"So what you are saying is," Clary said from a beam below the ceiling. "You will not come up here and teach me to dance in a straight line?" She stood on the front pads of her bare feet, fingers pressed against the ceiling of the room.

"Exactly." Jace mumbled from below, pacing under her. "Now get down before your father comes back! I don't need my head chopped off." He was nervous. It had slipped out that she couldn't dance in a straight line by accident, he hadn't meant to say it. She, of course, found her way to the beams below the ceiling and he had been trying to coax her down for a good half hour. Clary leaned over the side, knees flat on the beam as she crouched. He could only see her face.

"Make me a deal and we may be able to continue." It was direct but Jace took it. Any chance to return her to the ground he would take.

"Fine. We can start any dance you like and I will coax you through it, no matter how thin my patience is. Deal?" She shook her head. "What more do you want?" He could see her cock an eyebrow at him.

"An apology and a statement that I can dance in a straight line would be nice. Just saying." She swung from the beam, gripping the edge with her fingers. Jace swore he saw her underwear as he looked up.

"I'm sorry I said you couldn't dance a straight line. I was wrong. Will you please come down now?" To his surprise, she did. Clary swung out and landed on him, knocking him backwards onto the floor. He lifted his head to see she was shaking her own. "You could have come down without landing on me you know." She giggled and climbed off of him. When he was finally up he swept her into his arms and carried her to the middle of the room. Setting her down gently, Jace positioned her arm on his shoulder and gripped her hand. "Now let's try this again. 123, 123, 123, 123." Besides the many foot stomping incidents, he managed to teach her one dance. Jace stopped when he thought they needed a break. Clary, on the other hand, was disappointed. She had gotten used to him holding her waist over the past few days and pulled little stunts just so he would touch her. She slumped by the window now, looking out of her prison. Jace came up and stood by her, tapping her knuckles as his arm gently swung.

"When will he let me go to town again?" She wondered aloud.

Jace looked outside too, trying to come up with an answer. "Maybe when you start to obey him again he will." She smacked his arm in response. "It's not like you need to for us to have peace or anything… I just think he got the point yesterday. There was no need to cause an argument this morning." Clary plopped down on the window seat, defeated.

She had caused a lot of grief for her father since Izzy's "accident" three days prior. Along with avoiding him, she had spent more time dancing than he believed was needed, skipped dinner to read in the library, and refused to go around town with a prince who looked at her like a piece of meat. The last one really lit a match, but her mother was quick to defend Clary. She expressed how she had been a bit wary of marriage herself before meeting Valentine; that all girls were scared before marriage really. Her father's fuse had went out but Clary had fled the room before he could ask her to do more. From a distance she had heard a sharp smack but, like Jon advised, kept walking. Their mother could handle their father just fine. Yes, Clary hated that she couldn't be an individual and be trusted here. But she had to find a balance for her mother's sake.

"He treats me like property. I want these weeks to fly by so I can finally be me, away from his grasp. You know what I mean?" Jace nodded and let her continue. "Why can't time go faster?"

"One week Clary. One measly week." Jace would have continued if not for their guest entering the room. He turned around and saw Jon walking towards them, hands shoved in his pockets.

"One week till what?" Jon asked, sitting beside his sister. Clary blinked at Jace, unsure of how to respond.

"I'm only teaching her basic dances for another week before moving on to more advanced ones. She seems to not believe me." Jace glanced at Clary, giving her the look he would give Izzy if she came in after curfew. "Can you help me out here?"

Jon locked eyes with Clary and cleared his throat. "You are supposed to be ready for the ball in two weeks. I would focus if I were you." She stuck out her tongue at him before nodding. Clary got the point. "Well, I'm off. I have business in town, anything you need?" He was asking Clary more than Jace.

"Grab some sweets from the bakery please? I'm craving them." She batted her eyelashes at him. Jon couldn't say no to her.

"Okay. I'll be back this evening then." Jon waved as he left, swinging the door shut behind him. Jace stole Jon's spot beside Clary, gripping her hand in his own.

"Should we try another dance before I hide in library?" Jace knew she meant it.

"Very well, what is it you want to learn?" Clary got off the bench, gently brushing her skirt off. She surprised Jace as she pulled him up with strength he doubted she naturally possessed. Off of the bench, Clary wrapped her arms around his neck. Out of habit he wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her closer. "I see how it is." His breath tickled her outer ear which sent shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes, embracing his warmth and safety. In his arms she felt safe and secure, a total opposite to how she felt around her father. Jace slid his hand up the fabric of the top of the dress and moved it to her face. "I would risk it all for you, every second, 24/7, 365." Her eyes widened as he said it. She could feel the heat scatter over her face, turning it redder the more she thought about his words. Eventually someone knocked on the door, forcing them apart.

"Well, damn, I was enjoying that." She bit her lip, not quite meeting his eyes. Jace grabbed her by the waist and spun her around, emitting a very laugh from her. Crossing the room, he grabbed his books and then came toward her again. Clary thought he would touch her again. Instead, he softly kissed her lips and walked away.

