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

*Philomena watches over Vortigern as he sleeps. She takes a small jar of salve and applies it to his cuts and bruises. As the sun rises, she kisses him gently on the lips and slips out of the bed. Philomena dresses silently. She leaves the room, locking the door behind her*

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*The key sounds in the lock and a tall maid enters carrying a tray. Vortigern reaches for the dagger under his pillow but the maid doesn't notice*

Good evening Vortigern Jett. I am Juna, I have been sent by Princess Philomena to take care of you in her absence... very good care of you.

*She sets a tray down on the bed. There is a plate with a large chunk of venison cooked rare and roasted snorgits and a large goblet of wine. Juna cuts the meat up and offers to feed Vortigern but he takes the fork with an unsteady hand.*

The Princess sends her apologies for her delay, Lord Thranmere desires that she spends some time in his chamber. She will return as soon as his thirst has been quenched.

So... you are the new bodyguard of the Princess? You must be held in high favour. New clothes, new weapons... and you are to sleep in a trestle bed in this chamber. A high honour indeed.

*She gives an amused smile and leans foward to speak quietly in his ear*

Although a dangerous one... there was a handsome minstrel in high favour with the Princess recently. He was devoted to her, started singing love songs outside her window at night. Do you know what Darl Thranmere did to him? He had him castrated in the castle courtyard and then strangled with his own lute strings. There has never been a more jealous husband...

*She clears Vortigern's empty plate and fetches a jug of hot water. She shaves his face carefully and removes his clothes to give him a bed bath. Juna rubs salve into his wounds.*

I think behind these cuts and bruises you might be rather handsome... All the more reason for you to take care.

*She winks saucily at him*

*The maid smiles and caresses Vortigern's bare chest*

The Princess selected me herself to take of you, she thought I would please you. You saved her life and she wants you well looked after. Would you like more wine?

* She frowns*

Protect the Princess from her husband? No you must not interfere. When the Overlord visits her chamber you must leave them to it, he will bring his own men to guard the door so you can visit me in the servants quarters. Your job is to protect her from assassins, not prevent Darl Thranmere taking what is his.

*She pours Vortigern wine*

He loves the Princess very much... but he hates rejection. If the Princess was more willing to love him then he would not be so brutal. If you want to protect her you will encourage her to be more compliant to him. Darl Thranmere is a warrior, if she does not surrender to him then he will use force to conquer her.

*Juna plumps Vortigern's pillows and smooths his hair*

If you are only on your own side, you must stay on Thranmere's good one.

*Philomena enters the room, her eyes look red from crying and the alabaster skin of her shoulders is marked with fresh bruises. She avoids looking at Vortigern and addresses the maid*

Juna dear, please draw a hot bath for me and use my dreamweed bath salts. I will take some amber wine in the bath too.

*She looks briefly over at Vortigern and gives a faint smile.*

You are looking better Vort, the colour has returned to your lips. My beloved husband has agreed to your position as my bodyguard.

*Her eyes dart nervously over to the eavesdropping maid*

He is so kind and generous to me. Now you have his generosity too. You are to live here safely and be well treated. If you need anything the servants will attend you.

*Philomena's eyes are downcast as she walks to the bathroom. She glances back at Vortigern and smiles wearily*

We shall talk once I have taken my bath. Juna you may return to your quarters now, I will ring for you when needed.

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*The maid looks at Vortigern who is staring at the closed bathroom door.*

Poor Princess, she bruises like a peach.

*She shakes her head and sighs*

I must go now.

*She leans forward and kisses Vortigern's lips.*

Don't be a stranger. Come and visit me when you are off duty.

I want you to guard me so I am not alone.

*Philomena dresses and sits next to Vortigern. She strokes his face lovingly. *

I don’t need protection from Darl. He just... forgets his own strength. You just need to worry about the High Council and the Chaos Engine sending assassins. I will try my best to keep Darl happy.

*She sips her wine and sighs*

My father needs this marriage to work.

*Philomena combs her hair*

So you like the maid then? Derias Avalay bought her from a pleasure house I believe, I thought she would be to your taste. You should go and visit her soon, otherwise people will talk... if Darl gets jealous, he can be beyond reason.

*She kisses him passionately and pulls away hastily*

Loving you has always been dangerous... now I think it is deadly.

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