This update took a little longer than expected I was working out some kinks. I also haven't worked out an exact schedule, eventually I want to get to a point where you guys can expect me every four days or so. I read and re read the first few chapters and I feel the time seems a little confusing but different characters start telling their POV from different times. It will become clearer as they all get together.

I got some questions about Pam. We will see glimpses of her. While she will be an essential character she only has two chapters or so to herself. Sorry if that's disappointing.

Thank you to all those who have been signing up for Alerts and adding the story and Me to your favs. As always, an extra-large thanks to all of you that take the time to review. I know the story is just getting started and things are slow (it's setting up the foundation please bear with me) there isn't much to say but your comments are still encouraging.

Eric

Chapter Two

Regimes

These times are very critical. I was in the very early stages of my rule. Since I have become king I have seen Sookie a hand full of times but spoken with her regularly. It was all business. During the night her loneliness and longing combined with my own. It was almost painful. These circumstances were unfortunate but temporary. All I did now I did in preparation of when we married. The systems I was implementing now would leave me with more time for her. It was my only solace. I knew she was going through a lot and dealing with many changes not only in her life but in our relationship. She was becoming afraid of the decision she made. My extended absence made it worse. I hated to see her distraught especially because I could not be there but I needed her to show faith and a lot of trust. I needed time to get our affairs in order. She was strong and she knew me better than anyone who shared my blood. We have survived so much together. This was just another stage. It would pass.

The most time consuming of things at the moment were the wedding negotiations with Kentucky. Louisiana and Arkansas had to separate. It was an idea Sookie had presented Sophie-Anne with. It was a brilliant one. Oddly they would be both become stronger apart. I knew the situation in Arkansas. I had been there recently under Felipe's orders. I knew the extent of the damages. During my time there I had come up with a lot of possible solutions, not all of which I divulged to my former king. They would serve my child well. I am going to name Pam queen of Arkansas.

With all that my workload would be halved. While Pam was a master at many things I worried about her ruling her own territory. It would not go uncontested. For that reason she was going to wed Isaiah of Kentucky. It would protect her reign. She was my child and so Isaiah would be forming an inherent alliance with my state as well her own. Something he had been eager to do for a long time. He had also heard I had some friends in very high places. This made him excited as well as apprehensive. It took a lot of convincing but I told him ultimately if we wanted more territory I would have killed Felipe and kept Nevada. What we were after was strength and stability. There was always safety in numbers. In the end he agreed. Felipe had paid a hefty sum to have his life spared the night I took back theses states. Some of it would go to Pam. Isaiah had also paid an exorbitant bride prize. The added finances would get her off to a good start.

When that was settled the three of us were faced with much scrutiny. The remainders of the states in the Amun territory were becoming uneasy Alabama and Tennessee especially. They had good cause to be uneasy. Overnight I had risen from a vampire sheriff that no one thought would live out the decade to king. Russell was interested but he was safe and sound in his alliance with Bertrand. The accusations began pouring in and I was facing several suits. Some were collaborative others were individual. The biggest supporters on all claims were Alabama and Tennessee. The main point being that I had acted without a concise and approved plan. I was also being accused of violating our international protocol and inciting anarchy. The list went on and on. For which the penalties ranged from exuberant fines to being stripped of my land and title.

Most of the mentioned claims were specious at best and wouldn't stick except for two. They were correct on the first point at least to a certain degree. I was not a royal when I claimed my states. Said rules regarding territory acquisition did not apply to me. Second I had acted to save my life. We vampires had no laws higher than the defense of self. It was very well documented that Victor was gunning for my head. I faced him and defeated him. It just came with the added benefit of gaining territory. One of the many things Felipe had given me was a signed and sworn affidavit saying he willing relinquished both states to me. Yes he was under duress but it was still valid. I had insisted upon it to add insult to his injury and to cover my back. That quashed the first accusation before it even started. Any matters that involved the old world and the new had to be decided upon by all royals of the territory. The old and new worlds were to be treated as two very separate entities. Word had gotten out about France being involved. No one knew the details or to what extent. For this I had no answer. The night I celebrated my coronation they would see Cohan for themselves. They were free to ask him questions if they dared.

Another thing that was proving to be very difficult was to have my petition approved to make Sookie my queen in the vampire world. It was a first. It was also a very unpopular concept. That was not enough to deter me. I cared nothing of the feelings of other sovereigns. But I had to be mindful not to isolate myself. The highest honor vampires bestowed on humans was a status as bonded. Sookie was beyond that. Long had she been more than my bonded; more than my wife; she was half of me. She should have a title that reflected that. After questioning my sanity the Ancient Pythoness agreed. I knew there would be a backlash for this as well. People would presume I was weak and had grown ineffective. I was eager to make an example of someone.

