Chapter 9

"I can't believe we are doing this," Jace said nervously addressing the genie. Simon rolled his eyes in petty annoyance. "Do you doubt a class A genie? I know I do not look like much but I'm as good as they come to Goldilocks. Now stop being nervous or you threaten to give yourself away." Simon barked. Jace looked away and cast one last look at Alec. "He is right Jace, don't be nervous. Everything is going to work out fine, Magnus and Luke have our backs." He replied. "How is Luke?" Jace asked worriedly. Magnus put his hand on the blonde's shoulder in reassurance. "Well after hearing how you and Clary were taken by the Prince he was a bit frantic. I sent him a fire message not so long ago. Hopefully, he has calmed down some." The warlock replied. "And Isabelle? I thought she would have planted herself firmly in the middle of this chaos." Jace asked. Alec looked away lowering his voice.

"Izzy will be joining us later this evening. She is attending to other matters that I rather not discuss in length at the moment." He retorted. Jace figured this meant flirting with the guards but given Alec's Solomon expression it could be any number of things. Jace had been nervous when meeting the King but everything seemed to go by rather smoothly. Of course, the king questioned him about various things and requested to see his papers which Simon promptly brought. He couldn't blame the King for being cautious. He was a father protecting his daughter after all, or rather he played the part of one. Jace knew any self-respecting father would never force their daughter to marry a stranger and at such a young age.

Jace had never thought or even considered marriage until Clary came. Even then it all seemed like a blur. He was so lost in the moment when he was with her that he gave little thought to their future beyond the sweet kisses they shared and her small body sleeping soundly in his embrace. Now he was looking at marriage and to a princess! He was only 18 but he knew in his gut there was no way of getting around that. Until she had a different last name Jonathan would continue to come after her. He feared the prince's vengeance even if they married, he just hoped that after they did the prince would lose interest in her. He hoped once she lost rights to the throne he would leave her be. The plan seemed to be going smoothly and the King seemed to like him.

Though it had taken all of Jace's concentration not kill the King on the spot. He kept his mind focused on getting Clary out of here before indulging in his revenge. The king had seemed reluctant to allow him to meet Clarissa until one of the servants had whispered her whereabouts. Jace couldn't make out the words but the Kings disgruntled reaction told him that Clary was somewhere where the King didn't desire her to be. Apparently he was upset with it to the point that he left to take care of the matter personally leaving Jace alone in the room with the Lightwoods and Simon. Magnus had conveniently stopped by to check on the princess's health during introductions. It was a clever rouse and he hoped they could pull it off.

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Prince Jonathan wasn't mad, he was livid. How dare his father punish him in such a manner. He was going to kill the man. Yes, and he was going to do it nice and slowly. Walking back to the bed he gazed at the surprised face of his sister. She was so beautiful with her bright red hair cascading over the pillow, bright green doe eyes full of innocence and small petite scantily dressed frame. He had enjoyed watching her grow into her womanly figure. Now the chance to take advantage of it was slipping through his fingers like water. This new suitor posed a real threat to him and he needed to be dealt with sooner than later.

"Jonathan." His beautiful sister called calmly. The blonde man looked up and met her gaze. "Brother I can see your upset right now but please don't do anything foolish. I don't want to watch father punish you again." She pleaded sweetly. Jonathan couldn't help but smile. He didn't know what her time with the other Jonathan had done to her but he was enjoying this more cooperative sister before him. "It's fine little dove, he won't hurt me again."

He remembered that day better than anyone and he still had the scars on his back to prove it. The day Clarissa ran to their father after Jonathan gave her his word that he would help her paint but decided he rather work on his swordsmanship. Their father was furious and rightly so. It hadn't been the first time he had broken his word. Their father was already in a sour mood having lost his knights guard Stephen Herondale. He dragged Jonathan down to the dungeons and had him whipped till he passed out. What made matters worse was that he made Clary stay and watch the entire thing. Jonathan never broke his word again and his sister never so much as tattled to their father about anything he did. Seeing the look on her face now it was clear she was worried that he would be punished once again for something she did.

