Violet shivered and rubbed her arms when Patrick pulled her out to the balcony.

"Here," he said, as he placed his jacket over her shoulders. She remembered the first time he had done that and smiled. How far had life had come from when she played at the circus, when she had been obsessed with finding her father's murderer...

"I know you've had a lot to think about lately," Patrick begun making her laugh. A lot to think about was a funny way to put it, but Violet understood.

"Stop worrying about me, Patrick. I promise you, I am fine." She stepped forward and placed a kiss on his mouth, finding it more difficult than ever to pull away. Even though she had been staying with him these past weeks, Patrick had not come to her bed and she craved him more than she ever had.

"I don't want to overwhelm you."

So that was why he did not come to her? Violet shook her head, "What I feel for you is overwhelming, and I love it, I love you."

He pulled her roughly, holding her tight in his arms. "There was something I was going to ask you, before that bastard Daniel took you away."

Violet smiled into his chest, her heart soaring at the thought of what was coming.

"What did you wanted to ask me?"

He sighed as he put his forehead to hers.

"Will you marry me, Violet?"

She smiled, wondering how all her dreams had come true.

"I guess I should."

Patrick laughed, "Yes, you should. You bloody well should." Then he kissed her forcefully, leaving her breathless. 

"My Lord?"

Violet bemoaned the loss of his closeness when Patrick stepped away from her to speak to the butler. She waited, taking in the scent of the gardens and the mountains beyond. And then she smelled blood and she was about to turn around when Patrick stepped behind her placing her firmly between himself and the railing.

"Do you trust me, Violet?" he asked softly.

Violet leaned back into him, taking comfort in his closeness and his warmth.

"Yes."

He shifted, then took her left hand and placed a small glass in it. A breath told her it was filled with blood she had smelt.

"Why are you giving me this?"

Patrick moved her hair aside, placing a warm kiss on her neck.

"Just close your eyes and drink it my love. I promise you, it will not harm you."

The idea of drinking blood made her fidget. She didn't understand why she had to do this, was it a type of ritual?

"Patrick, I would rather not."

"Please, Violet. Trust me."

Her heart pounded in her ears, as she lifted the glass up to her lips. Patrick wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Closing her eyes, Violet tipped the liquid into her mouth and swallowed. It was warm and salty and surprisingly not disgusting. 

Seconds passed until finally Patrick took the empty glass from her hands and whispered.

"Open your eyes, my love."

Violet swallowed, unsure why she felt so nervous.

"Open your eyes, Violet." He repeated.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes to the light of the new moon.