A/N:Sookie, Eric and Pam belong to Ms Charlaine Harris, Leif belongs to me. Don't sue, I'm poor.

A/N: I don't know how she does it, but Tammy, "txone," Beta extraordinaire, always manages to find time to fix my goofs, and tell me the truth. I don't know when she sleeps!

Chapter 13

Queen Sookie's POV

Poor Eric, Leif certainly left his mark. I gave him a bit more blood to help heal any internal injuries. The ones to his skin were healing rapidly. He did well against Leif. I don't know how much Leif held back, but if that last blow had been with the sword's edge, Eric would be in two pieces. He did want to sleep early, so after a cuddle, I left him to take care of state business.

The team from Alaska would arrive at about 8PM and they would need sleeping, research and conference accommodations. I decided to put them in the Conference Center building where they would be separate from my vampires. There was room for them to both sleep and work there. We didn't expect any work to be done tonight, instead we'd have a welcoming reception. Work would start the next night as we tried to hammer out a marriage agreement between Alaska and Louisiana. Only Michael, of the Alaskan vampires, knew that the entire trip was a sham. I would speak with him privately tonight.

Mr. Cataliades would lead my team. Eric could help, but there were others whose primary jobs it would be to negotiate. Negotiations cover conjugal visits, if any, in addition to the mandatory one time per year, alliances in case of war, gifts and loans, even regular visits. Who would disrupt his, or her, country to visit the other, and who would pay for the visits, the one traveling, or the one hosting the royal entourage. Every comma, period and decimal point would be scrutinized. Sometimes the negotiations take a couple of years to hammer out.

Everything was prepared by the time I crawled back into bed with Eric. I certainly liked having him next door to me. I cuddled next to him, taking a deep breath of his masculine human scent. His warmth comforted me as the sun rose and I died for another day.

The next evening found Eric next to me as I awakened. He was holding me from behind, one hand covering my breasts, and his face buried in my hair. My head was resting comfortably on his other arm. He was sleeping, breathing in soft snores. I could hear his heart beating, steadily, reliably. Did I want to end that heartbeat?

I wanted Eric with me forever, but the vampire Eric would probably be different. A more cautious, less spontaneous, less innocent Eric. It was something to think about and discuss. Thinking about Eric's spontaneity, I started to feel that way myself. I pushed back against him, and felt him stir. His hand tightened around my breast, and his second hand reached down to press me to his body. I felt a tingling in my center and moved my hips to rub against his Gift. I could feel it growing, and it was magnificent. I turned in his arms to face him, my hands twisted themselves into his hair and I looked into those beautiful blue eyes, the color of the sea, "I love you," I murmured, and turned up my face to kiss him.

I traced his lips with my tongue, sucked softly on his upper lip, then his lower, he quickly tired of the game, covered my mouth with his and stuck his tongue down my throat. I pulled away and he didn't look happy, "Eric, the Alaskan vamps will be here soon, we'll have to be quick." He looked happier that he didn't have to stop altogether, and reclaimed my mouth. We saved time by already being naked.

Before I left to get dressed, I reminded him that he needed to wear a suit tonight, but not a tie. I called for the dresser to be up in my room in fifteen minutes, and took a fast shower. As Queen, I had to be more formally dressed. For tonight I chose a midnight blue, one shoulder Calvin Klein matte knit. It was simple, but I loved the way it looked and moved on me. I wore my hair up, with the small diamond tiara and long diamond earrings.

When I was dressed, I dismissed the dresser and went to Pam's room to see if she was ready. She was wearing a charcoal pleated Calvin gown with an obi tie belt, that made her look as fragile as a snow flower. Her hair shimmered like platinum and she wore tanzanite to reflect her eyes. We were a pair. We knew exactly how good we looked, and had always enjoyed playing with, and teasing each others preferred toys. With new vamps coming to visit, we were looking forward to having some fun. My participation was somewhat limited, of course, but I could still have a good time. At least I could dance. I always had a band at receptions and parties because I loved to dance. It's good to be Queen!

The two of us walked back to Eric's room, and knocked. He opened the door, and I forgot about game playing. I just wanted to take him to bed again...and again. He was wearing a beautiful black suit that made him look like a panther, only instead of golden eyes, his eyes were a glowing deep blue, enriched by the dark blue striped shirt he was wearing.

