Chapter 29 - The Night the Lights Went Out In Shreveport
Sophie's POV
Looking at the door, I growl as I continue to pace the floor. I have no idea what they have done, but they have done something. When I tried at first dark, it…it burned me. But they seem to be able to get in. Because I was brought two True Bloods not soon after I rose. I tried to get the guard to talk to me. But when I approached him, another had a gun pointed at me. I've no idea what it was loaded with, but I didn't feel like it was in my best interests to find out. All I was told was to stay by the windows. When I tried to protest, the gun was raised higher.
After the first Vampire placed the bottles on the table, he walked out and the other walked out behind him. As the door closed, I tried to run for it. But once my hand touched it, I could feel the flesh begin to burn. I look down and can still see the remnants of the burn. I growl again.
I try to feel for my children. I can feel Hadley but when I summoned her to me, I felt the pain that caused her so I stopped. Andre, I've been trying to feel since I rose but I can't feel anything. I've no idea if he has met his final death or not. But I can't feel him. I try to feel my guards. Though they are not my children, they hold fealty to me. I should feel them. Where I could feel Hadley, with them, I feel nothing. Could they and Andre have met their final death? Could I only feel Hadley because I've had her hidden and they haven't found her? I push out harder and father and still feel nothing.
In frustration, I pick the chair nearest me up and throw it at the wall, allowing it to splinter into a million pieces. Not feeling any better, I grab the bottle and begin to drink. Halfway through the bottle, I actually begin to taste the vile stuff. How anyone drinks this on a regular basis, I've no idea. They could have at least given me a Royalty Blended. I am the Queen for God's sake.
I hear a click at the door, as if someone is about to open it. I quickly make my way beside it and make myself as flat as I possibly can. With any luck I can jump the creature or at the very least, get around them. Then I can make my way to my loyal subjects and finish this ridiculous situation. My boys will protect me. I smile. They are bigger, stronger and more determined than any two I've ever known. Why they haven't come for their Queen yet is a wonder. Then I remember, I can't feel them. Where on earth could they be that I can't feel them. I sigh and shake my head. I can't think on this now. I have to get out of this room. As soon as I do, I will find my children and this will all be a thing of the past. I will soon rectify this whole mess and continue with my plans.
"Step over to the windows, Ma'am," I hear from somewhere in the room.
I look around for a moment trying to see where the voice is coming from. I quickly hear the hum of a speaker up in the rafters.
"Now, please, Ma'am." They say again. There must have been cameras installed. The question is when did they install them? Could they have actually come into my chambers when I was at rest? Would they have dared too?
Deciding it's best to play the "good girl" for now, I move to the windows and turn to watch as the door opens and my worthless lawyer walks in. The door immediately closes behind him.
I look at him. "Speak," I say as I move closer to him
"Sophie," he says to me. Since when does he address me so informally? This is not like him. "There have been some decisions made regarding your incarceration." He says, putting a few files down on the table. "We don't have much time," he says. "You are being moved within the hour. I've been given this time to prepare you and then you will be heading out with the guards that are still in the compound."
"Well, you have been up all day," I say waving my hands. "Couldn't your…your whatever find out what is going on?" I ask him. "Where have you been and what have you been doing to get me out of this room. What do you mean I'm being moved? I'm not going anywhere. This is my compound and I'm the Queen of Louisiana. No one tells me what to do or where to go." I cross my arms over my chest and stare at him willing him to contradict me.
He looks at me a bit strange almost as if he's seeing me for the first time. A few seconds later, he shakes his head and sighs. "Sophie," he says softly as if he's talking to a child. "I haven't been allowed onto the compound since I was summoned the first day the Council representatives arrived." He says. "Earlier today, they contacted me to come and discuss this information with you before you were moved."
I look surprised. "Why, why would they do that?" I ask him.
He shakes his head and pulls out a paper, handing it to me. "This was left for me for me in the offices downstairs."
I take the envelope, pull out the paper and begin reading it.
Once I've read through it I look up at him. "What does this mean?" I ask him.
He sits down. "It means you have a lot of explaining to do."
"I don't understand." I say to him. "What does this mean that I'm being brought before the Council? And my Sheriff is now controlling my area!" I scream at him. "They can't do this." I throw the papers at him. "I am a Queen. They can't just lock me up for no reason."
"Sophie," he says. "You've got to calm down or they will sedate you. They've already sedated Andre. He will be down for the entire evening ." He says.
I just shake my head. "No!" I say again and flip the bed on its side. "Where are my GUARDS!" I scream. "I want my boys. Where are they? Why haven't they come for their Queen? They are my devoted and trusted guards. There is no way they would allow me to be removed from this compound." I go to throw a vase against the wall when Cataliades is out of his chair and has my arm in his grasp.
"SOPHIE!" he calls to me. I am so shocked at his tone that I hesitate for a moment. No one has used that tone with me since Maurice met his final death.
He catches me off guard and takes the vase out of my hand. "Your guards aren't coming. They've met their final death!"
That stops me. "What?"
"I…I have been told that they couldn't be controlled and continued to attempt escape to get to you. They met their final deaths an hour ago."
I slide into the chair behind me. "What…What is going on?" I ask him.
Cataliades releases my arm and sits in the chair besides mine. "Sophie," he says and reaches behind him to the table and grabs something. He hands me another file. "You are being brought up on multiple charges. You have only a few days to prepare. But I assure you. Council would not be making these allegations unless they had considerable proof." He moves a little closer to me as I read what is in the folder. I'm reading it but it's not making much sense to me.
"Sophie," he calls to me again. I am still trying to read through the documents when he calls my name again. I look up at him and he shakes his head. "Council representatives have been to see Northman. They've takenComptoninto custody. The fellowship had a database you ordered him to create."
I nod. "Sheriff Northman was taking care of that for me. It was all under control." I growl at him.
Cataliades shakes his head again. "Just for that alone could be enough grounds for your expulsion from your territory. Council voted to have Sheriff Northman be active Regent of the newLouisianaTerritory."
I look up at him. "What Territory?" I ask him.
"Sophie, Peter is missing. He is presumed to have met his final death. Since your marriage was approved, the territories are combined."
I smile at that. "Well, then it's my decision who handles what." I say to him.
He shakes his head and holds out another file. "As of last night, you have been relieved of your Monarchy pending the outcome of the Council's inquiry. They believe you may have had a hand in his final demise."
I grab the folder out of his hand and start looking through it.
"The kingdom's assets and privileges are now at the discretion of Regent Northman. Your personal assets are being reviewed as well." He continues.
I shake my head. I have no personal assets. That is why I needed the money from another territory.
I look up at him. "What are we to do now?" I ask him.
He shakes his head once more. I'm starting to hate that gesture. "This was a courtesy, Sophie." He says to me. "I am the attorney to the crown. Not your personal one." He holds out a document. "Here are a few names you may wish to contact to help you at the meeting." He stands and pulls all the papers back together.
"What are you talking about? You served Maurice and now me. Where are you going?" I scream at him.
"I have business with the new Regent." He says. "Good luck, Sophie."
He goes to the door and it opens without him knocking. He walks out without a second glance at me.
"Ma'am," two guards walk into the room. Three others stand at the door. "We need to leave if we are going to arrive at your new quarters by sunrise."
I shake my head. "I'm going nowhere." I say to them. "I am Queen of this territory and I'm not going to be moved around like some stupid little human!" I say and move to walk around them.
"Ma'am," he says again. "Please stay calm or we will need to sedate you."
I laugh. "Are you serious? Do you know who I am?" I ask him. "There is nothing you can do to me."
Then I remember that, that rat of an attorney said that they sedated my Andre. I look to guards. "What did you do to my Andre?" I growl.
"Calm down Ma'am. Doctor Ludwig has come up with a way to sedate Vampires. I assure you, he will be fine."
One of them comes for me and I pull away farther into the room. "Do you realize what you are doing? Do you have any idea who I am and the friends I have?"
"You are Sophie-Anne LeClerq," someone says at the door. "Now shut your mouth before I have them shove something in it to shut you up."
I look up.
"Nan." I say and take a step back. I may be Queen. But this woman is the black hand of the Council and AVL. The media may see her as the tough business woman. But I know that she's separated many a Vampire's head from their body. At the very least, she's ordered her staff to do it.
She smirks at me. "You are up shit's creek now. Do you know the mess you've made?" She asks.
I shake my head. "You can't do this to me."
"Council says I can," She holds up a file. "Now are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way?" She asks.
I launch myself at her but two of the guards are at my side before I'm able to move three feet.
She shrugs. "I guess the hard way," she says and nods to one of them.
I want to protest but suddenly I feel a sharp pain in the side of my neck. My vision becomes blurry and then everything fades to darkness.
***0***
SPOV
I keep looking down at my left hand as Eric and I walk back to the house. I can't help myself. I know I'm not human. I know that I've lived over a thousand years to be bonded and pledged to my Viking. But there is something about this beautiful ring on my finger that just makes me smile. I would love anything he gave me. But the thought that Eric designed and had it made is just something altogether different. He had it made for me. Over half a century ago, he was thinking of me. Well, okay, he wasn't thinking of me, per say. But he was looking for me. He was thinking of our future and wanted to give me something once he found me. Something that would bind us together. I know we are Bonded. That is a connection for the Supernatural. This, this ring is an expression of our love and commitment for the human world to see.
