Authors note: Hey everyone this is my first fanfic so please be gentle with me. This is going to be a multi chapter fanfic but I'm not yet sure how many chapters it will be. It is also an eventual Malec fic just for anyone who is worried. Though I'm not gonna tell you whether its a happy ending or not because that would spoil it ;) As an update to any returning readers as of the 6th April 2016 this chapter has been heavily edited and is now longer, I got struck by some inspiration I guess also someone said they'd like to see a chapter with Lydia's POV and although I was planning on having one later in the story I thought it might be nice to see how she was feeling running up to the wedding so that's been added to this chapter as well. Also I do not own any of the characters they belong to Cassandra Clare and the producers of Shadowhunters which is currently airing on Freeform. Some of the plot lines and dialogue also belong to the show and the title comes from a shadowhunter nursery rhyme which is also written/owned by Cassandra Clare. There are spoilers up to 1x12 and everything that happens in all episodes before that is canon in this story. Please let me know what you think in the reviews and I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1: Gold for a Bride
Alec's POV
Alec was feeling irritated by his meeting with Magnus. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck in an attempt to erase the memory of Magnus' breath tingling his skin. When that failed his irritation grew. Magnus just didn't understand. He didn't get it this was about more than what he did or did not feel. This was about doing what's right for his family. And Magnus was wrong in his parting statement, he didn't have a choice to make; He had already made his choice. He tried to put Magnus out of his mind as he headed for Lydia's office. Some representatives of the Clave has arrived early for the wedding and so he and Lydia needed to go and greet them.
She was standing by the desk organising papers, her back half to him, when he arrived. She looked different, more carefree and relaxed. Happier. Gone were the dark clothes and formal suit jackets. In their place she was wearing a teal coloured dress. Her hair was flowing round her shoulders and her make-up was light and natural instead of the dark eye shadow and brightly coloured lipstick he had seen her wear so far. As he watched her unnoticed he began to wonder if this was more like the person she used to be before John died. A little more girly and a little less harsh. Was she finding some of her old self again? He began to wonder who that person was, who Lydia Branwell was. He imagined that she was adventurous and fun-loving. That she was caring and kind-hearted. She was definitely confident. He imagined she was a woman who loved quickly and laughed often. As he watched her she picked something up of the desk and he saw a contented smile light up her face which brought a small smile to his. If she was starting to find herself again then he was glad. He had seen glimpses of that girl before. When she gave her speech at Izzy's trial and when she got excited talking about how her ancestor helped create the portal with Magnus. Dammit! Now he was thinking about Magnus again. The smile fell from his lips and he sighed sadly then knocked on the door.
Lydia's POV
As she was sorting through the paperwork in the office a photograph fell from the pack. Picking it up a smile graced her face. It was a picture of the Lightwood siblings. It must of accidentally got mixed up in the mission reports the last time Robert or Maryse went through them. They all looked a bit younger than they were now. On the far left was Isabelle, she was holding a young boy who looked to be 6 or 7. That must be Max, Lydia had only seen him briefly when she first arrived at the Institute. He had soon been sent back to Idris where it was safe. He had one of his arms wrapped around Isabelle's neck, his cheek pressed to hers and the other wrapped around Alec's neck who had his arm around the both of them resting on Isabelle's shoulder. His other arm was wrapped round Jace's shoulders, who was pulling a face as the other three laughed at him. They all looked so happy and their love for each other was as bright as day. Lydia never really had that growing up. Her parents had been somewhat stern and strict, always reminding her of her duty to the family. She never had any siblings to share the burden with her, to love her and be there by her side through thick and thin. Looking at that photograph she could see why Alec was so determined to protect his family and do right by them. That kind of love should be protected.
She heard a knock and looked up to find Alec in the doorway. He had a sad look in his eyes. Did something happen with Magnus? He had seemed in fairly good spirits this morning when he came by to let her know he was going there. "Hey is everything ok? What did Magnus want? Did he have any information on how to wake up Jocelyn Fairchild?" She heard him sigh before he answered.
