SPOV

I love those first few moments when you wake up, the time when you're not fully conscious yet so the troubles in your life and the to-do list for the day haven't quite entered your thoughts. Then there are those days when there's something so important happening that you're pretty sure you've been dreaming about it so there's not even a moment that it's not on your mind. That's what this morning is like. Today is the day we get to bring Eric home.

I have a smile on my face before I even open my eyes, especially because I haven't slept in a bed this comfy in a long time. Of course, a prince like Niall and someone as pampered as Pam wouldn't pay for a hotel any less than 5 stars. We flew here last night and I fell asleep pretty much as soon as I made it to my hotel room.

It might be a little vein of me but I set my alarm super early so I have time to make myself pretty before we leave. So what, judge me for wanting to look good for the first time I see Eric in months, or at least it's been months since Eric has seen any Sookie, and the first time ever that he's going to see me. I want to look good and make an impression.

All the good feeling I have and excitement for the day is changed to fear, the type of fear that is deep in your bones when I actually open my eyes. I can't stop the scream that leaves my mouth when I notice that someone is standing at the edge of my bed just watching me. Even after I comprehend that it's Niall, I'm so worked up at this point there's no calming me down. Not right away anyway. It takes a few seconds, and a few deep breaths, so many that I'm almost light-headed by the time my heart rate slows to a non-worrisome beats per minute.

"What the actual fuck, Niall?!" I'm not normally one to use such crass words but desperate times call for desperate measures.

"I'm sorry, dear girl, did I frighten you?"

"You think?"

"Hmm, you'd think one that has been in as much trouble as you would be prepared for such a thing. Have you learned nothing of self-preservation yet? Why did you not call your light to you?"

"It wouldn't have done anything to you, and I figured I was safe once I realized it was you. Plus if someone was trying to kidnap or hurt me, I doubt they'd just be standing at the edge of my bed waiting on me to wake up so I could fight back."

He stays quiet for a few moments. "Perhaps. Nonetheless, I am here for a reason."

"Yeah, because today is the day, right?"

"Yes and no. Yes, today we shall travel to Oklahoma, but no, that's not why I'm here so early."

"Do tell." I say dryly."

"I've gotten word from your vampires."

"Eric contacted you?!"

"No, though I did see him yesterday, and he is prepared."

"Then who? Karin? Pam?"

"The former. You know it is her duty to watch over you at night."

"Yes."

"The people that are watching the property while we're here smelt vampires in the yard surrounding the house the last two nights. And they've seen wolf tracks."

"What? I thought they had to stay away from me. Isn't that breaking the contract? And why isn't she telling me this herself?"

"It would be if it were not for the fact you contacted Russell on an easily tapped line about your plans for treason. It was very early in the morning when she contacted me, minutes before sunrise I think, she said you were asleep and didn't want to wake you just to worry you."

"Fuck." Niall quirks his eyebrow at me. Cheese and rice, I've been up for two minutes and have already said enough bad words that would have had Gran washing my mouth out with soap. I shrug as noncommittally as I can, I don't want him to think his opinions affect me. "So what does this mean? What does this change?"

"I'm not sure yet. Our plans do not have to change but we hope it's DeCastro that knows about your plans and not Freyda. Either way, it is not good, it gives them the right to come after you again. It is good that Eric will be here to help protect you."

Stupid, stupid Sookie. Why do you always do this to yourself? You think you know what you're doing and that you have things under control then you do something stupid and endanger yourself and everyone you care about.

Niall must see my thoughts starting to spiral because he cuts in. "Do not fret, they haven't made a move yet, it will be fine. We'll take proper precautions and once you make your claim on Eric known, they won't have any right to separate you, monarch or not."

"Right, yeah, okay, that makes sense," I say as I'm thinking things through.

"Yes, even if they had planned on making a move for you before you were able to get Eric, they've missed their chance since we've left Louisiana already. We have people here guarding us though I find it unnecessary it's better to heir on the side of caution."

"Okay, so you have all the things we need for tonight? Like, I don't know, needed paperwork or whatever? I honestly have no clue what type of paperwork would be needed for something like this. Heck, I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do or say when we walk in there tonight."

