Spellbound

Please forgive me for the delay in updating this story. I have been working this new job for almost a year a now and it's kicking my ASS all over the great state of Virginia. I apologize for making ya'll wait for as long as you've had to. We don't have very many chapters to go but I will do my best to post as much as I can. I have another chapter that I plan on posting no later than Thursday of this week. I have to proofread and once that's done, it'll be ready for reading.

I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. And I can't thank ya'll enough for sticking around and reading. I appreciate you all so much. Well, as we know, the story idea belongs to me but the characters belong to Ms. Harris.

The hall was filled with vampires. There were vampires from each of the states that surround Louisiana. There were vampires from some of the states that surrounded the states that surrounded Louisiana. The most important vampires to be there were the ones that were the special guests. The ones that helped André murder the faery Claudia. The ones that were a part of the kidnapping and the killing of the halflings. And from the looks on their faces, they still had no idea as to why they were there. They were just as eager to hear the news that's so important that it couldn't possibly have waited another day. They knew that something was going down but they weren't quite sure what it was. They were excited and nervous all at the same time. No one would give them a clue during the late night phone calls that they'd received but the others, the other vampires that held no political standing at all, they also knew nothing. They'd obviously heard that there was going to be an important announcement tonight and they wanted to know what it is. They wondered if this announcement would have any effect on them. They were whispering and guessing amongst themselves when Eric and Claudette walked into the room.

Pointless to say, all eyes were on them. Not because they looked absolutely gorgeous but because they were together. They had to have been wondering why the lady in waiting was with the Viking and not his faery princess. In all of the years that they've been together, no other woman has ever stood at his side; especially not at an important event and certainly not during an exciting announcement. Not that there have been very many exciting announcements.

"Eric," Russell called out as he walked in the vampire and the fae's direction. A smile covered his face as he stopped in front of them. "It's always good to see you." He looked at the faery and said, "Claudette."

"Russell," she replied.

He nodded at her before returning his attention to Eric. "Where is that charming wife of yours? It surprises me to see you here without her. I'm sure that all is well in the Northman home. From what I've heard, things couldn't be better between you two."

"Things are well," Eric said.

Russell apparently expected Eric to go into more detail so he stood there and he waited … for more … which he didn't get. He unnecessarily cleared his throat and said, "André called me evening before last and said that he'd had a pending meeting with her. He told me that he couldn't wait to see her. He claimed that it had been quite awhile since they'd talked."

Eric cocked an eyebrow and asked, "So, you were aware of the meeting between André and my wife?"

Russell brushed off the question with the typical answer. "He mentioned something of it." He then stared at Eric through hooded eyes as he continued. "Tell me," he began. "Did your master look well when last you saw him?"

Eric laughed heartily. "My master died many centuries ago. Now if you are speaking of the leader of the council, I can only say that André looked better than he had in a very long time. As a matter of fact, he's never looked as great as he did that night."

Claudette's face remained emotionless but joy and happiness filled her eyes.

Smiling, Russell said, "I figured as much. I can only guess that the information that he'd requested from her must have been exactly what he needed to hear. We all know how André can be when he doesn't get his way and since you're here, I can only assume that the meeting went as planned."

Eric gave Russell an even nod to his question.

Claudette spoke up and replied, "Things went as planned. André knows where he stands with all that has taken place in this great city of New Orleans. We're more than aware of where we stand with André. And we wouldn't have things any differently." Looking at Eric, she asked, "Do you not agree?"

"I do," he said.

"Hmm," Russell replied. "A vampire of few words you've never been, Eric Northman. Your lack of words makes me wonder."

Right on cue, Eric thought.

"No need," Eric assured. "Sookie and I have been working on the case of the missing girls with the NOPD and it's been extremely tiresome and emotionally draining to her. My wife is at home … resting right now. She's received some very distressing news. We've only just discovered that her cousin Claudia may have been murdered by vampires. It has devastated her. Her death is not what she believed it to have been."

"Yes," Claudette agreed coolly. "My sister was once believed to have died a peaceful death. Well, that's what we were told. I hope to discover the truth to this tonight so that I can have my vengeance. My sister should still be with us."

"Vengeance?" Russell asked. "So you seek vengeance?"

Nodding, Claudette answered, "I do believe that to be fair. If my sister has been robbed of her life by a vampire, don't you think that I deserve just that?"

Placing his hand on her arm, Eric said, "You deserve much more and any vampire that disagrees should be made to explain why."

"Russell?" the faery asked. "What do you think?"

He took a sip of his blood before answering. "Vengeance should be yours. That's only fair but only if it's proven that vampires have taken her life."

Claudette looked at him and smiled. "It pleases me to know that you agree; especially since you are a vampire king with such high standing and your opinion is held in such high regard. I hope that you stand with me when the decision is passed down."

