43 Results in the "A Thread of Corruption" category
-
On Thursday evening, she became Lily again. In the dressing room at Violet Delights, Valentina put on her illusion artifact, the necklace with the violet stones, and placed a strand of golden-blonde hair, that Madame Dolorosa handed her into the designated compartment. Valentina activated the pattern in the largest of the violet stones, and the familiar warm tingling ran over her skin as the illusion enveloped her. In the mirror, she saw another woman, with golden, curly hair, full lips, and blue…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Von Agrippin had just answered Professor Emberfell's second critical question when his gaze swept over the raised hands in the hall and lingered on Valentina. It was only a moment, but she knew that kind of look from men. A quick, almost involuntary registration, followed by a more conscious double take, and then, most often, an attempt to hide it. Some men hid it better than others, and Von Agrippin hid it very well. "The young lady in the fifth row, please." Valentina stood up and cleared her…
-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
"Let me," he said, "begin with a simple question." He made a brief, theatrical pause. "How many fundamental Essences are there?" He didn't get an answer for quite a while because everyone suspected a trick. The answer was far too obvious. Any child could have answered it. "Eight," someone called out from the back rows, and a soft chuckle rippled through the hall. "Eight," Von Agrippin confirmed cheerfully. "You learn that before you even set foot in the university, I'm sure. It's the answer…
-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
The university was bustling again and returning students and newcomers jostled in the hallways, chests were dragged across the cobblestones, and people stood crowded three rows deep in front of the board to read announcements and room changes. Professor Veilford's Advanced Planar Geometry course came as a shock. Not necessarily in terms of content, as Valentina had a solid grasp of the fundamentals, but the mathematical precision and work load Veilford demanded in her master's year was on an entirely…
-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 3 – Getting Settled
Valentina's chamber was smaller than her suite in Dusktown, but still luxurious, especially compared to her tiny attic room in Bridgewater. A wide bed with dark green curtains dominated the room, flanked by a polished walnut desk and a spacious wardrobe. A private wash area lay behind a screen, and the window offered a view of the manicured courtyard. Two maids were already unpacking her baggage and carefully hanging her clothes in the wardrobe. When they came to the chest with the false bottom,…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 2 – Road to Vandercourt
The carriage jolted over a particularly rough stone, and Valentina was torn from her memories. Cosimo stirred beside her, his hand sliding lazily over her hip. "What are you thinking about?" he murmured sleepily. "The summer ahead of us," she replied, which wasn't entirely untrue. He smiled and pulled her closer. "It will be an interesting summer, my dear. I promise you that." "More interesting than he realizes," Vyxara commented dryly. Valentina could only agree silently. He reached for…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 12 – Good Reception
The Greystone townhouse shone like a jewel in the summer twilight. Essence lamps cast warm, light through every corner of the estate, and the courtyard had been transformed into a beautiful landscape of flowers. Silver-grey and gold banners in the colors of the Greystones and Ashbournes fluttered gently in the balmy evening air. Long tables groaned under the weight of exquisite dishes. There were glazed pheasants, artfully arranged pies, candied fruits, and towers of sweet pastries. And of course lots…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 11 – The Announcement
A fanfare cut through the babble of voices like a sharp sword through silk. The herald in his colorful tabard stepped forward, his staff banging three times on the wooden platform. "Noble lords and ladies!" His voice echoed across the field. "His Majesty has a joyful announcement to make!" The crowd fell silent instantly. Thousands of faces turned toward the royal box, where King Edmund rose from his throne. Although he was not nearly as festively dressed as he had been at the opening of Parliament,…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 10 – Chains of Gold
The next day, the Greystones' carriage rumbled through the narrow streets back to the townhouse, and Valentina could still hear the roar of the debate in Parliament ringing in her ears. It still was exciting to watch Cosimo at work. His carefully placed arguments outside of sessions about the pirate threat and his subtle hints at riches to come had left visible cracks in the opposition. "The Marquess of Timberpine was particularly persuasive today," Lady Beatrice remarked as she fanned herself. "The way…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 1 – Reunion
"Be careful with that," Valentina instructed a young servant who was lifting one of her chests too hastily. It was the chest that contained the Eye of Deceit and her forbidden books, carefully wrapped in waxed leather and hidden in a false bottom. "Of course, my lady," he muttered, blushing. It was still early, and the morning hung heavy and grey over Bridgewater, but she had been wide awake since she saw the ducal carriages rolling up. Then, finally, the door of the ducal carriage opened, and…-
421.6 K • Ongoing
-
- Previous 1 2
