Author's Note: Thanks to SmokeAndEmber for beta'ing this chapter (and all future chapters!)

Sophie-Anne placed her hand in the crook of Andre's arm. Together they stepped down to the front of the stage, joining those gathered before the stage, Russell and Bart amongst the first to congratulate them.

This seemed to mark the end of the official ceremony and the crowd shifted around us. Eric's hand found the small of my waist, and he nodded toward the front. I suppose that meant we needed to congratulate the happy couple.

"Your majesty," Eric bowed deeply to Sophie-Anne, before turning to Andre and bowing again to him, although I was sure it was not quite as deep. "Lord Regent. Our congratulations on your marriage." I gave an awkward half-curtsey to them both. One of these days I'd need to practice in front of the mirror.

"We're so glad you could both make it." The Queen's voice was saccharine, her eyes dark. "I have no doubt you'll continue to serve us faithfully, in whatever way required."

Eric nodded his head deferentially and we stepped aside so those behind us could approach.

"Eric, I was hoping to see you here."

I recognised the vampire from the guest list. She was even more beautiful in person.

The Queen of Oklahoma was tall and svelte. She had light brown hair, doe eyes and sharp cheekbones. She was wearing an emerald green gown which hung off her delicate frame. Her gaze was fixed on Eric.

Eric's gaze flickered to me. "Sookie, this is Freyda, Queen of Oklahoma. Freyda, this is Sookie."

"Pleased to meet you," I said but I'd lost her attention before I finished my sentence.

"I was pleased to hear you survived the bombing," Freyda said to Eric, her tone conversational.

"Louisiana was fortunate, we lost very little in the attack."

"I noticed," she said pointedly. "It goes to show you can't trust rumours."

They were talking around it in the way vampires often did, but I took it as a positive sign that Freyda had clearly heard and now dismissed the rumours of Sophie-Anne's injuries.

"I take it your party was unaffected?" Eric asked, gliding over the reference to rumours.

She nodded. "I was fortunate enough to conclude my negotiations early, so I'd left by the time of the attack."

"I didn't realise Oklahoma was part of the Amun Clan," I said, taking care to annunciate the unfamiliar word.

She seemed to absorb my presence for the first time, and looked at me curiously. "It is not, I attended to meet with Tennessee regarding a prisoner exchange."

"I hope it was successful," I said.

"It was." She looked at Eric then, apparently amused by the novelty of such an informed human.

"Sookie attended Rhodes as part of Louisiana's retinue," Eric said, his hand coming to rest on my back.

Freyda considered me. "You are the telepath?"

"That's me."

She made a polite sound of interest before turning back to Eric. "I hope your chaperone duties won't interfere with your celebrations tonight. There are a number of donors who look quite appetising."

"As enticing as that sounds, my attention will be elsewhere this evening."

"A shame," she said thoughtfully, her eyes flitting to me.

While we'd been speaking an all-vampire jazz band had been setting up on stage, and at that moment the opening peals of a familiar jazz song rang out across the room. Freyda turned to look at the band, and I had the opportunity to view her in profile. Her face lit up as she took in the music, and I had an impression of what she might have been like as a young woman.

The bond was quiet, and I carefully ignored it. I had a feeling I didn't want to know what Eric thought of her offer. I certainly didn't feel inclined to examine my own feelings about it too closely.

"I haven't seen the Jazz Bats since the thirties," she said to no-one in particular. When she turned back to us her smile seemed more genuine.

"I expect you to save me a spot on your dance card tonight, Eric. I won't take no for an answer. Sookie, it was very interesting to meet you."

I refrained from rolling my eyes as she excused herself. Eric grinned down at me. "Are you jealous, lover?"

My heart skipped a beat at the familiar term of endearment. "No."

"You would have all the slots on my dance card saved for you?"

I knew he was teasing, but that didn't stop my cheeks from warming. "Shut up," I muttered, giving him a gentle shove.

We made our way through the room, away from the stage and the makeshift dance floor that was starting up. A bar had been set up at the end of the room, with some cocktail tables placed nearby. A line of donors were gathered by the door wearing slinky gold and navy dresses. If I had my numbers right, several were already missing. I watched as a vampire approached a donor and was led off toward a shadowy alcove, which was set back into the wall. The donor pulled heavy curtains shut.

