Baile Siochanta (Southern Vampire Mysteries)

Chapter 27 - Broken Webs

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"Get out! Get out!" The Queen shouted. Wybert and Sigebert trundled past Eric and his party, herding courtiers from the room. Eric took Sookie's hand and turned her, thinking to leave as well. His mate hadn't said anything since handing him the knife, but her eyes were shining and that was enough.

"Not you, Northman!" Andre stepped in front of Eric, blocking their way. Pam moved swiftly, taking up position behind Eric's right shoulder. Immediately, the tension around them seemed to escalate from moderate to flash flood warning.

"Eric?" Sookie didn't sound frightened, merely cautious, and he marveled at her again. Sookie hadn't wavered.

"Where do you think you're going, Eric?" Andre mocked. Eric stared Andre down. The threat of danger crowded them, so Eric pulled Sookie to stand between himself and Pam.

"My Queen has asked for her privacy," Eric replied smoothly. "I thought to give it to her."

"You tricked me!" Sophie-Ann used her speed to join Andre. Her crown was askew and her eyes were flint.

"In what way, my Queen?" Eric cocked his head and shifted, to all appearances the bewildered vassal. The Queen was nearly vibrating with anger. Eric's slight movement had freed his sword arm, although he had not thought to bring his blade. He flicked his eyes around him. If Sophie-Ann chose to attack, he could make quick work of her. Pam would have to get around him to move on Andre, although that still left Wybert and Sigebert. The odds were against them and Eric wasn't certain how far Sookie's bravery would extend.

"Personal business? Personal?" Sophie-Ann's voice was climbing. "This," and she pointed at Sookie, her fangs extending, "This is your personal business? Niall Brigant's by-blow?"

"She is," Eric shrugged. He lowered his eyes and shifted again. "I know how little you care for these personal arrangements, but, as I am your Sheriff, I wanted you to know. As my Pledged, Sookie may pick up the phone for me or assist in my work. I didn't want her to be a stranger to you."

"Oh!" and Sophie-Ann's eyes narrowed, "So this was you doing me a favor?"

"Not a favor," and Eric slightly bowed his head. "Merely giving you the courtesy of information."

"You lie as smoothly as any Seelie snake!" the Queen snarled.

"Are you questioning my honor?" Eric asked quietly, yet the effect was immediate. The Queen's children went still in that way only vampires can. If the Queen accepted this as a challenge, there would be a fight and Eric would either meet the final death or emerge as King. With his age, the outcome was in his favor and Sophie-Ann's eyes widened as she realized the danger.

"Of course not," and she flattened her mouth in a straight line. "You should have told me when I first asked you," and she sounded aggrieved.

"I explained that I was waiting for Pam," Eric answered reasonably. "My Child was bringing Sookie. I thought it would take less of your time to explain this once. Had you not sent me from the hall to look into your money problems," Andre made a hissing noise and beside him, Sookie jumped, "I would have been in your presence and ready to make introductions."

"So, now this is my fault?" and the Queen looked angry again.

"Of course not, my Queen!" Eric inclined his head. "Only that circumstances sometimes work in strange ways. I knew you were aware of my Pledged. Her Grandfather informed me he would be calling you. I thought by pledging before you, you could put any worry Niall might have for his Granddaughter to rest. You can tell him she is content. Surely, that is worth something?"