Chapter 7 – A Low Swell

Author’s Note: I wrote this in two parts. When Breathesgirl, my Kitchener beta champion, read the first part she was concerned that the story was headed in a dark direction. It led to some conversation and the concerns were addressed when the second part was released. It convinced me that the best course was to combine the parts and release as one long chapter. This allows the narrative to unfold and doesnโ€™t send the reader in the wrong direction.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author.ย  The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.ย  No copyright infringement is intended.

 

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Nautical Note: A low swell at sea signifies that some event has happened somewhere beyond the horizon that has carried enough force that it has created huge, underwater waves.ย ย  These waves can travel hundreds of miles and end as tsunamis or record surf on distant shores. The more regular the swell and the longer the time interval between them, the more force the unseen water that moves just below the surface carries with it.

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Sookie looked around her at the lovely potted trees that dotted the rooftop garden. Above her the trailing scarlet honeysuckle flowed up and over the pergola.ย ย  Sookie had been led from the bedroom area to a large industrial kitchen on the ground floor. Once she had been delivered, her escort had turned and left without another word. Sookie had approached a man in the kitchen who was near the stoves and asked if she could have breakfast. In no time at all he had prepared her a plate of fresh fruit and eggs with toast. The man who had done the cooking had suggested she might wish to eat on the rooftop terrace and Sookie had followed him through corridors and up two flights of stairs to this place.

When she introduced herself, the man had told her he knew who she was but he had made it clear that he wasnโ€™t going to share his own name. โ€œJust an employee,โ€ heโ€™d said with a smile. Sookie peeked into his head and although he wasnโ€™t a clear broadcaster she got the impression that he was purposely avoiding knowing anything about her; like he was afraid of getting too involved. He set her up at the table and asked if there was anything else she needed.

When Sookie asked for coffee the cook left and then the coffee had appeared after a short delay with a different man. This new person set down a tray that included milk, sugar and one cup in addition to a coffee pot. As he turned to leave Sookie asked whether there were hummingbirds here but the man shrugged and told her he didnโ€™t know.ย ย  As Sookie watched his back retreating down the stairs she peeked in his brain too. He was the same as the first; not negative, just not wanting to get to know too much about her.

Sookie decided she would wait until Eric rose and then ask him about it.

The sunlight filtered through the leaves and the air around her was heavy with the perfume of blossoms and the lazy buzzing of hundreds of bees and wasps.ย ย  Sookie closed her eyes and found herself thinking of her Granโ€™s rose bushes in Bon Temps and the way the bees used to fly, fat and full from one blossom to the next. She found herself missing the scent of the pond in back of Jasonโ€™s house and the way the air moved heavy and rich in the cemetery where her Gran was resting.ย ย  Sookie sent a quick wish that everything at home was good and that she would see her friends and family soon.ย ย  Her eyelids were bright with the light of day and she took a deep breath as she allowed herself to truly relax. And then, without warning the light went dark.

Sookie opened her eyes and jumped.ย ย  There was a tall thin woman standing in front of her, her hair outlined by the sun.

Sookie held a hand up over her eyes to try and cut back the glare. โ€œWell, hey,โ€ Sookie said.

The woman didnโ€™t say anything, she just continued to stare and Sookie got the feeling she should be worried.ย ย  Sookie felt her smile settle into something a little less welcoming but then she decided that she would follow her Granโ€™s advice and press on her best manners. โ€œCan I ask the folks downstairs to get you something?โ€ Sookie asked. โ€œI have some coffee right here. Iโ€™m sure that I can get you an extra cup.โ€

โ€œI donโ€™t do breakfast,โ€ the woman said. There was something about her nasally voice that told Sookie that this had to be Twy, Ericโ€™s publicist from New York.

โ€œWell thatโ€™s okay,โ€ Sookie said, her smile thinning again. โ€œLots of folks donโ€™t.โ€

โ€œSo, you would be the famous Sookie Stackhouse,โ€ the woman said and she moved a little to pull out a chair and sit down. Sookie sat up and made sure her lips looked more pleased than presumed upon.

โ€œWell, you must be Twy,โ€ Sookie replied. โ€œEric and Pam have told me a little about you. And, of course I saw you on TV when you were in Los Angeles.โ€ And then Sookie felt her smile become a little more genuine. โ€œEric told me what you did and I am really grateful. If Felipe had won that lawsuit Iโ€™d probably be a prisoner in Las Vegas now. So thank you.โ€

Twy tilted her head a little to the side. Sookie had the impression that the woman was a stork and that she was an insect. โ€œYou are pretty. Weโ€™ll have to see how you look on the other side of the lens. Your voice is pleasant. Should sound well on the playback.โ€ Then the woman sighed, โ€œOf course you are on the heavy side. Weโ€™ll have to adjust wardrobe. Canโ€™t have Northman looking like heโ€™s shopping at Walmart.โ€ Then her look turned a little more considering. โ€œBut then again it could play well for mainstreaming. Vampire king and Miss Average America.โ€ Then Twyโ€™s look sharpened and Sookie felt like she was back under the lens again. โ€œSo what happened to you last night? Your vampire boyfriend was off his game and he didnโ€™t relax until the scary one returned.โ€

โ€œThalia?โ€ Sookie asked.ย ย  Sookie saw that Twy was now waiting for some kind of answer. โ€œIt was the crowds,โ€ Sookie started. โ€œAll those people. It was just overwhelming.โ€

Twyโ€™s eyes narrowed. โ€œWhat do mean? Like enochlophobia? You have a problem with crowds?โ€

Sookie shook her head and let out a sigh. โ€œItโ€™s not a fear of crowds. Itโ€™s that I wasnโ€™t prepared and I couldnโ€™t get my walls in place.โ€

Twyโ€™s look turned distinctly skeptical. โ€œWhat in the hell are you talking about?โ€

Sookieโ€™s eyes widened. โ€œOh,โ€ she said. โ€œIโ€™m sorry. I guess I assumed Eric had told you about me.โ€ Sookie smiled and tapped into her new found resolve; the resolve that she was who she was and that was just going to have to be okay with other people. โ€œIโ€™m a telepath. I hear other peopleโ€™s thoughts.โ€ She glanced at Twy whose attitude was quickly souring and Sookie realized she was a pretty clear broadcaster at the moment. โ€œLike right now youโ€™re thinking that I must be some kind of cheap carnival act and you figure that Eric was fooled because he couldnโ€™t see past my tits.โ€ Twyโ€™s expression changed and Sookie caught the other womanโ€™s eyes start to widen.

Then Twy said, โ€œAnyone could have intuited that Iโ€™d feel that way. Iโ€™m not sure Iโ€™m convinced.โ€

โ€œWell,โ€ Sookie continued, โ€œI can also tell you that youโ€™re really sorry Chloe left you to go work for your rival. You are worried sheโ€™ll tell stuff about you that will be embarrassing but youโ€™re mostly missing her because you really liked her.โ€

Twy held up her hand, โ€œOkay,โ€ she said. โ€œLetโ€™s say Iโ€™m convinced. You canโ€™t tell me that youโ€™ve lived in some kind of hole in the ground. You have to have been out and about with people sometime. I mean, how in the world am I going to sell Northman linked to a recluse?โ€ But as soon as the words left her mouth, Twyโ€™s considering look returned.

