A/N: Good day, my sweets! Okay. I'll hold off on the sob stories and excuses. Maybe not. Seriously, this story has been kicking my ass to kingdom come lately. I struggled with it, and I'm going in a completely different direction than I expected I would. But, I think it will make it more interesting... at least, I hope it will! Things are now chugging along the way they should be, so I'll have more out very soon!

Thanks a zillion and a half times to all of you reading, and to those who favorited and reviewed. You guys are crazy, and I love you for it! I might not be able to answer, but I read every one, and it makes me all fuzzy and happy! Mouah!

Now, where the heck were we?

Last time:

I squeezed Sookie's hand. It was my turn to be confused. "Godric, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying, my son, that according to the Pythoness, the vampire and the fairy princess are destined to be."

Sookie jumped to her feet, her breathing now erratic. Her eyes narrowed in Godric's direction. "What the hell does that mean? Is this a joke? Who the hell is the fairy princess?" In her anger, she was not putting two and two together. She stood almost defensively in front of me, her small fists clenched.

Godric beamed. "Do you not understand, my dear? You. The fairy princess is you."

One short, shallow breath came from her mouth... before she passed out, right into my arms.

Pam sat motionless, mouth agape. Godric covered his own with his hand.

And a shocked Christophe shook his head, quietly stating in a perfect accent, "Soooookieeeee, you've got some 'splaining to do..."

If I could have, I'd have passed out right along with her.

Chapter 9: Under The Gun

SPOV

As I came back to planet Earth, I heard muffled whispers around me. My eyes fluttered open, only to see Pam hovering a glass of water right over my face.

"Pam!" I yelped.

She turned to a concerned looking Eric, flatly stating, "I think I should splash her anyway, she's clearly in shock."

In a sibling-like gesture, Eric smacked her across the back of her head, eliciting a chuckle of amusement from Christophe, who was looming beside her.

After batting Statler and Waldorf out of the way, Eric reached out to help me up. He engulfed me in his strong arms, and I immediately relaxed.

Together, we looked at Godric, who asked with a straight face, "I take it this is news to you?"

Even though they were all trying to be helpful, I couldn't wrap my head around what had been said. I chuckled to myself, and put my hands up. "Whoa, this is a joke, right? I mean, you can't really be serious. First off, it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. A freaking fairy princess? Godric, I'm not six anymore, my Gran probably got rid of the pink tutu and fairy wings I used as a Halloween costume eons ago. Are they even real? Should I expect glitter and rainbows to start coming outta my ass from now on?!" I was yelling at this point, and the others merely looked on helplessly, unsure how to calm the hysterical human... fairy... whatever!

When Pam muttered, "I think we broke her," to an annoyingly amused Christophe, I nearly threw a punch.

Godric stepped in first, using a tone that was calming, but a little stern. "Sookie, sit down, please. Everything will be explained eventually, but I can try to answer some of your questions now." I felt like I was being scolded by my Daddy. Shock had made me a mute, apparently. I looked at him blankly.

"Alright, I'll go first," he stated. "Yes, my dear, they are certainly real. Most of the fairy population, however many remain, no longer live on this plane. Fairies, pure-blooded ones mind you, are known to be tricky beings who are lethal and conniving. They are natural enemies of vampires, purely because of how delectable their blood is to our kind.

"It would appear, that somewhere in your lineage, there is very strong fairy blood, which indicates you are of royal descent. The Ancient Pythoness stated, though, that you are not a full blooded fairy, but one eighth, in fact. This means you are a descendent of a fairy mating with one of your grandparents."

I was flat out gawking. I never met my mother's parents. It couldn't have been Daddy's parents, though. Gran? Not a chance.

Seeing my shock and utter confusion, Godric shook his head. "I am sorry I do not have any more information for you at this time, my dear. You are now aware of all I know. I was instructed that the full story would be revealed in due time. My guess is, we will be making even more of a splash at this party than we had originally anticipated."

I looked down at my hands, trying not to let my brain explode. I wasn't human? But I'm just... me. I'm just a waitress from a podunk town in Louisiana. Royalty? Ridiculous. A joke. It had to be.

When I started laughing, it was at first a low chuckle. I'm a fucking fairy princess. A walking Halloween nightmare. I'm a costume. Did I get a sparkly wand? Could I save poor little girls from their wicked stepmothers with a bippity-boppity-boo?

When I looked up again, the four faces staring back at me each showed a different expression. Godric's brow was furrowed, looking worried yet contemplative. Pam's head was cocked to one side like a curious puppy, eyes staring me up and down, making me feel like a freaky science project. Christophe was very amused, but failing miserably at keeping it under wraps.

Eric, though, looked proud. He looked into my eyes with a determined stare, slight smile on his face. It was as though he could see the wheels turning in my head, trying to work out my fae connection.