It occurred to me I'd only seen Eric drink bottled blood the last few nights, unless he'd been sneaking off at dawn then he hadn't had real blood in some time.

"Did you need to feed?" I asked, nodding to the donors and feeling inexplicably self-conscious at the suggestion. This was new territory for me, even if it was make-believe.

"No, lover. I'm still sated from earlier," his voice dropped an octave as he spoke into my ear. "Unless, you're offering seconds."

In different circumstances, I had a feeling those words might have elicited an unbidden swell of arousal in me, but tonight they had the sobering effect of reminding me of our audience. I resisted the urge to look around and see if we were being observed.

"Come," Eric smiled, "I will get you a drink."

Eric was in a good mood, and I found it infectious. I hoped that meant that he was confident tonight would go smoothly.

I allowed myself to be led toward the bar which, in addition to a warm blood fountain, had a selection of alcoholic beverages for the human guests. I stood to the side and surveyed the room as Eric approached the bar.

I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed the familiar head of dark hair. I darted through the crowd, grabbing his arm, and grinning when he turned and my suspicions were confirmed.

"Hi, Miss Sookie."

"Bubba! I didn't know you were coming."

"It was a surprise."

It sure was, but it was a welcome one. I hadn't seen the peculiar vampire on the Queen's guest list. Last I'd heard he'd had a rough time of it in Katrina. He'd been sent out of state afterwards.

I beamed at him. "That was real sweet of you. Will you be stayin' for a spell?"

Bubba nodded, a shy smile on his face. "Miss Sophie-Anne said I could stay here for a little while now the palace is fixed up. It sure is nice to be back."

I wondered again whether the Queen was rallying the forces in Louisiana.

"Well, it's good to have you back." I patted him on the arm, and he looked pleased.

I scanned the crowd, realising I'd left Eric at the bar. I could just make out his head above the crowd, it looked as though he'd been cornered by yet another vampire. I was uninterested in witnessing any more vampire politics just yet, nor did I want to have to stand around while Eric was hit on again.

"Mind if I hang out with you for a bit, Bubba?"

"It would be my honour."

I smiled, tickled by the compliment, and rested my hand in the crook of Bubba's arm. We probably made a strange pair, and we got more than a few curious looks from other guests.

Say what you will about vampires, but they sure know how to dance. The band was playing swing jazz, and the vampire guests were dancing in the same style. They looked fabulous, and I learned a new appreciation for the jitterbug as I watched on. I considered myself a good dancer, but I would stick out like a sore thumb on that dance floor. The song finished and the band started up a slower number.

Bubba swayed softly beside me, a strange expression on his face. I was glancing back toward the bar, wondering if I should go rescue Eric, when Russell entered my line of vision.

"A southern belle and no dancing partner—we certainly can't have that." He gave me a wide smile, I could see blood in between his teeth. "May I have the honour?"

"Oh, I couldn't put you out like that." It was a lame response, but I was uncertain of the etiquette, uncertain as to whether I even had a choice.

"Nonsense, I insist." He extended a pale hand.

I placed my hand in his, falling back on my southern manners.

Russell led me to a space on the dance floor before placing his hands, one on my upper back and one clasping my own. He felt, bizarrely, like a kindly grandfather in the way he danced. I didn't know if it was his age or his sexuality, but I was relieved there wasn't a trace of desire in the way he held me. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what he was playing at. Why the hell was the vampire King of Mississippi dancing with little old me?

He led me in a two step, which worked well enough for the song. I followed his lead.

He must have sensed my unease because he spoke, his voice quiet. "Don't you worry Miss Stackhouse, I mean you no harm."

"Good to know," I said stiffly.

"I would hardly threaten another vampire's bonded." He raised an eyebrow, daring me to dispute him. "Although, I do wonder how Quinn took the news."

Russell and I had discussed my dating Quinn at the Summit, and I'd completely forgotten. I pursed my lips, aware I was woefully underprepared for this exchange.

"I can't say I blame the Northman. You will make an exceptional vampire."

I had the uneasy feeling that comes when you're waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"You know, of course," he continued, "that a blood bond is a marker that the vampire plans to turn the human. That, or shape them into a renfield."