Sookie held up her hand. โ€œItโ€™s not like that. I did make a point of staying away from big crowds and when I was little I had a hard time in school. But Iโ€™ve learned how to put up a kind of wall that lets me block out the noise so I can function. But it takes practice and truth be told, I havenโ€™t spent a lot of time with humans lately.โ€

Twy continued to look like she wasnโ€™t buying what Sookie was telling her. โ€œBut you were in Nashville walking around. The place was packed. How was that different?โ€

โ€œWell, Nashville was mostly vampires. I canโ€™t hear them.โ€ Twy gave Sookie a sharp look and the telepath nodded. โ€œItโ€™s true. I canโ€™t hear vampires at all. And I donโ€™t hear weres all that easily either. I can, but I have to really work at it.โ€ Sookie shrugged.ย ย  โ€œGuess thatโ€™s been one of the reasons I feel comfortable around vampires. I donโ€™t have to work on blocking them all the time so I can just relax.โ€

โ€œBut, you think that if you had practice you could handle being around more humans?โ€ Twy asked. Then she followed it with, โ€œIs there some kind of limit to the number, do you think?โ€

Sookie shook her head, โ€œNo, I donโ€™t think thereโ€™s a limit. But even with practice if I am surrounded by a bunch of people pushing and shoving at me, I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ll ever be able to handle that well.โ€

Twy shrugged. โ€œWho does? The key is not to embarrass yourself and you managed to do that. I heard Thalia telling Eric you passed out but you got out of the room before you did it. Did you mean to do that?โ€

โ€œYes,โ€ Sookie told her. Twy smiled then and nodded. She held her hand up and Sookie noticed a woman hovering near the stairs. The woman scrambled forward and placed a tablet in Twyโ€™s outstretched hand.

Twy brought the tablet forward and then almost immediately tossed it backwards. The woman scrambled to catch it. โ€œI canโ€™t read electronics outside in this glare. You should have adjusted it for the light, Sonder.โ€

โ€œYes, Twy,โ€ the woman said abjectly.

โ€œTell me the agenda for this afternoon,โ€ Twy demanded. All the while she never took her eyes off Sookie. Twy could have been talking to a computer or the voice recognition on her cell phone.

The woman identified as Sonder started reciting like she was repeating her multiplication tables. โ€œWe have photographs scheduled in three hours. They were specifically requested by Mr. Northman. We are allowed to send some to the local media. Then there is the walkthrough of the property. Assessments for all public rooms and decisions about redecorating for the Architectural Digest people. They said since they did Oklahoma they should get first crack at New Orleans. Then there is television testing and interview skills assessment for Miss Stackhouse. Then Mr. Northman will join us for photographs of the couple together.โ€ The woman folded her hands and looked down.

Twy turned her shoulders toward the young woman all the while keeping Sookie captured in her narrow stare, โ€œIs everything ready downstairs?โ€

The woman looked at Sookie. โ€œYes. The hairdresser and stylist are already here. I received a text that they rounded up appropriate clothing and there was a box of jewelry in the suite that they have brought down. The guard said it belonged to the former Queen.ย ย  The shoot crew is setting up in one of the larger rooms. They had to send for extra lights. Your consultants are also setting up for sound and video checks.โ€

โ€œLook,โ€ said Sookie, โ€œI think we should just wait until Eric is here. I donโ€™t think Iโ€™m ready for all this.โ€

Twyโ€™s eyes narrowed and Sookie suddenly felt like she was faced with a thin, rather angry snake. โ€œNow you listen to me, Sookie, you are going to get yourself downstairs and into that chair right now. Iโ€™m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and pretend that last night was all a misunderstanding. But if you are going to be difficult I can just as easily leave. And then you and your Eric can figure out how to juggle the media that is already howling at your door.โ€ Twy arched her eyebrow and Sookie felt like she was seeing the old Sheriff of Area 5 at his most asshole-ishness.

Sookie could hear Sonderโ€™s thoughts from across the patio almost chanting, โ€˜Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.โ€™

Sookie plastered a smile on her face and said, โ€œWell, bless your little heart! Iโ€™d love to go downstairs with you, Twy.โ€

Twyโ€™s gaze became a little less laser-like and she had a bit of a smile playing around the edges of her mouth.ย ย  โ€œI speak fluent Southern, sweetie pie.ย ย  I know a โ€˜fuck youโ€™ when I hear one, and I donโ€™t care. As long as you do what I say and get with the program weโ€™ll get along just fine.โ€

Sookie had picked up her cup and followed Sonder down the steps. โ€œI really think I should take a shower first,โ€ Sookie said under her breath.ย ย  Sonder didnโ€™t stop. They descended two flights of stairs and walked down a corridor. They found themselves in a larger room that was made almost claustrophobic by the absence of any windows. There were folding screens at one end of the room along with what looked like a hospital gurney.ย ย  Twy walked past her and flipped her long, lacquered nails towards the bed.

โ€œOff you go,โ€ she said. The publicistโ€™s attention was on the couch and photograph crew setting up to the far side of the room and she stepped away in that direction. Several women in pink shirts stepped forward and smiled at Sookie. Sonder glanced at the telepath and then scampered after Twy.

Sookie felt like she had stepped into a strange world that belonged in one of the horror movies she watched from time to time. She was sure that some bizarre costumed character would step out of the wings at any moment and things would just keep whirling like some demented merry go round.

Then one of the women spoke. โ€œHi, Iโ€™m Katerina. I will be overseeing your treatment today.โ€ The woman took Sookieโ€™s arm and steered her towards the folding screens. โ€œWe will start with an overall cleansing, then hair removal and a massage. While you are resting we will handle your nails; nothing too froufrou. Twy specifically instructed we keep it to a clean, French manicure.ย ย  We will address your facial cleansing and teeth cleaning while the highlights go in. And then styling and makeup.โ€ She smiled in a way that was meant to make Sookie feel more relaxed. โ€œI know it sounds like a lot and it will take a few hours, so is there any particular music you would like to hear or something you would like on hand to drink or eat?โ€

Sookie shook her head and suddenly she was being stripped and warm cloths applied all over her. They scrubbed her everywhere and Sookie couldnโ€™t stop blushing. Katerina complimented her on her skin tone and her overall appearance and Sookie couldnโ€™t bring herself to explain the rejuvenating powers of vampire blood. She just smiled her Crazy Sookie smile and nodded. Then they started waxing and Sookie was too busy flinching to be embarrassed. When the technicians started to part her lower lips and buzz away the hair she spoke up, โ€œHey, yโ€™all, I donโ€™t really know about trimming that.โ€

โ€œWe have instructions to clean away everything and trimming is the first step.โ€

โ€œYou mean youโ€™re going to wax there too?โ€ Sookie said and she found she was gasping at the thought of having that ripping, burning sensation around her lady parts.

โ€œWell, we could just do a high bikini wax this time and not go full Brazilian. Iโ€™ll check with Miss Twy,โ€ and Katerina scooted around the screen.ย ย  Sookie had a sinking feeling and then she thought about Eric and found herself blushing all over again.

Twy came stalking around the screen. โ€œI hear youโ€™re afraid?โ€

Sookie stared and she found her temper flaring. โ€œThis ainโ€™t about being afraid. But where I come from only certain girls do the kind of pruning youโ€™re talking about and I have never been one of them.โ€ Sookie remembered โ€˜hearingโ€™ Dawn thinking about waxing her entire pubic area and she knew some men seemed to like how everything looked bald.ย ย  But Sookie also knew that the god fearing Christian women she knew generally didnโ€™t do those things or at least didnโ€™t think about them.