"Yes, I have what is needed though most of the work will be on you tonight, I'm going to make sure it is known that you have the sky fae's backing as well as being there if things go south. You must wear your crown when we go in tonight and claim Eric as your rightful husband stating that you've never divorced in the way of the fae, therefore making their marriage null and void. It is nothing to worry about."

"Right," I say, holding the i for a long time, making the sarcasm clear. "Nothing to worry about at all. I do stuff like this every day."

"Yes well, that is all I needed to speak with you about. Get back to whatever your plans for the day were. We'll be leaving as soon as the vampires are awake and ready."

I've got to give him credit, he's doing a pretty good job at keeping the sneer off of his face and out of his voice when he speaks about vampires, especially working with them. I know he's not a fan of them but he gets the importance of working with them when necessary. I have a feeling he's not too fond of the fact that apparently, the world hinges on his granddaughter and a vampire getting together. I can't stop the little giggle that comes out of my mouth when he pops away. I'm not sure if the giggle is because it's funny to see Niall getting worked up in his weird upper-crusty haughty way, or the fact that I'm going to see Eric today. Probably a little of both, but maybe mostly the Eric part of it.

With that thought I jump out of bed and into the shower, I have a long day of self-care ahead of me. Yes, I want to look my best for Eric but also it's a long time before the sun goes down and if I don't stay busy, I'm going to go crazy worry about tonight and possibly end up doing something stupid like trying to break into the compound today by myself.

Thankfully I choose the less destructive of the options and spend a lot of time exfoliating, shaving, using face masks, painting my nails, hot oil hair treatments, and the works, doing everything I can to make myself feel pretty. Am I hoping when Eric sees me his mouth will gape and he'll do a Tom and Jerry aooga horn blast with his eyes popping out at my beauty? Yes, of course, but I also have a role to play tonight, I'm pretty much making my debut as a fairy princess, I have to look regal, like my claim to Eric holds weight because I'm a royal and important. It's not easy to get in that type of mind state but looking my best will definitely help.

All my pampering takes up most of the day and my hair, make-up, and choosing my dress take up basically the rest of the time before sunset. By the time the vampires come out of their rooms, I've only had time to read one chapter of my most recent romance book.

"Well my my my, Sookie, don't you look fetching? There aren't many times that I'm actually jealous of Eric but the fact that he'll be enjoying you tonight makes me want to leave him there for another night and keep you for myself."

I know she's joking about leaving him there but just the thought makes me on edge. I still can't stop the blush that comes over me at the implication of her words. "Hey now, there will be no enjoying of me tonight."

She surprises me when her eyes darken in anger at my words. "Sookie, I thought you were done with all that. You better not be intending to jerk him around again, he doesn't deserve that. I've never seen him with a broken heart before you and I have no intention of letting that happen to him again. Friend or no, Sookie, I won't let you hurt him anymore."

Her eyes are fierce, I haven't felt fear of Pam in a long time, in this dimension anyway but it's clear that she'll have no problem taking her anger out on me if Eric is hurt again. "No, it's not like that, don't get all angry at me. It's just, that I've technically never met him before, you know? And he's never met me. It's different for me because I have all the memories of us together but he doesn't. Or at least he doesn't have the memories of the other dimension, of my Eric, or at least my first Eric? I don't know just talking about it gives me a headache. Long story short…"

"Too late."

I ignore her snarky interruption. "Long story short, I have no idea what he's going to want, maybe he wants nothing to do with me. Niall said he wasn't too fond of the fact that I'm not his Sookie. Said something along the lines of a girl that looks like Sookie but not her.'"

My face must be giving away more than I want because the anger melts away and the pity is back on her face. Cheese and rice, I hate pity and want no part of it. Again, my face must be giving away my thoughts because she quickly clears her face of all emotion. "Okay, I understand that, at least." She walks over and puts her hand on my shoulder, which is way too touchy-feely for what I'm used to with Pam but I think I keep my surprise from showing. "Just give him some time and be there for him. Once he's around you for a little while he'll realize you're Sookie, doesn't matter where you're from, you're still her."

