Chapter 2
"What do you mean you lost her?" Magnus shrieked pacing wildly back and forth across the floor. Alec took a step back and raised his ran his hands through his long hair. He had never seen his boyfriend so upset before. Magnus was always the calm and collected one out of the group. The house could be on fire, hell it was once, and still Magus never lost his cool collected demeanor. "Magnus calm down." Isabelle chimed in standing up from her place on the sofa. Magnus ignored her and continued pacing back and forth frantically. "Magnus," Alec said calmly placing his hand on his boyfriend's shoulder. "Why is this girl so important? Why are you so worked up?" Alec asked sweetly.
Magnus stopped his pacing and looked into the pleading blue eyes before him. After debating he finally took a deep breath and sighed. "I lied to you Alexander, to both of you. The girl, my friend, isn't a slave." Alec looked at his lover. Isabelle rose studying her friend and placing her hands on her hips. "Then pray tell us Magnus. Who did we smuggle out of the castle?" she asked. Magnus hesitated, "Someone important…really important" he replied. The siblings looked at him sternly not settling for the vague answer. Finally, Magnus gave up and huffed before closing his eyes in defeat. "The girl, Clary…well her name is Clarissa." Alec and Isabelle continued to look at him befuddled, clearly not understanding. Magnus sighed once more. "Princess Clarissa." He whispered. This time they understood and looked at him in shock.
"Magnus! Why didn't you tell us? Don't you think we should have been prepared if we got caught?" Isabelle hissed. "The princess! Are you out of your mind. Prince Jonathan would have our heads. You know how he feels about her." Isabelle yelled. "I didn't think you would have done it if you knew," Magnus answered. "Damn straight we would not have-"
"Alec! How could you say such a thing? You know the princess doesn't deserve to be married to that monster! I mean sure I am not happy about not being given all of the information but as for helping her? We did the right thing, Alec." Isabelle smiled sweetly placing a hand on her brother's shoulder. "Izzy is right. Princess Clarissa is a sweet kind girl who deserves to be happy. Her brother would have kept her locked away and after the scene I walked in on, I assure you it would mostly likely be chained to his bed." Alec looked away uncomfortably and remained silent. Isabelle looked at Magnus with pity, "Well it sounds like we must find her and quickly before the guards do." Izzy said softly. "Or worse, the prince," Alec added.
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By the angel did her head hurt. Clary's mind was swimming as she slowly opened her eyes; desperately trying to focus on the room around her. Her hood had been lowered and she lay flat on her back. She looked down and saw that she was on top of a makeshift bed, still dressed in her dancer outfit. Her arms wrapped around her self-consciously in discomfort at the amount of skin showing. "It seems the little mouse has woken up. Took long enough." A harsh voice scolded. Clary turned and laid eyes on the blonde woman before her. Judging by the looks of the room it seemed she was in some clinic of sorts. "Hey, I'm talking to you little girl. Don't you have any manners? It's rude not to reply to someone when they ask you a question." the young blonde hissed. Clary felt the desire to instruct her that it isn't polite to insult one by calling them names but she digressed.
Looking up at the blonde young woman Clary could see that she was beautiful. Well, she would have been quite beautiful if it had not been for her temper. She had a beautiful figure, long blonde hair, light eyes and slightly pointed ears. Even her lips were beautiful though they were now in a perfect scowl on her face. She was dressed in what could once have been formal nurses attire. Now the dress was faded and tailored to hug her body in a most inappropriate way. Clary opened her lips to answer but was cut off by a movement in the doorway.
"I see your awake angel." The blonde man spoke. "Sorry about knocking you out but I couldn't have you fighting me the entire way back to camp. I hope you understand?" Jace's smiled kindly though Clary didn't believe him for a moment. The blonde nurse before her, who had treated her so coldly turned and smiled at him. "Oh Jace, you know better than to bring strangers to base especially such a meek little rat like this. What could she possibly be good for?" The nurse asked. Jace laughed an uncomfortable chuckle. "Be nice Kaelie." Jace scolded playfully though Clary detected a very serious warning to his voice. It hadn't gone unnoticed by the girl in front of him. "Oh Jace, it has been ages since we have last seen each other. Why don't you come by tonight for a little fun?" she winked. Clary's stomach turned at such a fragrant display of affection.