Twy rolled her eyes. โ€œI donโ€™t really know how they did things in Trailerloosa or Backwoods Burb or wherever youโ€™re from but there are clothing items that just donโ€™t hang correctly with any shrubbery, so stop making a fuss.โ€

Sookie made a decision; this was where she was going to make a stand. โ€œI am not changing anything down there until I talk with Eric,โ€ she said. โ€œWe like things just the way they are and Iโ€™m not messing with that. I donโ€™t care how โ€˜fashion-donโ€™tโ€™ that makes me.โ€

Twy glared at her and Sookie glared right back. Finally Twy waved her fingertips again. โ€œFine. Bikini wax then. Itโ€™s not like you could fit into couture at the moment anyway.โ€

Sookie leaned back and when the right moment came she yelled plenty loud. She couldnโ€™t imagine if the women had yanked out even more.

Sookie heaved a sigh of relief when the wax cart was removed and she was flipped on her stomach and warm towels were applied to the whole backside of her body. Then while a woman worked on the nails of one of her hands another started massaging her legs. By the time her toes and fingers were finished Sookie felt like a warm loose mess. She was almost dozing when she was poked and then helped to her feet. Sookie found herself moved into a chair and then she was surrounded by a new crew. This group started playing with her hair and applying lotions to her face.

By the time everything was finished, Sookie felt like she had been stretched through a large set of rollers. She felt sore but in a new and shiny kind of way.ย ย ย ย ย ย  She could tell that the activity at the other end of the room had picked up.

Sookie stood up and was walked to another area where more screens were assembled and racks of clothing either hung against the screens or hung on a clothes rack. There werenโ€™t a lot of choices, but Sookie wasnโ€™t surprised. She just didnโ€™t have a lot of clothes. Most of the wardrobe she had had been gifts to her from the kings after the fire.ย ย  As she looked around she saw a few new things. Then the women were pulling her robe from her and handing her new underwear. It was a matching set in coral and Sookie thought it was more than a little racy and was sure Eric would love it. Then she was handed a long white shirt that fell almost to her knees. Her hair was fluffed around her face.

Twy looked at her. โ€œGood. Pretty and sexy without being provocative. Letโ€™s dress it up with jewelry. Whatโ€™s in that box?โ€

Sookie was led to the main part of the room and the photographer walked over and introduced himself. Then he seated her on the sofa and started moving around lights.ย ย  He signaled and several of the servants from the palace assisted in moving things until he was satisfied that the angles and number of lights worked.

Twy had walked over and there was another servant holding a large wooden chest. Twy opened it and started looking. The servant reached over and pulled out what looked like a silver or platinum chain with a tassel of gems at one end and a round circle at the other. The servant looked shyly at Sookie.ย ย  โ€œThis belonged to Miss Hadley,โ€ the servant said.

โ€œReally?โ€ Sookie said. She thought about her cousin. She thought about the woman she had seen during the ectoplasmic reconstruction; the one who had been heartbroken that the Queen would marry another. Sookie felt a little catch in her throat and said, โ€œIโ€™d like to wear that.โ€ Twy took the necklace from the servantโ€™s hand and held it up for the photographerโ€™s inspection.

โ€œYes,โ€ he said. โ€œThat will do nicely. And find earrings.โ€

Sookie put on the jewelry and then allowed the photographer to arrange her; first sitting and then semi-reclining on the sofa. He took photos and then had them scanned up onto a screen on the wall. Sookie couldnโ€™t believe that the golden woman she saw in the photographs was really her.ย ย  There was a murmur at the door to the hallway and Sookie could feel the voids that meant vampires were joining the crowd that had gathered to watch the session. Then as if she could sense him, she knew Eric was close.

Sookie looked up, anticipating Ericโ€™s face. She could see herself the way the camera saw her; poised and beautiful and looking like a movie star.ย ย  There was a movement at the door and then there he stood, his eyes meeting hers and Sookie felt so proud.

And then in an instant it changed. Eric walked towards her, his face stormy and tight; his fangs fully distended. โ€œWho gave you that?โ€ he growled and he pointed at her necklace.

โ€œEric!โ€ Sookie exclaimed, โ€œWhat is going on? โ€œ Sookie put her hand over the necklace and said, โ€œThis was Hadleyโ€™s. Whatโ€™s your problem?โ€

Ericโ€™s jaw was tense and he lisped slightly through his fangs. โ€œI want you to take it off immediately and hand it to me.โ€

Sookie was angry and she could feel tears coming to her eyes and that just made her madder. โ€œEric, I donโ€™t have anything from Hadley. I donโ€™t have hardly anything from any of my family anymore. Please donโ€™t take this from me.โ€ But even as she spoke she could see there was something in his eyes and Sookie unhooked the chain. She looked at the sparkling jewels in the little tassel before holding it over to him.

Eric took the necklace from her hands. His eyes met hers and Sookie thought she could see a mixture of anguish and rage. Then he turned and with a swift movement, he ripped the necklace apart and threw the pieces against the wall. โ€œYou are mine!โ€ he proclaimed. Then he turned around to face the rest of the room and said loudly, โ€œThis is my intended. She is mine!โ€

When Eric turned back and looked at Sookie his face was sad.ย ย  After a moment he raised his head again and scanned the room, taking in the people and vampires who stood, open-mouthed and watching the drama playing out in front of them. โ€œGet out,โ€ Eric said quietly. Thalia stepped up from behind him and the palace personnel filed from the room.

Eric turned back to Sookie but he spoke to Twy who was standing open-mouthed nearby. โ€œWeโ€™re done for the day,โ€ he told her. โ€œI want every photograph of Sookie wearing that necklace destroyed. There can not be one copy left. You understand?โ€

Twy drew herself up. โ€œNo, but itโ€™s your money. Theyโ€™ll be gone.โ€ Twy tilted her head back. โ€œYou are going to have to explain all this to me. โ€œ

โ€œPam will be here tomorrow. She will be able to explain,โ€ Eric said. He didnโ€™t break eye contact with Sookie.

Twy waved her hand and her people grabbed their things and headed for the door.

Sookie found herself alone in the room with Eric and Thalia.ย ย  โ€œIf you want jewels, รคlskare, I will give them to you,โ€ Eric whispered. And then he turned to Thalia. โ€œStay with her. I need to see if I can undo the damage thatโ€™s been done.โ€ย ย  Before Sookie could even register the movement, Eric was gone and she was alone with Thalia.

Sookie took a deep breath and stood up. โ€œWhat the hell was that about?โ€ She looked in the direction that Eric had thrown Hadleyโ€™s necklace and walked over.

As she was about to lean down to pick up the broken pieces, Thalia hissed, โ€œDonโ€™t touch it.โ€

Sookie stood back up and turned fully towards Thalia. โ€œOkay, something happened here and I have no idea what it was. I want you to explain it to me.โ€

Thalia nodded and walked forward. โ€œThe necklace you were wearing? Did many see it on you?โ€

Sookie licked her lips and then drew in a breath. She thought about the people who had walked through the room over the past few hours. She thought about the crowd at the door. โ€œYes,โ€ she said. โ€œThere were a lot of people. Why? Whatโ€™s wrong with that necklace?โ€

Thalia grimaced. โ€œIt proclaims you the kingโ€™s pet. It makes clear you are his woman and not his consort. Of course it is a misunderstanding, but it will be harder now to make our kind understand your place here.โ€

Sookie had a sinking feeling. She walked over to the couch and sat down. โ€œYou know, there hasnโ€™t been one person here today who even wanted to get to know my name. I tried to introduce myself but folks acted like they didnโ€™t want to get too close. Even the guard in our rooms; Titus? He called me the kingโ€™s woman. That means something, doesnโ€™t it?โ€

Thalia didnโ€™t answer but she didnโ€™t have to. Sookie knew.

