71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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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…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 16 – A Day in the City
Valentina woke up from Jenny's excited chatter before Vyxara could wake her. "Oh, my lady, what an exciting day for you!" The young maid limped herself quite excited through the room and drew open the heavy curtains. "His Grace wants to accompany you to the city in person! I've heard he wants to take you to Master Silkhand, the best tailor in all of Dusktown!" She clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Even the Duchess has her dresses made by him." "Jenny," Valentina gently interrupted her maid's torrent…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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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 new lavender grey dress, it gave her…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 18 – Clear Terms
Valentina stood in the early morning in front of the window of her chamber and watched the drizzle cover the gray walls of Dusktown. She hadn't slept too much. Last night, the intimate, pleasant evening with the duke, the wine, the food, the subtle touches, the suggestive conversation, it all seemed like adream to her. "And you're still dead-set on confronting him directly?" Vyxara sounded amused. "I'm tired of guessing." Valentina turned away from the window. "If he wants me, he should tell me…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 19 – The Duchess
Valentina stood outside the duchess's chambers, her palms damp with nervousness. She had chosen a simple, dark green dress that was elegant enough for an audience, but again deliberately not in the duke's colors. "Remember," Vyxara whispered, "she's a pragmatic woman. No excuses, no apologies." Lady Beatrice, the duchess's lady-in-waiting, opened the door. The honey-blonde woman eyed Valentina with cool professionalism and led her through an elegantly furnished anteroom. The walls were covered in…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 2 – Father, Mother…
After breakfast, Valentina stepped out into the crisp morning with her father. The sun was still low and the dew glistened on the grass. A light haze hung over the fields, giving the landscape an almost surreal atmosphere. "It's good to have you back," Aldwin said quietly as they walked side by side along the well-trodden dirt path. "We've missed you." Valentina felt a lump in her throat. "I missed you too," she replied. The familiar smells of damp earth and freshly scythed grass brought back memories of…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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In her chambers she found Jenny asleep in an armchair. The young maid had obviously been waiting for her. A fire was still burning dimly in the fireplace and there was a carafe of now cold herbal tea on the small table. "Jenny," Valentina said gently and touched her shoulder. "Go to bed. It's late." The maid was startled. "Oh, my lady! I just wanted to... I thought you might need..." "You're very attentive," smiled Valentina. "But now go to sleep. Tomorrow is another day." After Jenny had said goodbye…
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424.1 K • Ongoing
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Prologue – The Return
Adeline tried to press Thomas' little face against her shoulder while she hid behind her father's broad back. The two-year-old was restless, whimpering softly and trying to squirm out of her embrace. She could feel his warm breath on her neck as he murmured "Val, Val", which where his favorite word for weeks, ever since her big sister had sent the letter. The wealthy yeoman Aldred Brentwood stood like a looming mountain on the courtyard outside their house. His massive figure was made even more imposing…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 1 – Home Again
Valentina woke to the creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath the bare feet of her sisters, who were already getting ready. The mattress she had shared with Adeline when Cecily had lived here felt strangely familiar and softer than her hard bed in Bridgewater, but also more confining. "Ah, back in the bosom of the family," Vyxara mocked in her head. "In the rather narrow bosom of the family, if you'll forgive me for saying so. Now I understand better why you were so relieved to finally have a room to…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 10 – The Duke’s Welcome
Valentina blinked in confusion as she woke up. For a moment, she couldn't place where she was, with the four-poster bed was too soft, the big room, and the air so sweet with the scent of roses. "The duke’s palace," Vyxara purred in her head. "You'll get used to it." Before Valentina could answer, there was a soft knock at the door. Jenny, her new maid, entered, already laden with a tray. "Good morning, my lady!" The young maid hobbled busily to the bed. "I hope you slept well? Breakfast is ready and…-
424.1 K • Ongoing
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