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

I think you should be happy. You were sad when he was dead, and now you are angry he is alive? You said you could get used to sharing me and besides...

*Philomena puts her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately*

I am your mermaid. Don't you always say that?

*She smiles*

Anyway, he is here as my bodyguard not my lover. I am a married woman and you know Kalvos, honour before passion. Do you want me to promise not to break your heart? You keep it so closely guarded that I do not think it possible. I won't promise not to make you jealous though. I do understand given the past between Kalvos and I that you will find it hard to trust me...

*The mermaid looks worried*

You are right though, if Darl discovers who he is... well we won't let that happen will we? I know you care about him, whatever you may say. There are only three of us in the castle who know who he is. You, me... and Saygin Baal. I think it might be time I call on my husband's most trusted physician...

*Philomena frowns and pulls a black bell pull that is embroidered with skulls*

I don't believe for a moment this is a disease, it is the work of an assassin. I must talk to Master Baal and find out his true intentions.

*She sighs and leans back into Vortigern's arms*

You are going to give up violence? Tell me this dream... tell me about another world where you and I can raise our family in peace.

*A tear rolls down her cheek*

Tell me of a life outside this marriage to Darl... I have always liked fairy tales with happy endings.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

And what makes you think that I will go riding off with you? No doubt Queen Eleanor and my father have a new husband lined up for me if Darl is killed.

*Philomena smiles and strokes Vortigern's cheek*

I don't think that you will be on the top of their list. You... are a bad influence.

*She sighs with pleasure at Vortigern's touch then looks toward the bathroom door*

We shouldn't... not with everyone so close by. What if Kalvos walked in? Wouldn't it be painful for him to find you and I... together?

*Philomena glances at the bell pull*

Yes... For the first time since my marriage I am calling for Master Baal, even though I have refused to let him visit me before. He will know to come, that is his personal bell and it is connected to the morgue as well as his chambers. You're not expecting me to go to the morgue are you? Yuck.

*The mermaid looks worried*

Speaking of the dead... What am I going to do with your assassin friend Narvik Karn? Don't insult my intelligence by saying his isn't the conspirator. If I have him arrested, then he can implicate you... Besides I hate ordering anyone's death.

*She lets out a small moan as Vortigern continues to kiss and caress her*

You really are a bad man... you know my body too well... but what... about...

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

There will be no confrontation because you are going to behave yourself. You and Kalvos are going to learn play nicely together. Both of you are my bodyguards, you have to cooperate.

*She straddles Vortigern and kisses his neck*

So Vortigern darling, I want you to welcome him like he is a long lost brother...Please. ..

*Philomena kisses him passionately*

Because if you don't... If you choose to make life miserable for me....

* She removes Vortigern's tunic as he throws her blouse on the ground *

We will be finished for good... and that would be a shame for both of us.

*The mermaid presses her body against Vortigern's bare chest*

What is Karn's agenda? Why does he want Darl dead? You should sort this out for me... ot is your mess so you should get rid of him. Tell him that if he doesn't run, I will have no choice but to arrest him.

*She kisses Vortigern and then draws back smiling*

So you are right... We have better things to do, I will go and settle our new little guest into a comfortable bed and you can ensure that there is no second assassination attempt on my husband... by making Narvik Karn disappear.

*The mermaid gives Vortigern as teasing smile*

I'd better get dressed...

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

*Philomena pushes Vortigern away gently and shakes her head*

Why must you do this? You say you behave as you want and yet I think you behave exactly how you think everyone expects you to behave. Why not surprise Kalvos rather than living up to his rather low expectations?

*She sighs and stands up*

I know you are capable of being loyal and tender... I know that when I fall asleep that you pull the blanket over me and kiss me on the cheek. I know that when Darl has... mistreated me... it is you who put cream on my bruises and holds me as I cry. I know you love me and the child that grows inside me. Why won't you let anyone else see this side of you?

*The Princess steps out of her loosened clothes and pulls on a satin dressing gown*

Karn must go... and any others who are against the Thranmeres. This child will be a Thranmere, to the outside world at least, those who hate my husband will wish harm on our son.

*The mermaid nods*

I want you to get rid of him... I am sure that you can explain to him that although I appreciate that Darl is... well you know... Just tell Narvik that I believe him to be a good man and it would pain me greatly if I was forced to have him arrested. If he flees now then he will be safe and I will ensure that those following him will not find him.

*She puts her arms around Vortigern's neck and kisses him slowly. The mermaid smiles as Vortigern pulls her closer.*

Stop it...I need to get dressed...

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

See... you can be decent to Kalvos when you choose to be.

*Philomena kisses him and tenderly stroked his cheek*

And it makes me very happy when you make those choices. Kalvos... when I first met him there was such sadness in his eyes, I wanted to take all the sadness away. And now... Now I have caused him even more sadness, I fear I ruined his life. I wish I knew how to make things better.

*She looks troubled and shakes her head*

There must be some way to resolve this business with Karn without murder... I can't ask you to kill someone... to take a life.

*The Princess bites her lip*

What if I sent him away... on a mission ? Would that work? You could advise him that I do not expect him to complete his mission but to use the opportunity to flee. I don't want him dead... I just have to protect my family. Our family.

*She sighs*

The only good thing to come out of this is that Darl will be unable to hurt me for a while... and while he is so badly injured I can be all yours.

*She kisses Vortigern passionately again*

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/