After
A/N:Guess who has been ill! Yup, this girl! Going to guess you are all excited for the next few chapters then? So without more rambling…
"It is done," Aelthi whispered giving her a simple nod.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Majesty," he laughed helping her off the table. He turned away as she redressed before offering his arm to her. Sookie accepted happily and they strolled from the building together. She felt the instant presence of her guards the second they appeared back in Fey.
"You should rest," he instructed.
"I was hoping for a walk on the beach," she admitted. He gave her a slight shake of his head before he physically led her upstairs to her room. Once inside Sookie stripped off completely and surveyed herself in the mirror.
"Early days yet," she commented noticing the all too smooth skin on her stomach. Dressing quickly she touched the soft fabric of some of her more flattering dresses and giggled at the thought of being able to wear them soon. Moving back towards the bed she hoisted her legs up in the air and giggled at how much Eric would love the show.
"What on earth are you doing?"
Sookie screamed and twisted noticing Galeal stood beside the door holding a drink. He smiled gently as he stepped towards her, one hand held up in defence as she blushed.
"I read that it helps," she explained.
"Helps?"
"Fertilisation," she blushed.
"That is done," he laughed. "You are pregnant Majesty."
"How can you know that already?"
"Well," he sat down at the foot of her bed. "If Aelthi did his job correctly, which I assume he did he will have seen to that." Sookie nodded and extended her hand for the drink he was carrying. "Oh yes," he laughed handing it over. "I did bring this for you."
"Handy," she teased taking the glass off him. He watched her drink it before removing both the glass and himself from the room. Leaning back onto the pillows instinct made her hands protectively wrap over her stomach as she looked up at the ceiling and sent a silent prayer to her Grandfather to watch over them both.
Month One
"How are we today?" Aelthi asked waking her. Opening one eye she growled gently until he chuckled, her curtains were opened before a glass was placed once more in her hand.
"Drink," she muttered imitating his voice. "Can we go to the beach today?"
"Yes of course," he smiled. "I am not holding you prisoner; I just felt a night of peaceful sleep would be best for you and the baby."
"I'll believe it when I see it," she laughed.
"You do not trust me?" she shook her head softly before slowly removing herself from the endless amounts of quilts someone had placed over her. Standing beside him at the window she looked at his calm reflection and sighed.
"Of course I do," she confessed. "Probably more than I should," she watched as a smirk appeared on his face.
"We work exceptionally well together Majesty," he told her.
"I feel as though you do the work," she said walking away. "I am simply there for the signature."
….
Eric looked up as the sweetest smell invaded his nose, it wasn't just fairy he realised, it was something even sweeter.
"It would appear that my wife has returned," he smiled. Sookie appeared from nowhere a half smile on her face.
"How did you know?"
"I could smell you," he teased showing her his fangs. "Come to me."
"This is only a popping visit," she explained swaying towards him gently. "I must return to Fey, Aelthi will be furious I have left so soon."
"It is done?"
"It is indeedy," she sighed. "My eggo is apparently preggo," she laughed.
"Your crass surprises me," he laughed holding out a hand for her. Her tiny one touched his and he pulled her towards him harshly.
"Eric," she snapped releasing herself. "I have to be careful for the first 3 months." He snorted before realising she was completely serious. His eyes flashed down to her stomach before he looked back at her face.
"Does this mean what I think it means?"
"No sex," she told him. "I can't even risk it."
"FOR THREE MONTHS?" he roared rising. "You managed to avoid having that little talk with me didn't you fairy."
"Clearly it's because you're so level headed about these things," she teased.
"You know I am simply going to miss your touch," he purred. With a little sigh she swished towards him again leaning over his giant frame.
"As I am going to miss yours."
"What will you miss the most?"
"Your hands," she purred. "Touching down from my face to my toes," she grinned.
"I will miss your mouth," he grinned. "Your little human teeth nibbling at me."
"You shall barely even notice that I am missing," she promised kissing his forehead. "I shall return to you at any chance I can."
"I know," he smiled. "I have lived over 1000 years Sookie, waiting these months for you will be nothing to me."
The second Sookie returned to Fey she was confronted by Aelthi who was already in full fairy mode. His ears pointed, his teeth elongated and the shimmer around him glowing brightly.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!" he snapped.
"I am your Queen," she said simply. "If I want to go for a walk, I will."
"You need to rest," he growled, his features not returning to normal in the slightest.
"Do I need to remove you?"
"Do I need to follow you everywhere?" he sighed dramatically. "Majesty, the magic I have invoked is strongest in this realm. Please, please just stay here."
"I shall," she whispered walking towards her chambers. "I shall remain in Fey for 3 months," settling back onto the bed she watched as his anger dissolved completely. "I will require entertainment though if I am being forced to remain in this bed for a week."
"Of course," he nodded. "Food?"
"I am actually not that hungry, is that normal?"
"Yes," he nodded again. "I shall have Galeal bring up your maternity milkshake and I shall go into the human world and gather supplies for you."
After a week of bed rest Sookie was finally allowed out of the castle and reinstated on her throne. As Aelthi brought her up to speed on what she had missed she saw the looks the twins kept shooting her.
