I certainly hope everyone's Christmas was as lovely and enjoyable as mine was. Please enjoy the rest of the holiday season!
Faerie was beautiful. The land was lush and green, reminding me of pictures I'd seen of Ireland's rolling meadows. Everywhere the eye touched was filled with beauty, from the gorgeous foliage to the interesting architecture. Nothing ever seemed out of place here. It was as if the entire land had been created with a single artistic vision in mind.
It was a little disconcerting, if you asked me. Nothing should be as perfect as Faerie seemed to be. My old farmhouse, even with the many improvements through the years, would be a complete eyesore in this environment and that made me sad for some reason.
Despite the awe-inspiring beauty of the land and the incredible power I was learning to wield with ease, I still felt out of place here. It wasn't home, and the fairies were not human. It was becoming more evident by the day I was a fish out of water in Fae. I was too human to ever truly understand their culture and lifestyles, even as I studied their history and absorbed their magic.
No matter how much I read and learned, I was of the firm opinion that one must be raised as a fairy in order to truly live here. No amount of time would totally eradicate the very human morals and beliefs I held, no matter how open-minded I'd become. As a whole, fairies were lovely, generous people, but at the same time, most came across as guarded and stern, no matter how welcoming their words. As it was a fact they could not lie, many were very secretive by nature and unused to divulging much information they didn't consider pertinent. It resulted in many awkward conversations and situations, especially given my curious and inquisitive nature.
It didn't take long for me to understand how different this experience would have been had it been offered to me when I actually was twenty seven. Niall had not been lying when he said simply being here would prove useful; the land itself was so magical, it was impossible not to absorb some of it into yourself. But there was also an incredible amount of work involved and so much of it required patience and a truly open mind. It seemed like I was constantly knocking the girl I used to be, but I know in my heart I wouldn't have had the patience nor the wisdom to succeed as easily then.
A certain level of acceptance was necessary to achieve full success. Finally acknowledging how much I craved the knowledge and power I was receiving was an essential element. I knew myself well enough to know I simply wouldn't have had the commitment then. Everything in me bristled at the notion I was anything more than human, even though some part of me always knew I was something more. How could I not? I was a telepath, after all.
True to his word, Niall had done everything in his power to make sure I was provided with every opportunity to practice and advance my magic. In the weeks since my arrival, I'd gone through a dizzying number of tutors, each specializing in a particular area of expertise, making my short time here informative and instructive. I finally learned to access my spark on my own, just two days after my arrival in Fae. It's taken exhaustive practice, but I've learned to control it and access my power at will. My tutors tell me there is much more for me to master, but I feel confident with my ability.
Magic lessons were the current bane of my existence. Even though I'd clearly made progress, I didn't feel magic in the same way I could now feel my spark. Learning how to control it had proven to be a cakewalk when stacked next to the magic I was told should feel as natural. My tutors insisted I was learning at an accelerated rate, but it didn't feel as natural to me as using my light. I practiced dutifully, though, staying up late into the night to study. There'd been some progress recently. It gave me hope, although secretly I wondered if my diluted fairy blood had anything to do with my less than natural aptitude for the talents full fairies took for granted.
My favorite tutor was a petite, raven haired woman by the name of Anathea. Officially, she was teaching me Fae history and lessons on the current social climate but she also answered a million of the questions I had about my family and my spark. I was delighted and amazed to learn she had enjoyed a close relationship with Fintan, considering him more of a brother than the distant cousin he actually was. It was she who finally explained the complicated relationship between Fintan and Niall and how it impacted the choices both he and Gran made.
"Because of the prophecy, Fintan feared Niall's reaction to your birth. It was his decision to shield you as tightly as he did; your grandmother didn't know half the safeguards he used. The political climate here was already becoming turbulent and your grandfather didn't want you being dragged into it. Both of them wanted you to be raised human, despite the early evidence of your spark."
"But they must have known I would eventually find out," I pointed out.
"Of course," she replied in her musical voice. "There was always the intent to tell you, but they both wanted you to reach adulthood first. Fintan used magic to make sure Adele wouldn't reveal anything through her thoughts and their plan worked well up to a point."
