Chapter 2: The Less-Than-Formal Introductions

"A king?" I repeated. "What do you mean they want a king?!"

At this point I was hyperventilating. I could feel my brothers hand patting my back, trying his best to calm me down as my eyes darted around the room in panic.

"Clarissa listen to me—Clary! Let me finish, dear."

I looked up at Father expectedly and gulped. "Please continue."

He sighed. "Yes they have accepted you. They want you to rule. But they also want someone at your side, a male. A king. With two powerful figures, we'll be unstoppable. You didn't really think that you'd never get married, did you?" He questioned.

"No. No, I never thought that." I answered shaking my head. "I just thought I'd get more time. To fall in love."

Mom looked at me, her eyes softening. Dad looked slightly pained. Jonathan, well, he still looked confused.

"Queens don't have that luxury." It was Mother who spoke that time.

"But you did!" I exclaimed. "You and Dad fell in love. It was practically a fairytale! I've heard the stories. Or were they lies?"

At first I was frightened to hear the answer. No kid wants his or her parents to be married out of duty. But the way they looked at each other, full of love and adoration, silenced my thoughts completely.

"Your mother and I are another story. Anyways, it was different time filled with other factors far too complicated for me to explain right now."

"So what then?" I breathed. "They want a king? I'm obviously, not one." I gestured to my breast.

Jon coughed on his drink. Mother rolled her eyes and Dad looked extremely uncomfortable.

"We know, dear. Your father and I just think it's time for you to start…um…well, seeing someone?" Her voice sounded questioning although it was supposed to be a statement.

"You mean, like date?" I sputtered.

Both Father and Jon looked as if they wanted to be anywhere but here.

"There's still lots of time for an engagement. We don't want you to rush into things now. But it would benefit you both to learn how to rule beside one another. It's vital for your future to expirence the feeling of a married life."

"You say that like you've already picked someone!" I accused. Mother and Father shared another look.

"We have." They said in unison.

My fork clattered against my plate. "WHO?"

They both flinched at my reaction.

"Prince Jace Herondale, eldest child of Stephen and Celine Herondale."

I sat on a low stool covered in red satin while Abigail was getting rid of the dreaded knots and tangles from my hair.

"At least you know him." She suggested. "Wouldn't it be far worse if it were some stranger?"

"They very fact that I know him makes everything worse! He's practically a man-whore, Abigail! He's conceited and arrogant and knows exactly how to push my buttons." She laughed at my choice of words.

"He can't be that bad, Highness." She chuckled, pulling my hair soothingly between her fingers.

"But he is! Oh, he is far worse. He's screwed every maiden in his court and hundreds of other women as well! One day we'll have to concede a child and I can't help but think he'll infect me from getting around so much. Honestly Abigail, Stephen and Celine are very lucky he hasn't impregnated someone yet. Well, that we know of."

Jace and I had been playmates since I'd escaped my mothers' womb. Celine and Stephen were practically my second parents and Jace was Jon's best friend. They weren't related but they might as well be, seeing that Celine and Stephen were also not only my parents best friends, but also closest ally. They ruled Alicante, the second most powerful place in the Shadow World.

Their family always visited. I really wouldn't have minded if Jace wasn't such an egoistic arse that always came along. He was so annoying at times it took everything not to chuck a spear at him while we trained.

"You'll be fine." She assured me as she set the brush on top of the vanity.

"Whatever." I muttered after Abigail had left the room.

I pulled my now smooth red locks back as I climbed into bed, tucking myself into the white duvet. Dad warned me that Jace and his family would arrive tomorrow. Was I prepared to see that asshat of a Prince? No! But as I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep, part of me realized that I had to be prepared for everything.

"Highness! Today's the day!" Abigail's voice rung threw my room like a bell. I groaned as she tapped my shoulder relentlessly.

"No." I moaned into the pillow.

"You must get up! Prince Jace shall be here any moment now."

"He can wait. Sleep can't." The covers were instantly ripped away from me, leaving my pale freckled skin exposed to the cold air. "It's freezing, you madwomen!"