"Yes?"
"You smell amazing," Claude told her.
"I assume you mean that as a compliment," she laughed.
"It's the closest to a compliment off me you'll get," he teased giving her a wink. Sookie shook her head slightly before looking at the pile of paper on the desk.
"How about," she sang looking at Aelthi.
"We get some work done?" he teased. "Excellent idea."
"I was going to suggest a picnic on the beach," she grinned. "Or in the gardens," she gasped. "I can consult paper from a picnic blanket," she pointed out. With a little groan he nodded gesturing towards the doors.
"After you," he smiled.
Sookie looked at Aelthi as he leaned over a book scribing away, she was supposed to be translating some runes but so far she had just stared into space.
"I took a pregnancy test," she told him finally. Ever so slowly her advisors head lifted and he looked at her amused.
"And?"
"It came back negative," she answered.
"Did you take another?"
"I took 10," she confessed. "Only one came back positive."
"Are you worried?" he asked.
"Yes of course," she snapped at him. "You assured me it had worked."
"It has," he told her simply.
"I don't believe you anymore," rising from the chair she ran hands through her hair frustrated. "Maybe I should go back to the human world, go see my gynaecologist."
"Fey doctors are much more equipped to deal with fairy babies than humans," he told her simply. "Allow me to arrange an appointment with the same one who treated Claudine," Sookie sat back down, resting her face in her hands she finally nodded.
Sookie wasn't entirely sure what she was expecting when she entered the Fey Doctors. She went through the routine of 'look it's the Queen' before she was finally given her own waiting room. Even in Fey they supplied terrible out of date magazines that she was used to back in the human world. As she flicked through one she waited patiently, her nerves had slowly died down after she had been violently sick that very morning.
"Majesty?" a voice called. She rose as a handsome male fairy appeared and bowed to her, she allowed him a few minutes to gather himself before he led her down to his office.
"Your advisor tells me that you are pregnant," he smiled.
"Apparently," she answered instantly. "I should be about 3 weeks now. However I've taken some tests and only one came back positive and I feel no different."
"You are partially human?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Ah," he smiled. He helped her up onto the very luxurious bed before he helped her fluff some pillows. "This will only take seconds," he said smiling. He mumbled some Fey words over her stomach that Sookie had never heard before but knew she would be repeating later to Dima to see what they meant. She waited seconds before she felt a warmth on her stomach and she watched as it finally began glowing.
"Pregnant," he declared stepping away.
"You are sure?"
"Yes," he laughed helping her down. He poured them both a glass of juice that had been sitting beside his desk and she sipped it gently.
"You are aware that pregnancies for our kind last for 13 months correct?"
"Yes," she smiled. "I watched my cousin go through her whole pregnancy and I've also been told not to travel for 3 months."
"Yes," he nodded. "You have already been given some excellent advice. I trust the father is a Fey?"
"He is," she nodded. "Healthy, good blood."
"I wouldn't expect Aelthi to find you anything but the best," he nodded. "He's clearly very devoted."
"Oh very much so," she nodded. "Do you know him?"
"He's my brother," the doctor laughed.
"Of course he is," she muttered.
Month Two
Sookie looked up from her bathroom floor sighing gently as Claudine handed her over a slice of bread. Nibbling the corners she extended her arms for help, as she straightened up the usual wave of sickness hit her leaving her racked with an acid taste in her mouth.
"I can make this go away," Aelthi called from her bedroom. "Just say the word."
"I want the whole experience," she snapped. Claudine chuckled whilst dabbing her face with a wet cloth, her eyes sparkling with joy as she did so.
"You look stunning today," the fairy whispered. Sookie blushed gently waving away her hands. It had been noted by several people that her features had softened greatly since the pregnancy. Her skin glowed with more health, her hair shone a little brighter and even her eyes seemed to glow more.
"Even with sick on my chin?"
"Definitely," Claudine laughed. Sookie strolled from the bathroom and straight into her awaiting gown. Today she was meeting with the council who had been sent a formal request from Sophie Ann. Since she was not popping between worlds Claude would be her official representative. The council didn't know of her current situation and until she had safely cleared the three month mark she would not be taking any risks.
"OH," a voice cackled. "It graces us with its presence," Sookie scowled at Markus as he chuckled slightly to the other men.
"It is your Queen," Aelthi snapped instantly.
"IT," she screamed. "Has a fucking name," she hissed sitting down.
"Sorry," both whispered gently.
"Can I get an iced tea?" she asked leaning back in her chair and looking at Aelthi. He nodded instantly before disappearing. As the meeting started he appeared once more with a tall glass complete with straw and ice.
"No guards have been used so far," Markus told her. "I see no reason why we should send more."
"I agree," she nodded. "I am even considering removing the ones currently in place. I do not see reason to keep them in harm's way."
"You are calling the vampires harm's way?"
"They are vampires," she snorted. "Of course I'm calling them that," as the words left her mouth Sookie realised what she had said. The looks on people's faces around her made her realise the error she had made.
"I think," Claudine piped up. "She only means those vampires, not all vampires."