"I'll be in the library later if you need me. I have to be somewhere though." Jace winked as he left, covering the nerves he had.

Clary, who didn't pick this up at all, snuck out behind him. She strolled through the servants passages until she found the door to the library. Mildred sat at the desk, looking through some papers. She noted the princess's presence but continued on with her work like she wasn't there. Clary explored until she had a large pile of books in her hands, almost dropping them on her way to the very back of the library. In a discreet corner sat her favorite chair. It was old and she could sink down in it without feeling like she was being swallowed. After gently placing the books on the floor, she picked up the top one and grazed her fingers over the cover. She had a tendency to pick out the same few books each time, simply because she loved them. Clary lost track of time while turning pages. It was almost as if there was another world to explore and she hadn't reached as far as she could. She'd just have to read it again and again to explore more of it. Someone came in midway through her second book, coughing as they sat on the ground in front of her. Though she didn't bother to look up, she knew they were staring at her. Finally, she looked up and grinned. Jace sat in front of her with a small bag of pastries and his own book pile.

"Enjoying yourself?" She cocked an eyebrow, sitting the finished book on top of her small pile.

"I may or may not be. You enjoy the book you just finished?" His eyes left the book he was reading, meeting her own in the process.

"Here's a better question," she stole a sweet from the bag when he wasn't looking. "How did you find me? I have the perfect spot that even Mildred refuses to disclose to anyone." Clary hadn't made her promise to hide the spot; she had just done it ever since Clary had asked where she could hide from her father. Mildred and she were on friendly terms.

"I tried to figure out where one could hide without being noticed around here and figured that the back was probably where you were. Though, I imagined you sitting on the floor amongst the books." Clary smiled at him, knowing that wasn't true at all.

"You asked Mildred didn't you?" She glanced at him, popping the remainder of the pastry in her mouth.

She heard him sigh in defeat. "I did. She glanced at me like I was a rodent until I explained I needed to hide. All I got was a nod in this direction. She made me give her a pastry though. Apparently, since I'm not the princess, I have to pay up." They laughed knowing no one would be able to hear them.

"She probably wanted a snack. The servants here don't get much to eat sometimes." The sadness she tried to cover slipped out without her knowledge.

"Clare, look at me." She peaked through her lashes at him. "I know exactly what you are talking about. Soon that will be over though. I promise. We'll make sure the staff here are safe after what goes down. You're so cute when you care about other people, you know that?" He trapped a curl in-between his fingers, slipping in through the slivers between his fingers. She didn't care what he did at the moment, she was just happy to be with him.

"Jace, can you tell me about yourself?" She lowered her voice, afraid of the answer.

"Of course I can. Why are you asking me like you are scared?" He joined her in the chair, sitting her on his lap.

Clary picked at her skirt. "You have these moments where, I have no clue how you do it but, you understand how I feel, like you go through the same things." She heard him take in a breath, had she said something wrong?

"Look… If I told you something, you would have to promise not to freak out on me. I was going to tell you later, after all this." She nodded, mentally preparing for him to tell her whatever he needed to. "Stop me if it's too much." He waited for her to nod again before continuing. "As you know we are from Egypt. Except, Izzy and Alec aren't my siblings. They are family friends. We were sent here to do, well you know that much. Anyway, Egypt's government is slightly different from here. There are Kings and Queens but they act more as presiding figures than complete rulers. Each territory owned has a governor of sorts that reports to the King and Queen. This is where I come in." He took a deep breath, squeezing her hand. "My family rules over Egypt, therefore making me the prince. So, that may explain why I know what all of this is like. I asked to head this mission in hopes of learning who I was. I haven't known myself for a long time, I didn't until I met you. That day in town when we met my hope of finding myself increased. You were mysterious, someone unlike anyone I'd ever met. Then, in that tiny little pastry shop, when I found out who you were, I was shocked. My job was to make sure Izzy and Alec got in. I joined them instead of going back. I don't doubt my parents are worried but I know I'll go back to them safe, and hopefully, with you."

She looked up, trying to process the information. "You were planning to tell me this information when?" Clary found herself relieved that he was a prince, not angry. Some part of her had hoped he was important, someone who could change her view of how royal men were. He tried to read her emotion until she smiled. "I was hoping you were more than you said, a part of me was at least. I would have been fine if you weren't."

"Phew. I thought you would run away and avoid me like the plague." He felt her lay her head on his chest. "You tired?"

"I'm drowsy. Reading after dancing can be tiring you know." She poked his nose, ignoring his rolling eyes.

"Well, since you have managed to evade dinner again, why don't I sneak some in here?" As he tried to get up, she secured herself to the arms of the chair, wrapping her legs around the arm.

"If you are, use the servant's passage ways. Tell them I sent you through there." She wasn't done and he knew it. "Also, take some of those pastries with you. Buttering up Hazel may help in the long run." Finally, she unhooked her legs and let him go.

"Be back soon." He said, sliding his way through the bookshelves.