He squeezed my hand, and brought it up to his lips, placing a light kiss on my knuckles. It softened my thoughts immediately, making me realize what a hold he had over me, and I, him.

Before I uttered a word, he grinned broadly. "Love, you do not realize just what Godric was told, do you?" I suppose he could feel me getting angry again. The damn Stackhouse temper was getting the best of me. What, was I a child who couldn't comprehend anything? I huffed, but he rushed to explain. "The vampire and the fairy princess. We are meant to be together, my love. We are meant to be mated."

While I was still confused about what seemed like a very vague prediction, it still managed to make me smile. "Well, I knew that already, silly."

He chuckled, and asked Godric, "What sort of declaration was this? Where did it originate? What does it mean?"

Godric shook his head in response. "Your guess is as good as mine, Eric. It may have been anything from a vision of her own, or a prophecy from a seer. She explained nothing. I think the old broad enjoys teasing, if I am completely honest," he grinned.

"Jesus H. I am so in over my head." I was speaking to no one in particular. Eric took it as a sign I was a little too overwhelmed with everything, and stood to leave.

After bidding everyone goodnight, we walked hand in hand to the base of the staircase, but I hesitated going further. Eric turned with a questioning look on his face.

I shook my head, then explained, "I need some time alone, just to process this. Can you give me that?" I needed space, just to think.

He smiled ruefully, then reached his hand out to tenderly touch my cheek. "Of course, my love. I'll be waiting when you're ready for company again." He leaned down and gave me a sweet, lingering kiss on the lips, before heading up the stairs.

I turned to the closet, and after suiting up in my winter gear, I opened the front door wide, taking in the gust of brisk air. I wanted to clear my head, thinking that maybe a little heart to heart with Gran would help. Even though I never got a response, she still managed to make things better.

I stepped out into the wintery night, and began to walk.

CPOV

Pam took her leave for the night shortly after Sookie and Eric left the room. She was shaking her head, muttering something about "sweet fairy ass", and "lucky bastard". Despite her vulgarity, she wasn't far off. Sookie had the qualities of an angel, and smelled as wonderful as a fairy. Eric was a lucky vampire.

No one had heard hide nor hair of the fae in years. They had once populated the Earth in great numbers, but due to a nasty habit of goading on their natural enemies, coupled with their delectable taste, they had been forced to retreat into another realm. Truthfully, after the stories I'd heard, though their blood was a true delicacy, vampires were glad to be rid of them. Though lethal, they were incredibly annoying.

Everything I'd ever learned about the fae had been from Godric's teachings. I'd never come across one in my existence, but I was sure my maker had. He answered before I had a chance to ask.

"I have met more than one of the fae over the years. They are not to be underestimated, especially the royal family. They are brutal in their ways, absolutely vicious and cunning. It worries me that Sookie is somehow a part of their line," he shook his head, staring into the fire.

"But surely you can tell, even in this short time, that she does not hold an ounce of cruelty or dishonesty in her body," I stated firmly.

Godric was quick to defend his statement. "Of course not. That woman holds more compassion and love in her than any creature I have ever come across. I merely meant that despite her character, I worry for her well being, in regard to such dangerous kin. There is much more to all of this than we realize, and I fear greatly for her safety if the wrong people were to find out."

"Surely after all this time, though, if there had been any danger, it would have been revealed? Why now?" I worried where this conversation was going.

Godric shook his head. "I worry it may have more to do with Eric and Sookie's union than we believe. The Pythoness was adamant about it being written in the stars, but to what end? If anything were to happen to Sookie now, I fear it will lead to Eric's final death."

I reached out to thumb away the single red tear that escaped his eye. He leaned into my hand, and sighed in comfort. Quietly, he added, "Regardless of my being afraid for your brother, I want nothing more than to protect her. I cannot explain why, other than I care for her as much as my own family. I feel I am meant to be here for her, if she needs me."

Godric turned his face, and kissed my open palm. I sighed, and couldn't help wholeheartedly agreeing. "We all want to protect her, mon amour. We may not be able to explain the connection and love we feel for her after so short a time, but it doesn't matter. She is precious, and innocent. She has my sword, and anything else I can give. She brought my brother back to life, and for that alone I will honor her."

Godric beamed with pride, and leaned up to give me a gentle kiss. We basked in the warmth from the fire for several more minutes. We jumped, though, at the sudden interruption of my phone, ringing loudly in my pocket.

"Oui," I answered brusquely. It was the head of my royal guard, Gallus, who was currently stationed at the gate of the castle.

The panic in his otherwise deep and steady voice made me jump to my feet immediately. Godric growled in response, and Eric and Pam appeared before us in the blink of an eye.

Sookie.

PPOV

I didn't think twice about racing to my maker's side when I felt the sheer panic hit him. It was muted on my end, but I just knew something was happening to Sookie. I grabbed his hand, and we sped downstairs to Godric and Christophe, who had just hung up the phone.