It was time he reassured her that he wasn't afraid of their father. He merely tolerated the man until the opportunity arose to where he could kill him. Jonathan smiled walking to the bed and undoing the silk ties. Clarissa smiled and rubbed her aching wrists. "You hurt yourself." He stated pulling her wrists gently into his lap. Clary looked away and blushed. "I, I was scared you were going to hurt me." She whispered. "I, I couldn't help it." Grinning Jonathan brought his lips to her wrists and kissed them softly.

"Don't worry little sister, I would never really hurt you. You are not some whore that I beat around for amusement. You are my sister and soon to be a wife Clarissa but you must learn your place. Since you keep fighting this I am forced to punish you." He replied kissing her on the shoulder. Clary shivered at his touch though her brother attributed it to his cold room."I'm worried it will hurt when you…" she trailed off in explanation. Clary didn't want to seem weak and it was natural a virgin be nervous for her first time. Jonathan smiled in understanding. "It will hurt a bit but then it goes away. If the man knows what he is doing, he can even make it quite pleasurable." He whispered bringing his lips to her ear. "And I know exactly what I am doing darling." He whispered.

Clary's face grew red as she struggled to keep her composure. She had succeeded in calming him down only to get him riled up a different way. "I have to go get ready. I don't want our father to be upset that we kept our guest waiting." She replied standing up slowly. Jonathan nodded getting up and walking across the room. He had grabbed his robe from the bathroom and draped it over her body. "You are mine. You know that right?" he asked kissing her on the cheek. "Yes." She lied. She softly opened his door and left. She was barefoot and cold but she couldn't help wanting to jump with joy. She was free! There was no other way she could explain her luck. The angel was looking down on her and intervened. She rushed into her room where there was a servant waiting to help make her presentable.

The women eyed her outfit suspiciously. Clary smiled sweetly at the unanswered question. "He didn't do anything. The king stopped him before he could do anything." Clary whispered as the women began brushing her hair softly. The silent smile on the woman's face told her that she was pleased that the prince hadn't hurt her. It seemed most of the servants disliked the cruel prince and Clary could hardly blame them. Looking at the mirror she took a deep breath preparing herself to meet the new suitor. She hoped he wasn't obnoxious like the others. Maybe she could learn to love this one and finally be free of her brother.

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"Forgive me Prince Jason, but where did you say you were from?" The King asked politely taking a seat in front of the golden prince. Prince Jason smiled, "from the Emerald Iles your majesty. The Lightwoods had visited the Wayland family a few years ago. They had written me and mentioned the princess's marriage. I was visiting the Verlic Kingdom and decided to pay them a visit last night. Long story short I ended up here." He smiled. The King nodded watching the boy closely. "It is a happy coincidence that you should come then. I am afraid we are on a deadline. Law dictates that our princess must marry by her 17th birthday which is in three days.

Prince Jason smiled. "That seems rather soon. If she did find me to her liking she would be agreeing to marry a stranger." He stated. The king grinned wickedly. "Yes, she has turned down many a suitor for that very reason." The king replied. The prince's eyebrow rose in confusion. "Being frank your majesty, why are you bothering with me? What do I have that the other suitors don't that made you feel this wasn't a waste of your majesties time?" he asked seriously. Valentine admired the prince before him, he had guts to ask such a question. "Well, you are the best looking out of all of them for starters." The king chuckled. At that moment, the doors opened and in stormed Prince Jonathan.

Prince Jason took in a deep breath, now was the moment of truth. Prince Jonathan took in the image of the young man before him. The man seemed familiar yet he couldn't place where he had seen him before. Not wishing to be rude in front of his father he stepped forward and greeted the Prince. "Good afternoon I am Prince Jonathan of the Morgenstern Kingdom." He greeted coldly. The blonde prince rose and smiled. "Good to meet you, Jonathan. I am Prince Jason of the Emerald Isles," he smiled. The room fell into silence as Jace struggled to find something to say. "You're reputation proceeds you, I've heard much about you Prince Jonathan." Jace began. The cruel man smiled. "Jonathan will do and yes the rumors are terrible and cruel but alas most of them are true." Jonathan snorted in warning.

