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

*The bathroom gleams in the light of a hundred candles. Mirrors on every wall reflect the light that gleams through multicoloured gemstones. Philomena enters and fills a golden sink full of warm water, she hastily washes the blood from her hands. She looks at her face in the mirror and catches sight of Kalvos.*

You are covered in blood. At least wash it off your hands and armour.

*She turns around and touches his cheek gently*

You look tired.

*The mermaid draws her hand away quickly and her expression grows harder. She picks up a new gown*

You must close your eyes while I get dressed Master Venn.

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You are injured? Shall I ask Master Baal to come and tend to your wounds? Take your armour off and let me see if I can dress them here.

*Philomena looks down at the bloodstained sink.*

Yes. There was once a time when I could not accept what you were. I could not accept you were a killer... but I never turned my back on you. It was you who abandoned me.

*She frowns and begins to unlace her bodice with trembling hands*

I do really need to change my gown now. Are you going to look away like I asked? Or am I to be forced to undress as you watch? I know the true nature of you human males now, you will do as you please, regardless of...

*Tears form in her eyes*

... my wishes or pleas.

*She takes a shaky breath to recover herself.*

And I am not shutting you out... I agreed to have you as my bodyguard, did I not?

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Thank you. You do at least have some honour left.

*Philomena hastily changes her bloodstained dress.*

You don't know me any more. Two years have passed since I was taken my Draygon the Scar, and I have been married to Darl for over a year now. I thought you were dead... and you have no idea what I have been through in those two years.

*She takes a pair of scissors and cuts the tunic off. Philomena looks carefully at the wound and shakes her head*

I will have to give you some of Vortigern's clothes to wear, yours are ruined. The wound not infected but you have pulled your stitches out. I will clean this up and patch you up, but you really need to rest. I don't trust Baal, but he has decided not to betray you for now...

*She goes in a cupboard and gets out a large box. The mermaid begins cleaning the wound and then passes a needle over a flame*

If it was known who you were, they would have arrested you on the spot. You should be grateful to him. My husband is a jealous man... Now grip onto the sink and don't move.

*Philomena sews him carefully*

Being able to sew a wound up is a good skill for the wife of a warlord.

*She bites her lip and strokes the bare skin on his chest*

If you had married me when you won your duel, things would be different. But you didn't and you left me unprotected. You... you broke my heart.

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How would still loving you make this any better? Even if I did...

*A tear rolls down her cheek and she quickly wipes it*

It is all too late. You stand there criticising me for being beaten by Darl... I hope it makes you feel better to see me unhappy and humiliated. You had months to marry me before you were kidnapped and you didn't. You never wanted to marry me.

*Philomena slumps to the floor and hugs herself tightly*

Vortigern is back, yes. Back by my side and back in my bed. You misjudge him badly, he grieved for your death and he has been here for me. He hates the choices I make, he hates the fact I make him stand by and do nothing while Darl... I make Vortigern miserable, I try to push him away and yet he still loves me.

*She begins sobbing*

You cannot even bring yourself to touch me. Why are you here... don't you usually just ride off into the night when something does not suit you? Why not ride to your High Council mother who signed my death warrant and allowed assassins to be sent after my daughter. Or return to the Queen's Elite, you never really left them.

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You could walk away from me so easily? Hardly proof of true love...

*Philomena takes his hand and stands up*

Chosen? I have no choice but Darl. I am glad you saved him, for if I was widowed no doubt the Kanarans would make me marry another... and Darl does love me at least.

*She lowers her eyes and keeps holding Venn's hand*

I am not sorry you are here... or maybe I am, I do not wish any I love to know of my unhappiness... My father always wishes to know that Darl treats me well but what can I say? He would kill Darl if he knew the truth and he needs this alliance.

*She releases his hand and whispers*

I need this alliance to protect Karina. I would do anything to protect my children including staying in this marriage with Darl.

*The mermaid washes the tears from her face*

This is never how I imagined our reunion to be. All I could think of was you holding me in your arms and kissing me like you used to do... but everything has changed and you do not believe in your love for me any more.

*She sighs and rests her head against his bare chest*

You have hurt me so badly... and yet the thought of never seeing you again is impossible. It would be worse than when I thought you were dead. I'm so confused....

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