Clearly I was dealing with a lot. Last on the list were human relations. There was unrest in the government as to the quick changes in our leadership. Our power structure was beginning to appear unstable and volatile. Not that it was any of their concern but it was understandable. This wasn't a pressing problem but it was a problem none the less. It helped that I left Felipe alive. The humans did not believe that Sophie Anne died of SINO-AIDS. They had been keeping a closer eye than we all thought.

Copley Carmichael was the father of Sookie's former roommate; Amelia the witch. He owned me a favor and needed to remain in my good graces. He could be of great use to me in this matter. I would continue to retain him for all matters that he currently handled for Louisiana. Pam would also use his services in Arkansas as well. In return he would make introductions for us to meet the proper politicians. Rallied support from the human masses wasn't much but it was useful. Our kind was victimized in Rhodes but we did not get the sympathy vote. It had to change. If for no other purpose than to give extremists reason to pause. They had to be afraid not only of us but unfavorable reactions from their own kind. We haven't been doing as much as we should. The more reclusive we were the more it benefited the fellowship of the sun and other groups like them. I could play nice to win the popularity contest. It would quell the flames of hate against my kind if they saw a king of vampires as less threatening.

Sookie screened any humans and two natured that were going to be in proximity to all my affairs. In terms of vampires there were only two people whom I could trust absolutely. They would both be leaving. It was for that reason I decided to create another. In this matter Sookie assisted me. She would know their worth. She also knew what to look for. Soon she found a candidate that showed promise. She told me she suspected he was her opposite. Where she read thoughts he projected them. If that wasn't enough he had combat experience. Tonight I would meet him.

The residential community I purchased in Shreveport was an ideal palace of sorts. It was nowhere near extravagant but it what I wanted. I had my people close but Sookie and I could be alone when we desired. The renovations in New Orleans were still in progress. Although I could have relocated if I so chose. I had no interest in it. I was king. What was the point if I couldn't make people come to me instead of the other way round?

"Your majesty" Indira said. I looked up. "The human you are expecting has arrived" I nodded.

"Show him in" Pam and Tristan were in the room with me.

"This should be interesting" Pam said. I nodded. She was right this was another first. With the previous immortals I had created I had watched them; stalked them for many nights in the shadows. This experience was completely other. He was choosing to come to me.

"Behave yourself Pam" She grinned and made no promises. Indira returned with the human behind her.

"Your majesty Gideon Michaels" She bowed and left. Physically speaking he was imposing. There was something exotic about his features. His face was the pillar of ease although his heart beat was slightly accelerated. He copied Indira's gesture. I motioned for him to sit and he did so.

"My wife speaks highly of you" I said. It was obvious that the title I introduced Sookie by surprised him but he did not let it show too much.

"Thank you" He said with a small nod. He was watching me but he kept glancing slyly at the sabers behind Tristan's back.

I smiled. "Are you afraid?" I asked. He returned my smile.

"Not afraid, hyper aware" I liked his demeanor. He had courage but he was not blinded by it. There was also a semblance of superciliousness. I admired it.

"Tell me about yourself" I encouraged.

"Like my life story?" He seemed surprised and amused by my request. I nodded.

"The short version" I clarified.

His eyes fell upon the flames in the fire place as he spoke (still inspecting Tristan every fifteen seconds without fail. It was impressive). "There isn't much to tell. I don't know exactly where or when I was born or who my parents were. I was left on the steps of a police station in Boston when I was an infant. I spent my whole life in foster care" I was confused. I was unfamiliar as to what that was.

"An orphanage" Tristan explained.

Gideon rolled his eyes "Well they don't call them that anymore it's not politically correct. Though the life and concept is the same" He was more amused than sadden by his explanation.

"I'm getting replaced by Oliver Twist" Pam mused. Her comment was too low to travel to human ears. Tristan fought a smile. If I didn't know better I would say she was jealous. While it was a useless emotion and unwarranted it was still very comprehensible. I created her long after my first child met her end. For a very long time she was my second in command. She had been my only child, my last vampire lover, my closest friend and confidant. We were all coming into a lot of changes. This was one of them.

Gideon continued. He wasn't feeling anything as he told the sad story of a mediocre human existence. "The second I turned eighteen I joined the marines" this however elicited some emotion from him. His nerves had abated so I wanted him to continue speaking. I was also unfamiliar with the military fractions of the Americas.

"Why did you choose the marines?" He was openly grinning as he replied.

"They are first to fight" I looked at him wondering how he had avoided the attentions of one of my kind for so long. He was already detached; he was interesting and strong; and physically appealing. His disposition was enough to be frightening but he was stable.