Sookie shook her head. โ€œItโ€™s just like before; before Sam; before Oklahoma! From the minute we arrived not one thing has gone right.ย ย  Itโ€™s back to vampire politics and trying to make it work in a world where I always seem to be ten steps behind everyone else.โ€

Thalia walked over to her. โ€œWhen did you eat last?โ€ she asked. Sookie shook her head. She really had no idea. Thalia nodded. โ€œEat first.โ€

Sookie was suddenly too tired to argue. As she followed Thalia she asked, โ€œDo you suppose we can just send someone to bring something up the roof? Itโ€™s real pretty up there and frankly Iโ€™d like to get out into the air for a while.โ€ Thalia nodded and led the way to the rooftop. As they emerged into the open and under the night sky the dark vampire picked up what looked like a house phone from the wall and spoke rapidly. Then she walked over and actually sat down across from Sookie.

Sookie realized it was the first time they had been alone together since the training accident in Jackson; the first time since this nightmare had begun. โ€œThalia? You okay?โ€

Thalia scowled at the telepath. โ€œOf course. Why?โ€

Sookie dropped her eyes, her shame weighing heavy. โ€œWell because Iโ€™m pretty sure I stabbed you a bunch of times.โ€

Thalia smiled, showing her teeth. โ€œI underestimated you, fairy. I wonโ€™t do it again.โ€ When Sookie continued to look at her with concern Thaliaโ€™s expression turned dark. โ€œStop looking at me like Iโ€™m some weakling. It was a scratch and I healed. You make too much of things, breather.โ€

Sookie relaxed a little. โ€œThanks Thalia. I appreciate you saying that.โ€

Sookie got a ding on her phone and looked at the message. It was from Russell Edgington. Sookie looked up to excuse herself but it appeared that Thalia had slipped into downtime.

R: Trust all is going well and you are settling in.

S: Everything is fine. Thanks.

R: Can Viking spare you for a week? Iowa needs your services.

S: Starting when?

R: Travel tomorrow and work day following?

Sookie looked at the message. She set the phone on the table. She didnโ€™t know what to say. She didnโ€™t know what to do about any of this. The happy hours she and Eric had spent in Jackson seemed like another life; someone elseโ€™s life.ย ย  Sookie realized she desperately wanted to return to that time before. She thought about how happy she had been in Jackson and Minnesota and the smiling faces of people who liked her and talked with her.

Sookieโ€™s thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of a woman coming up the stairs, a tray in her hands. She walked to the table where Sookie and Thalia sat and set the tray down. She bowed briefly and turned to leave. Suddenly Thalia was alert and grabbed the womanโ€™s arm. โ€œIs that any way to greet your mistress?โ€

The woman looked up, her eyes wide. She bowed to Thalia, โ€œMy pardon, Mistress,โ€ she said. Thaliaโ€™s fangs ran down.

โ€œStupid woman,โ€ Thalia hissed. โ€œI am not Mistress here.โ€

Sookie shook her head. โ€œThalia, leave it,โ€ she said. Sookie looked at the food in front of her and found she had no appetite.ย ย  The woman turned and ran down the stairs.

Thalia huffed. โ€œThings were not prepared. People were not readied. The housekeeper was notified but she failed to understand her duty. Now things will need to be done and examples made.โ€ Thalia smiled again, but the sight was not pleasant.

Sookie found herself looking over the wall that surrounded the terrace at the lights of the city. Somewhere a car horn sounded and there were the noises of traffic and people on the street talking. A faint sound of music carried and the smell that was so distinctly the Big Easy surrounded her. โ€˜Somewhere, on the other side of this wall is a normal world,โ€™ Sookie thought. โ€˜A world that makes sense.โ€™ย ย  Sookie found she was bone tired. But it was more than physical exhaustion. She was tired in spirit.

She wasnโ€™t sure how long she sat there in the garden on the palace roof; maybe an hour, maybe more before Eric found them. He leaned down and said something to Thalia. The small vampire rose, bowed briefly and then retreated down the stairs. Eric took Thaliaโ€™s chair and carried it around the table so he could sit side by side with the telepath.

โ€œI am sorry, Sookie,โ€ he said. Then he reached over and took Sookieโ€™s hand in his own. โ€œThis has not gone well so far for either of us. We will try harder tomorrow and things will get better.โ€ Eric rubbed the back of Sookieโ€™s hand with his thumb.

Sookie looked at Eric. She smiled but she knew that her sadness was written on her face. โ€œEric, itโ€™s like Iโ€™m on a runaway train and thereโ€™s nothing I can do to make things stop. And Eric,โ€ Sookie lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it. โ€œEric, I need things to make sense right now.โ€

Eric stroked her cheek briefly and nodded. Then he shifted a little and pulled a box from his pocket. It was a small, square jewelry box and Sookie found her breath catching in her throat. There had been days when she had dreamed of this moment. Eric pulled his hand from hers to open the box and then turned her hand so he could rest the box on her upturned palm and she could see the ring that rested inside. It was a simple band with a ruby set between diamond baguettes. Eric watched her look at the ring and then meet his eyes.

โ€œYou should wear this, รคlskade,โ€ he told her. Eric reached forward to take the ring from the box.

Sookie pulled the box further away from him. โ€œWhy Eric? Why are you giving this to me?โ€ Sookie could see his confusion. โ€œIs it because you are sorry for what happened? Is it because you want to replace the only reminder Iโ€™m ever likely to have of Hadleyโ€™s. Why?โ€

Eric shook his head. โ€œYou could not have known the meaning of that necklace. I know this. We should make your place clear to all. This ring will proclaim you to be important to me.โ€

โ€œSo,โ€ Sookie said. โ€œIt would improve my status if I were to wear this ring? People would know I am yours?โ€

Eric could sense that he was heading into dangerous waters, but he was not sure what to say to get out of the place he now found himself. โ€œI wish you to wear it. It is a jewel that I give you; it does show others how I value you and your place with me.โ€

Sookie could see his confusion. She leaned over and kissed him. Then she closed the box in her hand and gave it back to Eric. โ€œYou should put that somewhere where you wonโ€™t lose it,โ€ she said.

โ€œSookie? I donโ€™t understand,โ€ Eric said to her.

Sookie smiled. โ€œI know you donโ€™t. I donโ€™t think that a ring means the same thing to you and me. You should hold onto it though because Iโ€™m hoping someday it will. And when that day comes Iโ€™ll be proud to wear your ring. But in the meantime we should head downstairs. Iโ€™ll be leaving for Iowa tomorrow and I really need to get some rest.โ€ Sookie stood up. โ€œItโ€™s been a busy day.โ€

โ€œYou wonโ€™t wear my ring?โ€ he stammered.

โ€œNot today,โ€ she said. Then Sookie Stackhouse headed to the stairs determined to find her bedroom and her bed. As Sookie walked to the stairs, she realized she wasnโ€™t exactly sure how to find her way back to their quarters. When she reached the bottom she saw Titus standing guard. He bowed deeply. Sookie stopped and turned around to see Eric following her and carrying her dinner tray.ย ย  She turned back to the guard and waited for Eric to give him the signal to straighten, but from behind her Eric said, โ€œHe is waiting for your word, รคlskade.โ€

Sookie shook her head. โ€œTitus,โ€ she acknowledged.

โ€œMistress,โ€ Titus replied and stood, his gaze meeting hers. Eric walked up beside her then and handed Titus the tray.

โ€œPlease bring that,โ€ he said. Eric stepped past her and hooked out his elbow. Sookie shook her head as she smiled as she linked her arm through Ericโ€™s. โ€œI donโ€™t know why I love you like I do,โ€ she told him. Eric smiled down at her with his bright, boyish smile and Sookie felt her whole heart brighten in spite of herself.

