Authoress Notes: Hey guys, I'm soooo sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I started a new job a couple weeks ago and everything has been so insane between working crazy hours, hanging out with my friends, planning a wedding and all that jazz. There is some major Clace fluff in this chapter, and I promise you will not be disappointed ;)
asyah09: Thank you so much :) Yes she can, actually. Yeah I wanted this version to be a little different, like a combination of the original and the disney version.
Bluepancakes432: Thank you so much :D It's definitely on my top five list as well. I love your pename it's awesome.
marmaids: Thank you so much ^_^
Clicedeepsea: Thank you so much :) Don't worry Jace is going to win her heart. Sebastian, not a chance in hell XD
vimto474: Thank you so much :D
completebooknerd101: Thank you so much ^_^ Maybe once all the craziness is finally over. I'm kidding, yes I plan on doing another one. I promise. Don't know what though lol.
Herondale-potter-jackson: Thank you so much :)
littleworm: Thank you so much ^_^
LOVERGIRL: Thank you so much ;)
Wildflowersonfire: Thank you so much :D
Disclaimer: I Do Not Own The Mortal Instruments originally created by Cassandra Clare or Beauty and The Beast. I do own my OC Selene.
Putting the surprise plan into action turned out to be a lot more easier than they'd all expected. Jace honestly couldn't remember the last time he was so excited about something; and he hoped that Clary would indeed like it. Alec and Magnus each reassured him countless times that without a doubt she definitely was going to love the surprise. The air about the castle that day seemed entirely different. Sunlight poured in through the once before dark, unhappy and dreary windows, gently resting on the floor, as the pale, yellow light lit up the cold, empty hallways. For it was a beautiful day outside, and no one wanted to waste it, regardless of how cold it was.
A few hours later, Jace was leading Clary through a long hallway which was just one of out of many in the castle. The dirty floor had been freshly washed, for the sweet smell of fresh laundry filled the air. No major changes in re-modeling had taken place. But Jace rarely paid any attention to it. The poor prince was extremely nervous, literally that he couldn't even glance at the beautiful girl beside him. Inside he hoped that she liked his surprise gift. For he wanted nothing more than to see her happy, and would do anything to see her smile at him.
In front of them were two tall double tan and white doors. He halted, his large form quivering slightly but he regained his composure and turned to face her. "Clary," he began in a soft voice, while mentally cursing underneath his breath at the nervousness, as he stared at the gentle face of the girl in front of him. "There's something that I very much want to show you," he slowly opened the right door, revealing complete darkness, just for a mere moment. It creaked softly. Clary's eyes peered in through the tiny crack, but Jace shut it in a haste.
"But in order for me to do that, you have to close your eyes. Because it's a surprise," he said, waving his fingers into the air.
The red-head raised an eyebrow, looking at him funny. For a moment, he cracked a tentative smile, but refrained from bursting into laughter. She wasn't exactly sure what he was up too, but she decided to along with it anyway. The look to him made her look so cute. Clary stared at him for a just mere moment longer, before she slowly closed her emerald-green eyes.
Her plump pink lips fell into a pout, but then stretched into a warm smile. Jace quickly ran a hand over her eyes, to make sure she wasn't faking and he found out indeed that her eyes were tightly closed. He smiled, as he felt his teeth bite the upper part of his lip, before throwing open the doors. Grasping her small hands into his massive paws he guided her into the dark room.
A thought rose to his mind. She wasn't being as stubborn or difficult with him this time around like all the other girls. She didn't run away from him screaming or crying in fear, she was letting and listening to his instructions and allowing him to just be himself. And as a result of him being more patient with her, everything between them was different.
Of course she would obey him without question, but she was doing it willingly and he wasn't forcing her. She seemed to be more at ease and relaxed in his presence, and he was in her's. He took a deep breath, inhaling sharply through his nostrils. He just couldn't stop grinning, as his heart started to beat just a little faster. Inside he felt wonderful and happy.
"Jace, can I open them?" she asked.
