I wake alone again. I can hear her heartbeat near. I smell her all over the bedroom so she must have been up for awhile. I shower quickly though I am surrounded by her scent and would prefer to stay longer. I dress as swiftly as I showered and follow Sookie's scent into her closet. I hope that she likes at least some of the things that Pam bought. Pam tends to get carried away but she was over the moon when I asked her to shop for my pretty fairy princess. I gave her my card with no limit and only instructions to fill this room with all the necessities and to do so immediately. Pam has clear understandings with several merchants in Louisiana and she no doubt called them in the middle of the night to gather and deliver her order. Pam arranged it all herself.

She is amazing. Light shines from her and makes me feel warmth and love. I finish clasping her necklace while making suggestive comments hoping to see her blush, which I am rewarded with. I whisk her towards the formal kitchen so that she may eat before our meeting with Mr. Cataliades. She is silent while we go through the maze and security to get from our resting place. Once we have left the staged bedroom she speaks revealing that she noticed our fake room. I answer her but remind her that our enemies are always present. Then she completely knocks me for a loop; which is a very difficult task as there is little I have not seen and experienced in 1000 years.

Her voice enters my mind. I stop mid stride barely able to believe what has just happened. I look at her for only a moment before resuming our walk to the kitchen.

If you thought something at me real hard I bet I would hear it. Do you want to try?

How? When? Who?

You don't have to be so abrupt; I'm not a kindergartner!

Answer me woman! I follow that with a roar.

Sheez! I already told you I was a telepath and I have been my whole life! Most people can't keep their thoughts from me but your age and power must shield you. I can still hear you but only if you try to make me hear.

"My sweet dear, we are going to have a talk later; a very long and thorough talk."

She continues to look forward as if nothing has happened. Her blank face is very good I would never have guessed she was having a conversation in her mind. We reach the kitchen and I am pleased to find the formal dining table set for my lover. Since she is really the only one eating, I allow her to sit at the head of the table and I sit next to her. I am not hungry since I have feasted on her delectable vintage several times in the last two nights. I contemplate sending for a donor just to see her reaction but I am stopped by a feeling that says it would be a disaster. Sookie makes the most erotic noises while she is eating, it is very distracting. I spend several minutes just watching her pert little lips.

We arrive in my royal office half an hour after dark and pleased that Mr. Cataliades is already there waiting for us. He rises and bows when we enter the room "Your majesty, good evening." He turns to greet Sookie "My lady, my name is Mr. Cataliades. It is an honor to meet the woman that has captured the Northman's heart." Sookie giggles, it's adorable.

"Mr. Cataliades, this is Sookie Brigant my bonded and soon to be pledged and queen." The demon's eyes nearly fall out of his head. "I can tell by your reaction that you have a clear grasp of the situation and that you will be able to provide invaluable guidance as to the appropriate steps and channels to take."

"That is quite the understatement. Princess Brigant it is lovely to meet you and it will be my pleasure to provide the services you require. Let me get some basic information and then we can discuss your options."

We answer questions about our meeting and bonding. We also discuss our future plans. Sookie remains relatively quiet throughout this process. So quiet in fact Cataliades mentions that the royal house of Brigant may demand that we prove she hasn't been glammoured. Sookie snaps out of her silence.

"Mr. Cataliades, I apologize if my silence unnerved you. I was only trying to pay excellent attention to the details here as well as throughout the palace. I am telepathic. My family knows this and knows that I would not be subject to mental persuasion. It can be proven if necessary but as I said it will not be requested."

After an hour of questions and answers the demon makes several suggestions. "We can go ahead and fill out the paperwork to have the princess added to your accounts and assets. I will file formal bonding papers with the Council along with affidavits stating that she has not been glammoured and that she is entering into this union willingly. I will also file formal pledging promissory papers with the Council and with the prince. I will be very discreet with the fae so that the prince's enemies are at least not immediately aware. I will make an offer on your behalf for the bride price. Once a price is accepted then I will transfer the funds to the prince and you two may pledge. Although, I suspect it will be steep. Niall has managed to keep you hidden from the world princess. Though he knew you fled I doubt he thought this would be the result. I am unsure how he will take this."

Sookie turned her blank face to the demon. Her words were calm and straight but sharp enough to cut steel. They held not a threat but a promise. "Tell Niall that I am finally happy and that he will have to pit a room full of fae against me if he wishes to attempt pulling me from my happiest place." Her eyes were now rimmed with unshed tears and the bond was churning with violence, anger, and power. I am not sure what I have gotten myself into. Her emotions were stronger than anything I have ever felt from a being; then again I have never been bonded to a fairy princess.

The demon is polite enough to lower his gaze "It will be done princess." Then he gathers a stack of papers, puts them in front of us and we begin signing the mountain of forms.