The forty eight hours following my dinner with Eric and my Godfather flew by. Before I knew it, it was Friday morning and I was up just after sunrise anxious about my move. Before the end of tonight, I would be at the Royal compound of Louisiana which was now owned by my boyfriend? Vampire lover? Whatever you wanted to call Eric, he was mine.

That's right, I finally took a page from the vampire book of possessiveness and decided that Eric would be mine and I would be his. He had made it quite clear from the first time I met him that he wanted me to be his and I had decided that it was about time I took him up on it as long as he would also be mine. After our dinner date a few nights ago which ended with some kissing, petting, and blood donation on my part; I realized that there was nothing holding me back except me.

I had spent the last two days in the googley eyed, butterflies in your stomach phase thinking about how to confirm my willingness to be Eric's without sounding like an idiot. I finally decided on a course of action which I would hopefully be able to pull off before the next sunrise. I shook the lusty thoughts from my head and got up to finish getting the house ready for my departure.

Last week when I had started packing things for New Orleans, I quickly realized that my dusty antique furniture and knick knacks were not going to fit in with the palace décor. Most of the house would be left exactly as it was and the only pieces I decided to take with me were my clothes, personal items, photo albums, a few picture frames, my Gran's jewelry box, and my antique vanity table. It was a gift from Gran when I turned 15 and I just couldn't imagine not sitting down at it every day to get ready, even if I was going to have a fancy bedroom with a closet and changing area.

My vamps had very different reactions when I told them I wouldn't be taking much with me to New Orleans. Pam was ecstatic that I wouldn't be 'rednecking' up the place with my worn out furniture and Eric told me to take whatever I wanted and we would make it work. I wouldn't say I was surprised by the different opinions but then again, only one of them was trying to get in my pants.

I went to my room and started bringing out the few boxes that I had packed and then went back to get my clothes. The night before, Bobby had dropped by my house and set up a little rolling clothes rack like they have in department stores for me to hang my clothes on. I told him it wasn't necessary, but he said the Master insisted that my move be as easy as possible. I have to admit though, grabbing the filled hangers out of my closet today and being able to just set them on the rack was pretty nice; especially with all the new outfits I had bought at Tara's.

The process of getting my things moved out into the foyer only took about twenty minutes and I didn't bother with the vanity since Bobby assured me the movers would get it. So there I was, at 9:00 in the morning with nothing left to do until noon when the movers would be here.

After one last sweep through the house to make sure everything was neat and tidy, I got dressed and decided to head out and do some shopping to waste time. So much had happened in the last few weeks that I almost forgot that Christmas was fast approaching. With a little less than two weeks before Christmas, I hadn't bought the first present.

I headed to the mall in Clarice and was greeted with the cheerful holiday music and twinkling light displays in all the windows. As I walked past the stores filled with shoppers trying to finish their Christmas lists, I realized that this was the first Christmas I can remember that I wasn't stressed about money.

Luckily I never had many people to buy for so that helped, but money had always been so tight and gift-giving just wasn't on my list of options no matter how much I wanted to. I had always tried to get at least one gift for Gran and one for Jason and to me the time we spent at Gran's table eating, laughing, and sharing memories was worth more than any gift I could have received. I know she had felt guilty while we were growing up because she couldn't afford to buy us all the new toys and games like the other kids, but it really never bothered me.

This year I was so fortunate to have a new job that came with many perks and a hefty paycheck. I planned on using those perks as gifts too for certain people in my life. I browsed through the stores and ended up getting two puzzles and a Guinness World Records book for Arlene's kids; a pretty blue silk scarf for Tara, and even though I was pissed at him, I got Jason a new pair of work boots. I was walking past the calendar stand when I saw a calendar with excerpts from Dear Abby so I grabbed that for Pam.

The last person on my list was much harder to shop for. What do you get for the vampire King who has everything? Somehow I didn't think I would find the perfect gift for Eric at the mall. After an early lunch at the food court, I headed back over to my house to wait for the movers.

Right after twelve, three men showed up wearing blue jumpsuits and I assumed they were the movers, because who else would wear such an ugly getup? As two of the men went towards my bedroom to get the vanity, I 'heard' one of the men thinking that I must be one of the vampire's favorite pets for them to send a moving crew for such a small load. Funny thing is most humans don't know that vampires sometimes take humans as pets; that is unless they're into the undead scene themselves. A quick peek through this guy's mind told me a lot more than I would have ever wanted to know. He was definitely into the awesome vampire sex and biting, and was hoping to one day be turned before he was too old.