Within a couple of turns they were at their set of double doors. Eric opened one and then stepped back allowing Sookie to walk in first. He followed and then Titus, who set the tray on a small table near the loveseat and chairs. โ€œOut,โ€ Eric said. Titus bowed briefly and left, shutting the doors behind him.

Eric walked over to Sookie and ran his fingertips over her cheek. โ€œPlease Sookie. Please sit and eat something. Then we should talk.โ€

Sookie sighed. There was something about those words that reminded her how soul-weary she felt.

โ€œI guess, Eric. But I canโ€™t say Iโ€™m much feeling like it.โ€ Sookie sat down and speared some salad with her fork. The chicken on the plate was cold and she couldnโ€™t say it looked too appetizing.

โ€œWe could start by talking about how terribly everything has gone here.โ€ When Sookie looked up at him Eric sat down heavily in the chair across from her. โ€œIโ€™m not sure I could have planned this to be any worse than it has been. One disaster after another,โ€ and then Eric threw his head back and made a sound that could have been a laugh. Sookie looked at him and found she was starting to smile. Eric shook his head, a rueful smile playing across his face. โ€œWhen I was in Oklahoma I would imagine how things could go wrong for Freyda.ย ย  Little things. The legs of chairs would break under her ass. Some fat human would bow and break wind and the smell would linger. Her favorite dress would rip. Silly things.โ€ He saw Sookieโ€™s speculative look and he shrugged. โ€œI hated her. It passed the time.โ€

Eric leaned back and laced his hands behind his head. โ€œBut this? Iโ€™m not sure even I have enough imagination to have conjured this.โ€

Sookie looked back at her plate and pushed the meat a little. โ€œYeah, the whole thing needs a real do-over.โ€

Eric looked at her meal and scowled. โ€œAnd it doesnโ€™t stop. You canโ€™t eat that.โ€ He stood and walked to the house phone on a little table. โ€œWhat would you like?โ€ he asked.

โ€œWell, I suppose I should have salad, but after today? Eric, I want a steak; a real big one. And a baked potato and peas. You think they can handle that?โ€

Eric smiled, โ€œThey better!โ€ He picked up the phone and had a quick, direct conversation. Then he walked back, lifted the tray and carried it away from her. He headed to the little kitchenette in the corner and came back with a bottle of blood for himself and a diet soda over ice for her. He sat down heavily on the loveseat next to her. He tilted the rim of his bottle and she lifted her glass and touched his in return. Sookie looked at Ericโ€™s face and she thought about the day; how one disaster had led into the next and she found herself laughing and was almost embarrassed that she was. She put her hand over her mouth to try and hold in her giggling, but the more she tried to stop it the worse it got. Eric looked at her and he started laughing too.ย ย  Finally he just threw his head back and laughed out loud. He pulled Sookie to him and kissed her head.

โ€œOnly you, my lover, could be involved in such a perfectly wretched night.โ€

Sookie wiped the tears from her eyes, โ€œI wouldnโ€™t want to have it with anyone else,โ€ she told him. Then she looked at him and said โ€œIโ€™m Eric Northman! And Iโ€™m King of the World!โ€ and dissolved into another fit of giggles.

โ€œYou disrespect me?โ€ Eric said in a not so serious tone. โ€œYou do so at your peril!โ€ and he pulled her close to tickle her. Sookie started to laugh so hard she snorted. Eric stopped, looked at her and roared with laughter. Finally, they were both wrung out and Sookie found herself gasping for air, Sookie looked up at Eric and asked, โ€œWho thought that last night was a good idea?โ€

โ€œI donโ€™t know, Sookie. Twy, I suppose.โ€

Sookie shook her head. โ€œEric Northman, you are not a rock star. You are not a sports hero. You are not an international playboy; at least not any more. You donโ€™t need that kind of crazy all around you. You always hated to be stuck in that chair with people gawking at you. Why are you letting that skinny-ass Yankee put you in the middle of a feeding frenzy now?โ€

Eric shrugged. โ€œI knew she was arranging something but I was too distracted. I didnโ€™t pin her down and she went too far.โ€

Sookie looked at Eric with new eyes. The scope of what Eric was facing was so much larger than being Sheriff or stepping into Freydaโ€™s shoes. She saw a man who was building something from nothing and he was standing alone. All those who had supported him in the past suddenly had their own jobs and duties. Pam was far away. Thalia was Ericโ€™s second but she was better at providing muscle than organization.

Sookie took Ericโ€™s hand. โ€œWhat if I take care of Twy? I have her number. I can see right into her head and I know every dirty secret she has. She canโ€™t bully me. Would you be okay with that?โ€

Eric actually looked hopeful. โ€œYou would do that? I canโ€™t trust Pam. She thinks itโ€™s amusing to allow that woman to torture me.โ€

It was on the tip of Sookieโ€™s tongue to ask about bringing Karin back, but she knew that something had gone wrong between Karin and Eric; something that involved her.

Sookie took a deep breath and said, โ€œIโ€™ll take care of Twy. I will tell her that we are finished with the circus.ย ย  I will give her the work for the coronation, and I will make it clear that all arrangements go through me from now on.โ€ She looked up again, โ€œYouโ€™re sure?โ€

Eric rewarded her with a bright smile. โ€œYes, รคlskare. This would be good.โ€

There was a discreet knock at the door. Eric looked up and called, โ€œEnter.โ€ A woman came in with a covered tray. She set it down on the table in front of the couple. She bowed and waited. Eric caught Sookieโ€™s eye and raised his brow.

โ€œThank you,โ€ Sookie said. The woman straightened then.

โ€œIs there anything else, Mistress?โ€ she asked.

โ€œNo, weโ€™re fine. Thanks.โ€ Sookie answered. She waited until the woman left. โ€œMistress? Thatโ€™s going to take some getting used to. Canโ€™t they just call me Sookie?โ€

Eric shrugged. โ€œIt will take some time. It would appear the old ways were kept here. Old traditions. I should not be surprised. Sophie-Anne believed in all the protocols of vampire royalty. She loved the discipline and pageantry of ceremony. I think it was because she was turned at so young an age and her background was very poor. The more ornate and intricate the more she wanted it. It was endearing in her.โ€

Eric settled himself back and gestured toward her plate. โ€œEat now,โ€ he said, โ€œBefore it does not smell the same.โ€

Sookie removed the cover from the plate and lifted her fork and knife. The first bite was heavenly and she couldnโ€™t help sighing. Then she became aware that Eric was watching her closely. โ€œIt is real good, Eric, but you could do better.โ€

Eric nodded, but she could see that he did not believe her. โ€œI will miss cooking for you, my Sookie,โ€ he said.

โ€œI will too,โ€ Sookie said and ate another bite. But as she swallowed she said, โ€œbut not the cleaning up after.โ€

Eric pulled her over and leaned forward to kiss her head, then sat back and waited until Sookie was finished. Sookie couldnโ€™t keep the smile from her face and she rubbed her belly a little.

โ€œI know Iโ€™m going to be sorry I ate all of that,โ€ she said.

โ€œWell, perhaps we should help you work it off,โ€ Eric leered. But then his face turned thoughtful. โ€œI am sorry about the necklace, lover,โ€ Eric said. โ€œI truly am.โ€

Sookie took a deep breath and leaned forward. โ€œEric, you are going to have to explain that to me. And you are going to have to use lots of words because I canโ€™t tell you how many kinds of upset I am about all of that.โ€

โ€œYou do not understand what that necklace was; what it represents.โ€ Eric sat forward.