Jace was obviously a player. Go figure, the only guy she had ever seemed to be attracted to was a world class player; curse her luck. She had bigger things to worry about than Jace and his womanizing ways, though. "Well far be it for me to get in the way of your affairs. If you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving now." The petite redhead spoke rising from the bed. Jace was by her in an instant. "I don't think so mouse. You're coming with me and I won't take no for an answer." He said extending his arm out to her. Clary ignored it, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, she thought. The blonde grunted in jealousy and left the room abruptly. "I thought you preferred your damsels willing or is that until you get rejected? After that you resort to abduction?" she smiled mockingly. Jace met her gaze and shrugged. "You are the first girl to not fall prey to my rugged handsomeness. It isn't every day a woman doesn't fall for my charms; I'm winging it Red." He teased.
Clary rolled her eyes and breezed past him. He didn't move to grab her again but walked beside her. She didn't know where she was going and was curious how long he would permit her to lead. When they reached the outside Clary stopped and gasped. Her jaw hung in the air as she took in the scene before her. Houses, tons of houses stood high in the canopy of trees. Bridges connected the pathways where people were moving from one area to another. Lamps on torches burned quietly with blue fire making the entire village beautiful. Clary had only seen blue fire a handful of times when Magnus visited. It was sorcerers fire that would light but not catch onto anything but the enchanted object. Magnus! It was almost sunset and he would be worried about her. She had to get out of here.
"Impressive isn't it?" Jace asked smiling down at her. Clary's stomach knotted as she looked into his golden eyes. "It would be beautiful to paint." She said almost automatically. Jace rose an eyebrow and Clary cursed herself for revealing such information. Only the wealthy had the time and money to waste on art. She took a step forward when she felt Jace's hand grip her arm. "Hold up sweetheart, I am afraid that we must attend to some formalities before we can go running off on a tour," Jace spoke.
"Of course and what formalities does my abductor request?" she asked letting the sarcasm fall from her lips. "Well, I will start with your name. You know mine it is only fair I know yours." He stated obviously content with his actions. Clary bit her lip nervously. What was this man going to do to her? Surely he would turn her back into the castle for whatever reward it would bring if he didn't kill her first. "It isn't a hard question. Why are you so nervous red? It's not like we are palace guards who are going to beat it out of you." He stated. Clary looked away hesitantly. "Clary, my friends call me Clary." She replied softly. Everyone including her family called her Clarissa but Magnus. He had given her a shorter and more affectionate nickname after she messed up the clary sage root in one of the potions he was teaching her to make.
"Clary? That's a nice name and pretty; just like you." He added. "Thank you," she replied hiding a light blush. He smiled his dazzling smile at her and her heart raced. "Why am I here Jace?" she asked bluntly. His smile faded as he looked away. "The guards were coming and there was no way you were going to listen to me so I acted on an impulse. I'm sorry but I didn't want that palace scum hurting us." He lied and began to walk towards the door. Clary followed obediently looking around. How strange it felt to walk behind someone after a life of everyone having to walk no less than five steps behind you. She smiled at the lack of formality and brought her attention back to the golden bandit before her.
"You don't like the palace at all do you?" she asked looking around as she walked beside him. Jace shrugged. "Who does? The guards are cruel just like their king though the prince is much worse. They all should be killed in the public square for the pain and misery they have brought to the people." Jace spat. A shiver ran down her back. She couldn't really disagree with him but the king was still her father and Jonathan…well he deserved whatever came to him. "And what of the princess, the palace staff and court? Do you despise them also?" she asked.
Jace thought for a moment. "I don't think the servants and staff should be punished at all. The court is corrupt and I personally know a few officials that admit to having no say in anything. They actually ration off their own food to help the people and detest the royal family as much as we do." He explained. Clary breathed a sigh of relief. The court was an illusion of power that her father fed the people. They were someone to blame when things got rough but in truth, they had no power or say over anything. "As for the princess well she is King Valentine's daughter. Many say that she is kind but at the end of the day, she is royal. I say kill her with the rest of the damn monarchy." He shrugged. Clary froze in her tracks, fear laced her veins.
Jace turned to look at her startled. "Clary." He called out softly. "Clary, don't worry you're safe now. No more stupid royals or parties. You're safe here." He said softly bringing his hands against her face. Her breath stuck in her throat as she gazed into his beautiful golden eyes. He stared back at her quietly. "Are you going to bring her to the leader or are you going to try making out with our guest Herondale?" a voice called out from behind him.
