The Curse of Being Me
Chapter 24- A ball
The journey to the ball was a quick one, Sookie teleporting them all into the abbey unseen. Eric lamented the fact that they couldn't consummate their marriage immediately, but the Pythoness would not be kept waiting. She had instructed Eric to bring Sookie to her before the festivities began. Pam and Santiago had hurried off, having their own duties to perform before the evening began.
"Now, remember to be respectful, lover, she is very powerful." Eric had laced his hands with hers and was leading her through the abbey to the Pythoness' suite. He had ensured she was given the best the Abbey had to offer, after the royal chambers, or course.
"I will," Sookie smiled up at him, she would normally be offended by the implication of his words, but she could feel him over their connection. "Don't be so nervous, Eric. Everything will be fine, you'll see."
He smiled tentatively down on her, feeling the wave of comfort and love she was sending. "I just worry, Sookie. I may be a king but she still has the power to destroy us. I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you, my love."
"I remember Rhodes, Eric," she shivered at the memory. "I know what she can do. I also know that nothing will ever take me from you again, my husband. I swear this to you." Pulling him to a stop, Sookie reached up, brushing her fingers over his face, and kissed him passionately. Eric responded with a small growl, before wrapping his arms around her and drawing her closer. It was deep and full of need, so different to their other kisses. This kiss was one of promise, but also fear.
They made their way slowly, each full of their own thoughts but sharing them non-the-less. Soon they were outside her door, her guards staring down at them sceptically. Eric refused to release Sookie's hand and had to supress a growl as they appraised her with hostility burning in their eyes. The pythoness' guards were known for their strength and power. A breed of demon often used for security due to the fact that they were as loyal as they were ferocious. It was said that these two had been adopted by the pythoness as children.
"Let them pass," the old shriek made the two demons smile. They side stepped the door, allowing entry.
Eric led Sookie in with trepidation. He had no idea why the pythoness was so eager to meet his wife, but he was sure it couldn't be a good thing. They found the old seer perched by a fire, dressed in her white Grecian styled robes. Her unseeing eyes gazed expressionless into the flames.
Turning her head to face them a slight smile crept on her lips. "I congratulate you, Northman. You have taken a wonderful creature as your wife. I am sure you will treasure her. Now, leave us. I wish to speak with Sookie alone!" The command was clear, leaving no room for argument, but still Eric paused. Holding Sookie tightly he hesitated, unsure what to do.
The pythoness began to cackle, bent over her tiny body shook with laughter. "You are such a caveman, Viking," she screeched. "No harm shall come to her, I assure you. The lovely Mrs Northman is more powerful than a nuclear bomb. I couldn't harm her even if I wanted to, which I don't. Now, leave us!"
Still Eric paused, confused by the old hag's words. Sookie touched his arm gently, "It's alright, Eric. Go and see if Santiago needs your help. I will be fine." Reluctantly, Eric kissed her softly and left the room. Sookie watched him leave with longing in her eyes. Once she was sure he was gone, she turned to face the pythoness, sitting herself on the large leather couch.
"It will be fun when he finds out what you are," the Pythoness smiled warmly at Sookie. Sookie was sure it was an expression few ever got to see her wear. "He will be a good husband to you. I am glad that you have him, child. I just wish other vampires were as open minded as he. We are facing a great deal of upheaval. It is time we unite as a supernatural community. The humans grow more powerful each year and they are not as ignorant as we like to think them."
Sookie shifted in her seat. She was reluctant to use her new abilities to read the old seer, but something told her this meeting was going to be pivotal. "I don't understand. Why do you want to see me? What does any of this have to do with me?"
The AP looked at Sookie with a fond smile and sad, sightless eyes. "I know what you are, my dear, I know what you have become. Even before you grew into your powers you saved hundreds at Rhodes. You saved many in Dallas and others in Jackson. Did you not stop the local Were pack from going to war? You draw the supernaturals to you like moths to a flame. As powerful as your husband is, I wouldn't have supported his claim on the throne, or his complaint against Nevada if it wasn't for you. We need you, child. I need you. As the vampires decided to come out of the coffin first, it is our responsibility to untie our community. I want you to agree to work with me."
Sookie knew that the Pythoness was right, about everything. The thought of what might have happened to Eric without her made her wince. "I am starting my own business; becoming a queen…I don't know what I can do to help."
"I know of your business. I wish only to hire you, more frequently and reliably perhaps, than others. Should you agree I would have you travel with me as I liaise with vampires, Weres, the fae, the list goes on. I wish to organise a united ruling body and structure our world in a way which will be more acceptable to humanity. The time draws when they will know all about us and we must stand as a united front if we are to survive them."
Sighing, Sookie looked into the flames of the fire. Eric was going to hate this. However, she wanted to help if she could and it would make her business a sure success. "What would you want me to do?"
The AP was watching her carefully; almost looking passed where she sat and seeing something else. "You can sit in the meetings, hearing their thoughts, reading their souls. I want you to prevent danger, comfort those who need it, allay fears. I need you to make this work, Mrs Northman. What do you say?"
