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 with a curtsy, Valentina stepped to the window and sighed.

"So," Vyxara said in her head. "Time to make a decision, little Weaver."

"Yes." Valentina poured herself a cup of the cold fragrant tea. "Let's... Let's talk honestly about it all."

"Oh?" The demon sounded interested.

Valentina sat down in the still-warm armchair. "I want to be successful," she said quietly. "I want to learn, do research, achieve something. Help my family. Sleep in a wonderful soft bed, eat nice meals, drink wine, wear wonderful clothes."

"And the duke can make all that possible for you," purred Vyxara.

"Exactly. But he also wants something in return..." She sipped her tea. "Let's talk about it. Openly. What exactly would it mean to be his... his mistress?"

"His 'partner', as he so elegantly put it?" Vyxara giggled. "Well, obviously he wants you in his bed. Regularly, presumably. He'll invite you to private dinners, to intimate concerts, to... special pleasures."

"I... I'm unsure... about the bed." The admission was difficult for Valentina.

"You're unsure if you can bear to sleep with him?" Vyxara sounded amused. "Be honest – how do you feel when he looks at you? When his hand brushes your arm as if by chance?"

Valentina was silent for a moment and then forced herself to be honest. "It's... confusing. He's not like the other men I've been with. He's not a shy, sweet boy pining over me like Crispin, of course. He's also not a desperate lecher like Horne. He's definitely not handsome like Hobkin. I don't know how to explain it, he's at the same time... he's much older than me and rather unattractive, like Horne... well granted, not quite as old and unattractive as Horne, but at the same time he's confident, easy-going and charming like Hobkin. He's just different."

"Oh?" Vyxara sounded interested. "What makes him different?"

"He has this... presence." Valentina stood up and walked to the window again. "When he enters a room, you can feel it immediately. Sure, his weight… but… his hands..." She blushed slightly. "His hands are strong, but gentle. When he touches me so gently, my skin tingles for minutes."

"And his gaze?" Vyxara urged gently.

"His gaze..." Valentina swallowed. "He looks at me as if he could look straight into my soul. As if he knows exactly what I think, what I feel, what I... desire. It's frightening and arousing at the same time."

"And his experience?" The demon sounded almost purring. "The thought of him knowing how to touch a woman? How to give her pleasure?"

"Yes," whispered Valentina. "That too. He's not an awkward boy. He's a man who... Who knows what he's doing. What he wants." She took a deep breath. "And the way he uses his power – so casual, so natural. As if it were the easiest thing in the world to rule over others."

"Ah." Vyxara sounded knowing. "It's his power that arouses you. The idea that this powerful man desires you, gives you his full attention..."

"It should scare me," Valentina said quietly. "Shouldn't it? This disparity in age and experience and power. But instead... instead, I find it exciting. The idea of being touched by him, of being... taught by him..."

"Oh, little Weaver." Vyxara's voice was warm with suppressed laughter. "You're turning into a very interesting young woman. So – not only do you not find him repulsive, you actually desire him?"

"Yes," Valentina finally admitted.

"Well," Vyxara said contentedly, "that makes the whole thing a lot easier, doesn't it? You don't have to force yourself to sleep with him – you actually want to. That will make the 'partnership' a lot more pleasant."

"But what if..." Valentina hesitated. "What if I get emotionally involved? If I start to develop real feelings for him?"

"That would be dangerous indeed." For the first time, Vyxara sounded serious. "You need to keep a cool head. This is a transaction, Valentina. A partnership, as he calls it. Not a romance."

Valentina stood up and began to walk up and down the room. "I... I know. I realize that."

"Good," Vyxara said businesslike. "Now that we've got that out of the way – let's think strategically. What exactly could you achieve through this partnership?"

Valentina sat down at the spacious desk in her chambers and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill. "Let's proceed systematically."

"You're a real scholar," Vyxara mocked good-naturedly. "All right – get started."

"First the obvious – access to his library," said Valentina, making an initial note. "I don't just want to see the normal books, but also the treasures. The forbidden books. I could bet he has some."

"All the beautiful dark secrets of Essence Weaving," Vyxara purred. "And the hospital, of course."

"The hospital..." Valentina scribbled eagerly. "Access to the best teachers. Master Wilford may be a curmudgeon, but he's brilliant. I think I can work well with him either way, I don't think he'll think me a silly girl, but as the duke's mistress, he simply won't be able to turn me away if I want to learn more than he might be willing to teach."