Sookie waved her hand at him. โ€œI do now. Thalia told me. This whole pet thing. Itโ€™s for real?โ€

Eric nodded. โ€œIt is an old tradition.ย ย  Your cousin was well liked here. People at the palace understood that she started as a pet but she became something more. Sophie-Anne was feared but she was also loved. She took care of what was hers. If you were counted as one of her retinue she would defend you to anyone.โ€ Eric looked down at his hands. โ€œShe loved Andre but when she found out about how he trapped you in the hall; in Rhodes when we bonded? She punished him. Did you know that?โ€

Sookie shook her head. โ€œI never heard anything about it.โ€

โ€œThat is perhaps my fault. Things became so confused after the bombing. But that night in the hotel after you left, the Queen bound him in silver and extracted promises from him. Andre would have killed me for interfering on principal but he would never have threatened you again.โ€ Sookie thought about how happy she had been when John Quinn had staked Andre; how she had believed that Andre would remain a threat to her and she suddenly didnโ€™t feel so pleased about it. Eric continued, โ€œIt was something that was unique about her. It was one of the reasons I was loyal to her and supported her.โ€

Sookie saw something slide across Ericโ€™s features. She could see the Eric that did have friendships; the side he kept locked away from most. โ€œYou miss her,โ€ she said.

Eric looked up and smiled. โ€œYes, lover. I miss her. So do all those who served her. And they miss Hadley who was beloved by the Queen.โ€ Eric looked away. โ€œI donโ€™t believe the necklace was offered to you in malice. I believe it was meant as a remembrance. But it was also a clear message to everyone who saw it. It said that not only were you not my equal; you were beneath all but the donors here. To be a pet is to have no status. I had to make the show that I did. Everyone had to understand that I was angry to have you treated in this way and that I did not count you as a pet. I destroyed the symbol and threw it to the floor. I did it in front of witnesses. I treated you with respect and I made it clear that there would be repercussions. And there have been. Melanie, who was chatelaine here, is gone.โ€ Sookie felt her attention sharpen. She wasnโ€™t sure she wanted to know exactly what that meant and decided not to ask. โ€œSo the palace is without a chatelaine at a time when one is needed.โ€ Eric looked back at Sookie, his eyes weary.

โ€œSo, what does that mean, Eric?โ€

โ€œIt means,โ€ said Eric with a sigh, โ€œthat I must cast about for a person that I can trust to run the business of this palace. Someone who is above reproach and who can handle all the duties and people whose lives are tied to this place.โ€

โ€œDoes it have to be a vampire?โ€ Sookie asked.

โ€œNo. It could be another supernatural or a human. But it would need to be a person who is capable of running a household of this size. There are so many duties and details to organize.โ€ Eric shook his head. โ€œI have never had to be concerned with something like this. I had only to worry about the business around me. Even when I was in the retinue of some ruler I had only to be concerned with my duties. I did not have to worry about the work of running the house that provided for me. If I had known more before we came here I would have tried to spend some attention to making sure that our places and expectations were more fully known before we arrived.โ€ Eric shook his head. โ€œI do know it is a hard job and sometimes thankless.โ€

โ€œDamn, Eric,โ€ Sookie grinned. โ€œSounds to me like you need a wife.โ€

Ericโ€™s smile widened and then dimmed just as quickly. โ€œI had not thought of it that way.โ€ Ericโ€™s eyes suddenly seemed to look across a great distance. โ€œI remember hearing my father say those words to me. Aude had died and the Viking season was coming. I would be needed in the boats and I was anxious for the glory of battle.โ€

โ€œThe night Appius found you?โ€ Sookie asked. She brought her hand to his chest and rested it over where his heart would have beat.

Eric came back to himself then and smiled at her; his mask swiftly reinstalled. โ€œYes.ย ย  And now I find myself in that place again.โ€ He looked at Sookie and she could see what was coming.

โ€œNot now, Eric,โ€ she told him. โ€œI do want to be your wife someday when Iโ€™m free. But I am not going to wear your ring right now. It would just feel like it was damage control and thatโ€™s not how a girl ever wants to feel about wearing an engagement ring.โ€ย  Sookie pushed up a little so she could kiss his cheek. โ€œBut I think I can help you out with your housekeeper problem.โ€

Eric tilted his head, โ€œYou have a recommendation?โ€

โ€œWell, sure,โ€ Sookie said. โ€œMe.โ€ When Eric pulled back and his mouth turned down Sookie grabbed the front of his shirt. โ€œNow just a minute buster. Just hear me out. I know I wouldnโ€™t be able to get my hands around everything overnight but itโ€™s not like I donโ€™t have some experience. I do know what goes into running a house; just not a place this big. And I know all about hiring and firing and managing staff. I did all the books and I organized events when I ran Merlotteโ€™s. I know this is bigger and Iโ€™ll have a lot to learn, but I will be able to hear who I put around me and that counts for a lot. And Iโ€™m figuring that I can get help from Pam and maybe some of the others to get me up to speed.โ€

Sookie could see that Eric was worried. โ€œIt would be a great deal to take on, Sookie. Perhaps too much too quickly.โ€ Then he stopped and looked away. Sookie looked at him and she felt her lip push out just a bit.

โ€œEric, I have been drifting now for months. I have been wondering where my place was and what my role would be in it. You know that I need to be busy; to have a real purpose. If I were to organize and oversee what goes on here behind the scenes it would make me your partner in a way, right?โ€

โ€œYou are already that,โ€ Eric told her.

โ€œYeah, yeah,โ€ Sookie said, โ€œI know you feel that way. But what about how other people see me?โ€ Sookie tugged Ericโ€™s shirt until she was sure she had his full attention. โ€œLet me try this, Eric. If I canโ€™t do it then we can come up with another plan and at least you have someone else working on it. I mean, youโ€™re pretty amazing and all but even you can only juggle so much.โ€

Eric nodded. โ€œI can see that you are serious about this รคlskare. Of course we will try this if it is what you desire.โ€

Sookie laid her head against Ericโ€™s chest and drew her feet up beside her. She waited until she could feel him settled against her before she asked, โ€œSo, do we have to keep all the rules? I mean is there a rule that how things run in a palace canโ€™t change?โ€

Eric shrugged. โ€œI donโ€™t think I ever thought about it. Certainly the households I have joined or visited have been different.ย ย  I suppose they reflect the wishes of their rulers,โ€ and Eric pulled Sookie closer.

โ€œSo, I guess that means we could come up with our own rules and create our own style?โ€ When Eric didnโ€™t respond, Sookie said โ€œI have to tell you, Eric. I really liked Maudeโ€™s house.โ€

Eric made a rumbling noise that Sookie was beginning to associate with the vampire thinking something through. โ€œMaude has a unique style. Her house is well run but it is a little informal for my taste. Conducting business in the kitchen? It would not suit me. โ€œ

โ€œWell I donโ€™t know. You look pretty comfortable there these days,โ€ Sookie giggled. Then she stilled and said, โ€œBut of course, youโ€™re right. You were comfortable in Jackson.โ€

Above her Eric nodded. โ€œYes, there are many aspects of the Kingsโ€™ way of conducting business that fit well with how I feel things should be done.โ€

โ€œWell Eric,โ€ Sookie said, โ€œWhat were the things you liked best about Jackson?โ€

Over the next hour they talked about the different aspects of what they liked and what they didnโ€™t like in residences they had visited. Eric liked having a study or some other room that was less formal than an office but not the free-for-all he equated with Maudeโ€™s space. Sookie liked having private space that was just for the two of them where they could retreat and not have to perform for others. At one point Sookie sent for paper and a pen and they developed lists of questions.