"Gideon this is Pam and that is Tristan" He offered them each a nod. The one he received in return from Pam was begrudging at best.

"He can shoot but can he fight" she said in a bland tone. I looked at him to answer. He merely smiled in response. He was really irritating Pam that in itself was cause to turn him. "Tristan perhaps a demonstration" Pam really disliked him. That match up was hardly fair. In matters of visceral strength it was like the strongest human fighting the smallest child. He wouldn't be allowed to use any weapons for fear of causing Tristan lasting harm. They were looking at me for approval. I did want someone who could hold their own. Sookie suspected he was gifted and I did not want him damaged. In any case no matter how badly the loss this exercise would provide insight. I didn't have a great deal of time to train him extensively. I needed someone that would hit the ground running.

My decision had already been made. "Consider this an initiation" I said with a smile. He grinned and nodded.

We all headed into the yard of the large compound. Gideon tightened his ponytail and removed his shirt. "Tristan use human speeds and strength" He nodded. They faced off. The first mistake Tristan made was to approach him hastily. Gideon used the force of his attack to spin him around and kick his legs out from under him. He released him instantly and leapt back. All the vampires had their fangs down. Mine were out from the excitement of a good fight. Pam and Tristan were excited but angry.

Their match continued Tristan was using less and less restraint. But Gideon gave as good as he got. "Enough" I called out. Tristan had blood running down his nose but he wasn't loosening his grip. He was behind Gideon with his arms wrapped around his neck. Gideon was well on his way to passing out. That was the draw back with breathing even the best human fighter needed air. I really didn't find the attraction or attachment that some felt towards a human existence. Tristan released him but kept an arm around him so he wouldn't fall over.

"Not bad for a breather" Pam commented. Though she disliked him she was glad I had someone that was capable to watch over me in her absence. He had earned their respect, mine as well.

I had given Gideon a day to prepare for the transformation the only thing he did was cut his hair. Three day later I woke and got dressed minutes before my child opened his eyes for the first time as a vampire. He had tasted different. Not sweet to suggest he was anything more than human. He was just different. He had suppressed the urge to fight and recoil from the pain. I suppressed the other urges that came with blood. This was something I hadn't done in close to two centuries. It was erotic there was no denying that. It was also beautiful. It was the most consecrated thing to my kind. He was worthy and so I was binding myself to him. The experience was untainted because the roles were reversed. I was happy I would never feel guilt over making him. It made it more significant for me.

He opened his coffin and just sat up examining himself for several minutes. He looked at his hands and ran them through his hair. "Whoa" he whispered. I smiled. Not at his inadequate description. I smiled because unlike Pam he was unafraid. It took a good portion of the night to calm her when she woke.

"Yes now if you are done I have much to tell you" He got out of his coffin with too much force and dented it. Then he flew in front of me "Steady" I warned. "How are you feeling?" I asked. He took internal inventory for a few seconds.

"Like me" I knew from the sound of his voice that he hadn't expected that. He continued. "Only I can see everything in better resolution" He pulled in a deep breath. "I smell everything better too. It's confusing. I'm thinking and feeling everything at once. It's hard to focus on the conversation because I'm sorting through all that stuff and I'm hungry" He paused to make sure he was making sense. I nodded. "I also feel like I need to be with you" He confessed. He was confused by this desire. I could tell that he was typically not a lover of men.

"It is all very natural" I looked at him. "Focus what I say to you now you must always remember" He nodded and stopped looking about the room. "Our blood is sacred it is what makes us what we are. Never give it unless the person is extraordinary and worthy of you because it is binding. You will become privy to their every emotion. What we now share is even more profound than that. I have bound you to me and me to you. We are connected on a level deeper than that of humans and their own beating hearts. I will always be able to feel you and you me" He nodded.

"That's why I want you?" I nodded. That was true in part the other reason was because he was hungry.

"Pam is my other child and Tristan is her child. You will feel Pam more than Tristan but your blood will always recognize his." Thankfully I would be able to skip hunting techniques; when and how to mingle with humans; how to hide and survival in the wild for now. He was trained in the military I was sure the knowledge he acquired there coupled with instinct would not steer him wrong if ever the need arose.

I got brief flashes of blood and the two of us together. I quirked an eyebrow at him "Are you aware of what you are doing" He looked confused and shook his head. Sookie was right about him. "You are sending me mental images of what you want" He was even more confused.

"Is that normal?" I shook my head. That was a topic for later. He needed to feed. He would not be able to feed alone without killing someone for a few months. "Slowly, get up" Slowly for a vampire was human speeds.

