Chapter 26

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As they danced, Eric noticed Leonas sitting at their table, gleefully smiling into his phone. After hearing him cut loose with a boisterous laugh which managed to be heard by everyone, over the din of the crowd and the sound system, Eric smiled a sly smile and whispered to Sookie. "Let the games begin."

"Begin? Didn't we already do that?" she whispered back.

"We have made it through the elimination match-ups, my love. The final rounds are now upon us. It seems the dance has moved to the table. Shall we?"

They stopped dancing and Eric led her to the table. When he had installed her at the opposite side of the table from Leonas, he pulled another chair close to her and sat, holding her hand to his lips, covering it absently with tiny kisses. With his free hand he gestured for a waitress.

"Three bottles of Royalty," Eric said to the girl when she arrived. Then he waved her away.

"What's the occasion?" Leonas asked. The grin on his face stretched it to hideous proportions.

"You tell me, my friend," Eric countered. "Sookie and I couldn't help but notice the enthusiasm with which you received your recent phone call. I assume this means your caller either had something enormously entertaining to say or he bore very good news. Since I assume you would surely have shared such an entertainment by now, I am left to believe you received good news. Congratulations, Leonas. News which brings such happiness is a rare occurrence and should be celebrated. Do you not agree?"

"I do indeed," Leonas agreed as his eyes slithered to Sookie. "And I'm certain your lovely bride will be happy to learn Richard Markel has been located in Orlando, Florida. It seems he's been trying to drown his sorrows among the happy families visiting the amusement park capital of the country."

"There, you see, my love," Eric said with a squeeze. "Did I not express my admiration and confidence in Leonas' trackers. Fears are unnecessary when tasks are left in competent hands." To Leonas, Eric said, "I suppose the late hour and the time difference will make it impossible for Mr. Markel to join us tonight, but I shall be happy to have the staff prepare him a room near your suite. I assume he will be with us tomorrow night?"

"Possibly," Leonas answered. "He has only just been located. My people have not actually been in contact with him yet, so possibly late tomorrow evening, but more likely the following. The important thing is he has been found. My people will talk to him and see if he is still interested in Nora." He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied expression. "Yes, I think a bottle of Royalty might be called for."

"What if he isn't interested?" Sookie asked.

"I am not so powerful I can force a vampire to be interested in the woman if he isn't. I can offer him the opportunity to be here. If he refuses do you want him dragged here kicking and screaming?" Leonas' eyes were boring into her as if waiting for her to flinch.

"Of course not," she spat back. "I didn't realize what I wanted had much to do with how people were treated in our little experiment, but as long as you're offering, I don't want any vampire dragged off anywhere against their will, whether they're kicking and screaming or not." Sookie felt Eric's hold on her tighten, though she could see from the corner of her eye, his expression had not changed.

Leonas froze for the slightest of seconds, and though his lips remained curled upward, his grin took on a menacing edge and the twinkle in his eyes became brilliant. "I assure you, Your Majesty, I am a law abiding man. These things must be handled delicately. We are not kidnappers after all, and we are dealing with fellow vampires, not shifters."

Eric's arm was like an implacable steel bar surrounding her. There was no way she could move without causing a scene. Though his face and posture gave away nothing. He gave every appearance of being completely bored and disinterested in the conversation between Leonas and Sookie. Then he abruptly interjected his opinion.

"Sookie has not yet received any formal training in the law. She has sat in and contributed her opinions to domestic complaints when I was Sheriff of this Area. She has also passed judgment in the case of a trouble-making pet. However, as you are well aware, within the confines of this kingdom there is only one law which need concern her.

As chosen Queen of the realm, her word is law and can be countermanded only by the King. As I am king and highly unlikely to reverse any edict she wishes to issue, this kingdom and everyone in it may find themselves subject to her whims and fancies if it pleases her. In light of this fact, it might behoove them to avoid provoking her."

Leonas only stared in response as Eric stood and smiled lovingly down at Sookie. "Shall we have another dance before retiring for the evening, my love?"