He shook his head, "No not yet Clary. Wait here," he said, releasing her hands as she stood in the middle of the large room. A very small patch of light illuminated through the darkness. Jace quickly ran to a large window on the opposite side, quickly pulling back the dark blue curtains to let the sunlight fill the room. Clary felt the sun's warm gentle rays from behind her closed eyelids, which began to brighten as the darkness faded away, vanishing into thin air.
"Now can I open them?" she said, smiling.
"All right, now," Jace replied.
Her green eyes slowly fluttered open, as she let out a gasp. Clary was standing in the middle of a very large library. Jace could see the happiness radiating in her eyes, while she looked around, gazing above her in wonder. All around her there seemed to an endless amount of books perfectly stacked on the shelves next to each other. The floor was made of a pretty silver and gold smooth marble, with intricate designs carved into the surface. A wooden oak desk stood on the opposite side of the room, with a chair and a globe.
Statues of angels stood across from one another near the entrance. The library itself was two floors, two long spiral staircases led up to the second story. At the very center of the room was a grand fireplace along with a couch, and above it hung a gorgeous painting of the landscape of Idris. An easel along with a canvas and some paint supplies including a sketchbook, brushes, pencils and pens was set up near the fireplace.
"I don't believe this," Clary breathed, as she looked around in wonder. "I've never seen so many books in my whole life. And that easel with the art supplies, how wonderful!"
The prince's expression brightened even more, as he felt his face flush a twinge shade of red. "You like it?" he said softly.
"Jace's it's amazing," she replied.
"Then it's all yours," he said.
"Thank you so much!" Clary turned towards him, and hugged him tightly, before slipping her hands into his. The very moment their hands touched, Jace felt his heart leap nearly almost out of his chest at the happiness in her eyes and the bright smile she was giving him. His heart swelled with pride at what he'd done for her.
Meanwhile from afar, Alec, Magnus, Izzy, Simon, Max, and Selene were watching from the doorway, which was slightly ajar. Magnus couldn't help but grin triumphantly as it stretched across his face. Izzy smiled as well, while Simon held her in his arms smiling too. Selene the happiness was clearly radiating in her eyes, as Alec cracked a smile too.
"Awwww they're sooo cute together," Izzy said.
"You mean like we are?" Simon asked, as she smiled, and gave him a kiss.
"Just look at Jace, I've never seen him smile like that before,"Selene replied.
Magnus grinned, "Ha, I knew my little idea would work."
"I have to admit Magnus, you truly out did yourself," Alec said.
"Yeah, this was an excellent idea," Sel added.
"Alexander, as much as I want to take pride in this moment, none of it would've been possible without any of you guys," Magnus said, putting his arms around his beloved boyfriend, Izzy, Simon, and Selene.
"That's what friend's are for Magnus," Simon winked.
"What? What's going on? What's working?" Max asked, for he'd been silent the entire time. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of what was happening in front of him. Jace and Clary were standing across from each other looking very much like they were enjoying each other's company than fighting or bickering.
"It's so wonderful, and encouraging," Magnus said, as they started to walk away to give the couple some privacy.
Max let out a huff, mostly of annoyance. He hated being ignored. His brown eyes narrowed before he glanced up at his older sister.
"Iz, what's going on? I didn't see anything! Won't you please tell me?" the little tea-cup asked.
Isabelle sighed happily, "Max, come along there are chores to be done," as she led him away from the library with Simon.
"Pretty please with a cherry on top?" he begged.
"Nope, sorry kiddo."
The following morning, Clary was hard at work, taking full advantage of her newly acquired space by painting. She wore a simple white cotton dress, and over it was a brown smock. Her red hair was pulled back into a messy bun. A tall easel stood in front of her, as she painted a picture. All night she'd tossed and turned dreaming of an image which refused to leave her mind. In it, she pictured a beautiful castle, sitting on a high cliff, overlooking the gorgeous dark blue crystal ocean. The sun's warm gentle rays shining through the light blue sky; casting shadows on the green grass.
Everything in the picture seemed to come together. Crumpled pieces of scrap paper were literally scattered across the room, each had a different sketch on it, drawn with pencil, including one of a man upon a horse. The prince sat proudly up top his elegant black and grey steed, a cape the color of crimson blood flowing behind him. His strong hands gripped the leather reins, as he rode across a barren desert, right into battle. She felt so lost in the moment, that Jace had done all of this for her, as she began to think that maybe there was something in him that perhaps she was just starting to see.
