71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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The second day of the new semester began with a flood of students streaming into the main hall for course registration. Valentina made her way through the crowd, a list of the courses she wanted to attend this year firmly in hand. She had chosen to focus on medical applications of Essence Weaving, inspired by her time at Greystone Hospital. "All those looks," Vyxara murmured, amused. "You'd think you were an exotic creature from the Scorched Lands or the Far West and not just a student in a new…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 34 – Healing and Learning 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 – small gifts, rare books, or exquisite hair clips that he had brought to her bed in the morning. "He's really trying," Vyxara remarked…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 35 – Deals and Illusions
Chapter 35 – Deals and Illusions In the evening, the inner circle had gathered as usual. Valentina leaned relaxed in the duke's arms while he gently played with a strand of her hair. They had found their way back to a new, cautious familiarity over the last few weeks. The rest of the inner circle also lounged abouton the divans – Baron Sebastian shared a couch with Lady Vivienne, while Lady Celestine snuggled close to Master Bloomfield. Master Amadou and Countess Rosamere were engrossed in a…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 22 – One Step Forward, Two to the Side Vyxara woke Valentina very early the next morning. She blinked sleepily, feeling a pleasant heaviness in her limbs and still a slight throbbing between her legsfrom the passionate night. The duke slept beside her, his breathing calm and even. "Time to go," whispered Vyxara. "The servants will be active soon." Valentina carefully slipped out of bed and picked up her nightdress and nightrobefrom the floor. The duke stirred briefly, but continued to…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 23 – Dropping the Eaves
Chapter 23 – Dropping the Eaves Valentina was on her way back to her chambers when she heard voices coming from one of the salons. She immediately recognized Lorenzo's soft baritone and Hazel's cutting voice. She was about to go on, but something in Hazel's tone made her pause. "Curious, little Weaver?" teased Vyxara. "Go on, you know how to eavesdrop." Valentina hesitated for a moment, then activated her Essence Listening ability. The voices became crystal clear, as if she were standing right…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 24 – A Special Evening
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…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 25 – Open Hearts
Chapter 25 – Open Hearts "If you patch up the arteries like that, they'll rupture again later and the patient will bleed to death on the way home," growled Master Wilford. "Concentrate on the Greystone Cascade, feel the flow." Valentina corrected her Essence pattern and immediately felt the healing deepen. The fisherman on the treatment table, who had rammed a fishhook deep into his hand, visibly relaxed. "The old curmudgeon is getting tame," Vyxara commented with amusement. "A few days ago, he…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 26 – The Theater
Chapter 26 – The Theater Jenny hurriedly helped Valentina to change for the theater performance. The maid had already prepared a lavender-colored silk dress – one of the new gowns the duke had gotten her. "You should hurry," warned Vyxara. "After that little interlude in the garden, we don't want to keep the duke waiting too." Valentina tried to block out the memory of Lorenzo's near-kiss while Jenny helped her put on the dress. Her lips were still tingling from the anticipation of his…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 27 – Hostile Hospitality
Chapter 27 –Hostile Hospitality The familiar Leb Essence current of the Greystone Cascade surrounded Valentina as she formed the patterns, running her hands over the gaping wound. After all those weeks in Dusktown, the complex healing process was as familiar to her as breathing. "Better," Master Wilford grumbled approvingly. "Oh, a real compliment from the old curmudgeon?" laughed Vyxara in her head. "You've earned it. You're actually getting better and better." The days at the hospital ran…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 28 – A Friendly Wager
Chapter 28 – A Friendly Wager "A bath will do you good," said Lady Celestine, leading Valentina through the steam-filled corridors of the exclusive bathhouse. Granite pillars rose from the hazy clouds and the splashing of water echoed from the vaulted ceilings. "After such an exhausting day at the hospital, you need some relaxation." A servant hurried over and helped them take off their robes. Valentina was grateful for the steam that hid her embarrassment. Despite the increasingly revealing…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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