Leonas glared at Eric and Sookie as they glided around the dance floor. The Norseman and his chosen enjoying a life Eric had never even shown any curiosity about, let alone interest in having for himself. This was the life Leonas longed for yet was forever relegated to watching.

"Funny how they do that, isn't it?" Pam asked without moving.

She'd always had the disconcerting habit of going completely motionless until she seemed to simply become part of the furniture. Then she'd say something out of the blue, often shattering the nerves of nearby humans.

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about," Leonas responded.

"The way they disappear, right in the middle of the crowd. Look at them. They could be here, or out in the street or in their bedroom and it wouldn't make a bit of difference. When they're together, they're alone in their own world. I wonder how that feels?"

"If it feels like it looks," Leonas said, "it is much to be envied."

As the pounding music pushed through the sound system, filling every inch of the club. Eric kept Sookie close to him, never losing physical contact. "Our guest does not appear to be enjoying himself quite so much as before," Eric said with a satisfied smirk. "And Pam's company does not seem to be improving his mood."

"Don't get cocky," Sookie warned. "In the movies things always take a bad turn when someone gets too cocky."

Eric's laughter boomed through the room, erasing any questions there may have been in anyone's mind about who was the center of attention. "By all means, let us not expose ourselves to the wrath of the powerful gods of cinema. To whom does one make offerings of apology and recompense for one's offenses?"

Sookie was unable to keep a straight face, but she managed to sputter, "Probably Steven Spielberg," before dissolving into giggles.

"This is how I would wish you to always be," he said, scooping her into his arms and spinning. "Ever happy and laughing."

Leonas had had enough of watching the happy couple. He was about to rise to leave when his phone rang again. "Yes – Excellent news – Is he? – Is that necessary if I am to visit? – Of course – At present I am visiting the Louisiana court, though I can make arrangements to cut my visit short to receive His Grace in California. – Whatever will be most convenient, I look forward to hearing of His Grace's final plans."

Pam watched as Leonas shoved his phone back into his breast pocket. He was deep in thought. His plans were changing even as he sat there. "Not bad news, I hope," Pam said, but her voice lacked the necessary tone to pull it off. She never had been particularly good at sympathy and concern.

"You should avoid pleasant chit chat, Pam. It doesn't suit you."

"If I avoided everything that didn't suit me, I'd never have any fun," she replied with a grin.

Leonas gave her a dramatic nod as he rose. "I intended no impediment to your amusement, my dear."

"Are you leaving us, Leonas?" Eric lowered Sookie to the floor as Leonas met his gaze.

"I have many calls to make in preparation for our expected guest … as well as for one who was unexpected until only a moment ago."

"I hope you were not making plans to receive guests without notice. I would hate for any friend of yours to be detained, or worse, due to their visit being unannounced."

"That would be a pity, indeed," Leonas replied. "For as luck would have it, he is a friend of yours as well."

"Is he? And who is this friend?"

