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

*Philomena gives a small moan of pleasure as he kisses her neck but shakes her head and pushes him away*

If you become my lover again, you would be in such danger. Darl is a very jealous man, you must take Juna or one of the other maids as your mistress to avoid suspicion.

*The mermaid kisses Vortigern again despite herself. She puts her hand in his cheek and smiles playfully. *

I always found you so hard to resist, I was never a challenge... but you enjoyed me well enough.

*She looks serious*

My father wouldn't be in control, the Queen would be in her rightful place and he would be her right hand to support her. Too many on the High Council are corrupt and greedy, they have had power too long. They raise taxes on the poor to fund a lavish lifestyle. My family would not do that. We will build schools and hospitals in the slums, take care of the weakest of our people and liberate the non-humans. My father is a ruthless warrior but that is because he fights for things that are good and just.

*She blushes as Vortigern looks at her bruises and covers them defensively*

I hope if my father wins the war he will allow me to return home. If not... Darl does love me, I will find a way to make him more gentle... if it is unbearable then maybe you can help me escape from this miserable marriage.

*Her eyes flash*

Don't pity me Vortigern, you have never shown pity to any creature before now.

*She shrugs*

If they lose the war then the High Council will have me killed probably. Evern before the war started they put a contract out on my father and all of his blood... including Karina. I have no choice but to stand with Carados against them. Otherwise I suppose I shall be exiled in Kanara with Darl forever. Darl and Carados won't lose anyway, I can't let that happen.

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The Queen will not have you strung up, you shall be pardoned. It was her wish that I married Darl and she owes me for that. You can be my gift from her.

*She smiles*

At least some good will come from this marriage. I know they say that you have done terrible things but... you won't do anything like that again, will you?

*She trembles at the approaching screams.*

Am I being summoned to watch an execution? I can't bear it... I can't watch a man be killed. I begged Darl to spare me this...

*Philomena looks close to tears. She goes to her dressing table and unwraps a shiny new sword*

I almost forgot...a new present for my newest employee. That dagger will offer me little protection.

*The mermaid hands him the sword and sits on the bed watching the door*

I am glad you are on my side... you are the only piece of happiness I have in this castle.

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It came from the blacksmiths... the Kanaran's have skilled blade makers here. I had it made for you. You can go to the armory and they will give you any other weapon that you wish.

*Philomena looks determined as she sits down to write a letter.*

The Queen will pardon you, even if I have to detail every single thing that Darl has done to me since our wedding... I am her kin and her heir, and in marrying Darl Thranmere I have sacrificed my freedom for her crown. In exchange she will give me your life.

*She ties the letter to the leg of her marsh hawk.*

After this is over you can return to being an outlaw or live a life without being in the shadows... whatever you wish.

*The mermaid looks at Vortigern uncomfortably*

People have told me you raped women, murdered children and burnt villages... but I could never believe that of you. If you say you always killed with good reason then I will believe you.

Stop the screaming?


*She shakes her head and takes his hand*

Darl would be angry if we prevent his sentence being carried out. You must not cross him, he will be angry with my softness towards a traitor. The nightwatch man is to be tortured and then skinned alive. It is my duty as his wife to attend every execution in the castle, but he knows how much I struggle with this custom. Perhaps Kanaran wives are more bloodthirsty but we do not kill our criminals in the Dudrassa.

* Philomena winces as another screams rips through the end. She begins to cry and hugs herself. .*

Please just make me forget that this is happening.

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The enemy are those who keep the poorest poor... who persecute the non humans... who work with the Chaos Engine to keep hold of their power.They are those who would spill my blood and Karina's for no crime other than it is Carados's.

*Her beautiful eyes fill with tears and she unlaces her gown to show the extent of her punishment from Darl. Vortigern goes white as he reaches out and strokes the bruises on her beautiful breasts and hips. *

You think I get into bed with Darl willingly? This is what happens if I even just hesitate in yielding to him... Besides I do what I can to protect those I care about, to protect the weakest in Grimney, to protect Karina... and most recently to protect you. If I hadn't it would be you being skinned alongside that nightwatch man... why are you so angry with me for protecting you? You don't want a pardon? I remember you were willing to work with that mad knight Keeler in exchange for a pardon... you wanted to change your fate. Now I offer you one in exchange for nothing and you sneer at me for it. A pardon would offer you freedom to live and love as you choose...perhaps that's what you fear.

* She wipes away her tears and begins to lace her gown up. Philomena smiles and shakes her head. *

Why do you still pretend with me Vortigern? I know you left the Elite and the militia because you could not stand the brutality of their orders. I understand that you never deny the most dreadful allegations because you wear your reputation like armour.

*She puts her arms around him and kisses him tenderly*

But you never need your armour with me... Surely you want one person in this land to think well of you?

*Philomena kneels on the floor in front of Vortigern and buries herself in his arms as the screams become more desperate. *

What awful screams, I have never heard anything like it... what are they doing to make him scream like that... No! I don't want to know.

*She looks up at Vortigern*

You must not say such things about killing my aunt. My father would have me made Queen in his place and the last thing I want is that crown. I would rather you kill me now than hear you say that again. I do not have the ruthlessness needed to reign, I cannot order executions or wars.

*She shudders as she hears another scream*

Why couldn't they just imprison him? Poor creature...

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*Ethella knocks at the door*

Your Grace? It is me, Ethella. Please can the door be unbolted?

*She waits patiently for the scraping sound of the bolts. As the door opens, she looks nonplussed to see Vortigern Jett standing in front of her*

I am Princess Philomena's maid... you must be Jett.

*She brushes past him and puts a tray of food on the table.*

The chef hopes you will enjoy what he has prepared. You will be pleased to know that these tiresome screams will soon cease your Grace. That wretched traitor is to be publicly executed tomorrow... and your new robes will be ready just in time.

*The maid smiles*

They are the most beautiful blood red you have seen with black pearls forming beautiful deathblooms. Even the former Queen of Kanara has never had such an execution gown! Your Lord and Husband desires that you get an early night and sleep well, for after the miserable man is skinned alive there will be a feast in honour of your Grace.

*The smile grows wide*

To celebrate that you were unharmed by assassins. Even Lady Niara will join in the festivities, she is eager to look upon your face... she has heard much about your beauty.

I shall leave you to eat, no doubt your new man servant can pour you wine.

*Ethella bows and leaves the room*

Sleep well...

*Philomena pulls the cover off with shaking hands to reveal roast quail and figs in honey. She looks at it and gives a smile.*

Sometimes Kanaran food is quite good.

*She sniffs the carafe of wine and pours it away.*

Drugged. No doubt Ethella thought to give me a good night's sleep before tomorrow's execution.

*The mermaid trembles at looks up at Vortigern. *

I am so frightened you would think it was me being executed tomorrow. I suppose you think nothing of a man being skinned alive.

*She points to the chair opposite her.*

Won't you dine with me? Don't just sit and watch me eat silently like a servant. Please don't be angry with me.

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