A/N: People think that this story is too sad to read and that's fine and all, I would probably think the same thing too if I was a reader. But I'm a firm believer of the saying, 'the best things in life don't come easy' which is why I am a fan of angst stories and I am applying that to the Sookie fiction universe too (LOL). But of course there's the argument that can be made that Sookie has already gone through a lot, that this is too excessive, and that's agreeable, but this is the direction that I have chosen to take. Like I said in an earlier chapter Sookie will be going through hard times but she will have more happy times than sad moments. I think that if I started to write a story where she and Eric are happy, no worries, everything is peachy keen type of story, I would get bored and lose interest in writing it. That being said, on with the chapter. By the way sorry for the long delay. I was having trouble with writing decent sentences and plots plus real life got in the way. I'm so self conscious of my writing abilities, so I'm unsure of how good the quality of this chapter is. Next chapter will be Eric's POV.

Sookie's POV:

Tonight was the night for Eric's coronation ceremony and despite of everything that was going on, I was so excited for him. Pam and I went shopping for new gowns to wear. I had chosen a red Valentino gown, Eric's favourite colour. The vampires were still sleeping so I was getting ready by myself. I had gone to a salon and got my nails and hair done. They also did my makeup. By the time they were done, I didn't look like myself. I looked more like the glamorous person that Eric should be with. Vampires from across the country and from other nations had been invited so I was nervous about meeting the vampire elite. I still wasn't fully informed about what my role was going to be in this ceremony so that made me even more nervous. I also wasn't sure if Rosamund was going to be there. I never asked Eric, but in the limited amount of time that I've known her, I had a feeling that she would not miss this event for anything. I stare at my engagement ring and replay Eric's proposal in my mind and smile to myself. Though I know he already thinks that we're married, our human marriage ceremony will make it seem even more real to me. My good feelings are disrupted by the thoughts of Eric's other marriage that was to take place in a few days. Whether I was ready to face it or not, I couldn't help but think he was going to be a bigamist which was such a dirty word in the human world. I know that it wasn't his fault and choice, but I couldn't help but think of what Gran would think and say if she were still alive. Hell she was probably rolling around in her grave right now.

I decide to lay out my gown in the sitting room before I start to second guess myself even more. I also grab the new pumps that I bought. Just as I am about to unzip the gown from its bag, I feel a pair of arms snake around my waist.

"Good evening Lover," Eric whispers into my ear as he nibbles on it.

I put my hand on his arm, "Hey." I turn my head and smile at him giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. He leans in to kiss me on the lips but I move my head away.

"Honey, not right now, I just got my makeup and hair done. I don't want to ruin it so soon," I tell him.

"Fine," he sulks and gives me a kiss on my forehead. "Since I know that you will refuse me, I'm going to take a shower alone."

As Eric is showering I finish unzipping the bag and pull out my new gown. I know that he's going to want to work for a bit since it is still sunrise, so I turn on my laptop to check my emails. I find one strange email with an address and name that I am not familiar with.

Vithar: Getting ready for the big shindig tonight?

I stare at the message looking confused. I decide to respond.

Sookie: Yes I am, who is this?

The messenger promptly replies with an instant chat message.

Vithar: You've already forgotten me? I think that you have hurt my feelings. : (

I take a minute to think about the people that I've met recently and one name comes to mind.

Sookie: Marten?

Vithar: Right on! Is the big tall blonde clumsy vampire there with you?

Sookie: No he is in the shower. Are you coming to the ceremony tonight?

Vithar: Unfortunately not. Too many obligations here in NY. I must get back to my duties. Tell him congratulations and I hope to see you both very soon in the future.

Sookie: Ok I will tell him. Take care.

Vithar: You too Sookie. Just remember everything happens for a reason and you will overcome this and become stronger. If that bitch gives you any problems just tell me and I will take care of it.

I smile and chuckle.

Sookie: Thanks Marten, any more messages?

Vithar: Yes, say hi to Pam and give her a kiss for me.

Vithar: Scratch that, don't kiss her because I am not there to witness it.

I laugh a little.

Sookie: Goodbye.

I shut my laptop. Eric comes out of the bathroom still drying himself off.

"I heard you laughing," he says.

"Yeah I was chatting on the internet."

"With who?" he says with one eyebrow raised.

I roll my eyes. "Your friend the king of New York. He told me to tell you that he could not make it and congratulations."

"Oh," is all he says. Normally he would ask me a ton of questions whenever I conversed with another male but he lets it slide. He goes to his desk and starts typing on his computer and texting on his phone.

Hours pass and sun finally sets. We both get dressed and head upstairs to the main floor. As soon as we emerge we are greeted by Pam who is looking radiant in her Versace gown that is similar to the colour of a sunflower.

