Author's Note: Thanks for your reviews! I was hoping to update this fanfiction story sooner but my brain was NOT working at all. For fans of The Odds are Never in Our Favor, I'm updating that currently. So no worries. I hope you guys review and give me your feedback, good or bad. Thanks again and Enjoy!

|XXXXXXX|

"Perhaps she is different. Surely she must be!" The small boy chirped, his voice laced with hope. He sat beside his siblings, sharing the warmth of the fire in the center. The night was cold and quite chilly for the small family as they ate their fish gingerly.

"You are just trying to get your hopes up, little brother. She won't be any different, just like her dear father." His older brother spat bitterly, a scowl plastered on his face. His golden hair looked oddly atramentous in the moonlight. Max frowned, his face slightly falling at the statement.

A grunt was heard from a young lady, lounging on a large wodden log. "Do not say such things to Max. If he believes, then so be it. You do not need to interfere." She was radiant with dark ebony hair nearly covering her face. She had dark eyes that seemed to lose it's previous charm.

"It's okay Isabelle. I am sure he did not mean what he said. Do not worry Max." A new voice joined, a hint of gentleness heard for their youngest brother. Isabelle sighed and smiled at the situation.

"You should loosen up a bit. Don't you think Jace? We are together. That is all that matters." She added, giving her brother a playful shove with her shoulder.

Jace stood up and shrugged her off before barking in outrage. "What is wrong with us? Why act so cheerful when our fellow neighbors and family members die from hunger? I am tired of this. I am tired of living this way! We are not animals." His cheeks were flushed, eyes shut tightly in frustration. Max let out a small whimper in response and that seemed to bring back Jace to their reality. His golden orbs widened in realization.

Taking a glance at the small boy, the faired hair man stormed off into the forest that lied ahead of them. The blue eyed brother sighed as his back went rigid, brooding over the current situation. He ran his hand through his already messy black hair. "I will go talk to him. He is simply exhausted."

|XXXXXXX|

The scrawny looking boy chuckled, his laughter ringing into the ears of the future queen. "Quit your laughing Simon. I find it quite annoying." A delicate voice advised.

Simon simply smiled and whipped his head to face her. She looked angelic; wearing a long, blue gown with several complicated swirls on the sleeves. It hugged her small frame perfectly from where she stood. The princess was short, her head would only reach his upper chest.

"Oh I am deeply sorry my lady. It seems I can not enjoy myself." He stated mockingly watching as she frowned, green eyes staring at him in disdain. Simon was a courtier nearly his whole life and would watch from the sidelines as Clarissa Fairchild flourished into what she was today. He had to admit; none of it was ever easy. Clarissa was the strongest being he had ever met.

He could not say the same about her father. Valentine Morgenstern, ruler and king of the North: The Shadowhunt. All other pieces of the kingdom such as the West, the East, and the South were ruled by other royalties yet they all answered to Valentine. Simon pushed up his glasses in irritation. Every time he thought about their cruel king, he would grimace at the train of events leading him there. Valentine was the reason Clary was like this. Simon would never forgive him.

"What are you thinking of?" Clarissa asked, tone calm and emotionless in a way that Simon loathed.

He immediately straightened up and shook his head respectfully at the princess. "It is of no matter, my lady. Surely, you would rather do other things than meddle through my head." She nodded curtly, as a few of her scarlet curls fell onto her eyes. Clarissa huffed in annoyance and pushed them back roughly behind her ear.

Simon sensed there was something hidden in her eyes. His eyes softened. If there was ever a change with the princess, he would be the only one to notice it. "What is bothering you, lady Clarissa?" She waved her hand into the air and replied after a long moment.

"Do not call me that. You know how much I despise it Simon. It's Clary. You know that, I suppose." He chuckled while her pale face remained passive.

"What is it Clary? Is it the royal visit?" Simon asked, taking a seat on the edge of her too large bed. She didn't glance at him but her eyes hardened at the thought. He studied her for a moment and listened as she finally spoke again.

"I do not like the idea of visiting the people." She answered, her gaze drifting off to the window on the other side of the room.

"There is nothing wrong with it m- Clary." Simon realized the princess looked particularly tired, dark bags under her normally brilliant emerald eyes. He regarded her with a small understanding smile that was not returned.

