The Scoundrel's Tribute

Birthday wish

Rene

We walked back to the ballroom stealing glances at each other with Dmitry that gave even more ground for gossiping. I saw those old bitches that tried to harass Dina verbally and tried to undermine my honor. My hold on Dmitry's arm strengthened and when he noticed it, he laned to my ear and whispered.

- You know, I'm famous enough already. A little scandal wouldn't hurt the Rankin Duchy's reputation. I believe, it would even reinforce our image. - I felt my cheeks blushing and I smirked at Dmitry before asking in a teasing voice.

- Correct me if I'm wrong, but it feels like you are trying to convince me to make some mess! - Dmitry shrugged and smiled in a mischievous way before lifting his hands in the air.

- I simply stated some facts! - I really enjoyed that we got so much closer in such a short time. It looks like the saying which says "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" is valid for our case as well. Dina rushed to me and hugged me.

- Mom, dance with me! - I held her hand and walked to the dance floor with Dina. She smiled happily and I saw the many ugly stares full of malice. I took a deep breath and the song started, it was a soft and slow one, so we had time to chat. I held Dina's hands and asked.

- Would you like to see something really amazing? - I asked and she nodded with sparkling eyes.

- Great! Follow my lead and don't worry if you make a mistake! Because anyone who'd dare to say anything, will meet your daddy's wrath!

- Mom, are you and daddy friends now? - she asked and I could hear the hope in her voice.

- Yes. - Dina jumped one happily.

- Birthday wishes really come true! - she said and I got emotional that she used her birthday wish, so we could get along with Dmitry. The music changed into a faster rhythm and I held Dina's side.

- Ready?

- Yes mom! - I've started skipping and twirling around the ballroom, holding Dina up from the floor many times. She giggled during the whole time and I felt so free. As Dmitry said, I didn't care about the possible gossips anymore. Soon many other kids joined us, while the adults kept their distances, except for one particular gentleman. Dmitry held Dina's friend and copied my movements while we danced next to each other he asked.

- What kind of dance is this?

- I have no idea! I just did what I wanted to! - I said and felt that my smile finally wasn't a fabricated one.

- Well, you might've created a new trend! - Dmitry said before they danced away and Dina asked curiously.

-Mom, do you like Daddy? - I leaned close and whispered.

- A lot!

- Even when he is angry with you?

- That's when I like him the most! Because I know that he loves you a lot! Enough to make anyone feel bad and to keep everyone in check. - Dina blushed and searched for her father with her eyes. I danced to Dmitry with her and said.

- Change of partners! - before I handed him Dina and caught Anna in my arms.

- Hello Duchess! - she said with a smile.

- Hi Anna! How have you been?

- Really good! Since you visited, my mom became more attentive. She plays with me and even reads for me! Thank you Duchess!-I smiled and hugged her briefly during our dance.

- I'm happy we could help. Do you enjoy the party?

- Yes? This is the best one I've ever been to! But, Duchess, I must tell you something.

- I'm all ears.

- Don't tell Dina, that I told you this, please! - I nodded and got very interested. Anna seemed worried and insecure.

- The Prince, he spoke in a very ugly manner to Dina. He even stepped on her feet on purpose, while they danced. - I thanked Anna for telling this to me and I used the song to pull Isaac in for a private conversation.

-What do you want? - he asked when I walked to him with a smile.

-We will have a lovely little chat. - I said and he scoffed.

- I won't talk with a half blood. - with a bright smile, I grabbed his arm and pulled him to the dance floor. I was stronger that this little brat and when he realized that he cannot pull himself away, he complained.

- Your filth is rubbing on me. - he said and I stepped on his feet.

- AUCH! WHAT THE f**k?! - I stepped on it again, this time with more strength.

- Hey! Who do you think you are b***h?! - he asked and, as I previously did, I've stepped on his feet.

- Seems like the Prince of the Empire is less intelligent than a hunting dog. If I show tye consequences of his actions to a dog, it understands. Unfortunately, it looks like, you need to experience the same pattern several times to understand.