Before Leonas could answer, Eric's cell phone rang. Leonas smiled and said, "I imagine that would be his announcement call. I'll leave you to him." To Sookie he added, "I hope you're as excited as I am at the prospect of meeting Mr. Markel tomorrow evening. Until tomorrow." He proffered a deep bow and left the club.

~~~~~~xxx~~~~~~xxx~~~~~~xxx~~~~~~

Anna Maria Vitskya was known for her long golden-brown hair and her almost too perfect, clear pale skin. Her skin is what got her recommended for this job. That and her height, she was 177cm, slightly over five foot nine. That meant she wouldn't need to be put in extremely high shoes in order to be a pretty close physical match to Lady Anna.

Ruta, who had served as Anna's personal hairdresser and cosmetician, as well as dresser and close confidante for the last two hundred years, walked in slow circles around Anna Maria, examining every feature, every curve of her body. From the disapproving sneers it was clear Ruta considered Anna Maria to be a lesser creature than her beloved Lady Anna.

Having to dampen the perfection which was her mistress until she could pass for this common vampire, would be the most painful task she had ever been prevailed upon to do. Yet King Vincentas himself, had personally come to Lady Anna's dressing chamber to speak with her. He assured her Lady Anna's very life could well depend on the results Ruta was able to achieve tonight. With the determination and love of a master artisan, she set about her work.

"My Lady's bosom is fuller, but she can be bound into smaller garments. Her hips are a bit more rounded as well, but there's nothing to be done about that on such short notice. If both ladies wear either full skirts or loose fitting pants, I believe they will pass, as long as they are seen side by side."

"I don't believe the plan calls for them to be seen side by side," Ausra said.

"What about the hair and eyes?" Ambassador Tumim asked.

Ruta looked up at him as if he were some sort of idiot she had just caught drooling in her make-up pots. "I assume you are not here to consult me on matters of State?"

"Excuse me?"

"It would be a complete waste of time on your part. I know nothing on the subject. However I am led to believe you are quite the expert on international affairs of government. In future let us agree that I shall leave you to your area of expertise and you will leave me to mine. Now, if you would be good enough to remove yourself to some other part of the palace, in a few hours I will deliver to you two women who will pass for twins on any stage."

When the Ambassador had gone, Ruta took a deep breath and told Anna Maria to get down from the low platform she'd been standing on. "Ausra, I believe the best way to explain this to Anna is to tell her we're playing a game. She likes games, she can be diverted for hours and hours by them. She once spent an entire long winter evening in a hedge labyrinth. We finally had to drug a glass of blood in order to get her out before sunrise.

"What game shall I tell her we're playing? A look alike game obviously, but once they match won't she expect the game to be over?"

"A collection game," Ruta said. "She must collect twenty people who call her by the name Anna Maria, rather than Lady Anna. My Lady will have fun with that I believe. She must not be frightened. Always remember, she appears to be as frail as she is beautiful, but never forget she is a six hundred year old vampire. Not knowing her strength does not prevent her having it.

"Lady Anna and I have always gotten on very well, even she was not herself. Kind and quiet words will usually calm her fairly quickly. And not touching her, as I recall she doesn't care to be touched when she is in the midst of an episode."

Ruta put a hand on Ausra's arm. "It is such a relief to me you are here, that it will be you, someone she trusts, taking her to America. Take good care of her, Ausra. She has been a pawn between these two kings for long enough."

"Do not fear for her, Ruta. You know I will defend her with my life and The Norseman's queen is her friend. She is not without protection."

"And here is my lady now," Ruta announced as Anna entered the room.

Anna was very happy to see Ausra again. When she first saw Ausra she shouted, "I remember you!" Ausra had been one of her favorite ladies for years. "How lovely to see you again, Ausra. So often people go away from here and they never come back."

She was also fascinated by the transformation taking place in her chamber. She'd never had her hair dyed before. The smell was awful, but she found the waiting for the change to be very exciting. She wondered how much Ruta would be able to make her look like Anna Maria. She'd seen Anna Maria at court before. She was sometimes in the company of Ambassador Tumim and sometimes she was with other men. She was very popular.

At one point, when Ruta had left to go in search of more nail polish and they were alone together, Anna leaned in close and whispered, "Do you suppose when I look like Anna Maria the men at court will be attracted to me?"

