Vyxara woke Valentina very early the next morning. She blinked sleepily, feeling a pleasant heaviness in her limbs and still a slight throbbing between her legs from the passionate night. The duke slept beside her, his breathing calm and even.

"Time to go," whispered Vyxara. "The servants will be active soon."

Valentina carefully slipped out of bed and picked up her nightdress and nightrobe from the floor. The duke stirred briefly, but continued to sleep. She gave him one last look before slipping out into the still quiet corridor.

Jenny was already waiting for her in her chambers. The young maid froze in mid-motion when she saw Valentina's crumpled nightdress and disheveled hair. An embarrassed blush crossed her cheeks.

"My lady, I... I assure you of my absolute discretion!" she blurted out. "I would never-"

"Jenny." Valentina raised her hand placatingly. "Thank you for your loyalty. But let's not talk about the obvious. A bath would be wonderful right now."

The maid nodded eagerly and hurried off to organize hot water. While Valentina waited, she wrapped herself in her unused comforter, stepped to the window and gazed at the awakening palace garden.

"Well?" asked Vyxara, amused. "Was it worth the lack of sleep?"

"It was... better than I expected," Valentina admitted. "He's very experienced."

"And very generous with his attention," purred the demon. "This is going to be an interesting partnership."

A discreet knock interrupted her thoughts. Chamberlain Morris stood in the doorway, his face the usual mask of perfect professionalism.

"My lady." Morris bowed slightly. "Master Lucian asks me to present you with this." He presented her with a small, ornately crafted key.

"And," added the Chamberlain with slight confusion in his voice, "Master Lucian asks me to tell you that you almost gave him a heart attack last night and that he asks you to use this key instead in the future."

Valentina had to suppress a smile. Of course – the protective pattern she had sensed in the lock had been a silent alarm. She took the key. "Please convey my sincere thanks to Master Lucian. And my apologies for the fright."

The chamberlain still looked confused by the cryptic message, but bowed impeccably and withdrew.

"Oh, how embarrassing," Vyxara giggled. "So our little break-in to the duke's chambers must have gotten his poor personal Essence Weaver out of bed in the middle of the night, only to hear your moaning shortly after."

Valentina laughed softly and shortly afterwards Jenny returned with several servants, who poured steaming water into the copper bathtub. The scent of rose oil filled the room.

While Valentina lay in the warm water, Jenny helped her wash her hair. The maid had regained her composure and was now chatting happily about the latest palace news.

"Lord Lorenzo has asked for you," she mentioned casually. "He wants to teach you the court dances today."

Valentina felt a twinge. Lorenzo. She hadn't thought about how strange it would be to dance with him after tonight.

After the bath, Jenny helped her into a light blue dress made of fine silk. "The color looks great on you," gushed the maid as she braided Valentina's hair into an elegant hairstyle.

Lorenzo was waiting for her in the small ballroom. Sunlight streamed through the high windows and made the polished parquet floor shimmer golden. In one corner, a musician sat at the clavichord, his fingers already hovering over the keys.

"Good morning." Lorenzo bowed formally. His smile was as warm and open as ever, nothing in his expression revealed whether he knew about her night with his father. Valentina felt a blush rise to her cheeks. Just a few hours ago, she had given herself freely to his father, and now here she was, learning to dance from him.

"Interesting situation," Vyxara commented dryly. "Almost like one of those frivolous plays they like to put on here."

"I'm afraid I'm an absolute beginner," Valentina said quietly.

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"Don't worry." Lorenzo stepped closer and gently took her hand. "We'll start with the basic steps. The most important dance at court is the pavane – dignified, elegant and fortunately not too complicated."

He motioned for the musician to begin. The soft sounds of the clavichord filled the room. Lorenzo guided her hand to his shoulder and placed his own hand lightly on her waist. The touch sent little shivers down her spine.

"Just follow my lead," he said gently. "One step forward, two to the side..."

Valentina concentrated on her feet, trying to find her rhythm. Lorenzo's proximity made her nervous, his subtle scent made her mind wander. She stumbled slightly.

"Sorry, I'm so clumsy."

"You're doing very well," he encouraged them. "Just relax. Let the music guide you."

His hand on her waist was warm and secure, his movements smooth and natural. Valentina slowly got into the rhythm and let him lead her around the room.

"Oh, he's good," purred Vyxara. "No wonder all the young ladies at court rave about him."

It was true – Lorenzo was an excellent dancer and an even better teacher. He patiently explained the steps to her, gently corrected her posture and praised her progress. The initial tension between them gradually eased, giving way to a different kind of tension.

