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

*There is a timid knock at the door and a young maid enters with a tray of food*

Evening Master Jett, the Princess sent me. She said that you might forget to eat.

*The maid looks at Cloud nervously*

Hope he doesn't bite, never bin so close to a wolf before.

*She sets the table and blushes furiously when she makes eye contact with Vortigern*

Well...I... should.

*The maid gets flustered and walks to the door*

She's saved him... don't know what sort of magic it was but everyone had all but given up hope for Lord Thranmere.

*Sousie remembers the wine and returns to pour some for Vortigern. Cloud yawns, revealing his large white fangs and the girl spills wine in fright.*

Oh bother it... I did so want to make a good impression. Please don't tell the Princess!

*Sousie looks alarmed.*

I heard you were dangerous but nobody said anything about biting...

*The girl blushes as Vortigern laughs*

Oh Sir, you are teasing me. Everyone says I am too gullible, I guess I am. You must be joking about the wine too... why would an important person like you want to drink wine with a humble kitchen maid like me?

*She continues to mop up the wine*

There was a lot of blood in the hospital... I was so frightened, I think the Princess took pity on me and sent me here before I fainted. She is a afraid by nothing, is she? Tended to the wounded without flinching, never seen a lady do that.

*The girl sighs as she looks round the room.*

The Princess is so lucky, she has many beautiful things. Lord Thranmere must be a very kind husband.

*She wanders over to the bed and touches the velvet coverlet*

It is so soft... I couldn't imagine what it would be like to sleep in such a bed. It is like a dream. I was excited enough when they gave me a new wool blanket when I started my service here.

The quality of the one you share your bed with?

*The girl blushes furiously*

I wouldn't know anything about that Sir, I have never had a sweetheart. Ma taught me the best way to keep out of trouble was to steer clear of boys. I can't imagine ever being in love.

*Her fingers stroke the soft bedspread again and she smiles innocently at Vortigern*

Lord Thranmere is double blessed then, a beautiful bed and a beautiful wife.

*She takes the wine and sips nervously*

If anyone finds out I stood here drinking wine with you, I will get such a beating from my boss! It isn't proper, I know you more than a mercenary... you are friends with the Princess. Her special friend I heard someone say once... I guess that is like a best friend? Netty is my best friend, she will be mad with envy when she hears I have been in the Princess's chamber.

*The maid walks up to where one of the Philomena's gowns is hanging *

You think there is no difference between me and a lady? If I was to wear this dress and the Princess were to wear mine, you would still know who the true Princess is.

*She frowns a little as she looks around the room*

The Princess survives? This ain't survival, this is living! Survival is when you boil up bogweed to make soup because the harvest has failed. She has a happy existence.

What does make a lady then? Manners? Speaking clever? I don't really know.

*Sousie shrugs*

You ain't likely to know what I am like once me dress is off... and even less likely to know what Princess Philomena is like. Why Lord Thranmere would skin you alive with a blunt spoon if he caught you looking.

*Sousie draws herself up proudly*

I rurned eighteen last month. I'm a proper grown up now, even my ma says I am.

*She looks nervous*

I should get going. The boss will give me a sore beating if she finds out I have been standing around drinking with you.

I knew you was an important man! You must be great friends with Lord Thranmere if he trusts you so much with his wife.

*Sousie grins*

You are very kind to say you'll protect me. Maybe... maybe you could pull some strings and get me a better job. I don't like working in the kitchen, it is so hot and grimy down there. The Princess is so lucky to have you as her Bodyguard, I bet nobody will ever hurt her with you standing guard.

*She giggles as she drinks more wine. *

We shouldn't talk about me without me dress on... how would you like it if I talked about what's under your armour?