Ch. 35 Miami
I think Pam was more excited about going to Miami than I was. I looked through my wardrobe in my closet and saw that I had no ball gowns or anything like that for this whole special engagement for Eric and I. So what does my vampire do when I tell him this? He gives his shiny VISA to me and calls Pam. Pam comes over, drags me out the door, drives like a maniac to New Orleans and takes me shopping for HOURS.
Pam and I just stepped out of the fifth store on our very extensive shopping trip. I had six big bags on each arm while Pam had eight on each of hers. Finally I couldn't stand any longer and I tripped causing me to fall on my face. "Oomph!" The wind was knocked out of my lungs and Pam came over and picked me up with one hand smiling. "Pam I'm done! I can't do it anymore. I need to go to bed and see my boyfriend and try not to worry about this whole engagement thing and-" But she cute me off by putting a finger to my lips. I could actually smell her lotion, it was lavender.
"I suppose this will have to do. Just wait till you see all the goodies I got you while you were trying on those dresses!" Pam was beaming head to toe while picking up her bags. I finally read the label on them: Victoria's Secret. Oh dear lord, Eric will want to see those.
"I hope they're not too slutty," I gulped and Pam waved it off.
"There is no such thing when it comes to vampires Violet. Eric will go crazy once he sees you in them and rip them off. That's why I bought four bags worth. Oh I think I ordered some to come to the house too, just so you know."
"Oh boy."
It was later that night Eric, Pam, Max, and myself left for the airport at 1 A.M. It would only take no less than 2 hours to fly to Miami. That shouldn't be too bad, I thought and stepped onto Eric's jet. It was really nice. There was a couch, the passenger chairs were nice and big like one you would find in your living room almost, and a T.V. Hmmm…maybe he watched the news on flights?
As I was thinking about what Eric does on a plane ride I sensed someone else coming on the plane and whirled around. It was Eric, Max, and Pam. I let a lung full of air out and relaxed. "Hi guys."
Eric grabbed me instantly and pulled me to the couch while Pam and Max took the empty chairs.
"Violet there is some other things I need to discuss with you. The counsel had not given me the information I am about to explain until ten minutes ago, so please try not to freak," Max pressed and I grew tense. Pam looked curious and Eric looked a little mad.
"Ok, shoot, tell me what's up."
"Apparently you and I will have to fight to show that you are worthy enough and strong enough to be the head Queen of this war. I do not know how they will set it up, if we're in a arena, or if we're in a boxing ring, I don't know. Second, you and Eric will have to perform some sort of dance when we get there. I don't know why, but it is tradition. It's kind of like the two of you are welcoming this engagement for all to see I guess. Thirdly, I don't know who, but some one important is coming. They would not tell me this information. Apparently this person will show themselves when it is the right time or when they see fit…"
I listened close and hard about what Max was saying. It struck every nerve in my body and I felt like I might throw up. For starters I had to fight Max, second Eric and I had to perform a dance that I didn't know yet, and third, someone was going to make themselves present to me when they thought it was the right moment. This was so jacked up!
"Violet are you ok?" Pam asked and I sat back and slumped my shoulders while the color drained from my face. "I think she is going into shock," Pam concluded and she wasn't really wrong.
Eric took my hand while Max gave me a sympathetic look.
"Do not worry lover, you are strong, and I will be there with you for everything. What do they say, oh yes, I will be your cheerleader."
It made me crack a slight smile at imagining Eric in a cheerleading skirt, shirt, and a pair of pompoms yelling, "Go Violet!" But then I grimaced cause that was just weird.
I thought more about the fight part and suddenly got really nervous. "Max it's not a fight to the death right? One of us doesn't have to die right?"
"No, there will be three rounds. You have to win at least two of them."
"Ok I can deal with that. Two rounds. Got it, no problem."
My phone read 3 A.M. when we got to Miami and I clung to Eric like a life saver to a raft once we stepped off his jet. There was no telling what could happen and I needed him by my side more than anything.
