71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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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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The news spread like wildfire through the university one evening – the Illuminator had searched Professor Horne's private library again and found a hidden collection of erotic literature. Worse still were his handwritten fantasies about female students, which he had scribbled in the margins of the books. "They found several notebooks," Crispin told Valentina scandalized. "Full of... details. About his female students." Fear gripped Valentina. She knew exactly what – and about whom – Horne had…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 36 – A Different Touch
Chapter 36 – A Different Touch Lady Celestine's townhouse was situated in one of Dusktown's most elegant streets, surrounded by manicured gardens. Music drifted softly from the open windows. Valentina hesitated outside the gate, her heart beating faster at the thought of what she was about to do. "Nervous, little Weaver?" Vyxara's voice sounded amused. "Yet you weren't usually so shy with a little tenderness in your illustrious inner circle. Not even at the beginning with Master…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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When it got dark, Valentina wrapped her darkest cloak around her and pulled the hood low over her face. She had bought the cloak at the market a few months ago to get incognito to Violet Delights – a simple but well-made piece without any conspicuous features. Perfect for not standing out at night. "A few extra precautions can't hurt," Vyxara muttered in her head. "The Emberwardens may think they've caught their evildoers, but never underestimate the vigilance of fanatics." Valentina nodded…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 17 – Opening Moves
Chapter 17 – Opening Moves The duke's private dining room was smaller but exquisitely elegant. The walls were covered in dark red brocade and a black marble fireplace provided cozy warmth. Instead of the usual Essence lamps, candles in silver chandeliers lit the room. The table was set for two, with the finest silver cutlery and cut crystal glasses. "Intimate," purred Vyxara. "Candles instead of Essence lamps, very atmospheric." A servant helped Valentina to her chair. She was grateful for the…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 46 – Loose Ends
News of the room searches quickly spread through the university like wildfire. Valentina heard the first rumors at lunch – students whispering about Emberwardens ransacking rooms, slashing mattresses, confiscating books and destroying personal belongings. "They took all of Oleanne's correspondence with her betrothed," a third-year student hissed, over her soup plate. "Private letters! Imagine what a scandal it could be if they read them." Valentina exchanged a worried glance with Innogen. "Are they…-
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 56 – The Client
"I didn't think that illusion stuff would work so well. You look exactly like her," Faustus said. At first, Valentina thought she had misheard him. Faustus was still grinning in the doorway of the Red Room, his broad face beaming with triumph – but his words made no sense. "Oh!" Vyxara's cackling laughter sounded through Valentina's head. "Now I understand – he gave Madame Dolorosa a strand of YOUR hair! He wanted a courtesan who looks like you! The stupid boy has no idea that he's standing…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 37 – Lady in Conversation Her days in Dusktown were coming to an end. Late summer was already turning the leaves in the palace gardens the first golden hues, and the morning mists drifting up from the sea were getting thicker. Valentina felt the approaching change like a slight tingling under her skin. On the morning of the day before her departure, Jenny brought her a message from the duchess – handwritten on the finest paper with a subtle scent of lavender. The duchess wished to speak…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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Faustus' cell was at the other end of the corridor. Valentina had to take out two more guards with her pattern before she reached the heavy iron door. The door swung open with a soft creak. Faustus crouched on a narrow cot, his expensive nightgown torn and bloodstained. His face was marked by blows, but nowhere near as badly battered as Gladder. The Illumination had held back on him – probably because they thought the spoiled nobleman would break faster. When he looked up and saw her, his eyes…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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