I've had this bumping around in my head for pretty much EVER but my best friend MelodiDam just recently decided to convince me to write it out. Basically, (well, there's really no basically, cos its insanely complicated, but...) this starts when Jace would have been about 12, Alec, 13, and Izzy 12, as well. This is NOT a Jace/OC story(at least in a romantic way), but will be EXTREMELY long if I ever get around to writing it, as it spans quite a bit of very complicated time. Just read it already.

Shutting up now. ;-)

"I don't understand."

The little girl stood tall in her gown, using useless questions to prolong something she was sure would be inevitable.

"Milady, I believe you know exactly what we mean. He must be punished."

There was a long silence, as deliberations were made on both sides. How far will this go? A breath was taken in by the child as she focused her mind, and a second later, the man before her, who had only moments before been pleading for his life, fell dead.

The child turned, and left the room full of council members to their thoughts.

Three years later to the day, Lady Annalei de l'Eau was being dressed for a welcoming party. Her home was filled with guests already, but her room was quiet, with only a chambermaid and a silky white cat. The walls were soundproofed, as was necessary, but they did not lack any of the splendors and spoils that wealthier homes in the city of Idris were filled with.

"Are you excited for tonight, miss?" The maid was obviously new; she hadn't learned yet not to speak while the young mistress was focusing on something else.

"I don't think it's any of your business, my thoughts. Yours, on the other hand; you won't be allowed anywhere near the ballroom tonight if you say another word, and that boy you're going after? He's engaged."

The maid looked suitably shocked and frightened, and Annalei returned to blocking out the sounds and thoughts of the two measly occupants in the room. She was almost anxious for the commotion of the night; everyone's thoughts would be so jumbled, she might have enough room in her own head to actually enjoy herself. But if even one of the invited guests didn't show, there might not be enough thoughts to crowd her, and the night would end in tears of pain, and a sharp order for everyone, including her cat, to leave her be.

Finally, her dress had been fixed nicely, and her blond locks pinned neatly on her head. She dismissed the maid, and mentally prepared herself for the walk from her isolated wing of the mansion to the oversized dining room where the guests would be gathered, awaiting her entrance.

One. Two. Three.

She reached for the knob of the door, and twisted gently.

Four. Five. Six.

Twelve steps down the wine-colored carpets, seventeen to the grand stairwell.

Seven. Eight. Nine.

Twenty-two to the landing, curving slightly, and fifteen to the floor.

Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

Six giant steps the dining hall; nine small, lady-like ones.

Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen.

One breath as the doors were pushed open, and a cue to her father to stand. They always stood in her presence.

Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen.

There were new faces around the table, but she paid little attention; the important ones would be introduced to her later.

Nineteen.

Her chair was pulled out for her, at the center of the long table, between the ever –important Inquisitor and a golden haired boy.

He was scowling.

Twenty.

She was seated, and dinner began.

She was safe, for now.

This story is very close to my heart, so I'd appreciate any feedback, especially positive. I will hopefully have more soon. I have it 'thought out' in intense detail; it's just getting it on paper. :-)

-Reinette

For more stories by this author click on "Princess Reinette" at the top of the page.

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