God I hope people don't think of me that way now; some kind of weirdo who is obsessed with the vamps and has a secret death fantasy. I'm just a girl who happens to be a Supe and I'm in love with another Supe species; no big deal. The fact that I recently found out I wasn't entirely human somehow made it seem more normal for me to fall for someone who isn't exactly a normal human either. While I was pondering my new situation, the movers finished quickly and left. They told me my items would be already waiting for me at the compound and they would set them up after I decided on a room.

The next several hours were spent bathing, shaving, moisturizing, and primping. Once I was satisfied that I was thoroughly clean, smooth, and ready for the night, I put on an A-line red dress with textured black tights and black heels. After grabbing my nice new coat and purse, I went downstairs to wait. I watched television for about an hour before I heard the familiar crunch of gravel in my driveway. Looking outside, it was that delicate time of the evening where the sun is trying to hang onto it's last few rays but quickly losing the battle.

The brain I felt approaching my house was not familiar to me at first. I realized after a quick mental inventory that it was the same as my Godfather; a demon. That sparked my curiosity as Eric hadn't told me what kind of driver to expect. Looking into their head wouldn't do me much good since I had realized that with demons I can't hear them unless they want me to. Stealthily as a ninja, I glided across the living room floor without letting my heels tap the ground. I bent down beneath one of the windows and after I heard the driver walk past towards the door, I peeked out to get a look.

In certain situations in life you feel like you have an idea of how things are supposed to look or how certain situations are supposed to be conducted. Typically when I think of a limo driver, I think of a man or woman dressed in a nice black suit; this driver was far from that image. The girl at my front door appeared to be about 16 – 18 years old and her sense of fashion was not one I had seen on any runway….or street corner. She was wearing a purple body-con dress, electric blue leggings, a fluffy pink coat, and black combat boots. Who the hell did they send to pick me up?

"Sookie Stackhouse, it'syourdriverDiantha." She mumbled through the door. Apparently enunciation wasn't a big concern of hers.

I didn't get any angry vibes coming from her and since I really had no other way to know if she had any ulterior motives, I crouch walked back over to the entrance of the living room and then walked to the door like I hadn't been slinking around like a crazy person.

"Hi I'm Sookie, and you are?" I asked politely after opening the door.

"Diantha Cataliades, nicetomeetyou."

"Cataliades? Are you related to Desmond?" I asked.

"Yep he's my Uncle. He told me about you years ago; our family's been watching yours for a long time." She smiled proudly.

"Oh well that's lovely." I said unsure of what to say.

"We better get going to the airport; those vamps can be mighty testy if you're late. Needmetocarryanything?"

"Oh no thanks, the movers got everything; it's just me."

We walked back to the car and she opened my door to let me in before getting in the driver's seat herself. The ride to the little airstrip outside of town took about twenty five minutes but with my nerves it felt like an eternity. Right after the car came to a stop, Diantha rolled down the divider window to talk to me.

"We'll get you boarded shortly Miss Stackhouse. Your vamps ain't here yet."

"Ok no problem, and please call me Sookie; we're practically related."

"SurethingSookie."

I took my compact out and checked my appearance one more time for good measure and then played with my phone until I noticed another limo pull up beside ours. I looked out to see Eric dressed in a perfectly tailored, black suit with a red tie that somehow matched my dress. His hair was in an intricate braid and he looked damn near edible. I was beginning to think that the Gods Eric believed in must have carved him from marble by hand because he was as close to perfection as I had ever seen in a person.

While I was ogling him like some crazed pervert, I almost fell out the door when he suddenly opened it. He put his hand towards me and I tried to get my brain into a higher functioning to realize what it was he was doing. Finally I put my hand in his and allowed him to help me out.

"Sookie you look stunning this evening." He said kissing my hand. I felt his fangs scrape lightly across my skin and my body unwittingly trembled to his touch.

"Absolutely delicious." Pam smiled beside me.

"Thank you." I answered them both.

"You are the most handsome man I have ever seen Eric." I said regaining my confidence.

"I'm glad you think so, but I fear I fail in comparison to you min skatt. Every eye in my Kingdom will be focused on you tonight."

That made me blush and also scared the crap out of me because the last thing I wanted was every vampire in New Orleans to be looking at me and showing fang. First off it would be embarrassing, and second Eric might kill them all.

"Shall we?" He said looping my arm through his.

"We shall." I smiled up at him.