The announcement inNew Orleanscouldn't have come at a better time. It was almost as if it was done just for us. Then a thought hits me.
"Eric," I say to him.
He looks down and smiles at me. "Yes, my beautiful bride-to-be," he says and kisses my nose.
I laugh. "I like the sound of that," I pause. "But did you know that the announcement was happening tonight?" I ask him.
He shakes his head. "No, I didn't. But I planned on giving you that ring tonight." he says.
I look at him and I know he can sense my confusion through the bond.
He stops before we go into the house. "It occurred to me today when I rose, that you were out and about with humans today. Granted, it didn't have the best ending of the afternoon," he says with a stern look. "But you, my dear Bonded, will be entertaining more Humans during the daylight hours from this point forward," he says to me and continues. "I'm certain that once we are seen together that many newscasters and the like will want to speak with you. Not to mention dealing with the humans in Louisiana and Arkansas. Sophie didn't have much use for the human political figures inNew Orleans. In fact, even with Council decree, she ignored the needs of New Orleans after Katrina. I am going to be looking at my beautiful Bonded to save face, as they say. That is if you don't mind." He kisses me again.
When he pulls back I look down at my hand. "So you gave me this, to what, legitimize us to the humans?" I ask him.
He looks into my eyes. I can feel the hurt and know instantly that I should have said that. "I didn't mean…"
He puts his finger to my lips. "No Susannah. I gave you that ring and asked you to marry me in the human world so that all will know what we are to one another. Bonding in Fae, Dae and Vampire tradition will mean nothing to them. Pledging may say something to other Vampires and Supes but when it comes to Humans they would no more understand the tie between us than they would the prophecy that brought us together." He pauses. "I gave it to you as a symbol of our love, our promise to one another and token of our commitment. I had no idea that Nan would be inNew Orleansannouncing the legalization of Human-Vampire marriages. I was hoping that to the human masses you will be meeting you could call me, what is it that humans call it?" He asks me.
I smile. "Fiancé," I say.
He smiles back. "Indeed. I want you to be owned in every world, Min Kara." Before I can say anything he continues. "You are without me for so many hours. I want a part of me that those human fools can see." I'm about to tell him that he has nothing to worry about when he stops me again. "I have no worries of you leaving me. I only wish to announce to those who would be inclined to address you that you are already spoken for."
I laugh. "When we went into Tara's I have to admit I didn't know what to call you, so I called you my boyfriend. It definitely sounded flat. You are so much more than that."
He touches the side of my face. "Now you will call me husband," he says and places his hand on my belly. "He will call me father." He says softly and looks at me with such passion, such devotion that I feel like I may fall over. "Oh Min Kara," he says and brings me closer. "We are going to have a beautiful family."
I nod. "Without a doubt, My Liege."
He growls. "Min Kara," he growls again. "I would give anything to run you upstairs and make love to you until well after dawn. To hear you call me that over and over again as I pillage your body." Wow parts of me woke up just by him saying what he wants. "But," he sighs. "I have some things to deal with and you," he kisses the hand with my ring on it, "have a wedding to plan." Okay not exactly what I wanted but hey, there is always later.
I sigh. I'm the one that wants to marry in less than twenty-four hours. I've got a lot to do between now and then.
We walk into to kitchen to several squealing women. I laugh as they pull me out of Eric's arms and into theirs. I am being passed from one to the other. A thousand questions are being asked and I really couldn't tell you who is asking what.
I turn to see him moving toward the door. He mouths, I love you.
I send him love and desire through the bond as I watch him walk toward his study.
***0***
Bill's POV
"You understand what I'm telling you?" He asks me for the tenth time.
"I know what I need to do." I say to him with a slight growl in my voice. I don't like being talked to like this. Nor do I like being here with all of these, Ugh, degenerates. I look around the room. Nothing but filth and disgraces to their races.
"Pay attention, Vampire." He says as if the word repulses him.
I turn back and he smiles at me. "Well who says Vampires are dumb." He says with a little laugh. "Now, I want you to tell me again. What are you going to tell the idiots on the Council?" He asks me.
I resist rolling my eyes. Not because I'm afraid of what they will do to me. Hell, I've no idea how they even got me here. All I know is that I need out and perhaps they are my ticket. I sigh in frustration of my own inner dialog. "I will tell them that the witch left me in the hotel. She thought that I was secure for the night but I escaped just before dawn and went to ground." I say to him.
He nods. "Good, once you have been brought to the Hotel inSt. Louis, you will call the number I gave you and have them pick you up." He says.
I look at him. "They are going to have me meet the sun for what I did." I say to him. "How the hell am I going to get Sookie for you if they have me meet the sun?"
He smiles a very wicked smile. I don't like that smile. No, I never thought I would see something that would cause a vampire to shiver but that's it. The feelings behind that smile are more devilish than any I could imagine.
"The queen ordered you to make that stupid database, did she not?" He asks. I nod and he continues. "She ordered you to extend the information to include others and she ordered you to stay close to the telepath." I'm shocked that he knows about Sookie. I'm about to ask him how he knows about her and her gifts when he continues. "If it wasn't for Sophie's orders, you and the database would have been in safer quarters where those idiots from the Fellowship couldn't get to you. The blame for this lies on the shoulders of your Queen. You were just following orders. At worst case, you will get some time in chains." He says.
"And that is easy for whom?" I ask him. "I've already spent two days in chains and I don't intend to spend any more. What is stopping me from laying you to waste right now and leaving?" I ask him. "I don't need you to get the girl." I growl at him. "I've got plenty of Vampires to help me. I don't need the likes of you to get what I want. Sookie is a commodity that shouldn't be squandered or farmed out like a worthless fangbanger. What Northman is doing is despicable. If you care about her as much as you say you do, you would do something about this."
He growls at me. "I know more about what's going here than you, childe. I would watch your tongue if I were you."
I laugh at him. He can't seriously think I would be afraid of him. "Maybe I'll just take her and make you bid on her like everyone else." I say to him. Yeah, he isn't so tough. I'm a fucking Vampire.
"Watch yourself or you will find out what being drained really feels like." He says to me. "You have no idea about my intensions nor do I wish to explain them to a worthless Vampire like yourself. You very existence is beneath me."
I move at Vampire speed. Okay, maybe not complete speed. I've been held for several days without blood. I'm a little weaker than I usually am. Nevertheless, I reach for the arrogant fool in front of me and lift him up by his neck.
"You have no power over me," I growl at him, showing my fangs. "You were kicked out by your own kind. Not even you own wanted you around or thought you were worth the time. You have nothing." I breath onto his face and take in his scent. I've heard that Fae could mask their scent. But I do smell something. I will enjoy ending this delicious morsels existence. How many can say that they have partaken in a full Fae? None that I know.
He snaps his fingers and three others come out of nowhere and wrap silver chains around my neck and wrists. Pulling me back from my catch. I growl and hiss, trying to break free but it's useless. I've known silver to be harmful, but never this strong.
I growl and try to fight them off me again. But the chains just tighten around me causing me additional pain. I soon stop moving and just glare at him.
"I may not have my own people. But because I'm an outcast, there are others that hate Niall just as much as I do. The enemy of my enemy is my friend." He points to the creatures at my sides. "Take these warriors, for instance." he says to me as I try to break free from them. "Not the smartest around, but helpful none the less, don't you think?" I try to look at the creatures that are holding me but the chain around my neck has made it almost impossible to me.
He walks closer to me. Looking right in my eyes I get a feeling of dread deep in my being. I've never known Fae to be able to Glamour. Perhaps this is just my own fear manifesting itself. Clearly, I'm not as in control as I originally thought. I need a moment to reassess and make a new plan. I am certain that none are coming for me. I've felt twinges of my Maker but she has shut down our bond. She would need it open to find me. It's almost as if she is trying to open it enough to sense me but shut it down enough to keep her from harm. I've never known her to do this. Well, up until the past few weeks. Normally our bond is wide open. She feels everything as I do with her. What is happening with her?
He moves just slightly closer and breathes on me as I did to him before. "I am over three thousand years old, Vampire. Don't think for one minute that your threats cause me any concern. I could snap you like a twig and not think twice about it. Now, you will do as I say, you pathetic excuse for a Vampire. You will remember that the girl is MINE. She has always been and always will be what I've waited for. I am supposed to have the crown. I'm supposed to have the fame and the glory and the Destiny. It's my right. I care not about Prophecies and Legends. She is mine and I will not give her up for any who feel they have laid claim to her. Especially one so weak and foolish as you." He pauses and moves closer so he can whisper in my ear. "She will give me what I need and when I'm seated on the throne I will decide if she lives or if she dies." He leans back so I can see his face once more.
"What…what prophecy?" I struggle against the warriors grips again, but the chain just digs in deeper. I let out a wince as the old Fae smiles at me.
He laughs. "Are you really that stupid that you don't even know your own legends and stories? My, your maker did keep you in the dark, now didn't she? And life with Sophie-Anne must have been one long party." He says almost to himself and sighs. "No matter, it's inconsequential at this point. The girl is going to give me the Legacy I deserve and I will prove that not only am I the most cunning but that I am the true heir of our worlds." He says with a laugh. "Now are you going to do what you are told?" He asks me.
