Before walking through the doors of the hotel's grand ballroom, Eric leaned over and kissed the side of Sookie's neck. The room was stunning. Strings of white lights were everywhere. The soft glow made the room look ethereal. Eric guided Sookie through the crowd toward the King.

"Your Majesty." Eric bowed respectfully. The King smiled and returned the nod.

"Miss Stackhouse, you look stunning." He took her hand and placed a gently kiss on her cheek.
"Actually, it's Mrs. Northman." She beamed and offered him her left hand. Eric stood taller and anyone within ten feet could feel the pride and happiness radiating off his impressive frame. The King regarded Eric for a moment and then a wide smile spread across his face.

"Congratulations!" Sookie could tell he was genuine in his words. "We will make the announcement! Come, let's get Victor."

Sookie couldn't help herself. This was the first person they had actually told about their marriage and he seemed happy about it. She launched herself at the King and wrapped her arms around his neck. Eric's eyes went wide as well as Felipe's. He then laughed and returned her hug.

"Your bride is overjoyed, Sheriff. You are a lucky man." Sookie returned to Eric's side and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I am."

"Come, then. Sandy will want to gossip about the details." Sookie gave Eric a questioning look and he chuckled as they followed the King to the front of the room. A few nights ago, she was terrified the King would force her to move to Las Vegas and now she was just so happy, she was hugging him like family. Perhaps Eric was right. Felipe is a smart vampire. Keeping his subjects happy is how more things get done. Eric is a powerful Sheriff. Sookie is a valuable asset. Keeping them content would prove more valuable to him.

Sookie stood beside Eric and couldn't keep the blush from staining her cheeks as she stood on the small stage at the front of the ballroom. All eyes were on her and Eric. The King held her by her hand and spoke into the microphone.

"Sookie Northman is a brave and formidable asset to me. She is under my formal protection. She is bonded to Eric the Northman and is now his bride. All who owe me fealty will honor this union and swear protection to her and her bonded." The crowd of vampires bowed in respect and compliance. Eric returned the gesture and then kissed Sookie's hand. He turned to face the King and bowed deeply at the waist. The King bowed in return and then turned to Sookie. She raised her arms to hug him again and then hesitated. The King erupted in laughter and extended his arms for another hug. The crowd chuckled softly at the human. The King released her and she bowed respectfully. He took her hand and led her from the stage with Eric a step behind.

"Come, let us dance!" The King announced to the crowd and the room filled with music.

Eric stepped forward and spoke.

"Thank you."
"I know the take over of your state was harsh. But I have always considered you valuable. I know you have pledged your loyalty to me and know that I will not forget the bravery your wife has shown me. If there is ever a need either of you require, I will be your first call." Eric bowed his head and squeezed Sookie's hand. "Now, Mrs. Northman, may I have a dance?"

Sookie was absolutely beaming.

"May Eric and I dance the first one together?" Eric squeezed her hand and tried to make her understand that one did not turn down the King's simple request. She ignored him and continued, "This is sort of our reception. It will be our first dance as husband and wife." The King's eyes softened and he could see why so many of his kind were quickly enamored by this human girl.

"Of course! I am familiar with human wedding customs. I will respectfully wait until your husband has danced with his new bride."

"Thank you so much." She felt Eric's arm snake around her waist and with a brush of wind she was floating around the dance floor. In that moment, all she could focus on was Eric's face.

"You're amazing." He murmured in her ear as they moved around the floor.

"I'm giddy as a fool."

"You've glamored the King!" He laughed as Sookie kissed his cheek.

"Can you believe I hugged him? I don't know what came over me. I'm just…I'm so happy, Eric. You've made me so happy."

"I think you made his night."

"I'm going to make yours later." Eric growled into her ear and she smiled to herself. She was going to love being married to her Viking Vampire.