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

Lucia, you are easy to trust but I am not one to give it away lightly. Tell me, how do you want me to appear weak? Grow ill? Spread word that I am in bed with a fever?

This weakness will not last long as I am very impatient. To calm my nerves, maybe a visit to my daughter? Then to the Dudrassa to meet my grandaughter.

*A sparkle entered his eye which he quickly blinked away.

I am not one to give it away lightly... Those were the words I said to you all those years ago... do you remember me Carados? That night in the lily garden the night before I wed Lord Montrose.

*She smiles as Carados strokes her thigh.*

You were such a rogue and I was such an innocent. Somethings have changed as some have not.

*Lucia shakes her head.*

You cannot visit your daughter or go to the Dudrassa.You must stay here and go into mourning for the Princess... tell me Carados, how do you like your son-in-law? Your daughter choosing someone not of royal blood is even more shocking than you marrying a mermaid.

Lucia, secrets are to be kept to ourselves. Wouldn't you agree?

*Carados runs his hand up her thigh moving gently until he moves his hand to her face and touches her lips

The past must remain that way. We must not lose focus. Despite your cunning ways are very enticing.

*Carados composes his desires and laughs

Kalvos? Ha! Philomena will tire of him soon enough. He is too weak for her. Once his handsome face begins to fall into wrinkles, she will move on to another. Grimney can survive her marriage to Kalvos. We have many years after he is well gone!

I am not sure I like the idea of mourning. I am not one to mourn in a castle. I tend to mourn with a sword, wouldn't you agree? Won't my oppressors be suspicious of such odd behavior?

Yes... I am good at keeping secrets Carados. Remember that.

*She smiles as Carados does not pull his hands away.*

These years have been hard... Lord Montrose is so fat and boring. I always admired you choosing to marry for love. Has Onedina lost interest in you now you have wrinkles? Is that why she asked you for a divorce? Remember. .. I have eyes every where.

*Lucia raises an eyebrow.*

Grief always hits in unexpected ways. You always sulked and brooded even as a child.

Do you know who Kalvos is?

Lucia, you are quite beautiful but I am a loyal man. Divorce is not in my blood. She married me for better or worse. Maybe it is time to enjoy being worse? Lord Montrose would not mind sharing with the Duke, would he?

*Carados leans in toward Lucia and kisses her on the neck

I think that Lord Montrose would mind very much...

*Lucia puts her arms around him and kisses him passionately.*

Which is exactly why I like doing it.

You are hard to refuse.

* Carados rises and walks to the door. Lucia is confused. He puts his hand into his lapel pocket and pulls out a key. As he is locking the door,

We have all the time in the world unlike the lillies.

*He lifts Lucia and moves her to the rug in front of the fire. Slowly, he kisses her and he gently moves her cloak off of her shoulder. Carados knows time will move too quickly but he relishes every second in her arms.

You are a wicked man Carados...

*Lucia sighs*

A bad, dangerous man... I never could refuse you. Not then and not now...

*Carados smiles and runs his hand across her leg and lifts her beautiful gown. He grabs her inner thigh.

You will not be needing your daggar, my lady.

*He removes the blade and places it on the table. He looks into her eyes.

Is there anything else you could possibly stab me in the back with? Such beauty can make a man careless.