Abigail rolled her eyes. "Go shower and brush your teeth while I prepare the dress." She shooed me into the bathroom and sulked as I got up.

I took a quick shower but took my time brushing my teeth as I enjoyed the touch of silk from the robe brushing my skin. After spitting out the tooth paste and splashing my face with water, I walked out to see what Abigail had laid out.

"Can't I just wear trousers? Its just Jace! He's seen me covered in muck, today shouldn't matter." I complained.

Abigail sat me down in front of the vanity and began blow-drying my hair. "By the Angel! Is it even possible to have this many knots?"

She fussed over my hair, brushing it and blowing it at the same time. "And no, you cannot wear trousers. The last time you've seen the Prince, you two were merely friends."

"I'd use the term 'friend' very loosely." I added.

I could see her rolling her eyes through the mirror. Still styling my hair and not looking up she replied: "Now he's practically your fiancée."

I stiffened as the words hit me. "No no no. NO." I burst out. "We're just…experimenting."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Not like that!"

The rest of the time Abigail spent brushing my face with make-up and curling my hair. We chatted about her two children, Sasha and Kate and how she found out that they snuck out of school to have a picnic. Kate ended up falling into a lake and coming home soaking wet. I had a laughing fit while Abigail ranted on about how irresponsible they were being. She finished with a stroke of a brush on my cheek and stepped back.

"Go put on your dress."

I smiled as I got up and dismissed her.

Looking into the mirror I was somehow infuriated by my appearance. My once frizzy red locks turned into soft curls that reached past my shoulders. My face looked natural yet the powder hid all of my imperfections without covering up any freckles. Abigail somehow also managed to find a dress that complimented my slim, tiny figure. It was a soft green color that made my eyes pop more than usual. It was quite short and surprisingly comfortable. It looked like it built for my body and it's movements. The straps formed a lacey halter around my neck and two thin straps drew an 'X' cross my back revealing creamy skin.

I was upset. I was upset because I thought I looked good. I didn't want Jace to see my like this. Like an actual girl. If we were going to rule beside one another I needed his respect and flouncing around like a 'delicate flower' was not going to help with that.

I strapped my heels on with a huff. I hated heels but they secretly comforted me. Being 5 foot nothing, anything that gives you a boost should be cherished.

My palms were sweaty. My knees were wobbly. I was nervous. Standing outside in front of the palace gates, the wind brushing my legs, I felt exposed. I was going to see Jace and this time, things would be different. But I was going to do my best to keep everything professional beside the circumstances. Everyone was excited. Jon wanted to see Jace for obvious reasons and my parents were buzzing to see Celine and Stephen. I on the other hand, would rather be anywhere else.

It felt like years until the carriage arrived. It stopped a few feet in front of us and I could hear Mother squeal with excitement. People exited the carriage one by one. Stephen stepped out first with his arms linked to Celine. He smiled broadly at our sight and took long strides to greet us, followed by his wife who unlinked her arms to bundle up her skirt as she followed her husband's footsteps.

The next person to step out was the most stunning girl I had ever seen. She had long legs that seemed to tower over me, and ink-black hair that reached a little past her waist. She wore a strapless black dress that flowed to her knees. She was slim and wore a friendly smile that most would find intimidating if not a royal. Something about her could captivate a room in an instant. I felt slightly jealous but brushed away the feeling quickly.

A boy with jet-blacked hair and an angled jaw followed next. He shared similar qualities to the girl—despite his expression, which seemed cold and unwelcoming since his mouth was set into a firm line that didn't budge—I assumed they were siblings. He wore regular clothes, also black. They resembled training gear but in a more modern way. They stood in a line, facing us next to Celine and Stephen.

