"Stay a little longer," the duke murmured to his inner circle. "I have arranged another special entertainment, just for us."

Lady Vivienne, who was about to leave, sat down again with a delighted smile. Master Bloomfield, Baron Sebastian and the duke's other confidants also remained nearby as if by chance.

When the last regular guest had left, the duke pointed to the large pavilion, where servants were already arranging divans in a semicircle. Silk curtains were stretched between the columns.

"Madame Adrienne's wrestlers will delight us with a private performance today," explained the duke with a mischievous smile. "Some of her most talented athletes – men and women – will compete for the palm of victory. But first..." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "A little game to get you in the mood."

"The ladies get a head start into the labyrinth," he explained. "Then the men follow. Each lady who is caught shares a divan with her captor during the performance. Those who are not caught..." He paused meaningfully. "Well, they get to choose their own seats."

Lady Celestine clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, what a delicious idea!"

"Look how they're all looking at you," Vyxara purred in Valentina's head. "Every one of the men is hoping to catch you."

"One minute ahead, ladies," the duke announced with amusement.

Lady Celestine pulled Valentina with her into the labyrinth's winding paths. "Quick!" she whispered breathlessly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "They'll be especially eager to find you."

They hurried through the high hedges, while the Essence-enhanced light of the lanterns cast ghostly shadows. From somewhere they heard the muffled laughter of Countess Rosamere, then the rustle of silk as other ladies fled in different directions.

"This way," gasped Lady Celestine, pulling Valentina into a narrow side path. "I know a trick – if you turn left three times and then-"

"GO!" the duke's voice thundered through the garden. The hunting game had begun.

"Oh, how exciting," Vyxara commented with amusement. "Oh, how your heart races. You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Valentina and Lady Celestine parted at the next crossroads. In the distance, she could already hear the voices of the men venturing into the labyrinth. The rustling of robes, suppressed laughter, hurried footsteps on the gravel.

She turned a corner and almost collided with Baron Sebastian, who had just come from another side. With a surprised gasp, she jumped back and fled in the opposite direction, his amused laughter in her ear.

The next few minutes blurred into an exciting whirlwind of escape and pursuit. Valentina rushed through the labyrinth, her heart pounding as she narrowly avoided capture time and time again. She heard Countess Rosamere squeal – apparently Baron Sebastian had just caught her.

"You're good at this game," Vyxara remarked approvingly. "Although... maybe too good? Giving in a little could make it much more interesting..."

But Valentina was too excited to be caught. She skillfully evaded Master Amadou, slipped past another catcher in the maze, and used her knowledge of Essence patterns in the lanterns to stay in the dark shadows. From somewhere, Lady Vivienne's melodic laughter rang out, followed by Master Amadou's triumphant "Got you!"

A surprised exclamation made her pause – the duke had caught Lady Celestine, who joined in his laughter with feigned indignation. "Oh, you are too clever for me, Your Grace!"

Valentina smiled – until she saw Master Bloomfield right in front of her. He must have taken a different route. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he took a step towards her.

"Well, beautiful..."

She whirled around, but he was quicker. His arms wrapped gently around her waist. "Caught," he breathed into her ear.

"Oh, how perfect," purred Vyxara. "The duke will find this delicious."

In fact, the duke greeted them with a broad smile as Master Bloomfield led her to the pavilion. Most of the others were already there, arranged on the luxurious divans. Lady Celestine snuggled up to the duke's side while Baron Sebastian handed Countess Rosamere a cup of wine.

"Ah, Gregory!" exclaimed the duke. "An excellent hunt. Enjoy your prize."

Master Bloomfield proudly led Valentina to one of the free divans. She felt the looks of the others – envious, amused, excited.

Servants hurried in, bringing wine and refreshments. The silken curtains of the pavilion moved gently in the night air as Madame Adrienne's first wrestlers entered – tall, naked, muscular men, their oiled skin gleaming in the lantern light.

"Look at those juicy muscles," Vyxara commented approvingly as the wrestlers warmed up. "And the women aren't bad art either, so supple."

In fact, the female wrestlers who now entered were just as impressive – athletic, graceful and equally unclothed. They moved with feline elegance.

"The first round," announced the duke, "will be traditional – men against men, women against women. Later..." He smiled meaningfully. "We'll also see mixed matches."

Master Bloomfield lowered himself elegantly onto the divan and gently pulled Valentina with him. She was acutely aware of her position – half reclining, her back against his chest, his arm around her waist as if it were a matter of course. His touch was gentle, almost casual, as if holding her like this was the most natural thing in the world. The fine fabric of his robe felt strange against her skin – not unpleasant, but different from the duke's familiar silk.

Her gaze involuntarily wandered to Lady Celestine, who was nestling against the duke with relish. His fingers played absent-mindedly with one of her curls while he whispered something in her ear that made her laugh softly. An unexpected stab of jealousy ran through Valentina.

"Oh, how sweet," mocked Vyxara. "Yet it was you who refused to be caught in the labyrinth. You'd better enjoy the show – and Master Bloomfield's amazingly skillful hands."

