The Scoundrel's Daughters

Lady Rankins

Dina

Mom left and she contacted us only once, trough Tanya's mind that she arrived safe and sound to daddy and Finn. Ever since the day she supposedly died, Isaac visited me every, damn day. They also allowed us to walk in the gardens and fed both me and my "maid" well. Although, the Emperor called for Tanya usually. We were in the castle for about a week already, when during one of our afternoon walks, Tanya pulled me into the labyrinth in the Empress's garden.

- Seriously... This is getting very tiring. - I whispered and she rolled her eyes.

- I know. These people are freaking boring and easy to read. - Tanya complained and with hope in my heart, I've asked.

- Do you have any news from our parents and Finn? - Tanya smiled bitterly and I already knew what this expression meant.

- I supposed... - she gave me a brief hug and whispered almost inaudible.

- I'm sure they are perfectly fine. Let's mess this place up a bit, so Finny could be a real hero! - when she released me, I saw a crazy sparkle in her eyes. My little sister's excitement made me feel determined as well.

- I'm all ears! - I said and she murmured a spell, changing our appearances.

- Why? - I've asked and she smiled kindly.

- Because you have a fiance madly in love with you, and I know you Dina... You'd never have the stomach for what I have in mind. - a shiver ran down my spine as Tanya threw my hair back and started to run. I ran after her, but soon we got completely lost in the maze. She sat down and started to cry. I quickly kneeled next to her.

- Hey! What's wrong? Please calm down, we'll get out of here. - I said and she just kept crying until I heard someone approaching.

- Lady Rankin! - it was Isaac. Tanya lifted her head a bit and grinned mischievously before fat tears fall from her eyes. Isaac rushed to us and he shouted.

- I have found them! Dinara, are you okay? - he asked and Tanya looked at him as if he was the hero of every girls' dream. She nodded and he helped her up.

- I'm fine now... But.. I was so afraid. - she cried and Issac held her in his arms, trying to console her. That moment I understood what Tanya meant before... She was playing with Isaac and she knew it bloody well, that I wouldn't be able to pretend affection for the one who tried to kill our mother and kidnapped me... But, how could Tanya do it? Sometimes, I felt a bit embarrassed. I was way older than her, but ever since she was a young child, Tanya simply was different. She learned fast, and seemed to be always distracted, while she was perfectly aware of her surroundings all the time.

- Let me escort you back to your room. - Isaac said and offered his handkerchief with a victorious smile, while Tanya dried up her tears and gave me the handkerchief.

- Diana, please wash it before we return it to the prince. - I've bowed and followed Tanya while Isaac escorted her, forgetting his hand on Tanya's lower back. I knew it wasn't truly my body, but simply by seeing this scene my stomach curled up and I felt like puking. We arrived to our room and Isaac sighed sadly.

- Such a shame that our journey ends here tonight, I really wanted to get to know you better, Lady Rankin... - Tanya blushed and batted my eyelashes... Damn! Her eyelashes at him.

- Maybe next time, for today I feel really tired after wandering around in that maze. Thank you for saving us, Prince Isaac. - he reached for her hand and kissed it.

- Please, just Isaac. - Tanya giggled.

- Fine, Isaac. - he smiled trying ot flirt with her and I was really getting sick.

- Wouldn't the lady tell me to call her by her name as well? - Tanya grabbed her fan and lifted Isaac's gaze to look into her eyes.

- Isaac, my mother died a week ago. Don't think that I'd fall into your arms because you helped me out once. - he nodded and soon left bidding goodbye to Tanya. Once the door was closed she turned into her own self and me too. I had to sit down and my hands were shaking with anger.

-Why? - that's all I could ask. I simply didn't understand. Why is Tanya choosing this method? She kneeled in front of me and held my hands. Tanya gently massaged them and in a freaky calm voice she said.

- I don't want to simply kill this family, Dina. I want them to perish by each other's hands. I want to see them suffer, starting by the Empress, and once she is gone, it will be the Emperor's turn, I'm leaving Isaac for the last.

- Why? - I asked and Tanya's eyes shined with the purple color of her magic.

- Because I want Finn to kill him. Only that way will the circle close. When the only remaining family members are mommy and Finny of the Royals.

- You are forgetting the Princess and her brat! - I said and Tanya shrugged hopping ion our bed.

- What makes you believe that I forgot about them?

- Didn't you? - Tanya shook her head and handed me today's newspaper.

- How did you get that?! - I asked eagerly opening it and turning the pages, hoping to read something about Daddy, Mom and Finn. But the only news that was related to us, was about the Princess. I read the article and my eyes widened at my little sister, who smiled proudly.

- Seriously... How the hell did you do that?! - she motioned to keep my voice low and whispered.

- It wasn't that complicated, I just listened and kept my eyes open. Soon I found out, that the Pricness's husband is cheating on her, while she is selling illegal drugs and slaves to finance her expensive lifestyle. She had been taken out of the Royal family ledger, after somehow... The Empress found out about it.

- Somehow? - I asked mockingly and she grinned at me.

- These birdies are pretty loud lately! - I laughed at her mischiefs and couldn't wait for Tanya to tell me what was the next step. After a brief pause, Tanya's expression turned dark as she looked at me and said.

- Dina... I must ask you something.

- Anything.

- Are you ready to kill someone? - the question caught me out of guard. I looked at my hands and hated myself for my hesitation. I can't let Tanya do everything alone! I clenched my teeth and nodded.

- Yes. Who do you want me to kill? - Tanya handed me a tiny viol and said.

- You just have to put a drop of this into the Empress's tea from the day, she starts to trust Lady Rankin. Could you do it? - I took a deep breath and looked at the viol in my hand before answering.

- Yes. - Tanya clapped her hands together and curled up on her bed.

- Excellent, sweet dreams, Dina! - she fall asleep quickly and I just stared at the ceiling wondering, why my little sister was so close, yet so far.