Hey guys! So I got a great response to my first chapter! I mean, over 15 reviews! I think I'll keep this running for a while, see how you guys like it! Are you all prepared for Jace? He may be a little OOC, but the sexiness will make up for it ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) so are you guys ready?
LEGGO.
I stood still as Alice slowly pulled the pale yellow gown over me, a weight in the pit of my heart. I heard the rustle of the maids hurriedly packing my things in the next room as Alice fixes my corset up. I can't find it in myself to wince and complain about it. She finishes quickly and I slowly drag myself to the bathroom where Alice puts the finishing touches on my makeup and hair. She turns me to face the mirror and I face my reflection emotionlessly.
The gown flows over me, hugging my slight curves. My hair was set in its natural curls, coming to my waist. My face looked natural and sweet, contrasting with my emotionless expression. I looked pretty, sure, but young. Like a little girl, I think bitterly. A little girl who shouldn't be getting married.
I focus on Alice's reflection, and I notice the sad look in her blue eyes. I turn and take her gently by her shoulders. "Alice, don't be upset, I'll convince father to let me take you with me." I say fiercely, but she just smiles sadly.
"Clarissa, I can't go with you everywhere. It's time for you to move on sweetie, I can't be with you everywhere you go for the rest of your life. You'll be okay, I know you will." I smile softly and hug her, crushing her small frame to mine. For a moment, I don't even register that she called me by my name.
I walk down slowly, my shoes clacking softly against the marble staircase. Jonathan and Valentine are waiting at the bottom, looking up at me. Valentine looks immensely satisfied, and Jonathans just indifferent, like always. I reach the end and straighten myself up, trying to look unafraid. But inside, I feel my heart pounding, screaming to get out. But you can't escape fate.
I turn towards Jonathan, and I'm surprised at the hug he draws me into. It's unnecessarily tight, and for a moment I actually feel like I'll miss him. "I'm sorry." He whispers lowly, and I close my eyes briefly, my heart clenching. If only he felt like that when father was setting up the engagement.
I let go of him, and turn to Valentine. I don't hug him, I feel no need to. I simply nod, and he does the same. "Behave, Clarissa." Is all he says. I clench my teeth and turn, where the housemaids are all lined up. They smile faintly at me, and I smile back. They were my only companions in this god- forsaken castle, and now I got to leave them also.
Picking up my skirts, I walk out the door with my head held high. Towards my new life, and away from the old. If only I knew which one would turn out to be worse.
o.O.o
The carriage ride is long and dull. I stare blankly out at the rich green countryside, blurred slightly by the speed of the horses. This is the farthest I've ever been outside of the Morgenstern Castle, but I can't bring myself to whoop in delight like I would've done not so long ago.
I lean I forward and push aside the small curtain that separates the horse master and I. "How much more time until we arrive in the Herondale land?" I ask. He turns his head slightly towards me, hands still firmly grasping the reigns.
"We are in the middle of the Verlac kingdom your Highness, so we shall enter the Herondale land soon and arrive at his castle in 2 hours." I leaned back and sink against the plush velvet seat, slightly in shock at the words 'Your Highness'. That's what I was now. I was a queen. And I was escaping Valentine. Sounds like all of my dreams come true. Well, except for the part where I got married to what sounded like one of the scariest kings of Idris.
I stay silent for the rest of the ride, dreading about everything coming to me.
o.O.o
The Herondale castle is huge. I sit in the carriage and simply stare. Pebble makes up the exterior, slivers of Admas, the material of steles, woven in between, giving the walls a slight glow. Tall towers spiraled up, and I idly thought of the old Rapunzel tale. Too bad my hair wasn't that long. Large fields surround the castle, surprisingly mellow looking. Well, at least he takes care of his lawn. The castle was much more grand then the Morgenstern one, but it didn't have an effect on me. Different look, same prison. I notice that there are several people lined up outside the entrance, looking expectantly at the carriage, waiting for me.
I suck in a breath through my lungs, closing my emerald eyes momentarily. This is it. The moment Valentine has been waiting for and the moment I've been dreading ever since I turned 17.
I imagine my mom, sitting by my side. I'm not 17, but just a young girl, my still orange tied into two braids with ribbons that Jocelyn had so lovingly tied for me. I'm not sitting in the cold carriage, but on a grassy field just outside the Morgenstern castle. Seas of emerald are laid out before me, seemingly endless. With our back to the stone prison, Jocelyn and I could pretend we were the only people in the world.
I gaze up into Jocelyn's face, my small, chubby hand engulfed in hers, long fingers entwined with mine. My bright eyes, the color of the grass surrounding us, are fixed on her own.
"Mommy, what's out there? Outside the castle?" I ask curiously. She smiles softly down at me.
"Strange things Clary. Some things are good, but some things are also bad. The world is a scary place." She answers simply, standing up and pulling me up with her. I scramble to my feet, my hand still clamped in hers.