"Wow, Eric, wow!" I was speechless.

"You like?" he stood like a model with one hand in his pocket, then walked in runway mode. "Hugo Boss. I'm the Boss tonight," he laughed.

"Honey, when you look like that, you can boss me around anytime," I thought at him. He lifted an eyebrow, and I had to put a caveat on it, "in private." He didn't look quite so happy at that, but I reached up and kissed him with all the love and sexual longing I could muster. After a moment's stiffness, he relaxed and joined in. I could feel him growing and getting hard, but we didn't have time now. "Later, love, after the reception," I promised.

The three of us walked to the Ballroom building together, but before we entered, Pam and Eric dropped back, so I could enter first. The guards opened the doors, and the senior guard on duty announced my arrival, "Her Royal Majesty, Queen Sookie of Louisiana."

I stopped at the double doors, and surveyed the scene in front of me. Each Sheriff was allowed five guests, plus himself. High level employees like Eric and Mr. Cataliades, and many of my own local vampires were included as guests. Adding the Alaskan team of twelve, we had about eighty people to party tonight, and only about 10% not vampire. It was going to be a good night. We had various kinds of bottled blood, wine and beer at the bar. There was one table of cold food and desserts for the humans. Many of them would have been prepared, and would've eaten before they arrived. Plus, there were the donors for the vamps. While some Rulers, like Felipe, had the donors standing around the room, like so much furniture, I had them seated in an alcove at their own tables. They could eat as they liked, but were limited to two drinks, and were expected to go with any vampire to an adjoining room, as dinner.

I walked in a dignified manner to my throne and sat. Pam and Eric stood behind my throne. Everyone knew that Pam was my second, but we decided, if anyone asked, that Eric was being trained in emergency security, in case anything happened on a business trip.

Inclining my head to the Alaskan Vamps, they came before me, all bowing at once. Michael stepped forward, bowed again, and asked permission to speak. After I nodded, he spoke, "Your Majesty, our King, Cyril of Alaska has sent us on an important mission. He wishes to marry you, and in that way, not only acquire his heart's desire, yourself, but also, to ally your two states for the benefit of both. I bring you the Opening Gift from His Majesty, and a letter declaring his devotion."

"Thank you Michael. I willingly accept this Opening Gift, and in doing so, declare the beginning of our negotiations. The letter I will read in private, then ask you to join me, so we might discuss anything pertinent," I raised my voice, "Meanwhile, I hope that you and your group will join the Vampires of Louisiana in their welcome to you. Please enjoy this evening, for tomorrow we begin." I stood, and as I left the room, I motioned to Pam and Eric to follow me.

"Well, that was quick," I said. As soon as we were in the Queen's salon, adjacent to the ballroom, I put down the gift and sat, opening the letter.

"Is that the way it always is?" asked Eric.

"No," I replied, smiling at him, "some Monarchs have long drawn out magnificent ceremonies. I think most others prefer this. Get the formal bit over, then dance."

"I certainly prefer it, Your Majesty, so let's finish here and party," Pam said excitedly.

"Pam, my darling," Eric said with a smile, "surely you are not planning to betray me tonight."

"Oh shit! I forgot about that! I am a vampire, Eric, we're not good at faithfulness when there's no sex involved." Pam sulked.

"Thanks for the warning. My Queen, do you have an idea of how Pam can satisfy all her hungers tonight?" Eric looked at me, I was reading Alaska's letter.

"Sorry... Oh, Pammy, yes, I have a special meal for you in your room. If you can wait until after the reception to feed, she was brought in through the mansion tunnel... if you would glamour her when you are through, Trey can take her back out."

I was distracted by the letter. Eric felt it in the bond, but Pam could just tell.
"Thank you for the gift." Pam spoke first, and then paused, "What is it, Your Majesty?"

"Cyril has been contacted by a member of the Council, who advised that it might not be a good idea to ally himself with me."

"My Lady, we knew that Felipe had members of the Council on his side. This is only one member, and no one but us knows what has been put into place," Eric was trying to soothe me. "The plan is working. We will prevail."

