The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

Without a trial? Like the trial you gave to the nightwatch man? Or the trial you gave that poor minstrel who committed no greater crime than to sing love songs to me? You said any lover I take will be slaughtered before my eyes, but what crime would they stand trial for? Making you jealous is not a crime in Grimney.

*Philomena produces one of Niara's letters and holds it in front of Darl.*

You think I am full of hatred? Read what your niece plots... You think I am unaware that she planned to have me tortured, raped and murdered? That she planned to have you killed and turm your armies against my father? Her guilt is plain to see.

* She holds it out until Darl relents and reads the letter*

Your niece did not even bother to conceal her treason by writing in code... So no. Your love is not enough if you refuse to protect me from this.... just set me free... Let me hide from my enemies who would hurt me. Why do you keep me here? You don't love me enough to protect me.

*The mermaid sinks to her knees and weeps. *

I have been your prisoner since our wedding day. You rape me, beat me... you never let me leave this castle. What life is this for me?

*She does not look up as Darl moves from his throne and lovingly strokes his wife's hair.*

Please... please... show me some kindness.

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*Philomena resists as Darl embraces her and kisses her neck*

I have never consented... all those times I said no and begged you to stop... it does not mean yes just because my father forced me to become your wife.

*She can feel Darl's desire growing as he reaches beneath her gown*

What if I never learn to take pleasure in our marriage will you continue to force yourself on me? No please... I know you love me... I know you are a man ruled by passion...

*Philomena tries to push him away but her husband holds her tightly.*

You don't have to execute your niece... you could just let me return to the sea. But you know it is impossible for your niece and I to both stay on land. She hates me and wants me dead, she wants to overthrow you. No child of ours will be safe while she lives.

*She continues to struggle in vain as Darl's kisses increase with passion and force. She sighs with resignation and kisses him back.*

I would prefer divorce but... if I give you a son... will you let me go then? Will you let me take any daughters? Will you take your pleasure elsewhere and leave me to live in peace as friends? I can give you the son you have always longed for... he will be a strong warrior like you. I will give you what you want... the start of the Thranmere dynasty. What do you offer in return?

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*It is not until dawn that Darl's lust is satisfied and he releases Philomena. He admires his wife's perfect body as she looks around for her clothes. She moves gingerly, her body bears evidence of Darl's rough passion.*

My dress... I will need a new one.

* She examines the torn gown and and pulls it over her head. She trembles as Darl gently does it up at the back.*

Thank you.

* Darl takes her by the hand and leads her to the throne. He sits down and pulls her onto his lap*

I wish to return to my chamber now.

*Darl puts his hand on the back of her neck and whispers in her ear. Philomena looks at the ground and answers her husband out loud. *

As you wish...I am yours. I belong to you and will always be by your side... I... I... I love you.

* She closes her eyes as Darl tenderly kisses her cheek and puts his arms around her.*

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*There is a loud knock on the door. Captain Savvi enters with four armed guards who are holding Niara Thranmere. He salutes*

Excuse me for interrupting you my Lord. But you ordered me to bring your niece to you as soon as we.. er... escorted her home.

*Niara looks with insolent amusement at Philomena's torn gown and tear stained face. She whispers something to the Captain that makes him blush. He looks at the Princess sitting on Darl's lap and bows to her.*

I beg your pardon Princess Philomena, I forgot my manners! I hope... I haven't... you know... barged in...

*The Captain grows redder and bows again*

Forgive me your Grace. I am just a simple soldier, I do not know what to do in the presence of a Princess.

Until Darl is crowned, you do not have that rank... I will be Queen and by that time your place in the succession may well be lower... your agent no longer feeds me grackweed and mermaids are very fertile. My grandmother had fifty children.

*She watches the flicker of hatred pass over Niara's face*

Your defence would be a good one... if my agent hadn't also intercepted your correspondence too. I was aware of your intention to betray your uncle before your maid Ethella was arrested and Derias Avalay was made aware of those letters you imply that he forged. How did you know that it was letters that incriminated you, if you were unaware of their content?

*She sighs sadly as the girl turns paler*

I have no reason to wish you removed, as Darl's niece you are mine also and your treason hurts him greatly... I do not feel hatred when I see you, merely pity for a girl so wretched that she would plot against her remaining family member.

*Philomena reaches down and holds Darl's hand. She looks at Niara with indifference. *

I have no reason to consider you a threat other than your own plotting. Darl's love for me is greater than his love for you and any children I bear him will be ranked higher than you in succeeding their father's place on the throne one day. Especially our sons.

*Her gaze remains on Niara as Darl rubs her stomach as if imagining her carrying a child. She gives a brief smile as he kisses her neck but never takes her eyes from Niara.*

Perhaps my beloved husband, you could show mercy... if she confesses her crime she could be banished to one of the outer islands. I could provide mermen to guard her from escape. Although I understand that you are reluctant to follow mermaid justice rather than Kanaran, it would save you the pain of spilling her blood.

*Philomena shifts slightly to look at her husband who listens to her words with sorrow.*

Did your niece not once ask you for my head after the war... that and my father's?

* She smiles at Niara*

You do not think you and Derias Avalay are the only people who have spies in the castle?

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