"Exactly," she sighed. With a quick smile to her cousin the meeting carried on. More funding was needed for a statue, some neighbours had been fighting over land issues and a portal had been discovered.
"Close the portal," she ordered with a simple wave of her hand. The rest of the meeting she passed by simply staring out of the window or flicking bits of paper into Claudine's hair.
"I cannot concentrate," she said finally rising. "I need to be outside." If anyone found this behaviour odd they did not say a word. As she walked through the gardens she felt Galeal behind her. Turning she noticed the slight smile on his face; he gave her a low bow.
"Agitated?"
"Yes," she confessed. "Come sit with me." He did so with no words, the pair sitting on the bench as she looked him over. He kept his eyes away from hers; they constantly surveyed the grounds, alert and ready for any hint of danger.
"How are you doing?" he asked gently finally meeting her eyes.
"Well," she smiled.
"Just well?"
"I am being sick on a daily basis now," she confessed. "I am no larger in stomach or breast; however people say I smell differently."
"You also look more exceptional," he smiled. "If it is possible."
"You think?"
"I do indeed," he whispered. "Your hair shines more freely; your eyes are sparkling more."
"I don't find that I am more hungry yet," she confessed to him.
"Ah," he nodded. "I suppose you were excited to be eating for two?" She nodded gently and rested her hands over his; he gave her the briefest smiles before attempting to thread his fingers into hers. "This is nice," he commented. He stopped and rose from the bench instantly and Sookie realised that Markus had entered her gardens.
"Son," he nodded.
"Father," he bowed.
"Majesty," he said.
"You," she muttered.
"Delightful as always," he laughed standing in front of them. His hands were folded in front of him, his eyes latched onto the pair.
"Can I help you with something?" she asked finally.
"You have failed to attend two meetings," he sighed. "Then during this one, you leave. A Queen needs to know what's going on in her Kingdom."
"I am fully aware of everything that is going on," she told him. "If you have any issues with me say them now and I'll consider not walking off again."
"Why aren't you attending the meeting personally?"
"I am busy," she muttered.
"Clearly," he coughed. "There's a rumour that you attended a doctors appointment recently. A fertility specialist."
"Rumours are poison," she spat at him. "They have no place on council meetings.
"Well said," he nodded. "You look exceptional today by the way," he smiled. "Much more like a Fey."
Month Three
Sookie stood on her tiptoes in front of the mirror. She was only in a pair of knickers and a vest but when she had turned just then she had sworn she had seen a bump. Doing the same movements now in front of the mirror she was certain she had imagined it. She was still incredibly toned, bordering on flat.
"Only another 10 months to go," she whispered to herself. As she stood normally the slight curve returned bringing a much needed smile to her face.
"There you are," she said gently touching the skin now. "And there you shall be," she whispered.
"Who are you talking too?"
Sookie turned and smiled at Claudine who was leaning against her doorway. With a slight shake of her head she finished dressing and followed her cousin downstairs to greet the baby. The three were having a much needed family picnic on the banks today and Sookie was also using it as an excuse to watch Galeal train.
Over the last two weeks her need to be around the warrior had soared massively and even now she was excited to see him. Claudine was chatting away to her as she walked holding baby Brielle in her arms. She made appropriate noises towards her cousin but her sole focus was on the wriggling child in her arms. Breathing in her fresh clean smell she smiled against the soft pink cheeks and nibbled on her little fingers.
"You aren't even listening so why am I bothering?" Claudine suddenly snapped.
"I am merely testing your patience levels," Sookie lied. "You excelled as always."
They reached the picnic destination to find Aelthi finishing setting up, as they approached he led them through the menu (scallops, prawns, oysters, fresh lychees and pomegranates) as well as an abundance of cakes that Sookie had requested. Before them the warriors all trained completely oblivious to what was happening above them.
"So which one did you pick as the baby daddy?" Claudine asked breaking off a layer of éclair. Sookie looked up at her and scowled gently.
"I will not tell," she smiled. "Guess though, let's see if we have similar ideas."
"Well," she laughed. "You will have picked a blonde," she muttered. "So that narrows it down massively."
"Maybe," she smiled. As she tossed a handful of pomegranates into her mouth she felt eyes on her and noticed Dima watching her closely. She gave him a little wave which he responded with a bow.
"Dima?"
"Isn't blonde," Sookie pointed out.
"No," she laughed. "He is besotted though, everyone knows it."
"He is loyal," she corrected. The next set of eyes that burnt into her belonged to Galeal and she met them happily as he trained, his body shining in the evening Fey sun.
"You are drooling cousin," Claudine laughed. "Something appeal to you?"
"No," she coughed turning her back on them. "Let us return to the house," Sookie smiled. Claudine followed her laughing slightly which annoyed Sookie more. As they entered she excused herself for a shower.
"Will you be returning to the human world tonight?" Aelthi asked. Sookie paused and noticed him lurking near her room, his smile both welcoming and worrying.
"Yes," she nodded. "I will require no guards."
"As you wish," he nodded leaving.
Eric awoke to the cheerful sounds of his wife singing to herself somewhere in the house. He found her eventually dancing to herself in the study he was occupying.
