"It is hard to believe how easily the ton accepted her presence, they are usually such a ridiculously stuck up lot."

Patrick watched Violet from across the ballroom as she spoke to several gentlemen and ladies and felt pride. Angelica was right, the London ton was notorious for their snobbery, but they had accepted Violet with surprising ease.

"How could they not when you are sponsoring her? The ton would not dare cut Violet when she is the friend of their favourite Princess."

Angelica smiled fondly at Patrick then shook her head, "Whether they like me or not, those people hanging on to her every word are not doing so for me. That is no begrudging acceptance." Hands drifting to the swell of her stomach, she looked across the room once more.

"All of London believes she is a musical genius," Angelica continued. "The papers are hero worshiping her and the men are all a little in love with her."

Patrick frowned as a young man raised Violet's fingers to his lips.

"Well they better keep their infatuation to themselves or half of London will be sporting black eyes."

The young buck finally released Violet's hand, but now he was standing so close he could likely see right down the low cut gown she was wearing.

Bloody hell, she was not going to wear anything but high necked gowns from now on.

"Excuse me Princess I have to correct an oversight."

"Patrick Bruce don't you dare!" Angelica whispered fiercely as she grabbed his arm.

He stopped, trying to keep his anger under control.

"You look like you are going to start dishing out those blue eyes!"

Standing straighter, Patrick took a calming breath. "That bastard is standing too close," he said simply.

"Violet can take care of herself," Angelica said as she released his arm, "She is a strong woman."

Patrick tried to remind himself of that fact often, but he seemed to have lost the ability to stop worrying about her.

"She is fragile and sensitive and damn it she can't see."

Angelica smiled sadly, "You know, you are only suffering because you haven't admitted it to yourself."

Patrick watched Violet move away from the lecher and turned to face Angelica.  "Admitted what?"

The princess's eyes sparkled as she shrugged, "You're in love with her."

In love with her? Patrick wanted to laugh in response, but the sound would not come out. No, he couldn't be. He knew he cared about her, and the thought of her with anyone else was simply unacceptable, but love?

No. 

But then why did he want to be with her all the time? Why, when he was without her, was his mind constantly on her? 

"She is human," he said slowly.

Angelica sighed, "Yes. She is. But that doesn't change anything, does it?"

Patrick closed his eyes. He was in love with a human; a fearless blind gypsy girl who played the violin like an angel and melted him with a kiss.

"I wouldn't be able to give her children."

"That is true," Angelica sighed as she thought of her husband, "When we first met, Alexander refused to be with me because he had duties to his clan. He thought I could not accept not having a child of my own." Resting her hands over her unborn child her blue eyes looked saddened, "Vampires can't father children on humans, that is a fact you can not change, but don't make Violet's decisions for her. If she loves you, there is a lot she would give up to be with you."

The sobering thought brought a pang of regret to his chest. Even if Violet accepted him with those conditions, she would never be allowed to know what he was, who he was to his people. He would have to hide a part of him forever. But what was the alternative? A life without her?

"I don't know if I can be without her anymore."

Angelica put her hand on his cheek, her eyes filling with tears, "You could not have found a more deserving woman to love."

Bowing, Patrick smiled, "Excuse me your highness, I have some proposing to do."