The Lightwood and Herondale children looked over the hill at the walls of Rome. It had been a long journey to the outskirts of Rome from Egypt. Robert Lightwood stood hundreds of yards away planning. His children would infiltrate the city, and bring Valentine Morgenstern to his knees.
-Morgenstern Manor-
Clary pulled back her curtains to look over her city. Jonathon may be her father's heir but Rome was hers too. She felt a rush to rebel today. She would leave the house without protection. It was time for her to really explore the city. She ran to her closet and pulled out a commoners cloak her friend Simon had smuggled her. No one would question her if they didn't recognize her. Right before she could use her secret entrance she heard a knock.
"Clarissa, are you up?" Jonathon called from outside. Clary put away the cloak and slipped back under the covers.
"You woke me up brother." She added a yawn at the end to cover up her voice.
Jon opened the door and laughed. "What a pleasant surprise. Father thought you'd still be asleep." He stood in her door way with an open shirt and smile. "Come to breakfast then. We need to talk about something."
Clary climbed out of bed and joined him in the hall. "This must be important to wake me at such an un-godly hour." Six o'clock was not a normal time to wake up.
"Well, you look quite frazzled sister. You didn't even bother brushing your hair. Father will enjoy this very much." Jon's sarcasm could be picked up from a mile away.
"You are about as pleasant as a beheaded man Jonathon."
"You insult me." His hand covered his "wounded" heart.
Clary pulled the curtain away from the dining halls entrance and stuck out her tongue at her brother. "I have not wounded you one bit. You take things too far brother." Valentine smiled as they entered, taunting each other.
"Children, please sit." He waited until they settled down and took their places. "Clarissa, you will be sixteen soon. Therefore I've arranged a marriage between you and the suitor of your choosing. All then young men come from noble families and will please me, as well as you." Clary almost choked on her pastry. "Tonight they will dine with us as guest. You may choose who you like best after." Valentine watched as his daughter dropped what she was eating and stared at him.
"Please excuse me, I'm going back to my room." Clary walked from the table and left her families presence. She couldn't fathom the process of it all. Why must she wed? It was ridiculous. After slamming her door shut Clary decided she'd go as planned. She needed more fresh air. The passage was old and dusty but she found her way to the garden outside. Carefully checking her surroundings, she slipped out through the gate into the streets. The sun light covered her bare skin but not her face. All around her people opened businesses while yelling at young children. Ahead three people caught her eye. Two black haired children followed a golden haired boy. By the looks on their faces they looked lost. Clary stepped toward them and met the boy in the middle.
"Are you lost?" The boy looked at her with scorn before changing his expression completely.
"We are." The girl spoke up before he could answer.
"Where are you going then? I may be able to help." She couldn't believe she was talking to someone she didn't know. No one had let her before.
"We need to go to the main plaza. Do you know which direction we need to go?" The blue eyed boy said.
"Actually you can just follow me. I was heading there anyway, the bakery is amazing. Come on." Goldie walked beside her and kept starring in her direction.
"Thank you, um what's your name?" She looked over and grinned. He was interesting.
"I'm Clary. What's your name?" He looked down and tried to hide his smile.
"My names Jace. The two individuals behind me are Izzy and Alec. So, why is your hood so far over your hair? Are you in disguise or something?"
Clary carefully weighed her next words. "I'm not allowed out here alone usually. I snuck out."
Jace nodded beside her and chuckled. "Attention world, we have a rebel. I like it."
They walked in comfortable silence, she enjoyed this more than she should.
-Lightwoods and Herondale POV-
Jace was tempted to push Clary's hood down as they walked. He'd never wanted to be this close to a girl before. Guards crossed in front of them in search of someone. He swore they glanced at Clary but dismissed the thought. Not allowed out alone? She must be important. Maybe her mom or dad was over protective? He couldn't think straight. He heard from Robert there was a princess but she couldn't be her, right? Above them the marble mansion of the Morgenstern's stood proud. A red haired woman leaned over the edge of a balcony like she was trying to spot someone. Rome was strange. They were used to sand and open breezes. Romans lived differently. Stone streets, fountains, they were all new to him. Mid thought Clary tapped his arm.
