The office was very majestic but my impression of it was that while it was showy it probably didn't get much use. There were only two chairs in the rooms, both antique brown leather armchairs that looked like they'd be ridiculously comfortable. One was against the left side wall beside a wooden bookshelf while the other was behind a desk. On closer look it was very simple, but some nice wallpaper, furniture and skirting boards went a long way. The desk was facing the door and was bare except for a rather cute photo frame clock and a lamp. The wall behind it had a window and the wall to the right held a family portrait. Mom and Dad looked like they'd be in their early thirties at most and their son who looked about seven but there was the possibility that he was a few years older- boys always matured slower than girls when they were younger. The young smiling family that had no idea what was going on in their residence while they were away.

Despite my original impression, I could imagine the boy sitting at the desk doing homework while his mother read a book in the other chair while she supervised him (I wasn't sure how realistic that was since it was so clean and orderly). But what I saw was a different thing, and to be honest, surprised me. I had obviously expected Russel, who was seated in the armchair behind the desk, and a few human (glamourable) guards/witnesses, who were stationed either side him, but I hadn't expected to see his husband, Bartlett Crowe, The King of Indiana, directly behind him, his hands on Russel's shoulders. Whilst their union was a good move politically, they were one of the few vampire marriages that were also a product of love. I didn't look at Pam or Eric for they wouldn't have shown anything on their face anyway, maintaining that blank mask they perfected long ago. I tried my best to hide my shock but judging from Eric's feelings through the bond, he's been just as surprised to see Bart as I had.

"His majesties," Eric bowed. Pam and I followed, as was vampire etiquette, however my two vampires both bowed deeper than I did. The deeper the bow, the more respect shown, but I was still human so I could get away with it, even as Eric's bonded. Eric acknowledged the guards with just a slight nod of the head. He could have not acknowledged them, but we were on our best behaviour tonight.

"Eric, how wonderful it is to see you and your stunning ladies. Even I cannot ignore that you are an incredibly lucky vampire to have these two jewels by your side. I would offer you a seat, but this room isn't very accommodating," Russel said, ever so cheerfully. I hoped we wouldn't have to stand here long. Pam may be able to last all night, but my feet would soon protest to these heels. "Miss Stackhouse, ever a pleasure. Please tell me, what do you think of the decor?"

Talk about on the spot. I swept my eyes unnecessarily over the room. I treaded carefully with my answer. "It's very grand and lavish..."

"I detect a but somewhere. The truth please," he smiled invitingly.

I felt assurance coming from Eric so I spoke my mind, "But it is awfully prestige for a family home."

I crossed my fingers (mentally) that my answer was okay. Russel said nothing for a long second and my nerves spiked and he reverted to yet another warm, friendly expression. "That's precisely what Bart and I thought. We were just discussing it before you arrived, weren't we dear?"

Bart nodded, "We won't be taking any ideas from here."

"It's a good thing we don't own this place," Russel agreed. "Some homes we borrow are simply exquisite in their design. The wonders of modern design never disappoint." He leaned back in his chair and seemed to be studying us... specifically Eric and I. "Somehow I always knew you two would end up together. I saw it the first time you visited my area, even undercover you were both just so fitting, like pieces of a jigsaw. Oh I saw the signs, when neither of you did. Or maybe you did and you were in denial?"

"I think they both saw them, but they ignored them." Pam smirked. "Well, tried too."

The look Pam was giving me made me blush and look away, even though I hadn't done anything wrong. Russel laughed and clapped his hands together. "I just love love. At this rate, you'll be the first couple to be wed in Louisiana, and most of the other southern states, in a way that the Constitution of the United States recognises."

That was news to me, "I thought there were others?"

"Oh darling, most of those were publicity stunts that all got called off. Turns out many vampires and humans alike enjoy the dating scene but aren't willing to take the big leap. Most marriages are in Hollywood for the five minutes of fame and glory; and the money. Also, if the human is turned afterwards, it no longer qualifies as a human-vampire relationship. So far the longest lasting human-vampire marriage has been 43 days in Kentucky. I have great confidence in your pairing though."

So did I. With my longevity gene we could be married for centuries with me still alive and human. I turned to look at Eric, "You never told me this."

He shrugged, "it didn't seem of any importance what others were doing."

He was right of course. I love him, and I wanted to marry him. That's all that mattered. What others were doing wouldn't change that. Trivial gossip had no effect on my decisions. I'd always been different anyway, what's new?

"Oh Bart," Russel said, snapping me out of my thoughts. "As much as they try to hide it, you can see their love for each other in their eyes. Isn't it wonderful?"

"A fine match if I do say so. It's almost overwhelming. Pam, how do you cope being around these lovebirds all the time?" Bartlett said.

I would have squirmed but that would be seen as a sign of weakness. Pam replied, "I like to think about dirty diapers and sick elderly people. It creates a good balance."

Russel didn't seem to care for what Pam said, continuing with his charade. "It's so refreshing to see a couple that love so fully and would do anything for the other. In fact, all three of you have a superb little unit working for you. And you have most of the Supe's within area five at your beck and call. Nicely done, however my intelligences have bought to my attention some of your activities. Where shall we start?"

I knew Russel hadn't requested an audience with us just for a friendly chat. It was about time the other shoe dropped.