We boarded the small private jet and made ourselves comfortable in the oversized, leather chairs to prepare for takeoff. Once we reached cruising altitude, Eric leaned over and unbuckled my seatbelt and led me to the couch on the opposite side. He leaned down and opened a very discreet looking mini fridge and pulled out a bottle of Riesling; my favorite. He handed me a glass before sitting beside me and draping his arm across my shoulders.

"How was your day dearest?" He asked.

"Oh it was fine. I went Christmas shopping and the movers got all my stuff taken care of quickly. Truthfully it went a lot smoother than I imagined moving would be."

"Good, that's what they get paid for. Are you excited?"

"Lord yes! I must have woken up with the sun this morning and I feel like I've been on cloud nine all day. I'm a little nervous too I guess, but mostly just….happy; really happy." I leaned in and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

"I'm glad to hear it." He said holding my gaze with his piercing blue eyes.

"Can you two get a room? I'm getting this weird feeling, not quite love but…..bile; that's it! Let's talk more about this day of shopping you said you had." Pam snickered, coming to sit down beside me.

"It was nothing major; I just bought some Christmas presents at the mall."

"Shopping twice in three days' time; this must be a Christmas miracle Sookie! I'm going to make a diva out of you after all."

"Not quite Pam. Have you been Christmas shopping yet?" I asked them both.

"Of course! I'm getting everything I asked for." She smiled.

"That's not really how it works, but whatever. What about you Eric?"

"I've done a little shopping, but with the whole ascension thing it's been a bit difficult."

"Yeah I'm sure becoming a famous, vampire King can really take up your time."

"I'll have you know I was already a famous vampire for my good looks and incredible bedroom prowess. The only difference is now I'm called King." He smirked.

"Wow Eric I don't think this jet is big enough for me, Pam, you, and that giant ego of yours." I scolded him playfully.

The flight was only a little under an hour, so before I knew it we were buckling in to land. Pam stepped off the plane first and was immediately greeted by flashing lights and reporters clamoring to get her attention. Hearing the chaos, Eric pushed me behind him and darted off the plane to see what was going on. You could hear the noise and screaming questions instantly turn to silence and even a little yelp of surprise when he suddenly appeared in front of Pam with fangs out, ready to kill everyone.

"Welcome to New Orleans Miss Stackhouse." The flight attendant said before stepping off the plane.

"Yeah, welcome to New Orleans." I said to myself.

EPOV

What a night to be alive…or at least undead I thought. Here I was, the new King of Louisiana about to move in to the Royal residence and I had this Gods-sent faery treasure on my arm. Yes the afterlife was treating me quite well these days. Never had I felt the calling to be a Monarch in the vampire hierarchy, but yet I found myself enjoying it immensely.

I took Sookie's tiny hand and looped it through my arm as we prepared to unload from the jet when I heard a commotion at the bottom of the steps where my progeny is. My first thought was that we're under attack from other vampires, so I pushed Sookie back into the plane and flew down the steps to fight with Pam. You can imagine my surprise when instead of sword-wielding enemies, I found humans with cameras and microphones waiting for me.

Realization set in my brain as they all gasped and took a step back; they're reporters and now they probably think I'm some crazed, bloodthirsty animal. Pam looked at me confused and I just gave her my put on your boots because I'm laying the bullshit on thick look. I retracted my fangs and put on my best politician smile.

"Good evening folks. I didn't mean to scare you, I'm afraid no one informed me you would be here tonight. As you can see, sometimes even a vampire can be startled." I chuckled my best "human laugh."

Slowly they all snickered and began smiling again. That's right, nothing to be scared of here humans I mocked internally. Before I could say another word, the questions started coming in left and right.

"Are you the new vampire King? What happened to Sophie Ann? Are you going to be living in New Orleans?"

"Folks please, one at a time. I would be happy to answer your questions if you'll just excuse me for a moment."

This time I walked back up the stairs and smiled at Sookie as I whispered "go with it." Never one to let me down, she put on her thousand watt smile and took my arm as I walked her to the waiting horde.

"Now we would be happy to answer a few questions before we must make our way into town." I schmoozed. "Yes, you in the purple shirt." I said pointing to one of the reporters.

"Is it true that you're the new vampire King of America?" She asked.

"Not exactly; I am the King of Louisiana but not the entire United States. Next question."

"Sophie Ann LeClerq is the most famous vampire in New Orleans, but she hasn't been seen for weeks. Where is she? Was she the Queen? Who are you?"

"Yes Sophie Ann was the Queen of Louisiana but sadly Miss LeClerq met the true death recently. As you know, there are hate groups in this great country that spend all their time demonizing and murdering vampires. Two members of the Fellowship of the Sun attacked Sophie Ann one night while she was in another part of Louisiana making a donation to the humane society; it was a tragedy indeed (pause for dramatic effect) but after those events took place, I was named the new Monarch of this beautiful state. My name is Eric Northman."

