SPOV

I wake up with a smile on my face, remembering last night and the absolutely perfect date I had with Eric. It makes it even more special because I never expected Eric to plan a date for us, let alone one so special and perfect for me. I lay there with my eyes closed for a few long moments, just savoring the feeling because I have a tingling deep in my brain setting off alarms in me, I know once I give myself a second to think all the worries over the last few days will come flying back.

So I cuddle into Eric, my eyes still closed, still only partly awake, enjoying the moment. I feel Eric's arm tighten around me, so I know he must be awake. Hmm, maybe since he's still in bed, that means we have time to have a little fun before we get started with whatever craziness we have planned today. I run my hand up his naked chest and feel him pull me closer and let out a low growl. I try to focus on Eric and all the fun things I'm sure he's thinking up in his head if his hard ready member is anything to go by, but that tingling in the back of my head just won't leave me alone.

My eyes pop open, and I sit up straight, the council meeting, it's tonight, not to mention the huge battle that is supposed to come right after, fuck. I look at Eric, and he's already sitting up and pulling me close, obviously feeling my anxiety and panic. "Shh, Sookie, what is all this anxiety about?"

"Eric, are you crazy? You know exactly what I'm freaking out about! I could lose you a thousand different ways tonight! What time is it? I have to get ready!" I throw the blankets off of me and try to get up, but Eric doesn't let go of me.

"Sookie, it is fine, it's only just after noon now, the sun doesn't set for six more hours, and the meeting isn't until eight tonight. You know vampires and their vanity, they always make sure to set enough time before meetings to get properly pampered and dressed up. So there is no need to rush, even if you were to doll yourself up more than you've ever done before, we'd still have many hours before we had to consider getting out of bed." He says the words so earnestly he succeeds in taking my mind off my worry for a moment, but only a moment, in the next one, I'm freaking out again.

"How are you so calm? Yeah, I know we've done the work and have the votes, but how do we know they haven't changed their mind or been bribed or something? And that's not even bringing up the whole battle where you could literally die!"

"Because we're prepared, we've done all we can to be ready, we've checked and double-checked out plans and alternate plans, there isn't much else we can do until the time comes to fight. Worrying won't help us at all, in fact, it's a detriment to our cause. Going into a battle should be done with a calm, cool head, anything else too emotional, and you're liable to make a mistake." Eric smiles, a real smile, one I rarely ever get to see, and he pulls me closer, "Plus, I have everything that I could wish for right here. You've fought for me, went to Oklahoma like the Valkyrie you are, and demanded my freedom; I never thought you'd do such a thing for me. So even should worse come to worse and we don't even get to the battle because the council vote doesn't go in our favor, I'll be fine because I have you."

I can't help but to lean in and kiss him, he can be so sweet when he wants to be. I quickly pull away, though, "But we won't be together! That's the whole point of the vote, remember? You'll end up back in Oklahoma with her." I don't bother to keep the sneer from my face while bringing up Freyda.

He winks at me. "Oh, my dear Sookie, do you honestly believe that is how I'd let it play out? Do you think I don't already have multiple contingency plans for just that situation?"

"You do?" I feel silly asking, of course, he does.

"Of course I do. It'll involve the dramatics of me grabbing you and flying us out of the building by breaking through the glass window in the ceiling and us leaving the country and lying low for a few decades, but yes, we'll be safe and together."

Even though my anxiety is still off the charts, I do feel a little metaphorical weight lift off my shoulder knowing Eric's plan. Sure, running away wouldn't be my first choice, but I'll do it if necessary, thankfully, it's not Eric's first choice either. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. I nod my head once after thinking his words over, "Okay… okay, that could work."

"Indeed. However, it won't be necessary because we've got five out of seven yesses from the council, two will have to be swayed to the other side for us to be in trouble."

"Eric Northman, you knock on wood right this moment!" He simply quirks his eyebrow at me. I place my hands on my hips and huff, "Don't tell me an old man like yourself has never heard of knocking on wood before."

His eyebrow raises a little higher, "Sure I have, though superstitions like that were believed by people in my time, I didn't think someone like you would partake in such silly things."