And indeed, his touch was pleasant, his fingers tracing small circles on her hips as they watched the first wrestlers. The oiled bodies gleamed in the lantern light, muscles taut beneath bronze skin. The wrestling was a fascinating spectacle of raw power and surprising elegance. The men moved around each other like predators, their bodies entwined in a struggle for dominance. The muffled moans of their exertion, the slapping of skin on skin, the heavy smell of oil and sweat – it was primitive and strangely erotic at the same time.

The female wrestlers were no less impressive. Their fights were a mixture of strength and suppleness, their naked bodies gleaming like polished statues. Valentina found herself following the movements of one particularly graceful fighter, her long black hair swirling through the air like a veil.

Master Bloomfield must have noticed her fascination. His hand moved higher, gently stroking her ribs, an intimate gesture that made her shiver. It was strange – she had grown accustomed to the duke's touch, but this new intimacy with someone else, public yet private, felt different. Exciting. Forbidden.

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"Betting?" asked Baron Sebastian eagerly, pulling out a bag of coins and the men present quickly got into betting fever.

The duke won several smaller bets, his good mood growing with each victory. At the sight of a particularly lithe wrestler, he leaned over to Master Bloomfield with sparkling eyes.

"While we're on the subject of betting... that remarkable trophy you have in your hunting room, Gregory. The twelve-point stag..."

Master Bloomfield's hand brushed Valentina's side as if by chance as he replied. "Ah, you always liked that one, didn't you?" His voice took on a darker tone. "How about a more interesting wager? The stag against..." His fingers caressed her hip gently. "Say, a quid pro quo from Valentina for the pleasure I gave her last time?"

Valentina felt a blush rise to her cheeks. The two men were talking about her as if she wasn't there – and to her own surprise, it felt exciting. Was this really still her? She, who was now being passed back and forth between two noble men like a precious prize?

"Oh yes, this is you," Vyxara purred with pleasure. "And we both know how much you like it."

"Agreed," said the duke, amused. His eyes met Valentina's, dark with desire. "The next fight will decide."

Master Bloomfield's hand wandered higher, naturally stroking the underside of her breast. "I'm looking forward to it," he murmured, his voice audible only to her. A shiver ran through her body – half excitement, half sweet dread of what was to come.

The two muscular wrestlers who now stepped into the middle were impressive specimens. One was tall and slender like a big cat, the other more compact, but no less dangerous. Their oiled bodies gleamed in the lantern light.

"Are you betting on black or gold?" asked the duke, pointing at the fighters' bracelets.

Master Bloomfield pulled Valentina a little closer to him. "Gold," he said confidently. "Definitely gold."

The fight began. The men circled each other, their muscles tensed as if they were about to jump. Then they collided, a tangle of entwined limbs and sweating bodies. The groans of their exertion mingled with the excited murmurs of the spectators.

"Look how the duke is watching you," whispered Vyxara. "He enjoys seeing you in his friend's arms. He'll be all over you when you're alone in his chambers later."

In fact, the duke's gaze kept resting on her as his fingers absentmindedly stroked through Lady Celestine's hair. His smile widened as Master Bloomfield began to gently kiss her neck and shoulders.

The fight became more intense. Black had forced Gold into a complicated grip, but somehow the slender fighter managed to free himself. The movements became wilder, more desperate.

"Oh!" Lady Celestine suddenly gasped. With one smooth movement, Gold had brought his opponent to the ground. Black was still struggling, but it was too late – the fight was decided.

"Well," said the duke with a satisfied smile. "That was clear. It seems the lady of my heart owes you her attention, Gregory."

"It looks like luck was completely on my side tonight," replied Master Bloomfield. His hand slid possessively over Valentina's side.

Valentina's heart hammered in her chest. This was different from her private encounters with the duke, different even from the intimate gatherings of his inner circle. Being at the service of another man, here in the open, with everyone watching... Her hands trembled slightly in her lap as she wrestled with the implications.

"Are you getting cold feet?" Vyxara's voice had a challenging undertone. "After everything you've already done? After all the boundaries you've already crossed? Even though you want it so badly?"

She glanced at the duke, who was watching her with dark, hungry eyes. His expression showed anticipation, possessiveness, and something else – perhaps pride in showing off his favorite. Lady Celestine caught her gaze and gave her an encouraging smile, while the other courtiers pretended not to watch as they hung on her lips.

This was a test, Valentina realized. Not just of her docility, but of her will to become a full part of this decadent inner circle. She could feel the weight of expectations resting on her – the duke's, the courtiers', Vyxara's, even her own.

Valentina took a deep breath and made her decision. With trembling fingers that gradually became more confident, she began to open Master Bloomfield's breeches.

"That's my little Weaver," Vyxara murmured appreciatively as the other members of the inner circle began to whisper in delight.

Master Bloomfield moaned softly as she released his manhood. Valentina felt her heart beat faster as she saw his member, hard and throbbing, the tip glistening wet with arousal.