Jace was thankfully saved from having to reply at that moment by the doors opening. His breath caught in his throat as Clary walked into the room. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered. She wore a tight-fitting light blue dress that hugged her waist and made her breasts look ample. The three days without her had been torture but it proved to him that his feelings for her were anything but a fleeting crush. She held herself with more confidence than he remembered. Her green eyes sparkled when they saw him and he was sure that she knew it was him at that moment. Yet, the next expression seemed one of confusion and indecision. The men stood from their seats to greet her. Jace knew enough from Magnus's quick lessons that he was to remain silent until he was introduced.

"My daughter this is Prince Jason from the Emerald Isles. He is here to get to know you. Prince Jason this is my daughter Princess Clarissa." The King announced. Jace smiled and took a step forward leaning down to kiss her hand politely. Clary's hand rose in goose bumps as his touch lingered longer than decent. "Pleasure to meet you, Princess Clarissa." He said softly. Clary blushed. "Clary, I prefer to be called Clary." She replied. At this, both her brother and the king's eyebrows rose; unaware of Magnus's pet name for her. Jace's smile and wide golden eyes bore into hers. "If you so wish it, Clary. You may call me Jace then." He grinned rising slowly from the ground. The King's face grimaced for a moment before returning to his usual blanket expression.

The couple looked at each other intently forgetting that they had company until Jonathan cleared his throat. "Yes, well it seems now that everyone has been introduced that it is only fitting that we should invite Prince Jace to dinner. Don't you agree father?" Jonathan asked bitterly. The king whose gaze had been locked on the lovers before him turned to face his son. "Yes, of course, my son." The King replied standing. "Seelie, is dinner ready?" he asked the attendant. The familiar redhead that Clary met last night came into view. "Yes your majesty, shall I set another place at the table?" she asked curtseying. Clary watched the women tremble slightly though the movement was lost on her father. "Yes, please set the table for one more. If that is satisfactory to you Prince Jace?" the King asked.

Jace's eyes were glued on Clary not hearing a word the man said. Valentine looked at the prince sternly before Clary sharing his gaze chimed in. "Won't you please have dinner with us Jace?" she asked sweetly melting under his gaze. "I would love to," Jace replied dreamily. The scene was enough to make Jonathan sick to his stomach as he shot a heated gaze at his father. Unfortunately, Valentine wasn't paying attention. Instead, he was studying the prince before him. Jace looked familiar like someone he used to know a long, long time ago. "Dinner is ready," the attendant returned smiling at the group. Jonathan was the first to rise holding his arm out to his sister. Clary regrettably took it and allowed him to escort her to the main dining room. Jace silently followed beside the King who returned to questioning him even more intently now.

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"Well, things seem to be going smoothly," Magnus said addressing Simon. The genie just looked at him with little amusement. Magnus couldn't help his curiosity and speak. "Do you not wish for Jace to succeed?" he asked. Simon just stared at his master walking away with the king before answering. "Why should I? Sure this wish is more unique than the others but the outcome is always the same. After I grant the last wish I will return to my lamp not to be released for another hundred years." He replied blankly. The warlock stared at him with pity. What was the point of unlimited power if you were alone, never to have a family or fall in love? No, Magnus wouldn't wish Simon's fate onto anyone. The warlock became equally pained as he watched Simon's expression as his gaze landed on the young women approaching them.

"There you are! Would you care to explain to me where you and Alec have been all day? I have been worried out of my mind!" she scolded. Alec approached behind them keeping a safe distance from his sister's hot temper. "Isabelle this is Simon. Simon this is Isabelle Lightwood, Alec's sister." Magnus introduced. Simon was stunned into silence staring at the beautiful women before him. "Charmed to meet you, Simon, please forgive me for my lack of manners. I am afraid my idiot brother and his boyfriend must be my excuse." She replied sweetly. Magnus watched Simon's eyes drop in wonder. Isabelle had that effect on people.