"I will not let you kill her." I growl at him. "She is special. You have no rights to…"
Before I can say another thing, the chains are pulled tighter and the pain almost sends me to my knees. I feel my maker again and this time she opens the bond just a little. She must have sensed my pain. I try to send her pain and need but the burning of the chains is almost overwhelming everything else.
"She is what I've waited for a thousand years to come to pass. It is my right and my legacy. With her, it will be sealed." The old Fae says. It doesn't seem like he's talking to me but so himself.
"How am I going to get close to her?" I ask him as I wince once again. "By now, they all know that I've been taken. None will trust me. Certainly, I will have little opportunity to be alone with her."
He shrugs. "That's your problem. All you need to know is that I need her before she Bonds and Pledges to the Viking. I may be able to break the Bond, but the Pledge; no, I will not be able to break that. To be safe, I need her before they do anything. Depending on how closely Bonded they are, killing him may in fact kill her." He says. "Now we can't have that, now can we?"
"I saw how Eric looked at her last night. It's like he's obsessed with her." I say. "There is no way I'm going to get close to her."
"Well I suggest you find a way." He says to me. "I need her here. She needs to mate with one of her own and she will give me the heir I need. Then well, maybe I'll sell her off or give her to one of my faithful. But I do know that she isn't supposed to mingle with filth like Vamps."
"NO!" I scream as the creatures beside me start to loosen the chains to move me out of the room. I need to stop this idiot. He can't have Sookie. I don't know much about the Fae but I know this one is as mad as a hatter. He needs to stay clear of her.
I pull on the chains and somehow pull clear of the creatures. I charge the Fae in front of me. But before I can get close enough, I feel a pull, a stab. I suddenly feel the bond burst wide open and I can almost see Lorena in a room with her hands on her chest. The look on her face is one of such pain, fury and remorse, I've never seen it's equals. I can almost see into her eyes. I try to focus on those eyes. But soon the image fades and then nothing. My vision clears and the last thing I see is shock on the old Fae's face.
***0***
Breandan's POV
I watch the face of the young Vampire as realization hits him. Then in seconds, he's dust on my floor.
I look where the Vampire just stood and see a young Fae guard standing with a stake in his hand.
"What the hell did you do that for?" I ask him.
The guard looks shocked. "He was..He was going to kill you."
I shake my head. "You stupid, ignorant fool," I pop in front of him and snatch the stake away and back handing him into the wall. "Did you think I would have let him get that close to me?" I pop again and lean over the stupid fae on the floor. "He has been held for several days without blood. He has been tortured and beaten and hasn't recovered. Not to mention isn't even two hundred years OLD!" I scream at him. "We needed him, you fool. I needed him to get her!" I move away from him and throw the stake to the wall.
"You don't really expect him to get close to her, do you?" I hear from behind me.
I turn to see my delightful friend. "Preston, I didn't know you had arrived." I say to him. "Safe journey I presume? "Delightful as always or did you hit any snags?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Some bumps that we will discuss, but you haven't answered my question." He says to me. "Did you expect the Viking to be so careless that he would have let him close to her?" He asks me again.
I laugh. "Of course not," I say standing to look out the window. "He was just a simple diversion. I wanted the Viking looking one way so I can get in another." I say. "But now, well," I shrug. "I'll need to deal with things another way." I turn and growl once more at the idiot cowering on the floor.
"My Lord, the Viking is too smart for games like that. And now I understand Godric and Tomas have joined him." He says.
"You dare to defy me?" I growl and pop intoPreston's face.
He takes a step back. "I only meant that he would not have fallen for a trick such as that. He may only have a millennium on this earth. But I've seen him fight on multiple occasions. He is not a force to be taken lightly."
I move away from him. "You leave the Vampire to me. What news do you bring me?" I ask and go to sit on my throne in the corner.
Prestonfollows me. "My Lord, the Council has taken the Queen into custody. I didn't stay for all the charges. But I know that she is in some dire straits. There were representatives with this Vampire," he says and points to the floor. "Were you able to obtain any information from him."
I shake my head and growl at the cowering fool still in the corner once more. We should have been able to get that information out of him. I should have gotten it first. But I was too preoccupied with Hallow. I should have gotten that information first and foremost.
"What do you know?" I ask.
"Nothing other than the Council knows about the Fellowships involvement and that it was due toCompton that they had the database."
"Well if those human fools were not complete idiots, they would have had the locations of all the Vampire's day chambers by today and they would have been all turned to dust." I huff. "Most unexpected," I say to him.
He shakes his head. "It was a miscalculation on the Fellowships part. I planted the seed but it didn't grow as expected." He says to me.
"What part of waiting did that fool Reverend not understand?" I growl, knowing that this could have been all over with if I didn't put my faith in a human.
"He is easily distracted. He wanted to make a statement. He wanted to get the Viking. The girl, well, who would have suspected that brainless, Jason would rat her out?"
I shake my head. "Does the Princess know anything yet?" I ask him.
"I am unsure. I did what you told me," he says. "I checked in at that place she used to work. The owner said she wasn't in." He says.
"Did you go to the house?" I ask him.
"Not yet," He says to me.
I look at him. "Have three sit on the house but don't approach. If she returns, I want her watched and I will take her myself." I say to him.
"You, but…"
I put my hand up. "I will take her myself. I don't trust anyone with such precious cargo. She is special and should be handled with care." I say to him. "Well, until she gives me what I need. Then it will all depend on how well she heels."
"You think the Viking will allow her to return to that place?" He asks me.
"I would suspect not, but you never know. Have you located his daytime rest?" I ask.
"No, My Lord," he says. "Every avenue for that is blocked legally, human or mystical. I've attempted to track her essence but I can't. I'm not sure if there are other powers at work, but I can sense her near but not get close."
I look at him. "If we can take her before the Council Meeting, it would be beneficial." I say to him. "Find her." I growl.
Preston nods and shifts back into a wolf and leaves.
I laugh. Preston has been a very good spy. He has proven himself worthy. Perhaps I will allow him to mate with the Princess. I understand his other offspring are very strong and full of gifts. The mate given to him by Niall is not even as close to the crown as the Princess. So their offspring may indeed be a sight to behold.
Well, this is a thought better left for later. Now, I need him to find her.
"Where are you, my little one?" I look out at the night sky. "You can't hide from me forever."
***0***
EPOV
I can feel Susannah sending me love as I walk down the hall. I walk in followed by Tomas, Godric, Dalia, Stefan as well as several other guards who were with My Beloved today.
I spin around as the door is closing.
"You will tell me what happened and you will leave nothing out." I growl at them
Dalia looks at Stefan and he nods. Turning back to me, she bends to one knee.
"MyLiege," Dalia says without lifting her head. "This is my fault. I should have denied her request to shop at the human's store. I knew it was a risk. But she was so eager to go. I didn't think that she would be in harm's way. None knew where she was and as you said, the Veil is down. None should have known who she was."
I growl again. "You didn't think. That is quite clear," I say and look to the rest of the guards who have followed Dalia and are now on bended knee. "We have two creatures out there who know who My Bonded is. One is that human but he can still harm her. The shifter has already proven that he is not to be trusted. Tell me what happened." I growl again.
Dalia begins to relay the story to me regarding when the two showed up.
"And you didn't think to kill them on the spot?" I question them. "They were coming for your charge and you detained them?"
"MyLiege," Dalia says. "I was thinking of M'Lady's emotional state and her condition. I thought it best to detain and retreat. She threw up her shield and didn't allow the Stackhouse stag near her. Once we knew that they were both adequately restrained, we retreated to the car and got your Bonded out of there. It was an error on my part and I take full responsibility for it. I should have had guards watching that bar the shifter owns. I should have put the perimeter out farther."
"What about that?" I ask her.
"MyLiege, they saw the car approaching and made their way to the parking lot. I will admit, they were looking more for a Fellowship attack rather than one lone truck. I assure you that anything like this will never happen again."
I look at all of them and then turn my attention back to Dalia and Stefan. Stefan has been most quiet all through this.
"Have you anything else to add, Wolf?" I ask him.
He shakes his head. "No, MyLiege. Only that I take the blame for this as well. I knew it was not a good idea to allow your Bonded back into that town so soon. But she was so sure that nothing would happened."
I let out a huff. "Of course Susannah would think nothing would happen. It's daylight and nothing has come for her yet. I trust in you to keep her safe as well as agree to her wishes when the two do not conflict. If either of you care to live to see another day, I would make certain that your mistakes are not repeated. You will double her security and make sure that every contingency is thought of before we leave for Dallas. You will have the plan in place and submitted to Alcide and Tomas before sunup. I will not have her in danger when I'm down for the day and can't protect her or my son. You are very lucky that Susannah thought to use her shield. This could have turned out very badly," I look at both of them, "for both of you."
They both nod and leave the room. Slamming my hand on the desk, I get up and start pacing the room. The more I think about what those two could have done to my beloved, the angrier I get.
"Eric, she is fine," Godric says. "You must control this rage or it will affect her and the baby."
I growl at him. "It wasn't your Bonded that was attacked today," I say to him.
