Author's Note:

Let me give some warnings first, just in case. Since there is a reason this story is rated M, there are some curse words included. Ok, that's all. Enjoy!

Chapter 3

*****************

Planned Encounters

*****************

One of the most unpleasant experiences in life consists of a very angry mother.

Kenshin mentally berated himself for forgetting the time as he stood before his mother, his shoulders and back painfully straight and his eyes begging for mercy. His father had merely hmmed and looked away, since he was an extremely smart man and knew never to come between his wife and her victim. She had a painful way of changing victims when it suited her mood. Now she stood before her son, her vertically challenged height made up by piercing emerald orbs. Kenshin swallowed.

"Where were you, Ken-shin?" Aya questioned, stressing each syllable in Kenshin's name. Kenshin glanced at his father and groaned inwardly when the older man winked at him.

"I was...distracted," Kenshin answered lamely. He watched as his mother's ki jumped up and hastily looked down. It would do to grovel, he thought, wondering if it would appease his mother. Even then, his betraying mind flew towards Kaoru, her bright blue eyes watching him with knowing sadness. Kenshin swallowed the desire to walk out of his home and search for the blue eyed woman currently occupying his mind.

"I have thrown a party for you! You, who have been away for nearly eight years! I have invited so many important people and worked for weeks on this party and what do you do? What do you do? You come late! Late!"

Stop thinking about her, Himura! Don't think of another woman when you need to deal with this one!

Kenshin forced himself to focus on his mother. Yet he wasn't in the mood to argue with his mother. He knew what she wanted and he decided to simply give in. This way, he can think about what he should do next about the witch occupying his mind.

"I'm really sorry..."

"Stop grovelling. It won't work!" Aya yelled.

Kenshin winced. At least he tried. Now what? His mother did not seem like she was about to back out. He was going to have to use the last and most hateful weapon in his arsenal.

Sighing, he walked up to his mother, placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Mother, I am here now and I can get ready very quickly. There is no need to worry. Everything will turn out fine tonight."

"That is not the point."

"That is the point. I promise not to disappear from the party. I will dance, I will chat and I will mingle. Happy?"

Aya raised her eyebrow and studied her son. Finally, she nodded. "Very well. You better behave."

Kenshin grinned and kissed her forehead. "I will, mother. Shall go and get ready?"

'Please say 'yes'!' his mind begged.

She absently waved her hand and he left, winking at his father and secretly rejoicing at handling that situation well. He did not notice the smile on his mother's face but he knew that she would have one the moment his back was turned. She was so predictable, Kenshin thought with a tired mental sigh.

Syousuke grinned and looked at his wife. He noticed the small smile she was trying hard to hide and laughed.

"He had you eating from the palm of his hand, didn't he?"

Aya's lips broke into a large smile. "Oh yes and he played very well into mine."

Startled, her husband stared at her before it hit him. "You made him promise to stay the whole night!"

"That boy would run away with Sano if he felt as though we were pushing him. This way, I have his word that he will stay. It makes things so much easier."

Syousuke shook his head and pulled his wife into a loose hug. "Remind me never to go against you, love."

"Oh, don't worry. You have learnt your lesson, anyway."

They both laughed and leaned against one another, a quiet symbol of love and support. Syousuke smiled against his wife's hair. He knew he was one of the luckiest men on earth and he thanked Dioni everyday for his wife and children. They were his strength and his life.

XXX

Kaoru sighed as she finished scrubbing the floor. She felt as though her head and her heart were going to burst. All day long, the pretty redhead was in her mind and no matter what she thought of, she could not forget him. He lurked in her head and beat against the door of her heart.

In reality, Kaoru would love to fling open her door and admit him in. She had always dreamed of someone looking at her the same way the young man did. When his eyes were on her, she felt her body heat up instantly. Kaoru had never felt that way before and had feared she never will.

Yet no matter what she wanted or desired, Kaoru knew she would never have them. No respectful family would want to socialize with her let alone admit her as one of theirs. Kaoru remembered the few boys who came around asking for her. Enishi would usually take care of them. Kaoru never knew what he told them but they never returned. Today, they were married and one already has a son of his own.

Kaoru yearned for the security of having a family. Besides her mother and Lady Saya, she never had a family that truly matters. She could barely remember her father, hated her stepfather, and was hated by her step siblings. It was far from a happy family she had pictured. Whenever she visited her mother, Kaoru yearned for the closeness she could see in some of the families at the marketplace. When she saw Kenshin, she could easily picture him as the one man for her.

Smiling ruefully, Kaoru stretched and turned. Instantly, she nearly screamed in shock. Behind her, Enishi stood silently, watching her every move.