"If," Russell stressed. "If the decision is passed down."

Claudette stared into Russell's dead eyes. "No," she said. "I meant when. I definitely meant when."

Russell rolled his eyes at the faery. "What else have you learned?" he asked as he conveniently changed the subject.

"Well," Eric began again. "Our investigation took us where we never expected to go. It turns out that the police were right in their beliefs. A vampire is responsible for the killings and kidnappings of the girls. We've learned that a full faery has been reported missing and that all of the missing girls were of fae heritage." He began to shake his head in disbelief. "I've contacted the AP about what we've learned and she's not happy."

Russell nodded. "I can only imagine," he said. "We all know how she pushed for the marriage between you and the Princess Brigant." He then began to shake his head. "I hope that the killings of the faeries aren't cause to destroy the contract between the two races. You and Sookie had worked so hard to get us where we are. Our relationship with the faeries is at an all new high. It would be a shame for you and your wife to be separated. I, for one, hope that doesn't happen."

"No need to fear," Eric replied. "I'm sure that after André has been presented before our illustrious AP, she will handle everything accordingly. They've always had a great working relationship."

The somber look of pity quickly left Russell's face. "She's coming here?" he asked. That more than surprised him. The AP hasn't been seen out in public since the vampire/fae union.

Eric nodded. "She's supposed to be in attendance tonight but from what I've heard, she has not yet arrived." A look of exasperation appeared on his normally cool face. "After all that has happened, we need her here. This bit of information of the faeries being in danger and murdered has put us in a quandary."

Claudette nodded as she agreed with Eric. "Yes," she said. "Andromeda is not happy with what has been reported to her. I've never seen her so upset."

Russell frowned when he heard the name of the AP pass the lips of the faery. "Did you just call the AP by her given name? You realize that's instant death if she hears you?"

Claudette gave a quick chuckle as she looked from Eric to Russell. "I've been calling her by her given name all of my life so there's absolutely no reason why I should stop now. She has never had any adverse reaction to being called by her name; at least not in my presence."

For the first time in centuries, Russell no longer had a poker face. His every emotion was evident for all to see.

"What's going on over here?" Godric asked as he sauntered over to join in on the conversation. "Why does Russell look as if he's about to meet the sun?"

Claudette laughed. "We should be so lucky," she said in an almost jokingly tone.

Russell dropped fang on her.

She fanned him off and said, "Put those things away. They don't scare me in the least." She looked at Godric and said, "He heard me call the AP by her given name and he's had a mini stroke from what I can tell. It could be jealousy. I don't know and I honestly don't care."

Godric laughed as he spoke to Russell. "That's the same look I had on my face when I heard the faery princess call the AP by her given name." He was lying. He'd never heard Sookie say it but it was all a part of tonight's plan. "We're fucking vampires and can't call her by her name but faeries can." Shaking his head, he added, "What are the fucking chances?"

"Yes," Russell replied. "What are the chances?"

"The chances of what?" Peter Threadgill asked as he walked up on the tail end of the conversation.

"That a faery can call the AP by her given name," Godric stated.

"To her face?" Peter asked.

"To her face," Godric confirmed.

"Shit," Peter said as he looked at Claudette. He had a newfound respect in his eyes for her. "When I grow up, I hope that I can grow a pair of balls as big as yours."

That got everyone in their little group laughing and that included Russell.

Coming up behind Godric, Russell noticed Salome. He called her over. "Salome, my dear," he said as she leaned in for him to kiss her cheek. "How are you this evening?"

"Pissed because I had to come to New Orleans," she answered. "I hate this fucking city. If it weren't for the fact that André has requested that I be here, I would not be here." She lifted her gloved hand to her nose and frowned. "This fucking city stinks of death. The people are rancid and the blood is even worse. I hate this fucking city."

"So you say," Godric said. "But didn't I just see you here a couple of weeks ago? You were leaving André's compound with that big galoot that's always with him. What's his name … Elijah? You seemed to be in good spirits then."

Salome was under the impression that she hadn't been seen. She had been with André as he watched the trial for the shifters that attacked Sookie. She was more than careful. She'd taken the underground tunnels so that she couldn't be seen. She was about to make up an excuse but Claudette beat her to the punch.

She spoke up and said, "That's right. I did see you. I think I saw you leaving a restaurant. I forget the name. You were also at that club, The Coffin." Waggling her eyebrows at the vampiress, she added, "I heard that for weeks you were a frequent visitor. I hear that you're a hit with the ladies. If I'd known that you were such a partier, I would've called you."

Peter frowned. "I thought that you said that you like it here in New Orleans. You went house hunting last month with Judith Vardamon. At least, that's what she told me." He's never been the brightest crayon in the box but Salome never knew that he was that stupid.

Salome frowned at Peter. She wanted to drain him dry. She wanted to rip his fangs from his fucking gums. She was itching to end him but she was stopped by a simple sentence.

