71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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Chapter
Chapter 40 – Burying the Past
Valentina lit the simple oil lamp with a casually woven small Viur pattern. Warm, flickering light illuminated the room. "What a... humble abode it is after all," Vyxara commented with ironically feigned politeness. "Your little maid Jenny would have a heart attack if she could see where her fine lady lives now." Valentina couldn't help but let out a short laugh. Jenny, who had always been careful to keep Valentina's room in the palace in immaculate condition, would have been horrified by what she found…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 41 – Spilling the Beans
The first day at the university was a pleasantly busy one. After breakfast together in the dining room, where Valentina constantly attracted curious glances, they spent the morning in the library. Together with Crispin, Valentina and Innogen studied the courses on offer for the new academic year, compared their interests and thought back and forth about their timetables. "Professor Whitehall offers several advanced courses in medical Essence application," Valentina remarked enthusiastically. "That would…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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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…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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Master Lucian led Valentina to a secluded alcove in the garden, half hidden behind a lushly flowering wisteria. The sweet scent of the purple flowers mingled with the spicy aroma of wild thyme growing between the paving stones. "I've received disturbing news from Bridgewater," he said quietly, after making sure that no one was within earshot. His usually relaxed posture was noticeably tense. "What news?" Valentina felt her stomach tighten. "The Illumination seems to take a special interest in the…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 31 – Hedged Bets
"Stay a little longer," the duke murmured to his inner circle. "I have arranged another special entertainment, just for us." Lady Vivienne, who was about to leave, sat down again with a delighted smile. Master Bloomfield, Baron Sebastian and the duke's other confidants also remained nearby as if by chance. When the last regular guest had left, the duke pointed to the large pavilion, where servants were already arranging divans in a semicircle. Silk curtains were stretched between the columns. "Madame…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 32 – A Gift of Peace
"Wake up, little Weaver. Today is your big day." Valentina slowly opened her eyes. Vyxara's voice sounded unusually gentle, almost tender. "Twenty years," the demon mused with amusement. "Such a short period of time for me, and yet, how much you've changed in that one year." Valentina stretched out under the silken sheets. A year ago, she had still slept with two sisters in a small room on her parents' farm. Today she woke up in a four-poster bed that was larger than her parents' entire bedroom in…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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The duke was waiting for her at the entrance to the grand banquet hall, splendidly dressed in the Greystone colors. His eyes shone appreciatively as he took her arm. "My enchanting Valentina," he murmured. "You're outshining everyone else today." The duchess stood beside him, elegantly dressed in silver-grey brocade. Her smile was cool, but not unfriendly, as she greeted Valentina with a precisely measured bow. The banquet hall was a marvel of Essence-enhanced light and shadow. Master Lucian had really…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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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 legs from 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 nightrobe from the floor. The duke stirred briefly, but continued to sleep. She gave him one last look before slipping out…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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 next to them. "...just don't understand…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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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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