- Are you nuts?! TAKE OFF YOUR HANDS OFF ME! This is an order! - I stepped on his feet again, this time I made sure to do it with the heel of my shoes. Isaac's eyes filled with tears.

- I'll tell this to my father! - he said but didn't dare to insult me again.

- Go on. Tell him that you have insulted the daughter of Duke Rankin and hurt her on her birthday. Tell your father that you are stupid enough to show your hostility to someone, who is clearly stronger than you currently are. Also, since you already talking with him, tell him I said, "It's wiser not to enrage me." - Isaac swallowed hardly and the song ended. I bowed to him and Dmitry walked to us with Dina. She saw Isaac's red eyes and handed him her handkerchief.

- Are you alright, your Highness? - she asked and Isaac loomed at her mesmerized, then his gaze met mine and I said.

- Learn to choose your allies wisely Isaac, or your lifeline might end up being shorter than you hope for. - I called for a maid and told her to take Isaac to the doctor. Dmitry watched as the maid escorted Isaac out and he chuckled.

- What? - I asked and he smiled gently pushing my shoulder with his.

- Looks like someone took my advice! - I rolled my eyes.

- The situation asked for it!

- Mom, what happened to the Prince? - Dina asked pretty worried and confused. Dmitry leaned down to meet her eyes and said.

- I think your mom just educated her nephew, showing him the consequences of his actions. - my eyes widened at Dmitry and he shrugged.

- He was pretty loud and I got curious. - I laughed at how childish he looked like. Dina's eyes jumped between her father and I. She became very silent and her eyes filled with tears. Dmitry hugged her immediately and asked.

- What's wrong my angel? - what Dina answered made both of us blush.

- Daddy, finally said that the Duchess, is my mom. - Dmitry looked into my eyes and I could see the panic in his eyes, he didn't realize his slip of tongue. I hugged Dina as well and said.

- Would it be alright if your Daddy called. Me by my name? It feels weird for me to be called mom, by him!

- Yes! - she said and yawned.

-I think the party is coming to its end. - Dmitry said and he lifted up Dina in his arms, giving her a kiss on her face.

- Can you take care of this alone? - he asked and I nodded. They left the ballroom and I looked around. I was thinking about to give a farewell speech, but to be honest, I was too lazy and tired to keep putting on an act. I've chanted a spell and everyone left one by one, thanking the party and chatting contently. I sat on the stairs, once the room became empty and watched the maids clean up.

- Leave it like this ladies and have some rest. You could take care of it tomorrow. - I ordered and they bowed thanking me. When they left I rolled up the sleeves of my dress and smiled.

- How was it in Dina's fairytale book? Oh, I remember... - I lifted my fingers like a maestro in front of a symphonic band and sang softly.

- Abracadabra, listen to my mantra

Bipity- Bopity-Boo

It has magical power believe it or not

Bipity-Bopity-Boo!

Now abracadabra hipp, and abracadabra hop

It's a secret that's how I clean up,

Bipity-Bopity-Boo! - I've danced around the ballroom between the mops and brooms, the plates collected themselves and the decorations had been removed. " It was so long ago that I could enjoy my powers this much!" Suddenly I heard a noise coming from the door and I stopped everything, Dina opened the door rubbing her eyes.

- Mom, what are you doing? - she asked and I happened to have a mop in my hand, wich I've been dancing with, previously.

- Dina, where is your father? I thought he already took you to sleep. - I said putting the mop down.

- He fall asleep in my bed. - I smiled and walked to her holding her hand.

- Let's go back to him, if he wakes up and you are not there he'll be worried. - we walked back to Dina's bedroom and when I wanted to open the door Dmitry rushed out with a sword in his hand. He almost knocked me off of my feet, but managed to catch me. My face became the level of Dina's and I said with a bright smile.

-I told you so! - Dina laughed and Dmitry helped me get back on my feet. I gave a goodnight kiss to Dina and was about to leave when she grabbed my dress.

- What about daddy's goodnight kiss? - she asked and I looked at the half asleep, half embarrassed Dmitry.

- I think Dina gives better goodnight kisses than I do and your father need the best quality for tonight! - she pouted but sighed and I left the father daughter duo in Dina's room.