"What kind of scary? Like demons?" I ask my young curiosity insatiable. Jocelyn simply laughs her musical laugh, filling me with warmth despite the cool breeze.
"No Clary, very different from the demons you've heard of." She answers, turning so we face the Morgenstern prison. Only, back then it was a home, a sanctuary.
"Are they worse then demons?" I look and gaze imploringly into her soft face. She smiles and looks towards the two figures slowly nearing us. Valentine, a broad smile on his once handsome face, was battling a ten year old Jonathon with wooden swords. Jonathon's white hair was plastered to his forward as he yelled all sorts of battle cries, thrusting and jabbing at Valentine, who was pretending to lose for his son. Jonathon knocks the sword out of Valentines hand and he yells in excitement. Valentine chuckles and throws Jonathon over his shoulder, where he starts giggling and pounding on his broad back. They start down the hill, approaching us.
Jocelyn kneels down and hugs me from behind, her face close to my ear. "That's for you to decide Clare-Bear, but whatever you decide, you'll never be alone.
I open my eyes. Then why did I feel so alone now?
"Your Majesty?" the carriage driver raps gently on the door separating me from the castle. "It's time."
Indeed it was. I gather my skirts in one hand and nod at the driver through the small window. He opens the door, and I step out. My foot hits grass, and I feel the long, fresh grass tickle the exposed areas of my ankle. I accept the hand offered to me, and I exit the carriage fully, my head held high. I turn and do a slight curtsy towards the driver who looks shocked I even acknowledged him. If I was going to be a queen, I wouldn't be a harsh one. I would not be Valentine. No matter what awaited me in that castle.
I walk down the road to the pathway that led directly to the grand double doors, made of admas and gold. Well, the Herondales certainly admired grandeur. The maids and servants all lining the pathway bowed and curtsied, there heads low. I feel a small rivet of shock go through me. I had never been outside the Morgenstern land, so these new faces and authority was new to me. I had of course taken classes on how act like royalty and the proper way to treat servants, but I never believed in it.
Turning to the maid closest to me, a girl no older than fourteen, I gently put my hand under her chin and lift in up. She looks up at me, obviously shocked and a little frightened, as if I was about to hurt her. I smile softly at her, and then turn to everybody else, praying that it works.
"Rise, there's no need to worship at my feet." I say, softly but commanding, just as I wished it to be. I'm surprised that everybody listens, quickly rising to there feet. I may have been a queen, but I certainly hadn't shown authority to anybody ever, except for the occasional maid.
I walk confidently down the pathway, smiling at everybody I pass. They seem shocked at my kindness, and all smile shyly back. I think to stop and ask to learn the names of them all, but I have no time, the king was probably awaiting my arrival. This thought shoots a stab of bitterness through my happiness, and I have to work to keep my smile intact.
Finally, I reach the doors where an extravagant looking man is waiting for me. His thick, straight black hair hung to his ears, and he looked slightly oriental. His eyes were strange, shaped and gold like a cats. The extravagant part was probably the fact that he was wearing a gold robe, which seemed to almost be shimmering. I approach him and eye the strange shimmering suit skeptically. He grins slightly.
"It's glitter, very popular in Scotland." I smile tentavely back. I heard of Scotland in my history lesson, it's supposedly a country. He bows deeply, sweeping his gold cape behind him. I laugh quietly as he stands up again.
"Magnus Bane, warlock." He introduces. I nod, trying to hide my shock. I've never seen a warlock before, but that does explain the strange eyes.
"Clarissa Morgenstern, pleasure to meet you." He grabs my small hand and brings it to his lips, kissing it lightly.
"The pleasure is all mine." He says, dropping my hand. I laugh again, amused by the strange man. He seemed nice enough.
"Well Clarissa, I'm here to show you to your room, you will be meeting Jace soon, but of course you must in need of refreshing after the long carriage ride." He informs me, and I nod. He sweeps his cape behind him and turns on his booted heel, obviously expecting me to follow him. I pick up my skirts and hurry after him, my heels clacking against the marble doorway. I enter the entryway, trying to keep sight of Magnus while admiring the huge room.
The floor was all marble, spreading out through the room and leading towards the two huge double staircases at the back of the room. They lead up to a second story, where I see more staircases leading to other stories. The ceiling was high, a skylight letting in soft warm light. Hand painted angels and other figures from shadow hunters were painted across the walls, and the runes teased the edge of my minds, like a language unknown that I had been trying to learn. I want to admire everything, especially the detailed paintings, but Magnus is obviously not interested in slowing down.
I walk faster, scared of getting lost in what looked like endless hallways. I follow him down several gold carpeted hallways for a few minutes, losing track of all of the turns we had to take. Finally, we arrive at a set of double doors, Magnus stopping suddenly. I plant my feet in the carpet to stop myself from running into his back. He turns and motions to the doors.
