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

*Philomena takes a damask napkin and wipes the grease and red wine from Darl's face. She gazes at him coldly*

My father has never been a brute to me... except the day he forced me to marry you. Even then he has never hurt me physically. He is not the type to strike a his wife... or fracture two of her ribs.

*She stands up to leave and winces with pain.*

I shall go and tell Vortigern we ride out today. I see no reason to delay my journey now the physician says I am mended enough to ride. Perhaps I will return soon... perhaps not for a year. It will depend on you and how quickly you see that justice is served. Maybe... maybe we will never see one another again.

*She looks at him and shrugs indifferently.*

I pray your gods protect you my husband, as I pray my goddesses of the sea brings swift victory to my family.

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*Philomena looks at the mess that Darl has made and sighs. She turns to a maid and addresses her with a gentle smile*

Please tell Vortigern Jett that I need him to accompany him to my father's castle.

*She looks back at Darl with a hint of defiance*

You don't expect me to trust any of your soldiers more than my personal bodyguard? After all, any of them could be in the pay of your niece and as you have done nothing to check her treason they will assume they can slaughter me without consequence.

*The mermaid picks up a goblet and pours herself some wine. *

You are right, death is the reason we may not meet again. If you are are unwilling to root out the poisonous tentacles of treason, then they will soon strangle you.

*She drinks the wine*

I will return to you when you have executed your niece and not before. Until then... well I suggest you inflict your physical love on some mistress.

*Philomena looks at her reflection and smooths her hair*

Whatever you suffered in the Dudrassa, I was living on land then... and I don't see how my home seas stole your love. I know what happened to your wife, I know she died on dry land.

*Her voice trembles with anger.*

I know you drove her to take her own life, that she killed herself after your victory as she was barren and once you claimed the throne of Kanara she knew you needed an heir. Why blame me? I did not make her childless.

*She watches Darl*

You think that I don't know that you had three base born children with other women and then brought them to live in your house as a rebuke for your wife's infertility. You must have tortured her more than you even torment me.

*Philomena holds her chin high*

You may own me, my father may have given you my hand in marriage. He may have given you my body to abuse... but only I can give you my heart and I will never give you that... not while you treat me so badly.

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You would have a man murdered, just because I speak an uncomfortable truth? I didn't just make this up! This is what I have been told by everyone, from the servants to your generals.

*She takes a deep breath as Darl releases her throat.*

I don't care about your illegitimate children, if you brought them here I would care for them as if they were my own... but I do care about the way you mistreat the women who have loved you and I won't follow their path.

*She shakes her head*

If you say these are all lies then what is your truth? I know that your wife did not drown in the Dudrassa, my mirror reflects the souls of the drowned and I have not see her. I have seen your nephews, your cousins, beloved friends but never your wife... or your brother you claim drowned. The mirror never lies.

*She picks up Darl's knife and puts it in his hand. She looks at him tearfully*

Go on.... murder your second wife who you claim to love so much. You don't know how to show me love, you don't have it in your heart to love. Death is the only thing you know to give... and it is the only way to mend my broken heart.

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*Philomena looks at him unflinchingly*

Nobody called you a murderous barbarian, there is no need to fly into such a rage. You really need to learn to control your temper.

*She looks at the debris of the table and sighs*

My husband, you really should learn to be more gentle. You have family, you have me and my father for a start. Wasn't that the purpose of our marriage?

* Philomena looks calmly at her polished nails gleaming in the light*

I shall ride out now... perhaps in future when I leave you will show me less anger and more love. Then one day, I might have a reason to want to return. As it is... well let's say I will feel no pang of regret when I ride from Stormrock Castle today after the way you have behaved.

*She runs her fingers gently down his cheek*

You hurt yourself by treating me badly more than you ever hurt me. You do realise that?

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Playing with you?

* Philomena gives a mischievous smile*

No no my dearest husband. That would be like a mouse playing with a cat... it would be like blowing sand into the eye of a dragon.

*She walks to the door, wincing at the pain from her broken ribs*

I shall wait at the stable... Vortigern needs a new horse so I shall see the best one is given to him, apart from yours of course. I know you do not like to share anything that is yours. It's the curse of being the eldest brother I think. When we have children, we will have to teach them to share and love each other.

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