Disclaimer: I don't own them Charlaine Harris does. I just play with them sometimes :)

A/N: I am so sorry it has taken this long to post for this story. I have been engulfed with Us, but finally Eric came to me about this story and wanted me to put a chapter out lol. Thank you to everyone who is still with me on this one. So her you go...

A New Champ Is In Town

Chapter 38

We stood in the back yard waiting for the Prince; waiting for him to bestow this great honor on our son. Well, as far as Niall was concerned, it was an honor. We had chosen to have a small ceremony at our home, with little to no fan fare. When Niall heard what we wanted he was not happy, but understood that Hunter was not privy to the formality of Fae Royal affairs and this would not be the best way to introduce him to it. So he reluctantly agreed. Pam had been excluded because of the amount of full Fae that would be there which she was not happy about, but like Niall accepted. She made up for it by providing Hunter with a new "royal wardrobe" he just had to have now.

Niall had sent books and scrolls earlier in the week to start Hunters training. Also included was a note with when the Prince would arrive and other instructions. There were so many we had to arrange them in Evina and Preston's house. Since they were there we decided that he would school there. Preston took his job with Hunter very seriously. He had been Hunters tutor for years now so adding Faery lore to the curriculum was not a difficult thing to do. Hunter seemed to love it. He soaked to up like the sponge he was.

Preston glanced at me then turned his sight back to his charge. He was nervous about the Prince's visit. We had all promised to let Hunter decide on what he wanted to do with his life, but he was still a Prince of both Faery and the state of Louisiana. He knew this. He knew he was not the average child and not just because he was telepathic either. He had average guards and his guardian. That was where Preston's nervousness came from. Niall's note had informed us that Hunters official Fae guardian would arrive with him. Though Preston did not outwardly show it, he worried about what his place would be in Hunter's life now.

Ryn had decided to come and stay with us; we happily welcomed her into our household. Sookie had originally fought the idea of a nanny, but soon realized that accepting the help was not such a bad idea. Between the twins, Hunter, and her duties to the state she quickly became overwhelmed. Of course, we had Dermont, but his child care skills only went so far. He also started helping with Evina's little one when she and Preston had duties to attend to, but three babies and Hunter was just too much for him. Fae nannies seemed very efficient even when dealing with multiple children. Ryn had confided in Sookie that it was normal for the Fae to have multiples and that it had been so long that any Royal had children she was just glad that she was using her ability of child care again. Once Sookie had chosen to come home she had no one to care for. Claudine had chosen her to help care for the twins anyways. So she was doing what she had always dreamed of. This was one of those times that we were happy to have her. Though Sookie had agreed with us about Hunter she did not want her other children exposed to the Prince and she wanted both Evina and Preston with us. So Ryn sat in the house telling all the little Fae babies tales in their native language; even though they were so young they seemed to understand them. Dermont was with her. He had taken a liking to Ryn. She seemed to bring out a wonderful side to him. With her here he started helping Preston with Hunters lessons. He had a wealth of knowledge about Fae Royalty and the House of Brigant. He had also started building a house on the property. Yeah, Bicentennial Man definitely influenced him.

We all heard a pop, instinctively I stood in front of Sookie. Even though Brendon was dead and his forces dust, it still made me twitchy when the Fae popped in. Sookie looked around me to see who had arrived. Once we saw it was Niall and his Fae contingent of about 20 Faeries, which included Claude, I moved back to her side. For some reason I did not think Claude would be in attendance.

Niall approached with a smile wide on his face. His blue glow was very bright. He hugged Sookie and nodded to me. Then his attentions turned to Hunter. My boy stood proud by his mothers side, his shoulders square, and his chest out. He showed no fear towards any of the Fae. Niall tilted his head and gave a slight nod to him. Hunter returned the gesture.

He turned his attention back to Sookie and spoke. "It is good to see you in your crown once again Granddaughter."

"This is an official Fae event and I am still Princess of the Brigant House" Sookie told him. Her words only brightened his smile and her glow seemed to brighten in his presence.

"Yes of course" he responded. He stepped back about five feet, waved his hand in the air, and a female, glowing bright red, popped next to him on bended knee with her arms outstretched. She was in full Fae armor same as Evina. She was a guardian that I was sure of. In her hands set a golden crown encrusted with many shades of blue jewels. It was a male equivalent to Sookie's crown and matched Niall's that had appeared on his head when the female did. It was just smaller. He motioned for Hunter to come forward. He glanced over at Sookie and me for approval. She smiled a nervously at him and nodded. Hunter walked up to his Great Great Grandfather stopping to stand in front of him.

Niall began to speak in Fae. Sookie was kind enough to interpret mentally for me. We had found out that only those with Fae blood could learn their language so I was unable to learn it, even with our bonds, but when it was spoken in our presence Sookie would always translate to me.

"The time has come for an heir to be named" at that all the Fae in the yard except Sookie took to a knee "The sky is ever around us, ever above us, so shall be the House of Brigant," the air became thick "The sun fuels us, feeds our strength,gives power to our shining light," he took the crown from the girls hands; it began to glow brightly "Kneel before me life of my blood," Hunter went down on one knee as instructed. He looked much older then the nine year old he was in that moment "With this crown placed on your head comes the rule of our people and lands, it carries the responsibility and protection that will be provided by you. May you rule with fairness, honor, and the sun shall always light your way."

He placed the crown on Hunt's head and his blue glow started to engulf him. He was now forever tied to the Fae and the Royal house. "Rise Prince of Fae" Hunter stood. All the Fae rose to their feet; then bowed deep from the waist towards him. Hunter bowed his head to them, then raised it, and they straightened . Then they were all gone including Claude. That was not unexpected. He had made himself scarce since bringing Dermont to save Sookie. Sookie was not concerned by his lack of presence, she said that he was probably mourning the loss of his sister. I was not going to concern myself with him tonight.

Hunter turned and came toward us. Sookie curtsied deep, while Evina, and Preston bowed. Hunter nodded to them as he did the others, they resumed their upright positions. Sookie opened her arms for Hunter, who ran into them with a huge grin. My son had done the first of his many duties. I knew that he would assume the position of High Prince of Fae. I knew we had limited time with him from this day on. I did not have to relay any of this to my lover. She knew, though she did not want to think of it I could feel it.

"You did such a good job my son" I told him wrapping my arms around them.

Niall approached with the female that had appeared with him earlier. "Your majesties may I present Aednat" it was pronounced ey-nit.

"Your Majesties, it will be an honor to serve the Prince." It was slightly comical to see a guardian so formal after being around reformed ones. Hunter turned in Sookie's arms and scrunched his nose at her. I think for the same reason.

"She is your guardian young Prince" Niall stated, but I knew that instantly. Her glow was now the same as Evina's, red with an inner circle of blue. "It is time for me to return home. I will speak to you all, in time" Niall stated. He kissed both Sookie and Hunter then popped off.

"Sister, it is wonderful to see you again" Evina said. Her statement caused all our heads to snap in her direction. I turned, taking a good look at the new member of our household. For the first time I could see the resemblance. She stood at the same height as her sibling, her hair was blazing red, and her eyes shown green, just a shade lighter than her older sister.

Hunter removed himself from his mothers arms, stepped over to his new guard, and proudly asked "So does that mean you can beat her at hula-hooping?"

Yup...my nine year old was back.

A/N: So how was it? Did you like it? Hate it? Let me know please.