"My lady, every man at court is attracted to you," Ausra said.

"They all stare at me, but they stare at the dogs when they run through as well, and even fewer of them speak to me than speak to the dogs." Then the sad, sullen tone vanished from her voice as she gushed, "I've seen Anna Maria at court before when she was surrounded by men talking to her. And ladies too, all happy and laughing."

"Perhaps if you began the conversation yourself people would speak to you more easily. As the famous and beautiful wife of the King, I'm sure anyone would be thrilled to speak to you. I know I have always found you very pleasant to speak with."

"Am I famous?" Anna asked sounding as if she found the prospect of being famous ridiculous and maybe even a bit scary. He leaned in so close Ausra thought she might choke from the fumes from the hair dye. "Why? Why am I famous? What did I do? I don't remember."

Ausra saw a shiver run through Anna's body and prepared herself for what would come next. "You are known by all as the beloved wife of King Vincentas. This is reason enough to be famous."

Anna backed away, her eyes darting around the room as if she was struggling to recognize her surroundings. "But I was promised. My father said he promised me. He said I was to marry." She reached up to grab her head. "Where is this place? Is it time for the wedding already?"

Ausra quickly put a hand near Anna's hair and when Anna's hand touched it she flinched away. "Lady Anna, it's alright."

"No. No it can't be alright, not now. Mother is ill and father is, father is, oh no." She was standing now, sheer panic in her eyes as she slowly backed away from Ausra. "I have to find Nicholas!"

As Anna turned to head for the door Ausra dropped to her knees and slammed her hands down flat on the floor in front of her. "Anna!" Ausra lifted her left hand and brought it down again hard on the floor. Anna froze and watched as Ausra continued beating a slow rhythm on the hard tiled floor.

When it was clear Anna was no longer going to flee, Ausra repeated her name. Anna watched Ausra's hand intently as it rose and fell with loud slaps, again and again. After a minute Anna took a step toward Ausra.

When she had taken two more steps, Ausra slowed the tempo a little, mainly because each strike of her hand had become quite painful. This was so much easier when the floor was carpeted or you could do it on a wall. Walls seemed to make a louder, more reverberating sound with less effort.

Then Ruta burst through the door. She took in the bizarre looking scene before her with a gasp. Anna's attention was momentarily taken from Ausra who compensated with a double slap and softly calling her name again. When Anna's gaze returned to Ausra's left hand, she briefly held her right palm to Ruta.

Over the course of the next few minutes Anna came to sit on the floor in front of Ausra and she held up her own hand, palm facing Ausra. At this point Ausra stopped slapping the floor and began gently tapping her hand to Anna's as if they were playing a children's game. Eventually Anna smiled. It was only then Ausra stopped. "That was fun," Ausra said. "Perhaps we can rest now?"

With the episode over, Ruta took Anna, washed her hair and put her a warm scented tub. Leaving the bathroom door open, Ruta came back to Ausra. "That was amazing. How did you know to do it?"

"It's something Saule discovered. You know how she constantly plays concentration games with herself? They're mostly repetition and she said when you're concentrating on something you can't really do anything else effectively. She noticed when Lady Anna stared at the portrait of The Norseman what she was doing was concentrating and Saule figured that was why she calmed.

So she started trying to find other things for Anna to concentrate on when she became agitated. Then one day someone tripped just as Anna was going into an episode. It got her attention, but only for a second or two. That's what the slapping does. It holds her attention after the initial fall. You can drop to the floor or slam yourself against a wall. Either will work as long as it's loud. Then you need to be as still as possible except for one hand, and you simply slap the floor or wall in rhythm. She'll just stare for a while, but then she'll come to you and hold up her hand. Then you can touch her and she's alright, but if you stop slapping the floor or the wall before she lets you touch her, she'll revert right back to her episode.

It's very loud and unseemly, so it isn't something to be done in public. I'm not sure His Majesty would approve of seeing her led around so."

"No, I don't believe he would," Ruta agreed. "It was quite shocking to see her in such a state. She looked as if she'd been hypnotized and you, well you looked quite uncivilized. It would never do for that to be repeated publicly. But in private it was a marvel. Thank you for describing the process to me."

"Hopefully you will never have to use it," Ausra said.

