by the law. That now that he was a vampire he understood that he must obey vampire law over human law and would do so if released from the military.
Once Andrew finished the judges spoke in length amongst themselves. When the vampire from Florida stood the room once again became quiet. "We have decided that this matter cannot be resolved in such a short period of time. Much must be considered. We are going to have an hours recess and clear the room. We will give our verdict after the coronation and before the ball." He and the other three judges then left the room.
The military personnel all filed out and moved to a private conference room. Again they were all singing in there heads. Eric led me to small salon used for brides to dress at big receptions and weddings. "Eric this doesn't look good." I told him. "Sookie it is out of our hands, I have done all that I can do. I realize that you feel attached to this man because he reached out to you, but situations like this one happen every day." Eric told me thinking he was comforting me. "It's time to dress for the party." Pam said coming in with our garment bag. She had already changed into a beautiful blush pink gown. It had a high neck but no sleeves and the back was completely open. It also had a slit all the way up the leg. "Pam you look stunning." I told her. Her hair was tousled in blond curls, she looked perfect, and I envied her perfection. Eric began to dress in his tuxedo. In a matter of seconds he matched Pam's perfection. "I have to meet with the EEE before the coronation. I'll come back to you in a few." He said and walked out the door. Pam started to follow him knowing my modesty when I said "Pam wait, I'll need your help with my dress once I fix my hair I told her." She shut the door and sat on the lounge chair.
I undressed down to my bra and panties and sat down at the vanity. I worked my hair from Grace Kelly to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Then I put in the jewelry Eric had given me our first night there. Then I strapped my heels to my feet. I stood and pulled out the ball gown I'd gotten from Tara. I just hoped it was appropriate for tonight's coronation. Pam dropped the red gown over my arms and head so I didn't mess up my hair or makeup. I pulled the all lace sleeves up my arms. The lace covered my arms, shoulders, and down my breasts and stopped just above my nipples. The bodice of the dress was really tight until my pelvis and then it draped to the floor in a ruffled affect. The back was open to the small of my back and it was smooth around my rump and then a ruffled train. "Sookie, you look positively gorgeous, and if Eric had breath you would take it away." Pam told me. "Thanks Pam, you're the best friend a girl could have." "Awe shucks Sookie, I'd cry if I could." She smirked. "Let's go meet our King." I told her and she took my arm and we headed down the hall.
We met up with Eric. He smiled as he saw his two favorite women walking towards him. "My lover, you are stunning, you make me want to forget all about all of the people and take advantage of you right now." Eric whispered in my ear. "That sounds heavenly but I'm afraid that I'm taken already my dear Sheriff." He pulled away and looked down at me with the fiercest look. "Surely you jest." He said. "I belong to a King, and only once he's crowned can he have me." I kissed him. He kissed me back with his fangs out.
"Sir, we're ready to start." An EEE staff member told Eric. "Mrs. Northman, you'll need to go on in, follow the red carpet to the staircase and step up to the second step, and then turn back towards the door. The Great Pithiness will then come into the room and be escorted to the top of the staircase where she will do the actual crowning. Mr. Northman will then come into the room. He will kneel in front of the Pithiness and the ceremony will commence. Then once he is crowned he will rise and introduce you as his Queen. You will take his hand and you will walk to the center of the room where you will start the ball with the first dance." He told me.
He walked away and the doors opened and I walked into the ballroom that was standing room only. They had said they were going to open the adjoining room one the dancing started. I took a deep breath and smiled as I took that first step into the room. I was amazed that I didn't trip going up the stairs as nervous as I was. When I turned to face the room I felt my heart race and I knew that every vampire in the room would know my heart was racing too. The Great Pithiness came in next and she was in all black with a hooded cloak. She glided down the walkway and up the stairs. When Eric began his walk everyone in the room stood. Grand music played from the other room. The ascended the stairs and kneeled. I couldn't believe I was experiencing this, it seemed so surreal. The ceremony was simple. A jeweled sword was brought forth, and the Great Pithiness wielded it from one shoulder to another, and then said some ancient words that I could not understand. Then she laid a gold crown upon his head. He stood and turned to face the crowd and bowed. The whole room erupted in applause. I could feel is pride, and excitement. He took my hand and brought me towards him. Then he lifted both of our hands and again the crowd erupted in applause. Then we descended the staircase to the center of the room and the crowd dispersed to make a circle in the center of the room.
Eric took me into his arms and we started to waltz. I kept my eyes focused on his, and a smile on my face. The waltz was slow and elegant and Eric knew it well and made me feel like I was on air. The turns, dips, extensions all felt so natural with Eric leading me. When the music ended we bowed to the crowd and walked arm in arm around the room accepting everyone's congratulations. Pam came towards us as we were speaking to Phoebe. "Sookie, they are ready to make the verdict announcement." Pam whispered in my ear. I nodded and then leaned up towards Eric's ear. "I'll be right back." I told him. He nodded and I followed Pam into the other room.