When Sookie yawned, Eric pulled the pen from her hand.ย ย  โ€œThis is enough work for now,โ€ he told her. Then he took her hand and rubbed her fingers as he asked, โ€œDo you really have to leave for Iowa tomorrow? Would it be possible to delay a day or two?โ€

โ€œI can check with Russell and see what flexibility is available. If folks are coming from far away it may be too late to make changes.โ€ Sookie picked up her phone and texted Russell. She didnโ€™t tell Eric that she hadnโ€™t yet answered his earlier text. She wasnโ€™t sure why she felt she didnโ€™t need to tell him; she just knew that it was something that was in her control and she needed to keep that control.

She received a message that the king would check and let her know.

Eric stood up and walked toward the bedroom.ย ย  โ€œPam and the sheriffs will start arriving. By tomorrow night they will all be here. I would like to call everyone in the palace together and have them pledge their fealty to us both.โ€ Eric looked at her in an earnest way. โ€œIt will allow me to announce you as my intended; the woman I will bond with. I will demand that they promise themselves to us.โ€

โ€œAnd what if they donโ€™t, Eric? What then?โ€

Eric turned to face the telepath. โ€œThen they will need to leave. I canโ€™t allow disloyalty.โ€

The phone next to Sookie buzzed and she picked it up and accessed text messaging. Sookie spoke to Eric as she read the script. โ€œRussell says that the meetings have been expanded to include Maude. The negotiations are for some kind of research into a genetically improved strain of soybean. Maude has expressed an interest.โ€ Sookie fanned her fingers to scroll down the message. โ€œHe was going to email to let me know of the delay. Could I be ready the first of next week?โ€ Sookie looked up at Eric who simply raised a brow in answer.

โ€œThis is your work, Sookie. You must make these decisions.โ€

โ€œThen I am saying yes and accepting the offer for transport.โ€ Sookieโ€™s fingers moved to text her response, although she had to back up and correct a couple of times. โ€œStupid auto-correct,โ€ she snipped. Eric grinned and Sookie shot him a look. โ€œDonโ€™t you snark at me, Mr. Nimble Fingers. I donโ€™t have your super reflexes or your super speed, but Iโ€™m not half bad at this.โ€

When she was done Sookie laid down the phone and walked to where Eric stood. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his chest. โ€œI can start work with your day staff tomorrow and Iโ€™m going to take care of Miss Twy.โ€

Eric nodded and then pulled back, kissing her forehead. โ€œOf course, lover. The staff here now knows who you are. They should treat you with respect.โ€

Sookie nodded. โ€œYou know? When Iโ€™m in Iowa I bet I could ask Maude for advice on running things. She struck me as someone who is pretty involved herself,โ€ and Sookie found herself brightening at the idea of seeing the Minnesota monarch.

As he stroked her back, Eric sighed a little and then said, โ€œSookie? There is something else. I want you to have a bodyguard. โ€ Eric tightened his hold around her. โ€œNot for the palace here, but for when you leave. There are still enemies. And you, min krigare kvinna, are still breakable.โ€

Sookie stilled. Her immediate reaction was to pull away from Eric and say โ€˜hell no.โ€™ But she forced herself to consider the request. She could feel Eric grow still, doubtless waiting for her to flare and spit at him. Sookie sniffed a little and said, โ€œI know it canโ€™t be Thalia. She has to stay here. And with the people I need to see and the places I need to travel, it canโ€™t be Bubba.โ€ She could feel Eric start to relax just a bit. โ€œBut I donโ€™t want to take anyone from here right now either. I donโ€™t know them and I donโ€™t feel like they know me well enough to be trusted.โ€

โ€œWhat do you have in mind?โ€ Eric asked her.

โ€œI think I should ask Alcide Herveaux to provide me with a were guard.โ€ She could feel Eric tensing up so she continued, โ€œEric, you need to think about this. I am a Friend of the Pack. Jason tells me that the Hotshot Pack and the Shreveport Pack have been co-operating so anyone that Alcide recommends I can double check with both Calvin Norris and Jason. Iโ€™ll ask for a woman and she would be able to be with me during daylight hours as well as during the night. With the kind of travel I need to do and the interaction I have with humans it makes sense.โ€

โ€œI donโ€™t trust the wolf,โ€ Eric stated.

Sookie leaned back and patted Ericโ€™s stomach. โ€œHe never was a member of your fan club either, thatโ€™s for sure. But he did try to do okay by me in a sideways kind of way.โ€ Eric started to growl and Sookie shushed him. โ€œYou are king now. It will be in his best interest to do you a favor. Besides heโ€™s happily married to Kandace and last I heard she was pumping out little Alcides. You should give him a chance.โ€

Eric was looking grumpy but said, โ€œI will call him tonight.โ€ Sookie went up on her tiptoes up and kissed his cheek. Eric turned to her, his eyes stormy.ย ย  โ€œI am not comfortable with this. I do not like you traveling with someone I do not know.โ€

Sookie nodded. โ€œWell, if you call tonight we can ask to have the person sent to us. It will give us a few days to get to know them and maybe something else will come to mind.โ€

Ericโ€™s stance relaxed. โ€œI think you are maneuvering me, lover. But I will leave it for now. There are other things that we need to address.โ€

โ€œWhat other things?โ€ Sookie asked. Ericโ€™s smile became broader and he took her hand and laid it on his hardening cock.

โ€œThings that need to be straight between us,โ€ he whispered.

Later as Eric started to climb forward and over her Sookie remembered the discussion with the spa team. โ€œEric?โ€ she asked. โ€œDo you have a preference for how much hair I have down there?โ€ Eric paused in his efforts, his teeth playfully pulling at her belly.

โ€œI noticed you had less. I assumed it happened at the same time you had your other hair removed.โ€ Ericโ€™s voice seemed carefully neutral and Sookie felt her eyes narrow.

โ€œSo, if I had no hair would you find that more attractive?โ€ Eric started to move lazily up her body. He took a nipple in his mouth and sucked hard, then nipped until it was erect. He moved his fingers back between her legs and stroked in a way that caused her breath to catch.

โ€œI would be pleased with whatever pleases you, lover,โ€ he growled.

Sookie was finding it hard to keep her train of thought. Eric was scissoring his fingers in that way she found almost unbearable. She opened her legs widely and began to move with him. โ€œBut if I had no hair; would that be something youโ€™d like?โ€ she whispered.

Eric positioned himself above her and replaced his fingers with his own long length. As he sank into her slowly, allowing them both to savor the stretch and glide of their joining, he said, โ€œThis is what pleases me, Sookie. This is what is true between us. How you costume it is choice, but this is what is best.โ€

As she felt his pubic bone create friction against her naked skin she hissed a little more.

Later, when Sookieโ€™s breath returned to its regular rhythm and her heart slowed itโ€™s racing Eric pulled her to him and held her in a way that was filled with need.

โ€œEric?โ€ she asked. โ€œWhat is it?โ€

Eric kissed her head, โ€œYou didnโ€™t run,โ€ he said.

โ€œWhat?โ€

โ€œWe fought lover. We fought and everything around us was hard. You were blaming me, as you have in past so many times.โ€ Eric pulled back a little so she could see his eyes, dark in his glowing face. โ€œBut you stayed and we talked and we are together. You did not leave me. You stayed.โ€

There was something in the way he said it; there was relief and gratitude. But there was also the hint of a man who had felt abandoned more than once in his life. Sookie wondered, not for the first time, whether things might have been different if she had only stayed before.