Knowing she would get in trouble if she stopped working for too long even if it was her day off, Kaoru bowed low and moved to leave. A sense of unease settled into her as she moved around him.

Before she could walk past him, a strong arm blocked her path, brushing intentionally against her breasts. Kaoru stiffened and took a step back but Enishi blocked her exit as he stood behind her. Fear rose inside her and Kaoru swallowed it down. She refused to be frightened by him. She refused to be played like a puppet in his control. Even then, she felt herself shivering just the slightest. He has never done this before. He has never been this forward. What was he thinking? Knowing that if she showed him her fear, he would use it to his advantage, Kaoru tried to keep the fear from her voice and replace it with annoyance.

"Please, my lord, if you may move, I can continue with my work," Kaoru said quietly, trying hard to force her body from trembling. Attempting to put some space between them, she pushed against his arm. Enishi laughed quietly into her ear, causing her hair to rise up. He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck. Kaoru stiffened. Her abrupt change made him laugh with delight. Desire and anticipation surged in his blood. So long...he had waited for so long.

"Work, hmm? I have some for you," Enishi whispered darkly as he threw Kaoru roughly against the wall.

Kaoru cried out as her head hit the wall hard and begin to throb. For a moment, she could barely think as the pain blinded her thoughts. Her legs nearly gave out on her. Before she could move, Enishi pinned her arms above her head and forced his leg between her thighs to keep her rooted. Forcing herself to relax and to focus, Kaoru looked straight into his eyes and allowed the fear she felt to change into anger.

"What do you think you are doing? Let me go!" Kaoru yelled as she kept her eyes on his. Impressed, Enishi leaned closer.

"Now why would I do that? You have something I want, Kaoru and I want it now. No one will disturb us."

Kaoru could barely stop herself from spitting on his face. "Let me go," she said coldly, intentionally freezing her words and her body. She knew if she struggled against him, he will only get more exited. Images of Heishin invaded her mind and she furiously pushed them away. Now was not the time to let fear rule her.

Enishi smirked.

"I don't think so."

To Kaoru's horror, he simply grabbed her right breast and squeezed it tightly. There was no pleasure in his hold. There was only pain and Kaoru screamed as one of the softest parts of her was abused so suddenly.

"Stop it!!!" She cried out as she tried to twist away from him. Enishi's smirk widened.

"My father enjoyed you, didn't he? He tasted every part of you and you opened your legs for him. If you can be of service to him then, my pretty, I am sure you can be of service to me now. You called me 'my lord', did you not? Then, service me," Enishi said as he licked her lips.

Kaoru turned her face away and saw with hidden pleasure as anger entered Enishi's eyes. She preferred the anger for he would only hurt her physically. The whippings she could stand but she would not give in to others sexually anymore. Kaoru knew Enishi and she knew his tastes were rather bizarre. If she gave in to him, it would not be long before he threw her in the midst of a few men to be raped while he sat and watched her.

She had been used once and her mother was now suffering for it. Kaoru would be damned if she would agree to be used again.

Enishi forced her to face him once more and despite her struggles, she could not free herself. Kaoru watched with growing terror as his lips descended on hers and he violated her mouth forcefully. She begun to struggle against him despite her best efforts to stay cold and unmoving. His arms were like steel and his lips were unrelenting. To get her to open up to him, Enishi squeezed her breast painfully once more and tugged on her erect nipple. When Kaoru opened her mouth to scream, he slipped his tongue inside and tasted her.

'Sweet heaven,' he thought, impressed. She tasted like honey and sugar. Her lips were so soft that Enishi felt like moaning in sheer delight. He remembered watching his father entering her room and when the old man walked out, Enishi could see the sense of achievement written all over the older man's face. He had wondered why. He had hated Kaoru then. She had stolen his father's attention. But now he knew why.

Who had ever guessed that beneath these robes lay a woman who tasted like sin?

Enishi made up his mind. Kaoru would belong to him. As long as she can spread those legs for him, he would keep her. No other woman had managed to make him feel so damn needy.

His thoughts were put to a stop when a sharp pain made him pull back and curse violently as blood trickled against his chin. There was blood on Kaoru's lips too and she did not even bother to lick it off. Her eyes shone defiantly as she quickly glanced at his bleeding tongue and back to his face.

"Bitch!" Enishi muttered furiously as he slapped her hard across the face. Kaoru flinched but she otherwise remained silent. The pain was heaven sent. Enishi drew back his arm and slapped her across the cheek once more. The force was so large that she fell on the floor, her body knocking hard against the tiles.