"None of that matters," Russell announced. "Everyone knows that Salome loves to taste the ladies and everyone knows that she's never been one to stay focused on one thing. She may have planned on buying a house but has since changed her mind but who cares? We need to discuss what's most important." He ignored the others and asked, "Did you know that the AP was making an appearance tonight, Salome?"

Her face was now three shades whiter. "I had no idea," she answered. "I haven't seen the old lady in quite some time. It's a rarity that she leaves her home anymore." Staring into Russell's eyes, she said, "It must be very important for her to make such a long trip here."

"Very," Russell repeated.

"Peter, were you aware?" Salome asked.

"No," he said. "Nobody told me anything. I was just told to be here so I'm here."

"It's not that long of a trip," Claudette exclaimed as she went back to Salome's earlier statement. "She lives in Las Vegas. You guys act as if she lives in fucking Timbuktu. Fucking vampires," she mumbled.

"Eric," Salome said pointedly as she ignored Claudette's insult. "When you called me last night, you didn't tell me that the AP was coming."

Answering for him, Claudette said, "We don't know for sure if Andromeda's coming. We're waiting for the handmaidens to let us know what's going on." Smiling and pointing over, Russell's shoulder, she said, "I guess we won't have to wait for long. There's one of the maidens now; if you'll excuse me." She nodded at the vampires as she walked in the direction of the maiden.

The vampires watched her as she left.

"That is one sexy faery," Godric said. "Dangerous and deadly as hell but just to have a taste, I would risk it."

Eric chuckled at the vampire as Godric continued to admire the sway of Claudette's hips. He patted the vampire on his shoulder and said, "She's spoken for, my friend. I'm afraid that your risk taking will have to wait."

Peter agreed. "I've been chasing after her for a very long time. I'd had my eye on the other one … the one called Claudia but it never got to go anywhere. If only I could've had a chance with her, I know that we …" He ended the sentence with a shrug and a sip from his glass of blood.

Eric watched the vampire's face and if he didn't know any better, he'd have thought that Peter was sad … almost heartbroken.

"Are you serious?" Salome's screeching interrupted Eric's thoughts. "This is what you talk about after you hear a faery call the AP by her given name? You guys don't find that to be odd ... a bit disconcerting?"

Eric and Godric look at each other before looking at Salome. "No," the answered simultaneously.

The vampiress rolled her eyes at the two vampires. "Did you hear her say the AP's name?" Salome asked as she looked at Russell.

"I did," he replied.

Peter opened his mouth to speak but was stopped when Salome lifted her hand.

"Well," she said. She drained the rest of the blood from her glass and shrugged her shoulders. "I guess this is a night filled with surprises. Tell me," Salome began. "Are we presiding over tonight's meeting … Russell, Bart, Peter, and me?"

Laughing, Godric answered, "No. Shiloh, Sandy, and I are. There are supposed to be two other vampires sitting in but they have not been presented before the AP just yet … if she makes it but if she doesn't, it'll just be us three. You know the rules, my dear. When an emergency meeting is called, the ones whom have called it take the presiding seats." His beautiful eyes glazed over as he said, "Aren't you glad that you came?"

"Yeah," she whispered. "So fucking glad that I came."

Salome and Russell stared at one another. "You are right," Russell said. "This night is nothing but surprises."

Just as those sage words left his mouth, the gong sounded as to begin the meeting. Vampires began to scurry to their seats; anxiously awaiting the news that required some of the most vampires to be in attendance.

As they scurried about, Godric looked at his fellow vampires and said, "I guess we'd better take our places on stage. Shall we?" He waited as Salome and Russell walked ahead of him. He glanced at Eric and gave him a slight bow.

Eric watched as Godric, Shiloh, Sandy, Bartlett, Russell, Peter, and Salome walked on stage. He was pleased to see that his and Sookie's plan was falling into place. "Let the show begin," he said as he followed.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The silver screen slowly descended from the ceiling. It was displayed behind the table that the presiding council members would be using.

Godric, Shiloh and Sandy took the seats behind said table. It was the same table that they'd occupied on the night of the hearing for the shifters. Instead of Eric and Sookie sitting on stage, in the vacant seats off to the side, it was Eric and Claudette. The most prominent seat on the stage … the empty seat … in the center of the stage … was the coveted seat. That is the seat that was being held for the Mistress of the night.

Also sitting on the stage were, Russell, Salome, Bartlett, Peter, and latecomer, Carlo Gianni. They were seated to the left of the presiding council members. And they weren't happy; especially not Russell.

After all that he and André had been to one another, he was not notified of a pending emergency hearing. They'd been lovers for centuries and they'd shared practically everything but André couldn't share this with him? Russell was pissed at himself for not taking André's blood when he had the chance. He should've known that he couldn't trust him. He's probably pinned the entire murder of the faery on them. He then laughed at the absurd idea.

