The Scoundrel's Tribute

Crown Prince

Dmitry

As I walked with Rene on my arm to Dina's room I couldn't help but steal a few glances at how gorgeous she looked. I assumed Rene is going to wear something extravagant with many jewelries as she did in the previous years, to call people's attention to her beauty. She was a genuine surprise with a clean and simple look, simple but elegant hair and the dress also suited her, the party but let Dina shine the brightest. Dina started calling Rene mom, which made my skin crawl. When I asked her after this morning, why she did that, Dina answered, that Rene was taking care of her as a mom should and that she really likes her. Before entering to the ballroom, when Dina held Rene's hand instead of mine, I felt what I haven't in a long time, I wanted to get rid of her. The perceptive Rene probably noticed my discomfort because in a matter of a moment, Dina was holding my hand and smiling with excitement. As soon as we have entered, many started to congratulate Dina and she hurried to chat with the ladies of her age, while I mingled with the adults as I should. I couldn't help but keep an eye on Rene the whole time which made people think that I was a devoted husband. I stopped by the wall to take a breath and on the other side of the thick curtain, I heard a woman's voice.

- Oh Lady Rene! What a beautiful party!

- Thanks for the compliments, but the honor is the Duke's, he organized it. - I heard giggling and wanted to leave to avoid unnecessary conversations, but that moment the tone of the women changed.

- Really? Are you in such a horrible relationship with your stepdaughter that you wouldn't even lift a finger for her, Duchess?

- I can only imagine the eyesore she could be! You have been married now for three years and still no heir for your own, yet you have to put on a nice face for her...

- Poor Duchess! What would his Majesty think?

- Sh! It feels like you are assuming that the Duchess is a shame for the Royal family! - I felt my anger rise but suddenly heard a voice, terrifyingly cold and calm.

- Have you finished your babbling? - it was Rene. I heard the other ladies gasp.

- Babbling?! We are merely worried for the Duchess!

-Yeah, your reputation and worth drastically worsened since the birthday of the Earl's daughter!

-We never expected you to act so devotedly with someone else's child.

- Ugh... Seriously. Could you finally shut the f**k up? - Rene asked and a smile curved on my face.

- Excuse me?!

- You are excused. - Rene said and I wanted to see those bitches faces at that moment.

- How dare you talk to us like that? Just because you were sold to the Duke, so the Emperor could regulate him, do you really think that you are a real Duchess? - I grabbed the curtain and wanted to pull over when my hand had been touched by Rene. She squeezed it gently and I released the curtain. "How did she know that I was here?"

- Listen here you ungrateful, old, bitches. Feel honored that you had been invited and got a chance to step on a floor, that's single tile worth more than all of your dresses together. I don't give a f**k about what you think or say, but one more disrespectful, disregarding word towards my daughter and I'll make sure your husbands spend a great amount of time finding all of your pieces. Oh and ladies, don't even hope for an open coffin funeral if I catch you in my hands.

- ARE YOU THREATENING US NOW?! - Rene giggled.

- Oh my, you are sharper than you look like! Now if you excuse me. - she pulled the curtain away and locked her arm with mine. The women's faces got pale as they saw us together.

- We have other guests to greet! - I pulled Rene a bit closer to me and asked.

- Shall we, Duchess? - she smiled and batted her eyelashes like a girl in love.

- With pleasure, my Duke! - when we got far enough, she released my arm and a feeling of loss came to me.

- Wow... I wish I could.. - Rene groaned and I realized, I haven't seen her angry since her sudden change of heart. She was a victim of constant bullying, and murderous attempts, but she never got mad.

- What do you want to do? - I asked curiously and a wicked smile spread on her beautiful face, call me crazy, but she looked hot as hell!

- I'd love to make a hide and seek game for their husbands. I wonder how long would it take to put them together if I'd mix up their pieces? - She said in a calm and cold voice again that made me believe in all her words.