As he led her into a turn, their eyes met. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. There was something in his eyes that made her heart beat faster. His hand on her waist drew her imperceptibly closer.

"Careful," warned Vyxara. "This is dangerous terrain."

The door flew open and Lady Hazel stormed in, her green eyes glittering with anger. The music stopped abruptly, the magic of the moment bursting like a soap bubble.

"Oh, how ridiculous you are Lorenzo!" she mocked. "Keep dancing – but be careful, dear brother, that you don't slip. Last night with our father could spill out of her at any time!"

Lorenzo froze in mid-motion. His hand on Valentina's waist twitched as if he had burned himself.

"Hazel!" His voice sounded pressed. "That's inappropriate."

"Inappropriate?" Hazel laughed bitterly. "What's proper in this damn palace?" She whirled around and stormed off.

An uncomfortable silence spread. Lorenzo took a step back, his face a mask of polite distance.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said stiffly. "Perhaps we should end the lesson here."

Valentina opened her mouth, wanting to say something, anything that would save the situation – but the words stuck in her throat. And what could she even say after all? Lorenzo bowed curtly and quickly left the room, leaving her alone.

She felt tears welling up in her eyes. The wonderful hour of dancing, the tender tension between them – all destroyed by Hazel's venomous words. But Lorenzo's reaction hurt even more than Hazel's cruelty. The way he had retreated, how quickly his warmth had frozen into polite coldness.

"Ah, little Weaver," Vyxara sighed unaccustomedly softly. "That was to be expected. He is the heir, you are his father's mistress. That couldn't go well."

"I know," Valentina whispered, fighting back the tears that were welling up. "I do know that. I'm not stupid. But..."

"But it still hurts," Vyxara finished. "That's normal. You're not a stone. Let it out – but not here, where everyone can see you."

Valentina nodded silently and fled into the palace garden. She found a hidden bench behind a high hedge and finally gave free rein to her tears.

"Shhh," comforted Vyxara. "This will pass. You're strong, you have a plan. Don't let your emotions throw you off course."

"Valentina?" A soft voice made her flinch. Lady Celestine stood before her, elegant as ever in flowing blue silk. Her beautiful face showed genuine concern. "Oh, my dear. The first morning is always the hardest."

She sat down next to Valentina and handed her a fine lace handkerchief. "The first few days as a married man's mistress are confusing, aren't they? All the new feelings, the uncertainty..."

Valentina dabbed her eyes and couldn't help but smile. Lady Celestine completely misinterpreted her tears – and perhaps that was for the best.

"It's not... I mean..." She broke off, unsure how to explain it without giving too much away.

"Let her believe what she wants," Vyxara advised. "It's a perfect excuse and she wants to help you."

Lady Celestine gently squeezed her hand. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I know how overwhelming it can all be. The duke is an overwhelming man, the court a nest of vipers, and suddenly you're the center of attention."

She rose elegantly and gently pulled Valentina with her. "Come on, let's go for a walk. The fresh air will do you good, and I know a beautiful path where no one can overhear us."

They strolled through the well-tended gardens, past artfully trimmed hedges and babbling fountains. Lady Celestine began by talking about trivial things – the new rose varieties, the weather, planned festivities. Her calm, cultivated manner helped Valentina to collect herself.

As they reached a secluded part of the garden, Lady Celestine's voice became more confidential. "The duke is a generous lover and a powerful protector. But life as his paramour at his court requires... tact."

"You speak from experience?"

"I was once in your position." Lady Celestine smiled nostalgically. "We had wonderful months. But you have to know how to protect yourself, how to keep yourself in balance, when it's better to withdraw – and how to keep your influence."

They stopped at an ornate fountain. The splashing of the water drowned out their muffled voices.

"The duke has a... exquisite taste in entertainments," Lady Celestine continued. "He organizes private gatherings for his inner circle. Very... stimulating evenings." She gave Valentina a meaningful look. "You will receive an invitation."

"What can I expect there?"

"Nothing you will be forced to do," assured Lady Celestine. "But it will open up new horizons for you – if that's what you want. If you wish, I will stay by your side and show you the ropes."

"That could be interesting," muttered Vyxara, amused.

"I would be very grateful for your help," Valentina said sincerely.

Lady Celestine squeezed her hand briefly. "Women have to stick together, don't they? Especially here at court. If we let ourselves be played off one against the other over and over again, we all lose. The duchess recognized that and I've learned a lot from her."

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