"Relax lover I am here with you." Again and again Eric gave his words of assurance and was sending me waves of love through our bond while all of us climbed into a limousine. It relaxed me some till we arrived at a huge white mansion. The outside looked modern with a hint of Mediterranean mixed into the design, and I was only imagining what the inside looked like.
Once the limousine stopped at the gate surrounding the estate ten guards came out. There were at least four women and the rest were men, all dressed in heavy duty SWAT looking uniforms. Yikes, talk about badass.
Eric's door opened and a woman guard began talking to him so fast I had no clue what they were saying. From what I could tell he nodded and we were on our way through the gate. My breath became short and my hands shook with anticipation. I had no clue what awaited inside…
Well I found out soon enough. The driver dropped us off at the front doors and a tall Spanish looking man stood out side in a grey suit waiting for us with his hands behind his back. Instantly Eric felt a tad nervous and when I went to look up at him he was kneeling on the ground.
"Uh-"
"Your majesty."
Was this the king of Florida? I looked around and all (Pam, Eric, and even the driver who got out of the car) except for Max who gave a curt nod, were kneeling on the ground.
"Your majesty," I smiled and bowed. He came forth and I was shocked (even though I knew I shouldn't have been) to see the king was quite a gorgeous man, and was probably no older than twenty five when he was turned into a vampire.
He took my hand and raised it to his nicely shaped lips. The silky feeling of them remained like a cold cloth on the back of my hand after he pulled away and bowed to me. "My lady." I blushed and I heard Eric growl in my head.
Honey, please be calm.
The king turned to look at Eric for a second who was still kneeling and then turned back to me. This time I looked him over. His dark rich curly hair was short and shiny looking, his skin had an almost olive tint to it, his eyes were a chestnut brown color, but I swore I saw a hint of purple in there as well around the iris, and he was built but with a slender grace to him. All in all, a fine man- or vampire.
"My name is Rafael, King of Florida," The king introduced himself humbly and I told him it was nice to meet him before introducing myself. "I know," He winked and we made our way inside.
Upon our arrival, the king (who insisted on my only calling him Rafael) told us he would be expecting us in one hour for myself and Eric to be presented to the rest of the royalty amongst the vampires tonight. Pam was all gung hoe about getting me ready and picked out my dress that was made of a cotton/silk fabric. It was strapless and went down to just above my knees. The dress was white at the bust and just below that it was black until just above my belly button before it went white again and finally fading to grey. A huge red rose was on the black part with a black ribbon attached while a few red pedals were scattered on the lower part of the dress. It was gorgeous.
After Pam did my hair (just long waves) and my makeup, I put the dress on and my black heels to match. Pam whistled when she asked me to turn around in a circle to admire her handy work and I gave her a hug. "Thanks Pam. I couldn't have done this, and in the time you did it."
My sarcastic vampire friend blew it off and walked me to the room where Eric was already waiting for me. As soon as we walked down the hall and through the door on the left, there he stood in a black tux with a matching black tie. For the billionth time he took my breath away.
My expression grew soft as I stood there and took the time to look at him as he did to me. His face looked me over again and again and he didn't know what to do. Eric's feeling were a mix of things. He wanted to hold me, kiss me, take me away, but also not touch me and stand where he was to bask in my beauty, he thought. It was the most loved I had ever felt by a man, and that's what I considered Eric, a man. Not a vampire. Not a thousand year old Viking, but the man I was deeply in love with.
Eric couldn't take it anymore and was in front of me in a blink of an eye. I didn't notice but Pam left and had closed the door as well. When I looked up at Eric he pulled me into a hug and just held me while I put my arms around his waist. I inhaled his scent and it was invigorating. There was something to it, Eric didn't smell like other vampires did. It was like something was added…
I brushed the thought out of the way as quietly Eric took my hand and interlaced our fingers together because it was time to go make our grand entrance.
My love and I stood at the top of the stairs while trumpets blew indicating that everyone turn around, be quiet, and look at the couple at the top of the stairs.
Slowly we made our way down and walked through the crowd who gave curt nods as Eric and I made our way to a podium slightly higher than everyone else. I knew it was for me, and I knew I was about to make the most important speech of my life so far. By the way, did I mention, I had no clue what to say.
