CHAPTER 26
Jan and Thalia accepted a True Blood, which I heated for them in the microwave. Thalia looked a little less forbidding than usual in jeans and simple white blouse. The weaponry she carried sort of spoiled the wholesome image though. Jan's weapons, if he carried any, were not visible. Perhaps he didn't need any, since his whole body was a deadly weapon. He made me think of John Cusack in Grosse Pointe Blank, only with fangs. While they were drinking their blood at the kitchen table, I excused myself to get a few chores done. If Jan wanted to sketch me, he would tell me when he was ready.
I put some water on to boil for tea before I went down to our bedroom. While Eric was awake, I wanted to put some clean sheets on the bed. I wasn't sure where he kept his linen, but I could always wash the ones on the bed and put them back on before bedtime. I was surprised to see that he had thought of it already and the bed was nicely made up. Well, he did have a domestic side. I found the dirty sheets in the same pile as the rest of his clothes, on the floor. I still wondered if he did his own laundry or took it out to be done, but since I was going to wash my own, I just hauled all of his up too. I put the sheets in cold water to soak, since they were a little the worse for wear.
When I came back in from the laundry area, Thalia was nowhere to be seen. She must be outside prowling the grounds. I guess she hadn't brought a movie for tonight. I made myself a cup of tea and went looking for Jan. He was sitting in one of the chairs in the living room, sketching pad and pencil in his lap. "Eric said you wanted to sketch me," I began. "Do you want me to sit any particular way? I don't know much about this," I said.
"Just on the couch is fine," he answered and opened his pad. "I will just begin some preliminary sketches tonight. You don't have to pose." He began to move his pencil about, glancing at me occasionally. I felt very self-conscious and fidgeted. I wondered how the vampires did it. How they sat so damned still, not moving a muscle, in what I always thought of as down time. They really were so very different. Bill had always reminded me that vampires were not human, that I couldn't expect that from them. It was so true! I didn't expect it anymore; I just wanted to understand what they really were.
"So how will you paint me?" I asked. I think he knew that I didn't mean what medium he would use.
"You knew that already, even before I did," he answered matter of factly. His pencil was moving so fast, I could barely follow it.
"Does it bother you if I talk to you while you draw?" I asked.
"Not at all," he said. But since he didn't say anything else, I thought maybe he was just being polite, so I just sat quietly until I couldn't stand it any longer.
"Have you known Eric for a long time?"
He thought about that for quite a while before he answered. "Perhaps five hundred years."
"Oh my god!" I gasped in surprise, unable to even conceive that.
He laughed. "It is a long time to you, to me also I suppose. I had heard of the Vikings of course. They traveled much of the known world at one time, as far as the Muslim lands and to Iceland and Greenland, even your new world some say. Their ships were legendary even then, the dragon ships filled with giants carrying big axes." He continued to sketch as he talked, his voice that of a storyteller of old, dramatic and rhythmic, soothing in a way. "The humans threatened their children with tales of the Viking raiders."
"There were not so many vampires when the Vikings roamed the earth. We did not make many children. There was not enough food, and we had to live in secrecy. Too many of us in one area would guarantee discovery, so we killed the young ones that wandered into our territories. Vampires were not a big threat to the humans. The Christians were a bigger threat to most people than vampires, with their crusades and witch hunts."
"In any case, a Viking vampire was something unique and became known among our kind, if for no other reason than his size. Most of us were small, you see, from a time when people were mostly half starved. I had heard of him. Even then there was some communication between us, although not the organization that we have now. I met him in France, in the slums there, where a vampire could cover his trail easily. He had been alone a long time I think, as had I, and we hunted together for a while. We never stayed anywhere for long then, so I would run into him from time to time, in different lands. We formed a friendship. He is an honorable man." He said this with affection.
"Was he much the same then as he is now?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. I hoped I wasn't being rude. Thalia and I had talked about that very issue the week before, but here I was cross-examining him.
"Yes and no. He charmed the women and men alike when he wanted to. He was a fierce fighter when cornered, and merciful when he could be. He had a certain joy of life that is rare, even in humans. But he was restless then. And he hated the filth and squalor of the times. The Norse must have been a clean people, although I never visited there, so I do not know. I think he still grieved for his homeland though he hadn't seen it in centuries."
"And now he has a home and wife and soon a family, something impossible for a vampire," he said.
"Did Eric tell you, or did you know after the vision?"
"Is that what it was, a vision? It took me by surprise. I have never experienced anything quite like that."
