Chapter One
My pencil froze mid-sentence.
"Clary?" My best friend Simon Lewis asked as he snapped his fingers into the phone. "We're you paying attention?"
I blinked, "Would you believe me if I said yes?"
Simon laughed, "Are you going to the royal banquet?"
"Of course," I replied as I stared at the half-written report in front of me.
"You sure? It wouldn't be the first time you've skipped one of the prince's parties."
"Well, this time I'll be there. It's his birthday, it's mandatory."
"That's what you said last year." Simon sighed.
"Sorry Simon, I have to go, see you tomorrow." I mumbled as I leaned back with a creek from the old chair.
"Bye Clary"
I dropped my abused cell phone onto the carpet floor and stared up at the popcorn ceiling. When I was little, I used to love the idea of royal balls. Girls in flowing dresses spinning upon the palace grounds. Desserts piled high on glass tables. It was a fairytale though, a childhood fantasy.
When I was fifteen, my parents decided it was time for me to enter the city's social food chain.
They dressed me up in an overly tacky gown, and pushed me towards the palace gates all while constantly nagging about every little detail. It was then that I learned the purpose of the parties was not for enjoyment, but for politics. Just thinking about all the power hungry men and gold digging women was giving me a migraine.
"Clary Fray, where are you?" My mother's voice called through the bedroom walls.
"Room" I replied as I stood from the chair and drifted towards my mother's voice.
"Come to the main room. Your dress has arrived."
I winced, but continued to walk towards my mother and the dreaded taffeta.
My mom stood tall in the center of the overly luxurious room. Her red hair was in a sleek bun, and her slender body held a perfect posture. She was the type of woman who could grab a man's attention as if it was tangible.
I winced as I thought of my slouched shoulders and lack of height or any defining feature. No one bothered to look twice at the sight of me, of course, that was why Luke had hired me in the first place.
On the mannequin in the corner stood a dress of the most hideous shade of pink. Layers upon layers of fabric lined the floor.
I couldn't help but groan. "Must I go to this event?"
My mother sent me a stone cold glare. "Clarissa Fray," she began, "you are almost nineteen years old. It's time for you to define your future, and this banquet is the perfect opportunity."
I don't need to "define my future" I thought I've already determined my future with Luke in the castle. However, I had made an oath not to voice any of this so instead I replied, "Prince Jonathon's birthday dinner has low hope for opportunity, but I suppose I could make an effort."
My mother smiled with relief. "Good, the dance is tomorrow at 6, so be in this house no later than noon."
"Yes, ma'am" I curtsied and backed out the back door.
My family's backyard, like everything else we owned, was an exaggeration of our wealth and influence.
A man was waiting in the giant oak swing, and my dull red hair fell from its braid as I cut across the manicured grass towards him.
"Hello Luke Garroway" I greeted, as I stood in front of the young man in the grey suit.
"Who pissed you off?" Luke asked.
I smiled, "The prince's birthday is tomorrow."
"And" Luke nudged in mock confusion even though he knew exactly what was bothering me.
"…and he is throwing another royal ball." I frowned as I sat beside him.
"Why do you hate these dances so much? Every girl in this country would be overjoyed for an invitation."
I ignored his question, "Do you have any available jobs elsewhere tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow I need you at the palace." Luke shrugged as he leaned back, his spy eyes dancing as he cataloged everything.
"Why?" I asked as dread crept up my spine.
"The princess is back from school." Luke distracted.
"So?" I wondered as I waited for the spymaster's point.
"I need you to watch for her."
"Doesn't she have guards for that?"
"The princess has a distaste for them. She lets them protect her, but not surround. She likes them out of her sight."
I stared at him in shock. "And the king allows this? Why does it matter of her preferences as long as she's safe?"
"She's the princess, and besides she'll have you." Luke said with conviction.
"I'm not a guard, Luke. I'm not skilled in combat, just in observation." I argued, my hands twirling.
"I know what your skills are Ms. Fray. You might not like combat, but you are trained in the art of killing" Luke stood from the bench inclined his head towards me. "You'll met me at exactly 5:58 in front of the desert bar, where I'll escort you to her majesty. I'll expect you to never leave her side until the princess is safely in her chambers."
I sighed, "I suppose my mother will be over joyed by my new companion, but I'll probably end up making Simon mad, again."
"Ah, still friends with Mr. Lewis. You'll find your new life much easier if you distance yourself from your old one," Luke advised. He had been telling me this for five years, but I was unwavering. I had been friends with Simon since I was five, and I wasn't about to abandon him for convenience.
"Easier doesn't mean more fun" I smirked.
Luke sighed, "Good-bye Ms. Fray."
"Bye Garroway" I replied to his back as he walked over the green acre hill.