"Who is she? Is she the Queen?" A woman asked from the front of the crowd, pointing to Sookie.

"My beautiful date is Sookie Stackhouse and though I view her as Royalty, I'm afraid vampire law doesn't allow for a human Monarch." Sookie smiled sweetly at me as gentle as a little southern belle and the crowd ate it up.

"Miss Stackhouse you look amazing! Who are you wearing?"

"Well thank you! I'm afraid you're probably not familiar with the label, but this is a Julia Steinbrook design and she's a fabulous designer out of Shreveport and she sells her collection at Tara's Togs in Bon Temps."

The gorgeous faery beside me was stunning in that red dress and the reporters loved her almost as much as I did. I only hoped she had a spare because if possible I was going to rip that dress off her later.

"So will you be living in Chateau Blanc?"

"Yes, Chateau Blanc or the Royal Residence as we call it will be our new home as we get acquainted with everything this amazing city has to offer. I'm sure you all are familiar with the Lucky Strike Casino?" They all shook their heads in confirmation. "I'm very excited to announce that as the new owner I will be making a major renovation to the casino and hotel. Loki's Luck Casino and The Asgard Suites will be reimagined for the modern age of gambling, entertainment, and luxury. My trusted confidantes and business partners Pamela Ravenscroft and Miss Stackhouse will be helping me see this dream to fruition. We look forward to seeing all of you on our Grand Re-Opening and we would be happy to answer more questions you may have then. Thank you all so much and have a good evening."

And with that, we waved and smiled and did all the media friendly actions we could as we walked to the waiting limo. Once we were inside, I told the driver to take the back roads and use the underground entrance to the residence.

"What the hell was that?" Pam asked as we all sat down.

"That was crazy! Did you know they were going to be out there waiting on us?" Sookie asked.

"No I didn't, and I also don't know how they seemed to have some knowledge of our political structure."

"Yeah but you handled it like a true politician; smiles, lies, and just enough information to make them feel important." Sookie said laughing.

"Yes I do have a knack for bullshitting don't I?"

"Why do they care about the King of Louisiana vampires anyway? The media hasn't shown much interest after the initial surprise from you all coming out of the coffin."

Pam gave us her take this time. "Sookie vampires are the new celebrities. Ever since we came out of hiding, people have been fascinated. Didn't you grow up thinking that vampires, werewolves, and Tinkerbelle were just silly fairy tales?"

"Well yeah."

"But then it turned out that it was all real; and now people want to know who we are, how old we are, why do we drink blood, can we do magic, blah blah blah. It's new and exciting and especially with vampires, there's a chance that humans could become one. Celebrities have all come out in support of vamps and now we get invited to events that used to only cater to the rich and famous. Just imagine when more Supernatural races make their identities known; it's going to be a full blown circus."

"I guess you're right, I just didn't expect all that. I saw all kinds of news logos on their equipment; this is going to be everywhere tomorrow, not just New Orleans."

I was deep in thought as the girls talked about their newfound fame. I wasn't sure how the media had gleaned the facts they seemed to know about our hierarchy. Had someone been giving them information or were they just finally putting two and two together and figured a few things out?

From the side street we used to pull into the underground level of the compound, I could see another huge crowd of media standing outside the front gates on the sidewalk. Security seemed to be doing their job by keeping them all in line but this was an area I was going to have to step up my game on. As proud as I was to have Sookie on my arm, it also came with more risks for her being exposed to the media like this.

I'm not going to lie though; the positive attention it brought to me was definitely a bonus. Between my schmoozing the reporters and the image of Sookie and I as some hot, young, powerful couple it would hopefully only serve to bolster the vampire image in general and the hype for the casino.

"If you ladies would like to go ahead in, I need to make a quick call." I said politely dismissing Pam and Sookie.

Once I was alone in the car, I pulled out my phone and called the pretentious vampire hotline; also known as the Authority. After the usual waiting on hold while they pretended to be busy, the Guardian finally picked up.

"Good evening King Northman. Are you getting settled in New Orleans?"

"Oh yes we just arrived about an hour ago. I wanted to let you know about something unusual that happened tonight. When we arrived in New Orleans, someone had tipped off the paparazzi and they were waiting for us on the tarmac. They were asking questions about Sophie Ann and the vampire Kings and Queens. I answered the best I could without saying too much but I don't know how they got all their information."

"I told them."