"What point was that?" I asked. I wasn't sure if her story was making me feel better, or not.
"Until Fintan was killed," she replied bluntly. My diminutive fairy tutor looked tinier than ever in the big wing back chair she occupied. As was our habit, I'd popped to her home early that afternoon and we settled ourselves in her comfortable, expansive sitting room. "You must remember, Sookie, that both your grandparents made the decisions they did based on the assumption Fintan would be around when you matured. Their plan may have been short-sighted, but they did have one. It was never their intention to have you find out the way you did."
I gawked at her from my seat on the antique love seat opposite her chair. If what she was telling me was true, I'd spent an awful amount of time blaming Gran for something she had no control over. It was ironic considering I had often wondered if Fintan would have told me everything, had he been alive. He might have, eventually, but it was his need for control that really screwed me over, not Gran. I tried very hard to keep in mind his good intentions, but it was at least a relief to know she hadn't purposefully kept such huge secret from me.
"I won't claim to even begin to understand the relationship between he and his father, but Niall has always been good to me. What was he so afraid of?"
Anathea laughed shortly. "You are female and a Brigant. That alone was enough to make him picture you being used as a broodmare. Many believe the change this prophecy will bring is fertility. Total nonsense, of course, but it's a slowly dying society and people are desperate for the cure to our fertility woes."
"It is nonsense," I agreed. "First of all, Niall knows my heart is spoken for and he's never even hinted of such a thing."
"Has he not?" Her question was posed with a distinct lack of curiosity, which made me very curious.
"No, he hasn't. Why do you say it like that?"
"I think you are not seeing what is before your eyes," she admonished gently. "Niall takes you out every evening, doesn't he? It seems like you have met every bachelor Faerie has to offer. Did you think that was simply coincidence?"
"He knows I love Eric. He wouldn't do that," I protested automatically before stopping to think about her words. She remained seat, legs tucked casually underneath her, as I stood and paced the length of the room. "What is his game, Anathea? I thought he understood me clearly. I'm not staying here and I'm certainly not interested in other men."
"Oh, he probably understands you well enough," my new friend told me dryly. "That doesn't preclude him from having a separate agenda."
"Well, it won't go anywhere, no matter what he wants. I'll be gone in another week or two." Her theory made too much sense for there not to be a kernel of truth in it. Niall would have to understand there would be no babies, fairy or otherwise, in my future.
Although most of my time was spent training and studying, he had insisted on introducing me to his world. Several hours each evening had been spent at various social functions, where another aspect of fairy culture became blatantly obvious. I'd been propositioned at nearly every turn, albeit in a very dignified, proper manner - for the most part. Niall explained that as a fertile, mature female fairy, I was obviously going to be attractive to the male population, gently pointing out that my royal blood was an added draw. If one of them should manage to impregnate me, in theory at least, they may be fathering the next ruler of Fae.
It was a truly disconcerting revelation. I'd assumed I would be left alone when I explained to any who would listen that I was already spoken for. Instead of being a deterrent, my words proved challenging for a few of the more aggressive suitors. It was aggravating, and one of the reasons I couldn't wait to go home. Now I had to wonder if Niall might have been behind this nonsense all along. As Anathea pointed out, I'd met a shocking number of single men at each of the functions I went to with my great-grandfather. I would need to speak with him and make sure we were both on the same page. I was going to go home.
By Niall's calculations, approximately seven years had passed on Earth. I would need at least another week or two in Faery to finish my education. A decade or so will have passed at home and while I was anxious to know what was happening, it still meant decades more before Eric was free.
I sighed to myself. I'd considered prolonging my stay here simply to shorten my wait at home before rejecting the idea outright. I couldn't be certain how much time was passing. Niall himself admitted it was an inexact science. And I didn't think I could endure the added time if it meant putting up with the constant advances.
Truth was, I was homesick, even though I didn't have a home to call my own and Pam was likely the only person I would know upon my return. Even the staff at the Institute would likely have changed in my absence. I wondered how my old employees had fared. Many were probably still living, although likely retired by now. None of them would know me, though. The Sookie Stackhouse they had known was gone.