"What else?"

"Contacts." Her quill flew across the parchment. "The duke knows every important Essence Weaver in the realm. He could open doors that would otherwise remain closed to me. And not just to other Weavers – to merchants, guildmasters, other noble houses. When I graduate from Bridgewater University and become a Master Weaver, I'll finally be able to offer my services as an Essence Weaver for money, and then every contact I make will literally be worth its weight in gold."

"Don't forget the more obvious things," Vyxara reminded her. "Distilled Essence, for example. Maybe you can get some more out of the duke."

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"Yes!" Valentina made further notes. She paused and tapped her quill against her lips thoughtfully. "I can't ask him for money, can I? I can't be too greedy. I'd love to pay off my parents' debt. Maybe even..." She hesitated.

"Maybe even what?"

"A laboratory of my own," Valentina said quietly. "A place where I could do research. Carry out experiments. Develop new techniques."

"Ah." Vyxara sounded satisfied. "Now we come to your true ambitions. I think having your own lab is a bit too ambitious for now. Don't forget, you're only here for the summer and who knows how the duke's appetites will develop over a year. But you've piqued my interest. What would you like to research?"

"The water purification method could be improved," Valentina said eagerly. "If we combine it with the Greystone Cascade... And Master Wilford's theories about the tiny creatures – with the right resources, that could be studied in more detail. I can certainly do some of it at the hospital or the university, but not all of it."

"Are you thinking about the less... conventional aspects of Essence Weaving?" Vyxara asked teasingly.

Valentina bit her lip. "Well... Yes. There's so much we don't understand yet. I think some of the things the Church of the Martyr considers dangerous would be worth exploring."

"Exactly." The demon sounded very pleased. "And the duke would understand. He's pragmatic enough to overlook certain... reservations if the results are promising."

"But there are also risks," said Valentina cautiously. "The Illumination, for example. If they get wind of unorthodox research..."

"The duke has influence," Vyxara reminded her, "and experience in keeping certain activities discreet. Besides, the more power you gather, the better you can protect yourself."

"And the other dangers?" Valentina scribbled more bullet points. "The courtyard is a nest of vipers. Lady Hazel hates me already. Others will be jealous, will try to harm me..."

"That's why you need allies," said Vyxara. "The duchess has offered you her support if you follow the rules. Lady Celestine seems well-disposed towards you. And Master Lucian... well, he could be a valuable friend."

"Or a dangerous enemy," murmured Valentina.

"So make him a friend," Vyxara said practically. "You're a quick learner, little Weaver. With the right strategy, the right allies, and the duke's protection..."

"...I could really achieve something," Valentina finished the sentence. She looked at her lists – possibilities, risks, potential allies. "It's the logical next step. The only way to really move forward."

"And the price?" Vyxara asked gently. "Does it still seem so high to you now?"

"I can't just neglect my reputation." Valentina ran her hand over her face. "What will people think of me? Will this hurt me?"

"People already think you're his mistress anyway," Vyxara reminded her. "The duke told you so himself – why not at least enjoy the benefits? Besides..." The demon paused meaningfully. "You've seen how the court works. Such arrangements are perfectly normal. As long as you're discreet and follow the rules..."

"The duchess's rules." Valentina thought back to the conversation with the cool, pragmatic woman.

"Exactly. And she will support you as long as you stick to these rules. That's more than most mistresses can expect."

"Please let's talk about the power dynamic in this relationship," said Valentina. "That really worries me. How do I keep control of myself in this... partnership?"

"Interesting question." Vyxara sounded thoughtful. "You realize you're not completely powerless, though?"

"The duke desires me," Valentina said slowly. "Is that what you mean? That gives me a certain... sway over him. Even if he is the one with the power, the title and the influence."

"Exactly. And don't forget – he appreciates your intelligence, your talent. You're not just a pretty face to him."

Valentina stood up again and began to walk up and down the room. "With her rules, the duchess has practically given me instructions on how to secure my position. Discretion. Respect for the hierarchies. No interference in politics – unless I'm asked to."

"That last restriction is interesting, don't you think?" Vyxara sounded amused. "It leaves room for... developments."

"You mean if I play it right, I could actually gain political influence?"

