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

"Vortigern places the locket in Slayger's bloodied hand and squeezes the man's remaining fingers over it".

I'll give you peace...

"He draws the blade swiftly across the man's throat; the blood gushes from Slaygar's neck. The prisoner gurgles and his body shudders. Vortigern watches as the man dies. He stands up and turns towards Darl Thranmere".

I completed this test.... I can give you the answer.... You're just another bloody tyrant.....

"Vortigern throws the blade and it whizzes through the air embedding itself in the wooden throne behind the Kanaran overlord's head. The blade is a mere inch from Darl's face".

*Philomena stands up and steps forward*

Vortigern...

* The tightness of her corset is too much for her in an emotional state and she falls to the ground in a faint*

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Sire, I am sure that your wife merely meant to remonstrate with Jett for his bad behaviour.

*He shakes his head and loosens her gown*

Her maid should be spoken to about the tightness of that corset. I am sure it was deliberately done too tight.

*He looks over at a page*

Fetch some wine for the Princess, quick boy.

*Philomena gasps as her squeezed lungs are released and looks at Darl fearfully*

Please... please let me go. Let me go home to my oceans where we do not slit throats.

*She glances up at Vortigern to check he has not been harmed then returns her gaze to Darl*

I am not good at being a Kanaran wife. I cannot wear those corsets or watch executions with glee. Please Darl... give me my freedom. I thought once I could be married to a human... to Kalvos... but it is clear that I cannot.

*She cries*

I need to swim... I need to be my true self.

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*Avalay sees the hurt on his master's face and steps in smoothly*

My dear Princess, I am sure Lord Thranmere would not dream of sending you away and you do not displease him as a wife. Indeed it is quite the reverse. You must not get upset about fainting, understandable in this heat and with your corset laced to tight. Depend on it, all the maids who attended on you will be punished for hurting you like this.

*The page arrives with water and Avalay passes it to Philomena*

Once you have calmed down from all the excitement you shall soon see that you belong with Lord Thranmere, if he had wanted a Kanaran wife then he would have married one. He had his choice of brides and he sailed across the Dudrassa to claim you as his, we had all heard of your beauty and kindness. He meant to have you by conquest but instead the Queen gave you to him quite willingly as she saw his worth as a husband to uou and an ally to her.

*He turns to look at Vortigern*

You have done the deed and caused more upset to the Princess than necessary. I think it would be best if you washed the blood off your hands and spent the rest of the day in the servants quarters. The Princess is safe I her husband's hands now.

*Philomena looks at her husband who has not spoken. He cut gown falls around her shoulders making her look more vulnerable and beautiful. She shakes with fear as she speaks to Darl*

Please... please do not be angry with me. I see a rage burning in your face. I do not mean to upset you.

* She turns to gaze into Vortigern's burning black eyes.*

Vortigern didn't mean to... he was just showing you what he could do. Please don't send him away. I trust him to protect me... maybe one day when I will need it most.

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