The Scoundrel's Daughters

The letter of doom

Tanya

Mommy and daddy were running up and down now that my debutant ball was near. They tried to make everything perfect, yet we all gathered together in front of the main gates to welcome Dina and Fin back. We haven't seen them for half a year now and I missed both. Their fake carriage rolled in and daddy couldn't stand still. He rushed to the carriage and ripped the door open just to catch Dina in his arms who had the same thoughts as her father. They almost fall back but both mom and Fin whispered a spell to stop them from hurting themselves. Fin got out after Dina and daddy pat his back with a proud smile. Dina ran to us and hugged both mommy and me, in the meantime I heard daddy asking Finny.

- Have you thought about it? - Fin nodded and Dina looked confused for a while.

- Before I answer that, I'd like to tell you all something. - Fin said and held Dina's hand, he lifted it up and showed us the magical ring. He kneeled in front of our parents and said.

- Duke and Duchess Rankin, I would like to officially request your blessing on us, and I would like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage. - daddy looked troubled while mommy just smiled.

- Stand up Finley. - daddy said and he obeyed. Daddy sighed deeply and turned to Dina.

- Is this what you want? The road you are planning to choose might not be the easiest my angel. - Dina walked to Fin confidently and locked her arm with his coping our parents posture and she smiled happily.

- Yes daddy, I liked him from the first moment we met... It had been fifteen years already. - Daddy hugged Dina and nodded to Finley.

- Tell her first how you have decided, my blessing is up to her decision. - Fin held Dina's hand and turned to our parents.

- Duke and Duchess, I want a world where we can live in peace and happiness without being afraid of the wrath of the Royal family and their accusations. I'll take the position you offered and I'm willing to fight my half brother for the throne. - Dina's eyes widened at Finny's decision. He clearly hasn't told about this to her.

- Dina, my sweetheart, do you still want Finley? - mommy asked, Dina looked lost and confused. Torn between her mind and heart.

- I... I love Fin... But this is very serious... We are talking about a war of inheritance. I need some time, I'm sorry. - she said with tears in her eyes and ran inside leaving us alone. Mommy and daddy went after her to console her and I shook my head.

- I thought you were sharp, but unfortunately seems like being an i***t runs in your family... - Fin lifted an eyebrow whole he looked at me.

- We share the same bloodline.

- Nah, mine is way more diluted! What are you planning to do to fix this? - He sighed.

- I'll give her some time first.

- Finally! A wise decision! - that moment we heard the sound of trumpets and a messenger rode his horse throughout the main gate. He stopped in front of Finley and asked.

- Are you Prince Finely Emerald? - Fin nodded, the messenger got off and bowed giving him two letters.

- His Highness the crown Prince had entrusted me to give you these letters.

- What are these? - Finley asked and the messenger looked uncomfortable.

- They are letters of calling from the Royal family. Our borders on the South had been attacked and war broke out. His Highness requests the war hero the Phoenix of the battlefield and his brother Prince Finley to take care of the issue as soon as possible. - he left without saying another word and Fin stared at the letters.

- This can't be a coincidence. - he murmured and suddenly remembered that I was standing next to him.

- Sorry Tanya... I must talk with the Duke. - I nodded and watched Finley run away. My palms tingled all day long, only a few more hours and I'll finally be able to use the full potential of my powers. "What should I do first?" I wondered and a smile spread on my face. "Should I just eliminate the Royal family?"

- Tanya! Tanya my dear where are you! - Mommy looked for me and I ran to her. She tried to force tranquility on herself so she wouldn't ruin my debutant ball and birthday, but I saw that her mind was elsewhere.

- Mommy, let's just cancel the ball. Honestly, I don't give a f**k about it, and based on what I've heard we have more urgent manners that require our attention. - she shook her head and hugged me closely, I felt the fear surrounding my mother for the first time and my idea seemed even more tempting now.

- No way! Everything is going to be fine! You deserve a celebration! - that moment the butler ran to mommy and whispered something into her ears. She got bewildered and followed him without another word. I stared at my debutant dress and shook my head.

- Useless parade. - although I loved the dress and was looking forward to the ball, because I missed my sister and cousin. But my gut told me, that tomorrow will change my entire life, but not the way we previously imagined. Unfortunately, I was right. As it turned out, mommy ran away because Daddy and Fin received an urgent call from the Emperor. They had to leave that night. Daddy hugged me strongly and I felt a few tears land on my shoulders.

- I'm so incredibly sorry my little princess. I wanted to be here. - I hugged him and looked deeply into my father's warm brown eyes. They meant refuge during my entire life, because I knew there wasn't trouble he and mommy couldn't solve.

- We can cancel it daddy and hold once you are back! - he kissed my forehead and shook his head.

- No my dear, we don't know how long the war will prolong. You need this so you can move freely in high society. - I scoffed.

- I don't like the mud daddy! - he laughed and pat my head.

- My blood! Take care of your mother and sister, something tells me they'll need you as a pillar. I'm counting on you Tatjana! - I've nodded. With daddy we always had a good relationship, but since I wasn't very ladylike, he treated me as his son, just in case the Dukedom will meed me as the heir is Dina refuses. Fin kissed Dina even from the saddle and she cried almost uncontrollably. Her big, sparkling eyes jumped from our father to Fin. Everything she knew as stability was falling apart and she trusted them, but a war is a war. Maybe this was the last time we saw them. I walked to Finley while mommy tried to calm Dina down. His eyes fixated on her and showed deep pain.

- Hey moron! - I said and he immediately paid me attention.

- Moron? Not Finny?

- If you die or let my father die, I'll make sure you never reach the other side. - he laughed and gave a peck on top of my head.

- Is this a threat? - he asked and I grinned.

- Consider it a curse! - his expression got a bit worried but that moment I had a great idea. I picked some of Finley's hair and ran to my father, I picked from him too while he hugged mom.

- Auch! Tanya! - he said and mommy's eyes widened when she realized what I was about to do.

- Tanya! Your powers are still limited!

- Are they? - I asked and she suddenly heard the bell of the clock tower. I felt magic fill every inch of my body and when I opened my eyes I saw my family stunned.

- Hear my voice, I curse you Dmitry Rankin and Finley Emerald! You'll never experience the pain of an injury, instead your enemies will fear your strength double!

- How is this a curse? - daddy asked mommy whispering while my powers surrounded them.

- She cursed you because curses are usually stronger than blessings! Seriously, don't die or I'll kill you! - mommy sai to daddy and he laughed kissing her passionately before he got on his horse.

- I wouldn't dare my little witch! - with that they rode away and we saw a glimpse of Fin's magic as he teleported themselves to the royal castle. Dina fell on her knees and cried, and I saw mommy's eyes filled with tears as well. "Daddy... You left me with quiet a task behind. Seriously, don't die, either of you..."