Enishi leaned down to grab her once more when a discrete cough stopped him. Behind him, Hattori stood silently, blocking Enishi's view of the person behind him.

"My lord."

"What the hell do you want?" Enishi yelled, anger strong in his voice.

Hattori veiled the anger he felt when he saw Enishi throw Kaoru against the floor and said nothing. He merely moved aside and gestured at the slight woman behind him.

"The daughter of the merchant has arrived and Lady Tomoe requested Kaoru to escort her up to meet the lady."

Enishi stood up straight and eyed the newcomer. She was a familiar face in the house and he wondered if he should stop her from coming over. She seemed rather harmless, though, and he hated to waste his energy on unnecessary things. Mainly, he had a whore to tame and he already had ideas on how to proceed.

"Take her and go."

Enishi walked away and both the newcomers bowed low as he left.

Hattori kept his head down, frightened that Kaoru could see the anger in his eyes. He felt so helpless that he could not help the woman before him. Kaoru had been nothing but a pleasure to have around. The days she was not punished for imaginary crimes, she was their sun, a bright light that danced around everyone and made them smile.

Yet there she laid her cheeks red and the hand marks painfully obvious.

"Kaoru!"

Kaoru looked up from her position and smiled at the long haired woman before her. Her friend's initial shock turned into a frown and she helped Kaoru to get up.

"Kaoru! You're bleeding!"

Kaoru laughed and wiped the blood on her lips. "It is not mine. Oh Misao, it is so good to see you again!"

Both the women hugged and Kaoru leaned into her friend for strength and comfort. Misao frowned when she felt her friend's body trembling and she looked over at Hattori. The older man's eyebrows were drawn tightly as though he was afraid to say a word. They both could guess what happened. It did not take a genius to place where the blood came from. Enishi had spotted some blood in his lips and the pair knew he had tried to molest Kaoru and she had retaliated.

"What are you doing here, Misao?" Kaoru asked as she pulled back and looked at her friend. As it was, her sore cheeks were healing and Misao felt better knowing that that mark would leave her friend.

"You are changing the subject but that is fine. I am afraid I would lose my head if I really know what is happening around here. Kaoru, today, the Himuras are having a welcoming celebration for their son. A fortnight ago, Lady Tomoe ordered a gown from my grandfather and I am here to deliver it. Shall we?" Misao asked as she pointed to the way to Tomoe's room. Kaoru nodded and she turned to thank Hattori.

The older man simply smiled and waved them to go on. Once they turned to walk away, his fingers clenched into a fist and he punched the wall, revelling in the pain as he remembered Kaoru's face.

How much more was the child to suffer before she could be happy? He wondered as he leaned against the wall, feeling helpless and hopeless. Would she be able to last? How long until even that smile disappears from her face? She had come to this house a happy child, twinkle in her bright blue eyes and the whole damn colourful rainbow flowing out from her. She had been such a pleasure from the dull and colourless children who sat quietly and daintily in the house. It took a month, only one month and that twinkle disappeared. Hattori never saw it again. What happened? He had wondered. He did not find the answer. Not then. Somehow, he knew that Kaoru's mother had killed Heishin for a valid reason. That beautiful woman had no reason to hack her protector. But now...with Hana in prison, how long will it take for Kaoru to lose the smile?

He did not know the answer and Hattori feared he did not want to know. If the look in Enishi's eyes were any indication, he wanted the woman for himself. Hattori knew Enishi loved to torture the women he slept with. He had once walked in on an orgy and the poor woman was forced to have sex by at least five men. Hattori could not imagine Kaoru in that state. He knew he had to find a way save her. He just did not know what it was.

Yet as he looked at the spot where the women disappeared, he made a silent vow. The first opportunity he had, he would get her away from this hell hole.

Misao and Kaoru walked silently towards Tomoe's room. Kaoru did not venture to talk about what happened and Misao did not probe. She did not need to. Her eyes had caught the wrinkles in Kaoru's robes and she knew Enishi had grabbed Kaoru's breasts. The blood on her lips were Enishi's. One need not be so smart to figure out what happened.

Misao wondered if she could ever help her friend. Kaoru was stuck in the Yukishiro household as long as Lady Hana was in prison. There is a possibility that the Yukishiro siblings would hurt Kaoru's mother as they have often threatened to do so. Misao was also sure Tomoe and Enishi were involved in other suspicious deaths as well but she had no prove. When she could finally prove it, Misao hoped that someone would be willing to save Kaoru from this snake pit.