"Not with you interrupting perfectly good moments like that Bat." Jace teased. Bat frowned shaking his head. "That girl looks pretty smart Jace. I doubt she is going to fall to your charms so easily." He mocked. Jace stood up placing his hands over his heart. "Oh, Bat how you wound me so. For your information, I was showing Clary to our leader. Can you blame me for trying to make her swoon?" he asked playfully. Clary looked on in wonder as Bat examined her closely. "It doesn't seem like your charms are not working with this one. It's nice to finally see you met your match." He said extending his hand to shake hers. Clary who had grown up being bowed to and kissed on shook the man's hand with pleasure. "My name is Bat; it is nice to meet you, Clary. Don't let Jace's actions put a sour taste in your mouth. Not all of members of the rising are bandits and kidnappers." Clary smiled.
"Thank you, Bat." She said gazing back at Jace who looked at the dark skinned man affectionately. "Well Bat, we must be going," Jace said stepping forward and taking Clary's arm into his own before leading her away. Clary couldn't help but wonder what that exchange was all about. Still she had more pressing things to worry about like meeting this leader he was taking her to. Clary watched the sun finally set over the trees deep in thought. It was almost officially one day since she was gone and her absence would be noticed by now. Jace cast her a weary gaze as she sighed. She hoped everything was going to be okay, that she would find Isabelle and Alec and run safely away with Magnus.
Jace turned the corner and lead her into a giant building. The house was full of people all taking their nightly dinner. The food wasn't the fancy palace food she was accustomed to but it didn't look bad either. Clary's outfit was drawing attention and she moved to clasp her cloak shut when Jace pulled her to sit down at a large table. She looked up and saw a large group of men eyeing her appreciatively. She felt Jace's arms snake around her body possessively and the men suddenly dropped their gaze and continued eating.
"I see your friend has awoken." A firm voice spoke addressing them. Clary looked forward and caught a tall man with a blanket expression taking an in front of her. Jace grinned. "Yes. Clary this is Luke our leader, Luke this is Clary a palace dancer that we came across on the main road early this morning." Jace explained. Of course, he wouldn't mention that he and his gang were trying to rob them! She was about to correct Jace when she caught Luke's eyes. He looked pale white as if he had seen a ghost. Even Jace picked up on their leader's sudden discomposure.
"Luke? What's wrong? Why are you staring at her like that?" the blonde asked. Luke's jaw shut as he composed himself. "My apologies Clary, you just look so much like someone I use to know." Clary shrugged as a girl placed a plate of food in front of her and the others. "My father always told me I look just like my mom." She said nervously taking a bite of her food. It actually didn't taste bad at all and it seemed to be calming down her stomach. Jace removed his arm and began eating. Luke continued to look at the petite redhead intently. "You said you were from the palace princess?" Luke asked studying her.
The result was instantons. At the title of princess, Clary froze and looked at him nervously. Luke met her gaze and smiled. Jace took in the situation before him and shrugged. "She doesn't like to be called princess. I found that out the hard way already." Jace jested to Luke. The leader's gaze was still leveled with the girl in front of him. "Yes, my apologies Clary. Please know that no matter what happens you will be safe here. I won't let Valentine or the prince hurt you again." Luke said seriously with compassion shining through. Clary's heart threatened to beat out of her chest with fear. Luke knew who she really was and he was promising her protection. Could she accept it? Would she accept it? There were still things about his confession that through her off. He also said her father's name without his title? Still rather she trusted him or not she had little choice in the matter. Jace was clearly not letting her out of his sight. She would have to buy her time before she could escape.
After dinner, Luke bid her goodnight leaving her with a sorrow expression. When she asked Jace he couldn't seem to place why their leader was acting so strange. Still he was glad that Luke had welcomed her and promised her safety. "Luke must really like you to promise that. Our leader used to work in the palace and usually shows those escaping from the palace with great sympathy but he has never shown so much interest. What is it you said you do?" he asked. Clary prepared herself to give the same story that Alec had drilled into her the night she left.
"I am a dancer in the castle. It was my job to assure guests have fun during the Kings parties." She replied dryly. Jace hummed. "Okay so then why were you leaving in the middle of the night. Dancers are not required to live in the castle. Surely the Lightwoods would have told you that." Jace replied. Clary fidgeted nervously. "How did you know?" she started. Jace grunted. "Everyone knows the Lightwoods Clary and since you don't know that then you must live in the castle."