Everyone had reconvened. Pam and I stood behind Andrew. Jacob, the vampire from Florida's name I found out, stood to give the verdict. Andrew and Mr. Cataliades stood also. "We have made our decision. We can not allow to U.S. Government to pick and choose to follow their own rules. They have made it clear that we are not to turn anyone unwillingly or face punishment of death. They must abide by their own rules, and therefore can not be allowed to turn an unwilling soldier at will. Since they have broken their own rules we find that Andrew Dubois has fulfilled his term of service with the U.S. Coast Guard. He may now make his choice to live his second life as he chooses. On the matter at hand whether he be allowed to meet the sun, it our stance that every vampire give it at least ten years before making that decision, but we respect his decision to make that choice on his own. As for Andrew's maker Thomas Crandall he is in direct violation of both vampire law and the U.S. Government's own laws against turning a vampire and therefore must meet his final death. This is what we have decided." He then walked over to Thomas and staked him in front of everyone. I had to catch the scream in my throat. Andrew turned towards Mr. Cataliades and thanked him. Then he walked over to where Pam and I were sitting. "Mrs. Northman I can not thank you enough for your help. I knew you could be trusted." He told me. Then he leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. "You will be a fair and honest Queen." He told me. "I guess this means you will meet the sun at dawn." I spoke curiously. "No, I've had second thoughts. I'd like to take my King's offer to come to Shreveport, and work as a bartender for awhile until I get used to living this way. Then make a decision as to what I should do next." He told me. "I'm glad to hear you're going to make the most of it. I guess that means I will see more of you." I smiled. "I hope so." He said smiling back at me with a little fang showing. "Sookie, we really must return to Eric." Pam told me. "Of course, lets go dance." I told her and walked away from Andrew. "You need to be careful, that man likes you a little too much, he might not realize the danger in his flirtations, but you should." Pam told me seriously. "I understand Pam." I told her and searched the room for Eric. He was talking to Rasul.
We made our way over to him. "There you are my lover, what was the verdict." He asked as he kissed the top of my head. "He won, his maker was staked, and the military will retaliate." I told him. "Yes, I'm sure that is true. Did they ask about Bobby?" He wondered. "They were trying to figure out how to bring it up without looking like they had been monitoring your movements, but decided against it. I'm guessing that by the time we return we will have an official visit." I explained to him. "Hopefully we can release him with a new memory as soon as we return." He said. "Rasul was just telling me about the sports discussion. It seems that they voted to do a bit more polling and research on whether humans could follow our movements in a sport. It will be discussed further at the next summit." Eric told me.
The next three hours were spent dancing, drinking, and snacking. We were the King and Queen of the ball so everyone made a point to speak to us. It was mind numbing and boring for me, but I could tell that Eric loved every minute of it. When the party started to disperse I felt relief. I was exhausted and my feet ached. I remembered how when Sophie Ann was queen she would retire to her room early and make everyone come to her; I secretly wished I could do that now. "Pam, what time is it?" I whispered to her. "Around 3, we will leave soon." Pam whispered back. I saw Rasul leave to get the car. Eric said his farewells and we started to head towards the door. Rasul had the car waiting for us and was standing at the door. Standing next to him was Andrew. I slid into the car with Pam and Eric following me. Andrew got in the front seat with Rasul. It was a bit snug in the back seat.
I was quiet during the drive listening to the vampires talk amongst them selves. It seemed that Andrew had no place to stay now. He would be staying with us, and riding back to Shreveport. He's stay with Rasul and Rasul would show him the ropes until he needed to leave for New Orleans in a week.
Once we arrived at the lake house I excused myself to my room. I changed into a t-shirt and yoga pants and then went back into the living room/kitchen. Eric was talking about the summit so far, and welcoming Andrew into his fold. I fixed myself a sandwich and Diet Dr. Pepper, and then warmed up four True Bloods. They all thanked me for being a good hostess. I sat down at the bar and ate.
"Mr. Northman, I can express my appreciation for allowing me to stay with you until I find my way. But I'm not sure I can work in your bar. I have a hard time being around people, it's not the blood lust, and it's the envy." Andrew told him. "First you may call me Eric when in private company, King Eric or your majesty in public. My responsibilities as King I will need assistance in my duties at the bar, you would be repaying me greatly by helping us out there." Eric told him. "Pam will be taking over my Sheriff duties, and will help overlook Arkansas, Rasul will be moving to New Orleans. You are coming into my kingdom at a very exciting time in our world." Eric continued.
I listened to Eric's plans. I realized that I would have a lot of time to myself and the kids. In a way that was good, but also a bit lonely. I'd been used to having someone there all the time. I was just tired. I finished my sandwich and then told everyone good night. I was almost to the bedroom when Eric stopped me. "I can feel sadness, its been driving me crazy, are you alright?" Eric asked. "Yes, I'm just tired, I'm very happy for you, it all seems to really be falling in place." I told him as I tucked the hair behind his ear. "But?" He questions. "I just hope that you make time for me and the kids in your planning." I told him honestly. "That is why I'm bringing Andrew on now. I can turn over different responsibilities to each of those loyal to me so that I can have time for my family. You'll see lover, we will all be happier." He said and then kissed me. "I'll let you sleep, and greet you later." He said and then left me in the hallway. I crawled into bed not bothering to change and was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
