44 Results in the "A Thread of Corruption" category
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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…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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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…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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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…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 13 – Holy Ground
Valentina awoke at sunrise the next day, still feeling a slight soreness between her legs. Cosimo had been demanding last night. Not really rough, he never was, but enthusiastic in a way that made her body remember every single position he had put her in. "Stiff?" Vyxara inquired with a hint of amusement. "Oh, shut up," Valentina thought back as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. A knock at the door announced Margaret, who was already carrying a stack of carefully folded clothes over her…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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The carriage turned onto a wider street, and as the wheels clattered loudly over the cobblestones, the strange atmosphere of the Hearth of Sommerland slowly fell away from them. The buildings here were lower, the facades more colorful, and everywhere people crowded between stalls. "Ah, finally," sighed the duchess, leaning back more relaxed into the cushions. "After so much piety, I need something worldly to relax." Lady Beatrice laughed softly. "I was afraid you would order the driver to return…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 5 – The King’s Speech
The king took his place, and the assembly rose again. King Edmund let his gaze wander over the crowd, and when he spoke, his deep voice carried effortlessly throughout the entire hall. "Lords, venerable prelates of the Holy Church of the Martyr, and commons of this realm of Sommerland, We, by the Martyr's Radiant Flame King of Sommerland, greet you well." He paused, letting the words sink in. "We gather today, as our ancestors have done for centuries, under the watchful and benevolent eye of the…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 16 – Night of Confusion
Once they arrived at the townhouse, there was little time to freshen up for dinner. This time, it wasn't a grand reception like the night before, just an intimate family dinner with the Greystones and Innogen as a guest. And Valentina, of course. No foreign lords and no political maneuvering. At least, that seemed to be the plan. Valentina first helped Beatrice help the duchess change her clothes, then hurried to her own chambers, where Margaret had already laid out a simple evening gown in muted…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 6 – The Audience
The Greystone group stepped forward. Cosimo and Rosalind led the way, Lorenzo a step behind, then Beatrice and Valentina. They sank into almost perfectly synchronized bows, the men with an elegant kick of the leg, the women in a deep but not submissive curtsy. "Duke Cosimo," King Edmund spoke, his warm baritone voice filling the room effortlessly. "We are pleased to see you and your family well." "Your Majesty honors us with your attention," Cosimo replied smoothly. "How is your hospital, Duke…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 18 – Fire and Air
"Noble lords and ladies! The Order of the Primrose and the Order of the Poppy, the pride of the Essence Weavers of this realm, will now demonstrate their mastery of the scholarly art!" The mood in the crowd was different now, a whole other kind of atmosphere, not the bloodthirsty excitement of combat, but something far more reverent. The common folk in the lower ranks craned their necks, curious but unsure of what to expect. Two groups of Essence Weavers entered the field from opposite sides. The…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 9 – Rising Blood
Both froze. The air between them seemed to crackle, and a breeze loosened a honey-colored curl from her elaborate hairstyle. "Val." Innogen's voice was little more than a whisper. "Innogen." They spoke at the same time. "How are you-" "I've been looking for-" They both fell silent, an embarrassed smile flitting across Innogen's lips. "Please, speak first," said Valentina. "No, I... it's just..." Innogen visibly struggled for words. "How have you settled in? In your new…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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