He shakes his head. "No but it was the Bonded to my Sange Cap. I have sworn fealty to you and in turn, her. I know your anger is justified. I am surprised you have allowed her out of your sight. However, I must remind you that your emotions can and will affect both of them. She has come out of this situation unscathed. You do not wish to harm her now."
I turn to look at him. Though I can feel his emotions, his face is as stoic as it always his. His feelings tell me that he is just as angry as I that those vermin got so close to her. I realize that though, she is mine, my maker loves her as well.
I nod and go to take a seat again behind my desk. I look to Alcide. "I want them both found. I want to know where they are at this very moment. We will have to deal with Stackhouse delicately. But the shifter has caused a blood offense against my Bonded. I want him here to face his punishment."
"What do you plan on doing, My Liege?" He asks me.
I look right at him. "The shifter had his chance to leave my area on four legs or two. He chose to stay and threaten Susannah. He is not long for this earth. Blood offences are absolute."
He nods. "You will know where they are before you rest. I guarantee it."
I nod and Alcide leaves. Once he is gone I look to the others.
"We have a bigger problem," I say to them. "Long Shadow was sent to spy on us."
"By whom?" Tomas says.
"Victor Madden," I say to him.
"You mean the King of Nevada has interests in the area?" He asks.
I shake my head. "No, as far as Long Shadow knew, Felipe wasn't involved."
"How could he be sure?" Tomas asks.
"He only ever spoke with Madden. His orders were to watch and report. His communications were only with Victor and never once had he or his maker spoken to Felipe about the mission."
"Did Long Shadow owe fealty toNevada?" Tomas asks.
I shake my head. "No, his maker wouldn't hear of it. Evidently this was a business deal due to poor decisions made by Hot Rain. Long Shadow did this for Madden and Hot Rain's debt would be expunged."
"Could Madden do that without deCastro knowing?" He asks again.
"That is what I want to know." I say to him.
Godric leans forward. "How do you wish to proceed?"
I lean back. "I want to know what Victor's attention in our area is for. I need to know what he was hoping to gain from sending Long Shadow into our midst. I need to know if he has any involvement in anything else that has been transpiring here. I want to know exactly how much power he has as Felipe's second. I want to know how his business is run and how he rewards and disciplines his people. But most of all, I want to know what Vampires Madden and deCastro have been keeping time with lately." I look between the two of them and then back to Tomas. "There are two in our area that have ties to Madden. Start there and work outward. Something is tying Madden and or deCastro toLouisiana. I want to know what that is."
Tomas rises. "I'm on it, My Liege," he says with a bow and leaves the room.
Which leaves me and Godric in a very uncomfortable silence. I choose to ignore it because I don't really want to deal with another thing. If there is something that Godric feels I need to hear, he will say it. Otherwise, he will stay silent. He is my maker, but I'm Sange Cap. He has always honored that separation.
I lean back and close my eyes. "They are coming at us from all sides, Godric. Which one do I eliminate first?" I ask him.
"The largest threat with the least effort would be the best to begin with." He says.
I open my eyes to look at him. "That isn't exactly the answer I was looking for."
Rising, he moves closer and sits in the chair that Alcide had vacated and leans forward.. "You are Regent, you are Sange Cap. I am only here to advise."
"And your advice is to kill the biggest threat with the least amount of trouble?" I ask him.
He nods again. "You must be practical and strategic at this juncture. You must weigh all your options and moves. You need to look for counter measures and strategies of others. This is not unlike your passion, chess." He smiles at me.
I laugh. "Indeed, if chess was a multiple level game." I say.
"You have had these conflicts before. You have all you require to make the right and just decisions. You have many who are here to help you." He pauses. "Work from the immediate to the distant. You have to decide which will strike first."
I nod. "I know all of that," I say and turn away from him. "I have a lot to accomplish before this meeting with Council."
"Indeed you do. The first is to secure your new Bonded and family before the Pledge. Once your union is secure and consummated, none will be able to dispute it. Kill you, yes, but not dispute it."
I nod. "What have you learned regarding Compton and Hallow?" I ask him.
He shakes his head. "I know that Compton's maker is being tracked down. Where she is, is anyone's guess. She will know at the very least if he has met his final death." He says.
I open my eyes. "You think he was taken to be killed?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "If Hallow is involved, anything is possible. She could have taken him for blood, for barter or simply for something to do." He says. "Until we find him, we may never know."
I nod. Yes that is the question, now isn't it?
"What do you intend to do with the Human who thinks he is related Lady Susannah?" He asks me.
I shrug. "His presence is detrimental to my Bonded. He will be eliminated at the first chance I have."
He nods. "I suggest, we concentrate on Dallas, the Council and the threats of the Fae. Madden will not act when you are in such company. Especially now that you are Regent. He would be a fool to attack now."
I nodded in agreement. "I will have more security around Susannah while we are away," I say to him. "The fact that they got so close…"
"Eric," he says to me. "You mustn't dwell on the could have been. Yes, the Guardian should have been more vigilant. Yes, the guards should have foreseen going to that town was riddled with issues. But that is in the past. They have learned from it. They will not allow it to happen again, I'm sure of it." He pauses and then looks at me. "My fear is that the Guardian is getting too close to her charge. You may need others to assist in protecting her. Dalia is old and has protected many others. But the idea of the Promised One may be clouding her judgment. Her role as handmaiden may be too close for her to see all sides of a potentially dangerous situation."
I look at him. "What could be better than a Guardian to protect my Promised One?" I ask him.
He smiles at me. "I believe that I may have an answer to that. But I will need the night to iron out the details. Ask me again tomorrow."
I nod knowing that my maker has never steered me wrong. He would never start now. He has known of my need for Sookie even when I had forgotten. There is no way he would ever do anything to endanger her.
I hear a knock at the door.
"Come," I say.
In walks the woman that had been introduced to me as Amelia's teacher, Octavia Fant.
I stand and she smiles at me. "Manners on a Vampire?" She asks me.
I smirk at her. "A lady such as yourself deserves respect." I say to her.
She nods. "Your Susannah told you of the happenings of the day?" She asks.
I nod. "She did and told me of your assistance." I say. "I'm grateful to you."
I motion and she sits down. She points to the door. "You have created a very pleasant diversion for her at present."
I shake my head. "That wasn't my intention. But the action does have several pleasant results."
She nods at me. "You will be a good Regent, Husband, Father and King if this is how you keep her from unpleasant things."
I sit back in my chair and she smiles. "Oh, your Bonded is not the only one that has things whispered to her in dreams, Viking. The Goddess has much invested in you two. Trust that she will send who your Bonded and Consort needs at this time. Especially when carrying your child." She smirks. "Much will happen and quickly, I'm guessing."
"What do you know?" I ask her. The old woman is wise. However she is a witch. But she has connections to the Goddess. Who hasn't steered us wrong yet. I find myself at a crossroad; trusting in someone who isn't part of my line.
She smirks again. "I see the thoughts twirling in your head." She makes a motion with her hand. "Let me put one fear aside." I nod for her to continue. "I as well as the others have sworn a life oath to your Bonded. We would no more hurt you than her or ourselves. Once Pledged all will be one"
I look at her for a moment, taking in all she's said this far. Finally I bow my head slightly. "That is most generous of you, My Lady."
She nods at me. "Of course, My Liege," she says. "But there are other matters I wished to discuss with you while the women are fluttering around like fireflies. What do you know of the Fae, Viking?" She asks me.
I raise an eyebrow. "I fought in the Fae wars. I have had run-ins with them. Are you speaking of Fintan, Niall, or others?" I ask her.
"I'm talking of the Brigant line. What do you know of them?" She asks.
I sit back. "I know that Niall had married Susannah Cléirigh, princess and heir to the Air Faeries. I know her father and mother were king and Queen but that the crown actually came from her mother." She nods and I continue. "I know that she bore two sons, Fintan and his twin, Dermot. There was a rumor that Susannah had a daughter but she died shortly after birth. Some say that she was murdered. Others say that it was just nature." I say and Octavia nods. "Dermot, I believe never bore any children while Fintan had Corbett." I say to him.
She smiles. "Go on," she says.
I nod. "I believe Susannah was killed during the Fae wars. She was a great warrior and against her advisors request, she went to the battlefield. I heard that she killed many before she succumbed to a sword. No one knows where it came from, but it was laced with iron and killed her almost instantly." I stop there thinking that is how I watched my Sookie die in the last timeline. I breathe deep and will the image away from my thoughts. "She was survived by her Brother, Breandan. I don't believe that he has any Children." I pause for a moment. "When Susannah died, Niall took over as ruling body of Fae. Breandan felt that the throne should go to him. A civil war broke out but Niall won easily. It had been speculated that with the conflict being so close to the beloved Queen's death, Niall won on their love for her alone. However, according to the Queen's wishes, Fintan was named successor to his mother's crown. But when he went missing, he was presumed dead." I say to her. "Niall used that as the catalyst he needed to keep the Crown."
She nods and leans forward. "There is more to this story," she says.
I nod. "Perhaps your trusted advisor," she motions to Godric, "can find out more."
I lean forward. "What do you know?"
She shrugs. "Only that the time is at hand and you need to be vigilant. I have only been told to have you heed the warning."
"Who has told you this?" I ask.
