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

*The Princess smiles fondly at the wolf*

Cloud has been with me since he was a tiny cub. He is the one thing I have with me from happier times.

*Her eyes fill with tears*

I am afraid this child will not wait for you to hang up your sword... unless you can end this war in less than five months?

*The mermaid looks down at her slightly rounded stomach*

No doubt Derias knew of this before I did.. He was so loyal to you, it is no wonder he... I thought I could leave here forever but once I knew that I was with child...

*She closes her eyes as tears fall down her cheeks*

I will do whatever it takes to keep my children safe. Mermaid children are loving and loyal to their parents, I hope that for your sake you will allow me to raise this child in that tradition.

*She turns her beautiful face to Darl*

I suppose you will take a mistress? Now I am with child there is no need for us to share a bed. My duty has been done.

*The wolf drops a signet ring from its mouth into Philomena's hand*

What's this? It must be your ring Darl, for it is undoubtedly for a man and has the Thranmere crest. Oh wait. There is a name engraved inside... it says... Narv... the rest is too hard to read. Where did you get that Cloud? I hope you haven't been rooting through Lord Thranmere's things.

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You should never have hurt me in the first place, I hope you know that. You will be gentle... but I have done as you asked, I am giving you an heir. Haven't I played my part now? Can't you replace me in your bed for the time being instead of forcing me to pleasure you?

*Philomena trembles and casts her eyes down. She takes a deep breath then looks firmly at Darl*

I am a princess. Born and raised to rule. You were raised as a general, you seized power. You need to stop thinking of me as a beautiful prize, and see my value for what it is. My family have ruled all seven seas for a millennia. I know about how to raise rulers, I know how to control a Kingdom with games rather than swords. You should listen to me more. I shall raise our sons not merely to be rulers, but to be the founders of a dynasty that will never be deposed.

*She sighs and puts her arms around Darl*

Derias is as much as a victim as Niara. Someone manipulated him into killing her, and manipulated her into treason. You must seek this person out. Find out everyone who had contact with them both... Niara was fairly reclusive, there can't be many.

*She hands the ring to Darl with a slight frown*

Why has one of your men removed a ring that is a sign of his loyalty to you? Cloud is a clever wolf, he can smell disloyalty in the pack... Of course it could just be that the poor man lost it. Maybe you should return it to him and see his reaction.

*She stands up and moves away from Darl. She gazes out the window*

I am not crying about war and peace... I am crying because now we have a child together, I can never leave you.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Not a monster... no. Just a human. Human male. Violent, selfish and unkind. If I am yours forever then will you continue to abuse me? How can I love you when you do everything you can to poison my love?

*She looks away from Darl*

But I love this child... You must be content with me loving just that part of you. I cannot love any more but that love will be strong enough to bind my loyalty.

*Philomena begins to braid her hair*

I suppose I should be grateful, if your brother had lived then by rights I would be his.

*She strokes his cheeks gently*

You showed great weakness by not executing Niara when news of her treason was made public. Nobody would have doubted your ruthlessness then if you had executed your niece. How can you undo that damage?

*She looks annoyed*

Know my place? I am more than your equal. In both strength and rank. I am not a kanaran wife, you should remember that...

*Philomena caresses him teasingly*

Because you love me far more like this than if I was an obedient kanaran wife...

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Make me regent of your son when he is born, the Kanaran people will fear me ruling them far more than Niara. With good cause...

*She pushes his hands away impatiently*

I rarely submit to your whims. If you want someone to make love to, find a mistress. My place is by your side not in your bed.

*Philomena turns and looks at Darl coldly*

We are partners. Equals. Now... we have things to do. New generals to appoint, traitors to purge... You look hungry. Let's eat.

*She looks at the ring*

While we are eating then we can question Narvik. It unnerves traitors to be interrogated casually.

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