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

Did he choose the Queen over you or did he go to learn of your father's loyalty in order to protect you?

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Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

He sent knights. I know that my father's return has unnerved some of the High Council, if they order the knights to arrest me, they will obey without question. Shayle tried to keep me under house arrest before, for my protection she said, but I know court life and politics. A Princess who loses her liberty, loses her life.

*Philomena shudders*

He wasn't protecting me, he was taking away my freedom.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

But we will protect you, Your Grace.

*Ferdle bows low and respectfully*

We shall lay our lives for you, as we do for your father.

*He whispers.*

Best not mention to the Duke about your boyfriend, fathers can be very protective of their little girls and the Duke has a volcanic temper.

You have the protection of the spirits as well. Do not fear what man claims in power. They have not met the face of Grimney. This is not a human world. It is a world for all creatures searching for a place to belong.

*A groan disrupts Esper's train of thought. She looks down at Carados and puts her hand on his shoulder.

His spirit is strong but uneasy. Philomena, he needs to speak with you.

*Esper stepped back to give them the feeling of privacy despite the crowded room.

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Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

*Philomena kneels down beside her father*

Calm now, Your Grace. You are not about to die.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Philomena, my little moon, I *Carados winces in pain. His voice weak and raspy* I made a terrible mistake in leaving you. I should have protected you from home as trouble showed its ugly head instead of chasing it down. Tell your mother that I have always loved her.

*Carados speaks emotionally because he believes these will be his last words. He is unaware of the mermaid magic that is already working in his weak body.

You humans, you never realise when it is not time to make your farewell speechs.

*Philomena kisses his cheek and restores more strength to his body.*

I bet you were closer to death than this when Mama rescued you.

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*Carados was in great pain as he tried to process her words. Then the kiss of a mermaid sent electricity through his body. The pain was present but manageable. His thoughts raced through memories of the last 25 years. His eyes closed and then opened slowly. He focused on the lovely creature by his side. Then he realized it was Philomena, she had come to help him despite all the pain he had caused her.

Philomena, you came.

*His eyes closed. He breathed deeply and imagined his beautiful daughter smiling with the sun shining from behind her causing her hair to outshine the rays of sunlight.

Yes, of course I did. I know my duty.

*Philomena takes his hand,*

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*Carados is filled with the warmth of Philomena's touch. He is satisfied with a love out of duty. In fact, he is proud. He moves his hand and smiles a very faint but approving smile as he closes his eyes. There was much to discuss but for now, his body refused to cooperate.