She smiles. "You know the answer. Why ask the question? Know that there is more to this dispute, the civil unrest and the decrees handed down by the Fae. Remember Viking. The Fae always seem to have gray areas. Nothing is every black and white."
I look to Godric. He nods. "If there is more to this, we will find out. There is too much at stake to leave anything to chance."
I nod in agreement.
Octavia nods as well. "Indeed," she says. "So you have two that feel they have claim on your bride." She says to me. "Niall to keep his crown and Breandan to claim it," she says.
I shake my head. "But with Fintan back, he should be the heir." I say to her.
She shrugs, "That may be true, however, like the Daughters of Avalon, the realm goes down the mother's line. In which case, Sookie is the next female. With her destiny, both men could say that it is their fate to have her. Niall to train her and Breandan to wed her." She says.
I raise and growl. "Neither will have my Bonded." I say to her.
I feel shock in the bond and I quickly squash my anger and send Sookie my love.
"Easy Viking," she says. "I just want to make sure you understand what we are dealing with. Both men are desperate and see Sookie as their last hold on the crown they covet." She says. "Now the house and Sookie are safe from any unwanted Fae coming into the estate or near her. However, it doesn't mean that they will not try. We are going to work with her to regain her knowledge of her gifts but we need to be smart about this." She says. "She has had a vision of Breandan, not Niall. I believe he is the bigger threat at this time." She says.
I nod. "I agree," I say, "but what about Hallow?" I ask.
She sighs. "I fear that they are connected in some way."
I sit back. "Fae don't consort with Witches." I say to her.
She shakes her head. "No, the Fae you know doesn't. It doesn't mean that it isn't done. Breandan has been waiting for his glory for as long as you have been waiting for your Queen. Perhaps even longer," she says. "We can't underestimate him."
She gets up to leave. She looks to the door and laughs. "It sounds as if the soon to be bride is busy," she says. "I'm sure there are other tasks you need to accomplish before you rest. I'll keep you no longer."
I look to Godric. "What do you know of all of this?" I ask him.
"Only rumors, speculations really," he says. "It is said that Breandan's banishment was only for a thousand years. After that, if a true heir to the Brigant line was not found, he could contest Niall or any of his descendants. I'm unsure of the validity of this. We will need to discuss this with Stan." He says.
I raise an eyebrow. "Her Grace?" I ask.
He shakes his head and laughs. "You know as well as I, she will not make it that easy. Her riddle or cryptic answer would keep us reeling for weeks. We don't have time for that."
I nod. "We need to go to Fangtasia." I say to him. Before I went to sleep for the day, I received several calls regarding regent business. I didn't wish to go into the club this night. However, I do not want to hear disputes here. Sookie is as safe as she can be in our home. I do not wish to upset that balance right now.
I walk out and back down to the family room to see the woman all huddled around Sookie's computer. I can tell that Dalia is hanging back some. But still is not where a guard should be. I believe that Godric is right in this regard.
She looks up to see me. "Hi honey." She says with a smile.
I walk over to her and kiss her softly. "I need to go to Fangtasia to deal with several things," I say to her. "I'll be home as soon as I can."
She nods. I know she wants to come with me, but I feel much better knowing that she's safe and secure at home.
"Hurry home," she says and kisses me again without making a fuss or a scene.
I smile at her. "Of course, Min Kara," I say looking at the computer monitor and see that Amelia is busy writing things down for Sookie. I nod as she looks up from her pad. "Spare no expense," I say. "Whatever my Consort wants for her day, she shall have."
Sookie is about to protest when I touch my finger to her lips. "Just because we are to marry tomorrow need not mean you do not get everything you want." I say to her holding out the phone. "I think you will need to make a phone call."
She smiles and I can feel the joy and excitement in the bond.
I kiss her once more. "I'll see you soon." I say to her. Turning, I nod to several of the guards and they follow Godric and I out.
***0***
SPOV
I knew when Eric walked out of the room that he would be dampening the bond. I also knew that Dalia and Stefan were going to take the brunt of what happened today. I will need to discuss this with Eric. They were only doing what I wanted. I honestly don't think they could have stopped me if they wanted to. I needed to see if what Fintan and Eric told me was true. Not that they would lie to me. I don't think Eric could, because of how closely and thoroughly we are bonded and I honestly believe that Fintan would do anything he could not to lie to me. Though I am getting a feeling that lying, stealing and manipulating are traits of many in the Supernatural Community, I don't think my grandfather would hurt or betray me in such a manner.
But the whole thing is really no one's fault. It was a freak turn of events. It could have happened to anyone. Okay, maybe not anyone, but it did happen and no one is to blame.
"Okay M'Lady," Vivi says. "What are you thinking for the ceremony?" She asks. "We only have tonight and tomorrow to get everything done."
I nod and look over to see Sally May is leaning into the room, listening to us at the table.
"Well," I begin. "I would like it if we could get married out at the water." I say pointing out to the lake. Perhaps we could get a trellis or something to stand under?" I look at Sally May who is already reaching for the phone.
"The gardeners have already left for the day. Let me call Mitchell. He'll get you what you want." She says and I smile and nod at her.
"Okay," I smile back at Vivi and Amelia. "That takes care of that."
"Well what about your dress?" Amelia asks. "We don't have time to have something made but…"
I hold up my hand. "I would like to wear the white and champagne strapless one we got today. If I can find a little hat veil tomorrow, that will be perfect."
"Are you sure," Vivi asks. "I have tonight. I could make you something, if you wanted."
I shake my head. "No, that dress called to me when I tried it on. I think it will be perfect."
She nods and Amelia starts clicking on websites. "M'Lady, how many people are you thinking?" She asks.
I think in my head. "Well, all of you, Sally May, Bobby, Gran and Gramps, if they can come. I think Pam will need to be here. Tomas, Godric, Alcide and Stefan as well." I pause. "I don't think that Jennifer and her mate or Stan could be here. That would be too out of the ordinary for anyone to let slide. Especially with Eric just being named Regent." I shake my head. "No, unless Eric says differently, I think that will be it."
"You know Eric will wait, if you want to invite people from your home town." Amelia says.
I almost laugh at that and shake my head. "No, no one knows who I am anymore. There is no way I'm going to ask Jason or Sam. I'm lucky Eric hasn't flown to their location and lopped off their heads after today." I pause. The thought that Sam and Jason being killed is not something I want to think about. I know almost without a doubt that it will come to pass. It doesn't mean I need to think about it though.
I feel Eric's anger swell, but then it diminishes again. I so want to run to him and comfort him. At the very least send him love and joy. But now isn't the time. He needs to be bad-ass Eric. And I need to let him be who he needs to be.
Amelia smiles and nods. "Okay, let's talk colors, flowers, food, songs and OH rings."
We spend the next several minutes debating orchids and roses, when Dalia returns.
I look at her. "Everything okay?" I ask.
She nods but says nothing else. Stefan steps over to the glass doors. Says something to the guard there who leaves and Stefan takes his place. I look back and forth between my two guards but neither of them is giving anything away. I try to listen in on them. But Dalia is shut up tighter than a drum and Stefan is just sending off emotions. Mostly he's feeling guilty. I want to say something to him but Vivi places her hand on mine. When I look at her, she just shakes her head.
I decide to leave the situation alone for now.
I turn my attention back to colors and flowers and before I know it, an hour had passed.
I look up to see Eric walking into the room. I smile brightly at him. "Hi Honey," I say to him.
He walks over and kisses me softly. I swear I can feel it in every part of my body. Way too quickly for my comfort, he pulls back and looks at me. "I need to go to Fangtasia to deal with several things," He says and touches the side of my face. I feel comfort and love just in his touch. It is so gratifying. "I'll be home as soon as I can."
I nod toward him. I would really love to be able to go with him. We are a team. As such, I should be with him. But I know that after today, there is no way he's letting me go to Fangtasia. I decide to not argue the situation. If what I felt from him was only have of what anger he had at present, I'll let him go and be a good little girl tonight. Well, if I'm a good little girl, then maybe I'll get a treat later? Well that does sound promising.
"Hurry home," I say to him and reach up for another kiss.
Pulling back, he smiles at me. "Of course, Min Kara," He looks over at Amelia as she's writing something down. "Spare no expense," He says. "Whatever my Consort wants for her day, she shall have."
I'm about to protest when Eric places a finger to my lips. "Just because we are to marry tomorrow need not mean you do not get everything you want." He says as he holds out my phone to me. "I think you will need to make a phone call."
I smile and I can feel the joy and excitement in the bond as he sends me back what I'm feeling.
He kisses me once more. "I'll see you soon." Turning, he nods to several of the guards and they follow him and Godric out.
I look at my phone and dial the number. There is just a simple request to leave a number. I didn't think I would be able to get them right off the bat. I mean, they are hiding, after all. Leaving my number, I say nothing else. I wouldn't want to give anything away.
I look back to the room and smile, trying to hold the tears back. I know it's silly. But I would love to have Gran here with me working out all the details. It's a human wedding after all and I know that the Pledging will mean more to both our family and us. But still. I thought I was human for many years. Every human girl dreams of their wedding. Okay, not all, but most. I was no different. Even though there was no way I was going to be able to marry a guy from Bon Temps, I still dreamed of it.
"Couldn't get them?" Octavia asks me.
I shake my head and look at what's on the screen that Amelia is so eager to show me.
