Clary and Jace were inseparable for the next three days. They toured the market place, where Jace purchased her a beautifully woven bracelet that one of the locals had made.

She blushed lightly as he tied it to her left wrist, and deeper when he kissed the pulse point that it rested on. But it was rather uncomfortable considering they were being watched constantly by her father's Guard.

They swam in the palace pools, strolled through the menagerie, and generally got to know one another.

As Clary's birthday drew nearer, she found herself thinking that if she had to tie herself to someone, she wanted it to be Jace.

As she sat down to dinner with her mother and father that night, she felt lighter than she had in weeks, and happily prattled to her mother about all of the wonderful things that Jace had said, or that he had done.

"Well, Clarissa, I must say that you seem rather taken with this young man. Could it be that you've finally chosen a suitor?" her father asked around a fork-full of delicious steak.

Clary grinned at her mother and father. "Well now, daddy, don't get too excited but yes, I think that he could be the one."

Her father dropped his fork and stared that the girl across the table from him. He had thoroughly hoped that this would be the case, but having her confirm it filled him with great joy.

"Oh, Clarissa, that is wonderful news!" Her mother smiled, grabbing Clary's hand within her own and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I will organize the meeting with your grandparents then, you will still need the king and queen's approval. I suggest you go prepare your young man," Clary's father suggested.

Clary grinned broadly and excused herself from the table, taking off through the palace at a less than demure pace, to find her prince.

She came upon him, lazing on a blow up sun lounge in the swimming pool, and had to take a moment to gather herself. He was only wearing a pair of black shorts. When they had swum together, he'd worn a black tank top too. Clary marveled at the defining lines and ridges of his chest and stomach, and at the small trail of hair that peeked out from his shorts and traveled to his navel. She had never felt so much desire as she did right then looking at that small spattering of hair.

The clearing of a throat behind her drew Clary's attention. "Can I help you?"

It was the man that had traveled with Jace. Clary had spent little time around him; she couldn't even remember his name.

"Ah…well…yes...I mean no. I came to see Prince Jace, but I see he is occupied. I will come back later," she stammered, blushing like an over eager teenager.

Jace took that moment to flop off his sun lounge, and emerge from the pool. He had not realized that Clary was there until he heard her disjointed stuttering to his brother. He pulled a large fluffy towel from one of the lawn chairs, and flashed a grin.

"I'm never too busy for you; sorry I didn't see you before." He grinned, raising her hand to his mouth, and planting a small kiss there.

Clary shuddered with delight, lowering her eyes so he would not see the telltale sparkle within them.

As she looked down, a small marking on Jace's right hip drew her attention.

Subconsciously she reached her hand forward, brushing her fingers lightly along the top of it, and then lowering the band on his shorts just enough to expose the mark.

For his part, Jace was too shocked to do anything more than look at his brother with wide, terrified eyes. Clary was not stupid, she would know what that mark meant, and he did not know how the hell he would explain it.

Finally getting a grasp of himself, Jace jumped away from her in one swift movement.

Now she understood why he had been swimming with shirts on all this time. Her eyes blazed as she looked up and into his face. "Jonathan?"

"Shit," he breathed simply.

"Princess, please, let us explain," Alec jumped in.

She didn't respond to him, she just stared at the man she thought she was falling in love with. A man that had been banished from her kingdom; a man that her grandfather would never ever approve of.

"You lied to me," it was all she could choke out, before she spun on her heel and fled from them to the safety of her room.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but the sun was only a memory on the horizon; distant hues of orange and pink all that could be seen. There was a gentle knocking on her windows, which she was doing her best to ignore.

Instead of getting up and answering the knock, she turned over in her bed, and faced the other wall. In her quest to concentrate on something other than the knocking, she fidgeted with the bracelet that Jace had bought her days earlier.

How could she have been so blind? She had somehow managed to fall in love with the one person that there was no chance she could be with. There was no way her grandfather would allow her to marry into a family that had attempted to overthrow his throne.

The latch on the door squeaked and Clary spun around just in time to see Jace step through her doors, with a crooked piece of wire in his hand.

"Desperate times," he offered in way of an explanation, before coming to sit at the foot of her bed.

He was clothed now; beautifully fitted black trousers and a cleanly pressed white shirt making him look even more handsome.

"You should have told me," she admonished him straight away.

Jace nodded his head. "What would you have had me say, Clary? 'Hi, Princess, remember me? We used to make mud pies together when we were kids and—oh yeah—my father tried to kill your grandfather'. That would have gone down quite well I imagine."

She groaned and pulled a hand through her hair. "You should have said something. What are we going to do, Jonathan? My grandparents will never approve, not in a million years!"

Though Jace knew she was right, he couldn't help the little thrill that went through him. Whether she had said it plainly or not, Clary had just informed him that she had already decided to accept his suit.

"Nobody needs to know," was all he offered.

She shook her head. "No, I can't believe that no one has picked this up already—I can't believe I missed it. You look like him. Alexander looks like him! And you are not a prince! How the heck are we going to explain that one?"

"You are wrong. My father had his title taken from him, not us. Technically, I am still a prince, as is Alec. Look, Clary, this doesn't have to be a big deal."

And then she lost it. "Not a big deal? Jonathan, your dad tried to kill my grandfather. What part of that is not a big deal? Did he put you up to this?"

"No! He doesn't even know that we are here! Clary, look, I had to come, you were my best friend, and I loved you—I love you! How could I not come?"