I'm slightly embarrassed when I feel tears pricking my eyes. "Thanks, Pam," I say with a sniff and turn my face away from her so that she can't see even though I know it's useless, she can probably smell the salt in the air. Plus, when I turn away from her I end up looking right at Karin who is just standing by the wall watching the interaction like we're a couple of lab rats she's studying.

I clear my throat once I get my emotions in order. "Okay, is everyone ready? Is Thalia here? Who else is coming with us? Niall keeps saying it's just to be safe but I can't help but worry that the chance of violence is higher than he's making it seem."

"No, we legally have the right to do everything that we're doing. There is no need to fear…"

"Then why does the word 'treason' keep getting thrown around?" I cut her off.

She clears her throat, annoyed at the interruption. "As I was saying, what we're doing tonight is completely legal and above board. It was the planning and rallying for your side that was against the law. Also, if she makes a move on you, it goes against her contract with Eric. If she lifts one finger to you, he can use as much force as he wants against her. That's a big reason why she most likely won't go against you. It's a catch twenty-two for her. She might want to fight you to keep Eric but fighting you will lose her Eric. Even if she has enough guards on her side to take him down, she'll still lose him since he won't stop until one of them is dead."

Just the thought of Eric dying sends shivers down my spine but it doesn't take me long to get passed it and think through her words. What she's saying makes sense so I start to feel better about going into the lion's den, so to speak. "Okay, yeah, that makes sense, thanks, Pam."

"No problem, Sookie darling, it's the truth, after all. Now, where is that grandfather of yours? Me and mine are all ready to go."

"Me too," I say and it's as if speaking of him calls him because a moment later he's standing next to me.

"Sookie, good. I'm glad you chose the dress I prepared, once you put on your crown you'll look like a proper princess." I sigh, I was hoping I'd be able to get out of the crown, but no such luck. I run into my room, grab it, look in the mirror, and put it on in a way that looks good with the bun I put in my hair with the crown specifically in mind. Once I'm as ready as I'm going to be I run back out to the main room and everyone is looking at me like I'm the one they've been waiting on.

