Chapter 3: Recruitment Pillow Talk

The third chapter of my True Blood book, here, the Solver and the Queen discuss potential Sheriff recruits, with familiar names coming up...

Despite being on this Earth for 400+ years, the sight of the Queen of New York was still something the Solver never got tired of.

Queen: I'm really glad you're back Thomas.

Thomas: You said that already...

Queen: I needed to say it again after that...

The Queen got out of the bed, her glistening, perfect body still something Thomas couldn't help looking at.

Queen: *Picking up the almost empty bottle of blood and drinking the last drops* Mmmm,you know, maybe I should start making plans to replace the sheriff of that district, despite his fine taste in blood...

Thomas: I don't wish to repeat myself your Majesty, but I think that would be be unwise, he does make a lot of money for you as I said.

Queen: I trust your opinion Thomas, and you are right, I was thinking more as a contingency plan should he push his luck too far.

Thomas: Anyone you had in mind?

Queen: I've heard Louisiana has some very capable Sheriff's...

Thomas flinched somewhat at this suggestion, the most well known Sheriff in Louisiana was Eric Northman, a club owner, who also happened to be a 1,000 year old Viking.

Thomas had met him only once, Northman came across to Thomas as devious, and a plotter, who would turn on his monarchy at a drop of a hat if it suited his purpose, something he was surprised he hadn't done already with him being much older than his Queen.

He had also acted arrogantly towards Thomas, likely due to Thomas' noticeable English accent, given his past as a Viking.

Thomas: That is true, but I would think Queen Sophie-Anne would know that as well.

Queen: Don't worry, I'm on “very good” terms with her...

Thomas: Heh...

Thomas knew exactly what that meant, he knew it was common among vampires to “consort” with members of their own sex, it was not something he was opposed to, but also not something he felt the need to do himself...

Thomas: I doubt the Authority would find it acceptable for those type of relations between monarchs without their approval...

Queen: I won't tell them if you won't.

Thomas: I don't have to tell them anything, you know that, they gave me that power themselves.

Queen: What do you think about recruiting from Mississippi?

Thomas: That might be difficult, their Sheriff's are chosen very selectively.

Thomas meant that a lot of their districts didn't even have Sheriff's, they were well known to have spaces open at all times, King Russell was almost 3,000 years old, but always seemed on the verge of madness when Thomas dealt with him, but given his extreme age and power, even Thomas tread carefully when around him.

Thomas: You aren't on good “terms” with King Russell as well are you?

Queen: Hee hee, not really, he's betrothed to his male accomplice, “The love of his life” I've heard him be described, amazing someone that old could call another that.

Thomas: Personally, I think it would be better recruiting from the North, Vampire society seems more evolved up here, they would react to situations better.

Queen: What you mean?

Thomas: On my jobs down there, I've noticed that a lot of them seem to be more stuck in old ways, they fear the Magister and the Authority to an unreasonable degree, and are afraid to take risks.

Queen: That might be easy for you to say, given your status with the Authority.

Thomas: Just like it would be for you, given the weapons your guards carry.

Queen: *Assertively* What are you implying Thomas?

Thomas: They seem rather advanced, and designed for Vampire threats, something the Authority would take seriously and prepare for.

Queen: I run an entire Queendom Thomas, I require the maximum amount of protection, I used my contact in the Authority to acquire those weapons, they weren't going to use them for a few years yet, but they agreed to let me have them as a trial run, that answer your question?

Thomas: Yes, my Queen.

Queen: Come on now Thomas, you know I'd do nothing to hurt you, or ask for something to protect myself from you specifically.

Thomas: Yes, of course...

Queen: Where in the North would you suggest then Thomas?

Thomas: I feel the best place would be the Kingdom of Michigan, we need someone that can deal with longer nights, and who doesn't get the bleeds easily.

Queen: Who did you have in mind then?

Thomas: I helped King Michael up there with a rebellion he had in his residence a few years ago, he still owes me a favour, maybe it's time to call it in.

Queen: Only you could call in favours from Royalty Thomas.

Thomas: God knows I have a few to call in from you...

Queen: Come on, surely I've paid those back with the amount of time you spend with me in my bed?