I cross my arms and stare at him, huffing again. He chuckles and, honest to God, rolls his eyes before reaching over to the nightstand and knocking on it twice. "There, better?"

I smile, "Much."

"Good. Now then, since we're done with such nonsense, I have much better ideas of how to spend our daylight hours." Before I have a chance to question him, he pounces on me, taking my lips hungrily with his own.

It isn't long before we're both naked, getting lost in each other and our pleasure. I'm not sure how long we stay like that, but I know I'm certainly going to feel it tomorrow when I finally flop down on the bed panting, a thin sheet of sweat covering my whole body, I can't help but feel a little cranky when I notice Eric doesn't look winded at all. At least it's clear that he's more relaxed now. Instead of lying next to me, he gets up and walks into the living area of our suite. I'd normally freak because he's still completely naked, but Pam and Karin are still dead for the day, plus, I know Eric doesn't care about nudity at all, he never has. I can't stop the smile that comes over my face when I realize that he has the hotel's room service in his hand.

He hands it to me, "Eat, min kara. It's going to be a long night, and I'm sure we've already worked up quite the appetite."

I nod my head, but he's vamped out of the room before he has a chance to see it. Damn man and his orders, he just assumes everyone will listen. He's just lucky right now it's an order I agree with. As I'm flicking through the menu, I hear the tub turn on in the bathroom and sigh in delight. I haven't had a chance to try that out yet, and I really want to. Actually, I haven't had a chance to really try out any of the amenities; we just got here yesterday, and Eric took me out last night, we went right to be when we got home, and we've been there ever since. I pick out chicken alfredo. It's a heavy meal, but I'm sure I'll be fine by the time the fight comes, I pick up the phone, press one, and order my meal.

As I'm hanging up the phone, Eric comes out of the bathroom, without saying a single word, he walks over, scoops me up bridal style, and brings me into the bathroom. I inhale, preparing to give him shit for treating me like a doll but exhale a moan when I see the bathtub full and waiting for me; there are rose petals everywhere, with candles around the tub and soft music playing, it's perfect.

I hear the smirk on his face when he says, "I take it that you like the bath I've drawn for you."

Smug bastard, but he's right, and he knows it, "It's alright."

He chuckles, "Huh, I was hoping for more of a reaction, I suppose if you don't like it, I won't bother doing it again."

"Don't you dare! I want it every night!" I say as I happily climb in, no longer bothered with playing it cool.

"Yes, that is what I thought," He says smugly and then continues quickly before I have a chance to reply, "Now, I want you to relax, by the time you're done, your food will be here. Take your time; we still have time before we need to start getting ready."

My mood dampens slightly with the remainder of tonight, but I'm able to quickly shrug it off and get back to relaxing. I lie my head against the pillow; I smile that Eric thought of literally everything to make sure I'm comfortable, and then I can't help but let my mind wander for a while as I literally feel the knots and tension slowly dispersing from my body. Dispersing my word of the day last week, I haven't had much time lately to pay much attention to them, let alone work them into my life and vocabulary.

That's the last thought I remember; I must have drifted off because the next thing I know, Eric is gently waking me up with a small smile on his face, "Did you have a good rest, lover?"

"Mhmm," I mumble. A little more alert, I continue, "How long was I asleep? What time is it? Cheese and rice, I didn't rest too long, did I?'

His smile widens, "No, dear one, it is fine, you're just in time, in fact. Your food only just arrived and should be perfect for you."

"Mhmm," I say, the growling of my stomach waking me up the rest of the way. It's good, too, because the bath water is officially chilly. I stretch once before standing up; I don't miss Eric staring at my breasts as I do. Ugh, he might be over a thousand years old and a vampire who used to be a Viking, but I swear deep down he's still just a man who can't handle seeing breasts without staring. His eyes leave my boobs and move to my eyes when he feels my amusement in the bond. I swear, for a second or two, I feel embarrassment coming from him, but it's gone as quickly as it came. He hands me a robe, and I quickly dry off enough to get out to the living area and eat.