Eric stood by my side when I went to the microphone. I lifted my head and felt better when Eric was sending his love to me and a most calming sensation as well through the bond. It made me realize again how lucky I was to have him in my life, and I would do anything to protect him through this war.
The crowd in front of me were all wearing expensive gowns, dresses, and suits. Strangely though I saw some people wearing dog collars that were attached to leashes and held by I was guessing were their "owners."
I took a deep breath and told my self it was now or never. "Hello your Majesties, and everyone else. I come before you today as Violet Amor Knight. As we all know…a war is upon us. Eris, the daughter of Chaos, is planning to take this world into Hell, and everyone with it…" The crowd looked still but some made the slightest twitch with their eyes. "I am the demigod that will stop her. No I have never led an army, but I need your help. This is not just my problem, it is yours as well…" I felt myself starting to glow and Eric showed me through the bond in my head. I looked pretty cool and it really made some of the vampires move even if it was fraction of a centimeter. "Eris has already been collecting forces amongst the darkest of creatures and we need to pull our forces together to win this war. I ask of you fight with me, fight with me and win. This world is all we have, and it's ours, not hers. So for all of you who are on my side, thank you, but for all of you who are not, or who think to betray," I looked the whole crowd over so they would truly understand I was most serious, "you will die."
I took a few seconds to get some sort of feedback from the crowd and everyone of them nodded at me in agreement. I continued, "Apart from that I understand what Eric and I have has not been seen a very long time, and also I understand that I must compete for your approval of me in a fight. I accept this and want to do nothing more than to show you I am who I am. Thank you again for this night and the nights to come. I hope we can all have a memorable time." My speech was over and I felt Eric's hand on my back and he also told me I stopped glowing. I was a little thankful because I wanted these people to trust me not thinking I was a freak or anything.
The crowd began to applaud and my Viking and I made it off the stage in one piece. It was now time to meet everyone.
Soon I was in a conversation with the Queen of California, the King of New York, Rafael, and the King of South Carolina. All were looking posh and elegant.
"So are you pregnant yet?" The Queen asked me and I almost choked on my own air.
Eric wrapped his arm around my shoulder and held me to him. "No, I am far too young I think. Also with the war and all…"
The Queen of Cali giggled. "Oh by the time I was your age I had already had five children, sadly they are not alive anymore. My line has run out."
My face saddened. "I'm very sorry to hear that Your Majesty."
"It is alright dear one, it has been over four hundred years since their deaths." I looked at the Queen as she stopped and gave me a reassuring smile. "I can just tell when the day does come, you will have wonderful strong children."
The conversation was getting a little too intense for me as it went on and I excused myself to the restroom. Eric pointed the way and asked if I needed anything. I told him I would be right back and he said to hurry.
When I made it to the deserted hallway I tried my hardest to put up a block between Eric and I so he couldn't read my thoughts. I did pretty good. Once the wall was up I sat in one of the waiting chairs outside the bathrooms just to sit. I didn't actually need to go but I wanted some peace. Unfortunately I am never alone for long.
The door to the men's bathroom opened and a most handsome man came out. He was tall and built like Eric, tan, very short dark hair, with some stubble around his face, and to top it off, serious blue eyes. He was wearing a dark navy blue suit with the jacket wide open to show his totally unbuttoned white dress shirt, and I noticed his matching tie was dangling partly out of his back pants pocket. I didn't know whether to be afraid of him or not.
The mystery man took one look at me and sat in the empty seat to my right. Great, what do I do now?
"Hello," The mystery man said softly. His voice sounded so warm but had the slightest hint of sadness to it. It drew me in and I turned to face the rugged man.
"Hi," I whispered.
The both of us stared at each other for a minute before he asked, "what's your name?"
"Violet. You?"
"Caine."
I had heard that name before. "Son of the fighter," I whispered and Caine's eyes gave the slightest twinkle.
"You know your names." I blushed for a second and then it was gone. Something was different about this man, I just didn't know what.
"Not all," I said and turned to face forward again. Oh the lovely wall.
"So you are the one everyone is talking about. The demigod."
