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

*Philomena sits at her dressing table and looks at the latest bruises on her neck. She clasps her hands tightly together and whispers to herself. *

If I can keep as many people safe as possible then it is a worthy sacrifice. A Princess has a duty to protect the weak. I will endure his love and his violence if I can help those who need me. I can endure it, I must endure it.

*She puts an emerald choker around her neck to conceal the bruises then rings the bell for the maid to dress her.*

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*Philomena's chamber is lit by candlelight. The mermaid sits by the mirror dressed in a black, off the shoulder gown. She gazes deep into the mirror and pours herself wine without ceasing to look at her beautiful reflection*

*There is a knock at the door and Derias enters without waiting for an answer. *

Your Grace.

*He kisses her hand and pulls a chair next to the mermaid*

How long are you planning to remain hidden in this chamber? My men have searched for Kalvos, they have found half a dozen corpses that could be him but unfortunately all are too decomposed for you to see. All have been buried with honour.

*As Philomena bows her head and weeps, he strokes her hair*

Come now my Lady Princess, you must hold back those tears. You know how much your grief pains Lord Thranmere.

I don’t care what pains Lord Thranmere!

*Philomena looks at Avalay fiercely*

He means nothing to me. Nothing.

*The mermaid pours herself some wine but offers none to the man*

Why are you here?

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You should care what pains him, he is your husband.

*Derias looks stern*

He loves you. He cares about your unhappiness and would have done anything to spare you from this grief but he is not a god. And he is not to blame for your lover's death.

*He takes her hand.*

You must be gentle with him, he has never loved like this. His last wife was dutiful and obedient, he loved her with indifference. You are... well you are a mermaid princess, you have quite a different effect on him. Us men can be quite weak when faced with such beauty...

*He smiles*

But I think that will be for the better. You can bring out a gentler side. He can show mercy when it seems to stem from you. You are not a warrior and he is not a prince, but together... Darl Thranmere will give you what you truly deserve...

*Derias kisses her hand once more, and the massages her bare shoulders. He sweeps aside her long golden hair and starts to kiss her neck tenderly*

...a crown for that beautiful head of yours. Trust me, my beloved Princess.

Trust you, trust you? That's all you ever say.

*Philomena sighs as his kisses become more passionate*

You told me to trust you that Darl wouldn't hurt me... you said to trust you and Kalvos would not be harmed. You promise and promise and it all comes to nothing.

*She shakes her head and moves away from him*

If you really loved me you would keep Darl Thranmere from my bed in the time of grief. You would think he would show compassion rather than imposing his marital rights on me...

*Her eyes fill with tears.*

I don’t want a crown, I want to go home.

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*Darias pours himself some wine and sighs*

You're asking too much. Darl needs to father a son on you and he can't do that by abstaining from your bed. He pities you, he really does. It was always his hope that Kalvos could be found alive and be brought under his protection. But Kalvos is dead.

*He drinks the cup of wine*

And regardless of whether you want a crown, you were born wear one and I have no doubt that when the time comes you will be kind and just.

*Philomena glares at him*

Darl Thranmere will not father a child on me against my wishes. I am not some brood mare to be mated.

*She takes the wine from him*

Get out. I want to be alone. Tell the servants I have no need of them tonight and tell... my beloved husband that I do not desire his company tonight.

*She brushes her fingers across the green journal as Derias bows to take his leave*

Tonight it shall just be me and the stars.

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*The Princess gazes out of the window and tries to see the blue streak of her wolf out hunting*

Come on Cloud... you are the only creature in this castle I can bear to be around.

*Philomena sighs and begins to undress for bed. She takes a sharp dagger and breaks a seal on a letter that has arrived for her. As she reads the letter she toys with the blade.*

What to do... what to do..? Should I tell Darl? Or confront my enemies directly?

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