"I haven't either," I explained. "And I don't know what it was, Eric said it was a vision."
"I knew already," he said, replying to my earlier question. "I could taste it. It is common knowledge by now, it is a fragrance around you."
I was well and truly shocked. The vampires could smell that I was pregnant? A few people knew already of course, Amelia and the vamps that had gone with me to Dr. Ludwig's. How would the rest of the vampires see this? Ideally the child was the important thing, not how it was conceived. But the reality was always different, wasn't it? The vampires might think I had cheated on Eric, when I was supposed to be his. They were all about pride, possessiveness and power. Would it make him less in the eyes of the other vampires? He could not afford weakness among so many predators.
In that uncanny way that vampires had, Jan must have sensed what I was thinking. "It is known that you were in the hands of the fairies and it is known that they lost their lives for it. Eric's image will not diminish because of what has happened, nor will yours. He is envied." His language was so stilted and formal, like something from another time. It made him sound a little detached, but it felt sympathetic. There was a lump forming in my throat. I would just start crying if we talked about this anymore and I didn't have enough energy for drama.
I took a deep breath, got up from the couch and looked at Jan, still watching me. "Excuse me," I said. "I have to start the washer. I have the bed sheets soaking."
He raised his eyebrows, and then he grinned sheepishly. "You do laundry?" he asked, hopefully.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, bring it out to the garage." He put down his pencil and went to get his bag. I just hoped I didn't run out of soap.
Thalia came back in while I was folding the first load of laundry. She was carrying her bag and if it had laundry in it, I'd tell her she'd just have to get in line. Fortunately, she had something else to offer. "Oh good," I said. "I'll make popcorn. What movie are we watching?"
"The Lost Boys," she answered and I laughed out loud.
When Eric walked in the front door a while later, he found two vampires, his pregnant wife and a pile of folded laundry sprawled out on the couch laughing. He perused us, then the laundry, then the boys on the screen going after the vampires with squirt guns. "Don't you keep one of those in your purse, Lover?" Eric asked me, and I laughed even louder, because I did!
By the time we got into bed I was pretty much done in. "I hope you don't plan to pick a fight with me tonight after all, Eric. I am so exhausted, I can barely move." My eyes were already closing as he snuggled in beside me.
"We are both weary, Lover, and the next few days will be busy. Sleep, dear one," he whispered as he kissed my shoulder and wrapped me in his arms.
My stomach clamoring for food woke me on Thursday afternoon. I headed straight from the bathroom to the kitchen in my bathrobe to make breakfast. Looking at the clock, I realized it would be time to go before long; I had slept through most of the day. After scrambled eggs and toast, and two cups of coffee, I headed in to my room to get ready for New Orleans. We would be keeping vampire hours over the next week, and I wondered if I would actually get any time to sleep if I wanted to see the city and get the shopping done that I planned. From what Liz Richards had told me, one of the cocktail dresses I had gotten at Tara's would be fine for the reception on Friday but I thought I would need something a little fancier for the coronation. I was hoping to convince Eric that I didn't really need to be at the actual ceremony for vampires, but he would want me at the party held after.
We would be leaving for the airport soon after the vampires rose, so I got into the shower, did my hair and make up and started to pack. I planned on wearing some nice slacks and a silk blouse tonight, since we didn't have any official activities and that would be comfortable for travel. I found a gold chain and some gold hoops to dress it up a little. I checked myself in the mirror. Besides being a little pale, I was pleased with my reflection. I made a note to myself to hit the tanning booth as soon as we got home though.
I packed carefully, putting my dresses in the garment bag, then laying out everything else on the bed, trying to decide what to bring. I was glad Liz had given me some guidance on what to wear. Although my wardrobe was pretty limited, I could manage for the most part. Something drastic always seemed to happen when I traveled, and my clothes always took a big hit. This time, I was planning on doing some shopping while I was in the city. Hopefully, no hotels would blow up and I wouldn't get kidnapped, so my wardrobe would survive the trip.
I was drinking some milk in the kitchen when the vamps came up. All three were dressed conservatively in suits. I didn't see Eric in a suit very often and I must say he looked pretty mouth watering in his well-tailored ensemble. I was sorry that we had to catch a plane. Eric seemed to be thinking the same thing from the way he was looking at me, but since cars were pulling up outside and everyone else was ready to go, he just kissed me and sighed. "You look delicious, Lover," he whispered, "but I must save you for dessert." He accepted a True Blood from Thalia and drank it down before we all headed outside.