The new Sookie Stackhouse had plenty of shiny new upgrades, sort of like the 'new and improved' version. There were days I looked in the mirror and felt like I was seeing someone different. Even my appearance seemed slightly modified, though I couldn't pinpoint the differences. I still felt like the same person, but a lot had changed for me.
Coming here had been the right decision. For the first time since Bill Compton walked into Merlotte's Bar and Grille all those years ago, I felt prepared for life. I knew who I was and, more importantly, I liked who I was. Growing up as 'Crazy Sookie' hadn't helped my self-esteem, but a stubborn pride at least allowed me to walk through life with my head held high. Learning about my true heritage and accepting that side of me has allowed some truth to seep into the false bravado I'd used as a crutch.
I was part of the most powerful and magical clan in existence. As the ruling dynasty of the Fae realm, the Brigant's were royalty and I was the great-granddaughter of the current Prince. My title was merely an honorary one, but I technically was the fairy princess Pam always accused me of being. Acknowledging that fact, coupled with the immense power I'd learned to wield with ease, ignited a fierce pride within me. I could be the strong, powerful partner Eric deserved and that in itself was a powerful feeling.
Eric. God, I missed him. There hadn't been a moment he hadn't occupied at least a part of my mind since I'd been here. Every exhausting, punishing day of training was done with him in mind. I'd worked extra hard so I could return home sooner, studying and cramming harder than I ever did in my college days. The physical pain I'd felt eased since my journey to this realm, but I still ached for him. I dreamed of him every night; fantasies of what I hoped our life to be in the future.
How did he take the news of my transformation? I had so little time with Pam before I left with Niall, but the one thing I made sure she knew was how much I wanted him to know there was hope for us. She'd promised faithfully, rolling her eyes at my nervous insistence. She hadn't really been happy with my decision to come here, but she was delighted I'd finally 'taken my head out of my ass' and decided to let Eric know the truth of our circumstance. I know she told him as soon as she was able.
Had he been as happy as me? Not knowing was eating away at me. Every day I became more certain of what I wanted from life, but all my plans hinged on Eric. My anxiety to return home was tempered with the somber knowledge he may not care anymore. Maybe he decided I was too much trouble the first time around. God knows, I had some doubts of my own; perhaps he did, too. The only way I would know was to return home and I was getting anxious to do just that.
Putting away the books I'd been reading earlier, I tidied the pretty yellow bedroom I'd called home the past few weeks. The room was far bigger than I was used to, but I'd fallen in love with the delicate white furniture and lacy curtains. I'd been given a choice of rooms on the third floor and this corner room was the most feminine and had a lovely stone balcony with a gorgeous view of the grounds. The city loomed beyond the immaculately manicured lawns and hedges surrounding the palace and the night view was spectacular. My room had become my refuge, especially with Niall's busy schedule and frequent business trips.
He was due back from his latest excursion shortly and he'd made plans for us to dine together tonight. I had an hour and a half to get ready and I would need every minute of it to doll myself up enough to meet the Prince's standards. There was no such thing as a simple family meal at the kitchen table. Every meal served was, quite literally, fit for royalty.
After showering and blow drying my hair until it was smooth and shiny, I moved to the walk-in closet and began perusing the many racks for something suitable. Much of what hung there had been provided by Niall, but everything I'd worn so far had been flattering and comfortable. There were no outlandish style differences between the realms and I hoped to be able to bring some of it with me when I left. There was no way I would get to wear it all in the time I had left here and it was all too beautiful to leave behind.
The dress I finally settled on was a white, flowing fabric which felt finer than silk. The cut reminded me of old Grecian styles and I thought the plunging neckline daring, but attractive. The fabric swung around my legs, the long slit up the right side showing flashes of leg as I walked, a pair of strappy gold sandals adorning my feet. I left my hair loose and flowing, but slipped a gold headband on to hold the heavy tresses from my face. Satisfied with my appearance, I left my rooms and headed to Niall's library, my favorite room in the palace.