"Perfectly fine Lady Isabelle. Your brother and Magnus are a bunch of reckless idiots. It is a shame that someone as beautiful and intelligent such as yourself has to keep watch over them." Simon replied. Alec's jaw dropped and was about to protest until Isabelle did something she hadn't done since their parent's death, she laughed. "Finally, someone who sees the hardship I must endure. I appreciate your bluntness Simon, I see you and I are going to be good friends." She replied. Magnus looked at the pair in surprise before his thoughts returned to the situation at present. "Yes, we can be rather reckless especially when Jace is involved." He said addressing the Raven haired beauty. Isabelle gasped and lowered her voice looking around to ensure they were not being overheard.

"Jace is alive?" she whispered. Alec nodded quietly and gestured for her to enter the side room. Isabelle followed him obediently as Simon and Magnus entered before closing and locking the door. It was time Isabelle was brought into the loop. Given that Jace's cover was that he was an acquaintance to the Lightwoods it would not do that she didn't know the backstory. The group just hoped that this plan would work. They really didn't have any other options. Isabelle listened obediently as Magnus and Alec took turns relaying the events of the past 48 hours. Simon stood quietly nodding at times but never taking his gaze off of Isabelle Lightwood. Magnus eyed the genie curiously vowing that this time things would be different for Simon. Even genies deserved a chance at happiness and even love.

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"Why don't we allow these two some time alone in the garden to get to know each other? After all, there are matters that I wish to discuss with you, Jonathan." The King commanded after dinner. The meal was tense and Clary felt like she could cut the air with a knife. She was excited at the aspect of having time alone with the new prince and even more excited that it was away from the watchful eye of her brother. Clary smiled and nodded her head. "As you wish father." She replied curtseying. Prince Jace bowed lightly before following the princess out of the room. Her brother could not be in less agreement with the idea.

As soon as the doors were closed Jonathan couldn't contain his anger. He slammed his fists down onto the table in fury. Valentine watched him with amazement. It had been many years that his son showed him anything less than a perfect persona. The king was delighted that his punishment seemed to have gotten under his skin. "Are you happy now?" Jonathan spat at his father. "I finally had her opening up to me and you let that prince come in here and take it all away!" he yelled. Valentine looked at his son calmly before speaking.

"Do you think that I care for a minute what you think?" Valentine hissed standing up. Jonathan instantly backed down reluctantly. "You should be thankful that I let you live. That I took you into my home, gave you my last name and raised you alongside Clarissa." He spoke bitterly. "And now you show your anger to me you ungrateful brat. I who took you fed you, taught you, trained you and even offered my daughter to you. Even after all of this you took her and tied her to your bed like some cheap whore." Valentine retorted, his expression seething with fury. Jonathan's eyes fell down to the ground with fear and sadness. "I'm sorry your majesty. I wasn't going to hurt her I merely wanted to…" Jonathan hesitated not knowing how to finish.

"To make matters worse you let her escape the palace and fall into who knows what danger. We still don't know where or who she was with and we have little chance of finding out since you gave her that damn ring!" Valentine stood towering over his son. Jonathan bit his lip. Despite how much he loathed his father he still couldn't help but respect him. After all, he had been given enough beatings to have that ingrained in him. "Give your sister this happiness," Valentine commanded. At this, Jonathan's head spun with anger, hurt and confusion. "You don't wish for me to marry-"

"By the angel! Yes, you are still going to marry her. I gave you my word on that Jonathan. I just want her to be happy and not run away before the wedding. Give her this time and then remind her what the price of freedom will cost her." The king cursed in frustration. Jonathan looked at the man and nodded. "But what if this hurts her? What if she falls in love with him?" he asked pretty sure it might be too late to prevent that. Valentine's dark eyes pierced his. "If I have taught you anything Jonathan it is that to love is to destroy, and that to be loved is to be the one destroyed. Now go and look into this Prince Jason. I have a feeling that he is not who he portrays himself to be." Valentine replied sternly rising from the chair and storming out of the room. Jonathan looked out after his father with bitterness and punched a whole through the bright wall causing blood to drizzle down his hand.

