59 Results in the "A Thread of Corruption" category
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Chapter
Chapter 17 – Tournament Finale
The sun was already high in the sky when the Greystone carriage came to a halt in front of the tournament grounds, and the air was filled with the smell of roasted meat, sweat, horses and the excited anticipation of thousands of people. "Finally, the last day," sighed Duchess Rosalind as they stepped out of the carriage and made their way through the crowd toward the grandstand. "Oh, I think it's a shame it's already over," said Beatrice. "But I can't wait to see who triumphs in the final. The last…-
459.3 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…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 15 – Violent Desires
They arrived at the tournament field slightly late. Duke Cosimo and Lorenzo were already present when they took their seats in the noble gallery. The duke was a few rows ahead, engaged in an intense conversation with the gruesome Duke of Mirkshire and several other lords. Lorenzo was with a group of young nobles his age, who were lively discussing the upcoming fights. As the women sat down, they exchanged brief glances with the men. Cosimo nodded to his wife and gave Valentina a fleeting smile that.…-
459.3 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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459.3 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…-
459.3 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…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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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,…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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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…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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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…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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