"Master," she says as she bows. "Sookie you look absolutely delicious," she says turning to face me with a fanged smile.

"Thanks Pam. You look beautiful." I give her a small hug which takes her by surprise, but she hugs me back.

"Master the limos are here," she says.

We head outside meeting up with my two vampire bodyguards. The guards take one car while Pam, Eric and I take the other. We ride in silence feeling overwhelmed with anticipation of the night to come.

An hour later we finally arrive at our destination, a country club and garden outside of New Orleans. We stop at the front entrance and step out of the car.

"Hello, my name is Katherine Whitemore, I'm with E(E)E. I was hired by Ms. Ravenscroft to assist her in the coordination of this ceremony," she says smiling at Eric but especially at Pam. Immediately I can tell that she is not entirely human and is attracted to Pam. "If you would come with me, we shall get you prepared for the ceremony."

Eric takes my hand as she leads us into the building. The foyer is beautifully decorated with red velvet drapes and crystal chandeliers. Tapestries adorn the walls. The walls are off white with arches leading to the main hall. As we are walking I look towards the main hall and see dozens of vampires conversing amongst themselves. We walk up a rounded staircase and towards a room at the end of the hallway. She opens the door for us.

In the room stands Felipe, Victor Madden, and another man that I have not met.

"Eric," Felipe says smiling. "Mizz Stackhouse you look stunning this evening."

I slightly smile and nod my head.

"Felipe," Eric says still holding my hand. Since they are now equals he does not bow.

"This is Adam Kirshner, he will be the emcee for the ceremony. The tiger would have been the one doing the job, but I know of your past history with him," he says glancing at me. "He is part demon like this lovely young lady," he says acknowledging Katherine.

"Mr. Northman, it is a pleasure to meet you finally. I have been communicating extensively with Ms. Ravenscroft for the past few weeks. Since you have had a busy schedule, there was no time for a rehearsal but I am sure that you know the process," the emcee says.

Eric nods. "Excellent," Adam says with a smile, "Now the people that walk in front of you are all aware of their roles. Your wife will be the last one to walk into the hall before you come in..." he says.

I interrupt him before he continues to speak. "Umm excuse me, but I wasn't told by anyone yet about the whole process of this ceremony. If I'm going to be walking before Eric then maybe I should know a little bit more about where I stand afterwards, how fast I should walk..." I stop when I notice the confused expression on his face.

"You are Mr. Northman's wife? I had spoken earlier with another woman..." he says but is interrupted by Felipe.

"You were speaking with Northman's fiancé who will be walking before him. Since he is technically unattached at the moment, Ms. Lefevre will fill that role seeing as she is soon shortly to be his wife in the coming days," he says.

This time it is me with the confused expression. Did I hear him right? I ask myself. I look at Eric who is staring at Felipe with rage in his eyes. It is rolling through our bond.

"Sookie will be walking before me," he says defiantly and glaring at Felipe.

"She cannot. As you are aware humans cannot partake in our ceremonies even if you are bonded to them. Since she is not your wife, she will have to stand amongst the crowd," Felipe says almost egging him.

I look back and forth between the two vampires feeling emotionally jumbled. "What is he talking about Eric?" I ask quietly.

The emcee can sense the palpable tension in the room. "Alright, well I will see you all downstairs," he says wisely leaving the room.

Felipe looks at me with a smirk on his face, "I can see that you have not told everything to your bonded Northman, we shall leave you to it." He snaps his finger and he and Victor leave the room.

I continue to stare at Eric who is still refusing to look at me.

"Pamela, leave the room," Eric says slowly.

She glances at me with a hint of sadness in her eyes and quickly leaves the room and closes the door behind her.

"What's going on Eric?" I say as calmly as I could. "He said we weren't married but you told me and had been telling me all these years that we were married in the vamp way."

He still doesn't look at me as he walks towards the fireplace in the room. I can't sense his emotions as he is blocking his end of the bond.

It seems like an eternity before he finally speaks. "I meant to tell you. I was going to tell you. The council declared our marriage invalid in Vancouver."

For a moment I cannot speak. Dozens of questions are forming in my mind. "Why?" I simply say.

He finally turns around and looks at me. "The council didn't approve the method in which I tied myself in matrimony with you. They didn't approve that I had taken the ceremonial dagger without their consent and thus punished me, us, by declaring our marriage invalid."

He sounds so calm, like this is acceptable to him, when all I want to do is scream my head off and cry. "Really Eric," I scoff, "Were you really going to tell me this important piece of information?" I look down at my engagement ring. "Is this why you asked me to marry you? To make up for this new mess in our lives?"