"Wife of mine," he growled.
"Hello," she giggled turning to meet him. Eric paused however because he was fairly certain that what stood before him wasn't his wife. She sounded like her, definitely sang like her but she didn't resemble her or smell like her.
"Fairy," he growled lurching forward. Sookie gave a little scream of excitement before she noticed his fangs had elongated and he was now stalking her.
"Are you doing that sexually or do you really want to fight me?" she asked confused.
"I want to fuck you and drain you of blood," he answered honestly.
"ERIC," she screamed.
"You look so edible," he purred. "You smell so edible."
"It's the pregnancy," she confessed still keeping her distance. "Please control yourself and we can try this again."
"I fear I can't," he told her. "I think you should leave." Sookie looked wounded as she stepped towards him but once again his fangs appeared and she yelped as she backed away.
"We shall try this again shortly," she promised.
Month Four
Sookie could practically feel his hands on her body, the way his mouth melted over her own, his legs pressing against her own. He smelt incredibly sweet as she licked his neck, his face moving from her own to pass over her breasts. He stayed around her stomach whispering to the growing child before moving further down her body. His newly acquired facial hair tickled her thighs as he spread them apart before she found herself panting and wriggling to his touch. Hands appeared from nowhere to cover her completely, he was everything to her at that moment and he was everywhere on her.
"Do you wish for me to continue Majesty?" Galeal asked.
With a gasp she jolted up from the bed and gasped at her own imagination. It had felt real to her, it had felt so real that when she looked down at her body certain parts were still damp from his kisses.
"DIMA," she screamed. Within seconds her guard was there, his swords out, his eyes flashing a dangerous colour as he looked at her first and then the room.
"What troubles you?" he asked.
"Has anyone been in my room?" she asked him simply.
"No," he said putting his weapons away. "I have stood guard all night," with that he blushed a little and looked away from her.
"What is it?" she asked confused.
"You were just dreaming," he said simply. "Loudly."
"Oh," she blushed. "Oh good lord," she cried rubbing her face. "It felt so real." He gave her a little chuckle and she groaned and threw a pillow from her bed at him. As he left she rose from the bed and entered the bathroom. On her thighs she found little claw marks which made her pause. Lifting her leg onto the counter she matched them up with her own nails.
"Oh fuck," she muttered.
The next day as she attended to court she could sense Galeal in her guard. As people issued her with praise and their concerns she felt her mind wandering back to her dream. She had captured him perfectly in her thoughts, his body now hidden by clothes but she knew what lurked underneath. It was painful for her to realise that she wanted him, she had now not been with Eric for 4 months and each time she went home to see him he was bordering on trying to kill her.
"You will not get the better of me," she muttered to the baby. "Nope," she muttered. She turned again from the talking to watch him, finding him also watching her. As they locked eyes she felt her face rise with blush and grinned almost wickedly at him.
"I need you," she thought. "I want you." His own grin answered hers perfectly before she turned back to the meeting. The closer it came to the end the more in touch with her own logical thoughts she became.
"Majesty?" Aelthi asked. "We have the afternoon free, what would you like to do?"
Sookie found herself almost saying 'Galeal' before she managed to swallow that thought and smiled at him.
"I would like to go swimming," she told him. "Yes, swimming." With a nod he followed her to her chambers so he could change. Sookie was swimming weekly now at one of the softer sides of the Fey river. Most days she just lounged in the water and completed a few laps but today she just wanted to float about. Aelthi sat beside the bank sketching some trees as her guards fanned out around her. As her mind drifted she imagined Galeal joining her in the water. How her legs would wrap around his torso, how he would taste dripping with water. With a splash she rose from the water, scrambling to the bank she looked at Aelthi almost desperately.
"I am having," she whispered. "I am having thoughts."
"About?" he asked confused putting his sketch pad down. He had been drawing an exceptionally beautiful willow tree which lurked behind her.
"Sex," she gasped sitting down. "With Galeal."
"Is that all?"
"They feel real," she explained. "I woke up yesterday with claw marks on my thighs."
"Is that why Dima was summoned? I had heard a rumour that he had been called into your chambers last night," he explained.
"I thought someone had been in my room," she told him. "Does this happen?"
"Yes," he laughed. "I am shocked Claudine did not mention this to you," he laughed again.
"Will it stop?" she asked.
"I believe so," he nodded. "I think it does last a good few weeks though."
"Oh fuck," she growled flopping backwards.
"Are they good?"
"The best," she muttered. "That is beside the point of course."
"Oh," he chuckled. "Of course."
Sookie was once again back to the land of hands. This time he was behind her and she was gazing out of the window to her gardens. His tongue had weaved around the base of her spine before kissing upwards, he had spread her legs apart and made her grip the windowsill as he kissed all her back.
"DIMA," she screamed waking up. This time she found herself stood in the centre of her room, her whole body shaking.
"Majesty?" Galeal asked opening the door.
"Where is Dima?" she asked backing away.
"He is off tonight," he said. "What is wrong?"
"I was sleep walking," she gasped. "I need a drink or something."
"Of course," he nodded. "Would you like me to put you back into bed?"