"I would rather train, perhaps sketch a bit." She frowned and Simon could've sworn he was staring at the little lost girl he had met at a young age. Her friend took on a look of sympathy but soon masked it, knowing the princess hated all forms of pity directed towards her.

"I'm puzzled Clary. You will soon rule the Shaowhunt. Is it not your dream? Many people would wish to be in your-" He was suddenly cut off mid sentence.

"Do not tell me what other people wish, for I do not care in the least. I didn't choose this life. If I could, I would certainly not be here right now." Then her voice toned down to a small yet audible mumble.

"You know what Simon?" He peered up at her standing figure in surprise. "I am cruel. I am heartless and I do not care to listen to others' problems. I am also selfish, caring for only myself. I am not fit to be a queen, Simon. For if I do potentially become one, the era of Valentine's reign will continue and the only difference is that I am atop the throne."

Simon's eyes widened as he registered her words. They hit home. He instantly rose and stepped closer to her. She was staring at the ground, her hands clenched at her sides. "Clary..." He started, voice gentle and tender in a way he only used with her. "Everything you said, it is not true. You mustn't believe that. They will never be true."

The princess finally looked up at him and he let out a small gasp. Her green eyes were broken, shattered by events, deaths, and bloodshed. Then Clarissa blinked and it was all gone as soon as it appeared. Simon hated it when she concealed her emotions. One day, he knew, the facade would break and disappear.

"They are true, whether you take my word for it or not. If they are not true now, they will be in the future." She replied, not able to gaze at him.

Simon sighed and he lifted his hands slowly, cupping her cheeks. "I was with your Clary. All this way. I am certain that my childhood best friend is not cruel." She eventually glanced up and met his almost dark chocolate eyes covered with thick black glasses.

"Simon. Do not comfort me for I am in no need. I am not longer the same girl you met when you were a child. Remember that." Clary stated, before pulling his hands gently from her face. She simply whirled around to open the door where a guard appeared and led her down the halls.

|XXXXXXX|

Alexander trudged through the dark forest, passing thick trees and the strong odor of death. He grimaced and found a small pond where a hunched figure sat. Sighing, Alexander approached the figure, already knowing it was his brother. "Brother?" The young man didn't answer but he saw him stiffen at the voice.

"Jace, you must think before you speak. If it were not for us, Max would have been heart broken." The blue eyes boy began, taking a seat beside him.

"Alec, you know how we are living is not normal. We can barely manage scraps. Do not tell me you disagree."

His eyes were on a small stone on his fingers. Alec did not answer for a minute or two and just recalled their 'adventures' in the past. He remembered his father and mother; Robert and Maryse Lightwood. The way they took care of them. Then, he recalled the day his parents brought Jace in, a rather strong looking eleven year old boy.

"What can we do brother? It is simply how we live." He finally replied, his tone tired. Jace looked at him, his expression unreadable.

"We can rebel against the government Alec!" His voice urgent with slight hope. Alexander's eyes widened at his idea and his sky colored eyes hardened. He eyed him for a moment before growling out.

"What? Just like our dear father and mother did? The ones we did not even get to bury? You are truly insane." His brother's lips parted in surprise. Alexander stood up and took a step forward but was halted by Jace's hand.

"Alec, I meant no such thing. I simply think that we should do something rather than wait for death to catch up to us." The black haired boy exhaled and faced him, cocking a dark eyebrow.

"And what would that be Jace?" He questioned, eager to get back to his other siblings.

Jace raised his golden eyes thoughtfully and shook his head dismissively. "We shall wait." Alexander nodded, not quite understanding his brother's motives.

"Come on. We should head back to Isabelle and Max. I assume they are waiting. You know that Izzy is never patient. It is one of her amazing traits, do you not agree?" Jace chuckled soundlessly at the sarcastic comment but agreed and they walked together, the night dark and reserved.

|XXXXXX|

The guard began to escort her down the many halls and into the large courtyard where there was a ceremony to welcome the other roles of the West, East, and South. Clarissa kept her her head high and she walked gracefully to where the guests resided. She instantly felt stares at her face but ignored them calmly, used to the unwanted attention.