Many hours had been spent studying and reading from the thousands of books, many of which seemed ancient. I'd been reluctant to touch any of them until Boris, one of my earliest tutors, picked up a particularly ancient looking tome and tossed it across the room to prove its indestructibility. In his deep, gravelly voice, he explained how every book was charmed against damage before it was catalogued and added to the collection. The theory piqued my curiosity and I mastered that charm before our lesson ended for the day. It was a handy skill and one I intended on utilizing with all my favorite items. God knows, I'd had way too much lost or destroyed during my previous foray into the supernatural world. This time I wouldn't be taking any chances.
Not in the mood for more fae studies, I chose a book from the English literature section and settled into my favorite chair. A couple of chapters in, though, I closed the cover with a snap and replaced it on the shelf. The tale of unrequited love might have held my imagination some other time, but right now it was cutting too close to home.
The finely woven rug adorning the wooden floor absorbed the sound of my footsteps as I paced around the room. As much as I knew coming here was the right move, part of me wondered if I hadn't made such a huge mistake. It had been cowardly to not speak directly with Eric before I left. I was left constantly wondering if he even cared. Everything in my life revolved around him right now and I was desperately afraid of his rejection. No matter the strength and power coursing through me, I was still just a woman in love. I needed to know if he still loved me. There was an aching, gnawing hole in my heart which would only be filled with his love. Without it, I was afraid I would feel this emptiness forever.
"Ah, there you are, my child." Niall's strong voice broke through my reverie and I plastered a smile to my face as I turned to greet him. "You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you. You look dapper yourself." He was immaculate, his lean frame draped in a perfectly tailored black suit.
"You remember Mr. Pardloe, Sookie. I believe you met him at the Tower reception," Niall stated smoothly. "Preston was at loose ends this evening and I insisted he join us for dinner."
I did indeed remember him. He'd been one of the more persistent of my potential suitors. "Of course," I replied graciously. "We did meet at the Tower party, but I do believe I've seen you at every event I've attended, Mr. Pardloe. You must be a very popular man."
"Please call me Preston," he invited smoothly. "It's simply been my good fortune to have encountered you so often. When the Prince kindly invited me to dinner, I simply couldn't refuse the opportunity to see you again."
"You are being too kind." I smiled briefly before turning my attention to my great-grandfather. His blue eyes stared guilelessly, his expression one of innocent pleasure. In light of Anathea's revelations, I wasn't willing to call this coincidence. "Shall we move to the sitting room? Perhaps a drink before dinner?"
Niall mixed our drinks while making small talk with Preston as I chose a seat off to itself. I didn't care to sit next to either of them at the moment. Perhaps I was being overly suspicious because of the conversation with Anathea, but I couldn't see why else Niall had invited him here. I'd actually told him once that Preston was pushy to the point of making me uncomfortable, but yet here he was.
"A drink for the lovely lady," Preston appeared before me with a beautiful layered drink, one Niall knew I preferred. The alcohol here was different than home and I found I needed to be extra careful with my consumption. The three fruity layers were all equally delicious, but only the dark red layer on the bottom held any alcohol. The orange and pink levels were a delicious fruit elixir I couldn't get enough of. I accepted the glass graciously, even managing to smile, but the retort sprang to my lips unbidden.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Pardloe." A small, tight smile prevented my sharp words from being too offensive while still conveying the intended point. I turned my attention to Niall as he sat to my right, in a chair near the unlit fireplace. "I trust your business was successful?"
"Ah, yes," my great-grandfather cleared his throat before continuing. "Productive, I would say. It was an enlightening trip, but I'm delighted to be home once more. How have your studies been progressing? I was telling Preston of your astounding aptitude earlier."
"The Prince tells me your magic is quite strong," my potential suitor commented smoothly. I turned to look at him and not for the first time wondered why he bothered me so much. He was an attractive man, not as handsome as Eric, but his black hair and green eyes were flattering. He'd been too pushy, but my dislike of him had been pretty instant.
"I'm learning," I replied modestly. "There's so much more for me to learn yet, but I'm pleased with how it's going."
"Perhaps you can show Preston your progress some other time," Niall interjected.
"I don't think show and tell is quite necessary, Grandfather," I replied smoothly. "There's nothing I can do which Mr. Pardloe hasn't seen before."
"I'm sure your talents are as unique as you," Preston said with an ingratiating smile.