"No he didn't, it was a complete waste of time. But he did say he is looking in to it." He sounded angry, but it was tinged with some other emotion that Lydia couldn't quite place. She wondered if she should just leave it at that but she hated seeing him so sad. She reached out a hand and soothingly rubbed his upper arm. He was tense.
"Hey, Alec did something happen when you were at Magnus' place? You seem a bit... I don't know... upset. I guess." He looked away from her and down at the floor before letting out a harsh breath.
"It was nothing, we just had a difference in opinion that's all. We should get going. We don't want to keep those representatives waiting." As he looked back at her she nodded her head and followed him from the room. If he didn't want to talk then she wasn't going to force him to. She just hoped he knew she would be there for him if he ever did. As they were walking through the Op's Centre they noticed Clary, Jace and Hodge talking to none other than Magnus Bane. Lydia looked nervously at Alec as she followed him down the steps. They reached the bottom just as Magnus turned to leave. There were a couple of seconds of uncomfortable silence until Lydia decided to break it.
"Magnus." she greeted him cheerfully. "I didn't know you were here." She smiled brightly at him trying to ignore the awkwardness in the air.
"That was the point." She saw a flash of anger and hurt darken Alec's face and so quickly replied keeping her tone cheery.
"We're just on our way to greet a few representatives from the Clave who arrived early for tomorrows wedding. How long are you staying?" As Magnus opened his mouth to reply Alec cut across him.
"What's going on here? Nobody told me about a meeting." Lydia kept Alec in the corner of her eye as she half listened to Clary explain about Ragnor Fell. She could see he was getting more upset by the minute. Something definitely wasn't right. "What can I do to help?" Alec asked.
"We're just recovering a Warlock, Alec. We got this covered." Jace crossed his arms defensively as he spoke. Lydia was saddened as she thought back to that photograph sitting on the desk in the office. Jace and Alec had looked so close in that photo, like the brothers they were. It was heart breaking to see them so distant now. The situation didn't get any better when Magnus added.
"Besides you have emissaries from the Clave to meet. You don't want to tarnish your family's perfectly crafted image now do you?" Magnus looked like he regretted the comment as soon as he made it but looking at Alec Lydia could see the damage was already done. The hurt was apparent and the anger; she needed to get Alec out of here now. She smiled at Magnus and said "Again lovely seeing you Magnus." He gave her a nod and smile in reply and as they left Lydia knew that something a lot more than just a 'difference of opinion' had gone down at Magnus' place and whatever it was it had Alec tied in knots. Once they were far enough away Lydia whispered "Are you Ok?" He didn't reply at first but then he let out a breath he seemed to have been holding and rubbed the back of his neck. "No. But I don't want to talk about it." After walking in silence a little longer Lydia stopped Alec and taking a deep breath said "I know you don't want to talk and that's ok but I just want to say one thing ok?" He nodded and she took a deep breath before continuing "If you've changed your mind about this marriage its ok. I won't get mad or angry. I just want to be sure that this is still what you want." He didn't answer right away. He seemed to be contemplating what she had just said. When he looked back up at her she couldn't figure out the look in his eyes but they held an intensity she had never seen before.
"This is what I want." Lydia nodded. She plastered a smile on her face as she saw the dignitaries from the Clave approaching and prepared herself for the long, tedious small talk that would undoubtedly follow. It was going to be a long day.
Alec's POV
It was only two hours until the wedding ceremony and Alec would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous in fact he was trying to swallow down a rising feeling of pure panic. He had already put on most of his tux. His pale gold jacket hung over the chair as he stood staring in the mirror trying to get his bow tie right. They really should of got clip ons. It didn't help that his hands had a slight tremor to them. There was a knock at the door and Alec opened it to find Jace standing with his tux jacket over his arm while he was looking down trying to tie his own bow. "Seriously dude couldn't you have just got us clip on bow ties?" Alec rolled his eyes and let Jace in. It was great to be back on speaking terms with Jace again. They has a good talk last night at his bachelor party. It was obvious that Jace was still struggling with finding out about Valentine being his father and Clary being his sister. It was all pretty screwed up and sometimes Alec longed for the simpler times. "Hey." Jace's voice cut through his thoughts bringing him back to the present. "You ok? You seem a bit out of it?"