"M'Lady?" Octavia calls to me.
I look up and she has a very sweet smile on her face. "They will be here if it will not cause you or them harm. You know this right?" She asks.
I sigh. "I know. It's important that they stay hidden right now." I say to her.
She nods. "It is. But it is more important that you stay safe. You have much to take care of now," she says and points to my belly.
I put my hand over it, instinctively.
"There are those that are going to be overjoyed that you are with child." She says. "But others…." She trails off.
I nod. "I know what you're saying." I say softly. "It was foolish to go to Bon Temps. But I just wanted."
She puts her hand up. "I understand why you wanted to. But M'Lady, there are forces at play here. Deals have been made and fate has been altered to make all this happen."
"I can't just hide in the house. I don't want…"
She puts her hand up again. "You are a force to be reckoned with. You have powers that are formidable. But there are others with greater power and more to lose. That kind of knowledge will make creatures desperate. You may hesitate when they would act. Be mindful that there are others counting on you and that child's survival. Not only your Regent will lose if you are lost to him. He is giving you a life he thinks you deserve. Do not make him second guess your freedom with hasty decisions and childish wishes."
"My freedom?" I ask her.
"Forgive me if that word is distasteful to you. But he is letting you have freedom to come and go from the estate. He didn't ask or better yet, tell you to stay put. He is giving you guards to protect you but not making you feel closed in. It would be much easier for him to lock you in the estate while he is down for the day." She says.
I shake my head. "He knows I would hate that. Plus, I have powers. I stopped Jason from getting close to me," I pause. "And you gave me the charm to help me. I can't get any safer."
She puts her hands up. "I am just saying that His Liege is very considerate of your feelings. You have many enemies at present. Keep that in mind, M'Lady," she says and bows her head.
I sigh again. "I know he's being generous. He wants me to be safe but not feel closed off." I look down. I wonder why he is so concerned with that. Could I have been angry about that in a past life? Has he closed me off for protection and I reacted badly? These are questions I'll probably never answer.
I nod. "I understand what you're saying."
"He loves you greatly, M'Lady." Vivi says. "Never doubt that. Just listen to Octavia. I know that he would give you the world, if he could. Alcide suggested that you be kept in the compound until your departure toDallasand he wouldn't hear of it. He thought that it would bother you."
I smile and nod. "I know. I shouldn't have gone to Bon Temps. We should have stayed inShreveportand not tempted fate. It really wasn't anyone's fault that Sam and Jason found us." I look at Dalia. "Other than mine." I look down again. "I'll talk to Eric later."
I shrug. "I don't understand why Jason is taking an interest in me now," I say to them all. "He didn't care where I was or who I was with before I met Eric."
"M'Lady," Stefan says. "I don't believe that it's you but the idea that what he knew is no more." He says.
"What?" I ask.
He nods to Dalia. "M'Lady," Dalia says. "I believe that before the Veil came down, you were just someone that the Fellowship had interest in. After, you were what could fix what he feels is wrong. Everyone but Sam and himself has forgotten you and Adele. With as big of an ego as I believe he has, I think now he just wants to prove himself right to anyone that will listen."
I nod. "Yes, that seems like him."
Amelia changes the subject by talking about lighting, food and finally music. After we make a list of everything that needs to be done and Amelia has made about three dozen phone calls, we turn to thoughts of the baby's room.
We continue to look at sites and images until we find one that I just love.
"That one," I say to them. "I think it's perfect!" I clap my hands together.
"Susannah," Amelia says. "This picture has two cribs. Are you…"
I shake my head. "No, I…" I look around the room. "I can't explain it. I just feel as if I need two."
No one questions me further. Instead, Amelia and Vivi go ahead and start ordering the pieces for the room and then emailsCrystalon the colors I want to use.
Vivi starts asking me about baby devices and clothes when I get a funny feeling. Before me, I see Eric looking up, then I hear something that sounds like glass breaking.
"NO!" I scream and hold my hand up in front of me.
I can hear people around me but all I see is a bright light.
***0***
Hadley's POV
I look at the room around me. There are no windows, only a small bed, and a table. Very different from the big suite I was sharing with Sophie for the last few months. I huff. I know I have to hide, but this is getting crazy. I know I can trust Rasul but…UGH, I need to do something. If they find me, I will never get to the Viking and …well, Sookie. I know I need to talk to them. Once I have their cooperation, Council can do whatever they want with me, I don't care. I just need…
I lay down and curl up into the bed again. How did this all happen? I ask myself.
I hear the click of the door and see it open slightly.
Rasul walks in with several bags of blood. He hands the first to me. "You can have this and then we will move you." He says to me. "Council representatives have left the building. Sophie is being moved. There is a new Regent, Eric Northman and he is willing to speak with you." He says to me.
I take the bag ripping into it; I suck it down. I don't care if it's cold, it still tastes amazing.
Once I finish the first bag, I look up at him. "Why…why are you being so nice to me?" I ask him.
He sits down next to me and is silent for a moment. He looks out across the room as if he's seeing something that isn't there.
"I remember what you looked like when Sophie found you." He says softly.
I lean a little farther away from him. I don't remember the first few days here. I was so strung out and messed up that I don't remember my first few days in the presence of Vampires. I am a pathetic fool. Uncle Bartlett was right about me. I'm not worth much; not then and certainly not now. But I can do something right. It may kill me, but I need to do this and do it now before anything else happens.
I turn to look at Rasul as he looks up from his own memories and continues.
"You looked so…so lost and meek," he says. "Sophie was so caring and loving to you," he says. "I've never seen that from her. It was like…like you two were kindred spirits of something." He pauses. "She wouldn't let anyone near you. Not that you would let them," he looks at me for a moment. "Any man that came within ten feet of you would hear your screams."
I don't remember that, but it doesn't mean it wasn't true. I've never trusted men. If I was as bad as I think I was, the very sight of a man would probably sent me over the edge.
He looks back to the wall. "I saw her nurse you, comfort you, take care of you, and then…" He waits.
I know the next part. She waited until I was all better. Well maybe not all better, but improving and then she and Andre had a party with me. They kept me chained to the bed for a week; each of them taking their turn with me. Night after night, they would take me in ways I had only heard of. Night after night of being held down and…I shudder to think of that time.
"She was so…so caring and then…" He shakes his head and looks at me. "Did she ask you if you wanted to be turned?" He asks.
I look at him and shake my head. "No, but…" I pause, "but when she did, Andre left me alone." I say softly not looking at him. I could take what Sophie-Anne dished out. She was fine. But Andre, Andre is just a sadistic son-of-a-bitch. I guess Sophie isn't any better. She may not have done those vial and disgusting things to me, but she watched Andre do them.
I slowly look up at Rasul. Willing my eyes to meet his, but fretting on what I will see in them when I do.
When I finally meet his gaze I see compassion. Not the pity and disgust I thought I would see, but compassion. I guess it doesn't matter if I'm Vampire or not. Creatures still surprise me every day.
He nods his understanding. "I..I don't want to see you hurt anymore." He says. "I think…I think you need to talk to someone on the Council or at the very least, speak with our new Regent." He says softly.
I look at him and fear must fill my eyes as it fills my body. "What?" I ask him. "Rasul, they, they'll kill me. Like final death!" I scream at him and move to the far side of the bed.
"Hadley, who said you would be sent to your final death if you told anyone who you are?" He asks.
"The…the Queen," I say softly.
"Right," He nods. "The Queen didn't want you to say a thing because she didn't want to get caught changing humans one, without their consent and two, without registering them." He says and looks me in the eyes. "You aren't the only one, Hadley." He says with a knowing glance.
"There…she's…" I don't know what to say. Has the queen done this to others? Are there other ones like me roaming the compound? Surely I would have seen them. I look at Rasul to beg him to clarify what he has told me.
Instead he takes my cold hand in his. Though he is supposed to be as cold as me, he feels warm under my touch. He softly starts to run his thumb over the back of my hand in a comforting motion that reminds me of my mother. I pull in a breath that I no longer need to take and will the blood red tears back into the depths of my soul. I will not cry, not here, not now.
"Hadley, they will need your testimony," He says to me. "You need to tell them what they did, how they turned you and most of all, the fact that she has basically hidden you away since you were brought over."
I sigh and look down at my hands. Could I betray the Queen? Could I go against my makers wishes and speak to those that can help me? It isn't like she ordered me to stay away from anyone. It isn't like she told me specifically not to talk to the Council. All she told me was what would happen to me if I did. Which now, I'm being told is a lie.
I look up into Rasul's chocolate brown eyes. Could I trust those eyes? Would they betray me like every other being has in my short lifetime. Could I believe him when he tells me that the blame would rest on Sophie's shoulders and not mine?
I take another breath. I may not be able to trust him or any other of my kind right now. But one thing I did learn being on the streets for so long is that when they want something from you, they will work like hell to get it.
No, I may not trust Rasul, but I had something that the Council needed to put Sophie to her final death. If it was something that big, then I will damn well use it to my advantage.
I look up at him. Still shaking from the news of my Queen's lies. I open my mouth to speak.
"I…I need them to assure me of something." I say to him. "I have to get a message to the Viking and Sookie." I say to him. "I need to meet with them before Sophie is freed."