The food is just as delicious as it looks, and I eat most of the plate before I decide I'm full. Before I know it, the other vampires are waking up, and it's time to get ready. I work hard not to let my nerves get the better of me as I dress in the outfit Pam specifically bought for me and this occasion. It looks perfect on me, well, it's not like I should be surprised, I swear if Pam wasn't Eric's vampire child and she was born in this century, she would have made a great personal stylist to the stars. I take my time doing my hair up in a pretty braid crown, it might be overkill, but if there's going to be a fight, I don't want to give the other side any more advantage over me than they already have, and having my hair down and easy to pull is one quick way to take me down. I keep my makeup light and professional. The outfit I'm wearing is close to a business suit but much more cute, with a skirt on the bottom that has a high slit up the side so I have a full range of motion. Anyway, going by the suit, the dress clothes at the council meetings are at least business casual, so I want my makeup to follow suit. When I put my mascara down on the table, I give myself one last look in the mirror and then sit up straight. I can do this; I'm strong, I trust Eric, and I know he wouldn't put us in a situation he didn't confidently believe we'd walk out on, we're safe, we can do this. I nod at myself in the mirror in determination before standing up. Eric walks out of the bathroom looking as handsome as ever, no, that's not true, looking more handsome than ever, him wearing a suit just isn't fair. No one is supposed to look that handsome; it's distracting.

He chuckles, dark and huskily, "Distracting, am I?"

Damn it, I guess I accidentally sent that through our mental bond. "Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head, you already know how hot you are."

He walks over to me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close, "Yes, but I do not care about what others think, it's your appreciation that means the most to me."

"Stop your sweet talkin', mister; we don't have enough time to partake in another round of what that sweet talkin' usually leads to."

He throws his head back and laughs, "Oh, Sookie, how you make me laugh. You should be proud, it's quite the feat to get me to smile, let alone laugh, though it seems you manage it often."

I smile and stand on my toes to kiss him softly; it's Eric who changes the kiss into a needy one, a rough one full of hunger. I join in enthusiastically but eventually have to pull away and slap his chest, "Eric, stop! Didn't I just say we don't have time for that?"

"I'm sure we can make time. Plus, my lover, don't you know it's good luck to give your husband a good send-off before he leaves for battle?"

I feel my cheeks blush at the word husband, and that I feel that little bit of my light inside him grow brighter, in happiness, or maybe agreement, even just acknowledgment, I'm not sure. A second later, I feel unease from him; it's as if he didn't mean to use that word. It makes sense; it's not as if he has a great track record with it and the other Sookie. Thankfully, I'm not her, so he doesn't have to worry. I try to send assurance through the bond and think it works when the side of his lips lifts up a little more.

"Sure, I have heard of that before, but I think I did a good enough job of that earlier today, don't you? I swear we broke our record for the longest amount of time we spent in bed together doing…. that," my blush grows brighter, "Plus, what's the protocol for when the wife is coming along?"

"Hmm," he says, pretending to ponder. The tension that was in his body a moment before is completely gone now, "That is a good question, I do not know; I've never done it before, nor do I know anyone who has. Perhaps we'll have to make up our own, and I know a great place to start."

His eyes promise sin, as does his devilish smirk, Eric leaning into me, looking at my lips like they were a last meal for a dying man."

I place my hand firmly on his chest, "Nuh-uh, what did I just say? Plus, we don't have time to do what you're talking about, let alone have time to fix my hair and makeup and also pick out a new outfit after you've had your way with me, we both know those things don't survive long with me around you."

He opens his mouth, probably to try to convince me again, but there's a knock on the door. It's probably for the best because I was close to letting him win. Pam is on the other side, "Come on, you two love ducks, we have to get going. We're ready out here, and I just got the okay from Thalia, and her team are ready, too. Everything is prepared and in place, we're all just waiting on you."

He growls low in my ear, making me shiver. In a voice loud enough for Pam to hear, he says, "Coming!" Lower, he whispers in my ear, "To be continued, lover. You must know if I can't have you before the battle, we're going to make up for it and celebrate our victory after."

I smile, just happy that he seems so sure of us and his plans, I nod my head, "I'm looking forward to it."

I get a dirty little thought in my head. I do it before I have a chance to second guess myself because I know if I did, I'd talk myself out of it. So I quickly maneuver, and when he pulls away from the kiss, I do the most sultry smile I can muster and stuff them in his pocket, "To help remind you of what we're fighting for."

