A/N: I'm in awe over the number of people who read yesterday's chapter after a three year hiatus. Thanks for your all patience and for your words of encouragement.

Turned By Eric: it's good to be back (from the dead)

Chapter 31

Of course King Preston was standing outside the door during mine and Eric's bathroom lovemaking session. That kind of thing was definitely his cup of tea…or, er…blood.

"I should get the door, dear one. " Eric said finally, standing up and grabbing a hotel bath robe.

"Yes you should" I agreed shakily, closing the door behind him for some privacy to collect myself. I was a little disoriented and dishevelled.

I couldn't help but wonder for a moment at my pliability with regards to the king's gift at seduction. I was usually a level headed girl. Stubborn perhaps, but level headed. I certainly wasn't a wanton fangbanger. Yes Eric and I were in a good place now, and we were on a sort-of vacation, but the frequency and severity of our desire for one another couldn't be normal even with Preston's involvement.

I mean maybe it would be for vamps, but for me?

All the violence, the blood, the politics, these weren't things that human women had to deal with so regularly if at all. But then, maybe I was simply never going to be normal. In fact, when I had a few weeks to myself after Felipe offered his formal protection, I had grown bored.

I realized it was time to reconcile the old Sookie with the new one. I didn't want to have to compromise my character too much, or entirely readjust my morals, but I wasn't the same person anymore and I figured I should stop acting as though I were.

I would always be Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic waitress from Bon Temps, but I wasn't only that. I was more.

By the time I was dried off and properly moisturized, I called out for Eric to bring me in some clothes. I thought I heard Preston offer to do so in his place but couldn't be sure. Eric seemed to be laughing from time to time, too, which I took to mean that things weren't as bad as they could be.

A moment later the door opened a crack and Eric handed me a lovely and very beach-formal turquoise dress with matching underthings. Apparently they were a gift from the king since my outfit from the previous night had been ruined in the battle.

The old me might have scoffed at the highhandedness. The new me still did, a little. But I took the hanger from Eric's hand with a small sigh and resigned myself to being gracious when I emerged from the bathroom. It did appear to be my size and should offset my tan nicely. Since it wasn't overly revealing, either, I could almost argue that the dress had been a thoughtful gift.

As I pulled it gently over my head, I noticed that the fabric was as light as an ocean breeze and as soft as butter. Made of exquisite silk, the knee-length A-line of the material seemed to wisp over my legs and body. It was classy, and weightless, and stunning. I decided then and there to leave my hair down in a loose wave, and to wear simple jewellery. Coupled with my tan and the infusions of Eric's blood, I'm not ashamed to say I looked damn good.

When I joined Eric and Preston in the room, I could tell they were pleased with the result. I blushed a little, then, and did a small curtsy for the King. He nodded happily in response.

A moment later there was another knock on the door as Pam and Bill arrived.

I let them in, and they both eyed me appreciatively before sinking to one knee.

Considering how close we all were, I thought standing on ceremony for Preston like that was a little odd. Until I realized they were kneeling in front of Eric.

I looked at him in alarm.

"Sookie, you knew this was a possibility last night when we fought and won" Eric said, gesturing for Pam and Bill to stand.

"A possibility, yes, not an immediate certainty" I said, the pitch of my voice rising considerably "why didn't you tell me?"

"I just found out" he stated simply. I noticed the other vamps in the room were looking back and forth between us as though watching a tennis match.

"You mean to tell me" I started, walking over to him determinedly "that you became King while I was curling my hair?" I said in shock.

Before Eric could reply Preston had burst out in to peals of laughter. "She really is a hoot, Northman, honestly I just want to keep her."

Pam grinned a little strangely. Bill stood mutely but I noticed his hand was shaking. Odd.

"And what a lovely job you did, lover. It looks fantastic" Eric said.

I may have huffed at that.

"So what does this mean" I asked, directing my question to everyone in the room.

"Well it means that your beau and I have a lot of tedious paperwork to do. We have to divide Felipe's territories, assign sheriffs, and host numerous fealty ceremonies. It's all such a bore." Preston said, as though he were referring to filing his taxes and not assuming monarchy over an American state.

"Right now" Eric began "Preston already controls Hawaii. We have to split Nevada, Louisiana and Arkansas in a way that is suitable to us both. We also have to meet with the Council, and I will need to organize a coronation." He finished, almost as an afterthought.

"Too bad Quinn is busy" Pam said with a smirk.

I glared at her. This was so not the time for jokes. She shrugged innocently.

"Majesties" Bill suddenly spoke up, and everyone looked at him as though only now realizing he was in the room "we should contact the other Kings and Queens as well. Immediately."

Preston rolled his eyes, but Eric looked thoughtful.

"Compton, you and I still have to have words. But for now I agree. Contact Stan in Texas. He is still recovering from Rhodes but his second should be able to pass on any pertinent information."

