Chapter 2

"You're so beautiful, Clary" Maia squealed as she burst into the room. She was wearing a bedazzled light brown ball gown and her brown hair was in a braided bun. She looked like a princess.

I laughed, "I look like a strawberry." I held up a layer of pink fabric as proof.

Maia pursed her lips and shook her head. "Don't think so negative."

"Admit it Maia. This dress is hideous."

"Don't. Think. Negative." She emphasized with a smile.

I sighed, but did not continue the argument. "What is so exciting about these parties anyways?"

Maia sighed. "It's just a chance for someone to notice you. The chance to become important, or even a princess." Maia nudged my shoulder.

"Prince Jonathon isn't going to notice me."

Maia groaned. "Not this again. You, Clary Morgenstern, are fabulous."

I tried to believe her words, but when my entire line of work relied on my plainness, it was hard to think of myself as extraordinary.

"Not as beautiful as you are in that dress. Dang girl, you look perfect."

Maia smiled as she twirled. "You like? My mom got it on her trip east."

"I love it." I giggled. Maia had a childish air about her that made people's worries seem unimportant.

"Shall we?" She asked as she held out her arm.

"Of course, dear Maia." Together, Maia and I walked out of the house (mansion) and into my mother's limo.

"You two look gorgeous." My mom praised as we settled into the car.

"Thank you, Mrs. Morgenstern." Maia said as she smoothed her hair.

"Clary remember there are several available bachelors at this event. Your mother will direct you to them once we arrive." My father directed as he straightened his black tie.

"Yeah, I think I'll skip on that."

Maia winced, and both her parents glared.

"It's not up to you, you're eighteen. It's time to stop these fantasies, and figure out your future." Mrs. Morgenstern argued, her face turning red.

I laughed. "Stop with the 'defining my future' junk. It's kind of cliché."

She gasped. "Why do you have to rebel? What's so horrifying about the life we want for you?"

I stared out the window, pretending to ignore my mom, while wishing to be able to tell her the truth. Ease her worries.

"So," Maia distracted, "where did you find Clary's dress, Mrs. Morgenstern?"

"In a beautiful boutique. The one next to Ms. Carson's." My mom babbled on, but my mind wandered to a barn filled with practice dummies, paint covered targets, and mesmerizing weapons. My favorite of which were strapped to my waist, arms and calves.

The limo jostled its riders as it can to a stop outside the looming castle. It's towers and spires reaching the heavens.

"Daughter, when you find yourself lost, we have some people who are the right path." My father declared as he led his wife into the banquet hall.

"They're right, Clary." Maia whispered from my side, her voice strangely serious.

"I don't think the people my parents are thinking about are my 'right path'." I laughed as I hobbled toward the palace in my too high heels, leaving Maia behind.

A hand snaked around my arm and pulled me to a stop. "How would you know? You've never even given them a chance."

I stared at Simon in shock. "I thought you agreed with me?"

"Agreed with you!" Simon cried, "I envy your opportunities."

"I don't want them." I reasoned, "I don't want to be shown like some prized pig."

Simon sighed, his face relaxing slightly, "I get it, okay, but shouldn't you give them a chance. They're trying to help you."

"I already gave them a chance." I mumbled.

"When you were fifteen."

I sighed, my eyes glancing towards my watch, "I've got to go. See you Simon Lewis."

"Clary, wait." Simon cried, but I had already disappeared into the party's crowd.

I tried to keep the guilt at bay. Fighting with Simon always left me annoyed and distracted, and I had to focus.

Luke Garroway waited for me besides a display of cupcakes.

"You're late." He chastened as he led me towards the Princess's chambers.

"No comment." I seethed as Luke shook his head.