A/N: Yes! I love this I have SHOCKED you all! Truth be told I didn't plan on killing Sophie-Anne just yet. The viking put his devil on my shoulder and whispered wicked thoughts in my ear! Now because of his prodding I have had to write this chapter several times ; ; I usually just take an idea and run with it like sharp scissors, but he's screwed that all up! Damn Vampires! As SVMfan1 pointed out I have sorta screwed the direction of the story slightly because of this, but it was too good not to post. I am going to try to get this back on track but we have to get through the next two nights of the Swaray! Btw if any of you are top notch at writing battle scenes and would like to help shuffle me a PM. Anyone that bitches about writing lemons obviously has never had to write about hackin' and slashin'. I am starting to think I need Clive Barker on my beta team ~Pouts~
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Sunday November 28, 1999
Palace – New Orleans, Louisiana 6:33 p.m.
Fuck! This Ball just became the most momentous occasion in the history of the state. God Damn Sophie-Anne! Why oh why couldn't that ginger bitch just keep her trap shut! I have never backed out of a fealty oath like that. She forced my hand with her incessant whiny bull shit! Everything I said was true I could have at anytime taken her control. I suppose I proved my prowess last night. Everything has ramifications, surly the events of last night will haunt me for decades. Sookie Stackhouse certainly will become the death of me. My instincts to protect her are going to seriously place me in much danger now and in the future. My fairy princess telepath – she is a drug. Pure and simple I know she has bewitched me and I never want it to end. Bah!
Tonight we must err on the side of caution. With Godric on the throne I am no longer worried about interstate threats, but with transgressions previous she may become a larger target. I know now that other Monarchs may oppose the new Fiefdom and fear for their own political safety. My master has never had the desire to become a King although he will be excellent in the post. He has the chance to redeem himself as a leader. Fucking Cleo. Women fuck up everything. When matters of the heart rule you it RULES you. If I didn't need Sookie to live I would kill her now and be rid of this headache that I seem to have gotten myself into.
My sleeping beauty. I have been neglecting her basic needs. She is up for far too many hours of the day and night. I hate to wake her, but this night must go off without a hitch.
"Lover. Sookie wake sweetheart."
Her skin is like silk under my fingertips. When I am not touching her I long to be doing so. I run the back of my hand along her cheekbone to see if she will stir. Nothing. Her lips draw me like bees to honey and I can't resist the urge to kiss them. I feel her stir beneath me and her eyes flutter open and I am met with the brilliance of a clear blue sky.
"Good evening Darling!"
"Lover, you are hard to wake up sweetheart."
"I am tired."
"I know, but we have a very important evening in front of us. Tonight Godric must claim the throne."
She groaned into my shoulder and rolled on her stomach.
"Five more minutes! Please."
I laid my head on her back and listened to her heart beat for five minutes I was subconsciously counting and at 375 beats I stood and yanked the sheets from the bed.
"Five minutes is up! Time to get ready for the ball Lover."
"Eric! That wasn't very nice!"
"I am not nice."
"That is a total lie", she said as she stood and headed for the shower.
I had plans to join her but she rebuffed me and told me that because she needed to hurry that a shower together with the gracious plenty was not an option. As she cut the water I took her place under the warm spray. With Sookie reminding me of the time constantly I didn't have time to enjoy it as I normally would any other night. I took the shower only with the purpose of cleanliness and was disappointed as I rinsed the soap from my body. I exited the shower and dried off with vampire speed to ensure that we were still making good time. I was fully dressed in my Armani suit when I entered the bedroom.
Sookie sat on the piano bench in her royal blue bra and boy shorts with hot curlers in her hair applying a light slather of make-up to her beautiful face. I watched her from the edge of the bed as I tied my tie around my neck. It was the exact shade as her underwear. Great just adjusting my tie all night I am going to get the vision of my bonded in nothing but her panties. Unable to refrain from touching her any longer I stood and strode to her side. I stood behind her and ran my finger from the base of her skull along the length of the back of her neck. She shivered. Our eyes met in the mirror. She winked at me and with enhanced speed she was in the bathroom removing the curlers from her hair.