I sigh. "Okay, let's do this."

~~~~

The ride to the queen's compound is quiet, and tense, at least for me, everyone else seems to be completely calm. I'd think at least Pam and Karin would be getting antsy at the thought of getting Eric back. I guess they really are confident that this will be quick and easy. Before we came to Oklahoma, which by the way, I've traveled a lot since entering the supernatural world and this is by far the most boring state. Then again, I didn't expect much after seeing the play. Anyway, before we left, Niall told me the hotel we're staying at is good at keeping people hidden, so Freyda should be surprised when we show up. It's about a half-hour drive and I spend the whole time lost in my worries.

"Sookie? Are you alright, granddaughter?"

"Huh? Yes, I'm fine. Sorry, was just lost in my thoughts." I look around and realize we're pulling up to a compound that reminds me of Sophie Ann's, just as big and garish with just as little actual taste. She has money but doesn't have the style to make it look good. I could spend more time picking the outside apart but the car pulls to a stop and a guard walks up to the window.

"State your business." He says once Niall rolls down the window.

"Niall, prince of the sky fae to see the queen."

The guard speaks into his walkie talkie which is on his vest by his shoulder. He waits for a few seconds then listens to a response before nodding. "The queen wasn't expecting you and doesn't appreciate the lack of notice. Lucky for you she has a little time before her guests are due so she is able to fit you in but she'll only have a few minutes to spare."

"A few minutes is all I ask for."

He nods. "Pull up to the stairs, another guard will meet you at the door to bring you to the queen."

Niall simply nods before rolling up his window. I breathe a sigh of relief, we've made it through the first hurdle, thank the lord. When we park I follow Niall's lead and exit the car with the vampires following. I work as hard as I can to seem graceful and poise, I hope I'm doing a good job but can't be sure. I turn my head to look at Pam and feel some relief when she nods once and winks at me. Following the plan, I sort of stay towards the back so Freyda won't notice me right away. It's sure to cause some trouble when she sees both of Eric's progeny but it's nothing compared to how she'll act when she sees me. That's why I have to wait until the moment is right so that I can say what I have to before she gets all loud and angry, and tries to kick me out before I can say what I have to. Because technically, I'm not even supposed to be in the state.

"Niall, what a lovely surprise, I haven't seen you since I was at the council meeting, what was that, a century ago?"

"Freyda," Niall says with a nod of his head, there's a certain amount of respect each royal has to give each other. "It has been a while I must admit, I'm here for business, not pleasure, I'm afraid."

"I've gathered as much, considering your… company. They are not due for a visit with their sire for months, though I am not cruel, I am magnanimous enough to let them get a visit in with Eric. Is that why you're here?"

"Unfortunately, no. As it turns out, after today, visits will no longer be necessary." Shit, that's my cue.

"What—"

She stops speaking when I walk through my group with my head held high and the crown shining on it. I try my damndest to look like I have every right to be here and that I'm more than she ever gave me credit for. I stare her in the eye as I step forward and stop walking when I'm side by side with Niall.

"What is the meaning of this?" She thunders.

"I am Sookie Stackhouse Bridgant, princess of the sky fae. I'm here to give you proper proof that your marriage with Eric was never binding because we were never truly divorced."

"That's absurd! I was there when you signed the paperwork. I saw it with my own eyes."

"Divorced in the way of the vampires, perhaps but there is more than one way to wed."

"You never married in the way of the humans!" Her fangs are down so her words are coming out with a bit of a lisp.

"That is true, but we did in the way of my people. Our marriage was never ended therefore he was not able to enter into another one with anyone else."

"Bull shit. This won't hold up with the council, I'm going to fight this!"

"I'd expect no less. You are welcome to take it to the council, though I warn you, you will lose but have fun trying anyway. In the meantime, Eric is free to choose which of us he wants to stay with." I see her clenching and unclenching her fists, it's taking a lot of her self-control not to attack. I see her looking around at our entourage, considering her options, wondering if she could take us.

Just as I'm wondering where he is, Eric walks down the stairs and I see the moment he lets his face slip in surprise, maybe he didn't actually believe that we were coming for him but a second later his face is a blank mask again.

"Eric, darling. Do you hear this insanity? You did not tell me anything of being wed in the way of the fae during negotiations. She's lying, yes?"

"I made it clear that Sookie was my wife in all ways that mattered to me." I'm not really sure how to take that, he didn't agree or disagree with me, although he kind of did agree? I don't know, I focus and don't let it confuse me, I'll think about it later.

"I would think that with how hard you negotiated with me, you'd have made it more clear." She doesn't sound like she believes that we're connected in the fairy way, which isn't good because it's pretty much a lie.

"I didn't see the point, you and my maker made an iron-clad agreement."

"That we did." She pauses and cups Eric's face with her hand, he doesn't react negatively or positively, he almost acts like he doesn't notice her at all.