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Clary guided Jace down to the garden in silence looking around cautiously. The sun was setting and the only source of light was the giant blue-flamed torches that illuminated the darkening halls. The halls twisted and turned but Jace remained by her side. Once they reached the garden Clary took a sudden turn and pulled him into a dark alcove. Jace gasped in surprise as she threw her arms around him. "Jace." She whispered crying into his chest. The golden eyed bandit smiled and wrapped his arms around her. Of course, she would know it was him, he was stupid to think otherwise. Even though Simon had glamoured his appearance his redhead would have known it was him anywhere. After all, Simon didn't disguise his eyes. "What are you doing here? Pretending to be a prince? You are going to get yourself killed?" she cried letting wet tears fall into his chest coat.

"I told you that I would always protect you, Mouse." He whispered kissing her head affectionately. He brought his arms around her in comfort. He let her cry for a few moments before he tilted her chin up to face him. Clary looked up and smiled as another tear slid down her cheek. "Jace, I'm so sorry I ran away. I should have told you the truth." She whispered. He took her face in his hands and wiped away the stray tear. "No Mouse, I should have listened. I was so wrapped up in my own anger that I didn't see the truth right here in front of me. I said some mean things and I want you to know that they weren't true. There isn't anyone else but you. I came back home right after that fight realizing my mistake but it was too late. You were gone. When that I found that note that night my heart broke Clary. I never felt so powerless." He whispered. Clary smiled solemnly gazing into his blazing gold eyes.

"I made a mistake too and look at where it has gotten us?" she cried. Jace shooed away her tears once again. Looking down he brought his lips down, lightly kissing her tears away. Clary's body sung as a rush of warmth swarmed through her body. She could feel his need, his need for forgiveness. Breaking away she took a deep breath trying to recover. "You can't beat yourself up Mouse. Jonathan was bound to have found you eventually. He is quite attached to you." Jace replied. Clary sighed. "What are we going to do Jace?" she asked meekly. Jace looked down at her and smiled. "I am getting you out of here. I'm going to take you far away and give you your freedom." He replied. Clary hesitated and looked up at him in distress. "And you? Where will you be?" she asked. Jace smiled his usual cocky grin. "Why right next to you Mrs. Herondale." He grinned once more. This was the Jace she knew and loved.

"I love you." She whispered seriously. Jace's breath hitched in his throat at the admission. "I love you too Clarissa Morgenstern. I love you with all of my body and soul." He replied. Clary looked at him breathlessly. He smiled sweetly at her surprise before bringing his lips to hers. Clary's heart welled up in her chest as she opened her mouth granting him entrance. Each kiss was hot, heavy and took her breath away. She felt weightless and happy as her chest swelled with joy. She loved him and he loved her. He didn't care that she was the princess. He still loved her and risked his life to save her. That made him a prince in her eyes and if that wasn't good enough for her father then so be it. She made a vow to never run from him again. She ran her hands through his hair leaning up to draw out the kiss. Jace's arms were still wrapped protectively around her and she rejoiced at his strength.

The two were still in a tight embrace when Magnus found them. He quickly turned to Alexander and smiled bringing a finger to his lips. Simon, the genie stood next to the warlock taking in the scene. The three of them looked on for a moment before giving the lovers privacy. There would be time to explain the plan to Clary later. Right now she deserved some bliss after a lifetime of torment; they both did. Magnus was finally relieved to see his baby girl happy and with someone who cherished her. The odds were against them but he was going to try. He was determined to see that his Clary Sage had a happy ending.

*A/N- Wow, this chapter was difficult to write. I gotta admit I really conflict when it comes to writing Jonathan and Valentine's characters from here on out. I mean are they evil yes but this isn't some Disney movie where characters are just evil for no reason. There are so many layers there. Which speaking of Disney, the whole Emerald Isles was literally the first thing that popped into my head. So enjoy Frozen fans. Evil is difficult to write, even more so than good and I can't deal with Valentine's mood swings. I was always curious if he ever really loved Clarissa in the books. I don't even think he loved Jonathan. I mean when Jace tells him he killed him all Valentine says is pretty much okay. So it's di cult to dive into his character for me. Please let me know if you have any suggestions? I usually write and let the characters develop from there but Valentine's character in this story is still elusive.

I hope you guys liked it. Sorry, this chapter was shorter than the others. I have masters papers that are not going to write themselves. Though, I hope giving you some Clace made up for it.