Bill left without a backward glance.

"Pamela, send word to your sibling. I will need Karin's assistance quite soon I expect" Pam looked surprised for a fleeting second but didn't comment. As she turned to leave he added "we will also need to speak with Appius" in an almost inaudible whisper.

I was beyond confused.

"Who are Karin and Appius?" I asked.

"We will discuss it later" Eric replied, then turned to Preston "I will contact Russell, but I have no desire to speak with some of the other regents."

"Oklahoma?" Preston said knowingly.

"Among others" Eric stated.

Preston was silent for a moment.

"I will have my subordinates begin making the necessary calls and arrangements" he said eventually, and then turned to me. "Sookie, I would like a word with you tonight. In my room, if you please. I will send someone for you."

Eric nodded in agreement. I suddenly felt like I was wildly uninformed about virtually everything going on around me and I didn't like it one bit.

"May I ask why?" I said.

"You may not" Preston answered, and swept from the room. As he sped past, my turquoise dress fluttered and I felt a gentle touch brush my cheek.

Vampires.

Two hours passed during which I didn't get a single opportunity to speak to Eric. He alternated between talking on the phone, writing texts, and e-mailing his subordinates their orders. I had had to call for some room service just to keep myself occupied.

Eric had at least offered me apologetic glances from time to time, and indicated that I should feel free to listen in as much as I could and ask questions later. From this I realized again that Eric assumed power so easily, the shift from sheriff to King would be seamless. However, I could tell that he was torn about his new status. His voice never gave this away, nor did his gestures. But his eyes…

Eventually I decided that I needed some fresh air. It was a full moon, which is probably why neither Calvin nor Jason or Alcide had gotten back in touch with me about Sam. I hoped that tomorrow would be rife with news from the Were/Shifter grapevine if such a thing existed. I really hated being in the dark and unable to really do anything. I was really worried about my friend.

I was also worried about meeting with Preston later, and the bond with Pam, and how strangely Bill was continuing to behave. Furthermore, Claudine's surprise visit had left me with nothing but more questions.

Did I mention I was worried?

I definitely needed some fresh air and a fresh perspective. I was feeling decidedly cooped up in the hotel room and the new dress really needed more a lot play than it was getting. I gestured to Eric to get his attention and he immediately shut his phone without a word of goodbye or any indication he would be calling back.

Gran would have rolled over in her grave at the manners.

"Sookie, I know this hasn't been much of a relaxing vacation for you" he said.

"No it hasn't" I said simply, and Eric looked a little sad "but it's not your fault Eric." I said sincerely. His face lit up in a smile.

"You aren't mad? When I properly assume the role of King my life-

"Stop, there's plenty of time for that. I just want to focus on right now. I know you're busy, but I really need some fresh air. Even a half an hour on the beach would help."

He considered me for a second and said: "I think I can manage that. Just look at the moon" he said, gesturing out the large opaque window which provided a breathtaking view of the ocean and sky. It was big and bright and beautiful.

"I thought only twoey's cared about the full moon" I joked, poking him in the chest.

"I am vampire and over a thousand years old. No one cares about the night, the moon, more than I do." He said gently, and then held my hand, walking me to the door.

After exiting the hotel, Eric flew us to a nearby beach which wasn't part of the resort. As we landed, he pointed out all the different campfires and cookouts, tents and parties which scattered the beach in this local area. People were celebrating, and playing guitar, and making love, and drinking beer, and counting stars.

They weren't a part of supernatural politics; they were just enjoying the night and living their life. I felt a temporary moment of envy at that, until I looked at the man by my side.

Eric.

The salt spray and the flying had mussed his blond hair, and he looked like he could be any other (albeit gorgeous) man spending an evening on the beach. He held my hand tightly and didn't say a word. Looking out at the sea with him, I realized that I was standing with a man, a Viking, who had seen so much and done so much in his lifetime.

Just as I was more than a telepathic barmaid, Eric was more than a vampire King. Much more.

"This is just what I needed, thank you" I said, hugging into his arm a little.

"I wanted every night we spent here to be like this" he replied, still staring at the crashing waves. There was longing, there.

"Where's the fun in that?" I joked, not quite convincingly.

"If you wanted to, you could be a Queen" he said, turning to look me in the eye.

I didn't know what to say to that so I kept quiet. Things were moving too quickly already and there was still so much I didn't know about his world. So much I didn't know about who I was. I felt Niall's dagger warm against my thigh.

"What about Felipe?" I asked, changing the subject "have you heard any news from your subordinates about him, or what our next steps are?"

He shook his head no, so I thought about bringing up his promise to let me return to Bon Temps tomorrow. I decided it wasn't the right time.

Eric had said I could be a Queen and I gave him no answer.

He didn't press the subject any further.