It wasn't the first time she had done this, but the circumstances made it feel completely different – more dangerous, more exciting. Bloomfield's hands stroked her arms appreciatively. Valentina licked her lips nervously.

"Show him what you can do," Vyxara encouraged her. "Let them all see how good you are."

She leaned forward and tentatively licked the tip of Master Bloomfield's manhood, savoring the salty taste of his anticipation. He moaned softly, his hands stroking caressingly through her hair. Valentina felt the eyes of the onlookers on her, their curiosity and excitement.

"How submissive you look," Vyxara purred. "And how much you like everyone watching."

"You're very talented," Master Bloomfield murmured approvingly, burying his hand in her hair. "It's much better than I imagined it would be all these weeks."

Valentina felt her cheeks flush at the compliment. She felt flattered and desired, but also nervous and embarrassed.

But with growing confidence, she took him in her mouth, sucking and licking him until he was deep in her throat. Master Bloomfield moaned with pleasure and Valentina felt her own lust gathering between her thighs.

The sound of heavy footsteps behind her made her shiver. It was the duke. He stepped behind her and placed his large hands on her hips. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, his warm breath tickling her skin. "I can't wait until later to feel you."

Valentina's throat went dry as she imagined what was to come. She knew the duke would take her while she served Master Bloomfield, and the surprising intimacy of the situation – between two men who treated her like a precious prize – made her tremble.

Master Bloomfield's fingers dug deeper into her hair. Valentina could feel his shaft pulsating in her mouth, getting harder and bigger the more she teased him. She moved her head up and down, her tongue circling the sensitive tip.

"You're really spoiling him," murmured the duke appreciatively as he pushed up her skirts behind her, revealing her bare skin underneath. Valentina shivered at the touch of his fingers on her flesh. His touch became more demanding, more possessive, as if he wanted to remind Master Bloomfield and everyone watching who she really belonged to.

She took Master Bloomfield even deeper inside her, feeling him caress the entrance to her throat. She forced herself to stay relaxed, to take him in further until the tip of her nose pressed against his stomach. He groaned loudly, his hips jerking involuntarily.

"Valentina..." he gasped breathlessly.

Valentina could feel the moisture growing between her legs as the duke parted her folds with his fingertips. She moaned around Master Bloomfield's manhood as the Duke began to stroke her and she moved her hips against his hand as he penetrated her with his fingers, feeling the pleasure rising inside her, her desire for more growing.

Then the duke withdrew his fingers and replaced them with his manhood, which pressed against her entrance. Valentina felt her muscles stretch to accommodate him, as he slowly entered her. And again she couldn't help but moan around Master Bloomfield, savoring the feeling of fullness in her body.

"You feel so good," the duke murmured appreciatively as he began to move inside her. "So tight and hot."

Valentina lost herself in the sensations as she was caught between the two men – Master Bloomfield's manhood in her mouth and the duke deep inside her, the rhythmic moans and slapping of the fighting athletes, the muffled conversations and the clinking of wine goblets around her. It was intoxicating to flaunt herself like this, to be so desired.

She moved her hips in rhythm with the duke, taking him in deeper with every thrust. At the same time, she increased the intensity of her attention to Master Bloomfield, licking his member more extensively while her hand stroked his shaft.

"I can't... I can't hold back much longer," the duke gasped behind her, his grip on her hips tightening.

Valentina felt his body begin to tremble, his movements became more uncontrolled, harder. She knew that he was about to climax and wanted to take him there.

She took Master Bloomfields deeper inside her again, her throat relaxing to take him in completely.

"Oh Martyr..." groaned Master Bloomfield, his hips jerking uncontrollably. "Valentina..."

Valentina could feel how his body tensed, how he too was about to climax. She was ready for him, wanted to taste him, to feel him go undone inside her.

The duke behind her thrust even harder and faster, his fingers digging deep into her hips. "Now," he gasped.

At the same time, Valentina felt Master Bloomfield's shaft pulsating in her mouth and he sighed loudly as his seed unloaded in her throat. She swallowed, feeling the salty taste on her tongue.

The duke behind her grunted as he thrust deep inside her one last time and poured himself into her. Valentina could feel his warm semen filling her, while her own muscles tightened around him as she finally reached her peak herself.

She slumped forward against Master Bloomfield, her body still twitching with pleasure as the two men slowly slid out of her. Valentina felt weak and satisfied and vulnerable – she had done something that was far beyond her courage only a short time ago.

"That was incredible," Vyxara, who had been quietly enjoying herself during the encounter, said appreciatively from a corner of her mind. "You outdid yourself tonight, Valentina. I'm so proud of you."

"You are a wonderful woman," Master Bloomfield murmured appreciatively, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. "Thank you so much for this wonderful gift."

The duke behind her put his arms around her waist and pulled her close, his chin resting on her shoulder. "You are mine," he whispered passionately. "Now and forever."

And Valentina felt a warm glow in her chest at his words.

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