She thawed a little at his words, sighing deeply. "My father has scheduled an audience with the king for us tomorrow. I was going to ask for his blessing."

He smiled so brightly then that he couldn't help but scoop her up in his arms and twirl her around the room. Clary giggled and lightly swatted at his chest, begging to be unhanded. Instead, he threw her down on to the bed and swiftly pounced after her. He locked his lips with her own, conveying all the happiness that he felt at her words.

Tongues clashed, hands roamed and soon Clary's head was swimming. She pushed lightly on his shoulders, needing him to back away. For as much as she wanted to continue kissing him, Clary couldn't get the nagging thought out from her head.

"Jonathan, what if they recognize you?" She couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him.

He groaned lightly. "Well, it really would help if you'd stop calling me that. The only one who ever uses that name is my mother—and generally only when I'm in trouble. My name is Jace, and we will cross that bridge when it comes. In truth, it would probably be better if they do recognize me; at least it would be out in the open then."

Clary didn't think that he really meant that. She kissed his lips lightly once more before rising from her bed and indicated the door to him.

"It's getting late, and if we are to see my grandparents tomorrow we should both get some sleep."

"You know, I could just sleep here with you?" Jace suggested with a devilish glint in his eye.

For her part Clary stayed strong, and though she desperately wanted him to stay, she resolutely pointed out to the hall way muttering a simple, "Out." Her small frame wracked with laughter as she watched him saunter back towards the guest wing.

As Clary's doors closed with a soft click, a different young man stepped out from a deep black shadow. He had heard every word that the young couple had uttered, and already was planning how best to use the information to his advantage.

Perhaps this, was the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

~0~

A small smile graced the queen's face as she watched her granddaughter sweep into the small chamber that was used for private family matters. "Clarissa, my child, how good to see you. Welcome to you, young man, tell me, are you the one responsible for that lovely glow on my granddaughters face?"

Jace stepped forward slightly, sweeping in to a graceful bow as he responded to the woman who could effectively decide his fate. "I certainly hope so, your majesty."

"Mother, father," Jocelyn greeted the aging pair. "Shall we get these formalities over with so that we can continue on with our days? I see no need to prolong things here."

Here queen lifted her lips in to a small smirk. "As usual, Jocelyn, you are correct. Let us proceed. Clarissa, you have decided upon a suitor?"

"I have," Clary answered quietly, hoping that her nerves were not evident in her voice.

"What is your name, young man?" Clary's Grandfather spoke for the first time. His voice was gruff; a definite no-nonsense feel radiated from him.

"Jace, your majesty," he responded with a clear steady voice.

"Jace? A very unusual name, isn't it? Tell me where are you from, Jace?"

Jace cleared his throat. There was no way to respond without either landing himself in a whole heap of shit, or lying. Either way, it wouldn't be good. "My family resides in the north of France, Sir," he told him as honestly as he could.

The king's eyes narrowed. "France, you say? Who is your father, boy?"

Clary had always respected and loved both of her grandparents. They were always so warm toward everyone—it was one of the many things that made them good rulers—so her grandfather's attitude perplexed her. She'd never seen him be rude to anyone, ever.

"Granddad, is the twenty questions really necessary?" She batted her eyelids, doing her best to look the part of the doting granddaughter.

The king hardly acknowledged her words, he was about to speak when one of the servants stepped forward. The young man was fairly new around the palace, he was the youngest warlock that they had ever employed but his talent had seen him rise amongst the ranks quickly. He was now the king's personal warlock and that meant that he had rather a lot of influence with the king. Clary began to sweat.

"Your majesty, there is a matter that I believe should be brought to your attention." Sebastian bowed low in supplication before his king.

"Stand, and speak," he directed.

Sebastian stood tall. "Sire, the question of this boy's parentage is in fact a pivotal one. The boy is not who he pretends to be. I believe that he seeks to wed the Princess to further his father's interests in Idris."

"Sebastian, speak plainly. What is your grievance with this young man?"

"Yes, Sire. The princess introduced this young man as simply Jace, but perhaps if I were to introduce him by a different name, I think you will understand my grievance. You may remember this boy as Jonathan Morgenstern; he is the child of Valentine Morgenstern."

Several loud gasps could be heard throughout the room, and the scraping of a chair as the king immediately rose to his feet.

"Is this true, boy?" he thundered.

Clary wrapped her hand within Jace's as he stared the king straight in the eyes.

"Yes, it's true."

"You are not welcome in this city, young man. I should have you thrown in the cells for your deception. You have one hour, get out, and do not return."

"Grandfather, no!" Clary rushed forward, grabbing at the old king's elbow, water filling her eyes. "How can you punish him for the sins of another? Jace had no hand in his father's crime."

"I am a lenient man, Clarissa, but I cannot allow this. Lucian, Jocelyn, I am certain that I do not have to remind you of what will happen if a suitable match cannot be made by her birthday."

Clary's eyes widened at his words. "You'd force me to marry some commonplace servant? You must be kidding. They're all so… old." Her nose wrinkled with the disgust that she felt.

"If age is the question Clarissa, I am certain that Sebastian here will make a suitable compromise."

No one moved, no one spoke a word, they all just stood and stared as their sovereign made his decree and left.

Tears rolled down the Princess' face, she was completely gutted.

"Can't either of you do anything?" she demanded of her parents.

"I'm sorry, Clary; it is out of our hands," her mother spoke quietly.

Jace raised his hand to the princess' face, tracing the line of her cheekbones, her delicate eyelids, and finally her lips.

"I'm sorry, Clary."