There were three vans in the front, and the yard seemed to be bristling with vampires. Eric settled me into the backseat of one of the vans and got in beside me, while the luggage was loaded and the guards got into the vehicles. Our caravan got us to the airport in no time and we walked directly onto the plane flanked by the vampires guarding Eric. Pam was already onboard, looking as pretty as always in a gray silk suit. I was the only one that bothered with seat belts and I gripped Eric's hand as the plane took off.
"Sookie, my friend, you look quite nervous," she said. "Are you afraid of flying?"
"Only when they take off and land," I answered as I gripped Eric's hand a little harder.
"Well, we have found something that frightens our brave little Sookie, Eric," she said, looking surprised. "Perhaps I will write Dear Abby and ask her how one overcomes a fear of flying. She will certainly know." Pam considered Dear Abby the authority on everything human.
I was glad it was a short flight since there was quite a bit of turbulence. The vampires seemed completely unruffled but I was pretty unsteady and probably looked green by the time we got to New Orleans. Cars were waiting for us and it didn't take long before we were at vampire central.
The king's residence took up almost a whole block downtown, not far from the French Quarter. It had suffered some damage during Katrina, but it wasn't apparent. We were ushered inside quickly and Eric had someone show us up to our room right away, since he was concerned that I didn't look well. I think a few minutes of outside air would probably have done me some good, but Eric was not going to be argued with. Of course, the press of the tourists outside waiting to see the vampires enter and leave made that an unviable option anyway.
Our suite was beautiful, done in the traditional New Orleans style with deep crown moldings and a sparkling chandelier. The bed was a carved mahogany four-poster, hung with silk curtains in cream with a black stripe. The writing desk looked hand-painted and the chairs were French, covered in watered silk. A beautiful flowered carpet covered the center of the highly polished floors. The effect was elegant while still looking totally comfortable. "It's beautiful, Eric," I said as I went over to the bed and plopped on the thick soft comforter.
"I am glad that you like the room," he said as he looked around. "How are you feeling?" he asked. I assured him that I just needed a few minutes to lie down and I'd be fine. "Rest then, Lover. I will go and see that everything is in order with the arrangements for tomorrow and come back for you in an hour. I'll have one of the staff come in to unpack and bring you whatever you need." He bent over me on the bed and kissed my forehead. "Do you like the bed? It looks very comfortable," he said. "I look forward to trying it out later."
Someone knocked about fifteen minutes later. I called for them to come in and a young woman opened the door and wheeled in a cart. "Miss Stackhouse, my name is Maria. I have brought you some refreshments and I will unpack these cases."
"Okay, thanks," I said and decided I would see what she had brought. Now that I was feeling better, a snack sounded just about right. The tray on the cart held an assortment of cheese, crackers and fruit along with bottled water and my usual drink, ginger ale. I helped myself to a drink and a few crackers and sat at the little table in the room. "Is there a kitchen here, Maria, or is there just human food here for this weekend, with the party and everything?" I was wondering what people did for coffee in the mornings, if any people actually stayed here.
"There is a full kitchen here, and a small staff that prepares meals for the daytime guards and staff. You can always get something to eat there, although the selection is limited. You can call down to the desk if you need anything though, and someone will send out for it if we don't have it here." I was glad to hear I could get some food here, since I seemed to be awfully hungry these days, although I hoped that I could get out and try some of the local fare. Maybe Eric would want to go out, if he wasn't too busy hobnobbing.
When Maria had finished unpacking, I explored a little bit. The room had no windows, which I found out when I pulled aside the drapes. Safe for vamps then. Fortunately there were full bathroom facilities, since I needed them. There was a huge shower and a separate tub, big enough for Eric to sprawl in. Off the bedroom there was a room that served as a private office, with computer, office machine and phone.
When Eric came to check on me, I was munching on fruit curled comfortably in a chair with my book. He gave me a quick kiss and looked approvingly at the fruit. "Good, you are eating. Dr. Ludwig will be here this weekend, we have to fatten you up." Although it sounded a little too much like readying a cow for slaughter I decided to take it in the spirit it was meant. I found it humorous that Eric was afraid of a scolding from the doctor.
"I won't fatten up by this weekend, Eric, no matter how much I eat. I'll be fat soon enough, I'm sure," I said smiling. "I am glad they have human food here though, I'm always hungry these days."
"Me too," he said, his voice going a little husky. "But later. Would you like to go out?" he asked cheerfully.