"I'm not sure about that, but they are progressing nicely, which is the point of my visit," I said, clearly emphasizing the last word. "Another couple of weeks should do the trick and then I will be heading home."
"So soon?" He looked surprised, even though I'd mentioned it twice before. "It seems like you've just arrived. Surely you will spend more time here in the future."
"We can't know what the future holds, but I have enjoyed my time here." I was saved from further conversation by the young palace page announcing dinner. I stood before either man could offer assistance and preceded them down the long, wide hallway to the 'small' dining hall, a room which could seat fifty.
The enormous table dominating the room was set with three elaborate settings to accommodate the multi course dinners the palace kitchen produced every evening. Niall took his place at the head of the table, leaving Preston and I flanking him on opposite sides. The first course, a chilled curry-like soup, was served almost immediately and the conversation at the table remained light as successive courses were served, each small dish deliciously appetizing. Preston remained intent on his apparent mission, never missing an opportunity to engage me whenever he could. Several invitations were issued and refused by the time the final course, a decadent cream custard, was served.
Refusing Niall's offer of an after dinner drink, I smiled politely at both men before making excuses.
"I'd love to stay longer," I lied through my teeth, "but I have a bit of a heavy workload this evening. It has been nice to see you again, Preston. Grandfather, perhaps you might have a few minutes to spare for catching up before you retire?"
Both men made the expected disappointed and disapproving noises and gestures, but I wouldn't be deterred. This wasn't the evening I expected and I had no intention of humouring whatever game they were playing here. I took the opportunity to escape and waited patiently in my room until a brief knock announced Niall's arrival.
"Come in," I called out, rising from my seat on the edge of the bed to meet him. We exchanged pleasantries while I led him to the sitting area to the right.
"What is on your mind?" Niall smiled at me, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I'm a little confused why you invited Preston this evening. I told you he makes me uncomfortable." I looked him directly and posed my query bluntly.
"I'm sorry, my dear, but it was simply appropriate to the situation we were in. And he's really not such a bad fellow, is he?" Niall's apology lacked sincerity, but it wasn't what I was looking for, anyway.
"It really doesn't matter what he is, Niall. He makes me uncomfortable with his constant advances, but I will be gone soon. I care more about why you seem to be pushing me toward every bachelor in this realm." I paused and took a calming breath. "You know I'm going home soon and I won't be staying here, right?"
"I do know you want to return to Earth," he stated, sidestepping a real answer. "But you can't fault an old man wishing his kin would stay close, can you?"
"I can't fault anyone for a wish, but I love Eric. I need to go home so I can find out what's happening with him. Not knowing is very difficult for me," I told him plainly. "I love the time I've spent here, but this isn't home and none of the men here are Eric."
"I've enjoyed getting to know you, my child, and your time here has been very beneficial to you, has it not?"
"Spending time with you has been a joy, Grandfather," I told him honestly. I was still a lonely girl wishing for family to love and I thought I might have found it in Niall. "But my heart belongs with Eric. Not knowing whether he's even still alive is killing me and I need to go home as soon as I can. My time here has been very beneficial, yes, but I do feel it's soon time for me to go."
"There's so much more for you to learn," he protested. "You have accomplished so much, but with your talent and aptitude, there are no boundaries for you. Surely you can see the reason to stay?"
"I'm not saying I'm leaving tomorrow, but even if I did, I'd be satisfied with what I've accomplished here. I'm going to stay a little longer and study as much as I can, but I have to get back. I would never forgive myself if something happened to Eric before I could speak with him one more time."
"The vampire is fine, Sookie," Niall informed me with exasperation in his tone. Surprise and shock flooded through me.
"How could you know this?"
"I've seen the Northman. He's fine, trust me." As if expecting the shitstorm coming his way, my great-grandfather's expression hardened as he met my incredulous gaze head-on.
"Excuse me?" I asked, my voice sounding loud in my ears. "What the hell are you talking about? When did you see Eric?"
"Most recently at the vampire summit in Texas," he said.
Equal amounts of rage and relief flowed through me; Eric was fine, but Niall was a shifty bastard. "Most recently implies you see him often," I pointed out.