"No," she lied. "I will be fine. Just a nice glass of iced tea please." He nodded and departed the room as she composed herself. When he returned she was sat on the edge of the bed, he crouched in front of her and lifted her head gently.
"You look exhausted," he told her.
"I feel it," she confessed. He handed her the glass before rising, he crouched back down however fast to inspect her legs.
"What is this?"
"I did it in my sleep," she told him. He looked at her confused before he scowled at her gently.
"I could make you a sleeping draft," he said rising.
"Would it take away my dreams?" she asked.
"Yes," he nodded. He touched her face then, his thumb trailing over her nose and lips.
"Oh," she purred.
"Oh?" he asked confused.
"Could you make me one now?" she asked blushing. He nodded and left the room, Sookie entered her bathroom to compose herself as he did so. Her hair looked a little wild and there was marks under her eyes. Most nights now she woke up in a puddle of her own sweat, her imagination was betraying her. When Galeal returned she was already in bed awaiting him, he stood guard as she finished the drink before bowing and leaving the room. As promised she had no dreams.
Month Five
Sookie laughed with utter joy as Brielle rose slightly off the floor and fell again. They were in the main hall today, blankets and toys scattered about them as she attended to her goddaughter. No Queen business today had been planned and all her guards seemed to be lounging around the edges of the room simply watching her or out of the window. Even Aelthi had made himself scarce for today.
"What a clever girl," she clapped again.
"Majesty?" Dima asked approaching her.
"Yes?"
"May we depart?" he asked. "I was thinking of taking the boys for a run through the mountains," he explained.
"Of course," she smiled happily. "I shall remain indoors with Brielle; attend me when you get back." He nodded and left and Sookie felt the first stab of pain in her side making her gasp and clutch her side. "Oh," she coughed laughing gently. Dima had barely gone 5 steps before he paused and looked at her, he looked at her clutching her side and growled.
"Galeal will stay to guard," he spat.
"I do not need a guard," she laughed at him. However as he said those words the pain eased off. Sookie then felt a little elation spreading from her womb. "Ok," she whispered both to Dima and to her child. "He stays."
"You require me?" Galeal asked. It happened again and Sookie smiled to herself, her body had come to life at the sound of his voice.
"Just," she paused. "Sit with us."
"Of course," he folded his legs as he watched both of them, Sookie sighed and looked at him before focusing her attention back on Brielle.
"Eric wanted me to name her as my heir," she confessed to him. "She would have made a magnificent Queen eventually," she grinned kissing the babies cheek.
"Nothing compared to the one we have now," he smiled.
"Tease," she purred.
"How are the sleeping drinks treating you?" he laughed.
"Well," she nodded. "I have been able to sleep right through the night for the past fortnight." He smiled a genuinely pleased smile which made Sookie stare at him for much longer than was needed. Once again she returned her attention to the baby on the mat who was now edging her way towards a bowl full of grapes. "Ah ah ahhhh," Sookie chastised waving her hand slightly. As she did so the bowl tossed into the wall, shattering and sending glass and grapes everywhere. To Sookie however it seemed to happen in slow motion, then she realised it wasn't just her, it was everything.
"What is going on?"
"You're doing that," Galeal laughed. "You've slowed time Majesty."
"That's not possible," she gasped. Her eyes left the bowl fragments to check on Brielle and the second she did they fell crashing loudly and sending the fragments towards them.
"No," she screamed frustrated. In Sookie's whole life she had created only a handful of barriers to protect herself. It had usually been from the twin's magic lessons, but this time she made one it glowed brighter than ever before.
"Holy," she swore looking at it. The glass and grape impacted upon the shield and merely disappeared, leaving behind only dust in its wake. "Tell no one," she whispered looking at Galeal.
"That was an amazing bit of magic," he laughed at her. "Majesty, you should be proud."
"I've never done that before," she confessed.
"It is because of the child," he told her smiling. "Look what we have created."
As Sookie retired Brielle to bed she returned to the main hall to sit beside Galeal.
"Teach me something," she whispered.
"What would you like to do?" he asked smiling.
"Niall," she paused. "Niall used to do this trick with me as a child. He would create these balls of light and they would change into fireworks and bounce around my room," she smiled.
"That is something all Fey are taught as children," he laughed. "However if that is your wish."
By the end of the hour Sookie had her own bright blue ball of light which she bounced off all over her hall. The sparks which flew off, came in rainbow colours of the brightest kind. They showered over the walls and all around her making her laugh ecstatically. All the while Galeal watched from a blanket on the floor.
"This is quite childish isn't it?"
"No," he lied smiling at her. "However you should try something a little more advance."
"We're happy doing this," she smiled at him. It was true as well, the whole time she had been performing magic her womb had come to life. The happiness which radiated from her unborn was enough to send her dizzy.
"May I?" he asked suddenly rising. Sookie looked at him confused before he moved and placed a hand onto her bump. Sookie was officially calling it a bump even though she was only 5 months gone. It was bigger than her normal flat stomach so it was officially a bump.
"Ah," he smiled before kissing her forehead. "Growing well," he commented. Sookie slid her own hand over his and sighed at the utter elation she felt.