"The gate," was all he needed to say.

We headed out to the grounds, and all I could think was, please let her be okay.

EPOV

I should never have let her go.

It was a ridiculous notion, but I would rather have her annoyed at me for being overprotective, than put her in any danger. While she was safe within the castle grounds, something was happening that was bad enough to call me to her side, much like a maker could his own child.

She was terrified.

When the four of us reached the gate, I could see why.

SPOV

I hadn't been walking around the grounds long enough to get particularly cold. But it was enough time to have a little chat with Gran. By the end of it, I'd felt new resolve, new strength to meet whatever came my way head on. I was a Stackhouse woman, dammit, and it would take a lot more than a few fairies and vampires to take me out.

Right?

I'd been wandering aimlessly in the lightly falling snow. Everything was truly calm and serene. It was amazingly beautiful here, and I wondered to myself what the future would hold. Would I stay here? Would Eric come home with me? Did he even want to? I shook my head, knowing without a doubt that he'd want to be wherever I was. I didn't doubt how he felt for a second. Yes, it was hard to believe such a beautiful, powerful creature could love me, but I knew he did. The bond was incredible, and overwhelming, but in the best way possible. Feeling the love he had for me was indescribable. I smiled to myself, suddenly needing to go back to him. I giggled. Well, who the hell wouldn't want to get back to that fine Viking butt?

A sudden flash of light caught my attention. I looked into the distance to the front gate of the castle grounds, wondering what had caused it. There appeared to be people standing around the entrance. I should have listened to the nagging voice at the back of head, but something propelled me forward. I needed to know what was going on.

I got as close as I dared, at least twenty feet behind the imposing iron doors. I didn't understand what I was seeing at first. Over a dozen of Christophe's vampire and were guards surrounded two male figures, their weapons at the ready. One man was standing, the other kneeling, with his hands tightly tied behind his back. The one standing was a commanding presence. He was very tall, almost as tall as Eric, and carried himself as if he were a king. His straight, silvery blond hair fell almost to his waist, and his piercing blue eyes were staring at me in amusement. While he was stunningly beautiful, it didn't take much to feel the utter hatred coming from his very being. I shivered in response.

In a sweeping, graceful movement, his hand shot out to the other man kneeling next to him. He grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, shaking him hard. The kneeling man was blond as well, though he had it cut short. There was something utterly familiar about him, but I couldn't figure out what exactly it was.

That is, until I heard his voice.

The Southern drawl was evident, even through his painful gasps. "Sookie!" He cried. "Help me!"

Panic seized my entire body. I cried out before I could think.

"JASON!"

The man standing next to Jason sneered, and kicked out at Jason's body, connecting painfully with his ribs. Jason crumpled forward, winded. For the first time, I noticed what looked like dried blood staining the sides of his face and neck. My stomach lurched.

Tears were streaming down my face, as the man started speaking. "Dear, sweet, Sookie Stackhouse. It is quite lovely to finally meet you. Shame about the circumstances and all." He gestured passively at Jason. He grinned, showing pointed teeth, and stepped closer to the gate. On instinct, I stumbled backward.

"Tut tut, no reason to be scared, little girl. I am your great grandfather, after all." He bowed, in an overly dramatic fashion. "My name is Niall Brigant. I am the Prince of the Fae. And I need you to come with me."

I inhaled sharply. Nothing about this man was grandfatherly. I wasn't stupid.

Noting my obvious refusal, he turned again to Jason, and kicked him in the stomach, hard. Jason wailed, doubling over again in pain.

"Silly girl. I don't want to resort to hurting your brother anymore than necessary. We need you. Your family needs you. Your true family. Jason, here," he kicked again, "while he holds some of our traits, he does not possess the essential fae spark. He holds no power, and is therefore quite useless. But you," he pointed, "darling girl, you have what we need. You have power within you, I can tell. So, come with us now, and your precious brother will be spared. You have my word." He sneered.

Jason was regaining his breath, and trying to come up to his knees again. Sure, my brother and I may not have gotten along the way siblings should. He may have been a selfish, skirt chasing moron, but I still loved him. I had to do what I could to save him. No one deserved this.

I reluctantly took a few steps forward, but was halted immediately by two familiar, muscular arms grabbing me around the waist. I cried out at the sudden feeling of being dragged backward, and I fought against it, arguing, "NO! I have to help my brother!"

Despite the comfort of Eric's embrace, I let the tears fall, panicked at what would happen if I didn't go with Niall.

Eric spoke his next words forcefully into my ear, loud enough for everyone to hear. They frightened me to the core.

"Sookie, love... that is not your brother."

I could do nothing but choke in fear, as the man I thought had been Jason slowly raised his head, revealing cold, evil eyes, and a sinister grin.

A/N: Favorite. Chapter ending. Yet. ;) *giggles and runs away*