"I say that I agree. This is important and I want to do my bit. I will do anything that makes my husband safer. Talk with my assistants and they will arrange everything, but now I have an evening to prepare for, Ma'am."
The AP chuckled. "Much to say and much to do. Call me, Pia, Sookie. I hope we shall be great friends very soon. I can see how great you are destined to become. I am honoured you will help me."
"Very well, Pia. I shall see you later?" Sookie rose, getting ready to leave. She could feel Eric getting more and more anxious. She knew Santiago was holding him back by force at this point.
The AP bowed her head, "until later, my dear Sookie."
Feeling a little unnerved by the devout way the AP had bowed to her, Sookie headed out in search of her husband. She knew this was going to be good for her and Eric. What's more she knew her unique abilities were perfectly tailored for this role. She didn't have to search long for Eric, finding him pacing like a madman in their suite, with Santiago guarding the door- preventing him from leaving.
"Oh, my love, I was so worried. I felt your unease. What did she want? Are you well?" Sookie laughed happily as her face was smushed against her overzealous vampire's broad chest. He had zoomed to her side and hugged her tight against him. She imagined that if he had been human he would have been hyperventilating from the panic.
"Everything is fine, Eric. She merely wanted to hire me. I believe she will become my main customer. Worry not, my love. We can discuss it all later. You have a coronation to attend." She ran her hands up his neck and through his hair as she spoke, hoping to calm him.
"It is really time," Eric whispered, resting his forehead upon hers.
"Indeed it is. Go, I shall be with you shortly."
Eric hated parting from his bonded, his wife, so quickly. He felt like they were being forced apart when they should have been most united. However, he could hear the crowd gathering in the throne room. It really was time. He needed to see this done so that his kingdom could be secure. Moving away from her, he marched out towards them. Santiago was following him; Pam joined them as he reached the grand doors that led to the throne room.
Without pausing a step, or uttering a word, Eric opened the doors and marched his way up to the throne on the centre of the stage. He was confident enough in his children to know that no more dialogue was needed between them. They were strong and loyal; they would stand by him through anything. Pam and Santiago took seats to Eric's right. There was only one seat left unoccupied, the throne to his left.
The council, including the Ancient Pythoness, was seated in the front row, on much grander seats than anyone else. Behind them were Eric's sheriffs and closest allies. The room was full of vampire subjects, along with a few Weres. It had been decorated quite simply. Eric had made it clear that he did not want ostentatious decorations, but instead an elegant simplicity that would represent his direct and fair leadership. There were drapes of red and gold silk hanging all around the room, but otherwise it was unchanged. Humans waited in the back to wheel out tables with food and blood, along with an array of donors, once the party began.
The crowd became silent as Eric took his seat, watching in rapt fascination for what was to happen. Eric didn't move or speak, instead smiling to himself as he felt Sookie's impatience and longing to get this other with.
Everyone turned in surprise as Sookie waltzed along the red aisle, flanked by her bodyguards Patrick and Gareth. Her eyes were only for Eric as she mounted the stage and handed him a gleaming golden knife.
"I love you, my husband,"
Eric took the knife and, raising his eyes to meet hers, kissed it. "We are one, my wife."
Sookie took her seat in the throne beside him as he placed the knife carefully in his jacket pocket. They both had wide smiles, their hands laced together, as they looked out at the stunned audience.
The Pythoness, a wry smile on her face, floated on the stage and addressed the audience. "As you have witnessed it, so shall it be. We are all here tonight to act as witnesses to the crowning of a king. Now you shall be brought to answer as witness for a pledging. Sookie Northman is the bonded, legal wife and pledge of Eric Northman, she shall be given the respect and loyalty such a position deserves. She shall be a queen this night and ever more. Be warned, her King guards her well and shall smite any who threaten her."
She turned to Eric then. Standing to the side slightly so both he and Sookie were visible to the crowd. "Eric Northman, do you swear to govern your people fairly, leading them into prosperity and acting for the best interests of your kingdom?"
"I solemnly swear so to do."
The AP nodded and turned to Sookie, "Sookie Northman, do you swear to govern your people fairly, leading them into prosperity and acting for the best interests of your kingdom?"
Sookie smiled up at the old vampire, "I solemnly swear so to do."
The Pythoness turned to face the crowd once more. There were many unhappy faces, vampires that resented having a 'human' queen. However, there were also many wide smiles and faces of awe. Bill was grinning like a fool, as were Felicia and Maxwell-Lee.
"As the ancient authority and a leader of the vampire council, I declare Eric Northman the one and true King of Louisiana, Arkansas and Nevada. I declare Sookie Northman the one and true Queen of Louisiana, Arkansas and Nevada, in his stead she is ruler and her word is law. Let any who question this monarchy be found guilty of treason and made to meet the true death. You have witnessed and now you are bound to defend. Let all know what you have seen. It is done." With a quick wink to Sookie, the quirky old vampire floated back to her seat off the stage.
