VIOLET DAWN

Chapter 41

The moment she had been dreading all evening, finally arrived. Daniel's scent was so close she felt she was drowning in it. Beside her, she felt Angelica shift as though in warning.

"Daniel, there you are," the Princess's voice was cheerful. Violet breathed slowly; she needed to be in control.

"Princess, Lady Violin, a pleasure as always," Daniel replied.

She was scared. Violet felt the fear crawl across her chest, and her fingers curled. There was only one thing she could do.

"I am so glad you're here," she addressed Daniel, "I was just telling the Princess that I have been wanting to dance all night, but have not as yet found a willing partner."

It was true, Violet had not danced all night, but the reason for simply that she was too nervous. She had to do well in fooling Daniel; lives depended on it. 

"I find it hard to believe that you can not find a partner, Lady Violin," Daniel said as he lifted her gloved hand, "But if I may have the honour of a dance, I will count myself a very lucky man."

Violet smiled as brightly as she could and let Daniel put her hand on his arm.

"If you will excuse us, Princess," he said and Violet assumed that Angelica had nodded for Daniel proceeded to drag her to the centre of the ballroom.

An involuntary shiver ran down her spine as his hand wrapped around her waist and they began to move to the music.

"I must admit that I am impressed," Daniel said casually.

"Oh?" she tried to echo his tone, hoping that her nerves could not be heard in her voice. Be calm. Be calm.

"I had guessed that you would succeed in getting yourself back into their good graces, but you managed to do it much quicker than I anticipated."

Was that suspicion in his words? Violet stomped on the panic that threatened to consume her and breathed deeply. Daniel's musky scent mingled with blood, sweat, flowery perfumes and the lemon juice many ladies used to lighten the colour of their skin.

"Lord Bruce is so in love that it was easier than even I anticipated," Violet agreed then continued so as not to give him a chance to question her further. "How much longer do I need to wait?"

He was silent, as they spun among dancers. Had she made a mistake?

The pain in her head alerted her to his intrusion. He was trying to read her mind! Violet concentrated on the image of darkness, of blankness. It was dark in her mind, the ballroom a distant entity. He was there, watching, she felt him searching. Violet dredged up all of the old hate. I'm going to kill Ismail, she thought with practiced ease. She thought of her knife, of the feeling of blood on her hands.

The pain receded, living her mind in peace.

"Six days from now, you will receive a note at Lord Bruce's house. You can give the instructions to a hack. Do not worry, we will make sure he has left the house before sending it." Daniel said.

Violet nodded in acceptance.

"I imagine it is difficult for you, staying in that house."

His meaning was clear enough. She tried to work up disgust as she agreed, "As long as the bastard dies, everything is worth it."

Daniel's hand on her waist tugged her closer, pressing her breasts up against his chest. "You will find, Lady Violin, that Vampires are far more accomplished lovers than your humans. After Patrick is dead, I'll consider making space in my bed for you."

Violet missed a step and would have tripped over her skirts if he hadn't steadied her in the last moment.

"That is thoughtful," she said quickly to cover her blunder. 

"Yes," Daniel agreed, "I am very thoughtful."

"May I cut in?" Patrick's voice interjected. 

Violet felt Daniel tense before he let her go.

"Of course, Lord Bruce."

A moment later, Patrick was dancing her away from Daniel and her heart rate returned to normal.

"Are you alright?" Patrick's concern was evident as he whispered the words.

She nodded, "The meeting will take place in six days." Suddenly she wanted nothing more than to be far away from the ball. "Can you get me out of here?"

Patrick's fingers squeezed hers as they spun. "Once this dance is over, we will go home. I'll have the maids run you a bath, then we can sit in front of the fireplace and finish Anna Karenina." 

His words made her feel warm and safe. "And Bess can come too," she smiled.

"Yes," Patrick said, his thumb rubbing over hers, "she can come too."