"I'm fine. Just thinking. Big day and all that." he gave him a weak smile.
"Buddy, are you sure about this? If you want to back out I will have your back with Mum and Dad." There was an understanding in Jace's eyes that made Alec feel calmer.
"Jace I appreciate it, I really do. But this is what I want. Lydia was my choice and this was my decision. I promise you I am sure about this." Jace put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.
"Ok. But we can't get you hitched until we figure out how to tie these damn bow ties" he joked. Alec chuckled lightly when there was a second knock at the door. He threw Jace a confused look who just shrugged.
Izzy came waltzing through the door the moment Alec opened it. She was wearing a red dressing gown with a gold cherry blossom decorating the hem. Her hair and make-up had already been done. "Hey I thought you were getting ready with Lydia" he greeted her.
"I am but I knew you two clowns wouldn't be able to tie those bow ties so Lydia sent me to do it for you." She smiled brightly at them. As she began to tie Alec's first as Jace scoffed. "Hey we had it under control." Izzy just threw him a 'yeah if you say so' look then moved to tie Jace's.
"Well besides that I wanted to check and see how my big brother was holding up before his big moment." she said playfully and then continued more seriously "How are you doing? You nervous?" She looked worried.
"I'm a little nervous but I'll be ok. Now go get ready there's not much time left before the ceremony and Jace and I are going to meet Hodge at the chapel to make sure everything is going ok." He gave her a tight hug and kissed the top of her head.
"I love you guys. I'll see you there" she said as she hugged them both tight then left blowing them both kisses as she went.
Lydia's POV
Lydia was still having her hair done when Isabelle made it back. As she disappeared behind the screen to change into her bridesmaid dress Lydia asked her nervously. "How are they doing?" She was praying that nothing went wrong today.
"Relax they're fine." Isabelle replied gently. "I tied their bow ties and now they are on their way to the chapel with Hodge to make sure everything is set up properly. Everything is under control." She smiled at her as she came back around the screen and moved to sit across from Lydia on her bed. "Lydia... I just wanted to say thank you. You know for what you said at my trial, defending me and all. I know you took a big risk with your career and reputation when you did so...yeah thank you." Lydia was surprised. She stayed silent for a few moments before she answered.
"It was the right thing to do. Besides I wanted to thank you too. For standing up as my suggenes today. I know you are not a fan of this marriage and I can understand why. You don't know me so its hard to trust me." Lydia was reminded of her conversation with Clary earlier that day when she had accused her of working for Valentine. She couldn't help but be angered by the accusation and hurt by it. But she also understood it. The people here were like family to each other, they trusted each other and the idea that one of them would betray another was unthinkable. She was the new girl, the stranger. No one really knew her and given the circumstances in which she had arrived here it was no surprise that everyone believed she was out to get them and so wanted her gone. She hoped one day they would come to trust her and she was truly touched by Isabelle's gratitude and her acceptance to stand up for her today. "I know you are doing it for your brother but still I want you to know I appreciate it."
"Your welcome." She looked hesitant before she spoke again. "I hope you don't take offence to this but... I noticed that you don't have any family on the guest list."
"My family and I don't talk any more." She felt sadness creep up on her. John hadn't been far from her thoughts today. Once upon a time she had dreamed of their wedding day they had had so many dreams together and they used talk about them together late into the night. But now he was gone and nothing was going to bring him back. She never had made up with her family, even after his death. They hadn't even come to his funeral. She had been left utterly alone. She swallowed the lump in her throat and looked up at Isabelle who was watching her intensely. "I disobeyed them once, went against their wishes and they never forgave me for it. I don't have anyone to invite to the wedding." Isabelle took her hand and gave it a light squeeze.
