The Scoundrel's Tribute

Enchanted

Rene

I took Dina to my garden and asked her to close her eyes for a moment. She closed them obediently and I put the jar down in the doll's hands, I've casted a spell on the fairy doll. Also made sure to fill the garden with magical fireflies just for this occasion.

- Dina, open you eyes. - she opened her eyes and gasped as the dozens of tiny lights danced around the garden and her. Behind my back, I moved my fingers and the fairy doll with the jar of candies flew in front of Dina.

- Look Mom! A Fairy! - she said and I walked to her side as she carefully approached the doll. Dina kneeled in front of it and looked at me.

- Can I touch it? - I nodded and she gently lifted the doll, she caressed it's hair and with care, the face. I saw a few tears in her eyes.

- She looks like my mommy... - she said softly, I kneeled behind her and wrapped my arms around her.

- That's what I thought exactly when I saw this doll. - Dina hugged the doll strongly and whispered.

- I miss her... - I turned her to face me and wiped her tears.

- I know, and I wanted her to be here today for you. Since she can't be with us today as a person, she came in form of a fairy. Dina, I'll never take your mom's place, I adored your mother and used to be a bit jealous as well. - I took the doll out of her hand and put it on my lap opening her arms.

- Allow me to congratulate you on your ninth birthday, in the name of both of your moms. Happy birthday my dear daughter! - I said and Dina cried happily throwing herself into my arms. I hugged her both with my own hands and made sure the doll is hugging her as well.

- This is the best birthday gift ever! Thank, mom! - I kissed the top of her head and said.

- There's something else as well. - I reached out and handed her the jar.

- Candies? - Dina asked curiously.

- Magical Fairy Candies! They will make you stronger. You might feel a bit sick sometimes when you eat them, but I'll cure you. They have medical herbs, so it's very important, to only eat one per day! Okay? You can eat as much as you want from other candies, but only one of these per day. - She looked pensive and gave me back the jar.

- I have a sweet tooth, I'm not sure I'll be able to eat only one. Can you give me one per day? - I haven't thought of this and got surprised how good this little girl was. I chuckled and caressed her hair.

- Of course! Let's go to your room, the party will start soon and we are still nowhere with the preparations! - Dina held my hand and we walked down the stairs. I hid the candies somewhere, neither Magda knew about, and walked Dina to her room. On our way we found Dmitry standing in front of Dina's bedroom looking puzzled. I released her hand and said.

- Go to your daddy! I'll see you soon! - Dina hugged my side and grinned happily.

- See you soon Mom! - she rushed to Dmitry and I heard her say.

- Look daddy! I've got a fairy doll from Mom for my birthday! It looks just like Mommy! I'm so happy! I even got magical candies gifted to make me stronger! - I caught Dmitry looking at the doll in Dina's hands and smiling sweetly at his little princess. I walked back to my room and sighed closing the door. Magda came soon after and helped me prepare.

- Which dress would you like to wear my Lady? - she asked and she brought me three dresses for the occasion.

- These are too flashy. - I said and Magda looked a bit troubled.

- There will be many important guests tonight, if the Duchess is poorly dressed, the Duke could become the source of gossips. - I looked at her over my shoulder while I searched my wardrobe for a simple dress.

- Who told you that? Hold on for a moment, since when are you worried about this kind of things? - she played with her fingers and avoided my glance. I stopped searching and walked closer to her.

- Magda... Come on. - she sighed and shut her eyes close bowing deeply.

- The head maid! She said that the Lady's actions lately are of a commoner's or barbarian's! The maids are already gossiping that the Duke might divorce my Lady because of that! I'm so sorry, please punish me for speaking out of line, but I don't want to loose the Duchess! - she fall on her knees and cried while she talked.

- This last year had been the best of my life so far and I've never met someone as caring and strong as the Duchess! I just want the best for you... - I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up.

- First of all thanks for letting me know and for worrying about my reputation. Although, I've already ruined it I think! - I said with a giggle and Magda started to say that it wasn't true!

- Magda, today is the Little Lady's big day, so the only one who should shine, is her. Don't worry about the gossiping, I'll take care of it. Now, let's find something elegant, beautiful but laid back for tonight, shall we? - she nodded and we dived head into my wardrobe to find the perfect dress for the occasion. My gaze landed on a dress with many colors and a simple yet classy design.

- This is the one! Help me get into it Magda! - she choose a pair of pale pink heels for my dress. Magda braided half of my hair back into a masterpiece while she let the rest of it naturally embrace my shoulders and back. She gasped happily when she finished my makeup as well.

- You look straight out of a dream my Lady! - she said and I took a look of my appearance in the huge mirror in my bedroom. Even my breath stopped for a second. I've never been this beautiful before. The corset of the dress which had a very sophisticated heart shaped line at my chest, was russet colored, and decorated with fine embroidery of many leaves and vines of a darker shade. The dress was long, yet slim and easy to move in thank to the thin chiffon that was made out of. The skirt had different layers and each one of them changed into various colors, including light rose, peach, dark chestnut and rosey brown. The whole aehestetic of my appearance was really like a fairy godmother out of a book. I didn't use any jewelry, apart from my wedding ring and Magda gently smiled in the reflection of the mirror. The makeup she put on me was almost invisible, just gave my natural beauty a fresh appearance.

- Magda...

- Yes my Lady?

- With this masterpiece, I'll give them something to gossip about! - she squeaked happily even made a tiny jump but quickly regained her composure.

- Shall we go, my Lady? - she asked and I've nodded. I didn't expect Dmitry to come to pick me up, he never did. Magda opened the door of my chambers and my eyes met a pair of amazed, warm, brown eyes. I smiled at the flustered Dmitry and he cleared his throat.

- I came to escort you to the ball room, Dina requested it. - he offered his arm and I locked mine with his being careful not to touch him too much.

- Thank you Duke.

- Let's go for my daughter. - he said and we headed to pick up Dina, I saw the grin on Magda's face while the other maids jaws dropped seeing us walk arm in arm. I couldn't hold a giggle back.

-What is so funny? - Dmitry asked while he knocked on Dina's door.

- Oh, nothing, I think tonight will be unforgettable! - the door opened and the angelic Dina smiled from ear to ear when she saw us.

- Wow... Daddy looks like a knight and mom like a fairy princess! - I leaned down and whispered.

- But Dina looks like an angel! - she blushed and she held my hand. Dmitry looked at our hands and I said.

- Dina, let's hold your father's hand, an angel needs a proper escort! - She looked a bit puzzled but decided to do as I asked. That how the butler announced us while we entered to the social battlefield.

- Lady Dinara, the Little Lady of Rankin, Duke Dmitry Rankin and Duchess Rene Rankin enter!