Clarissa was then faced by her father who sat on his decorated throne of silver, a cold smile worn on his features. He was extremely tall with broad shoulders and quite built for his age. Valentine had pure white blond hair that Clary always pondered of. She averted her jade gaze and bowed down to him. "Father." Clarissa addressed and the king nodded acknowledging her presence.

He arose from his throne and took slow steps towards her. After a moment, the king stood beside her and raised her arm to the royals who stared at them. Some in fascination. Some in pity. "To my daughter, Clarissa Morgenstern, who will rule after me." Many claps and whistles were heard after his statement and Clary simply nodded, her face emotionless. The king chuckled humorlessly, his voice booming to all. "Let the ceremony begin!"

The musicians began to play their songs, filling the space with harmony. Valentine turned to his daughter and said, "The royal visit is tomorrow. It will be your first and make sure that you are prepared. The people there are quite spirited, I suppose." His voice was tinted with dark amusement and Clary nodded.

Then he was gone, talking to some advisors as he sipped from his glass of wine. Clary fingered the fabric of her layered dress. "It seems you do not look entertained." A voice to her left observed.

The princess turned and met dark eyes. "There is not much to do, is there?" She admitted, peering up to study him. He was probably around her age wearing proper black attire. His dark eyes matched his hair and a small smile graced his lips.

"We can dance. The music must be played for a reason." Clarissa glanced around at the many faces, searching for Simon's but found nothing. She frowned and faced the young man.

"Of course. If you wish to dance, then we shall dance."

He grinned, his white teeth shining with glee. The dark eyed boy placed his arm around her waist and led her onto the floor. Clarissa heard many gasps of surprise and fought the urge to roll her eyes in annoyance.

"With all due respect, who are you?" She asked boldly, arching both her eyebrows in curiousity. He smirked and twirled her around before replying.

"Sebastian Verlac, future king of the South: Idris." His tone held no confidence or arrogance, only slight playfulness.

Clarissa blinked several times in surprise. He chuckled loudly as if noticing her expression. "I have not heard much about you considering the fact that I have lived in court practically my entire life."

The prince sighed but began, "My mother is quite ill and there is not much to tell. Perhaps, we are not of much importance." Clary followed his steps and cast her gaze downwards in thought. Surely, he did not think such a thing.

"I am truly sorry to hear about your mother. Do not worry, my lord. I have not paid much attention to other royals. You must be important. I am just misinformed." Sebastian gave her a small smile, understanding her statement. He glanced around, noticing elderly men outright flirting with younger women.

"Sometimes, I believe these old men need to be taught a thing or two. Yet, all they think is 'age is no matter'." Sebastian blurted out out in disgust. Clarissa suddenly laughed but brought her hand to cover her lips. His eyes widened at the beautiful sound that was covered too soon.

The princess frowned. It was not that amusing. She instantly composed herself and heard the prince say, "I wish to hear you laugh once more, lady Clarissa. It sounds divine." Clarissa shook her head and as if god was answering her prayers, the song ended and she pulled away from Sebastian in relief.

|XXXXXX|

"Alec!" Isabelle called, whipping her head in search of him. After a moment, her two brothers appeared and she smiled in delight. Max frowned and pushed his already broken glasses up at the sight of Jace.

The fair haired boy glanced at Max and noticed his uneasiness. Sighing, he trudged over to the nine year old boy and bent down to meet his uncertain eyes. "Max, I apologize for what I have said earlier." The boy looked down before peering up at him.

"You don't need to be sorry, Jace." Max assured him, giving him a wide grin. Jace smirked and ruffled the small boy's hair. He was stopped suddenly by Isabelle's cry. Standing up, he scanned their surroundings and spotted and old man walking towards his sister.

Jace sprinted over, dagger in hand. "What is an old man like you doing here?" He asked, twirling the blade between his fingers swiftly. Alexander appeared beside him and gave him a small smile. Jace studied the elderly man. He had a rather long white-gray beard and not much hair on the top of his head. His eyes were stormy grey and were slightly uneven and crooked in a way. The man was probably in his sixties and wore begrimed clothing.

Alexander's eyes widened as he saw the man grin at them. His teeth were brown and rotting. "Who are you?" He questioned cautiously. He was aware that Isabelle was huddled with Max, whip in hand for protection.

