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

Men always love the traits in their children that they most love in themselves.

*Lucia smiles.*

Although Carados didn't marry beneath him, nor did he have an illegitimate child. The Princess needs taking in hand, I think she has been indulged by her mother far too long.

So, Lucia, when will Philomena be arriving? What is the plan? I do not like being ill-informed.

Arriving? What makes you think I have that knowledge? Carados I merely know she has been kidnapped through my sources and that they have no intention of killing her... However I expect they will want something from you.

I assumed by your "trust me" speech earlier that you had more than one source! Are you telling me to trust you or your unknown sources with the safety of my daughter?

*Anger filled Carados. He stood and prepared his armor.

I will not sit here and mourn when I can track them myself!

I don't have the power to bring her back but I have heard whispers of what they want... but I am not sure that it is right for the safety of Grimney that this happens... you love your daughter too much to be rational.

*Carados slides his sword into the sheath on his hip.

Rational? *laughs* You want a father to be rational when his daughter has been kidnapped by your confidant? Tell me Lucia, what do they want from me?

Civil war. They want you to start a civil war and wash the land with blood... would you kill thousands just for the life of one mermaid?

*She shakes her head*

You are too ruled by your passion and not by reason.

*Carados stops and stares into Lucia's eyes. Is it worth the death of many to save one? His fatherly instinct screams yes but his loyalty to the throne sits him back down.

-sigh-
Lucia, how am I supposed to protect the kingdom and the Princess when she refuses to take her position? This will be an eternal problem as long as Philomena holds the title of Princess. She does not realize that all of this danger; she has created.

There is only one thing to do.

You will let her die to spare Grimney from war?

May I remind you Duke of Zoltar, that Princess Philomena holds the title of Imperial Princess of Dudrassa, not Princess of Grimney. She will only be Princess of Grimney if you become King.

*She shakes her head*

The Princess has been kidnapped because they want to provoke you. She is in danger because you have returned.