71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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Chapter
Chapter 18 – Clear Terms
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 seemed like a dream to her –the intimate, pleasant evening with the duke, the wine, the food, the subtle touches, the suggestive conversation. "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…-
374.8 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…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 16 – A Day in the City
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 roomand 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 ofDusktown!" She clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Even the Duchess has her dresses made by him." "Jenny,"…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 15 – The Banquet Incident 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…
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374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 14 – Emergency
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…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 13 – Healing Arts
Chapter 13 – Healing Arts Vyxara's voice woke Valentina before dawn, and Valentina was glad of it – she certainly didn't want to be late today "There's no need to be nervous, little Weaver," Vyxara's voice sounded amused in her head. "Trust me, unlike the court, you'll be right in your element there among the scholarly Essence Weavers." "I'm still a little nervous," Valentina admitted in her thoughts. Today was her first day at the famous Greystone Hospital. The idea of working under the…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 12 – Presents
Chapter 12 – Presents An icy silence fell over the table. The duke gave his daughter a scathing look, while the duchess drew in a sharp breath. "Hazel!" The duchess's voice was cutting. "This is absolutely unacceptable." Valentina could feel her cheeks burning, but she forced herself to remain calm and not lower her gaze. "Oh, the little beast has claws," Vyxara commented with amusement. "But she's too direct, too clumsy. She still has a lot to learn. Her mother would know how to hurt…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 11 – A Viper at the Dining Table Chamberlain Morris was already waiting for Valentina just outside the duke's study. "If you will follow me, my lady." His measured steps led her first to a wide marble staircase. "The palace was built over several generations of Greystones. Each duke added his own wing, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles. The remaining remnants of the original building are still in the Norothalan style, while the later buildings are in the early and…
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374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 10 – The Duke’s Welcome
Chapter 10 – The Duke's Welcome Valentina blinked in confusion as she woke up. For a moment, she couldn't place where she was – the four-poster bed was too soft, the room too big, the air too 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…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 1 – Home Again
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 – 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…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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