She slipped into the dress feet first as not to mess up her golden locks. She had pinned them away from her face with jewel incrusted combs. Blue blazes! Sookie was in the most gorgeous strapless gown of stunning peau de soie satin. The flattering boned bodice accentuated her buxom bust. A cloud-like bouffant skirt swirled from her hips to the floor. I thought I had seen heaven until she turned her back to me to slip on her silver heels. My fangs subconsciously ran out as she was bare backed from her neck to her tail bone and the tops of her ass cheeks peeked out from the top of the fabric.
"Sookie, you are spectacular! Lover that dress does things to me."
She blushed, "Thank you darling your not so bad yourself there!"
"There is only one detail missing", I said as I slipped a five Strand Brazilian Aquamarine and Indian Blue Sapphire Choker with an Oval Cut Indian Sapphire that settled into the hollow of her throat.
The affect was jaw dropping at best. Pamela sure can shop!
"Thank you Darling it is beautiful."
"Not nearly as beautiful as you it sets off your beauty perfectly. Ready I am sure that we are the last to arrive."
"Ready."
And with that I tucked her hand into the crook of my arm and we exited the suite.
Pamela and Godric were waiting for us in the lounge area not far from the ballroom. Pam always looks like she just exited a photo shoot for the newest couture. Tonight was no different she was dressed in a floor length baby pink taffeta gown that hugged her figure in the most flattering way. She linked her arm with mine on the other side opposite side of Sookie and then into Godric's arm and we made our way into the grand oval ballroom.
A hush fell over the crowd as Godric swept into the room and the subjects bowed at the waist to him.
"Please rise and enjoy the festivities."
The orchestra struck up a Wagner piece and couples descended onto the dance floor. I guided Sookie to the center of the dance floor and wrapped my arm around her waist and clasped our hands together.
"Stand on my feet Lover."
She complied with my request and I took her around the floor in a flourish of steps. She was breathless in a matter of moments giggling like a school girl. I love the waltz it is a dance of pursuit. Pushing and pulling to and fro on the floor. At the last crescendo of the music I rose above the gathered crowd and dipped her deeply. The bond was bouncing with excitement and happiness I couldn't help but to laugh at her expression when she realized that we were no longer on the floor. I landed and led her to the table where Pam was seated.
"That was so much fun!"
"I am glad that you enjoyed yourself. Godric is about to make an announcement. Let us sit and see what he has to say to his faithful subjects."
Godric stood from his seat in the center of the long table in front of the room that had been placed on the stage.
"Good Evening my loyal subjects. I know that the change in the Monarchy is sudden and unexpected. The events of last night were not intended. I hope that you all will serve me as you did your late Queen Sophie-Anne. It is with high spirits that I welcome you all into this compound for the last time. I intend to move the capitol into Shreveport. The pieces that are in this palace are to be placed up for auction, and the monies generated will be allotted to the Sheriffs of each area in order to further their business ventures and great strides in maintaining peaceable relations with the humans in the state. Sophie-Anne was Queen and Sheriff of area 1. I am in need of a Sheriff for this area and would like the candidates to step forward."
Three Vampires stepped forward.
"State your name and qualifications one at a time."
"I am Jean-Marc. I was Sheriff of area 12 in France for 125 years. I moved to the Americas along with the influx of immigrants when the old world began to infiltrate these parts. I am a fair and balanced enforcer. My punishments fit the crimes and I carry them out with the utmost swiftness. I believe that Louisiana is one of the most prosperous states in the United States and I would love to garner political clout serving under a great vampire as yourself highness."
And he stepped back into the crowd.
"I am Alani Josephs I was made vampire in 1845. I am still considered young by vampire standards. I know that serving your elders is important, but I would like this chance to prove my worth with my leadership skills. I have never had to exact a punishment, but I know that they are necessary to ensure the peace among vampires and humans. I am a native Sioux Indian and survived the battle of Wounded Knee. I know what it means to survive and trust your instincts. I will use these instincts to enforce in my area if it is granted to me."
She stepped back but did not meld into the crowd as Jean-Marc had.
I am William Compton I was made Vampire in 1868. I was born and raised in the great state of Louisiana. I fought in the Northern Aggression and know what loyalty means. I have struggled with my nature as vampire for most of my existence. I am trying to mainstream into human society. I believe that it will be of assistance in garnering human affection especially in New Orleans where it is a mecca for our kind. The humans must trust us freely if we are to maintain our open existence.