~~~~~~xxx~~~~~~xxx~~~~~~xxx~~~~~~

Eric closed his phone and grinned. "I believe this calls for celebration, my love. Shall we go home where we may share something more appetizing than Royalty. You might allow me the long promised taste of your favorite snack. We could partake together and see if I find her as invigorating as you do."

"You seem plenty invigorated," Sookie laughed. "What's going on?"

Eric raised an eyebrow at her. "I begin to suspect you want this girl for more than snacking. I am well aware of your fondness for musicians."

"Oh yes, and harp players especially. It must be all that plucking that turns me on. You better keep me away from any chicken farmers."

"Mental note. No chicken farmers. Got it. Now, back to your harpist."

"Oh, you two are more fun than Fangtasia after a college football game," Pam injected. "Are you always like this? I may have to move to Valhalla."

Completely ignoring Pam, Sookie said, "You walk me home and tell me about your phone call on the way and if I enjoy the story, I'll reward you with a taste of Karen."

"And what if I thirst for something I do not want from Karen?" he teased.

"Then you better hope that was a really interesting phone call," Sookie answered with a wink.

"And then you go and ruin it by sinking right back into the mush," Pam complained as she flopped back into her chair. "Just as well. I never liked moving anyway."

"Good night Pam," Sookie said. "See you tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world. Tomorrow night's the big show, right?"

"Well, I wouldn't count on fireworks if I was you, but I'll probably be put to the test tomorrow. See you then." Sookie smiled at Pam, then turned her attention back to Eric. "As for you, you still have tonight to get through. Let's hear about that call."

Sookie took the arm he offered and they casually made their way through the casino and outside, away from the noise.

"The phone call you saw was for Leonas' benefit, my love. He had received a call a few minutes prior, while we were dancing, from Ambassador Tumim's office requesting a meeting. It seems our dear friend Leonas has requested permission to visit his brother's kingdom during his forthcoming visit to Europe."

"He's already planning a trip to Europe? When?"

"It seems he has great faith in your talents, my love. His request was for next week."

"He was just going to blast off over there and what? Drag her back? How did he plan to do that?"

"I believe we may safely assume his plan was for you to be in his party. Which can only mean his plan involves me being bound in silver someplace he controls, so he has something to threaten you with to force you to release Anna."

"He couldn't hide you from Pam. God only knows what she'd do if you were being held."

"I'm sure Leonas has a fairly clear picture of what Pam would do. No doubt her final death is to be coordinated with my capture and your subjugation." Eric paused to give her time to absorb everything he was saying.

"You're certainly taking all this pretty well. Most people would be a little rattled if they thought they were about to be taken prisoner while their child was murdered and their wife was carted off to another continent to be forced into slavery or who knows what."

"I should certainly hope so, Dearest. What a bleak picture you paint. I assure you, if I thought that was about to happen I would be more than a little rattled."

"But you just said,"

"I said I believed that to be Leonas' plan. I hope you do not assume I am without plans of my own?"

Sookie scoffed and looked up at him. "And you think your plans are better."

"Naturally," he said smugly. "In my experience, my love, there is no merit in having inferior plans. I have always found if you cannot come up with a superior plan, you are better off with no plan at all. Better to improvise than to try and make an ill-conceived course of action work.

As it is, in full view of Leonas' spies, all the details have been worked out. Tomorrow night Richard Markel will be brought here and you will have your meeting with Nora. You have captured the curiosity of more than Leonas, my love. Many of us are awaiting your experiment with great interest.

Following your brilliant success, I believe we may expect conversation to turn to Anna within a short time. If he had planned to make his move immediately he would have requested an earlier visit to Lithuania. I am confident his plans do not turn to force for at least two days after your meeting with Nora. He will want to make a last effort at obtaining our willing cooperation.

The Ambassador requesting an audience here has forestalled his plans. He cannot have the Ambassador arrive and not find the royal family in residence. The phone call to me was intentionally placed immediately after the call to Leonas so he would see it and know the Ambassador has spoken to me and expects to find me here when he arrives."

"How do you know all this? I thought we couldn't call them?"

"As it turns out, Devon Bradford is an exceptionally skilled warlock. I grow more fond of him daily.

I conducted my business tonight with my office door open. Thus making it easier for Leonas' spies to keep track of who came and went. Mingled with the normal business meetings and calls were several autograph seekers. As you know, they are also a normal part of business."

"They come to your office?" Sookie asked. It had never occurred to her he was annoyed in his office too. She thought they only surrounded him when he came out into the casino. "I guess that's the down side to not being hidden down a hallway behind the bar."

"There are advantages as well. At any rate, occasionally, one of these autograph seekers was sent by Mr. Bradford, who had cast a spell for them to deliver a message as they requested their autograph. I would hear the message, give the autograph and issue my answer. The messenger would then return to him. As he was using random tourists, a different one each time, there was no reason to suspect any of them and no way for any of them to have been targeted for surveillance beforehand.