The two women had known each other for years. Lady Saya always ordered gowns and robes from Misao's grandfather. Okina usually brought Misao along during his visits and the two girls became quick friends. Even then, Misao could sense certain darkness within Kaoru. She had tried to help Kaoru but Kaoru would not speak of it. The matter was closed.

There had been an incident when Misao had chosen to sneak into Kaoru's room to wake her up. She had walked into a nightmare. Kaoru was twisting and turning and silently begging for someone to stop hurting her. Misao's heart went out for Kaoru but she could do nothing. She could only wake Kaoru up and hold her friend as she buried her head on Misao's shoulder. Kaoru had not said a thing and Misao had not asked. Misao often wondered why Kaoru did not simply cry. She always seemed to rein her feelings in. It wasn't long after that night when she realised that Kaoru did cry but only in secret because she did not want anyone to worry and she did not want the Yukishiro siblings to know. Misao clearly remembered the day she found Kaoru staring at a pile of ashes in shock. The blue eyed woman had been sitting on the ground, her face pale and her eyes blank. Upon further probing, Misao found out that Tomoe had got the men to burn all of Kaoru's beautiful gowns. Misao had been so angry but she could do nothing but offer her friend a shoulder to lean on. She was only a merchant's daughter and she did not have the power to protect Kaoru.

That one thing always bothered her.

They both stopped in front of Lady Tomoe's room. A maid was already there holding the gown and Misao took it from her. She thanked the woman and veiled her chipper attitude. It would not do if anyone realised they were close. Nodding her head at Kaoru, Misao squared her shoulders. She was ready. Together, they knocked and entered the door upon ordered.

Tomoe stood proudly in the middle of her room. She was wearing nothing except a cloth between her legs to protect her womanhood. Her long dark hair was unbound and floated weightlessly around her. Her beauty was astounding and Kaoru's sank as she knew why she was there.

How else could Tomoe brag about her privileges as the woman of the house? She could walk around in her new gown but Kaoru would feel nothing. Yet if she asked Kaoru to place the gown on her, Kaoru would feel the pain and the silent torture. She had the chance to touch a gown so beautiful and so soft and yet being unable to wear it. It made her yearn for the beautiful gowns she once had.

Tomoe revelled in psychological games she could play with the woman before her. She felt utterly powerful in her position. As far as Tomoe was concerned, being powerful is not just a physical ability. She could be powerful mentally. To play around with others and make them dance to her tune was her joy and hobby.

Tomoe hated Kaoru.

She despised Kaoru.

Kaoru had stolen both her mother and father. All Saya and Heishin ever talked about was Kaoru.

Kaoru. Kaoru. Kaoru. Kaoru. Kaoru!

Simply Kaoru!

She knew how bad her brother was treating Kaoru and she felt proud of him. He knew how to make a person's life miserable. Tomoe did not want Kaoru to simply die.

She preferred it if Kaoru suffered slowly, so slowly she would think about taking her own life.

There were ways to make sure that happened.

As Kaoru stood before her, Tomoe focused on her. This thing had taken away everything she had. This thing had stolen her family. This thing was like her mother, manipulative bitches. Well, Tomoe would make sure Kaoru understood her place in the Yukishiro household and it was a place far lower than even the pigs in the farm.

"My lady."

"Dress me," Tomoe ordered as she nodded to the gown. There was a certain standard she had to maintain with people around although she wanted nothing more than to brag before Kaoru and order her like a slave.

Kaoru simply nodded and begin to dress Tomoe. Misao helped her out.

The gown was something Kaoru would have died to wear. It was a beautiful gown, form fitting and seductive. Kaoru watched as the material simply slid down Tomoe's lily white body and fit perfectly on her. The desire to own something like that one day heightened and she squashed it away. It was not good to yearn for things like that.

Would he have liked her wearing something like this? Kaoru wondered absently as she tied the laces. Her breath instantly caught and she shook her head to clear the images of an attractive redhead on a horse. What was wrong with her? If Tomoe found out about him, she would make Kaoru's life worse than it already was. Enishi would somehow chase the man away. Kaoru did not want Enishi to hurt the redhead. He was just an innocent bystander. Once he knew about her, Kaoru knew he would leave. It made her heart clench painfully when the thought crossed her head. Misao caught her eyes and raised a brow questioningly but Kaoru shook her head.

They dressed Tomoe and Kaoru did the final and finishing touches, making sure her step sister's beauty shone.

Tomoe nodded thoughtfully. She took out a few gold coins and paid Misao.

"You and yours do amazing work."

"Thank you, my lady."

"I might need your services more in the future."

"I am willing to serve, my lady," Misao replied as she mentally imagined herself emptying her stomach. The thought of serving this woman before her was revolting but the working class cannot choose their masters.

