71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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Chapter
Chapter 21 – Taking the Leap
Valentina stood in the dark corridor outside the duke's chambers. The moonlight that fell through the high windows did not penetrate the shadows that Valentina had drawn around herself. "The door is locked," Vyxara whispered in her head. "You remember the right pattern?" With her eyes closed, Valentina wove the right Essence pattern and let Luvt and Ard's searching feelers wander into the lock. The lock was secured by a protective pattern, but it did not even respond to her opening pattern. The mechanics…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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 gracefully. Just don't say…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 13 – Healing Arts
Vyxara's voice woke Valentina before dawn, and Valentina was glad of it, because 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 supervision of Master Wilford…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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 Essence was so dense here that it hung in…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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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…
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428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
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…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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