Rasul nods. "I have told the Viking of your request."
I shake my head. "No, you find me someone on the Council that will listen to me and help me. I need them to promise me something. I need assurances that the Viking will listen to me and not try to kill me to avenge one thing or another. I need the Council's assurance that they will assist me in any way they can. I need to make sure he's safe." I say.
Rasul is about to say something, but I stop him. "You get me in to see someone on the council and I will tell them anything they want to get that horrid THING away from us." I say to him looking at the door as if I can see through it and down to the royal chambers.
"Hadley," He says to me. "Eric is my Regent. I cannot go against him. You can trust him. I promise you."
After a moment, I turn back to him. He is quiet for another moment.
"I don't think so," I say to him. "I…I'm the reason Sophie knew who Sookie was." She says. "I'm the one who told her all about what she could do. He's going to kill me. I know it."
Before I can panic and run, I hear his phone ring. Her voice is a bit scratched. Either she just woke up or she's very, very old.
***0***
Rasul's POV
How can I prove to her that My Sange Cap is a decent and honorable man? He will listen to her before he makes any decision. Yes, the Queen was interested in his Bonded. But he wouldn't kill this little one over something like that? Surely after he meets her, he will see how feeble minded and weak she really is. How Sophie ever thought she would make a good Vampire is beyond me.
I'm about to try again when my phone rings.
"Rasul?" A woman says to me.
"Yes?" I ask.
"Hold please," she says. "Her Grace, the Pythoness, would like to speak with you."
I look at the phone for a moment and her the phone click indicating that someone has picked up. "Your Grace, I am honored by your call." I say to her.
"I understand you have someone with you that has information about the sequestered Queen?" She asks.
"Indeed, Your Grace. She wishes to speak to someone. She has information and would like to discuss it. I was hoping that she would agree to speak to our new Regent. However,"
"The young one is scared," she interrupts me. "What does she need to discuss?" She asks.
"She is adamant that she is in need of your assistance with Regent Northman concerning his new, well." I really don't know how to finish that sentence.
"Did she give you any indication what this need would be about?" She asks.
"No, Your Grace," I say.
There is a long pause. I half expect her to tell me to send her to Eric. I would expect it.
"I will send someone for her," she says. "Have her ready within the hour."
"Thank you, Your Grace," he says.
I hang up and look at Hadley. There are red streams falling from her eyes. I know she is relieved, but I'm not so certain. Either I've just helped her or delivered her to a final grave. I am hoping for so many reasons that it's the former.
She turns without saying a word and packs a few things she says nothing, but continues to slowly move around the room.
I am hoping that when I speak to my Sange Cap that his anger is not too great.
Well before an hour, I met two of Her Grace's guards at the doors. They nodded to me as I passed Hadley's belongings to them.
"Her Grace wanted to assure you that she would be speaking to the new Regent directly regarding this issue."
I nod and look to Hadley.
She tries to smile. "Thank you for your kindness, Rasul." She says.
I nod and then they are gone.
***0***
***0***
EPOV
We pull into the club and I walk through the back door and down to my office. No need to let Pam know I'm here. I already know that she will know.
I go to turn on my computer when she walks in wearing a tight black dress that is far from her normal level of taste and style.
I smirk at her remembering her punishment.
She walks in and says nothing. No snide remarks or insults. Well perhaps she's learning.
"Report?" I ask her.
"Regent," she says with a nod. "Several calls have come in from other areas, wishing to speak with you. Also Rasul has called to give you a report as well as Jennifer." She says the last with a little growl in her voice. WellRomewasn't built in a day. It's still progress, however.
"Anything else?" I ask her.
"Several disputes that need your attention. Evidently, many have heard of your rise to power and that the Queen is being sequestered. They had dealings with Sophie that she didn't honor. They wish to discuss them with you."
I nod. "Very well," I say. "Leave me a list. Anything that needs to be dealt with today will be. All others will need to wait until after the Council meeting."
She nods and hands me the file. "Anything else?" I ask as I start to skim through the file.
She nods again. "Stan called earlier. He said that a ruling was being made in regards toCompton's database. There would be a decree on your desk by midnight."
I nod again. "The door?" I ask.
"Line around the warehouse. Full to capacity. You will need to make an appearance. Word is out about you being the new Regent." She says and looks around. "Where is," she stops herself and looks at me. "Where is my Mistress this evening?" She asks.
I look up at her and see her trying to stay neutral. Change is always been so hard for my youngest. This just proves me right once again. She is so young. She will need a great deal of patience.
I pick up the phone to first call Rasul.
"Sange Cap," he answers the phone. "Thank you for calling me back so quickly. We have several things to tell you."
"Of course," I say to him. "What has happened."
He tells me of the death of the "Berts", Andre and Sophie being moved and that Mr. Cataliades would like to meet with me regarding issues of the territory.
"MyLiege," he says to me. "I have some news about the young Vampire, Hadley."
I wait. I'm almost certain that he is going to tell me that the Council has put her to her final death. That would be the logical thing to do. Okay, maybe not logical but practical.
"What have you to say?" I ask.
"Her Grace called just a while ago. Hadley was beside herself with fear. She wanted to talk to someone on the Council regarding what happened to her. I had suggested that she contact you but then…" He fades away for a moment.
"What did her Grace say?" I ask.
"She came and took the little one. Her guards indicated that Her Grace would be calling you directly."
What could this little Vampire know that would be beneficial to the Council? What has Her Grace have to do with all of this? Deciding that I won't get answers this way, I will wait until she calls.
"Thank you Rasul. When will Cataliades like to meet?" I ask him.
"He said he will be inShreveportbefore nightfall tomorrow." He says. "He said something about you needing him there?"
I nod. Mr. Cataliades is a smart man. "Indeed." I say to him. "What have you learned?"
We go on to talk about the state ofLouisiana. It is an outright mess. Susannah and I will have to spend considerable time inNew Orleansto fix the problems. We will need to go directly there after the meeting. That is unless Sophie is found innocent. I highly doubt it. If she is, then Susannah and I may have to be ready to leave the area. Again, my head is putting together a contingency plan.
"I will have the files sent to you with Mr. Cataliades so you have them on your travels. I am also collecting all the documentation on the establishments owned by the crown. Would you like someone here to speak with your Consort regarding social issues?" He asks me.
"I believe that it would be best if we wait until after the meeting with Council." I say. "After that, things will be different."
"Of course, My Liege." He says. "I will see you at the meeting," he says.
We say goodbye and hang up.
Leaning back in my chair, I examine the information that I've already received. A lot has to be done and I hope Susannah isn't unhappy that it will be some time until we are back in our home inShreveport. I will have this area running like a well¬- oiled machine. We will need time to straighten out the rest of the messes. I stand and make my way to the door. Two guards have been waiting for me. I nod to them and walk out into the bar. I wish I could go home now. But Pam is right. Many have come to see me tonight. It would have been lovely to have my Beloved with me. However, that would have put her in danger and that I will not have. She has seen more than enough excitement for one day.
I walk over to my throne and sit. I look out into the crowd and watch as several people try to make it through the crowd toward me. I can hear the talk even with the music as loud as it is.
Many of the Vampires her this evening come to swear fealty to the new Regent. I've known many of them for years. Some have even come from other areas andArkansas. I acknowledge them and thank them for their loyalty.
Just as I'm dismissing another Vampire, I hear a commotion from outside. I look toward the doors and see something bright heading toward one of the warehouse windows. Even though we have them blackened out, the ones in the front are still functional. Something about Fire codes and fresh air regulations prevented us from taking several of them out.
I listen for another minute and then see the glass starting to break. Before I've had a chance to say anything, the two guards move me out of the way and I see a blinding light in front of me. As I head toward the floor, I get an image of Sookie in my minds eye.
***0***
SPOV
"Sookie, Sookie what's wrong?" I hear someone screaming.
I shake my head. "There…there's trouble at the club. I say. I know my eyes are open but all I see is bright lights."
"What's going on?" I hear beside me.
"I don't know," someone says. "There is no answer at the club."
"Eric," I say and that's all I can get out before everything goes black.
***0***
EPOV
"MyLiege," I hear beside me. "Were you hit?"
The light fades and I see that the glass had landed about three feet from me. Almost in a half circle.
I shake my head and am up immediately. "What is going on?" I ask.
"Please, MyLiege," the guard says. "Let us find out what…" I have him by the neck and push him away. "Find out what is going on." I growl and head toward the door.
I see that three of the four windows have been blown in and there is several small fires that my staff is trying to put out. "Everyone OUT!" I scream.
They all look at me but do as I say. I fly up to the cat walk to get a better look around. There is some damage but nothing compared to what I would think. I can smell the incendiary devices but they seem to have not exploded as they were supposed to. I reach out to find Pam. She is outside the bar so I head for the back door. Taking to the air again, I land on the roof to look around. Just as I make my way to the front of the building. I hear several more explosions in the parking lot. I'm in the air once more searching for my childe.
I can feel her pain and know that something's wrong. I find her quickly, landing next to her, I pick her up.
"Pamela," I say to her. She has been thrown back. It seems that the explosion was close to her. I can see that she's been burned but nothing else.
"What…what happened?" She asks.
Before I can say anything, I hear my name. I turn to see Tomas and Godric coming toward us followed by several of our people.