Sookie had to suppress a giggle of joy as Eric, Pam and Santiago all turned to look at her with shock and questions burning in their eyes. She hadn't known anything about Nevada, but she didn't care. She was so happy it was done. Eric was King and he was hers. "I didn't know," she whispered with a smile up at Eric.
He raised an eyebrow. "She didn't mention anything while you were…"
Sookie pressed her finger to his lips, "No, my King, she didn't."
Eric, feeling her sincerity through the bond, relaxed. "I am sure it will all be explained in the meeting."
"Meeting?" Pam asked confused. Santiago chuckled, earning him a glare.
"Pamela, you have been so busy pouting lately I may have forgotten to mention it." Eric raised an eyebrow at her and smiled innocently. "The council are to meet with me and discuss my complaint against Nevada along with my concerns about the Fellowship of the Sun."
"When?" Pam asked irritated that everyone seemed to know but her. Santiago was beaming at her.
"In about five minutes. I just want to ensure the party is off to a good start before I leave it." As they spoke the humans were bustling about to set up the food/blood tables and the band were setting up in the corner.
The section to the left of the throne room had been opened up to reveal tables and chairs, along with a dance floor. Much like in a wedding, there was a long table set up for Eric and Sookie. The dance floor would be extended once the chairs from the coronation had been removed. They were half gone already.
Biting back her ire, Pam spoke softly. "Am I permitted to attend this meeting?"
"No, you are not 'permitted', you are required to attend. I need both you and Santiago there. Sookie will attend also, once she has eaten and spoken with Felicia. I do not want it to go on long as we have a party to return to."
Pam relaxed knowing she was going to be included and smiled back at Eric. They were getting ready to move, Sookie could feel her stomach snarling. She had been too nervous to eat after her meeting with the Pythoness and now she was paying for it. She knew Eric could feel her hunger and fatigue, it displeased him greatly.
"When will they all swear fealty to you?"
Her big doe eyes searched his, causing his love for her to double. "Once the meeting is over we will re-join the party. They will all swear fealty, to us both, throughout the night." Eric turned to appraise the room. All the guests had moved now and the dance floor was clear of unwanted chairs. The band had just begun to play and everyone was milling about. The food table already had a line. "Go and eat, Sookie. You know where the meeting is being held. Your guards will follow you when you wish to return to me."
Sookie leaned over a little to kiss him. "I'll be as quick as I can." She headed down the steps from the stage and over to the food table, looking back to watch as Eric, Pam and Santiago raced away at vampire speed. Her guards were trailing behind her. They had been stood behind her throughout the ceremony. She was actually getting used to the shadow twins.
Amelia was stood waiting for Sookie, two full plates in hand and a couple of glasses of wine placed on the table before her. Sookie took her plate, waiting for Amelia to place hers on the table, before she gave her a big hug.
Sitting down at the table with Amelia, Felicia and Bobby she accepted the round of 'congratulations' and raised an eyebrow at her friend. "How did you know?"
"Pam text me about three minutes ago. She said she could hear your stomach snarling and thought it would be best if you didn't have to wait in line."
Sookie blushed, causing a round of light laughter. "You look lovely, Amelia." She was wearing her hair tied up, revealing her neck and the string of diamonds placed there. A deep green dress accompanied the jewels. It was floor length and sleeveless. The back tied up and there was a band of silk wrapped around the middle. It suited her perfectly.
"Thanks, I've been saving this dress for something special. How was the wedding?"
"Good. It was simple and there were no accidents, so I am pleased. I need to warn you that the Pythoness will be calling both you and Felicia. I have agreed to work with her on a regular basis. I want her to take priority over any other jobs."
Amelia just nodded but Felicia, Gareth and Patrick gasped. "The Ancient Pythoness? I get to talk to her?" Felicia looked equal parts awed and terrified.
Sookie giggled, "Yes, Felicia, you will talk to her. I expect to be working with her a great deal. Oh, and we need to sit down and discuss all the staff you have been busy hiring. I want to know about them and read them before they get started." She popped a mini sausage in her mouth and sighed. She had been so hungry, but she was eager to be with Eric.
"Yes, mistress. Amelia and I have been busy going through your schedule, too. We have much to discuss with you, mistress."
Sookie scowled at the little vampire. "What have I told you about calling me Sookie?"
Felicia looked nervous. "Oh, right, but you are queen. I don't want to be disrespectful," she practically whispered the words.
"You are not being disrespectful if I have instructed you to call me by my name. Please, Eric promised I could have this; that people close to me would not have to bow and scrape."
"Of course, Sookie. I did not wish to displease you."
Sookie sighed, knowing she was fighting a losing battle. Felicia was too loyal to her, and too scared of Eric, to ever truly understand what she wanted. Instead she just let it go, enjoying her meal while they all talked about what had been going on while she was getting ready.
"I have to leave y'all. I need to go to Eric for this meeting. Enjoy yourselves and I'll see you later." She hugged Amelia, Bobby and a reluctant Felicia before departing with the shadow twins.
A feeling of deep regret and foreboding washed over her. Something wasn't right with the meeting; she could feel Eric's anger and frustration.