I decide to cut in. "It doesn't matter. Our marriage might not have held much weight compared to a queen and a maker's last wishes but it's different now, I've taken my place as the princess of my people and I also have seniority, we were married first. I hold a claim, you might not like it or agree with it but that doesn't change the facts. If you have a problem take it up with the council. In the meantime, Eric can come with us if he chooses to do so." I try my damndest to sound important and like I know what I'm talking about even though a big part of me thinks I'm making all this up. I take a quick glance at Niall and he gives me a slight nod, good, that makes me feel a little better.

"You better believe I'm going to fight this!" She snarls at me then turns to Eric, when she speaks I can tell she's put her fangs away and she's speaking sweetly like she's trying to sweet talk him into agreeing with her. "Eric, darling, you're where you want to be, right? You're going to stay while we figure this ridiculous accusation out, yes?"

He stays quiet for a long time, so long I'm starting to worry, thinking I might have been wrong, that he wants to stay here. That after Lucky Sookie didn't fight for him, he gave up on her and made a life for himself here and he's content. He looks at me and I feel like he's trying to be the telepath here, I feel like he's trying to look into my soul. I also feel like he's trying to find his Sookie in my eyes. So I look back and try to get across all that I feel and all that I've realized about him and us. How I'm not going to make the same mistakes as Lucky Sookie did, and how I'm in this with him, if that's what he wants.

"I will be going with them." At her dismayed look he scoffs angrily. "Do not act so surprised, I've made it completely clear where I stand with you."

She looks heartbroken and I feel a moment of pity for her before I ruthlessly squash it down. She's quick to hide her sadness and lets the anger take over her face. "I will not allow this to stand. You might be able to leave now but I have enough people on the council that you'll be back here in no time Eric. Don't doubt that, my love."

He does not look intimidated in the least, he walks over to me and holds his arm out. I, a little meekly, place my hand on his forearm and he rests his hand on top of mine before he continues to walk out the door. I feel happy that he's at least willing to touch me and seems to want to be close to me just as much as I want to be close to him. The warm happy feeling disappears as soon as we're in the car and he drops my arm like a hot coal before moving to the other side of the limo from me.

I try not to read too much into it, I was expecting as much, after all. I knew it was going to be weird and that we're going to have to talk but right now I just decide to take pleasure in the fact that Eric is here with us and away from that crazy queen who thinks she has the right to steal whoever she wants and keep them as her own, what a bitch. I internally flinch at the uncharitable thoughts, I mean I get where she's coming from, to an extent, who wouldn't want Eric to themselves? But to think it's okay to make anyone basically a slave, especially someone as strong and prideful as Eric, just doesn't deserve any forgiveness. Part of me wishes she tried to use violence so I had an excuse to use my new stronger microwave fingers on her, she deserved it. No, that's just because I don't like her, I know in the end it's smarter that I didn't use it, no one really knows I have that ability other than Pam, Karin, and Niall, it's good to keep it that way for now.

I focus back into the limo and look around Eric has a smile on his face and he has his hand cupping Pam's face, looking her over and speaking quietly. I notice Karin watching out of the corner of her eye, trying to pretend she's not, and that she doesn't want the same greeting. I realize I didn't have much time to see them interacting together before he left for Oklahoma, heck I didn't even know he had another progeny before she was on my land.

I smile softly when he does give Karin the same greeting a few moments later and even though she's a hard ass and would never admit it, I can tell she's pleased. I try not to jump when there's a hand placed on my shoulder. I look next to me and see it's Niall looking at me with a small proud smile on his face. I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about the guy but I can't deny the pleasure I get at seeing him proud.

"You've done well, granddaughter."

"Uh, thanks. I really was just making it up as I go. Oh here, you can take this back." I say as I take the crown off. Now that we're done with the whole meeting I don't see a need for it anymore.

"Sookie, we've spoken of this. You know that I'll need you to come to the faery now and again for things related to ruling. You should wear the crown when you do. It's yours, I'm not going to take it back."

I can't stop the groan that comes out. I know I signed up for this, it was part of the things I had to agree to in order to get Eric out but you can't blame me for hoping he forgot. "Right, okay. Listen, I know you're thinking you just got a yes man, yes woman on whatever voting board you got but if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right. You're going to do more than just tell me what to vote, you're going to tell me what we're voting on and I'm going to make my own decisions."

"Sookie…" Niall says but it comes out as more of a growl. Out of the corner of my eye I notice all the vampires, including Eric tense, ready to attack Niall if need be. I ignore the warm feeling I get at knowing that Eric still wants to protect me, even if I'm not his Sookie.

