The Scoundrel's Daughters

Rascals

Rene

- RENE! THE KIDS TURNED THE STAIRS INTO SLIDES AGAIN! - Dmitry screamed after he probably slid down while he was buried into his work. I sighed and stood up from my desk to check things out. As expected, I saw Dmitry sitting at the end of the stairs which lead to the main hall. He was surrounded by paperwork and he didn't look delighted the least. I moved my fingers and turned the stairs back looking around for the culprits. I heard a soft giggle from behind the heavy curtains. I walked there and pulled the curtains away. I haven't seen them, but I could feel their presence and hear Tanya's giggles. I grabbed the one which was still somehow obedient by the ear and said.

- Fin... I need an explanation. - Finley turned visible and he avoided my glance. He was already fifteen years old this year but the girls kept getting him into trouble.

- Hi Aunt... So what happened was that...

- Mom! It was my idea! Don't scold Fin! - Dina said and she became visible too.

- Scold? - I heard my sweet Tanya's soft voice as her grey and brown hazel eyes stared directly into my soul. I wasn't saved from cuteness from the other two either. Dina looked angelic as ever, and now that she was turning into a young lady, it was even harder to resist her charms. Finley, looked like a lost puppy all the time with his big, black eyes and calm demeanor.

- Mommy! - Tanya reached for me and I rolled my eyes before picking her up.

- Mitya! Help me! - I said and Dmitry rushed up the stairs like a beast. He stopped next to me and checked me from head to toe, once he confirmed that I was alright, he turned to the kids.

- What do you need help with my little witch? - he asked and I closed my eyes handing him our daughter.

- I'm weak to this level of cuteness. It's your turn to be the bad guy. I'll be in my office!

- Mom! - Dina called for me and Tanya copied her with almost crying voice.

- Mommy! - she was the master of emotional manipulation despite being only three years old. I clenched my teeth and left the kids to Dmitry. Later he came to my office, and looked horrible.

- Oh my... What happened? - I asked and he sat on the sofa. I took a seat next to him and Dmt leaned his head on my shoulder.

- I know we said, we'd like to have more children after Tanya, but... I'm not sure if I can handle more Rene. I'm sorry. - I chuckled and caressed the back of his head.

- Was it that hard? - I asked and he looked into my eyes.

- Have you seen them? I mean... They are so f*****g cute. - Dmitry stood up and started to walk up and down in my office.

-I know we have to teach and scold them to be decent human beings, but can't we just let them turn into spoiled little brats and leave society handle it? - I felt my eyes widening as I realized he was talking seriously. I got up and hugged him from behind.

- Mitya...

- I know! But we should hire a teacher for them. Let's be honest Rene, they are a handful. It's not enough that both Fin and Tanya has magical powers, but Dina is almost as good as a professional spy thanks to Victor.

- We are tired, but don't you remember what was Tanya's first word because she watched us practice with Finley? - Dmitry's eyes looked into the distance and he said in an almost otherworldly voice.

- How could I forget? The whole training ground burned down, we had to remove the curtains and carpets all over the castle...

- Yeah, it wasn't my proudest moment. Who knew she'd say "Fireball" and cast the spell immediately? I mean... We have to practice and concentrate for that.

- That's what we got due to our amazing genes Rene. A f*****g genius witch! - I laughed because I knew how tired and worried he was, but at the same time, Dmitry fell in love with Tanya the first moment he saw her.

- Don't worry, with the curse I put on her, her powers are limited and sealed until she turns sixteen. She'll be able to learn and practice so when she gets her full powers, she hopefully wouldn't burn the castle down!

- I hope so... We are rich but there's a limit. - I walked around him and wrapped my arms around his neck. Dmitry held my waist and gave me a passionate kiss. I felt my heart flutter and my blood boiling. I pushed him a bit further and he looked sad and confused.

- Stop with the puppy face! You just told me no more kids! But if we continue like this... There might be a surprise for us again! - he laughed and pulled me back into his arms.

- I love you. - I smiled at him and said that I loved him too.

- So, what's the kids punishment? - I asked after we sat back to the sofa and Dmitry pulled me on his lap.

- Fin must train two extra hours today because he was the one who executed the plan.

- Though but fair! What about the mastermind?

- That was a more difficult negotiation. Finley accepted his fate, but Dina, she almost cried and I was this close to give up, but I remained strong.

- You are my hero! - I said mockingly, knowing that Dina was his weak spot.

- She has to help me with the paperwork today, and also she cannot meet neither Tanya, nor Fin till dinner.

- Aren't you too cruel?

- Rene... She planned this! She must learn that her actions has consequences. - I nodded and asked.

- What about Tanya? She was also a complice! - Dmitry looked at me and took a deep breath.

- That was the hardest. She cried and called for her siblings, so her punishment is that no more game with them today.

- Does that mean that we are sleeping all together in our room and I have to project some fairytale on the roof with my magic? - Dmitry smiled and held my hands.

- You know me so well! - I laughed and gave a peck on his cheek.

- Do something with this lost puppy face of yours whenever you want to disarm me because I'm sure Fin learned it from you. - Dmitry nodded and kissed me before heading back to his work. I looked out of the window and saw Fin running circles around the new training area. I wondered how Tanya was doing so I decided to check on her. Magda was playing with her when I opened the door of her room.

- Mommy! - she squeaked happily and waddled to me. I caught her in my arms and spun her around. Her little giggles filled the room and Magda smiled calmly.

- How are you, my Lady? - she asked and I put Tanya back giving her, her favorite doll.

- I feel sorry for the kids a bit but they must learn their lesson! - I repeated my own words to convince myself that their punishment was fair.

- How are things going with Jesse? - I asked and Magda blushed. Since she became the kids nanny, she started dating with the young knight who saved us almost five years ago.

- We are doing great, thanks for asking Duchess! - I was happy that they found each other. Tanya coed and I held her in my arms, sitting her on my lap and said.

- What's up dear? - she tilted her adorable little head and I wanted to pinch her cheeks so badly.

- Dina? - she asked and I shook my head.

- Dina is with daddy, she must work.

- Fin? - I shook my head again and sighed. She knew it perfectly that they were punished and her punishment was to stay in for today. Tanya hugged me and rested her head on my heart looking up.

- I love you Mommy! - she said and her eyes sparkled.

- I love you too, but you won't be able to bribe me with cuteness! - I said and she pouted. I hoped time will fly because dinner seemed so far.