"Eric is right, My Queen. Things are moving ahead, just as we planned. As long as Victor and Felipe are kept in the dark, we will win," Pam smiled. "Who leaked that we are negotiating?"

"Someone who is no longer on the team," I smiled the smile that Pam knew well. I had to do a lot of bad stuff to get where I am, and I enjoyed a great deal of it! I looked over at Eric. I wondered what he thought of the 'evil smile.' I forgot he could read my mind. He got up from his chair and quickly pulled me out of mine. Passion, want, need, love, admiration and pride, all went into that kiss. I was getting dizzy with lust, but we had guests. I had to stop. "Later, Eric, let's have some fun tonight. You can meet the other Sheriffs. It will be good for you to know them, and for you to know who is trustworthy, besides Leif."

"What we do is not fun?" he smirked.

"Yes, my love, it's many things, but not in public," I pulled him by his arm, "And it's not dancing!"

Pam grabbed his other arm and we went laughing out the door. We stopped at the double doors to compose ourselves, and then joined the party. The band was playing and both vamps and humans were dancing.

"Let's get some nourishment," I suggested.

Pam and I got our Royalty Blend, and Eric chose an Alaskan Amber Alt Beer. True Alt beer isn't exported from Germany, he said, but this was close. We walked to the table nearest the throne that is always reserved for me. Eric put down his drink, and went back for food. When he returned he had a plate of beautifully roasted vegetables and a sandwich. He sat down next to Pam, and before he started to eat, asked if he could dance with both of us tonight?

"Of course, just remember that for now, you are Pam's toy," I said gritting my teeth, "and you must act it." I tried to stay cool.

"My lady, you know we will be acting," he whispered, so softly that not even the vampires could hear, "and I will prove it to you all night until you believe me."

I started feeling wet from his voice and his promise. At that moment Leif walked up and asked me to dance. I accepted and stood to go with him.

'Leif only reminds me of you, my love,' I thought at him. 'And he knows about us'

'Then dance with him, but be careful, don't pretend too much,' he thought back, 'remember, you are mine!'

I may not be sure about turning him, but he already sounded like a vampire.

After dancing for about an hour, I felt it was time to speak with Michael. I sent Pam to bring him to the same room we had been in before. We couldn't have Eric with us, it wouldn't have looked right. We left him in the ballroom, talking with Leif and some of the other sheriffs. Pam brought Michael in after I was seated. I watched him approach. He was a good height, about 5'11", slender, without looking anemic, with dark hair and hazel green eyes. He wasn't bad looking, but after Eric, and even Leif, I was completely spoiled for the ordinary man. Michael bowed to me. I inclined my head, motioning that he should sit. Pam came to stand beside me.

"Michael, do you know what is in this letter? And the truth about these negotiations?" I asked him.

"Yes, Your Highness, Cyril has trusted me with the information. He asked me to convey his loyalty and support, he is opposed to what Felipe has planned for you. I remember the last time you graced us with a visit in Alaska. I wish to declare my personal loyalty to you also. As long as it doesn't interfere with my fealty to Cyril, I will help you in any way I can," he stood, and bowed from the waist.

It was an unusual statement for the child and second of another vampire to make. Even though I was touched, I wondered why he made it. His eyes looked clear and without secrets, never true in our world. I wished I could read his mind.

"I'm honored that you think so highly of me, Michael. Thank you for your support, I hope it doesn't come to fighting," I laughed, "Who am I kidding, I love a good fight."

"I know Your Highness, you are famous for your battles," he smiled, "You have great fighters on your side, I could learn from them."

Was this all it was? He wanted the chance to improve and fight on the winning side? It was possible. Things have been quiet in our world for a while, with no wars since I had been awarded Louisiana. I would have to call Cyril, and a few other contacts, to check him out. After a few more minutes of conversation, we returned to the ballroom. Pam walked over to Eric and put her hand on his arm, and he covered it with his own. My stomach clenched, so I turned to Michael, and asked him if he liked to dance.

