The Scoundrel's Tribute

The invitation

Rene

The following couple of days passed uneventfully. We have started arranging my garden with Magda. I didn't even try to be secretive as I knew well, that Dmitry kept me under a lupe. I was in my office working on the paperwork that belonged to me as the official Duchess of Rankin, when I heard the softest knocking on my door, I've ever heard.

- Come in! - I said without lifting my glance up from the papers. I felt the tiny presence in front of my desk, and our eyes met. I smiled at Dina who blushed and looked really embarrassed.

- Hi, little Lady! What may I do for you? - I asked gently in a low voice not to scare her away. This was the first time she came to visit me herself and to be honest, I enjoyed this change. Finally it really felt different from the usual script.

- Du... Duchess... I c-came be because... - she muttered so badly that I couldn't understand what she was talking about. I looked at Magda who stood in the corner of the office.

- Magda, please bring us some tea and cookies as well. I'll take a break and chat a bit with the Little Lady. - Magda smiled and her eyes sparkled with high expectations. I shook my head as she hurried out of the room.

- I'm sorry, I didn't want to disturb your work Duchess!-Dina said but she immediately shut her eyes close as if she was waiting for scolding. I got up from my desk and gently touched her shoulder leading her to the armchairs by the window of my office. It wasn't a big place, but it was cozy and sophisticated. Honestly, I'd rather sleep here than in that golden cage I created for myself.

- You didn't disturb me, thank you for reminding me to take a break. - we sat in front of each other and she played with a ribbon on the sleeve of her dress. Magda came back quickly and prepared the tea for Dina the way the kitchen maid instructed.

- Please have some cookies. - I said and Dina looked terrified at the cookies. I sighed and broke on is half. I ate half of it and handed the other to her.

- I didn't poison them. - I said and her eyes widened.

- I didn't think you did! - she spouted out and thanked the cookie showing up in her face. She looked like a cute chipmunk. I waited till she finished eating and calmed a bit before asking.

- So, why did you come today? You avoid me usually. - Dina reached into her pocket and gave me an invitation.

- The birthday of a friend of mine is approaching and I would like to attend. But dads aren't invited and I can't go without a guardian... So, I wanted to ask, if it's not a big trouble for you, could you please come with me? - I looked at the invitation. It was from the wife of Earl Shmucz. I haven't been in any events since I became Duchess so to start with a birthday would be quite odd, but the sparkling haze eyes on the other side of the table made me give in.

- If your father allows, I'd gladly accompany you to your friend's birthday Little Lady. - Dina smiled happily and she jumped up from her seat. She bowed thanking me.

- Thank you Duchess! I'll ask him immediately! - she hurried towards the door and I called after her.

- Don't run! You'll hurt yourself. - she giggled and in a very fast paced walk left.

- She is cute. - Magda looked at me as if she saw a ghost.

- What?

- Did my Lady just say that the Little Lady is cute? - I caught my hand in front of my mouth and chuckled.

- I guess I said my thoughts out loud. - Magda came to me and put her hand on my forehead.

- Excuse me My Lady... You seem to be healthy.

- I've never been sick in my life, not even when that incident happened. - I said and Magda knew well what I meant. A year ago, I've attempted to poison myself to receive the Duke's attention, but apart from an upset stomach, nothing happened. That's when I realized that my mother fed me poisons since my birth to make me resistant. I looked at Dina's cup. "Should I build up her resistance against poisons? That way she won't die in two years and Dmitry can live well too. But how should I do it?" - while I was lost in my thoughts I heard the noise of small feet approaching my office along with some heavy footsteps. I grunted as I recognized his steps before he appeared in the door. I stood up and bowed when Dmitry entered holding Dina's hand.

- Duke.

- Is it true that you are willing to accompany Dinara to that birthday party? - he asked and I raised my head. There was no reason for me to keep being polite.

- Yes. I told her that if the Duke approves it I'd gladly take her. - Dmitry turned to Dina.

- Can you give some time alone for daddy and the Duchess to discuss this matter love? - Dina pouted.

- I don't want to. You're going to argue if I leave. - she said and I felt surprised. She never went against her father's wishes before. This birthday must be really important for her. Dmitry sighed and rubbed his temple.

- Dina, please leave the room. I promise, I won't argue with the Duchess. - she looked at me as if she was waiting for my approval, I nodded slightly and turned to Magda.

- Please take the Little Lady out and stay with her while we discuss this issue. - Magda bowed and kindly held Dina's hand.

- Let's go Little Lady!-she followed Magda but from the door said.

- No fighting daddy! - I saw Dmitry defeated and this side of his was even more handsome than any other. I smiled a bit and offered his daughter's seat for him.

- There is still some tea in the pot if you want. - I said but he shook his head. I shrugged and poured some more tea for myself taking my seat.

- What are you planning to do? Do you want to cause a carriage accident on your way home and miraculously survive it while my daughter looses her life? Or do you plan to ruin her future in high society by disregarding her honor while she cannot defend herself? - I've listened to the scenarios Dmitry painted in front of me and in my previous lives I'd have taken any of them if it meant to be with him. I took the tea cup down.

- Fine, the Duke caught me! I'll tell you what I'm planning! - he looked pissed as hell, but since this matter was important to the apple of his eye, he remained seated. "Good boy!" - I thought and wanted to pat his head, but I knew that this dog would bite my arm off if I touched him.

- I'm planning to dress up, prepare the Little Lady for the birthday party. Get a nice gift for her friend and take her to the venue as she asked for. Once the party is over, I want to get her into the carriage and get her home. If any problem arises, I'm planning to help her and protect her according to my best abilities.

- Why should I believe you? - Dmitry asked and I shrugged.

- You don't have to. I don't expect it, so you can send as many soldiers and nannies as you want with us. - I took another sip of the tea. He kept staring at me and I smiled.

- Your spies probably gave you the latest report of me. I'm reading medical books in the library and preparing a herbal garden in my tower. That's all I've been up to. Since the incident in the garden I haven't even seen the Little Lady.

- Why are you calling her that?

- Because she is the Little Lady of the Dukedom. I'm no one but her stepmother. But if needed, to save the Duke's face on that birthday party, I'm willing to call her daughter or by her nickname to avoid gossips.

- Fine. Take her and bring her back safely. If she gets hurt anyway, I'll personally torture you. - I've nodded and smiled.

- Now that this is settled, are you content Little Lady? - I asked and Dmitry turned towards the door which was slightly open and a pair of hazel eyes met his with a little giggle.

- Yes Duchess! Thank you! - she ran to Dmitry and hugged him.

- Thanks daddy! - he hugged her but kept glaring at me coldly, I took another sip of my tea to warm myself up.