Something heavy settled in the pit of my stomach.

"But don't worry about that pet, you're too valuable to be reduced to a renfield. Unless," he arched an eyebrow, "this is all news to you."

I looked over his shoulder, refusing to meet his eyes, to acknowledge the truth of his statement. Eric was on the far side of the room, and I could see now he was in conversation with Bartlete and Kentucky. His eyes flickered to meet mine.

Damn him. I didn't know why I was even surprised.

I turned my attention back to Russell. When I spoke, I kept my voice low.

"Why are you telling me this?"

He seemed to ponder the question, before shrugging blithely, the movement disrupting the rhythm of the dance. "I thought you ought to know."

"Is that right?" I asked, barely concealing my sarcasm.

"Come now, Miss Stackhouse." Russell chuckled. "I've grown quite fond of you, but more than that I owe you a debt."

"How so?" I asked warily.

"Why, you were responsible for locating Bart's body in the rubble of the building, I thought you knew that."

I hadn't remembered that, but the night had consisted of countless bodies, one after another being pulled out from the debris. As soon as one was found my focus had turned to the next body below the rubble.

"I like you, Miss Stackhouse. You have spunk. You aren't as simple as you appear. The truth is I think you would make a fine vampire. I might even be tempted myself if I didn't hate children so." He smirked and a dimple appeared in his cheek.

As the song came to a close, Russell leaned toward me and spoke into my ear, his words barely audible."You're always welcome in Mississippi, if you ever feel like a change of scenery." Then, louder: "Thank you for the dance, Miss Stackhouse." He gave me a roguish bow, and left me standing in the middle of the dance floor.

Russell had left me facing toward Eric's direction. He was still in conversation with Bartlete, and I watched as Russell made his way toward the group. Another song started up, and I left the dance floor before I could be intercepted by anyone else.

I made my way through the dance floor, focusing on the door that marked my exit.

A waiter stood by the door holding a tray of champagne flutes. On impulse I grabbed a flute of champagne, taking a large gulp in a decidedly unladylike manner. My mind was reeling. How could I be so stupid? Hadn't Quinn said that's what a blood bond meant, that they could turn you whenever they wanted? I figured he meant in the physical sense. It turned out that that was only half of it. I picked up another glass of champagne, taking a sip this time as I looked around the room.

I felt a little nudge of awareness and my eyes found Eric's across the room. He was still in conversation with Bartlete and Kentucky, and I could see that Russell had joined them. I had the feeling he'd be excusing himself from their company momentarily.

And then, something marvelous happened.

I slammed a wall up.

I'd done it instinctively, pulling my mind back and up, as a shield not dissimilar to the one I used for my telepathy was erected. Eric blinked and we held each other's eyes before he turned back to Kentucky, responding to some question he'd asked. I could still feel he was there, but now it was a quiet hum. I could only feel the bond if I concentrated, and I couldn't feel his emotions at all.

Good riddance.

I slipped out of the room, walking down the wide corridor and turning down another. After roaming the perimeter today with Rasul, I found what I was looking for easily enough. A set of double doors at the end of the corridor opened onto a dark courtyard.

The night was expansive; the only light in the courtyard came from glass lanterns scattered throughout the garden like stars. The air was thick with the fragrance of night blooming flowers. The only other presence was that of the human guards, patrolling on the other side of the hedges. From here, I could barely hear the party. I took a deep breath, releasing it slowly.

I leant against one of the wide columns lining the terrace, and took a sip from my drink, pondering what Russell had told me. I had no doubt about the veracity of his words. They'd had the ring of truth, but I deeply resented that I had been caught, once more, without all the information.

And then there was the invitation. Eric had mentioned Russell was older than either he or Sophie-Anne, how old exactly I didn't know. But the fact that Russell was daring enough to try and poach me at the Queen's own marriage ceremony suggested he was certain of his own strength.

It was a few minutes before I felt a void follow me outside. I looked back, expecting to see Eric, but finding a stranger.

He was a smallish, handsome man, maybe five foot eight, with the light copper colouring and dusky black hair of someone from south-east asia. He was wearing a nicely cut suit, a dapper bow tie at his throat.

