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

Your spirits seem low... is it your wife's departure that grieves you?

* Avalay ignores the mess around him*

She will love you as you love her... in time my Lord. If you order your niece's execution, you will show Philomena how much you love her. And once you win this war, you will win her heart.

*He gives a smile*

And if she mentioned children... that is a very good sign. She will bind her heart to yours forever if you bring a child into this world. Mermaids are very loyal to family, look at the loyalty she shows her father. She will raise your offspring to be loving and loyal to you, for she knows no other way than family duty.

My Lord, my Lord! It distresses me to see you like this. All is not lost with your Princess and I am sure she does not see you as a monster but...

* Derias gestures to a maid and hands Darl a goblet of fresh wine*

She is an imperial Princess of the Dudrassa, not a castle to be stormed or an unruly legion to be managed. You will not win her heart by force but by kindness. Breaking her ribs will not break through the ice that surrounds her heart, but show some tenderness, some vulnerability and she will melt. I have read accounts of her affair with Kalvos, it was not his toughness she loved nor his famed noble nature but the sadness that lay beneath. Speak to her about your sadness and she will heal it. Show your love through kind gestures rather than your violent passion which frightens her...You have it in your power to make her happy and through her happiness you will find your own.

*He looks serious*

But you will lose her if you do not make a choice between your niece and your wife. For all her wayward ways, the Princess has been involved in no treason against, while your niece plotted your downfall. Is it any wonder you have offended your wife by allowing such treason to go unpunished. I do not think she will return to Stormrock while your show your niece more kindness than your Princess.

*Avalay glances out the window. *

And do not let her leave while you are on bad terms. They have not raised the gate yet, there is still time for you to bid her a tender farewell.

*He looks at his master*

That is if you truly need her love?

I see my Lord... I shall go to her chamber and see that it is done with bravery and dignity.

*He bows and leaves the room briefly*

Niara has been provided with the means to make a noble end. I hope she has the courage.

*He smiles gently*

Do you want to let Philomena ride out now or shall I delay her journey?

*The Great Hall is lit with torches and decked with the red standards of the victorious Kanaran army. Darl Thranmere's new generals sit and feast, telling tales of their glory on the battlefield. A large roast hog glistens at the middle, surrounded by candied apples. The Kanaran men hack at the roast with their sharp knives.

At the centre of the table, Princess Philomena sits regally on a throne-like chair the seat next to her is unoccupied in Darl's absence. She seems more relaxed than she has been a previous feasts, and is dressed seductively in mermaid fashion rather than the more modest Kanaran gowns that her husband insists on. The generals occasionally glance at her beauty, taking their time to admire her figure in a way that they would not dare to do I Darl's presence.

They toast to their Princess and she toasts back to their victory. Her eyes linger on a handsome young general, newly appointed and much feted for his bravery. This warrior, usually bold and fearless in the face of his enemy, finds himself blushing like a choir boy. The oldest of the new Generals takes his eyes from his plate and begins to courteously slice some more meat for the Princess, who rewards him with a bright smile*

And I am happy you serve me so loyally. Make no mistake, those who show bravery and loyalty will reap rich rewards. The assets of those who support the High Council will be given to those who support me and my family. I also trust that you will weed out any in your ranks who hate me and wish to cause me harm.

*She conceals her distaste for the meat and continues to eat her food*

I know very little about wars, my family conquered all the oceans before I was born and nobody would dare challenge the Empress, my grandmother.

*The mermaid smiles and drinks from a golden goblet*

So you see... I know more about making love than making war. But I am confident that Darl will be ready to lead you into victorious battles before too long. You have no need for me as your leader, Darl Thranmere is the person to lead you into bloody battles.

*She puts the wine down and looks around seriously*

The High Council must be brought to heel. They must acknowledge the power of the Queen. However, my first priority is to destroy Keeler and his looney army. The first man to bring me his head will be named my True Champion, with all the honour and... other benefits that it entails.

*She takes a deep breath*

Farleon Castle is not to be attacked. The Queen's Elite there are loyal to the Queen and we will make an alliance with them. I have an envoy in mind to send there.

*The Princess gives a dazzling smile to all the men*

Now that is enough about business. Let's revel in your glorious victory.

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