"Nuh-uh. I agreed to take my place and do the voting so that we could get Eric but I never agreed to just do whatever you said. Listen, Niall, I get it, you're my grandfather, you've helped me drink the fairy kool-aid that makes me feel all strong, and I like you just fine but you're also the one that decided to play God and just pick me up from my life and plop me here. I lost like five years of my life, you get that, right? And just when I got home from losing another year of my life because some other fairies wanted to trap me in their version of the fae, that's a lot of time taken from me from people who are supposed to be family and people I can trust. I mean yeah, I got the memories, and it feels like my home now, these people feel like my people but also, in the back of my head I know one of my best friends is lying in a grave when for me just a few days ago he was alive as can be. So I'm here, and that's fine, I have friends here I didn't have before, hell, I'm pretty sure the Pam in the other dimension woulda shot a rocket launcher at me if she was given half the chance…" I trail off because I don't even know what I'm trying to say at this point. I don't even know where these words are coming from but I know I mean them. I look around and really wish I did this in private, everyone is staring at us, I know that gleam of interest in Pam's eyes, she wants to know more and Eric, well Eric, I'm not really sure, there's something in his eyes when he looks at me. Not the love and devotion that I remember from the memories of Lucky Sookie but something more than indifference or hate. I clear my throat and look back at Niall, "Anyway, the point is, I'm not going to play puppet to your puppet master, I'll do the voting and stuff because that's what we agreed on but I'd think you'd know me better than to just expect me to go along with what you say because you say it."

He looks at me for a long time, so long I'm positive he's about to yell, get angry, or withdraw his promise to vote for us at the council meeting. Which I really wish I had thought about before I let my mouth get away from me. Eventually, I'm flabbergasted, word of the day, when he laughs uproariously and pats me on the shoulder again, this time harder. "I'd expect nothing less, dear Sookie."

"Oh, uh, good then." I look down at my feet, not sure how to feel. Why do I feel like I'm still doing exactly what he wants me to? I hear the conversation start up with the others again but have that feeling, the one where the hair on the back of your neck stands up and you know you're being looked at. I look up and see Eric watching me, his face is blank but his eyes hold a depth of emotion, I just wish I knew what those emotions are. I stare back, hoping to get something out of him but he just stares for a few more moments before turning to speak to Thalia and Karin.

"A rocket launcher, you say?" Pam says I have to work hard not to jump again. Damn vamp speed, she's sitting next to me in the time that it takes me to blink once.

"It was just an example, it's not like you ever did it, I bet you wanted to though."

"Why though? Why were we not friends?"

"I don't know, you didn't like me and I wasn't too fond of you either. I heard you yelling at Eric though once, you blamed me for always dragging him and therefore you into trouble, and you didn't like how he acted around me."

"Hmm, I can see that. From the things you told me about that dimension, it was one bullshit fight after another."

I scoff bitterly, "You could say that again, heck, for me, it's only been a few weeks since I found out that Bill was sent to get me for the queen. Fang banger murderers, maenads, psycho kings that wanted to lock me up and harness my blood so that they could be perpetual day walkers, the whole Godric thing…" I trail off again because I always get all choked up thinking about him. I notice Eric tense, I mean I figured he's listening but I'm not sure what about that upset him.

"Who's Godric?"

My eyes flick to Eric before looking back at Pam. I don't really see the point of telling them about Godric, it wouldn't help at all, if anything it'd just make Eric hate that other Eric more, not only does he have Lucky Sookie, he had a better maker too "Uh, no one."

Pam leans in and whispers in my ear like we're teenagers swapping secrets in the back of class. I don't know why, I'm sure the rest of the vampires can hear her. "Is he an ex?"

"What?! No!"

Pam just shrugs but doesn't dig deeper, thankfully. Though I'm sure she wants to, I can see it in her eyes and if I know her at all, the conversation will be brought up again, this time when we're alone. I stay quiet for the rest of the ride and listen to the conversation around me. I can't stop the smile that comes over my face as I notice Eric slowly become more comfortable like he's finally accepting that he's not stuck with the queen anymore, that he isn't a slave and can make his own choices again. I can't help but hope some of those choices involve me.

We make it back to the hotel with no problems and quickly make our way up to our suite. It's not until we're all up here that I realize there's no bed for Eric. Going by the look on Pam's face that was intentional. I can't say I'm upset by it, I mean what I said to her earlier was true, it's not like I'm going to sleep with him tonight but if we share a room maybe we'll get to talk.

Wait, is that selfish? Should I give him some time before I try to talk to him? He's been through a lot, and he probably needs some time to get his head straight, he's one of the strongest tallest men I know and he should have never been made to feel so small as Freyda did to him. On the other hand, it's not like we have time to push off talking, there are logistics to figure out, we have to live together, portray a happily married couple, we have to figure out how and where we're going to do that.

Niall makes his excuses and pops away almost as soon as we're in the hotel but promises he'll be back to talk about the voting as soon as we're back in Louisiana. Pam, Karin, and Thalia leave to go find donors almost as soon as we get to the hotel, Eric says he's fine. It's very awkward as soon as the door closes. I sit down on the couch and just kind of wait to see what he decides to do. I'm both excited and worried when he sits down and looks at me.

"We have to talk."