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

*Darl Thranmere's chamber is large and richly decorated. He sits at a large desk covered in maps and military reports. On the wall hangs several skulls, an array of weapons and a large portrait of Philomena Aquitaine that hangs opposite his bed. Thranmere studies his papers, occasionally glancing up at the painting of his lovely wife.*

*Philomena knocks on the door and enters before Darl has time to answer. Darl looks pleased and surprised to see her in his chamber*

Morning my Lord, I am glad you are awake. There was an attempt on my life last night, fortunately the man sent to assassinate me is asleep in my bed.

*She laughs as Darl leaps up gripping his sword with a jealous rage burning in his eye*

Calm yourself Darl, if I had seduced a man last night you would be the last person I would boast to. The man that was sent is a dear friend of mine, a man I love like a brother. He was tortured by the Chaos Engine, who hope to break his spirit so much he would do their bidding but Vortigern Jett is a brave man. Instead of killing me as I slept, he has risked his life to warn me. He is in my bed because he is wounded and needs to rest.

*Philomena sits on Darl's knee and puts her arms around him.*

Now my darling, you came so close to losing me last night, so I hope you grant my one request. I want Vortigern as my bodyguard once he has recovered. Your men have failed to protect me, surely you will not deny me this request?

* She kisses him seductively before he has a chance to answer*

I cannot believe how close to death I was...

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

My love, will you not show mercy to the guards? The nightwatch man was a spy, no doubt it was him that tricked the guards. You cannot kill them for that. Please... let them restore their honour on the battlefield if you must punish.

*She sighs *

But I do not suppose that you or my father will allow any mercy be shown to the nightwatch man not even to spare me the horror of his screams. My beloved, I know it customary to that your wife should accompany you to all executions, but I cannot watch a man be skinned alive. Please allow me to stay in my chamber if it will not disgrace you too much.

*She returns Darl's kisses *

I am glad you trust me. It would be a poor reward to castrate the man who saved my life. I am sure that Vortigern will protect me in the way you wish. Perhaps we can find him a pretty serving wench to become his mistress as a further reward.

*She runs her fingers across his scarred cheek.*

The Chaos Engine are bad people. They are gangsters that kill, kidnap, rape and torture people for no reason. They have been protected by the High Council for far too long. I know you intend to execute all the High Council but I would ask you to spare Lady Frampton and bring her to me. I wish to speak with her to discover the truth about her alleged son.

*She slips off his knee and moves to the door. Darl grabs her hand and prevents her from leaving.*

My love, may I leave your chamber now or do you desire me to stay a little longer?

*She glances nervously at the bed and then forces herself to smile at her husband*

Surely you are very busy? I should let you return to work.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Darl... please... not tonight. I am so tired. Last night was very traumatic for me. Let me sleep in my own room.

*Her eyes fill with tears as he ignores her pleas and strips off her gown. Her flawless body gleams in the moonlight. *

My father will be displeased if I start distracting you too much. I should go... Please....

*She tries to leave the bed but Darl pulls her back forcefully by her hair. Philomena looks frightened and bows her head.*


Don't hurt me! I am sorry my Lord. I forgot myself. I am yours to do as you desire. I am yours, I am your butterfly I promise.

*She offers no more resistance as Darl throws her on her back. Her eyes squeeze shut as Darl starts to kiss her neck and shoulders*

Just promise me that you will bring Lady Frampton to me as a prisoner, she is the Queen's cousin and mine by marriage. She should not be hunted down and killed like a dog.

*She cries out in pain as Darl bites her soft skin and brutally takes her. The mermaid begins to sob.*

My Lord... More gentle I beg you... Please... show.... some mercy.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

*Fenny Skottle knocks at the door*

My Lord Thranmere... your wife, your Princess has returned to you!

*She pauses*

There my Lord, things are improving already. She hasn't abandoned you like you thought. Shall I fetch you some supper?

Why would Princess Philomena wish to destroy you? You bring her a crown for her pretty head and she is not so stupid to bite the hand that feeds her. Besides if she was in league with anyone, she looked blooming surprised to hear about Niara and beg your pardon my lord, the Princess ain't one to conceal her emotions.

*She clears up the empty bottles*

Yer need your food, my Lord. If your enemies draw close you must have the strength to defeat them. I don't want another master, I have worked for the Thranmere family since I could walk... and me Ma and Pa before me. If you want some supper I can send the tasters up.

*Fenny looks sympathetically at Darl*

Not all your family is dead sir... I mean the Princess will give you a son soon enough.