He starts to move towards and put his hands on my arms. "No I asked you to marry me because I love you and I don't care what they say, you are my wife, forever."

I try hard not to cry but my eyes still shed silent tears. I remove myself from his hands by moving back. I realise that this new development changes everything. I wipe some tears from my cheeks. "We aren't seen as married in your world anymore." I meant to say that more as a question but it comes out as a statement. This time I turn away from him and look towards the window.

"No, but I honestly did not think that this would not be a huge dilemma for you, seeing as you have never fully accepted our marriage in the past," he says in a neutral tone.

I can feel the anger rising in me. The anger and resentment that I had been repressing from the past few weeks was finally coming out. I turn around to look him in the eye. "So what, you thought that when you would tell me, I would be happy and say, 'Oh that's okay Eric, I don't mind that we aren't married. You can marry your vamp wench now without any additional problems with me'," I am seething now, "Of course this fucking matters to me!" I yell at him.

"Keep your voice down," Eric says in a low dangerous tone. His facial expression told me that he was getting angry.

I bite my lower lip in an effort to stop myself from crying. "So what happens now? Since apparently I am no longer your wife. She will be your only wife."

"We are still bonded and that holds significant meaning, for us, and in the eyes of other vampires. There is also our human wedding ceremony to look forward to," he tells me in an effort to reassure me but it's not working.

"But obviously the bond is not important enough that I cannot be a part of your coronation ceremony," I lament.

Suddenly there is a knock on the door.

"Master, we are awaiting your presence downstairs. The AP has arrived and is waiting to go into the main hall," Pam tells Eric through the door.

"We will discuss this more after the ceremony and reception, come," he says holding out his hand for me.

I wipe away another escaped tear. "I'm not going down there Eric. Not after this."

He looks at me with a hurt expression. "I cannot do anything about you not being a part of the ceremony this late, but I assure you my thoughts will be focused on you."

"You think the sole reason I don't want to watch is because I can't be a part of it? You obviously don't know me very well Eric," I say lividly.

"Sookie please..." he says trying to grab my hand.

"Just go Eric, you heard Pam. They're all waiting for you, your future wife is waiting for you," I say pulling my hand away from his grasp.

He ignores my request and takes both my hand in his and puts his forehead against mine. "I cannot do this without you. All this, everything that I have done means nothing to me without you there. You are the only person that matters to me and I need you there. Please Sookie."

The desperation in his voice and the feelings that I am receiving from the now open bond is telling me that he is being truthful. I close my eyes for a few seconds as I feel his lips against mine.

"Please Sookie," he whispers softly.

I breathe in deeply. "Okay, I will go downstairs with you and watch you become king," I say in a whisper.

"Thank you," he tells me tenderly.

We go to the door and find Pam standing there waiting for us. "Wait Sookie, let me fix your face up, it's all blotchy from crying," she says rather bluntly. I close my eyes and in her vampire speed, she fixes my makeup in seconds.

We make our way downstairs where Felipe, the emcee and Rosamund are waiting.

"Don't you two look lovely," she says smiling at Eric.

He just stares at her and summons Clint to us.

"I trust my bonded already has a seat reserved," Eric says to the emcee.

"Of course, your majesty, a few seats have been blocked for your special guests," he says.

"Sookie, Clint will accompany you to your seat," Eric tells me while rubbing my shoulders.

I give him a small smile. Knowing that Rosamund is watching us, I lean upwards to kiss him and he kisses me back passionately.

"Ahem," is what I hear as we continue to kiss.

"Sir, we're already running behind schedule," the emcee states.

Eric glares at him and gives me one last kiss. "I will see you soon afterwards and remember, my thoughts are only with you," he tells me softly.

I leave his embrace and Clint quickly ushers me into the main hall. There are already hundreds of vampires and a few humans who are all seated waiting for the ceremony to begin. We walk to our seats as dozens of eyes stare at us. I walk while staring at the dark hardwood floor but sometimes I glance up to see people staring. I hear faint whispering amongst the crowd. I'm not too sure if they are talking about me or Eric or Rosamund, perhaps all three of us.

We finally reach our seats which are in the front row nearest to the main stage. Suddenly I feel too uncomfortable to sit so close to the stage. I look around the area and I find an empty chair that is near the wall.

I turn to Clint, "I can't sit here. I'm going to sit at that empty chair." I turn around quickly before Clint can do anything. The music begins, an indication that the Ancient Pythoness was coming out. I look at Clint who looks like he is debating whether or not to join me but he does not as the ceremony is already starting.

