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 were complex, but not impossible to manipulate. A gentle push here, a subtle shift there... The door opened with a barely audible click.

  The duke's private chambers were bathed in warm candlelight. Heavy tapestries muffled every step and even in his most private chambers, bookshelves were lined up, interspersed with tasteful landscape paintings.

  Duke Cosimo was sitting in a deep leather armchair by the fireplace, an open book in his hand, an Essence lamp providing him with light. He looked up when Valentina entered and his eyebrows rose in surprise.

  "Amazing," muttered the duke. "Most people knock, you know." He wasn't annoyed, more amused.

  "Most people aren't Essence Weavers," Valentina replied, her voice calm but her heart pounding.

  "You're... unexpected," he said with an appreciative smile. He put the book aside and stood up. "But most welcome."

  "I thought it was time for some clarity, Your Grace," Valentina said. Her voice sounded firmer than she felt.

  "Oh, how direct," Vyxara commented, amused. "Look how he likes that."

  The duke stepped closer, his movements smooth despite his imposing figure. "Clarity?" He stopped in front of her, close enough for her to catch his lavender scent. "About what exactly?"

  Stolen story; please report.

  "About your offer. About the... partnership that you proposed." Valentina lifted her chin. "I accept."

  A warm smile spread across his face. "Again: how refreshingly direct." His hand gently stroked her cheek. "Most young ladies would let themselves be courted endlessly."

  "Why waste time, Your Grace?"

  "Oh, he likes that," Vyxara laughed as appreciation, hunger and yes, even an undeniable respect flashed in his eyes. His fingers slid down her neck, gently pulling her closer.

  His kiss was surprisingly gentle, almost questioning. When Valentina leaned towards him, he became more demanding.

  "See?" purred Vyxara. "He knows exactly what he's doing."

  The duke broke away from her, his eyes dark with desire. "Come," he said softly and led her through the door into his bedchamber.

  ~

  They lay next to each other in the rumpled sheets. The duke gently stroked a sweaty strand of hair from her face.

  "That was... unexpectedly enthusiastic," he said with a satisfied smile.

  "I do nothing half-heartedly, Your Grace."

  He laughed softly. "I can see that. You know, I had prepared a weeks-long process of cautious rapprochement. Subtle gestures, random touches, gifts..." He shook his head in amusement. "And then you just come to me and skip all that."

  "Wouldn't that have been a waste of time?" Valentina propped herself up on one elbow. "We both know what we want."

  "And what do you want, my clever one?" His hand stroked her back and made her shiver pleasantly.

  "Access. Contacts." She held his gaze. "The opportunity to continue research at the hospital. Putting in a good word for me with other Essence Weavers. A good time here in Dusktown. Help for my future. And, of course, I want all the gifts anyway." She smiled.

  "Direct as always." He nodded appreciatively. "Good. Honesty is important in a partnership." His hand moved lower. "And in return?"

  "You have my company. My affection. All of me, really. And, of course, my discretion."

  "The duchess will appreciate that," he murmured as his lips caressed her neck.

  "I won't embarrass her," Valentina promised. Her breathing quickened under his touch.

  "Good." His hand slid between her thighs. "Then let's seal this pact..."

  "Oh, how poetic," Vyxara mocked, but Valentina was barely listening. The duke kissed her neck and murmured words of appreciation in her ear.

  "You're so beautiful," he whispered hoarsely.

  Valentina smiled faintly and shivered at the touch of his breath on her neck. "That sounds like a tempting offer, Your Grace."