"The duke is a wise man and you are a smart Essence Weaver. He'll appreciate your advice – if it's good and you give it at the right time."

Valentina stopped at the window. "I have to find a balance. Between submission and self-assertion. Give him what he wants, but never forget what I want."

"Oh, little Weaver," Vyxara sounded excited. "You're beginning to understand how the game is played. What else?"

"I have to be... be skillful. Use his attention, his affection, but never appear too greedy. Be grateful for his generosity, but never completely submissive. And above all..." She took a deep breath. "I must never forget that this is a business. A transaction."

"Even if you desire him?"

"Especially then," Valentina said firmly. "I can enjoy the physical attraction, but I must never allow real feelings to develop. That would take away my control."

"Very good." Vyxara sounded satisfied. "What else?"

"I need to... build a network. Not just be dependent on him. Win the duchess as an ally. Establish relationships with other nobles. Strengthen my own position at court."

"And if he loses interest at some point?"

"Then I must have already built up enough influence of my own," Valentina said soberly. "Have learned enough. Made enough connections. And..." She hesitated.

"So?"

"And maybe... maybe I should also learn how to tie a man to me. How to keep him interested. How to... stoke his passions."

"Oh!" Vyxara laughed softly. "We're really on the same page today, little Weaver. The duke may be an experienced man – but you're young, beautiful and clever. Those are powerful weapons if you use them right."

"I just have to make sure I don't lose myself in this game," murmured Valentina.

"That's why I'm here," Vyxara purred. "To remind you who you are and what you want. To prevent you from losing yourself too much in the role of mistress in love."

Valentina sat down at her dressing table and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The dark red dress looked good on her, her cheeks were flushed from the wine and the exciting conversations of the evening.

"What about Lorenzo?" she asked quietly.

"Ah." Vyxara sighed theatrically. "The handsome, charming son. Yes, there's definitely an attraction. But be realistic – he's the duke's heir. He'll have to marry befitting his station. Probably your friend Innogen."

"You're right." Valentina straightened her shoulders. "That wouldn't be an option anyway."

"Do you see? You're already thinking like a pragmatic lady of the court." Vyxara sounded satisfied. "So – what's holding you back?"

Valentina was silent for a long time. Finally she said: "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I... I even want it.

Valentina stood up. With practiced movements, she released her hair from the complicated knot and let it fall over her shoulders. "I'm going to see him."

"Now?" Even Vyxara sounded surprised.

"Yes." Valentina began to unlace her dress. "Why drag it out? I've made my decision – and I want him to know it."

"That will surprise him," Vyxara murmured appreciatively. "He's offered you time to think. That you're coming to him right away instead... he'll like that."

Valentina stood up from her dressing table and let her dark red dress slide to the floor. She stood naked in front of the large mirror. Her body was slim but firm, shaped by years of hard work on the farm and a year without hunger in Bridgewater had given her just the right curves.

"Look at you," whispered Vyxara. "How beautiful you are."

Valentina began to prepare herself with slow, deliberate movements. She washed herself with the rose water Jenny had provided. Combed her long hair until it shone.

"The lavender grey nightgown," she said softly. "His favorite color."

"The best choice," Vyxara agreed. "And the gauze night cloak over it. Just transparent enough to stimulate the imagination."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she applied a drop of the expensive perfume he had gifted to her. The subtle scent of jasmine mingled with the rose scent of her skin.

"You look gorgeous," purred Vyxara. "Vulnerable and seductive at the same time. He won't be able to resist."

"That's the plan." Valentina took a deep breath.

"Nervous, little Weaver?"

"Yes," Valentina admitted. "But not anxious. It's more like... like before an important experiment. When you know that everything is prepared, that you're ready, and yet your heart is beating faster."

She stepped in front of the mirror once more. The thin nightgown clung to her curves, the gauze nightdress flowed elegantly around her figure. Her loose hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders.

She lifted her chin and looked her reflection in the eye. "I'm doing this of my own free will. Because I want to. Because it's the path to what I want to achieve."

"And maybe," Vyxara added as Valentina opened the door, "you'll even enjoy the path."

With her head held high, Valentina stepped out into the dark corridor. She knew exactly where to go – the duke had made sure that her chambers were not far from his. Casually weaving the ambient Schate Essence, she drew the shadows towards her. She would not be seen.

"Go," Vyxara whispered in her head. "Go and take what you want."

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