"Jace please just drop it." She sighed. Jace stopped and turned to face her. She looked away and cast her eyes down to the floor. Jace took a step towards her placing his fingers under her chin and lifting her face to look at him. "I'm not stupid Clary. I know there is more to you than you are letting on but I apologize for hassling you. I want to get to know you better and I hope that you'll trust me enough to tell me someday." He spoke softly. Clary's heart raced as a small smile formed on her lips. "Well maybe if you tell me more about yourself we could be friends?" Jace's lips rose in a small grin.
"Friends? No, not friends." He whispered. Clary's breath caught in her throat as he leaned down and brought his lips softly against hers. She had only been kissed once by her demented brother. This kiss was completely different. Jace's lips were soft, respectful and warm. She found herself leaning into him. After what felt like seconds, he broke off the kiss and smiled. "You should get some rest. The leader wants to see you tomorrow and then I'll be training you. Get some sleep Clary." He whispered reluctantly. Clearly he rather stay here with her than run his patrol duties. She nodded.
"This is my cottage; the guest quarters are full. Luke has requested that you be placed somewhere safe for extra protection." Clary looked at him blushing, the thought of staying in the same house as another man made her giddy. "Take the bed Red. There is a cot in there that I'll use after patrols. There is a pair of clothes on my bed for you to change into. Now, get some sleep." He said sweetly. Clary nodded nervously and made her way to the cottage. "Goodnight Jace." She turned before closing the door. Jace smiled, "Goodnight beautiful." He called. Clary smiled and closed the door quietly. She didn't think her heart would settle down for sleep tonight.
She looked at the fresh pair of clothes laying on the bed. There was a nightgown and a beautiful green dress with a note.
Your mother always looked stunning in green,
I imagine the same would apply to her daughter.
We will speak in confidence tomorrow.
Your protector,
Luke
Clary looked at the dress keeping the tears at bay. It had been so long since she had thought or had been compared to her mother. Most of the old servants who attended while the queen was alive were dead now. Except for the brief happy moments, her father never mentioned her mother. It seemed too painful a subject for him and she rarely wished to tarnish his good mood. She would have to ask Luke how he knew her mother. Maybe he could give her insight into the person she missed more than anyone in the world. Clary put on the green dress, ignoring the nightgown. The dress hugged her waist but was still easy to move in. The sleeves reached her elbows but hung open revealing her arms. She loved it instantly. After placing the clothes in a basket on the floor she got into Jace's bed and closed her eyes. After the events of the day she soon fell fast asleep.
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"How badly does it hurt?" Jonathan asked looking down at the naked women beneath him. The young blonde met his gaze fearfully. "It is fine your highness." She stuttered. Jonathan's lips smirked with annoyance. "Do not lie to me your idiotic weakling. I couldn't give a damn about your comfort. I requested you because you were a virgin like my bride to be, now tell me how much it hurts before I show you how rough I can be." Jonathan snapped. The poor girl beneath him trembled. The prince had a reputation for being cruel and she obviously didn't wish to see that side of him.
"It hurt a bit at first but not so much anymore. It helped that you stopped for a moment, now It feels different more than anything my prince." The blonde replied meekly. At this, the prince smiled. "Good. Now let's see if we can turn indifference into pleasure?" He said softly. At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Prince Jonathan began thrusting slowly into the blonde women trying to imagine his sister beneath him instead of this filth, ignoring the door. The poor girl didn't dare make a sound. "I'm busy." He shouted towards the door after the second knock. The staff knew better than to bother him during his play time.
"Forgive me my prince for interrupting but it is urgent!" the man called out from behind the door. "What is it?" Jonathan spat. "It is your sister dear prince. It seems she has run away. No one can find her and your father is up in arms." The servant said. Jonathan's movements stopped as his eyes grew dark and wide with anger. "Tell my guard to prepare themselves. We leave in 20 minutes!" he shouted. The young blonde maid looked up at him horrified. After a moment, his gaze drew back to her and the twisted smirk made her skin crawl. "No need being gentle now." He hissed slamming into her. The poor girl yelped as his hands wrapped around her neck choking her as he rammed into her body. Tears fell down the innocent girl's cheeks as she struggled to stay conscious. This was the prince that the maids spoke of, the ones the ladies of the night feared. In a way, she envied the princess. If the girl had sense she would be long gone by now and free. She hoped Prince Jonathan didn't find her, there are many things much worse than death.