She quickly added the last finishing touch to the painting before setting her brush down, as a familiar voice spoke from behind her. "There you are." She turned around to see Jace standing just a few feet away from her, dressed in an elegant gray and black ensemble. His golden fur shone brightly in the sun, as some of it hung loosely about his face.
"Hi Jace," she said.
"Hi Clary, are you finding everything to your liking?" he asked.
She gave him a friendly smile, "Yes, it's all so wonderful. Thank you," as he smiled in return.
There was a certain twinkle in his eyes, something that she'd hadn't seen before. His golden eyes traveled towards the easel where her painting stood. She saw his eyes widen in interest, as he took in every detail of it. "Did you paint that?" he said, moving to get a closer look.
Clary nodded in response, "Yes, I just finished it a few minutes ago."
"It's amazing, you're very talented. You paint so beautifully," he said, just loud enough for her to hear.
She instantly felt her cheeks blush a brilliant shade of red at his words, as she took off her smock and placed it on the table. The poor girl was starting to wonder why she was suddenly felt so awkward and a little self-conscious around him.
"Thank you," she replied. There was an slight awkward silence between them before Jace finally spoke, "I want to show you something," he finally said holding out his arm to her.
They walked over towards a piano which she hadn't noticed that was near the fireplace and both sat down on the stool. The piano itself was a beautiful shade of onyx. It's keys were a smooth marble white. Jace noticed her staring before she finally spoke.
"You play?" she asked.
Jace nodded, "Yes, I started learning when I was a child. I always fascinated with music growing up, so my mother after I begged her countless times, sent for a piano instructor to teach me. Alec, Izzy, and Sel were so jealous that they begged our parents to let them learn something as well. Izzy learned to weave and sew, because she loves designing clothes, while my brother was trained in archery, and Selene decided to learn a different language."
Clary laughed, "My mother was an artist. She loved to paint and I wanted to learn how, so I kept bugging her to teach me and finally caved. Luke ran the local bookstore and spent most of his time creating new inventions to make our lives easier."
Jace smiled, "Our parents would've made great friends. I wanted to play something for you."
His long fingers began to move across the smooth ivory keys, as the once quiet room was filled with a beautiful melody. The composition itself was so enchanting, and lovely that it was hard to believe that it was just Jace playing and not an entire orchestra. It started off slow, but began to pick up the pace.
He glanced at Clary, as the music continued, "Do you like it?" he asked.
"I love it. Did you write the song?"
He nodded. "It's my sibling's favorite, especially Max's. I used to play it for him before he went to bed and we would go on our usual patrols at night looking for demon's."
"Jace, if you don't mind me asking, whatever happened to your parents?" Clary wondered.
The prince let out a sigh, "They died a long time ago. That's all I'm going to say."
Her green eyes widened in sadness, "I'm so sorry. There's something that I wanted to show you as well," she said, quickly getting up from the piano seat and going over towards one of the bookshelves on the first floor of the library. Clary spotted a dark blue book sitting on the shelf and removed it before walking back over to him.
"This was my all time favorite book growing up," she said gesturing towards the cover. "Grimm's Collection Of Fairy Tales" was etched across the cover in gold and silver letters.
Jace's golden eyes merely squinted at the cover, as he tried to make out what it said.
"It's been ages since I picked up a book and read it. I used to read a lot when I was growing but lately I just haven't had the time." he said.
"Have you literally read every single book in this library?" she asked.
Jace rolled his eyes and snorted, "Not in particular. I've studied different languages including Latin and French. Some of them are in Greek which I can't even understand."
"Would you like to read it? There are so many wonderful stories in here."
He shook his head, "No, no. You should read that book, after all, it's yours. I gave all of this to you. I insist."
"Don't be silly, I've read God knows how many times. You should read it," she said, slowly attempting to hand it to him. Jace hung his head in defeat.
"I cannot at the moment."
"You mean that you never learned how-"
"I did when I was a child, but it was so very long ago."