 

eric_northman_by_pamaingel-d5zxeroEric_Northman_5x04

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31 thoughts on “Chapter 7 – A Low Swell

  1. *points finger at self and says slowly Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttcccchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhener, 8 hours westish of Ottawa, lol.
    I love your stories, as you well know ๐Ÿ˜€ and I’m glad others love them as well :D, otherwise I’d be out of a job *smirk*.
    Congrats on the nominations and thanx for being one of those who nominated me :D.

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    1. I am sorry. Meno – brain. It’s a terrible thing to waste! I fixed it in the prologue here. Of course I nominated you! You are a part of my work and I am most grateful. (I hope you win)

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      1. lol, no problem ๐Ÿ™‚
        As kittyinaz pointed out to me on FB, it wasn’t just one person who nominated me or I wouldn’t be on the list, lol, but I am grateful to you and the others who nominated me :D.
        To put my location a little more in perspective for you: I an an hour west of Toronto and three hours east of Michigan. Three hours from Niagara Falls, too.

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  2. Loved it. I think Twy is lucky she didn’t get a smack in the mouth, if I was Sookie I think I would’ve slapped her one. I can’t wait to see Sookie put her in her place. Twy needs to remember she works for Eric and by extension Sookie, not the other way round.

    So someone else was giving the instructions. Now whether is was an unintentional error or something more malicious remains to be seen. I like the idea of Sookie taking over the running of the household, it will give her the confidence she needs and show everyone else she is the lady of the house.

    I’ll probably be in the minority here, but I’m glad Sookie told Eric to give her the ring later. Nobody wants to be ‘proposed’ to as a fix to a fuck up. Even if that’s wasn’t Eric’s whole reason behind it.

    Can’t wait to read more.

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    1. Thank you. And congratulations on your nominations! I am a big fan of your work and I follow you (as you probably know ;-)) It will be a balance now – working for Amun and figuring out a household that feels more like a business. And there are all those protocols and traditions to figure out….
      Now if Eric can just not slip into vampire world….

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  3. Yes, making that a two parter would have definitely lead to believing things were going in the wrong direction. So glad they were able to talk and that she didn’t run from it or him. Love that they talked things out and Eric is willing to let her take on responsibilities she should as his equal. Can’t wait to see Sookie take care of Twy! Also glad she is learning to compromise with Eric too. That is what will make them stronger and happier.

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    1. Reluctantly allowing… Eric has a bit of a control issue – but wouldn’t you if you’d been able to survive that long against long odds? I agree – I don’t mind cliff hangers but I resent red herrings and there was no proper place to break this without leaving a false trail. Thanks

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  4. I applaud your decision not to break this into two chapters, it had the right effect, keeping what happened from seeming worse than it was. They both have things to learn about how to be in a relationship don’t they? All the wrong reasons for giving her the first was on the top of his list. And having her find a way to be useful and prove her value to them is just what she needs. (Twy needs to be put in her place and Sookie may just be the one to do it).

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    1. In my mind it was such an Eric (bonehead) move. The right thing for all the wrong reasons. There is something to be said for practical but it can sure be a romance-killer. “Do you love me?” “Sure, sure, baby, and if we get married by the end of the month I’ll still be meeting my personal timetable.” (Had one of those in my past. I ended up wondering if he had a keyhole in his back where I would need to wind him up in future. But he made a lot of money. Life lesson for me).
      Now if Sookie can just figure out how to balance all the responsibilities she is to merrily committing to taking on….

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  5. Such a great chapter and I can’t wait for Sookie to put Twy on her place! Sookie taking on the responsibility of running the palace behind the scenes is a great idea! It would give her something to fulfill her needs and also make her a partner to Eric, and mostly make her be seen as such. She’s right about it all being a circus currently. She’ll put them all in their places, and fast! LOL! Love this story & can’t wait for more!

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  6. oh my, this was an excellent chapter. such good back and forth between them, even the POV doesn’t shift the complete empathy from one to the other, really well balanced dialogue, and such a genuine coming to terms with each other. she handled herself in the face of Twy’s onslaught so much better than I thought she would. Its in her, she just needs to hold on to it…and everyone needs to understand that every minute is a struggle…

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    1. Sookie is starting to emerge back to herself. She has worked through despair and is getting a handle on her rage. She still struggles with self-blame and self-confidence but you’re right, having something meaningful to contribute will help her in moving forward.

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  7. Excellent chapter!
    I don’t want to be in Twy’s shoes right now!
    Sookie is finally growing up!
    She’s finally telling Eric how their life should be like…nobody has the right to interfer!
    I’m glad that Sookie didn’t accept Eric’s ring…not the right time.
    Jackie69

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  8. Nice. Things didn’t start well but Eric and Sookie have made a lot of progress in fixing the situation. I like that you don’t portray Eric as always being perfect or on top of things.

    About jewelry, in the books where Sookie cleaned out Hadley’ s apartment, there was a safe deposit box that contained jewelry and a lock of baby hair. The jewelry was never mentioned again. I think it went to Sookie with the rest of her possessions.

    Twy is queen of her world. I look forward to Sookie knocking her off her throne.

    Great chapter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re right about Hadley’s box. I figured that in the end Hadley wasn’t a pet, but would it have been possible that since it was hinted she started that way that the Queen would have held onto a memento- perhaps something that they used to tease each other? I did get the impression that they (Hadley and the Queen) loved eachother and so the idea that it would be there and that people in the palace would remember came to be.

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  9. Loved this chapter! It had me nervous a time or two, but I like that in a story ๐Ÿ™‚ Can’t wait to see Sookie handle Twy and the household! So glad Eric is willing to let her step up and really be his partner too. Good luck with your nominations!! I’ve already voted for you several times. ๐Ÿ™‚

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  10. Thank you – very kind. Yeah, so the couple are moving into some new ground. She’s feeling stronger. He’s full of himself. Sparks could fly but they are always at their best when they are sparring. I do see them as closer than they were in past. So – fireworks but no big exits unless one or the other really screws up. Could happen. Just saying. ๐Ÿ˜€

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  11. I’m glad to see hat Sookie is finding her way. She’s working through some of her insecurities and making what she wants known. If Eric and Sookie can keep the lines of communication open I think they may be ok. They don’t have to always agree, but they do need to talk about things. Great work on this story, and congratulations on your nomination.

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  12. Slap Twy? Good – that was how I hoped folks would feel. She is an interesting character and loosely modeled on someone I know (of course – isn’t that what we do?). She truly sees everything through the lens of what’s in it for her. It’s an amazing, amoral, easy way to live life (for her). E/S: This is a pivotal chapter for me – will she run? can he talk? Obviously they still have a long ways to go and you’re right – big challenges. But how they treat each other and how they handle the challenges should be the crucible that forges them together or ends it (and since I’m a sucker for E/S it will be the first – no surprise).
    Thank you

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  13. Oh I can’t wait to see Sookie deal with Twy, I think this was the push she needed to get herself back. Eric’s reaction was a little full on and I’m glad Thalia was there to smooth it over. I doubt the staff will try to usurp her again and I think her taking charge of the palace is a great idea – she needs to feel in control and this will rebuild her confidence and also show them all her place is at Eric’s side. She’ll be a great queen. I was impressed she didn’t run too and Eric’s words broke my heart a little. You do the emotional stuff so damn well!

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  14. taking charge Sookie, about damn time. yes you will be his wife which makes you woman of the house. take the reins and don’t look back, the safe will accept you better. yes she didn’t run but she still needs a lot more encouragement. oh Twy i think you are in for a run for your money honey. looking forward to more. KY

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  15. Twy is a character. Smart and quick on her feet, she’ll opt for forgiveness rather than permission pretty much every time. It is good to see Sookie step up, but she is taking on more than she probably should. She is still fragile, though she won’t admit it.

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