Tomoe dismissed them.

For now, she was happy at the longing look in Kaoru's eyes.

"Get my carriage ready and tell Enishi I am leaving."

Kaoru nodded and bowed as she left the room, her heart clenching painfully. Yet, the reason was not what Tomoe thought.

"Yes, my lady."

XXX

Sano watched Kenshin as the redhead put the final touches to his appearance. Kenshin had pushed all the maids away and proceeded to dress himself. He was not used to people fussing around him. They made him uncomfortable and clumsy. As Kenshin gave his hair a last brush and pulled it up high on his head, Sano sighed.

"You do know that your mother will literally strangle you if she heard about the woman you met today, right?"

Kenshin shrugged. "Yes, I know but I could not help myself, Sano. I just could not help myself at all. There was something about her that is so appealing..."

Sano snorted. "Appealing? Honestly? If from all the words you learned you can only describe this woman as appealing, she is not that great a beauty. You should just forget about her."

He turned to face his brown haired friend and sighed. "Do you really think it is that simple? Do you honestly believe that I can just chuck her away and choose someone else to marry? Sano, she was different...just different. I don't know how to explain it to you," Kenshin grumbled, frustrated with his predicament as he dropped beside his friend on his bed. His right hand reached up to rub his head and he felt utterly exhausted. Kaoru had been on his mind for two days already and he just could not forget about her.

"Do you want me to look into it? She did say that people avoid her. If she or her family is soiled, it would be easy to dig it up," Sano said as he turned to face his friend. He had been both ecstatic and worried that his friend had gotten into trouble the moment he returned home. Could he not fall in love with a normal woman, someone without a dark past of some sort?

Then again, this was Kenshin. If the redhead did not go hunting for trouble, trouble came hunting for him.

"She told me I will avoid her once I find out the truth. I wish I can dispute whatever she said but somehow, she must have a lot of experience in matters such as this."

"A woman like her will be well known. They will secretly whisper about her. I can ask around. What did you say her family name was?"

Kenshin frowned and concentrated hard but no name appeared in his mind. "She did not mention it. Just Kaoru."

"Well, 'just Kaoru' has done something to earn her isolation so we will just have to find out what. If it is not something serious, which I doubt, what are you going to do?"

Kenshin rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Mother will not permit, would she? Unless she turns out to be a princess or of high noble birth, mother would be adamant."

Sano felt pity for his friend and he patted Kenshin on the back. "Look, Dioni chooses our soul mates. If it ever comes to that, convince your mother to see if you two are soul mates. If you are, even your mother will not go against Dioni."

"How, Sano?"

"Look, let's be practical here, Kenshin. Let's just find out about this woman first, okay?" Sano quickly suggested as he saw the dark cloud over Kenshin's head. If Kenshin appeared depressed after his talk with Sano, Lady Aya would cook Sano alive. Sano wondered if his friend was even aware that his mother actually arranged a bride seeking party without Kenshin's knowledge. She had even roped him to stay and participate. That woman was scary.

"Should we ask Aoshi?" Kenshin wondered but Sano shook his head.

"No, let me take care of it first. If we need deeper digging, we'll ask Aoshi."

Accepting his friend's advice, Kenshin's mood lightened. He was ready when the two sharp knocks on his door was heard.

"We're ready."

The door opened and a tall man stood at the doorway, his face carefully masked and his blue eyes, blank.

"Hey there, ice man. It's been awhile," Sano greeted the newcomer.

Aoshi said nothing. He only nodded. He turned to Kenshin and simply looked at him. Kenshin knew the drill and he too nodded. He was ready.

"Shall we?" Aoshi asked and both men exited the room with Aoshi following behind.

"Do you ever smile?" Sano asked as he followed Kenshin, one step behind. Aoshi walked beside Sano and simply raised an eyebrow. That one gesture told a million things and Sano grinned.

"I suppose when you make love to a woman, you still maintain that mask. Or do you have another mask hidden in your robes?" Sano teased, hoping to get a rise out of Aoshi. Kenshin simply shook his head and hoped Sano did not step over the line.

"Do you want to search me?" Aoshi offered, his face unchanging and he stopped walking, waiting for Sano. Sano and Kenshin stopped and turned. Kenshin snickered when he saw Sano pale at Aoshi's suggestion.

"Are you gay?"

"Hn..."

"Is that a yes or a no?"

"Shall we?" Aoshi asked Kenshin, ignoring Sano's screech. Kenshin grinned and nodded.

"Let's."

"Hei! I want to know!" Sano yelled as he followed the two men. Aoshi simply ignored him, making the brunette growl low.