- His Highness Isaac Emerald, Crown Prince of the Empire and Lord Daquir, Royal consultant enters! - the butler announced and I saw Rene's eyes get darker. Everyone bowed and she asked in a soft voice while we walked to greet the Prince.

- Duke, Have you invited my nephew to come today? - I shook my head gently and when we arrived we greeted the Prince and his consultant properly. Lord Daquir kissed Rene's hand and I saw her getting goosebumps but she kept smiling like her face was a mask.

- Duchess, long time no see! It feels like and eternity! - she giggled.

- It hasn't been long enough for me to forget Lord Daquir! - I couldn't hold a smile back. Dina rushed and greeted the Prince, but I didn't like the look in my daughter's, neither in the Prince's eyes.

- Greetings for the Duke and Duchess of Rankin, happy birthday to the Little Lady of Rankin. - The Prince said and I saw Dina smile.

- Thank you Prince Isaac! - the music started and the Prince bowed.

- May I have this dance, Lady Rankin? - Dina looked at the extended hand amazed and she took it with a perfect curtsy.

- Yes, Prince! - they walked to the dance floor and Lord Daquir asked from Rene.

- Don't they look like a perfect couple? - " Of course, since Rene had no child with me despite of being married for three years already, the Emperor wants to capture my daughter into the Royal family."

- I think you'd need glasses Lord Daquir. The Little Lady looks like a fairy and she is mature for her age, but the Prince, he is still a child.

- The Prince is fourteen this year, also he is the crown Prince of the Empire! Don't you think the Lady would like to be a Princess? - I turned to Daquir and with a voice as composed as I could, I said.

- She is already one. My daughter doesn't need a Prince to be a Princess.

- Are you insisting Duke, that the Little Lady is in the same political position as the Crown Prince of the Empire? - Lord Daquir asked and I hated that I walked into his trap.

- Come on Lord Daquir, there's no one in this room who doesn't know, that if the Little Lady wanted to become a Princess, the Duke would already be the Emperor.

- I see that the Duchess's barbarian blood is still coming to the surface from time to time. Since she is talking about treason so easily.

- Treason? No, I stated the facts. You are here because of the same reason aren't you? To make sure, the Little Lady falls for my nephew and this way the Duke would never rebel.

- You are completely misunderstanding everything Rene! - Lord Daquir said and his grin became disgusting.

- By the way your Uncle had been worried sick for you. Since you haven't answered to any of his letters for a year now! - I looked at Rene curiously, I didn't even know she received letters from the Emperor. She shrugged in a bored way and said.

-I thought my last reply was clear and understandable, to assume that there's no need for further communication. - the song stopped and the kids bowed to each other. Dina headed back to her friends and she pulled Isaac with her to introduce him. I wanted to get away from Daquir, but felt sorry for sacrificing Rene. So when the next song started, I did something I haven't foresaw either.

- May I have this dance, Duchess? - she blushed as she took my hand and I realized this was our first dance. The room became vivid with soft chattering which mixed with the music.

- I owe you one. - Rene said.

- Excuse me?

- If you'd let me there alone with that old man, I'm not sure that my dress wouldn't turned magically red. - I chuckled and she looked deeply into my eyes.

- I haven't heard you laugh like this. - she said and I shrugged a bit.

- It's interesting to see a new side of you.

- New side? - she asked and I leaned closer to her to make sure nobody hears me.

- I didn't know you had such a defensive and murderous side Rene. - I pulled back and she was smiling beautifully.

- There are so many things you don't know about me Duke! It's a shame, don't you think? - she asked playfully and something in me changed. Maybe because of her sincerity, because she protected my daughter and made sure she won't forget about her mother. Maybe because of the atmosphere of the room, or because of her dark eyes which looked like the deepest part of the ocean.

-It is indeed. Maybe it's a bit late for this, but, Rene I'd like to get to know more about you. - she blushed and smiled sweetly.

- It would be my pleasure Duke!

- Call me Dmitry. Let's make this as the first step. - She leaned closer and in a low voice she whispered.

- I love this idea, Dmitry.