Mr. Bradford was sitting in Pam's office in Fangtasia most of the evening making and receiving calls. With Pam here under Leonas' personal observance, there was no reason for her office to be watched."

"Wow. That sounds so complicated, but when you think about it, it's really so simple."

"No need for elaborate bows when a knot will suffice, my love. Embellishments only serve to provide additional opportunities for error."

"Wow," Sookie repeated. "You've been busy."

"And I save the best for last!" he announced proudly.

"There's more?"

"There is always more, my love," he whispered with a dead sexy grin. "But we will get to that later. In the mean time, the only closed door meeting I held tonight was with Thalia."

"So they'd be sure to notice."

"I adore that you catch on so quickly." He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Richard Markel has been found in Orlando, Florida. So I sent her to Jacksonville. The fact I sent her to Florida will make anyone following her believe she was sent to look for Markel or possibly to intercept him. When she heads north, if she still has anyone following, they will likely leave her. Leonas is not one to waste resources."

"Why would she head north? Where is she really going?"

"Atlanta to receive our special guest. The Ambassador will arrive via chartered plane and will be accommodated at Valhalla. Ausra will come via commercial flight and end in Atlanta. She will be bringing Anna with her. Thalia will bring them here and put them in the rooms across from Mina at Shreve General."

"Eric is that safe for her?"

"It will be as safe as we can make it, Dearest. Until this is over, there is no place truly safe for her. I trusted Thalia with my treasure. I have assured Vincentas he may trust her with his."

Sookie thought of Thalia and Ausra. They would both defend her to the death if need be. She almost pitied anyone who went up against Thalia. She was tiny, but lightning fast and she loved nothing better than the opportunity to rip someone's heart out of their chest. It didn't even seem to matter to her what race they were, human, vampire, she'd probably even enjoy weres or shifters. Yes, Anna would be as safe as they could make her.

As they entered Valhalla and approached the elevators, a thought occurred to Sookie. When the door opened Eric held it aside for Sookie to enter, but she didn't.

"Eric will you do something for me?"

"Anything, my love. What do you want?"

"You go on up and leave me here."

Eric looked down at her. Questions filled his eyes but he did not speak them. He stepped into the elevator and turned around to face her. "Are you to follow?" he said at last, still holding the door.

"Yes. When you reach the top, I want you to summon me."

"Sookie, we agreed I would never do that to you. I would have you with me by choice."

Sookie smiled nervously and put a hand on his chest. "I want to know what it feels like. I want to know what Leonas wants to do to Anna. You're the only one who can show me this, my darling."

"Which is good, because I would kill any other who had this power over you."

"Will you do it? This once?"

"Stand back," he said as he released the door, allowing it to close.

Sookie stood in the lobby feeling silly.

Suddenly she felt the strangest feeling, as if a ghost had reached through her stomach and grabbed her spine and was trying to tug at her. It wasn't painful, it was just weird. She stood there experiencing the feeling and gradually the pull became stronger, more urgent. The ghost was getting stronger. She was surprised she was able to stand there without her body being pulled about.

Then there was a small cramp low in her back. That was enough, she wasn't going to stand here any longer and wait for the cramping to worsen. She pushed the button for the elevator.

He was waiting for her when the elevator opened on the top floor and she flung herself into his arms. He picked her up and held her tight.

"You waited. Everyone does the first time. We all want to see if we can resist. We can't for very long. It doesn't let up. It increases until we capitulate. Eventually we all reach a level of pain we cannot tolerate."

"Eric, please don't ever do that to me again."

"Nothing but the most dire emergency could induce me to subject you to such a feeling of pain and servitude. I am your servant, my love, never the reverse."

AN:

My apologies for this chapter being so late. I was distracted for a few days by writing a sample fic for the I Write The Songs Contest. I'm putting a link here, but FFn is kind of hit and miss for what links they will or will not allow to come through. It's called You Wildest Dreams and I'm really pleased with it. If you'd like to have a look you can follow the link below (if it shows up) or you can click on my name and be taken to my profile where you can find it. It is the last story listed.

Thank you, my darlings!

.net/s/6327309/1/Your_Wildest_Dreams