They walked in relative silence and when Kenshin looked out the windows, he saw rows of horse carriages stopping and leaving their passengers. Beautiful young women came out of the carriages followed by an older woman and sometimes an older man. Some came in groups of three or four. Kenshin had a nagging suspicion that the party was held for something other than a homecoming celebration.

He wished he could invite Kaoru.

As they reached the ballroom, he locked her into the deepest and darkest recesses of his mind and took a deep breath. If he was going to be a good host, he needed to be focused. He nodded at Aoshi and the taller man disappeared between the doors for a moment. After what seemed eternity, Aoshi returned and opened the door. He nodded and gesture for the duo to walk inside while he followed behind.

The introduction was immediate.

"Your attention please!"

The hall fell silent.

"Introducing, the only son and heir of the household of Himura, Kenshin, son of Himura, together with his companions, Sanosuke, son of Sagara and royal guard, Aoshi, son of Shinomori."

The three men appeared.

No one spoke. All eyes were on them and they noted the deep blushes of several women in attendance. Confident with their appearance, they took a deep bow. Thunderous claps instantaneously surrounded the hall and Kenshin mentally sighed. It was going to be a long night.

He stood up and surveyed the hall.

His mother had outdone herself.

The theme chosen was silver and blue. Decorations hung on every corner. Lights shone and blinded even the blind. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling and brightened the room even more. Tapestries hung on the walls. The whole look was further enhanced by the multitude of guests, dressed glamorously in the ballroom. Men looked polished and sophisticated. Women looked glittered and elegant.

In the midst of all these, Kenshin caught the sight of a dark haired beauty, watching him with boredom in her eyes. Her deep brown eyes seemed to contrast the paleness of her skin. In the midst of glitters, she looked calm, poised and elegant.

She was dressed in a form fitting gown, showing of her figure beautifully. She was slim and tall, but not too tall, Kenshin noted as he slowly made his way towards her. He felt somehow rather drawn to the boredom in her eyes and despite the women flocking him, he kept his eyes on her. She turned away. Challenged, Kenshin courteously mingled around the room and finally stood before her.

She bowed low as she was supposed to, giving him a clear view of her full breasts covered with a flimsy excuse of a cloth. Yet he wasn't stirred, Kenshin realised and filed that information away in his head.

"My lady."

"My lord."

"Are you enjoying this party?"

She simply smiled, her smile conveying a world of boredom. "What do you think, my lord?"

"I think it is a fine party."

"Lady Aya has outdone herself this time."

Kenshin grinned, quick and unexpectedly. "Yes, she has," he replied, pride in his voice. "She gives the best parties."

His companion's features softened and she nodded. There was something about that made Kenshin feel on edge but he could not put his finger on it. Instead, he offered her his arm.

"The music is wonderful. It would be a shame if we miss this dance."

She slipped her arm into his and followed him to the dance floor. When he pulled her close, she simply smiled and followed his lead on the dance floor. She was beautiful, Kenshin thought, bewitching in a sense. A man would be crazy not to notice the beauty she excluded so confidently. There was a certain sense of pride in the way she held herself. It was so different from Kaoru's.

Shocked, Kenshin forcefully masked his feelings before it could show on his face. Why was he thinking of Kaoru when he was dancing with this beautiful woman? Why was Kaoru still in his mind? Why?

The answer came to him as he turned his dance partner and pulled her into his arms. When she was close to him, he scented it. Jasmine in the midst of plum blossoms. His heart began to beat fiercely and he called himself a fool. Anyone could be wearing jasmine scent. It does not have to be her!

"I am loosing you, my lord," his partner's soft voice interrupted his thoughts. Kenshin grinned and shook his heads.

"You did not lose me, my lady. I was merely curious about your scent."

She tilted her head and looked curiously at him. "My scent, my lord?"

"Plum blossoms."

She flushed and looked away. "It is rude to sniff a lady, my lord," she chided playfully as she danced with him.

He laughed quietly, glad that she bought his bluff. "I was not sniffing, my lady. I am insulted you think I would do so!"

Chagrined, she looked deep into his eyes. "Then, let me make it up to you, my lord, for unknowingly insulting you."

"You may tell me your name," Kenshin replied, easily flirting with her. His companion laughed.

"Gladly. I am Tomoe, daughter of Yukishiro."

"Tomoe...such a beautiful name, fit for a beautiful woman."

"You're making me blush, my lord."

Kenshin simply laughed and stepped back as the song ended. He offered her his hand and led her from the dance floor.

"It pains me to leave you standing here but I have to go and mingle. I promised Lady Aya that I would."

