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

*The maid slips in surreptitiously and curtseys*

Madam, I have come to report on the Princess as you bade me. Your uncle seems very much in love, he has ordered her every comfort be attended to and has bought her many dresses and jewels. When she goes out for her daily walk he watches her silently from the window. She distracts him with her beauty. It is an unearthly beauty, sometimes it hurts to look at like staring full at the sun.

*Ethella wipes the mirror clean*

There is more. She spoke to him so insolently in front of the guards, had it been your esteemed father she was talking to he would have dragged her into the Great Hall and had her whipped until the floors were blue with her blood?. But a few bruises aside your uncle treats her gently and now they seem to have come to an understanding. She will no longer spurn him and in return he will show mercy to the people of Grimney.... he must be mad in his passion for he is talking of allowing her a legion of men who will rebuild towns after they have been crushed... a whim of hers he is prepared to indulge in return for her love.

*She shakes her head*

But take comfort, the Princess is very miserable and lonely. She does not love him in return and pines for her lost knight. And I do not think a child will be forthcoming. She has a bottle of grackweed tincture that she swallows secretly after every nocturnal visit your uncle makes.

*Ethella leans forward and kisses her mistress full on the lips*

And now I shall return and watch her once more for you. Do not worry, you shall know every secret in her heart.

*Ethella kneels by Niara and rests her head on her lap. *

Your pleasure is always my reward. It pains me that your uncle has ordered me to serve the Princess now instead of you.

*She smiles up at Niara*

I shall take her jewels for you. Give her the tincture and whatever sleeping potions she may ask for. Perhaps one night I can drug her, so you can see for yourself the richness of her chamber, the dresses and gifts he has given her. You can see the beautiful Princess for yourself as she sleeps helpless in her bed. When your uncle leaves this castle and he will have to leave at some point, then the mermaid will be at your mercy. You can punish her for your uncle's infatuation how you see fit until he returns. You can beat her, humiliate her, serve up her friend's severed head on a platter. You will be happy she lives, for you can make her more wretched alive than you ever could on death.

I will do anything you ask... anything Mistress Niara.