The Scoundrel's Daughters

Wanderers

Fin

- WHAT?! WHICH ONE?! SHOULD WE KILL THEM?! - I heard Dina asking from Rene something and she was pissed as hell. We had been wandering around the Empire for four years now and I had a feeling that Dina sometimes felt guilty for not being there for Tanya.

- I was thinking about the same thing! - Rene said and I couldn't fight my curiosity back. I walked to her bedroom and took a seat next to her.

- Hey Fin! How are things going? - Rene asked and I smiled.

- Perfectly fine, we are on our way to the South to learn more about your mother's homeland! - Rene smiled happily but Dmitry was still pissed next to her.

- Daddy... Should we go home? I feel bad that Tanya is alone. - Dmitry shook his head head.

- No need sweety, your sister is perfectly capable of protecting herself.

- What happened with Tanya?- I asked and they told me quickly.

- Fin, we shouldn't teach her this well...

- Yeah, I know. - Dina punched me in my shoulder simultaneously as Rene punched Dmitry.

- What are you talking about?! - Rene asked and Dina added.

- It's good that she could protect herself! -We shared a grin between partners in crime with Dmitry.

- I said that because of we would've taught her worse... - I started and Dmitry finished it.

- She would have paralyzed Lord Bellford instead of just giving him black eyes. - Rene stared at Dmitry while Dina had the same expression on her face looking at me. For a few moments we were in complete silence and then Rene said.

- Anyway, we should start to reconsider a few things. When are you planning to come for a visit next time? - she asked and I let the whole planning to Dina.

- I think we can visit on Tanya's birthday.

- Great, let's agree on that. - Dmitry said but his expression was really dark.

- Is there something you're hiding from us Daddy? - Dina asked and Dmitry sighed.

- If I'd answer that question, there would be no reason for me to hide it. - she rolled her eyes and Dmitry asked Dina to leave.

- No, I want to hear it too!

- Dina, please. - Rene asked and she sighed walking back to the small dining room of the house we rented for this month. Luckily Jesse and Magda were there to keep her company. I cast a soundproofing spell and turned back to Rene and Dmitry.

- Finley, I hate to ask this, but... - Dmitry took a deep breath and Rene put her hand on his arm squeezing it, then took the turn of speaking.

- Fin, please take in consideration the option of becoming the Emperor of this Empire. - My eyes widened at them and I whispered.

- Do you know that you are talking openly about treason? - Rene shrugged and Dmitry laughed.

- It's not the first time! But seriously kiddo, the way things are going is not ideal.

- The nobles also noticed it, every day we hear their rumble louder. - Rene added.

- The Duchy's spies also brought unfortunate news about how his Majesty is handling things and to be honest, your half brother is even worse.

- Isaac is a disaster, hotheaded, stupid and greedy, not to mention selfish and a real prickle. - I smiled at the cursing, it reminded me of the days when Tanya was still young.

- But why me? Why not the Duke or you Rene? - I asked and Rene smiled kindly.

- Although you also share "barbaric blood" you are still a man my dear.

- Many would follow me, but that way, your life would be in danger as well. However, if I demonstrate to the nobles that the Rankin Dukedom is supporting the Second Prince, they'll follow.

- All of Mitya's supporters and friends know well that we raised you as our own. They consider you our child. So, would you give it a thought, Fin? - Rene asked and I sighed.

- Do we have a plan B? - I asked and Dmitry nodded.

- Not so good as the plan A, but we have. As I always said, we are not forcing any of you to make a decision you don't want to.

- What is the other option?

- Me. - I heard Tanya's voice and my eyes widened.

- You can't be serious! Tanya, you are a witch too! If they find out no matter who you are, your life will be in danger constantly. - she grinned wickedly and at moments like this she resembled the worse part of both of her parents. The recklessness of Rene, and the cruelty of Dmitry.

- I know, but worry not Finny, I was taught well, there's nothing that could be in my way. - I believed that little, barely thirteen years old girl's words. A shiver ran down on my spine and I took a deep breath.

- I'll think about my options. - they thanked me and the connection stopped. I walked to the dining room and Dina grabbed my short immediately.

- WHAT'S GOING ON?! - I smiled and hugged her, before leaving the house.

- Where are you going Fin? - Magda asked and I smiled back at the worried trio.

- I'm going for a walk. I'll be back soon. - I walked out of the house and got lost in the tiny crows of people who were getting ready for the harvest festival around this area.

"Emperor... Me. There wasn't a possibility of this ever before. My mother was a concubine, I had barbaric blood running in my veins, I had been neglected for years. All I had was thanks to Rene and Dmitry. It is my duty to pay back their kindness and care, but I cannot be the Emperor for this reason... If I become the Emperor, I could marry Dina without issues, if she wants too. Ugh there are so many Ifs! Am I good enough? Am I qualified enough? I have no real merits and I have been wandering around like a homeless for years..."- someone touched my shoulder and I turned around with my sword in my hand.

- Chill. - she said and I put the sword away looking into her pretty eyes filled with worry for me.

- Fin, what's going on? - I held her hands and gave a kiss on them.

- I can't tell you yet, please wait a bit more. - she nodded and at that moment, I had an idea.

- Dina, could you please come with me for a moment? - she nodded and held my hand following me to the clearing at the end of the little town we stayed in. We sat down in the grass and enjoyed the warmth of the setting sun. I was still holding Dina's hand and she didn't seem to be bothered about it. Dina rested her head on my shoulder and with her eyes closed just chilled. I picked a daisy and made a ring out of it.

- Dina, please keep your eyes closed.

- Okay. - she said and I walked in front of her. I kneeled down.

- Open them. - I said and when Dina opened her eyes, they met mine. She smiled sweetly and my feelings were confused.

- Dina, there are so many things I don't know, and so many things I'm still uncertain about. My mind right now is a chaos and I have to make soon a few very difficult decisions. Despite all that, there is one thing I'm certain about, and that's my feelings for you. I have been madly in love with you since we were kids and I know, I'm not good enough yet, but would please gave me the honor of being by my side till I can become the man who deserves to be by your side? - I showed her the daisy ring and she gasped.

- Are you asking for my hand in marriage? - she asked and I've nodded. I didn't dare to look into her eyes till, I waited for the answer in fear of what I'll see in them. Suddenly I found myself rolling on the ground with a happily giggling Dina's arms wrapped around my torso. When we stopped rolling she was laying next to me, her hair got filled with wild flowers and her eyes sparkled in the colors of the rainbow of the last rays of the setting sun. She smiled and kissed my cheek.

- Fin, I don't want to get married yet. I want to have a few achievements of my own and have a name not only because of my family. But... I've been in loved with you for a while too, and I'd really like to see and support you on your journey of becoming the man who I want by my side. Only if you are also willing to wait for me to be the woman who you can stand proudly next to. - I reached for her face and kissed Dina for the first time. She melted under my touch and we ended up hugging each other in the grass while we kissed. The sun went down and the most sparkling stars were her eyes.

- Is this a yes? - she smiled and gave me her hand.

- Yes. - I pulled the little flower ring on her finger and cast a spell on it. The flower turned into a small, detailed ring that fit her finger perfectly.

- I love you, Dina.

- I love you too Fin! Let's create out best version of ourselves together! - she said excitedly and I kissed her again. "I'll be the one who can always protect you and the one who'll create a world of your dreams for you. Just wait and see my angel."