The Scoundrel's Daughters

Witches of Rankin

Tanya

Mom lifted her newly got glass and smiled to our remaining guests.

- Dears! To clear up the misunderstandings, Duke Rankin hasn't decided yet, which one of his daughters will inherit the Duchy, but you know what? Our territory is big enough for both of them. Am I right? - the remaining nobles chuckled and lifted their glasses.

- To the young Ladies of Rankin! - they cheered and the atmosphere returned to normal. I wanted to sneak out but Dina caught me while I tried to open the secret passage door that Daddy showed us.

- Hey! Where are you going? You are the star of the ball!

- I want to read in my room! Also... My babies are missing me!

- You mean the dragon eggs we brought? - she asked and I nodded.

- Tanya, I'm not sure if they will ever hatch.

- Hope dies last! - she shook her head and gave a kiss on my forehead.

- Keep holding on for a little more and after that I'll help you with the eggys okay? - I sighed.

- Deal. One hour?

- Three and I'll make you cookies tomorrow.

- Fine! I hate that you are so much better at negotiating than I'm.

- I had to inherit something too! - we chuckled happily, but our happiness didn't last long, suddenly the doors of the ballroom swung open. My blood froze and I grabbed Dina pulling her behind the secret door. I covered her mouth and we listened.

- Duchess Rene Rankin! We are here by the orders of the Emperor! - a knight said and mom walked to them with a glass of champagne in her hand, swinging her thin waist and nice hips. She looked up and down on the knight and asked.

- Where is his majesty's gift?

- What gift? - the knight looked confused and I immediately realized mommy tried to win us time.

- I suppose he remembered that my daughter has her birthday today! That's why you are here, am I right?

- We are here to arrest Duchess Rene Rankin.

- For?

- Suspected witchery! We are also here to take Tatjana Rankin and Dinara Rankin with us. - mommy's eyes filled with rage and she grabbed one of the guards sword who stood next to her.

- You are not taking my daughters anywhere!

- It is his Majesty's order! - the knight said and mommy did the most reckless thing, she spit on the Royal crest and said.

- This is My home, My children. If he wants them or me, he must come for us himself and tear them out of my cold dead fingers! - Dina tried to open the door but I held her back.

- Mom is in danger! - she whispered.

- Thanks for the notification. I see it, but if you go out now, they'll take you!

- We can't let mom get in trouble! - she whispered and got more frustrated with every passing minute. I remembered of what daddy asked and I held Dina's shoulders.

- Dina, I'll take care of this.-she shook my hands off and snapped at me.

- No! I'm your elder sister! I'm not some damsel in distress! I'm fed up with this! - I understood her anger. All of us had some special ability from the family, only Dina was normal, more or less. I thought she was the most talented of us because she hasn't got any abilities, she just mastered what she could learn and made her own achievements into her strengths.

- I didn't say this to save you, you'll save us all.

- How? - she asked cutely but with determination in her eyes.

- There must be a reason that filthy bug wants you too, despite not being mommy's daughter by blood.

- Probably to piss daddy off.

- Or for another reason, we need to figure out it first. I have an idea but I need you to trust me!

-What kind of requirement is that?! We are sisters for f**k sake! - that's what I needed a fired up Dina. I cast a spell and she gasped seeing herself in front of her.

- Did you switch our appearances?

- Nope, I just took yours, you look like a maid now. Let's go! - she nodded and we ran across the room to mom.

- Mommy! Let my mother go! - I shouted in Dina's voice. Dina tried to hold me back.

- My lady please! - the knights as soon as they saw Dina's appearance they captured both me and mommy.

- Search the territory for the youngest daughter. She is probably a witch too! - the knights tore the ballroom apart and Victor appeared behind the knight who held mommy's arm. He held a dagger to his throat and whispered.

- Release the Duchess or I'll end your miserable life now. - he released mommy and Victor stood between mom and the knight.

- Where is the order of his Majesty? - he asked and they handed it to him.

- You cannot drag the Duchess or the young ladies away without proof, you have no right to do so. Only can escort them for further investigation. - Victor said and I smiled. He was well trained and taught by daddy. The knight sighed and lead mom and me out to the carriage.

- Victor take care of the household and only inform the Duke if its really necessary.

- How will I know that? - he asked and mommy winked.

- You'll, they haven't dropped you on your head. If you find Tanya, let her know what happened. - Victor bowed deeply and the knights closed us into the carriage. Dina tagged along as my personal maid.

- Dina... How could you act so recklessly?! You should have hid somewhere! Have you seen Tanya? - she was freaking out, the adrenaline wore out.

- I'm sorry mommy... - I said and her eye twitched. Mommy smirked and crossed her arms.

- What are you planning to do Tanya? - she asked and I rolled my eyes.

- What about not dying? - I asked and mom lifted her thumbs up.

- Sounds like a plan! Where is Dina?

-She is at the safest place. - I said and mommy lifted an eyebrow but decided not to question about it more.

- Who are you? - she asked turning to Dina.

- My name is Diana, Duchess. I'm the lady's maid.

- Really? Fine... I hope you know what you are doing. - mommy said turning her glance at me.

- Trust me mommy.