Love and Chaos Series
His Forbidden Mate Chapter 19

I stepped into the dining area after another long day of being out and I see Rue already setting the table up for dinner. "Romeo said you weren't at the parlour today, so where were you?"

Rue asked, placing the stainless plate down on the table beside the jar of water.

I was paying a visit to a victim. I no longer worked at the parlour. That ended over a month ago, but I still did private consulting for victims at the parlour who missed and wanted to spend time with me. They would write to me, requesting some alone time and include their pay in the letter. It was a generous amount, and I accepted.

Last week I received a letter from a victim who was a Lord. He heard about the parlour's services through discrete channels and sent words, requesting time. He had specifically desired a home service, and he promised to double whatever my usual pay was. I was sceptical. Unlike the others I'd done this for, he was new and I had to consider what that might mean. After a few investigations, I found out he had been widowed for the last five years. Miserable and alone and needed the comfort the body of a woman would bring. From my reports, he was an honourable man and kept to himself, which was a good thing to consider. His offer was too good to pass and so I accepted. I wasn't bound by the agreement anymore since Edward had broken his word and I left.

When I left the parlour, I thought about my survival outside of Lurds and the west, and it seemed impossible then. Not anymore. It would still take a few weeks to get to the amount I needed for a fresh start, but it's no longer impossible. I shrugged off my coat and hung it on the wall hanger. "I was visiting a friend."

I haven't told Rue I no longer work at the parlour even though it's been over a month, and it looks like Romeo didn't either. I'm grateful for that.

Things were going great with Oliver and I could only hope it'll get better. My plans had also changed. I would take my leave from the city once I'm certain Oliver can take over the care for Rue like I have and also understand his intentions for her. Within a month or two I should be able to tell and if they chose to marry as all young men and maidens who have found their mate do, I would support them the best way I can.

"Do I know this friend?"

"No, I doubt you do. What are you doing here? I thought these are times you should spend reading at the library so you can come to teach me new words?" I narrowed my gaze at her.

We had limited time for ourselves. She had her timetable, which included working at the library, reading, and spending time with Oliver. Being home and cooking dinner, as delightful as it was, wasn't a part of it. I knew she was also with Oliver now, so that limited the times we had to do the important things.

"I needed to talk to you."

Damn, I hate that line.

"Okay, talk about what?" I picked up the cup of water on the table and drank a little.

"Oliver asked me to marry him." She said, running over the words as fast as she could.

I placed the cup down, "Okay... wow." although I knew this was an outcome of them being together, I was still surprised by it.

She nodded. "Yeah, he asked me to meet his family, the Lanes, next week."

I had to take a moment to breathe. A few weeks ago she introduced him to me and now she's already talking about marriage and meeting the parents. Time sure was running faster than I expected.

"Oh, wow," I said and dragged out a chair at the dining table and sat on it. I expected marriage at some point, but this also meant we now had limited time.

I saw the doubt in her eyes after a while of my silence and I knew I had put it there.

"Kai," she called with a small voice and came to sit beside me.

I cleared my throat and forced a smile onto my face. "Umm, I'm just overwhelmed, you see. You're all grown now, Rue, and it's going to take a while to get used to that. I am, however, happy for you. I'm happy that you're happy and that you two found each other. I'm just going to miss you so much."

She walked over to me. "I am not leaving yet, Kai, just meeting the parents."

I rolled my eyes. "The parents definitely will approve. You're an amazing girl, smart, kind-hearted and beautiful. They will love you just as much as I do."

"You think so?" her brow rose, and I saw the little fear that lingered in her eyes.

I stroke her hair, moving a few strands behind her ears, "I know so, Rue."

I stood at the window, watching as the dresser placed the last piece of lace around her neck, dressing Rue up in a peach coloured lacy gown. Rue stood gazing at herself in the mirror, contented with what she saw and so did I. The dresser made her brown hair in a wavy long ponytail that highlighted her neck and made it perfect for the lace tie around it. Her body was perfect for the dress and the white gloves complimented the colours the more. She looked glamourous and I know she'd blow her to-be families away. "What do you think?" she called to me, turning to face me so I had a full view.

I smiled, "I think you look beautiful and the Lanes will love you."

She smiled and nodded before picking up the small peach coloured clutch in front of the dressing mirror. "The carriage will be here any moment from now."

Together we returned to the living room and just as she hinted, we heard a carriage drawing closer than came to a stop. A knock soon came on the door and I opened it to reveal the rider.

"Lady Rue, lady Kailani, I received instructions to bring you over to the Lanes residence."

I nodded and turned to Rue, and she nodded after a few deep breaths.

The ride was over an hour long and while I hoped for the best and only that; I prayed that the moon goddess removes all the worse that could happen. I wanted my protégé happy, and that would make me happy, too.

I have done a little replaceing on the Lanes and knew they were a peaceful, noble family. The head of the house, Sir Valerio Lanes, has served as a king's guard for over twenty years and barely had time to himself. He was diligent, loyal and brave and rumour had it Oliver took after him. All about them were excellent reports. They supported the peace in the West and also believed in fairness throughout the kingdom. As often as they could, they avoided conflicts, and I felt happy Rue would join this family amongst the rest in the west.

The carriage came to a stop, and the rider got down, helping Rue down while the assistant rider helped me out.

An elegant house stood erected before us, much bigger and more sophisticated than ours. Its construction showed they planned and built it well in case of an attack. It was nice to see that though the Lanes were people that loved peace; they readied themselves in case of war.

"I look okay, right?" Rue asked again, her insecurities kicking in.

"You look great, do not worry." The one who should be worried was me.

I was in a simple red dress, and my hair was in a messy bun. Thinking about it, I could have done better. I didn't want to give off the impression we were trying so hard to please them. Rue was still the price to be won and also I didn't want to compete for the attention. This was her night and nothing would ruin it. I'll make sure of that.

A young Maiden I could tell, was their servant, met us with a big bright smile on her face and getting to us, she bowed her head.

"Welcome. I will take you into the house now. Please follow me."

We followed in silence and after a minute; we stepped into the house and I felt a chill rush through me, making goosebumps scatter all over my body. I pause for a moment, trying to wrap my fingers around what could be wrong, but I couldn't tell what exactly it was, and I brushed it off.

"Come, there are already at the dining hall." she beckoned and led us through the massive living area with sophisticated designs and arrangements.

A familiar scent stuck to my head, one I should know, but had a hard time discerning. But I expected meeting the Lanes more than anything, so I brushed it away. We stepped into the dining room and my eyes moved to meet Oliver, who stood in a long emerald robe complimenting his eyes. He had a grin on his face and on seeing Rue; it multiplied. Beside him was his mother Lady Scarlet Lane, an older woman, wearing a purple dress and also holding a cheerful look on her face. My eyes then wander to the one next to her, hoping to see Sir Valerio Lane, Oliver's father, but my stomach dropped when I saw prince Edward standing there instead of the much older man with his keen gaze locked on me.