Before she could get lost in her thoughts again the hairdresser finally declared that her hair was done. Looking in the mirror Lydia's face brightened up. It looked exactly how she imagined it would. She thanked the hairdresser who gathered up her stuff and after wishing Lydia the best of luck left. "Ok time to get in your dress" Isabelle said excitedly. Lydia grinned at her and stepped behind the screen. She carefully slipped into the dress and Isabelle did up the buttons for her. As she stepped back to look at her Isabelle smiled. "You look amazing." She peeked at herself in the mirror and gasped. The dress was stunning, her hair was too, everything fit together so perfectly. It was like a dream come true. She couldn't keep the smile off her face. Right now she could believe in fairy tales again for the first time since she lost John and maybe, just maybe she could find that family she had always longed for in the Lightwoods. "Ok it's time. You ready?" Lydia nodded and followed Isabelle out of the room and toward the chapel.
Alec's POV
Alec's heart was pounding and his palms were clammy as he stood at the alter. He was a little reassured that Jace stood beside him as his suggenes. He was once again struck by how glad he was that they had hashed things out and made up. He couldn't imagine getting married without his parabatai at his side. Looking around the room he had to admit it looked amazing. The chandeliers twinkled like stars as the flames from the candles they held flickered. The lights reflected off of the stain glass windows causing colourful patterns to dance around the room. Down the centre of the aisle was a rich red carpet with a black border. Across the whole floor white rose petals were artfully strewn and dotted around the room were bouquets of flowers, their scent sweetening the air. The guests all turned to stare at the entrance as the music started.
He was reassured a little more when he saw Izzy enter. She was wearing a deep gold dress and was smiling to the guests as she came down the aisle carrying a gold pillow that held Lydia's stele and the golden bracelet that would be given as a wedding token. Jace held an identical pillow holding Alec's stele and a gold necklace with a sparkling tear-drop pendant which he would in turn give to Lydia. As Izzy reached him she gave him a comforting nod and smile.
He looked up as he heard gasps from around the room and saw Lydia enter and begin her walk down the aisle. She was dressed in a pale gold dress. The skirt was embossed with bright golden leaves and flowers and the bodice had intricately patterned gold beads adorning it. Her sun-spun hair was tied in an elaborate up-do with a single braid entwining round her shoulder. She looked as radiant as the sun, there was no denying that, but Alec still felt sick to his stomach. Suddenly Magnus' words from the night before came back to him. You lose your breath every time they enter a room. He shook the thought from his head and took Lydia's hand, helping her up the steps and as he looked into her eyes he realised he felt numb. Your heart beats faster when they walk by. Alec felt annoyed; even when Magnus wasn't there Alec still couldn't escape his words. He shut his eyes then looked back at Lydia. She gave him a small smile which he managed to return as she placed the golden band around his wrist. Turning he picked up the necklace with trembling hands from the gold pillow that Jace was holding. He gently placed it around Lydia's neck and fumbled with the clasp until he finally managed to fasten it. Taking her hand in his they turned to face the Silent Brother as he announced that it was time for them to mark each other with the wedded rune.
He took some comfort in the feeling of her small hand in his. While he trembled her hand was steady and strong as she clasped his. She released his hand to turn and take her stele from Izzy. She pressed it to the crystal which was carved with the wedded rune. Mist billowed from the crystal as she did so. As she faced him again she looked up into his eyes checking for any sign that he might of changed his mind; giving him one last chance to back out. But suddenly, looking into her eyes, Alec felt calm. He knew why he was doing this. To protect his family, save the Lightwood name, for the chance to run the Institute with a strong and intelligent partner beside him. So he gave Lydia another smile and a small nod. She smiled in return and placed her stele to his skin. The rune burnt as it appeared red on his skin. The stinging sensation faded as the rune darkened slightly leaving his skin permanently marked. Taking his stele he also placed it to crystal then to the skin over Lydia's heart and drew out the wedded rune. He let out a sharp breath as the Silent Brother announced them Husband and Wife. Leaning forward he pressed a quick kiss to her lips and solidified their union. The gathered guests applauded and Izzy embraced a beaming Lydia in a hug welcoming her to the Lightwood family. As his parents rose from their seats to come and congratulate them all that Alec could think of was Magnus.
