"So, tell me, how was your first night here in the royal compound, and no need to spare the details." Pam grinned at me as I glided along by her side, Pam's right arm hooked in my left.
"I was very nervous at first entering a place with so many vampires so I just stayed close to Eric. Everyone seemed really nice. I am sure I will feel more comfortable here once I have my bearings." I told her truthfully.
"I was nervous myself that my masters…. enthusiasm may have scared you away. Although, I must say, I have never seen him as intense and taken with anyone."
"He told me that he had felt drawn over the last few weeks to follow the rumor mill regarding me. He said it was strange because he usually cares very little for fairy business."
"That is an understatement. He had been making weekly trips to meet with Clancy at Fangtasia to discover something regarding your whereabouts. I swear he has been like a schoolgirl. He only mentioned to me that he was going to investigate a new lead then suddenly I am getting a call to bring human necessities to the Shreveport nest!"
"He seems in a hurry to take this all the way. We only initially spoke of me staying with him, then bonding to him, and it quickly turned into marriage and monarchy."
"My master can be very motivated. When he decides to do something he always does it all the way. The man does not know the meaning of half. I am sure you already know all about that though." Pam grinned at me satisfied with her teasing.
"You are correct Pam, I do believe that I will live one whole big long life with him." We are both lost in a fit of giggles when we round a corner and see something disturbing.
One of the male donors is dragging a female donor down the hallway. This entire wing of the compound is for the donors. Pam had shown me the beautiful and extensive gardens, the awesome pool and patio area, the business wing, the guest wing, the staff housing, vampire quarters, the formal ballroom, the music room, the press room, dining room, kitchen, dungeon, garage, guard shacks, and security before we came to this area last.
She did not need to ask, as I had already sensed a problem that needed addressing with the donors. I had asked three of the guards to meet us in the donor lounge. This matter seemed the most pressing at the moment. I did not give Pam a chance to speak. I strode forward and asked what the problem was.
"There is no problem here lady. Just mind your own business."
Pamela stepped forward and was about to speak but I put my hand up. "Jeffrey you really should learn better manners and keep abreast of political changes in the vampire world if your are to be a royal donor."
"What? How did you know my name? Who are you?"
"See there's some intelligence, though you should have been asking those questions first. Now let go of Brandi this instance and the two of you follow me to the lounge."
"Listen Bitch, I don't know…."
He suddenly stopped speaking and was holding his breath, and not by choice. "Yes Jeffrey, you obviously don't know so I will help you out. I am Sookie Brigant, princess of the sky fae, bonded of King Eric the Northman, and soon to be vampire queen of Louisiana. Not to mention a power unlike any other and a phenomenal telepath. I will allow you to continue breathing and you will follow us to the lounge NOW. And don't think that your abusive behavior will go unpunished."
Pam resumed guiding us and we arrived at the lounge in just moments. I was happy to see three guards in the room waiting for us. Pam had not spoken since the little altercation. Her smug grin let me know that she approved of my actions and was probably eager to see what I would do next. Well I do not intend to disappoint.
"Hello everyone I am to be your new queen. In the future I will learn everyone's name and more about them but for this evening there are some critical issues I will address." The 13 donors in the room, the three were guards, and Pam all paid close attention. "Jeffrey will remain standing. Brandi you may take a seat. Todd and Leslie, please join Jeffrey." Everyone focused on the group I had singled out. I looked to the guard I had spoke with earlier, Geno. "These three will need to be removed from the property after being glammoured, they are never to be let in again Please return when you have this taken care of. Oh and P.S. Geno, Jeffrey has been abusing women during his stay. Make sure he understands how we feel about this before he goes." Geno bowed and hurried to fulfill my command. "Starting tonight there will be some very serious changes. I realize for the most part the donor area has been run independently from the rest of the compound. This has allowed poor conduct, security risks, and unsafe living conditions for everyone. If you choose to stay you will have your blood drawn and genetically typed, as well as have your retinas and palms scanned. You will have to have proper identification at all times to leave and enter the compound and the donor wing. You will all be tested for drugs, blood and venereal diseases. You will all meet with me once a month to discuss any issues. There will be new guards assigned to this area and they will be patrolling the hallways and public areas and will deal with any immediate security risks or violations of rules. You will all act at all times in a manner that reflects positively on the royal household of Louisiana, to do less is just bad manners." Geno has returned at this point so I feel it is fair to let him in on a few things. "You see, I am well aware of the nefarious activities taking place in this wing of the compound. You have been in and out all hours of the night and day, guards and other staff have been fornicating with the donors like this is a brothel. One donor was selling drugs, one donor was abusing all the female donors, and the other that has been dismissed is a newly recruited fellowship member. I don't know about you all but this is just ridiculous! This will not be the case anymore. Geno, you have just been promoted to chief of security for the donor wing. I will outline and e-mail all the changes that I expect to see in place in the next three days. Until all the new security measures are in place no one is allowed in or out of this wing. You three guards can take shifts in this wing to see that it happens. Order any food or household items you need from the kitchen and they will be brought here. All the equipment and supplies you will need will be here by tomorrow afternoon. Are we clear?"
Geno grinned and bowed deeply. His mind tells me he likes a woman in charge, well he is gonna love me.
I turn back to the donors. "Is there any other problem, risk, issue, or grievance that needs addressing?"
Brandi looked into my eyes but seemed unwilling to speak. I took from her mind that Jeffrey had been abusing her for a long time. He had taken all of her money and she thought she might be pregnant; it was too early to tell. Not for me though, already feelings were drifting from her belly. "Brandi you will come with me."
"I thank everyone and hope that we will have this place set to right very soon."
Pam looked very astounded but slipped her arm back into mine and escorted me from the room. Brandi followed.
Once we were a safe distance away I stopped our little group. "Brandi, I know what Jeffrey was doing and it is why he is no longer here. You are pregnant but do not make any rash decisions. You need time to think, which is why Pam is going to escort us to the staff quarters. You will have the next three days off to think about your situation and your future. You may leave if you choose and you will be sent with a severance that may help repay some of the injustices done to you here or you may stay. If you decide to stay you will be promoted to the queen's royal wardrobe specialist. You will be given a higher salary and will be expected to participate in online college courses; a subject of your choosing. Healthcare will be provided for you as well."
Brandi had tears running down her face "How did you know? How did you know any of this stuff? No one has noticed." She must have been too upset earlier to pay attention to my introduction to Jeffrey.
"I have mad people skills Brandi, now come let us get you to a room." Pam led us to a free room in the staff quarters. The room was more like a simple apartment but Brandi seemed very happy. I read in her mind that the donors shared a kitchen forcing them to socialize even if they preferred to be alone. This is another risk to be addressed. Someone could poison all the vamps by poisoning the common donor kitchen area. At least if they had their own kitchens then the potential bad guys would have to work harder. This apartment had a small kitchenette, a nice size bathroom, a large bedroom, and even a closet washer and dryer, the kind that stacked on top of each other. No visitors of any kind should have unchecked access to our donors. Pam and I turned to go promising to have Brandi's things gathered and brought to her. "Thank you your majesty, I can never repay your kindness, no one has ever done so much for me." Brandi spoke softly and bowed deeply.
"You are welcome Brandi, just live and be happy." I knew this was her dream.