"Forgive me for intruding," he said, giving me a wide berth. "I meant to get some quiet."

The reasoning was strangely human, perhaps designed to put me at ease. Either way, my interest was piqued. There was no aggression in his stance. I couldn't even see his fangs.

"Not at all," I said, not entirely sure as to whether I meant it. Either way, it was hardly my courtyard to commandeer.

The vampire did not approach me, instead looking out into the courtyard. He took a sip from the glass in his hand, a martini glass filled with blood.

"It was a touching ceremony. They are well-suited."

Touching wasn't exactly the word I'd have used, but that wasn't the first time a vampire had a different take on what qualified as romance.

I made a non-committal sound, and took another sip of my drink.

"I was pleased to find Sophie-Anne in such good health. I had heard rumours that she had been injured."

"How do you know her Majesty?" I asked.

I didn't recognise this vampire from the list the Queen had given me. That didn't mean much. While most of the names had included photos, they didn't all have them. Plus, Rasul had mentioned a few vampires had been added to the official guest list just this evening. I wasn't vampire security after all, I was human security.

"We met sixty years ago when I first moved to America," he smiled almost wistfully.

"Ain't that something," I said. "Where did you say you were from?"

"I was made in Siam, although you would know it as Thailand. I'm here tonight as a guest of Oklahoma."

"Which state are you from though?" I asked.

His eyes flickered. He hadn't expected me to persist in questioning, or perhaps he was surprised I even knew about the vampire hierarchy enough to know it mattered. "Alaska. Are you are here as a guest of Mr. Northman?"

"That's right," I said evenly. Something about this guy was putting me off, but I wasn't sure what it was exactly. I tried to reach out to Eric. If something went down I wanted him to be able to feel me, but I came up against a wall. Whether it was the one I'd erected or one of his own I couldn't figure out right now.

"You are important to him?" He was staring at me intently.

I realised what was wrong. The vampire was trying to glamour me. It had been an age since anyone had even tried, but I recognised the look in his eye.

"I wouldn't say that," I said sharply. "What did you say your name was?"

He blinked. He had expected to be able to calm me. I felt blindly for the bond, and found what felt like its edge. I focused on wedging it open.

"I call myself Jonathan. Americans can't pronounce my real name."

"You should come inside. I'm sure Eric would love to meet you. He's real interested in other cultures."

His eyes darted to the dark street beyond the hedgerow. He must be fairly young if he was so bad at hiding his intentions.

"I would love to, I have heard great things of him. I am in need of a few more moments of fresh air, however. Do not let me keep you."

At that moment I felt the bond, shudder and jolt. I thrust down the shield, and did the blood-bond equivalent of yanking Eric's arm. A jolt of recognition traveled through the bond. He was coming.

"It sure is loud in there," I agreed. "I appreciate your need for some space. I certainly prefer it out here." I was stalling, pretty lamely in my opinion, but I figured I only needed a minute for Eric to get here.

"I'm glad—" but whatever Jonathan was glad about, I didn't find out. His eyes flickered behind me, and I knew without turning it was who it was. Still, I couldn't help but take a peek.

"Sookie, there you are."

Eric cut a handsome silhouette against the doorway. His eyes scanned the scene, taking it in before the second was through. He walked over to me leisurely, slipping a hand around my waist and bending to kiss my cheek.

"And who has the pleasure of talking to my bonded?"

A ripple of distaste rolled through me at those words. Eric glanced down at me curiously before turning back to Jonathan. He was definitely young. Even I could see the unbridled fear on his face.

"Jonathan's with us from Alaska," I said before he could answer for himself.

"Sheriff Northman," Jonathan said. "Your reputation precedes you."

Eric merely raised his eyebrows. "I can't say the same for you."

The flash of movement was too quick for my eyes to follow. One minute I was in a conversation with two vampires, the next they were situated in the courtyard and Eric was holding Jonathan by the throat. Jonathan's considerably shorter frame meant his legs dangled in the air. I gathered the shorter vampire had tried to make a run for it. The truth was he should have run before Eric entered the corridor.

Eric grinned, his fangs glinting in the night. "Come, Jonathan from Alaska. I'm sure the Queen will be interested to meet you."