"Feel nice?" he asked moving even closer to her.
"Very," she commented. He was close now she realised, too close. "You should leave," she muttered backing away from him. "You know the deal we had."
"Cum in a cup," he nodded. "You need me around," he told her.
"I need no one," she snapped.
"You will regret saying that," he snapped back. "Do not pretend that you are not happy to have me close by," he told her. "You need me close by."
"Did you know that this would happen?" she asked him. "That I would begin to feel this way?"
"That you would call out for me in your sleep? That you would crave my attention?" he asked. "Yes of course I knew. Every fairy knows that the pregnant mate NEEDS her donor around."
"WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME," she screamed. He glared something fierce at her before he turned and started walking away.
"It would not have been like this if you weren't attracted to me in the first place," he told her. "You can blame this on our child as much as you want but you cannot deny that you had feelings for me before I agreed to donate."
"Please stay," Sookie heard herself whisper. He paused at the door before he simply walked out without looking at her. Sookie felt like her world had collapsed as he walked out. Moving towards her chair she sat down and laughed bitterly at the feelings she was having. During the last month she had not once thought of Eric, her mind was constantly in order drive thinking of Galeal.
"I have failed you," she whispered looking towards Niall's old chair. "Please, tell me what to do."
When Aelthi came to find her later Sookie was curled up against the wall. His eyes flashed fierce as he rose and inspected the hall.
"What happened?"
"I want to go home," she whispered.
"You are home," he said confused.
"I want Niall," she cried.
"Oh Majesty," he whispered. "Look at me," he purred. With reluctance she looked up at him and he smiled before stroking her face. "Sleep now, I shall make this all better."
Sookie awoke from possibly the best night's sleep of her life. As she turned under the covers she smiled at the fresh flowers beside her bed and the small plate of toast. At the foot of her bed Aelthi lounged on her sofa sipping out of a cup.
"Morning," he smiled. She flopped back onto the pillows and stretched her body out feeling nothing but peace.
"I feel better today," she confessed.
"I should hope so," he snorted. "I did some pretty impressive magic last night."
"You made me sleep," she laughed. He nodded and raised his cup to her which only resulted in more laughter.
"There's a council meeting this morning," he said opening her diary. "It's to discuss the Royal Ball to celebrate your first year as Queen." Sookie nodded and reached for a slice of toast. As she chewed she noticed Dima stood beside the door.
"Morning Dima," she smiled.
"Good morning Majesty," he bowed. She continued to eat before she sat up fully and looked at both men confused.
"Why are you both here?"
"I am your Royal Guard," Dima said confused.
"Royal Advisor," Aelthi said waving her diary at her.
"Yes I am aware of that," she muttered. "Yet neither of you are usually in the room when I awake," she told them. They remained silent for a few minutes, shooting each other looks before Dima coughed uncomfortably and looked away.
"We worried," Aelthi told her simply. "You were in a lot of distress last night. My first two attempts at getting you to sleep didn't work, I had to trick your mind but the weeping wouldn't stop. You screamed for Niall for nearly 3 hours."
"Oh," she said blushing.
"It was like the bad days," Dima told her. "I returned mid screaming and together with Aelthi we managed to get you into your chambers."
"How bad?" she asked.
"You broke a few windows," Aelthi told her. "They are being repaired now however."
"What else?"
"That is all," Dima smiled. "A few broken windows is nothing compared to a trashed house. I assure you of that."
"Who knows?"
"Just us," Aelthi said instantly. "I swear that."
"That's how it shall stay," she muttered. "How did you explain the broken glass?"
"Failed magic experiment," Dima said straight away. "I said I was showing off to you and it got out of hand."
"Thank you," she smiled.
Aelthi remained in the room with her as she dressed for the day. She wore a summery dress today and a little shawl, she was trying to look as human as possible she realised. When she entered the hall Galeal bowed his head a little as she passed before she returned to stand in front of him.
"You will attend me later," she told him.
"I will?"
"Yes," she snapped. "I am your Queen, it is your duty."
"Of course," he nodded.
Sookie was doodling her dress design as Aelthi and the other council members made the arrangements. Every now and then however she lifted her head to comment on a colour or a flower she would prefer. This sort of Queen business did not interest her in the slightest.
"Did the old regent ever have really interesting days?" she asked looking at Claudine.
"The old regent was Niall," her cousin smiled. "And for 20 something years his main focus was a little blonde half fairy."
"I mean," she laughed. "In the really olden days. I remember reading about English Monarchs who used to declare wars on other countries and had masses of villagers all wanting their attention."
"No," Claudine laughed. "We are fairies, we don't often declare war and we most certainly do not allow villagers in the Royal Residence."
"Do we have villagers?"
"Yes," she nodded scribbling something down. "I assume now you'll want to go see them?"
"Can I?" she asked looking at Aelthi.
"One day," he muttered. Even though he was fully immersed in table arrangements he was always listening to her conversations. It was both handy and disturbing all at once to her. She went back to doodling before she felt a hunger pain start.
"Shall we retire for food?" she announced.
"Hungry?"
"Starving," she moaned. "Please say, there's some sort of feast."
