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

She has come between us... our marriage is dead while she lives.

*Philomena shakes her head vigorously.*

I am leaving. You said I was to go to my father's and I will. Your words and your actions have let me go. You sever our union by letting your niece treat me as she does with not even a word of reprimand. You obviously despise me as much as she does. You said she would die and I stay by your side but as she still lives, I will not stay with you. You can call me back any time...

*She struggles to get out of his grip but cannot. Darl pulls her roughly into his arms.*

I am your wife. You treat me like a prisoner and yet you treat one who is a traitor better than me. How can we be united when you treat me so badly? You're hurting me again. Let me go!

*Her torn gown slips down her shoulders as she struggles in vain.*

Why don't you just kill me? It would obviously please your niece and then you wouldn't havd the bother of killing her... or maybe I should just plunge your knife into my own heart. For I would rather die by my own hand than die at your niece's. I'm sure my death would mean nothing to you, as I mean nothing to you.

*She starts to cry again as Darl pulls her gown down around her waist and kisses her bruised, exposed body*

Stop! This is not love and passion but my daily humiliation and punishment by you... You say you want my love....

* The mermaid shakes her head*

How could I ever grow to love you when you treat me like this? I could grow to love your scars but not your cold heart. You drive me away.

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No more words? You may overpower me physically but you will never silence me. You should have chosen a Kanaran bride if you wanted someone quiet and obedient.

*Philomena pushes against Darl in vain as he begins to strip*

There is no pleasure in our union, not for me! You can force me to yield...

* She attempts to stop Darl as he pushes his hands between her legs.*

But you cannot force enjoyment. Every time you mount me I pray that this torment will be ended quickly. I close my eyes and think of all the lovers I have had that are better men than you.

*Philomena looks at him defiantly.*

You may die... you may grow old... but I never will. Didn't my father tell you when he sold me to you... mermaids are blessed with eternal youth. My beauty will never wither and die but you... Kanaran barbarian...

*She cries out in distress as Darl flips her onto her stomach and pulls her head up by her thick golden hair.*

You will die and be nothing but a bitter memory to me... in fact once you are dead I will see that all memories of you and this miserable marriage are wiped from my mind.

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*Vortigern Jett guards the door and watches as Philomena sews jewels hidden in the hems of two plain travelling cloaks. The mermaid looks anxious and glances out the window fretfully*

I need to get a plain dress too... Maybe you will be able to smuggle one up from the serving maids quarters? I can't go galloping across Grimney looking like a princess. Although it will be best if I can stay here safely.

*She takes a sharp intake of breath as she pricks her finger on the needle*

If Darl is killed in this battle then we must flee at once, if he survives... it will be best for me and the baby if you go before the birth. Go find Vance and the White Scorpions, they will protect you.

*Her green eyes gaze into Vortigern's dark ones*

I don't want you around as this child grows up, people might make comparisons in your looks.

*She puts a cloak in his hands*

Here. There are enough jewels hidden in here to make you a very wealthy man. It will bring me comfort to know that at least you have escaped this misery.

*The mermaid looks around the room*

I must take a new chamber, there are too many bad memories here.

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Start a family? You... Vortigern Jett are talking about starting a family.

*Philomena murmers a laugh*

What was it you once said about settling down? "Hone sweet home with your blood over the walls."... except without Darl, without my father, it will be my blood splattered over the wall.

*She strokes his face*

Oh my love... unless you can raise an army the size of Darl's then this child must be a Thranmere. Do you understand? There cannot be a whisper of suspicion.

*The mermaid shakes her head*

The enemy he rides out to slaughter babes in their mothers' arms. They are pure evil and I pray... I pray every minute for Darl's victory.

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I am thinking of the baby. No child of mine should be raised by outlaws in hiding up a mountain. The High Council put out a death warrant for me and all of my blood, unless this war is won by my father then none of my children will be safe.

*She looks out across the hills*

If Darl is killed I will go to the oceans, I will take any punishment that my grandmother sees fit and find a safe haven for my child. Unlike humans, mermaids never punish an innocent child for their parents transgressions.

*She blushes*

Whatever the actual truth is, I mean to raise this child as Darl's. I mean... It doesn't matter who... You never wanted a family ... and I will not give you one... don't think of this child as yours. Think of him as my son and nobody else's.

*The mermaid looks surprised.*

How do you know this castle? Have you been here before? Who was the owner?

*Philomena glances in the mirror*

The archers will fail... an alliance has been broken and the necromancers have turned against those who trust them... Keeler never understood the power of love between a father and his child.

*She shudders*

So much blood.

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