Compton! Bastard! He is lucky that I don't get a vote in this Sheriff running or he would loose his tongue for even considering the position.
Godric never moved during the campaign speeches. If I had not known him my entire existence I would have thought he was in downtime. His stoney face was deep in concentration and consideration. He was weighing all the options and pinning them against each other. If it was my personal choice I would pick Jean-Marc. He is 795 years old and I have fought with him many times. He is loyal and trustworthy and a fierce foe. Finally a minute movement of his lips told me that he had made a decision.
"I have decided Jean-Marc will be Sheriff of area one. Marc do you have a second?"
"No, Majesty. As a matter of fact I would be delighted if I could take both Compton and Alani as my first and second and split their duties accordingly. I happen to know that Compton is very skilled with computers and accounting. He could be in charge of the area tribute as well as hold a position as the state computer analyst. Alani is quite young and I would be more than happy to teach her the ins and outs of our government."
"That is an excellent suggestion. One that will work for all parties involved I would suspect. Is that acceptable to the both of you?"
"Yes Majesty", they responded in unison.
"Now on to exciting news! My child Eric has become bonded to Sookie Stackhouse. She is an extraordinary human. She is a telepath. Eric has had a contract drawn up by Mr. Cataliades for her services. If you think that you would like to become a client please contact Sheriff Northman about signing the contract. Mr. Cataliades must be present at time of signing the notary is a Magickal one. So plan accordingly as to make sure that you can be in contact with all necessary parties. Eric if you would please rise and accompany Miss Stackhouse to the dais."
I rose from my seated position and Sookie and I walked up the steps and stood beside my Maker.
"Child your actions are pleasant. Your bonded is worthy of you as you are of her. I would now like to extend formal protection to her by the state of Louisiana."
I bowed at the waist and Sookie folded herself into a clumsy curtsy. It is unnecessary for her to do so but I am pleased that she tries her best to conform to the situation. She stood and hugged Godric in front of 350 Vampires. The looks of shock were priceless.
"Thank you Godric..I mean your Majesty. This is an honor that I will not soon forget."
He laughed, "You honor me with your words", he said, and he kissed her on her cheek.
Suddenly the air in the room became thick with magickal power. With a crackling of magick Niall Brigant stood in the center of the room. The vampires were on edge and I was nervous but maintained my calm outer exterior. He walked across the expanse of the floor between Sookie and himself, he seemed to float he damn well could have been. He is one of the most powerful magickal beings in any realm. He stood head held high and appraised Sookie as if she were a new car purchase.
"My dear Grand daughter. You are even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined."
"Hello Niall. What brings you to a vampire gathering such as this one? Is one of your kicks seeing how many vampires you can keep off of your fairy hide?"
"Goodness no. The spark is alive within you and it is time to embrace your fairy heritage."
"You mean to tell me in all my life you never considered contacting me. And now you want me to welcome you with open arms? Supernaturals have absolutely no idea how the human heart works. Our emotions are our rulers. You have had my entire life to show interest in me. If I had not obtained this spark would you have even bothered?"
"Contacting you was not in the cards. My son Fintan forbid it. He is perished and now I must seek you out."
"Try again Gran told me all about Fintan. I know that he passed to Summerland years ago. Not long after my parents died. I do not being lied to so I suggest that you tell me the truth and make it good."
"Child watch your tone with me. I am the one that should be furious. You have bonded yourself to a vampire and didn't have the decency to contact me with the news."
"Newsflash. I am going to give it to you straight. I believe that my life is my own and I DO NOT need your permission to live it. You have been unconcerned with my well being until my precious spark was discovered. I am not interested in being bought and sold. This "Vampire" that you despise so much has ensured my safety, protection, and freedom. Not only am I using my telepathy for good, I am getting paid to do so. He has a decree from the council in place to ensure that I am never EVER harmed. Can you say the same? I believe that you honestly think that you are or were doing the right thing by staying away. I am not interested in getting to know someone that is going to break me. Now, would you like to start over from the beginning and tell the truth this time. Don't push me I will make my own decisions and if you can't except them then I do not need you period."
"Are you quite finished you are making a fool of me."
