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

I have no desire to allow Princess Philomena to be a martyr. If I remarry and denounce her legitimacy, then the leverage her kidnappers think they hold will be of no value. Of course, this announcement will be timely. My knights will rescue her on the cusp of the news. Philomena will either live a normal life or return to the Dudrassa. It is up to her.

Lucia, I prefer a blonde. I would appreciate you swift attention to this matter.

I will send word to Nazik, we must rescue the Princess immediately.

Of course... A blonde... my niece Esmeralda is very pretty and very stupid. She will give you obedience and heirs. Anything else... well I am sure I can provide you with that.

Sire! If she has no value then why would they keep her alive? What does the Queen say?

*She looks at Queen Eleanor who is shaking her head*

You are acting a fool! Just because your latest mistress....

*She looks at Lucia*

... wants to get you under her control does not mean you should discard your daughter.

*Freki has tears in her eyes*

A daughter of the land and sea.... she should unite the country.

Freki! What do you propose I do? Philomena refuses to accept her position as Princess of the land. She has created this and I will end it. Lucia, send for your cousin.

How did she create this? She is being kidnapped because she is your daughter and your reputation for bloodshed is one that people believe you would commit a massacre for her.

*Freki is close to tears*

Indeed I believed that your love for your little cub was greater than your love for anything, it appears I was wrong. Crawl back to Lady Montrose's bed, I never thought that a few hours of lovemaking would turn your brain to mush.

*The Wolf Witch goes to the door.*

You have no need to dismiss me from your service, I have no desire to serve such a weak and unfeeling man.

*Lucia watches as the Queen and her retinue leaves then puts her arms around Carados.*

Now my darling, do not be upset. I know a way you can forget about all your troubles while you are waiting for your new bride to arrive...

*She kisses his neck*

...soon you will forget all about that troublesome child of yours and have plenty of new princes and princesses to take her place.

*Carados folds into Lucia's arms and melts into her kiss. For a moment, Freki's words sink into his mind but he refuses to listen. This was not his doing.

You must not be troubled Carados. This is for the greater good... good for Grimney, good for you, good for me... This is the start of your redemption.

I am not troubled. Nothing will pressure me to follow the will of another. I know what is right and I know what is wrong. Being a princess of the land is not right for my daughter but I will give her one last chance to voice her desire once she is before me.

*He kisses Lucia and pulls her gown off of her shoulder.

Once she refuses her position, what else is there to do?

Well... you can divorce that fishtailed wife of yours, take a good human wife and reconcile with the High Council. All will be well.

*She smiles*

And if you no longer have a daughter, it means you will be in no danger of having a disgraced knight for your son in law and their bastard offspring as a grandchild.