He did as I asked. "Human speeds suck" I nodded and smiled. He got dressed and followed me down stairs. Synthetic blood would be enough to sustain him but human blood was best and I needed to show him restraint. The donors were gathered in a lounge. We got close enough to hear their heart beats and feel the warmth of their blood in the air. I had to keep a hold on his arm to keep him at my side as we entered the room. His eyes were glued to the humans. His body was tensing to spring.

"Be still" I ordered as I led him to a chair. I watched as his raw hunger fought against his self-control. It appeared cruel to make him sit and watch but it was a test to gauge the strength of his will. He resisted for five minutes. All the while his eyes were dancing over the assorted collection; trailing a potential meal.

"Which one do you want?" He pointed at a petite woman with red hair. She came and took a seat between his legs with her back to his chest. His fangs became fully extended. He swallowed against the urge to drive them into her. It was straining what control he had left but he did it. "You must always remember. They are fragile. Moderate the pressure of your body" He was tense. The muscles in his body were taught. I was sure if he laid a hand on her as is he would break a bone. He lifted a hand slowly and wound it around her waist. Gently he held her to him.

"Listen to her heart while you feed. You must focus. Do not let it slow" He nodded and leaned forward and bit. The woman gasped in pain but her arousal was very palpable in the air. Blood was hardwired to sex for us. There was no solid explanation as to why. He was experiencing that for the first time. His hand left her waist and massaged her breasts. She moaned and arched into him. It wasn't in her best interest to encourage this. He did not have the concentration to both feed and have sex without killing her. After a few pulls her heart beat was steady but her pulse was weak. I did not intervene. I waited for him to follow my instructions and he did. He released her with effort. He licked her wound and she was dismissed. He needed another. He was showing me images of himself and a brunette. He wanted blood and sex.

"Not until you are sated" He nodded. He fed from another donor and his hunger was abated. While he fed I did as well. It wasn't something I did often. No one ever tasted as good as Sookie. But it kept my strength up and I had to feed less when I had human blood instead of synthetic. It was something I had been honest with her about. She understood and knew she was my only lover. It was just the nature of things. When Gideon was finished he was eager to have his other hungers fed.

"Remember" I warned. It would really irritate me if he killed someone. "Easy. No biting" A shiver ran though him as the edict I gave settled into his body. He didn't understand it. "That was an edict you cannot disobey even if you tried" He was not bothered by it. With Pam I never used edicts. I could restrain her physically if I had to. Doing the same with Gideon simply wouldn't do.

I turned to leave and he became uneasy. Usually the first person a vampire had sex with was their maker. Neither of us favored male lovers but it was in his blood. I was denying him that. In his body it wouldn't feel right to have this experience without me in some capacity. I sat. When he was at ease I looked away and blocked his emotions. I was a vampire in a monogamous relationship. Feeling his pleasure was making it difficult. He was thoroughly enjoying his new found stamina. I went idle to wait him out.

When he was finished we left. He showered and got dressed. It would be easier for him to pay attention now. "My wife is a telepath"

He gave me a disbelieving look. I nodded. "Wow" He breathed.

"You are the opposite I think" He thought about it. "When she met you she knew you were special"

He was not convinced nor did he want to contradict or disappoint me. For reasons I cannot imagine humans often squandered or repressed their talents. "Think" I said. "Throughout your human life, was it not easy for you get your point across or to get people to go along with what you wanted?" He was meditative for a minute. Then he nodded.

I had a thought. If he can show me images of what he wanted he can distort my vision. It would make him an excellent offensive or defensive weapon. "Cloud my sight" I said. This task was advanced considering he just became aware of his ability. Sookie could help him strengthen and develop it. I was certain if he was manifesting talents in his human form he was capable. His abilities did not require eye contact. He closed his eyes and focused on the task. My vision began to blur. It wasn't constant or total there was shading in my peripherals. It flickered as he struggled. I pushed my mind against the intrusion and he faltered.

"Well done" I commended.

"Really" He asked surprised. I nodded. I hadn't expected nearly as much. It was distressing for me to have one of my most vital senses tampered with even though I asked him to and I was somewhat prepared .

"You will train. As she becomes available Sookie will aid you" He nodded and was excited. That was all the time I had to spend alone with him. He would still have to stay close.

"Tonight you are to watch and learn" The rest of my night was occupied. He knew nothing of the complex dealings that went with my title. It would take centuries for him to learn how to play this delicate game. It wasn't something that could be taught directly. I had meetings with the appointed sheriffs of my state. There were arrangements for public appearances that had to be made. I noticed he did not need to be told what to do. He kept his face expressionless. I sat and he stood behind me. He did not speak unless spoken to. He was already eliciting wary glances from those who were present. It was a wise assumption that any human that I had turned to be my guard would be a danger. He sent me mental glimpses of things he noticed in the event that I didn't. He was taking to his role with great caliber.