I feel his confusion in the bond, though his face gives nothing away. He slowly reaches into his pocket, and his eyes widen when he feels what I left for him. The sexiest growl I've ever heard leaves his lips as he pulls me even closer and roughly runs his hands up my legs, under my skirt, and right onto my bare ass, grabbing it, and squeezing hard. "Miss Stackhouse, I'm scandalized. You're going out in public without any underwear?"

"Oh no, I have them you just happen to be holding them for me."

He chuckles, but his face quickly loses all humor, and the lust is back as he takes my lace undies, brings them up to his face, and inhales deeply, exhaling with a moan, "Gods, you smell better than any perfume or natural scent I've ever had the pleasure of smelling."

Dang it, my blush is back, I just know it. "Okay, okay, you just make sure to keep that dirty talk contained to when we're alone, okay?"

He looks at me with incredulity, "And you expect me to do that even after you've given me such a delicious present?" He shakes his head, "Sorry, dear one, but you've brought this on yourself. I don't know how you expect me to behave myself, having a constant supply of your delicious arousal right under my nose all night?"

Okay, he's right, I did kind of bring this on myself. I look at the underwear, wondering if I can quickly snatch them back. He can obviously see what I'm thinking because he uses vamp speed to stuff them into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. I huff, I'll never be able to get it back now that he knows I want it, he smirks his victory at me before resting his hand on my lower back and leading me out of the room.

All the playfulness leaves Eric and the bond as soon as we step into the living area, where Pam and Karin are waiting for us, obviously ready. Eric is in sheriff mode now, or, I guess, after tonight, if all goes to plan, I can call it king mode. Woah, it's a little strange to think he's going to be king in a matter of hours, and he wants me to be named his queen. It's a lot to take in, even though I've already had a while to wrap my mind around it.

I decide to put off that train of thought yet again, for now, it's best to worry about the matter at hand, the council meeting. I look at the clock and see that it's 7:15, we better get going; I have no idea what traffic is like here or exactly how far we are from the meeting spot, and I don't like being late anywhere. Plus, I doubt it looks good being late to the council vote that's meant to decide the rest of your future. Thankfully, Eric and the rest are on the same page; they're quickly running through plans and contingencies one more time as we're walking to the hotel door.

Eric goes to open it but quickly stops and turns to all of us, "Remember, for now, we're just meant to look like we're worried about the vote, we can't speak about anything that is supposed to happen after, especially because they've sent a car for us to get to the meeting. There is no doubt the car will be bugged and that it will be listened to as they are deliberating."

I nod my head eagerly, making it clear that I understand, while the other two women just look bored at Eric's words. He must see what he needs from them because he nods his head and opens the door. The car they have waiting for us is a limo. It's really nice, and there is even alcohol to drink, but I'm way too wined up and nervous to even consider enjoying the ride. The vampires of the group seem completely comfortable, like they're not going into a meeting that will decide the rest of Eric's life. It's not even like they're hiding their emotions and worries (which I know they are) because, in the bond, Eric is completely calm right now.

I look out of the window as we're driving through San Francisco, lost in my own thoughts. If everything goes to plan tonight, not only will we not have Freyda hanging over us, but we won't have to worry about DeCastro ever again, we'll finally just be able to be us and enjoy our lives together. Sure, I know there will be times we'll be in danger because of people wanting to take the king down or they want my telepathic abilities, but that's not going to happen anywhere. We'll be free. We won't have the stresses of people trying to pull us apart anymore; we can just be together. Maybe we could try the whole bonding thing again, just more planned and less it being thrown on me, I think I'd like that. No, I know I'd like that. I don't have that same fear of commitment I used to have; I want it all with him. Plus, we're already married in one way, there's no reason not to do it in the others. We could get married in the day with just a few close people we trust and pledge at night with everyone we want.

Eric's amusement and love are flowing brightly through the bond; I look up at him to see he's already looking at me. Crap, I did it again, didn't I? He heard my thoughts. Wow, thank the lord he likes what he was hearing because that'd be super embarrassing if he didn't. He wraps his arms around my neck and pulls me close. The rest of the ride is a comfortable silence, and I almost forget what we're about to do because everyone in the limo seems so calm and comfortable, even myself, after Eric heard my thoughts.

