71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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Eastwald lay relaxed on the bed, half his body covered by a sheet, the skin of his back covered in scourge marks, but he really was a changed man. The stern, ascetic mask had given way to an almost boyish relaxation. "More wine," he demanded, holding out his goblet to Valentina. She poured generously. "And the dried fruit," he added. "The sweet ones, yes, exactly those." Valentina took a candied fig and held it to his lips, giggling playfully. He bit into it with relish, syrup dripping down on his…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 14 – Emergency
A shrill scream cut through the air as the doors to the central room were pushed open. Four men carried in an improvised stretcher on which lay a body soaked in blood. "Rockfall!" shouted one of the porters. "The supports have given way!" Master Wilford was immediately on the move. "In the middle! Claire, Manwise, assist me! Valentina, you too." The central treatment room was a perfect circle, its walls covered all over with shimmering Essence patterns. The Leb Essence was so dense here that it hung in…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 43 – The Coming Storm
The rest of the lesson passed quickly as the class practiced various healing patterns under Whitehall's keen observation. At the end of the lesson, as the students were packing up their materials, Whitehall held Valentina back. "Just a moment, Valentina." Valentina stayed in her seat while the other students left the room. Avie gave her one last envious look before disappearing through the door. "Your contributions today were very valuable," Whitehall said when they were alone. "Master Wilford wrote to…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Dear Readers, And so the second book about Valentina and Vyxara comes to an end. In a sense, it was more challenging to write because two new settings (and, above all, social spheres) were added with Palewood and Dusktown, but that's also exactly what made it so much fun. It gave me the opportunity to incorporate even more of the things I have in mind for the Valentinaverse. The book was characterized by Valentina venturing further and further into morally grey territory and – of course, always…
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Chapter
Chapter 24 – A Special Evening
Lady Celestine led Valentina through a hidden corridor to an elegant salon in the older part of the palace. "The Duke's more intimate circle," she explained quietly as she led Valentina to a velvet-covered divan. "Here we can let the masks of court slip a little." The room was ornately furnished, with heavy tapestries and comfortable seating. A small group of musicians played subtle melodies, whose shameless lyrics Valentina listened to with a blush. Master Gregory Bloomfield greeted her with an elegant…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 53 – A Good Daughter
The sewing shop was in a quiet side street, a dignified store with carefully arranged fabrics in the window. As Valentina entered, a small brass bell rang above the door. A friendly-looking woman with blonde hair tied into a convenient knot behind her head looked up from her work. "Ah, you must be Valentina." She smiled warmly. "I am Gretta. Madame Dolorosa told me you were coming." Valentina nodded nervously. "Yes, I..." "Don't worry," Gretta rose from the beautiful sewing work she was doing and…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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The time after her birthday was characterized by great busyness. Her days consisted of court duties, research work and a lot of time with the duke. He was particularly attentive and affectionate, as if to compensate for the harshness of that night. His touches were gentler, their conversations more profound, his gifts thoughtful. He made her small gifts, like rare books, or exquisite hair clips that he had brought to her bed in the morning. "He's really trying," Vyxara remarked with amusement one evening…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 63 – The Old Gardener…
It wasn't that she was ignoring the noise outside, it was more that she was distracted. Because suddenly she remembered. Remembered the ritual gone wrong that had bound her and Vyxara together. The crucial words of the ritual echoed through her head, crystal clear, as if she had just spoken them yesterday: "You must not communicate with hell." The commotion outside grew louder and excited voices, hurried footsteps on the cobblestones were to hear, but Valentina stood frozen in the middle of her room…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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When Valentina returned to her chambers, she felt physically and mentally exhausted. The day at the hospital had taken more out of her than she had expected. But Jenny, who was already waiting for her excitedly, gave her no time to rest. "My lady! The banquet starts in two hours!" The young maid hobbled busily around the room. "The bath is already in. With rose oil, as you like it." "How thoughtful," Vyxara scoffed. "Almost as if someone had given instructions to the servants." While Jenny helped her…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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They were in the middle of breakfast when a sudden commotion at the entrance interrupted them. The conversations in the dining room fell silent as heads turned towards the door. The normal breakfast chatter died away and was replaced by an unnatural silence. The large door opened with deliberate slowness, the old hinges groaning in protest. Six figures stepped through. Four of them were Emberwardens in their characteristic burgundy robes and armor, moving with military precision and flanking a tall, gaunt…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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