"Yes, I'd love to. Where are we going? Do I need to change?"
"No, you look beautiful as always. I thought we might just enjoy the streets a bit and I will take you to dinner."
Two guards joined us silently as we left the room. Dressed all in black with flak jackets and lots of hardware, they looked like the SWAT team. We meandered through corridors to a garage where we were met by several more vampires that accompanied us in a limo to the French Quarter. We piled out at a corner of a street filled with people. Small groups, alternately drunken youth and wide-eyed tourists, strolled up and down the street, colorful drinks in hand. People on the wrought iron balconies above called down to the women in the streets and occasionally threw down Mardi Gras beads to the ones that showed enough enthusiasm or enough skin. The atmosphere was festive and colorful and the music streaming out of the clubs and bars was rhythmic and lively.
The crowds seemed to part for our group as we strolled along, taking in the unique ambience of New Orleans at night. Vampires were part of the scenery here, at least more so than in most places, but a big Viking and his band of dangerous looking guards would be imposing anywhere. No one paid the slightest attention to me, except Eric, who pointed out buildings of historical interest or amusing things he noticed in the shop windows. After a while, I found that I had forgotten all about our entourage. It was just Eric and me hand in hand, strolling down the street having fun. We weren't on our way to deal with any thorny problems or to fight any battles. In some ways, this was like our first date.
After enjoying Bourbon Street for a while, we cut over on a side street, and Eric steered me to into an elegant looking restaurant. Eric gave the name Northman to the maitre di and we were ushered to a table overlooking a tropical courtyard. The waiter brought our menus and I ordered a pecan stuffed salmon while Eric ordered a Royalty Blended. The guards were seated at a table near us. Their eyes scanned the room and insured that we were free from interruption except for the occasional ministering of our waiter.
"Eric," I said, in between sips of sweet tea. "Do I really need to go to the ceremony thing on Saturday?"
He raised his eyebrows at that, a little surprised. "You do not want to be there?" he asked and I got the impression that maybe I had hurt his feelings. Of course, this was a big occasion for him, becoming the king. Maybe I hadn't thought this through.
"Well," I muddled on, "isn't it just a vampire thing? Won't I be a little out of place there?" What I wanted to say was "Won't there be lots of blood and probably someone will lose their head or worse since it will be a room full of vampires? Wouldn't I be safer out of the way someplace?" He looked disconcerted.
"You will be perfectly safe, Lover. This will be a great honor for me and for you too. I had hoped you would want to be by my side. As my bonded wife, it will be expected." He paused. "I will not of course force you to be there." His face turned as still as marble and I could feel the hurt and disappointment that he was feeling. I regretted that I had said anything at all.
"I'm sorry, baby. I know it is a great honor for you, and of course I will be there if you want me. I was just a little afraid, that's all."
"I won't let anything happen to you, Sookie," he said and he reached across the table to take my hand. "You are my life, now." I wished I could be as sure of that as he sounded, but there was always a little bit of fear in my life now, and there had been for quite a while.
I'm not sure what he would have said next, but we were interrupted by the waiter who brought a dish that looked and smelled so heavenly that I closed my eyes and sighed. "Oh, that looks delicious," I said to the waiter, who smiled at my enthusiam.
Eric was smiling too now, relieved that I would not press the issue of avoiding the coronation. The salmon was so delicious, that I ate every bite and sighed in satisfaction at the end of my meal. "I can't believe I ate all of that," I said. "It must be that I'm eating for two. I couldn't eat another bite. I'm so stuffed!"
"Eating for three I think," Eric said grinning. "And I hope you have room for one more bite tonight, My Lover." He looked at me with teasing eyes and reached under the table to put his hand on my thigh. With his other hand, he signaled for the check. I think he was in a hurry to get home.
When we got back to our room, leaving the guards outside the door, we couldn't seem to get out of our clothes fast enough and I'm sure more than one button flew off of Eric's shirt. He scooped me up and laid me on the bed and began to kiss me. He muttered in his own strange language as he kissed my neck, my breast and then my thighs. As his tongue began to caress my folds, I moaned and pressed myself against his mouth. When he could feel that I was close, he moved over me, sheathing himself deep inside against my womb. Then he began to move, slowly at first, pulling out a little, then thrusting deep. As his pace quickened so did my breathing until I was gasping, digging my nails into his back to pull him even closer. When his fangs pierced my neck, I shuddered and cried out as the heat of pleasure washed over me. And when my teeth broke the skin around his nipple, so did he.