The last person to arrive was none other than Jace himself. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to my breath hitching at the sight of him. He wasn't exactly the way I had remembered. He seemed even more beautiful if that was even possible. Jace had fine, slightly curled, golden hair that curved at his neck. He was slim but muscular at the same time, almost elegant in a way. But the thing that captivated me most was his eyes. Even from afar his golden eyes stunned me. It seemed like the angels themselves, practically smothered in gold, crafted him. He was tall, much taller than I was.

He caught my eye and smirked. In that moment, any fondness dropped like a pin and I was holding back a glare. He walked towards us slowly like the little entitled bastard he was. His chin was held high and that smirk—it seemed like it was permanently plastered on his face and he knew people were watching him.

They were all lined up in front of us and for just a moment everything froze and no one knew what to do. But then Dad broke into a grin and I knew any sign of formalities were gone.

"Stephen!" Father exclaimed as he clasped his friends back. "It's so good to see you!" They did a 'man hug' and chatted like no one was there. Mother and Celine were already hugging, looking as if they were about to cry. The parents caught up before they finally membered that they weren't the only people present.

"Oh!" Stephen broke in. "Where are my manners?" He looked at Jon and I with an infectious smile. He opened his arms wide and I didn't hesitate to hug him back. I missed his hugs. He then patted Jon on the back and they shared their greetings. But my eyes were locked on Jace as I noticed him staring. He quickly looked away and something in his eyes vanished.

"Clarissa—Clary," He corrected as his lips twitched. "Jon, meet Sir Alec and Lady Isabelle Lightwood. Daughter and Son of Robert and Maryse Lightwood. They are heirs to the ruling family of the most powerful territory in Alicante." He gestured to the dark haired boy and girl.

I turned my attention to them. Isabelle looked as if she were waiting for me to say something and Alec looked as if he couldn't care less.

I curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Isabelle gave me a sweet smile and bowed. "The pleasure is ours, your Highness."

Alec gave me a stiff bow.

Before I could say anything, Isabelle cut in. "Enough with these polite greetings! You can call me Izzy."

Her bubbly attitude made my smile more genuine. "And you can call me Clary, everyone does."

Her eyes brightened from the sudden change of my attitude.

"I think I might like you. It's a shame you'll have to be married to him." She gestured to Jace. I laughed and she did too. Celine scolded her but there was such a light heartedness to her tone that I knew she didn't take it seriously.

"Oh please, Iz. You wish you were engaged to me." Jace purred.

"You're disgusting." She chuckled.

In that moment, I decided that she might be a good choice to befriend. Once I get to know her past and her motives of course.

We all then chatted, trying to catch up on each other's lives. Izzy commenting things that might've sounded offensive if it weren't coming from her, Alec nodding here and there, Jon and Jace bantering and me just occasionally laughing. It all seemed very natural and it made me realized how much I missed Stephen's warm aura and Celine's sweet laugh. I also found myself talking to Izzy, both of us sharing each other's distaste for Jace.

My mom clapped her hands to get our attention. "Our chefs have prepared lunch. Come." She grabbed Celine's hand and they headed to the dining room followed by everyone else. Except Jace and I.

"The last time I saw you Red," He teased earning a hard glare from me. "You were covered in horse manure."

I stepped closer to him. A challenge. I could smell his scent, forest trees and honey. "That's because you," I poked him right in the chest. "Jace Herondale, pushed me into it." He smiled, a mischievous smile.

He then stepped beside me and moved his head close to my ear to the point wear I could feel his soft breath sending shivers down my spine.

"I think I'm going to have fun here." He whispered so quietly that even I could barely hear. I stepped back furiously and found him walking away. Although his back was to me, I swear he was smirking.

Wow, longer chapter. I hope you liked it, I definitely enjoyed writing it. Please, please, PLEASE, review! It is much appreciated. Feel free to leave suggestions and things you like, things you want to see in the next few chapters.

Sorry if it was a little uneventful, I did have to introduce the characters. It is hard staying true to their personalities but I am doing my best.

Even though I'm updating the day after I uploaded my first chapter, don't count on a new chapter everyday. I will do everything in my power to update as frequently as possible and that'll be easier since it's summer!

xo,

H