"I beg to differ you are making a fool of yourself. Either explain or pop the hell out of here just as you popped the fuck in the choice is yours."
Gods she is a Valkyrie. He could kill her with a snap of his fingers and she shows no fear. She is perfect for me. She is so beautiful with that anger on her face! I should be afraid for her but I know better Niall just wants to know her. Maybe use her but never kill her.
"Child all that I ask is that you give me the chance to know you. My line is dwindling into oblivion. Avalon is in a state of constant war. I am the crowned fairy Prince, I could do so much for you. If only you would let me."
"You may get to know me on MY terms. As for the fairy population I could say that I care less although it would be a lie. I would hate to see a race extinct. I don't need you to do anything for me, between Eric, Godric, Pam, and myself I think I have it covered. In the future who knows, but now I am perfectly capable of doing for myself."
"You are full of fire, you remind me of your Grandmother. I know now why my son fell in-love as he did. The Stackhouse women are irresistible. As it seems I am drawn to you as well."
"Thanks I think. Now is there a reason that you crashed this party? Other than trying to assert your dominance over a situation that think you have a say in?"
"Really I have been trying to find you for over a week. You are constantly on the move. I knew that you bonded to the Sheriff so I knew that you would be here. I have come to tell you that you will start to come into your powers sooner than normal because of consuming vampire blood in the quantities that you have. I will leave you my card and be in touch before the week is out. I am going to get a tutor on your abilities."
And with that he popped the fuck out just as he had popped the hell in. I know now that she will always be mine. She defended my actions to her Grandfather. He may hate me but she loves me and she is the one that matters in all things. Sookie looked at me with concern in her eyes. She needs comforted and alone time not the 700 eyes that are now currently staring at her with much interest and envy. I stood and bowed to Godric and swept her into my arms. He understands, and at the moment a room full of vampires are swearing fealty to the new king.
As soon as the ballroom doors shut behind us I flew to our suite. My poor Sookie is emotionally drained. She has had much to adjust to in the past week and few days. I sat her on the bed and kneel before her and remove her shoes. Taking a dainty foot in my hand I try to massage the stress out of her body. Soon she is moaning in pleasure as she relaxes. I unzip her dress and remove it by lifting it over her head. She is still mostly unresponsive to my touch. I remove her underwear and slip my dress shirt over her head. I love it when she wears my clothes. I strip fully and pull her against my body.
She turns in my arms so that she is facing me. I pick her up and place her on the pillows and crawl in beside her stroking her hair and telling her stories of my past in Swedish. I know that I should tell her these things in English but I am unsure that she would be interested. I know that my voice calms her considerably. Soon she is on the verge of sleep. When she realizes that she is slipping away she silences me with a kiss.
"Eric why are things so messy?"
"A few days ago my biggest concern would be if I was going to make enough tips to help with the bills. Now I am never sure how far behind me I need to look over my shoulder."
"Lover life is not an easy process. I agree that you have had a lot thrown at you in a short period of time. Although the way I see it is at least now you are not in the dark about it all."
"Niall lied. He wants me for more than he says. I am positive of it. That introduction was heated but doesn't explain why Gran was so afraid of him. I know he is going to try something drastic if I don't do what he wants but I am not taking this laying down."
"Worry not Lover even a fairy as powerful as Niall can't defeat all of the vampires in Louisiana. Swearing fealty to Godric is swearing it to you. His protection from the state ensures that."
"I am more worried about what he might do to you since we kept him in the dark. It makes me afraid and I hate that feeling. I have to come up with a plan to keep you and myself safe Eric."
"Nothing can come between us. I will do everything in my power to do what I can to keep you safe."
"I know that you will but that doesn't always mean that you are safe. I hope you understand what I mean."
During our conversation she had yawned several times. Dawn was approaching fast and I knew that she needs to be taken care of better. I snuggled her against me and kissed her forehead and threw my leg over her as if she was my faithful body pillow and hummed to her and played with her hair as she slipped into sleep. I lay there listening to her breath and heartbeat taking in her scent. Things can only be as bad as we make them. I intend to make everything grand and bend it to my will if I have to do so. I surrendered to the dawn stratagizing and preparing for the worse before the better breaks through the darkness.
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