Jace POV

He snuck into the entrance to the passage after tipping Mildred a pastry again. Jace, though he could be wrong, felt like she was starting to like him. It was dark and creepy. Valentine obviously believed less needed to be done for the servants, something which sickened Jace. His parent, nor anyone he knew in Egypt, would treat someone so low. He crossed paths with a few maids, receiving cross looks from them. One stopped in front of him, putting a hand on her hip.

"You lost?" Her tone was harsh but she was trying to hide a smile.

"Um," He didn't know how to put his next sentence. "The princess sent me to get some dinner. She skipped again."

The maid made a 'oh' with her mouth and gave him directions. "Keep going down until you smell vegetable soup and fresh baked dough. Also, you may want to mention the Princess before Hazel gets a hold of yah, she's strict about who enters the kitchen." He gave her a nod and thanked her before parting ways. It took a while but he finally smelt what the maid had subscribed. Slowly he made his presence clear, fearing Hazel's wrath.

"Excuse me, but the Princess skipped dinner again and wanted me to grab some for us. Who is Hazel?" A small woman turned around and walked to the front of him.

Her glare made him weak. "I am Hazel, head cook. What do you mean the princess skipped dinner again?" She reminded him of his mother when she was angry.

"Her and her father aren't on the best terms at the moment. She got hungry and wanted to avoid him." Hazel shook her head, concern filling her eyes.

"Well young man, I will help you out there. She must trust you to go get food for the two of you." Hazel turned briskly, ordering the kitchen staff to prepare the food on inconspicuous platters.

"I also have something else if you want it. I stopped by a pastry shop before coming back. You can have them if you want." Hazel turned and grinned slyly.

"Buttering me up are yah? Well, I'll take all but two." She glided, snatching the bag from his hands. Quietly, she broke them up. The kitchen staff stared at her before eating the pieces. "Compliments of the princess and her friend," she turned to him. "What's your name boy?"

"Jace." He scratched his neck, nervous. Usually he would be a smart ass but she scared him.

"And her friend, Jace." She smiled at him. "Much appreciated."

A young girl handed him two trays with common pottery and a piece of bread. He smiled at her, and out of nowhere, got the idea to ruffle her hair. She blushed as he did so, laughing. "Esmerelda, come help." The woman must have been her mother because she scurried off. He left the kitchen happy he could make her smile. It took a while before Jace snuck back to Clary. Her head was in a book again, one he had picked.

"I got the food. Where are you in the book?" Her head popped up, a slight grin gracing her face.

"Well," She placed the open book on the ground, taking the tray on her lap. "The main character just found out that she was placed on earth by the gods to lead an army. I didn't know we had a book like that here." Jace sat on the floor, listening to her ramble. "How was Hazel?"

"Pleasant. She took to me okay, appreciated the pastry." He laughed, enjoying his time.

They heard a noise coming toward them, then saw a shadow. Mildred. Her voice was low but soothing.

"Your father has sent word to the staff to find you. You are to meet him as soon as possible." She turned to go but Jace stopped her.

"Mildred, are you hungry?" Her eyes widened but she didn't say anything. She only shook her head 'yes'. "Here," Jace handed her his bowl, breaking the bread in two so she could have some. Mildred shook her head but he insisted. "The books won't stay as new and organized if you don't keep them that way. Clary and I can share, take some." Hesitantly, she sat with them and ate for a few minutes. He gazed at Clary as she smiled. The look she gave him said she was proud. Mildred took the bread she had and left them with a curt nod. Clary clamped her hand on her shoulder before he could look at her.

"That was incredible. I have never seen someone give another person almost their while meal in this place." She got up so he could sit in chair. He took her hint and pulled her onto his lap. She handed him a spoonful of soup, waiting for him to eat it. "I've never seen her so happy. Sometimes I do give her my left over bread or cake when I leave but I've never done that before."

"Clary," he swallowed the bite on the spoon, savoring the taste. He would have to tell Hazel she was one hell of a cook. "It's not about showing people what you do to help others, it's doing it just because. That's all that matters. Kindness can mend anything just a little bit." They continued to eat, talking about social issues as each ate. When they finished Clary kissed him. It wasn't a passionate kiss like they had shared three days earlier. It was her way of thanking him. He nudged her up, knowing her father would be impatient. Unhappily, she let him lead her down front.

"I'll bring the trays back to kitchen then we can leave, okay?" Someone tapped his shoulder. It wasn't Clary.

"Let me, I usually carry them back before switching shifts anyway." Jace handed Mildred the trays, catching her smile as she hid them behind her desk. "Have a good night you two." They left, smiling.

He could feel her nerves as they entered the dining room. Jon, her mother, and Valentine waited in the chairs. Jace bowed respectively, not wanting to tip her father off. She nodded and entered the room without him. Now all he had to do was hide and make sure no harm came to her.

Hey. I recovered some creativity and wrote this because it's been so long. I hope everyone had a great Christmas or whatever you celebrate.

For future notice: I will be gone to Spain from Jan 7- Jan 17. I may not post for a bit after because I will be jet lagged. (I've been to Europe twice and Cuba, I love flying. Really.)

Questions:

What is the meeting about?

Will the plan need to happen earlier than they realized?

Would you have freaked out?

What make a good deed so good to you?

-A