"This will be you and the Kings quarters, but you can use it to get ready and freshen up for now before you meet him. Your maid will come to get you ready in a moment." He says quickly, suddenly business like. I nod and he opens the doors, motioning for me to step inside.
I walk in, looking around the large room. I dread the thought of sharing a room with the king, but of course, I'd be expected to. I was his wife after all. The word leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. The room is definitely grand beyond expectations. Soft yellow walls are plain, no paintings or decorations on them. The carpet is the same color, looking plush and golden, and I have the sudden urge to kick off my shoes and dig my toes into it. I gulp as I see the bed in the middle of the room, large and intimidating. I hear a throat clearing and I whirl around, scared that the king was already here.
But it wasn't the king; it was just a gangly boy standing nervously near the door, holding my single, pitiful suitcase I had brought from home. His dark hair was mussed up, as if he had just rolled out of bed. His coffee brown eyes were darting around nervously, as if he wasn't sure if he could look my in the eyes or not. I smile softly at the awkward boy; he seemed to give off an aura of innocence.
"Yes?" I ask kindly. He finally focuses on me.
"I have your bag your majesty." He says quietly. I nod and turn around, looking for a place for him to set it. After a moment, I turn back to him, unsure.
"Why don't you just put it in the corner for now, to be honest I'm not exactly sure where to put them." I say sheepishly. He nods and sets it down, scurrying from the room quickly before I even get a chance to thank him. I sigh and walk towards the bed. Sitting down on the soft mattress, I take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. The maids were going to be here soon, and I had no time for a freak out. I sit and wait patiently, tapping my fingers against my thigh. Luckily, they arrive soon. It's only two. A young girl around 15, with caramel colored skin and thick, curly hair was standing by the entrance. She was looking down, just like the boy who had brought my bag. Next to her was another girl, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, around 18. I stand up and straighten my dress. They look at each other and the caramel skinned clear clears her throat.
"Hello my queen, we are here to prepare you for your meeting with the king." She explains. I nod and follow them to the bathroom, determined to make friends with these girls
A little while later I'm sitting in a huge gold bathtub, both of the girls gently scrubbing my skin. I had already bathed earlier, but the carriage ride had been long and sweaty, and apparently they had instructions to ready me for some event later today. I stay silent for a while, letting them do there job, but then I speak up.
"So, what are your names?" I almost laugh out loud at their shocked expressions. They trade looks, and I speak up again. "It's okay, I honestly just want to get to know people here." After a moment, I hesitantly add. "I'm only seventeen, you know. Not really a queen." I speak the last part slightly bitterly, still not accepting the reality of my situation. The blonde one pauses slightly, and then resumes scrubbing. But she does speak up.
"My name is Helen, and this is Maia. Your- Clarissa, right?" she asks nervously, as if I was going to hit her for speaking my actual name. I smile at Helen, reassuring her.
"Yes, it's great to meet both of you. I was thinking I wouldn't have anybody to talk to in this prison." Helen laughs slightly, and then squeaks, as if she was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "It's alright Helen; I'm not going to get mad at you for laughing at something. Please, just talk to me." I feel a note of desperation tinge my voice at the end. At least in my old home I had the maids to talk to. I could at least try to get that here, if nothing else.
She's silent again, but luckily speaks after a moment. "You're very different from most rulers." She says quietly. I hear Maia chime in. "Very, I guess we aren't used to it." She admits. I smile as she moves to my back, gently washing my curls. I hesitate, then speak quietly.
"Does- does the king treat you harshly?" I half- whisper. "I won't say anything to him; I guess I'm just curious. It's okay if you don't want to answer"- I realize I'm rambling and shut up, feeling despair heavy in my heart. Maia drops my hair and looks at me, a strange look on her face. Half unsure, half kind.
"The king is a strict man. He is cold, and often uncaring. But he is not cruel. He has never unduly punished us. I- I promise you, that he won't be cruel to you. He is a good man, my queen, but he may not seem like it at first." She says, a small smile playing on her lips. I smile slightly, but her words don't lessen my pain. At this point, nothing will.
"Thank you Maia, for everything. I do hope to get to know you both." I say sincerely. They both grin; no more shyness left, and start to finish up my bath. I settle back, feeling slightly better knowing I at least knew two people. But it doesn't stop the tight ball of tension in the pit of my stomach. I have a feeling nothing will, until I finally meet the king.
HAHA SUCKERS YALL THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO MEET JACE THIS CHAPTER DIDN'T YA? Too bad, Im an evil little minx ;) but I promise, you guys will meet him next chapter! THIS TIME FOR REAL! Haha but there will be a party scene next chapter so I decided to cut this short so I can perfect that scene and still give you guys an update love you all, keep reading! –Madeline