Eric's POV

I was standing there, talking with Leif and a couple of other sheriffs, when Sookie and Pam returned to the room. Pam came right over to me and put her hand on my arm. I covered it with my own, and kept on talking. Tricky? Yeah. We must let it look like Pam has the upper hand. I am her "toy." Equal? I don't think that is really possible in vamp-human relations? These were thoughts too deep for a party. Sookie is dancing with Michael. If I leave now with Pam, when will Sookie leave? It's too early to leave, let's dance.

"Pam, would you like to dance?" I queried with a smile on my face.

"Yes, Eric, that would be lovely," she replied. My facade almost cracked when she became the polite society girl. Definitely not Pam! What was wrong?

"Pam, what's up?" I asked.

"I'm not sure Eric. Michael just swore loyalty to Sookie, an unheard of thing. It's just short of pledging fealty, which he owes to Cyril."

"Are we bugging his room, his phones, the meeting rooms? Have they been going through the luggage while he's here at the reception? All of Alaska's rooms? Are there cameras set up?" I wasn't sure if we had everything covered.

"Of course, Eric, that's taken for granted. We need something new that they won't expect."

"What about the shifter as a fly on the wall? Can he tell what's happening while he's changed? He might be able to see things that are missed by the camera. Especially if they know the camera is there."

"I believe he can. After all, he follows Victor, and reports back."

"So we'd have to remove him from watching Victor? I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"We have more than one shifter on salary, Eric."

"Good. I'll try to think of some other options. Pam, when would you like to leave? When can Sookie leave?"

"It's only midnight, Eric. Are you going to turn into a pumpkin? Dance with some of the other women, I give you permission."

"Thanks, Pam. What would Sookie say?"

"She knows how the game is played. You're only dancing, just as she is."

I looked around at the dance floor, and through a maze of bodies saw Sookie dancing and talking with Michael. The party was just getting started. It's not that I wanted to leave the party - alone. I wanted to go back to my room with Sookie, and fuck her and eat her and rub myself all over her.

"Let's dance over to them and switch partners, Pam. I'd like to talk to her."

"I'm sure that's not all you want to do to her, Eric." Pam's mouth twitched.

"Nothing else, girlfriend," I laughed and so did Pam. We danced over to Sookie and Michael, and when the song was over, I bowed and said, "Your Highness, may I have this dance?"

Sookie smiled graciously, and held her hand out to me. I took it, and placed my other hand respectfully on her tiny waist. We held our conversation mind-to-mind.

"Sookie, my love, when can we leave this party and return to our rooms?"

"You can leave anytime, Eric, I have to stay for several hours more. I am the host, and it would be rude for me to leave early."

"We could be much better employed, than talking and schmoozing."

"But that's what I do, Eric. Instead of 'Queen of Louisiana', think of me as 'President for Life' of a small dictatorship. There'll always be someone who wants to overthrow me, and I always have to be one step ahead. This is a job, separate from my personal life, and if I don't pay attention, I could lose it and my life at the same time. At social gatherings, I find out what's happening and sweet talk people into supporting me or making whatever changes, I feel are best. If you are tired, you may be excused, and go to your room, but I have my obligations. Talk to Pam, perhaps she'd like to leave early with you to feed."

"Go to my room, Sookie? You make me sound like a child."

"In my world, you are. I am 613 years old. You are 32. If you don't have the patience to be social, and perhaps learn something that will help us, then I'd prefer you weren't here to distract me."

Even through our minds, the words sounded harsh, and my mood turned from sexy anticipation to shit, in a moment. I clamped down on my thoughts, determined not to send anything to her, and we finished dancing to the song. At the end, I bowed to her, and looked for Pam. Seeing her on the other side of the dance floor, I caught her eye, and she walked over to where I was still standing with Sookie.

"Pam," I asked, "would you like to leave now? You can feed, and then return alone if you like."

She looked in surprise at me and Sookie, both standing there stiffly without looking at each other. "Sure, Eric. They'll just think we're horny, and can't wait until later," she said with a laugh. But when she saw the look that Sookie gave her, she quieted, and bowed to the Queen.

"Your Majesty, have I permission to leave with Eric for the moment?" she politely asked.

"Of course, Pam," Sookie replied, "We will speak later." I was included in that look, but ignored it, as I turned with Pam and left the ballroom.