Tomoe smiled gently at Kenshin. "It honours me that you would even consider me worthy of a dance partner. I thank you, my lord."

Kenshin nodded his head and left.

Syousuke watched his son leave Tomoe and talk to other women. Beside him, Aya could barely restrain herself from jumping up and down like a child.

"Didn't I tell you? Didn't I tell you that they would hit it off?" Aya whispered excitedly. Syousuke laughed and hugged his wife.

"He seems to like her. But he should manage this on his own."

Aya waved his suggestion away. "Nonsense. That child needs a firm handling. We will watch him tonight and ask him who he remembers the most. Then, I will get him to meet her. They are so well suited," Aya said as she sighed happily.

Syousuke did not say a word. He hoped his wife did not do anything to force Kenshin against his will but Aya could be quite persuasive when she wants to be.

He had noted how handsome his son has grown to be when Kenshin stood with Aoshi and Sano. His son had worn a dark suit. It contrasted well with his hair and skin colour, making the combination a successful one. His son looked dangerous and powerful as he stood among the people. Despite his short stature, he could be easily spotted in the crowd.

Looking away from Kenshin, Syousuke frowned as he saw Megumi and Sano sneaking out into the night. Sano had a hand firmly around Megumi's waist and Megumi was holding on to his other hand. They looked content. It made Syousuke's heart stop when he realised that his girl has already chosen her future. The desire to hurt Sano slowly diminished and Syousuke sighed.

"You saw them too," Aya said softly and Syousuke nodded. "They make a sweet couple."

"Aya..."

"You have to let her go sometime, my love."

"I know but it is too soon."

"You've had her for nearly twenty and one years. It is time. Once Kenshin is settled, we can make theirs legal. Oh look, he noticed..."

The couple watched their son smile and greet Megumi and Sano. There was no awkwardness in their stance. It made the older couple realise that things were settling down rather nicely.

"What do you think, my love?"

Syousuke sighed. "I will talk to Kenshin. I need to talk to him today, anyways."

Aya's smile could have made the sun look dim and Syousuke could only shake his head.

XXX

Kenshin stood in his father's private chamber silently. He had no desire to sit on the chair prepared for guests. His mind was miles away from home, centring on the two women who caught his heart and mind.

Tomoe, daughter of Yukishiro was a puzzle. Kenshin did not know what it was about the woman that tugged on his heart. There was something odd about her. It was as though she was playing around with him. That mere challenge in her bored eyes for him to excite her was enough to keep her in Kenshin's mind.

The other was Kaoru. Kenshin's face hardened as he thought about the exotic woman he met by the river. Where Tomoe was an elegant beauty, Kaoru seemed more like a defiant temptress. He thought it was odd for him to classify her as a temptress when all she had done was run away from him.

Yet, wasn't that the problem?

When a woman tends to run, a man enjoys giving the chase.

Would Kaoru mind if he chased her? Then again, there was her position in society to consider and her name in society too. Her words suggest that her name is soiled. His mother would never approve. Lady Aya was very particular about upbringing and roots. She always told Kenshin and Megumi that a person with bad roots tend to have bad breeding and hence a bad personality altogether. Her children did not agree but their opinions never could change their mother's stand. Finally, they gave up.

If he had a chance with Kaoru, could he convince his mother to give her a chance?

Possibly not.

Lady Aya would probably prefer Tomoe.

Kenshin sighed. He felt something wrong in the whole situation but he could not put his finger on the source. Whatever it was, he had to wait for Sano to bring the news of his findings first.

A sharp click made him turn and he smiled in acknowledgement at his father.

"Sorry. The meeting took longer than it should," Syousuke apologised as he took his seat before his son. The moment he was seated, Kenshin followed suit.

"Do not worry. I thought you might be detained. You are the leader after all."

Syousuke nodded absently and smiled at his son.

"Speaking of leaders, I hope you are ready to take over, Kenshin. I am growing old and I'd love to retire soon. Your mother and I have not been spending much time together as we should."

Kenshin groaned playfully. "I just came back, father. Is this matter really urgent?"

To his surprise, Syousuke's face turned rather serious.

"There are a few matters to be addressed first. Kenshin, you are aware of your sister's romance with Sano?"

Kenshin did not bother to act shocked. He simply nodded, acknowledging the couple. Syousuke smiled approvingly.

"I think Sano would make Megumi happy, father."

"Yes, I agree. They are both at the ripe age to marry too."

"Yes."

"But you do realise that they can't officialise their relationship until you are married?"

Shocked, Kenshin gaped like a fish. "Marriage?"

Syousuke smiled sadly.

"Yes, my dear boy, marriage. You are old enough to marry."

