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

*Philomena looks at Darl and raises her eyebrow*

And here was me thinking that Niara took the poison of her own volition, in regret of her treason towards you her bloodkin.

*Her eyes look the necromancer up and down as he leaves*

Master Vile must know the truth... for Lady Niara trusted and consulted him on many things. Master Avalay too...

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

*She looks him firmly in the eye*

I have no wish to rule Kanara at all. All I want is to return to the sea one day... I know one day you will allow me. By putting myself in the position where I could usurp you, I strengthen your hand, for your people would fear the rule from me more than Niara.

*Philomena rubs her neck and glares at Darl.*

You said you would stop hurting me... This is why I will never love you.

*She rings the bell for the maid and sighs*

You were happy to have many mistresses when you were married to your first wife. I would have thought you would be pleased I am so understanding. Why must you make this so difficult?

*She bends down and picks up a chess piece*

Master Vile will have power over those he resurrects, he could bend Niara to his will... I never trust necromancy, borrowed black magic paid with a horrific price. Humans are rarely born with magic, it does not flow round their veins in the same way as those of us born in enchanted waters... they steal it and corrupt it.

*She closes the piece in her hand and stares at it*

I think perhaps... I need my magic mirror to start seeing the truth of things concealed.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

You loved her... I am glad to hear that. Your servants have not remained silent on her, I know she was a most devoted wife for over twenty years.

*Philomena takes his hand*

I know she took her own life for your sake, so you might have an heir. They say you were too honourable to divorce her despite her barren womb... That poor woman... her death must weigh hard on your heart. I know you are not a man without some tenderness.

*She sighs*

I don't need your fidelity in our marriage, all I ask is you are loyal to my father.

*She pours a glass of wine and takes a large sip*

You chose me as your bride, I had no choice when I was commanded to marry you. You talk of your hope, your pain but what of mine? Whatever appetite I have, our tastes are different. I just wish you would let me indulge my own preferences in private and you do likewise.

*She steps back from the jealous gleam in his eye*

What would you like to know about my life as a mermaid and the powers I possess. You've never asked me about my life before... you have only ever been interested in my bed.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Your servants merely sought to make me think you were a good man. They also said that when you were younger you were the most handsome man in Kanara. You won't object to that I bet.

*She smiles gently and wipes his tears away with a silk handkerchief*

I will always be loyal... but being faithful to you is not the same thing... not to a mermaid at least.

*The mermaid pours more wine*

My oceans are like your lands... They are mine. They have been the home of my family forever. Two thousand years ago the last merwars were fought and my family conquered the Dudrassa... since then we have conquered six other oceans through marriage alone. My grandmother is empress of them all. She rules with a loving hardness... and me. She loves me. I was always loved and a little bit spoilt by my family. They blamed my wayward ways on my human blood and indulged me.

*Philomena looks at her husband sadly*

All mermaids use mirrors. Many creatures think we merely gaze at our beautiful faces but we can see the past, present and future reflected in the glass. I am no different, I have the gift but it is hard to control... I could look for your enemies, warn you of danger, tell you the plans of your enemies but I... I am afraid I will see my beloved's death. I am afraid I will see him bleeding to death without me and it will be too much for me to bear.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

No you are not my beloved. He was killed. Kalvos is dead, remember? Are you really so possessive that you are jealous of a corpse? I am afraid my mirror will show me that moment, his body drained of his life.

*She looks at Darl cooly*

You are too self-pitying when you drink wine. Just because your seed grows in my womb, do you think I will forget how badly you have abused me? If you wish for my love... Perhaps one day...

*The mermaid tenderly strokes Darl's scarred cheek*

I think I could have come to love this face, scars and all... had you not spent our marriage beating and raping me.

*She moves her hand back quickly as if Darl's skin burns her.*

I wonder whose blood you saw on those crimson waves? There has been no war under the sea for over two thousand years, now the only blood that chokes our waters is when humans go to war.

*As Darl puts his goblet to his lips, Philomena reaches forward and takes the wine away from him*

Whatever loss you suffer, when victory is yours there will be much to celebrate. You will have a son, an heir to the Kanaran lands that you have brought peace to and you have me as your trophy to parade by your side. When the war is over, you will be considered the luckiest of men.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/