"I wouldn't say often, but I have seen him a few times."
"And you didn't think this was something I should know? I wasn't even aware you've been to earth since I came here."
"Business has taken me there," he informed me, not elaborating any further.
"What business did you have at a vampire summit?" I was having trouble wrapping my head around the idea Niall had not only seen Eric, but also that he chose to keep this from me. My earlier suspicions increased tenfold.
"I was there to see the Ancient Pythoness. Your vampire was with her."
I couldn't have been more surprised if he said he was there to donate blood. The Ancient Pythoness was pretty much the head honcho when it came to vampires. From what I saw of her and what I'd been told, even the fiercest, most vicious vampires bowed to her word. The old lady had been the famed oracle Alexander the Great consulted and her power in life translated into her vampire existence. Having been brought over at an advanced age, the sightless oracle gave the appearance of a wizened old crone, but her almost two and a half centuries of vampire life made her one of the deadliest and most revered of her kind.
"What was Eric doing with her?" I questioned sharply. She had been presiding over the trial of Sophie-Ann LeClerq, the former Queen of Louisiana, when I met her. Pam had mentioned seeing her at other summits, too, performing the same duties.
"Your vampire and his progeny have been named emissaries of the Pythoness. I believe it is affording the Viking some reprieve from Oklahoma, but I cannot truly speak to his duties or responsibilities." I gaped at him as he continued. Anything to give him some peace from the cold bitch he was wed to, but I could have never imagined Eric accepting such a position. The vampire I knew didn't crave power, just some authority and autonomy. "Their new status was announced at the summit, but that is some time ago in human years. It's not possible to say if his position remains the same, although I suspect it does."
"If it's been many years since then, it's not possible to assume everything is alright with him, either." Niall had only proved my point, I thought.
"Yes, it is," Niall countered. "I would know if anything had occurred."
"How? If it has been years…," I trailed off.
My great-grandfather only looked at me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine for something I couldn't predict. A drawn out sigh escaped him before an answer came.
"Because I have people watching him," he finally told me. I wanted to scream, but I just stared at him instead.
"Why, Niall?" I just couldn't wrap my head around his truths. "Why would you have Eric watched? Why didn't you tell me you had seen him? Surely you understood how much I missed him and worried for him."
"You should be worrying about your studies," he answered, with just a hint of reproach in his tone. "Your vampire will be there when it is time to claim him. Telling you of these things would have only proved distracting. You are here to learn, not pine for your husband."
"I am here to learn," I agreed testily. "But Eric is the reason I chose to learn; I want to do everything I can to be an appropriate partner for him."
"You are a fairy princess," he declared in response. "You should be more concerned with whether your husband is 'an appropriate partner' for you."
I blew the air from my lungs in a noisy sigh. "I know I'm a princess, technically speaking, but this is new to me and I certainly wasn't much of a princess when Eric and I were married before. I was an insecure brat for most of our marriage, if you can even call it that. And you really shouldn't call him my husband. We did divorce and he did marry someone else."
"Nonsense," he stated firmly. "It was not his right to divorce you."
"It might not have been what we wanted, but it still happened. It's not like I had the right to say no. I'm just the human to them. What I want didn't matter."
"It does matter, my dear, it matters very much, in fact. Regardless of their short-sighted decision to consider you human, you are not one." He waved away my protest and continued, "We all might seem like barbaric monsters at times, but regardless of the violence somewhat inherent to the supernatural world, there are actually clear rules in place to govern and rule the various races. In the ways that matter, you are fae, not human. Fae royalty, to be precise. Your wishes and desires supersede any save your vampire's maker, who I believe has met his final death."
My head was spinning, trying to digest and decipher what Niall was telling me. It seemed like a simple restating of the facts, but his tone implied otherwise.
"What are you trying to tell me Niall?"
"What I thought you, or your vampire, at least, would have known." He paused, intense blue eyes looking down at me. His silver hair rested loosely over his shoulders, somehow making him appear more otherworldly than not. I waited impatiently for him to get to his damned point. "Your marriage to the Viking still stands, Sookie."
And another chapter down! What did you think?