As it turned out, a buffet had been prepared and Sookie was almost bouncing on the spot to get at it. As she loaded a plate full of decadent pastries she realised she had barely even made it half way down the table.
"Fuck," she muttered. "Hold this," she said passing her plate to Dima. By the end of the table he was holding three plates for her as she nibbled a plate of cheese and grapes. "Are you hungry?" she inquired looking at him over her shoulder.
"No,"
"Just no?"
"I ate earlier Majesty," he corrected. Sookie sat underneath the window watching as others piled towards the food table. They stood chatting about their families, the ball, vampires, her and she just sat to the side watching.
"Smile," Aelthi muttered dropping beside her with a small handful of grapes.
"I am too young for this aren't I?" she asked him.
"Maybe," he shrugged. "When you have a child," he paused. "Everything will be different; I believe you shall be different."
"It's not as though it's hard being Queen," she laughed. "I turn up for the occasional meeting and the rest of the time I just lounge around doing nothing."
"You want more responsibility?"
"I would love that," she exclaimed.
"We live in a peaceful realm. Thanks to you and Niall we have no fear of civil wars; you are loved and respected by the people, is that not better than to be feared?"
"How do you just," she laughed. "You just weave these amazing sentences that instantly make me feel as though I am as amazing as you say."
"Is that not why you hired me?"
"I barely remember hiring you," she laughed. "I honestly wonder if you have always been here."
"Do you require more food Majesty?" Dima interrupted. Sookie realised that as she had been talking she had managed to put away all four plates of food.
"Maybe," she breathed rubbing her stomach. "Think we'll have some more crushed crab, maybe some crackers, definitely cheese and grapes. Maybe some of that venison steak and some creamed potatoes with just a dash of truffles." He gave her a little smirk before leaving to get her request. As she spooned in her last mouthful she noticed that several council members had been shooting her looks.
"The venison is amazing," she declared.
"I caught it myself today," Markus boomed appearing from behind some other guests. "You should join us one day on a hunt."
"Can I?" she asked looking at Aelthi.
"Maybe," he muttered. "I will free up some time over the next two months."
"Excellent," he clapped. "You've certainly been putting away the food today," he laughed. "Trying to bulk up that little petite frame of yours?"
"Something like that," she muttered putting another empty plate on the floor. "Have we managed to finalise a band then? I prefer the thought of classical, I do adore a waltz."
"Classical it shall be then," he nodded. "The flowers you have chosen are beautiful as well; the table centre pieces are ingenious."
"Oh," she said happily. "Aelthi and I saw the most beautiful willow tree a few days back, didn't we?" she said twisting towards him. "I just, I adored it and I thought a small tree in the centre of each table with little glasses hanging off and little sparks of light would just be magical."
"They are indeed," he nodded. "We need to discuss as well," he muttered. "Something quite private."
"Such as?" she muttered. "Dima, would you see if there's any more cake around?"
"There are rumours," he started.
"Poison," she snapped instantly. "And not welcome in my council."
"Not about fairy business," he told her. "It is about your husband." Sookie turned on her fakest smile possible as she turned to look at him.
"Whatever you have heard, you must disregard it as false," she said not breaking the smile on her face. "If you ever come to me with rumours of my husband again I will kill you. I have done it before and I swear I will do it again."
"Understood," he nodded.
Sookie undressed and placed the softest lilac bed dress on she owned. As she sat in front of her mirror brushing her hair the door knocked and opened. Galeal entered bowing low to her before he did a quick tour of her room.
"You require me for something?"
With a simple nod she rose from the chair, her eyes looked him over, scanning every inch of him.
"We need you," she said finally. He gave her a slight nod before gesturing towards the bed. Without a word she slid on and waited for him. He removed his clothes and joined her, as she settled herself into his arms she clutched him.
"Do not do that again," she warned.
"Yes Majesty," he whispered breathing into her hair.
"Sookie," she corrected. "You have to call me Sookie in here."
Month Six
Eric looked up from his computer to find Aelthi in front of him. The fairy was smiling in quite possibly the most sinister way imaginable. The two simply stared at each other for several minutes before the fairy smirked.
"Rumours have reached Fey, of some infidelity," he said. The glee in his voice was evident as he said the words which he had clearly been longing to say for a while. "I have hidden the worst of it from the Queen due to her current state."
"She's still pregnant then," he muttered.
"Very much so," he smiled. "She glows more radiant as the day comes."
"Are you waiting for me to confirm or deny these rumours or are you just enjoying being a prick?" Eric snapped at him.
"I do not care," he laughed. "Sookie has always deserved better than a vampire for a partner. She will not hear of these rumours from me."
"Can I see her to explain?" he asked rubbing his face.
"You may," he nodded. "I have already arranged some guard duty tonight and she shall return to your home in about an hour." With that he was gone, leaving behind only the faintest smell of sunshine and Sookie.
Leaving his office he flew home quickly to make sure it was presentable for his wife's return. He then drank 5 bottles of tru blood in order to suppress the instant hunger he got whenever she was near. No one could ever call Eric a weak vampire; he was just a weak male. After only been able to see Sookie for minutes at a time it was getting too much. The politics of his world had caught up to him and he had somehow ended up betrothed to marry another.