André couldn't risk telling anything. Billy Boy had given Russell the tape of the faery's murder. For all they knew, there was no other proof. The tape was destroyed. The vampires that were in on it aren't going to tell on one another. And the faery wasn't going to say anything because she was dead. He leaned back in his chair and let his smugness freely flow through him.

Russell began to glance around the room to look to see if Billy Boy was there. He looked from every corner of the room and no Bill. He shrugged his shoulders as he crossed his legs and continued on with his musings. He didn't care one bit about what happened to the others. They were the least of his concerns. He was going to cover his own ass if it came down to that. And he was more than prepared. But then he glanced at the empty seat. A very cold chill traveled up his spine. For that, he was not prepared.

The gong sounded once again.

"Everyone be seated!" Godric announced. "Be seated at once! The meeting is about to begin!"

Vampires scuttled about and took whatever seat was empty.

Without waiting any longer, Godric stated, "Tonight's meeting has three parts. There will be an induction ceremony for a couple of new members of the council. That will be the first order of business at hand. Secondly, the spokesperson for the supernatural community will provide us with an in-depth account of what really happened with the missing girls. And lastly, we have a surprise that will leave each and every one of you speechless. I guarantee it."

The vampires began to mumble and speak amongst themselves. They couldn't wait to find out what was going on. They hadn't been this excited since vampires came out of the coffin.

"Quiet!" Godric exclaimed. "Quiet down, everyone."

But before he could continue, just as planned, Selene came from behind the curtain and handed Godric and note. She whispered in his ear as he opened it. "You must read this immediately."

He opened the note and read over it. "Thank you," Godric said to her. He then dismissed her with a nod. He soon made his announcement. "Unfortunately, as most of us have already suspected, André will be delayed. He's had an emergency suddenly pop up."

Sandy snorted. "Why am I not surprised? He hasn't been to a meeting in quite some time." Rolling her eyes, she asked, "What is his true purpose? Why do we need André at all?"

"I completely agree," Shiloh seconded. "He has been lax in his rule. He did nothing to investigate the deaths of the missing girls." She pointed at Eric and said, "Instead of using his own security team, he sent out of state for the Northman and his bride. He has done nothing to keep this council together. And I, for one, am glad that he's not here. He should never be allowed to return again. I move that André be relieved of his duties as the head of this council."

"ENOUGH!" Russell bellowed as he stood from his seat.

The three council members turned to look at the vampire king as he walked to where they were.

He stood in front of the members and rested his hands on the table. Glaring at each of them, he announced, "There will be no talk of relieving André of his seat or his title ever again. Without him, there would be no council. We owe him our fealty … our loyalty … the very freedoms that we enjoy, we owe to him. He has done wonders for this board and he deserves nothing but your fucking respect." He then dropped fang on them and said, "Know your fucking places, underlings!"

Godric smoothly and slowly stood up from his seat and stared Russell down. "We are the council members for this meeting. You are before this council as nothing more than a courtesy. Your status as king does not matter here. So you need know your fucking place." He then dropped fang on Russell.

Russell growled.

Godric smiled and said, "Take your fucking seat … underling."

Russell had his hand clawed and was ready to kill Godric for his treason. In all of his days as king, he's never been spoken to in such a manner and there was no way that he was going to let it happen now or so he thought. Before he could exact his revenge, he was stopped dead.

"Sit the fuck down, Russell Edgington and do it now," she said as calmly as possible. The 'feeble' vampiress, with the help of her handmaidens, walked to the empty seat that sat center stage and took her seat.

Patting the handmaidens' hands, the AP said, "Thanks, my dears. You may go."

They bowed to her and exited the stage just as two vampires stood at either side of the ancient vampire. She looked at Russell and said, "Do as I've told you, boy, and do it now."

Russell glared at Godric as he put his hand down at his side.

Godric was still smiling.

"Both of you," the AP ordered. "Take your seats."

Staring at the AP, Godric replied, "Forgive my insolence and disrespect of this council and of you."

Lifting her hand to him, she said, "You are forgiven." The blind lady stared at Russell and waited.

"I let my anger get the best of me," he said to her. "Forgive me."

"Sit," she said.

Russell noticed that he wasn't forgiven but he didn't mention it. He did as she ordered and said nothing else.

"Do you know why we're here, Russell … Godric?" the AP asked.

"I do," they answered.

"Good," she replied. "The induction will take place first and then I want an update of what the Northman and the Lady Brigant have learned of the killings. That is why I am here," she said. "I don't care for the squabbling or the overweening egos. Check that shit at the door, boys."

"Yes, Mistress," they said.

"Northman," the AP announced. "Come to me and tell me what you've learned. I can't wait to hear it."