Morgenstern and Herondale

After Jace left dramatically, I collapsed exhaustedly onto my tangled bed, thinking over everything. Apparently, Jace liked me—I hate saying 'love', because honestly, I don't like him—and he refused to give up trying to make me like him back. My mind automatically pictured him kissing and seducing other tarty-looking women, then ditching them like they're not for use anymore. It wasn't love—I squirmed at the word—it couldn't be love. It had only been yesterday that Valentine announced the haunting news of my engagement! I had to marry him next Sunday, for Christ's sake!

Groaning, I slowly and mechanically sauntered to my wardrobe, snatching a deep blue shirt and disposing of my destroyed one. My back was still fairly painful and bruised. Everyone was probably still at breakfast, chatting and socialising like nothing ever happened. But my whipped back was a reminder for me.

I stiffly walked through the quiet, empty hallways, returning to the dining room. Everyone was sat back in the exact same places, Valentine, Jocelyn and Jace talking enthusiastically and Jonathan sulking. They looked up at me as I shuffled painfully towards my brother, my back completely straight. I sunk beside Jonathan, looking at the tablecloth. I probably looked terrible; I could still feel the dried tears streaks on my cheeks and my hair was stupidly messy.

Everyone began talking again, except Jonathan, who quickly grabbed my hand under the table and squeezed lovingly. I smiled reassuringly at him and began thinking, the fake grin falling off my face. I couldn't fight anymore. I was going to marry Jace whether I like it or not. This was it. Valentine and Jace have won; they've won. What was the point in fighting anymore? I would just get whipped.

I would go through with the wedding. I will keep my mouth shut on that day. But when the wedding night arrives and the honeymoon starts—I will not give in to Jace. I'll give him the wedding, but I will live like I normally do after that. It was simple.

Jocelyn snapped me from my thoughts then. "Huh?" I asked breathlessly.

"You and me will be shopping for wedding dresses!" Jocelyn clapped excitedly. I raised my delicate eyebrows incredulously.

"When?" I squeaked, wincing.

Jocelyn beamed happily. "Tomorrow! We will be portaling to a shadowhunter wedding shop in England."

"They have shadowhunter wedding shops in England?" I asked glumly, not really thinking about that. I was thinking about the horrible dress I had to wear. I hardly ever wore dresses—except from the horrid death dress mum forces me to wear on occasions.

"Of course they do, silly. Don't worry, I'll find you the perfect one. You're going to look even more beautiful, Clary." Jocelyn gushed. I tried my best to ignore Jace's piercing golden eyes. The words 'I love you' ringed through my head. Shaking them out, I tightened my grip on Jonathan's hand.

"Okay." I'm sure everyone almost choked on their drinks and food. They were surprised that I was cooperating. Shrugging, I smirked.

Valentine poured himself a glass of scarlet wine. Alcoholic. "So," he suddenly smiled, putting me on the edge. I knew he knew about my plan. How the hell did he goddam know?! "If you're finally happy with the wedding proceedings then, Clary, you wouldn't mind us forwarding the event." Blood and warmth drained from my cheeks, leaving me feeling horrendously empty and cold.

"What?" I whispered weakly.

Valentine grinned. He knew that I would pretend to be nice on the wedding day and then ignore Jace afterwards. How? Psychic. He's got to be psychic. He wanted my suffering to start early. "How about Wednesday? Three days hence."

"Sounds good," Jocelyn agreed, turning to Jace.

Jace nodded. "Brilliant. Sounds like a plan." He turned to me and gave a charming smile. "But I will have to make changes to the honeymoon plans." My hand crystallised in Jonathans. He began running his calloused thumb across my knuckles, soothing me. Great. Now Jace thinks he's going to be getting a hot, steamy wedding night from me. He's going to get a shock.

I cleared my throat, gaining Jace's flickering golden gaze. "Where are we going then?"

"It's a surprise." Jace smiled.

"Just tell me, Jace." I sighed.

He laughed, giving in. Well, that didn't take long. "We will be portaling to a small village in Jamaica."

"Jamaica?!" I gasped.

"Sound good?" he inquired curiously, lips tugging up.

I nodded, shocked. "How—how can we even afford any of this? I have no money."

Valentine coughed. "Actually, you do. Me and your mother have a lot of money, therefore Clary, as a wedding gift, we are giving you starting money. Twenty thousand pounds to be exact. Jace's parents are doing the same for him."

"Forty thousand pounds between us?!" I half-shouted, heart thumping. "But, how much is the wedding?"

"We're paying for that too, so are Stephen and Celine." Jocelyn answered simply.

I squeezed my tired eyes shut. "Where are we getting…married?"

Jace smiled—why wouldn't he stop smiling? "There's a church in Idris. I'm sure you prefer traditional?" I don't prefer anything! I wanted to shout, but decided to be nice and calm. I shrugged, not wanting to nod and seem over-enthusiastic. Jace sighed, "Clary, you have to be honest with me."

I severely wanted to tell him that nothing would change, but one sharp black glare from my father put me in my place. "Sure, traditional is good. Who's attending then? It's not like I have friends."

Jace shrugged. "A few of my friends, a few of your parents. Not a lot to be honest." Thank god. At least I wouldn't be publicly humiliated in front of thousands. "But, due to your gifts and mine, some of the Clave may attend." Oh yes. I forgot about our gifts and angel blood.

"Why?" I asked, pretending to be curious, when really I was dreading the dress and the flowers and the wedding and even the goddamned wedding night!

Valentine interrupted. "When you have children—" I winced and squeezed my eyes. Jonathan cracked a mocking smile. "Your blood will run in the child's veins. Your children will be very powerful—and the Clave are scared of power." I nodded in understanding and continued listening through the torturous conversation.