The doors open as six beautiful female vampires dressed elegantly with long black hair come out of those doors located on the main stage. One of them is holding a red velvet cloak. They are followed by the Ancient Pythoness. Immediately, everyone in the room stands and become quiet. She walks slowly to the chair in the middle of the stage. She sits down as the female vampires stand behind her. Five other male vampires come through those same doors and take the seats on her right. They are all dressed in expensive looking tuxedos and I assume them to be Council members.

"Please remain standing for the king of Nevada!" the emcee calls out in an authoritarian voice.

We all continue to stand as the doors from the foyer open. Felipe walks through the doors looking so smug, staring down at the guests as though we all should feel lucky to be in his presence. I immediately notice he is wearing his ridiculous cape. I clamp down the urge to gag as I see Victor across the room staring at him as though Felipe was his idol. He reaches the stage and takes an empty seat on the AP's left.

"Pamela Ravenscroft, Northman's child and second in command!" he calls out.

Pam walks down next. She is smiling, not looking at the audience but only looking towards the main stage. As she gets closer I see her look at the seat at where I was supposed to sit and her smile leaves her face. She stops and stands in front of the AP's left side.

"Rosamund Lefevre, queen of France and future queen of Louisiana and wife of Northman!" the emcee says loudly.

She comes out and I feel an emotional hurt at the pit of my stomach but I refuse to cry. I watch her walk towards the stage smiling and glancing at people in the audience. She walks with confidence; she reminded me of a bride walking down the aisle. The only thing she was missing was a veil and flowers. Her gown was ivory with stunning gleaming crystals. She takes her place at the opposite of Pam on the AP's right side.

Everyone turns their attention towards the main door again in anticipation of Eric.

"Eric Northman, the proclaimed king of Louisiana!" the emcee yells.

I watch Eric as he walks down the centre of the room with finesse in his steps and posture. He looks so regal. It is as though this was what he was meant for; to command the centre of attention in a room, to have people look up to him. Even though he had told me earlier that all this meant nothing to him and that he needed me here, I knew that really wasn't the case. Watching him walk down, I came to the realization that he would be fine even if I wasn't here. I immediately shut down my end of the bond and I see him look towards my empty seat in the front row.

A hint of worry shows in his facial features as he looks for me in the crowd. I see him looking at Clint who hints to him of my whereabouts. Eric finally sees me and I give him a reassuring smile. However I can tell that he doesn't feel reassured but he continues on towards the stage nonetheless.

He takes the spot in front of the AP and bows.

The AP stands and speaks, "Eric Northman, I have known you for over nine hundred years. I have heard stories about you and have long wondered when you would become king of a territory. Now you stand before me waiting for me to coronate you as one. Does the council accept his position as the new king of Louisiana?" She turns towards the five male vampires and one of them takes one step forward.

"We accept him as king of Louisiana," the vampire says.

She turns towards Eric. "Eric Northman, do you accept the position as king of Louisiana? Do you accept the responsibilities and burdens that come with that position? Will you live by our laws and fulfill the obligations that are expected of you? Take a moment to consider what you are about to do," she says sternly.

I can't tell where he is looking at from my position or what his facial expressions are, but a moment later he speaks, "Yes your eminence, I accept." He then goes down on one knee.

The AP nods and the one of the female vampires holding the red velvet cloak comes forward to Rosamund. She hands the cloak to her.

"This cloak represents everything that you have accepted. It is the symbol of your ascension in our world, your ascension into royalty. You wife, your queen, will put this on you," the AP states.

I clench my fist against my stomach as the emotional pain grows stronger. Rosamund smugly goes behind Eric and places the cloak on his shoulders. She briefly looks at me with a smirk on her face as she takes her previous position. My lips quiver and I bite my lower lip in an effort to keep myself from crying.

"Please rise, Eric Northman," the AP says. "I pronounce Eric Northman, king of the Louisiana territory!" she yells as loudly as she could.

"Hail King Northman!" the emcee shouts as he slams his rod against the floor a few times. Eric turns around to face the crowd.

"Hail King Northman!" the crowd shouts. There are a few loud cheers and whistles from the humans in the crowd as the vampires continue to shout Eric's name.

"Hail King Northman and his future queen!" the emcee shouts this time. Everyone begins yelling Eric and Rosamund's names. She looks like a beaming bride as she stands beside Eric. She takes a hold of his hand and raises it to show unity.

A small cry of anguish leaves my lips as I cannot bear to watch anymore. I look around to find a way out and see an exit about eight feet behind me. I back away and turn around to leave through the exit. Luckily I don't see anyone noticing me as I leave, as everyone's attention was still towards Eric and Rosamund.

Once out of the main hall, I run with tears blurring my eyes.