"We're here. Want something to eat? You look famished." Her speech changed mid-sentence, odd.
"We do," Izzy chimed from behind. Clary nodded and led them into the shop. His stomach growled as soon as the smell of fresh dough and berries filled his nose. Clary walked ahead and spoke to the guy behind the counter.
"Four berry pastries please." He could hear her smile when she spoke. The man gathered four pasties for her before placing them in a sack. Jace watched her slip four gold coins over the counter. The facial expression of the man caught his attention, further confirming she was someone special. When she returned Izzy and Alec took a pastry from the bag. Jace had his hand mid-way in when someone opened the door.
"Excuse me sir. My sister seems to have snuck out of our home. Have you seen Princess Clarissa?"
Jace slightly turned his head and watched the black eyed boy interrogate the shop keeper.
"No, Prince Jon. I haven't seen her. It may be best to ask somewhere else." Prince Jon scorned before leaving the shop angry.
The shop keeper winked at Clary when they were gone and returned to taking something out of the oven. Jace wondered why that name sounded familiar. Clarissa sounded like a longer version of Clary. He glanced over at Clary, who was discussing fashion with Isabelle.
"Clary, what's your real name?" She stiffened and looked over.
"Why do you ask?" She had an edge in her voice.
"No reason. Some Prince just came in so…"
"Fuck…" Clary rubbed her palms on the silk red dress she wore. "Yes, my full name's Clarissa. I am entrusting you tell no one who I actually am even though we are practically strangers. Please. My father told me about an arranged marriage this morning and I can't be trapped there. You don't understand. I rarely get freedom from being a princess. I needed to escape, I always do."
Jace wrapped his arm around her shoulders to comfort her and nodded to Alec.
"It's time we told the truth too. We're from Egypt and the only reason we're here is to put your father out of power. I understand the pressure of being someone you want to escape. Our only wish is to make Rome a democracy again. I'd be convenient if you didn't say any of this to anyone." Alec explained.
"Same to you then. I'll keep your secret, so will Simon. Right Simon?"
"Simon" came from behind the counter and greeted them. "I hear worse tales than that on a daily basis. Consider it a secret between us. Also, avoid the Prince if you want to do that. He has a thing for killing and black haired females."
Izzy looked from Clary to Simon. "You guys are okay with this? You live here."
"I'm kind of a prisoner in my own home." Clary complained.
"I'm invisible anyway, why not help you guys?"
Jace starred in awe at the two of them. No wonder Simon didn't rat her out, they were friends.
"Okay then, Clary and Simon are our allies. Are there any places we can stay in the city for a fair price? Robert gave us a limited amount of currency." Clary and Simon exchanged a smile and nodded.
"Jordan Kyle can put you up for a few nights. No charge if you mention our names. Just say Morgenstern and Lewis sent you. His wife Maia can cook too." Simon reached behind him and grabbed a small bag. "For you guys on your way. It's a new recipe I've been working on." Alec took the bag and shoved it in his satchel. "Now get out of here. Be careful okay, guards are everywhere."
The group exited the shop and walked down the street to Jordan's home. They'd seen Jon once or twice but walked on as if nothing was wrong. Soon enough they got to their destination.
"You'll be safe here. If you need anything just whistle three times in a row or call like a bird. I'll hear it no matter where I am in the house. Just make sure it's loud." Jace nodded and let Izzy and Alec slip in before grabbing Clary's hand.
"We'll be in touch. Have a good afternoon Clary."
"I'll see you around Jace." She turned around and walked down the street. Jace really liked Rome.
Inspired by the movie Cleopatra. I had writers block and no Microsoft Word for weeks. Here's what I may possibly continue, review please.
-A