"MyLiege," Godric says. "Are you alright?" I ask.
I nod.
"I don't know how he is," one of the guards say. "The device came through the window and was headed straight for him."
I really don't understand what he means by that but I'll think on it later.
"What happened?" I ask.
"A van pulled up outside," Clancy says and points to the door. "The back opened and two men pointed what looked like a grenade launcher at the windows. Before we could get to them, they got off two rounds. We were on them before the third was dispatched," he pauses. "We started to get people out of the club. The fires weren't as severe as I thought. But no sooner did we have everyone out of the building, three cars blew up in the parking lot." He says.
"MyLiege," one of the guards say. "Police and fire are here." He says.
"Where are the perpetrators?" I ask.
"The one that was driving is knocked out and waiting for the cops," Clancy says. "I had Maxwell take the one who had the launcher to the warehouses."
I nod to him. "Good," I say and look down at Pam. She's already healing.
"Let me take her," Tomas says.
I kiss her forehead and hand her off to Tomas.
"Master," she says.
I look at her.
"I'm…I'm so…so sorry." She says.
"You did nothing wrong, my Childe." I say to her.
"No…I mean…I mean for everything." She says with red tears in her eyes.
I nod my understanding. Kissing her forehead, I look at Tomas who nods and takes off with my Childe.
I turn to Clancy. "Deal with the human authorities. I'm going to deal with this vermin."
I nod to Godric and he follows me around back.
"I've instructed the others to go back and secure the compound." He says to me.
"Good," I say and we both take to the air.
Moments later, I'm on the roof of the warehouse. I move quickly to the roof door and am down the stairs to where Maxwell is in moments.
I walk right up to the man. He looks like he's military. But what rank and branch I couldn't say.
"Who sent you?" I flash my fangs at him.
He shakes his head. "Kill me," he says. "I'm telling you nothing."
His accent is not from around here. I can tell that he's all human. Who would send a human to the bar except the Fellowship.
"I will ask you again," I say to him. "Who sent you?" I ask.
He smiles at me. "How did you survive?" He asks. "The sensor told me exactly where you were." He says.
Sensor? That means that there are devices in my club.
I look to Maxwell. "You glamoured him?" I ask.
He nods. "He only knows where he was to pick up his ride." He says. "He has only had contact over the phone and the caller used a disposable cell phone. The money was wired to an off shore account; half before, half on completion."
I stare at him for a moment. He is a human contract killer. Who would use a contract killer to get to me? The Fellowship wouldn't want anything that could get back to them. Plus, they would probably want to make a show of it, somehow. Would Sophie be stupid enough to send someone like this, this vermin after me? I would expect more from her. I look back to the man who is kneeling on the ground, hands bound behind him and he is watching us.
"Where is he from?" I ask.
"Nevada," is all Maxwell says.
He is fromNevadabut that means little. This could be a diversion. The idea of Madden sending someone with such minimal skills is almost insulting him and I. Could this be deCastro? Or is the fact that he is fromNevadaonly a coincidence?
"You will talk with Tomas," I say to Maxwell.
He pauses for a moment and then bows to me.
I nod and walk back over to the man. I look to Godric who leaves and is back in a moment with one of my swords I keep locked in the warehouse for just such occasions.
I take it from him and look at the man again. "You have anything to say?" I ask him. "Now would be the time to say it."
The man just looks at me and shakes his head. Before he has a chance to change his mind, I remove said head from his shoulders and down his body falls.
I look at Maxwell. "Have a team here and detail the room."
I drop the sword and head outside.
Godric has said nothing. I reach my hand out to him and he places his phone in it without being asked. I'm not sure where mine is. I open it up and dial Clancy.
"Report," I say to him.
"The fires are out," he says. "The police have the driver in custody and they are waiting for transport to remove the cars. They are not sure if they will be able to tell us what caused the fires." He pauses. "Do you know who sent them."
I nod. "I do," is all I say.
"MyLiege," he says. "Your house called. Your…well, Lady Susannah has collapsed."
I hang up and am in the air before the phone cuts off, I hand the phone back to Godric, as he is flying next to me. I search the bond when I feel her. She sends me love and comfort but it's weak. I send it back to her and feel relief in the bond.
***0***
SPOV
I hear voices and open my eyes.
"What..what happened?" I ask.
"Settle down little one," I hear the doctor say. I turn to see the small woman holding onto my wrist.
"You've expended too much energy," she says. "What did you do?" She asks.
I shake my head. "I..I don't know."
"She screamed and then said something about Eric." Amelia says. I turn to see her at my other side. She gives me a warm, comforting smile.
"Something happened at the club," I say and try to get up. I realize now that I'm in our bedroom.
"Childe," Doctor Ludwig says. "You need to calm down and drink."
With that, Vivi hands me a glass with a straw in it. "Here M'Lady," she says to me. "Drink."
I take a sip. It doesn't taste nearly as good as Eric but it does taste better than the bottle stuff. I'm assuming that this is bagged blood that the doctor told us to keep on hand.
"Tell me what happened." I say to them all as I take another sip. Placing my hand on my stomach, I make sure nothing is amiss.
"He is fine," the doctor says. "Nothing to fear, little one." I nod and take another sip waiting for someone to tell me what's going on.
I reach out with the bond. It is dampened still but I can feel Eric. That is a relief but I still want to know what is going on.
"There was an incident at the bar," Dalia says from behind everyone. "The estate is on lock down until the Regent returns." She says. I look to her but I can tell that she'll not be giving me any more information. I sip on my drink as the doctor continues to look me over. Suddenly I feel Eric's desperation and know he must have been told of my little episode. I send him love and receive it in return. I'm relieved and send that as well.
"Eric is on his way." I say to the room.
The doctor nods to me. "Come," she says. "The Regent will need time with his Consort." She says and puts a few things in her bag. Ushering the rest out, she nods back to me. "Let him take care of you and him, little one."
I take three more draws on the straw and the drink is gone. Not a moment after I place the glass down on the nightstand, Eric is through the doors and on me.
He is kissing, sniffing and touching me all at one. I know he is checking me and I just lay still and allow him to. He needs this and quite frankly, I feel very loved that he is taking such a thorough inventory.
"Are you hurt?" He asks.
I shake my head. "No. The doctor said I over exerted myself."
He nods and looks up at me. "Yes, I saw your little light show, Min Kara. From what I gather, your shield saved not only me but the bar as well."
I want to ask more about what happened but before I know it, mine as well as Eric's close are tattered rags on the floor. He is over me rubbing up against me. I spread my legs so that he can come to rest between them. He hasn't entered me yet and I desperately need to feel him. I send him all the love and need I can.
"Eric, please." I whisper to him. "I need you, please."
He looks up at me. I can see the same lust and love in his eyes as I'm feeling. Before I have time to begin my begging again, Eric is in me completely.
My head falls back and the feeling. It is so complete. I feel complete.
He is moving at Vampire speed and I know that part of it is due to blood lust. The other, I think he just needs to be close to me.
He raises my legs, changing the position and I'm flying over the edge in an instant.
He isn't done with me yet. Pulling out of me, he flips me and has me on my knees and is back inside me. Leaning down, he nips at my shoulder. Just the little blood he takes has me once again going over the edge. I didn't even know that I could do it again so quickly.
It feels like he is in me for hours. It could be days, weeks or even months. I don't know and I don't care. Nothing matters but how he's making me feel.
I feel his wrist at my mouth and I begin to drink. I feel his fangs in the back of my neck and the feeling sends me over the edge once more and pulling on his wrist even harder. The wound starts to close much sooner than I wish it. So I bite hard and reopen it. A howl from behind me lets me know that the action took Eric by surprised and he is over the edge again as well.
It feels as though we are in a perpetual loop for some time. Sucking on each other and meeting each other over the edge as lights of blue gold and white dance around us. It is more than I've experienced with him before. It feels deeper somehow.
Once I feel like I am nothing more than primordial goo, We fall to the mattress. Eric takes no time in flipping us both and laying my head on his chest. After some time, he tilts my head up to him.
"I love you," he says.
I smile at him. "I love you."
I close my eyes and feel the love, comfort and warmth coming from him. I could almost swear I feel it in stereo.
***0***
Rasul's POV
"Sir," I hear at the door. "There is a phone call I think you need to take."
I look up from the computer and see Louisa standing at the door.
"Who is it?" I ask.
"The switchboard said it a Lorena Ball." She says and looks a little nervous.
I nod. "Don't worry," I say to her.
She smiles and walks out. I pick up the receiver and hit the blinking extension. "Yes?" I ask.
"I need to speak to the Queen," she says. "I need to know what is going on."
"Lorena, the Queen has been sequestered and relieved of her duties. If you have business with theLouisianaTerritory, you will need to speak with the new Regent." I say.
"What the hell is this all about? Who the fuck is the new Regent? I made a deal with Sophie. She was to keep my William safe. I need to speak with her now!" She screams.
I roll my eyes. "Lorena, Council has been trying to contact you. William is in custody and there have been some things you need to be aware of. I suggest you contact Stan or the King of Colorado."
"Fuck that. Tell me why I just felt my William leave this earth! I want answers and I want them NOW!" She yells again.
I can't help but smile. This will make my Sange Cap very happy.