That all comes to a quick end when I feel the limo pull to a stop, and I see we're outside of some huge, unremarkable building. Eric squeezes my shoulder once in comfort before taking his arm from around me and reaching to open the door. With one deep breath, I take a step out, my vampires following behind me. Once Eric uncurles while getting out of the car, he automatically walks to me and rests his hand on my lower back. I'm not sure what the change is from a earlier, but this touch is much more dominant, I feel a surge of anger that I quickly stomp down, I know the rules by now.

The first person we see is Niall; we haven't even made it inside the building yet, I think he might have been waiting for us to get here. He looks down at me with a smile, opening his arms to me. I give him what's meant to be a quick hug, but I should have known better, I can't turn down the warm, powerful feelings I get while hugging other fairies, let alone one as old and as powerful as Niall. "Dear granddaughter, I'm glad to see you've made it."

"Niall, good to see you too. Yeah, we got here just fine,"

"I'm glad I've decided to come out here to meet you before you went inside."

"Why is that?" I ask, not trying to sound annoyed but just genuinely wondering.

"Because I had a feeling you accidentally, or maybe on purpose, you left this behind." He said, pulling out my crown with a flourish.

I hold in my groan, just barely. Okay, so maybe I really did leave it behind on purpose, but why do I need it? I have Bridgant blood, and the head of the Bridgant line will be there to tell everyone it's not like I need a stupid crown to show it. "Why do I need to wear this? You're here to tell everyone of my royal blood."

"I cannot speak on your behalf; I can't speak on behalf of anyone in your position, I especially can't look like I'm playing favorites and breaking the rules for the family. However, each of the council members is allowed to answer any questions that are asked of them, in fact, they must answer. So, you see, you have to fight and advocate for yourself, I can only agree with that advocation. You must go in there looking and acting like the royalty that you are, or else the consequences can be dire." He adds almost so low I bed even the vampires can't hear; I'm not sure why I can, maybe the fairy Kool-aid, "For both of us."

I sigh but don't fight, I take the crown and put it on. Even though I didn't bring it with me, I used a hairstyle that was meant to go around it in case this happened, so I slipped it perfectly into my braided bun. Wait a minute, how did Niall get it? He must have been in our hotel room. Mother fucker. He must have been in there while we weren't. Man, do I gotta bone to pick with him? Either way, now isn't the time to worry about it. We have more important things to worry about, I think while looking up at the big, ambiguous building.

I lean into Eric as much as I can while still keeping that master/owner distance to try to get some comfort as we start walking up the steps into the building. It isn't until we're almost at the top that I realize this is silly. We're not around just vampires; we're with all supernaturals. So we don't have to abide by vampire rules. I'm a royal, no matter how much I try to fight it, and technically, Eric isn't even a sheriff anymore, so for anyone other than vampires, looking at us, I'm up a few rungs from him in the hierarchy, I don't have to keep this BS fake status thing, And I don't want to.

So I won't. I reach behind my back and grab Eric's hand, lacing my fingers through his. He stops walking and looks at me with his brow quirked, not needing to voice his question, so I answer, "I'm a princess, and I have to emphasize that I can't be submissive to anyone, especially someone with no title," I lean in and whisper so low I'm sure no one, no even a vampire can hear from afar, "At least not until tomorrow."

He smiles at me but doesn't respond. For the first time since I grabbed his hand, his fingers tighten around mine, showing me that he supports me and isn't going to fight my decision. I smile at him one more time before looking back up at the door and taking a step closer, ready to face whatever is coming. I put one foot in front of the other, doing everything in my power to not let the anxiety get a hold of me. I'm stronger than that, and even if I'm not, I have to do everything in my power to show that I am. This is not a place where I can get away with showing any weakness; they're all sharks in the water looking for me to slip up so they can eat me and take over. It's not even about me; it's about Eric, he's been through enough trauma in his life, Appius Livius Ocella, I think, is all I have to say to make my point.

So, with one more deep breath, and one more reassuring look at Eric, we both put our hand on opposite sides of the French doors and push it open…