"Perhaps in another few years..."

"Not a chance. Do you want to deny your sister the happiness that she is entitled too?"

Kenshin frowned thoughtfully, knowing very well which route his father was using and yet he simply followed.

"I want her to be happy...with Sano."

"Then, you have to get married. Do not tell me you have not noticed your mother's interference with today's celebration? You did realise it was a matchmaking celebration, did you not?"

Kenshin nodded mutely, waiting patiently for his father to continue.

"Do you fancy anyone from the celebration, Kenshin?"

Kenshin shrugged. "It is too soon to tell. I barely know any of them."

Syousuke gritted his teeth. His son was determined to make this difficult. Well, he could make it difficult too.

"What about that lady you were dancing with? A rather striking beauty she was."

"Lady Tomoe is quite a catch, father. Yet there is something about her..."

"You will not know her if you do not make an effort to do so, Kenshin. Lady Tomoe comes from a reputable and respectable family. She is very well known in our circle as an elegant and well bred lady. I have met her and so has your mother and she made quite an impression on us. We really like her. That said, we were quite happy to see you too have taken up to her during the ball. It looked promising to us. I know you feel heavy hearted to narrow your options so soon but sometimes we meet our destined one at the most unexpected places and times. We should take advantage of the situation and embrace it, Kenshin."

Kenshin mechanically nodded, feeling trapped. How could he talk to his father about Kaoru when his father seemed so set on Tomoe? It did not take a genius to figure out that Syousuke had singled out Tomoe. Kenshin knew he had allowed his father to box him into the corner but he wondered if it wasn't for his own curiousity. Who was Tomoe? Who was Kaoru? There was only one way to find out.

"What are you suggesting, father?"

Taking a deep breath, Syousuke looked up and sighed. His son was either too innocent or extremely good at annoying people. It was impossible to imagine that he does not know how to woo women? Did he have to spell it out? What would happen once it came to the wedding night? Was he expected to give his son 'The Talk'? Since Kenshin spent his time with Hiko, Syousuke safety assumed Kenshin knew the ropes. What if he did not? Was Syousuke expected to be a love adviser, advising his own son how to bed a woman? The mere thought made him pale and he pushed the idea far away from his mind, hoping he was wrong about Kenshin. That would turn out to be a very awkward conversation!

"Why don't you go to her place for dinner? Take Sano and Aoshi along. They can help you in knowing her as well."

"Dinner?"

"Yes, boy. Dinner. Is dinner so hard for you?"

Kenshin shook his head and smiled at his father.

"Nope. Dinner is just fine."

"Good. Get to know her and see how you feel. Tomorrow night seems fine."

Kenshin shot out from his chair, his face shocked.

"Tomorrow night?"

"Stop parroting me, Kenshin. You heard me loud and clear. Tomorrow night. Your mother is anxious to know if you suit."

Kenshin tried to think of something to say but he could not form any words. If he were to meet Tomoe so soon after the dance, people would assume he was interested in her. He did not want that sort of commitment so soon. He still has not sorted his feelings for Kaoru yet!

"Tomorrow night is so soon, father. Can't we wait for awhile more?" Kenshin pleaded, knowing it was a lost cause and yet hoping for the best. Syousuke shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Kenshin. Tomorrow is the best. Why put off a good deed? Like I said, Tomoe is a nice woman and your mother and I approve of her."

Kenshin sat back down slowly. He needed a plan and he needed one now!

"Father..."

"Tomorrow, Kenshin!"

Kenshin sighed and nodded.

"As you wish, father. Yet I am not happy with this decision. Are you sure we cannot postpone this meeting?"

Syousuke nodded sympathetically. He knew what a meeting so soon will suggest to the people. He too wanted to give his son more time but they did not have time.

"I hope your matter is settled then?"

Kenshin nodded. Syousuke cleared his throat and looked directly at his son, his expression deadly serious.

"Now, we need to discuss a more severe matter."

Noting his father straightening his back, Kenshin focused on him.

"Something is wrong."

Syousuke nodded.

"You're right. Something is wrong..."

Kenshin waited patiently for his father to continue. His heart raced and he wondered what could possibly faze his father so much. The man was already looking years older and he has not even spoken yet.

"We have received news and have a reason to believe that Shishio Makoto is planning to expand his territory. When he does, we will be next."

XXX

Author's Note:

Another chapter done and up! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter as well. The story is coming together beautifully. I can simply imagine what is going to happen next but you have got to read and stay with me to find out! =) Thank you all for your support especially through the reviews. They really mean a lot and encourage me to write more. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy your day and have fun!