"Hodge. Hodge. Hodge. I am Hodge." The old man sang, his voice was hoarse and raspy. Alec placed his bow down and noticed Jace giving him a warning stare.

"What are you doing here, if I may ask?"

Hodge frowned and scatched his head in thought. "Ah!" He nearly shouted after a moment. "The king. The king. Kicked me out. Tortured me. King. The king." Jace's eyebrows lifted in confusion.

"The king tortured you?" Hodge clapped his hands together in confirmation. The fair haired boy grimaced at the thought.

"What was your position at the castle?"

"Priest. Taught Clarissa. Small girl. Priest." He continued, fiddling with his fingers. Abruptly, the old man plopped himself down on the dirt and chuckled to himself insanely.

"Do not listen to him Jace. He is lying!" Isabelle shouted, her voice shrill and worried at the sudden sight. Max remained where he was, an unreadable expression shown in his eyes.

Alexander snapped his attention away from Hodge and grunted. "I believe he speaks the truth. Place your weapons down." Jace's eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it.

The blue eyed boy turned to his siblings and announced, "He is no danger to us. He holds no weapons." Isabelle slowly grabbed Max's hand and walked towards the group. Jace sighed and sat down a few feet away from the cackling old man.

"It seems that we have a new member in our gang." Jace announced sarcastically. Alec ignored the comment and pursed his lips in thought.

"Hodge. You worked at the castle, I believe? What caused you to be punished?" Hodge grinned crookedly at the young children.

"Being good. Hodge is good. King is bad. Tortured me. I ran."

"So the king punished you and you ran away?" Hodge did not answer and continued to hum an odd tune that intrigued Jace slightly.

"What are you humming old man?" Alec shot him a glare but didn't speak after him.

Hodge peered up at Jace, a look of regret and pain in his eyes. Jace gasped, taking a breath and the man answered, "Clarissa's song. My dear Clarissa. So strong. So sad."

Max's eyes lit up at the mention of the girl. "The future queen! You are speaking of the princess, Clarissa Morgenstern." Hodge jumped up and pointed a long, wrinkled index finger at him.

"Right! Correct!" Isabelle watched with fascination as her little brother spoke to Hodge, voice excited and pleased.

"What is she like Hodge?" The small boy asked eagerly, dark eyes curious for knowledge.

Jace studied Hodge and felt a wave of sympathy pass through him. "Smart, strong too. Can change the world."

The small boy's face brightened at the answer and turned to face his brother before replying, "I told you Jace!" The older brother simply rolled his eyes but it was good natured. He glanced at Alec.

"What shall we do with him?"

"Perhaps he can stay with us for a while." Isabelle nodded her head in agreement and Max seemed pleased at the idea. Jace stretched his now numb arms and announced to his siblings. "I shall take first watch. All of you sleep."

Alec was too exhausted to argue and pulled out his blanket before placing his head on the ground. He watched as Isabelle and Max did the same. Jace positioned his head against the trunk of the tree, dagger resting in his hands. He heard slight rustling and saw Hodge patting his pockets.

"Sleep old man. You will need it for tomorrow." Hodge glanced at him and seemed to acknowledge his presence.

"The lord will save us in the end. The lord shall help us all." He whispered, pulling out a ripped piece of paper from his grimy clothing. Jace cocked an eyebrow at the gesture.

Hodge launched it at Jace and he caught it easily before turning it over to study it. It was not just a paper. It was a photograph. His golden orbs widened. It was a small girl with bright red curls and luminous jade colored eyes. She wore a small light green gown and Jace guessed she was probably eight in the photo.

"The princess. Our savior." Jace couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised but his eyes darkened at the mention of their cruel government.

"She will never be our savior. You have got it all wrong. The princess is just like the others." He commented, voice laced with venom. The frail man just shook his head altogether and lied down in an attempt to sleep.

Jace sighed and tilted his head so his eyes could stare at the night sky. One day, our world will be back, and not at the hands of their government, he thought. But he didn't throw the small photograph, he simply placed it into the pocket of his already ripped shirt.

Authors Note: Sorry for the late update. I hope you guys can review and give me your feedback. Thanks for your patience! Enjoy!

Have fun, live life, read on, find love, and stand up for what you believe in!

~ThatOneGoodWriter