"Hi," a voice whispered gently. Sookie was before him flanked by four guards who all looked ready to kill him if he moved.
"Hello my love," he smiled.
"Aelthi said you requested to see me," she laughed gently. "I was due to come home tomorrow anyway you know. It's our weekly 5 minutes together."
"I would request the guards leave," Eric told her. "We have much to discuss and I do not want extra ears."
"We will not leave," the one called Dima told him.
"Eric," she giggled. "You know the rules for now."
"My love," he paused. "I do not want this discussion in front of others." Sookie looked first at the guards who simply shook their heads and then back to him.
"Eric," she whispered. "What's wrong?"
"There have been some complications whilst you have been away," he told her. "I have been lost without my fairy by my side. I have been weak," he finished.
"Please," she whispered. "Just stop talking."
"Sookie," he snapped. "You have left me for nearly 6 months. What did you expect?"
"YOU HAVE WAITED LONGER," she screamed at him. Her anger was evident as her features began to change. "You waited years for me once, what changed?" she growled stepping away from her guards. He growled at her but she merely growled right back at him. "I could have betrayed you several times but I have not," she spat.
"It is not just the time," he sighed running his hands through his hair. "I have deliberated this for a long time now. It is why I agreed to the child."
"You what?" she screamed. "How long has this been going on?"
"I have been engaged to her for several months now," he confessed.
"Oh have you now," she laughed bitterly.
"You have no idea what vampire politics are like, I had no choice," he growled. "I was ordered by my master."
"You think I give a fuck?" she laughed. "I am your bonded. I am one step away from being your wife," she hissed.
"I can have two wives," he shrugged.
"No, you can't," she laughed removing her ring. As she turned to leave it on his desk his hands reached for her. "Oh god no," she screamed raising her hand to him. Eric felt the air move as he was thrown against the wall. Her eyes flashed blue for a second before she calmed herself down. "I am a Queen, I do not need you."
Sookie wept like she had lost a limb that night, even with the appearance of Galeal she felt no better. Yes, she had been allowing the warrior to sleep in her bed but not once had it had gotten past cuddling. Just having the guard around made her feel better, the dreams disappeared, and her mood improved and most nights they sat up practicing some new powers she had developed. It was just like having a friend around, or how it had been with Claudine growing up. She needed the interaction with someone.
"Sleep," he whispered gently as he smoothed her hair down. "You do not deserve this pain."
"Does everyone know?" she asked sometime later. Galeal was reading on the sofa as she sprawled across the bed.
"Aelthi has warned anyone who speaks of it with death," he said rising and joining her again. "This is not your fault."
"Isn't it?" she asked. "If I wasn't so selfish to want a child he would not have been alone for so long. If I had just not done this," she paused because at that moment Galeal had launched towards her, his mouth meeting hers.
"Never regret carrying our child," he told her simply.
"Yes," she answered staring up at him.
"You may be fierce Sookie but I am the father and I will kill for our child," he whispered. "I will kill for you," he purred rubbing his face against hers.
"I know that," she smiled touching his face. He was still sprawled on top of her but Sookie enjoyed the weight.
…
"You aren't allowed to go," Sookie whined. Galeal laughed gently as he stood beside her and Dima on her other side sighed loudly. "I forbid it."
"It is two weeks," he whispered.
"I forbid it," she snapped.
"Majesty," Dima muttered. "It is training that all guards go through, unfortunately Galeal's falls upon this time."
"The Royal Ball though," she gasped. "I need as many guards as possible," she grinned.
"Extra have been brought in," Dima told her.
"What if I really forbid it?" she asked.
"I still must go," Galeal told her. Sookie waved her hand dismissing them both before sulking back onto her chair.
"My time was not due for another month or so," Galeal muttered as he walked with Dima.
"I say it's now, so its now," Dima answered simply.
"She needs me around," Galeal told him. "You know that."
"I know nothing," he spat. "I do not trust whatever plan you have concocted with that snake of an advisor."
"I merely performed a service," he laughed. Dima growled at him before unleashing a sword on his back.
"I will die protecting her before I allow you or him to mess with my Queen, is that understood?" he snarled.
"Yes," Galeal gulped.
…
Sookie spun around as danced freely, her skirts swishing around her legs as she laughed at the twin's expressions. The Royal Ball had so far been a huge success; fairies from every corner of the realm had come to greet her. Elves were scattered around, the odd demon as well she noted giving them a little head nod as she passed by. She had waltzed with Claude to much applause before feasting on freshly caught partridges and more venison.
"Tonight is going perfectly," she gasped to Aelthi as she stood beside him.
"You need to calm down," he said simply. "You have been up all day and dancing all night," he smiled.
"I do feel a little exhausted," she admitted. "Maybe you're right."
"I always am," he laughed. "I shall go grab Dima and he can escort you upstairs briefly." Sookie waved him away but instantly regretted it. What started as a slight warm feeling in her chest soon escalated making her gasp and cry out in pain. As she fell she felt arms grabbing her before she simply succumbed to the darkness.