I nodded and then got up. "It was nice to meet you Caine, but I think I better get back." Caine nodded as well and got up so we could shake hands.
Once I made it back to Eric he grabbed my hand and held me tight. "Why were you gone so long lover?"
"I just needed a minute to gather my thoughts Eric." My Viking understood and Max came to me looking a little worried.
"Violet, Eric," Max and Eric nodded at each other.
"Max what's wrong?"
The rules are changing. I'm not the only one you're going to fight!
What?
I just got word. After you are done fighting me, you have to fight someone else. His name is Caine and he is an OLD vampire. He has been asleep for the past two hundred years until the night when you turned eighteen I heard.
Did say Caine?
Yes! He is older than Eric even. They say he is so old he doesn't have a last name even , and he has no allegiance to anyone.
I still had the wall up and Eric was gripping my hand tighter and tighter until I whimpered. "Violet what is going on?" Eric whispered harshly to me.
Max isn't the only one I will fight, I said in my head to Eric, finally letting the wall down.
You won't have to fight me will you?
No, I'm fighting the vampire Caine.
No!
I didn't have time to respond because everyone in the room went silent along with the music. All the heads began to bow and some vampires were even kneeling on the floor as Caine (now fully dressed with no sculpted muscles showing) began to walk through the crowd and make his way over to me.
I thought Eric was going to explode from all the thoughts zooming around his head. It was even making my head hurt and I squeezed his hand this time to let him know he needed to calm down or I was going to pass out.
"Violet," Caine grinned slightly as he stood facing me. Eric bowed but Caine didn't acknowledge him in the slightest.
"Caine."
"I suppose Maximus has already told you the news."
My heart dropped. "Yes."
"I hope you live through it."
He was trying to intimidate me. I could feel it coming off of him. He was confident but intrigued by me as well. "I hope you do too."
Caine smiled at my bravery and nodded again before he left and Pam showed up looking worried. "Is it true? Will Violet not only have to fight Max but Caine as well?"
I spoke because I knew Eric was too pissed off to say anything. "Yes."
Pam fretted for a few more minutes before I excused myself again to go get some punch.
When I got to the long table of assorted drink I smiled at the server who was just a teenage kid. Couldn't have been a day older than sixteen, and I wondered what the hell he was doing here.
"Hi, what can I get you? We have True Blood in all the types, fresh donors in every blood type as well, champagne, Merlo from 1900, Coca Cola with real coke or none, or cranberry punch!" I blinked before I asked for just the punch. "There you go, have a nice evening Miss Knight."
"Thank you," I smiled and turned around to come face to face with a gaggle of women. Some looked sixteen to the age of twenty four. "Uhhh-"
"Oh my god! You are the one that belongs to Eric Northman!"
"How is he in bed?"
"Is he as tough as they say he is?"
"What's his bar like?"
"Do you work there with him?"
On and on the questions were thrown at me and yelled, "Hold up! One at a time!"
They all went silent and raised their hands as if waiting for me to pick on one.
"Ok, you Blondie, what's your question?" I asked a blonde woman that was majorly tan and was wearing a nice black dress.
"So is Eric as rough and aggressive as they say he is?"
"In what way?" I asked and took a sip of my drink. I knew a lot of the vampires near by were perking up their little vampy ears to be nosy along with the girls.
"In the bedroom."
"Eric is very passionate to say the least. Next."
This time it was a brunette who looked like she was at least in her twenties. "Does he use whips and chains? My master likes to use them." All the girls nodded in agreement and said that's what their masters like to do to. I almost threw up.
"No, we don't."
"Is he as tough and a thousand years old as they say he is?"
I looked at the girl who asked the question straight in the eye. "Yes Eric is like no other and is a thousand plus years old. Give a few years."
Ten minutes later, two more glasses of punch, and I was ready to bounce this joint. "Sorry girls, I'm getting pretty tired. I hope I answered enough of your questions. Night." They wined wanting to know more but Eric showed up and they all fell silent.
"Come on Lover," My Viking said and picked me up. "It's time for you to rest before tomorrow." He said it not me and I gladly accepted it.