Clary suddenly felt a pange of sadness run through her very heart at his words. He just seemed so lonely and sad. She never intended to talk down or make fun of him at all, and knew she could turn the conversation around to a much more pleasant one.
"Well...I can definitely tell you that this just so happens to be the perfect book to read aloud to someone."
Jace's eyes immediately lit up like a candle at her words. "Will you read it to me Clary?"
She smiled, placing the palm of her hand against his golden cheek. "I would love too."
Later on, at lunchtime the two of them were sitting at the long table in the dining room together. Magnus of course, literally somehow managed to instantly conjure up before them a feast which included: freshly prepared turkey, ham, chicken, bacon, egg, and cheese, blt's, eggsalad sandwiches. Delicately frosted pastries, cupcakes, donuts, cookies, brownies, and chocolate. Plus burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, a meat and vegetable spread, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, oranges, mango's, olives, cheese, and watermelon slices, soups, salads, and a creamy coconut cake at the very center of the fancy display.
Simon's eyes widened at the sight of the cake, as saliva literally began forming in his mouth. He stared like a drooling idiot, practically salivating. "That cake is all mine! No one's getting it!" he shouted, hopping up onto the table. Magnus's eyes narrowed into slits, "Oh hell no. Not in your life Seymour. Coconut just so happens to be my favorite!" he yelled back, as they each darted over right towards the pastry.
Jace was sitting at the head of the table, while Izzy was on the other side with Alec, Magnus and Selene. He literally shoved the calm chowder into his mouth without barely even tasting it, like a rabid animal. The mixture stuck to his face and fingers as if it was superglue. His face had taken on the appearance of being quite stuffed and looked like a bloated balloon. Clary took a sip of her tea not really even paying attention what was going on until she turned her gaze back to him. Hence her green eyes widened in complete disbelief.
He noticed that she was strongly attempting not to make a disgusted expression as a result of his behavior. Meanwhile, Izzy and Max each also exchanged an awkward glance with Clary. Selene grimaced, while Alec and Magnus just stared at him in shock. Swallowing hard, he stopped, glancing down as Max with an encouraging smile pushed a silver spoon towards him. Izzy smiled in approval at her brother's actions, proud of him. Jace picked up his napkin and wiped his face off before grasping the spoon in his hand.
Raising it towards his mouth, he made an attempt to eat with the untensil, but failed miserably. The soup instead fell off the spoon and onto his face yet again, as he tried to slurp it down. Max bit his lip, as he tried not to laugh, but instead a snicker escaped his lips. Izzy glared at him. Jace set the spoon down in defeat, but raised his head to see Clary holding her bowl in her hand smiling at him. A happy grin spread across his face. He could see that she was trying to make him feel comfortable and not embarassed. They slowly lifted their bowls off the table and toasted each other before eating the rest.
After lunch, Jace suggested that they take a tour of the grounds and ended up outside in the snow. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping, and even though it was cold, Jace couldn't help himself at he continued to stare at Clary. The red dress she wore really brought out her fiery red hair and green eyes, plus the matching cloak with faux fur made the look complete all thanks to Izzy. Her long lashes had a bit of snow on them as she turned to glance at him for a mere moment, and he blushed and turned away, as she did as well.
A small flock of different colored birds were prancing around the courtyard; Jace heard a giggle come from behind him as he turned to see that she was now beside him. Clary threw a handful of yellow birdseed onto the ground, and the birds instantly came flying towards it. She gave Jace a handful, before he crounched down on the ground. But by accident shoved the food towards the birds, and they all flew away scared. Clary shook her head, and smiled, as she knelt down beside him.
Taking a tiny bit of the food into her hand and sprinkled it onto the snow. One of the birds, which was a gorgeous red color, pecked at the food on the ground and finally flew into the prince's hands. Jace let out a gasp before glancing back up at Clary, who smiled at him in return. She was looking at him in way that he'd never seen before. Her green eyes were full of happiness and joy. He began to wonder if there was truly something between them that wasn't there at all before? Maybe there was hope to break the spell over him.
He was so lost in though that he forgot that a bunch of birds had made him their resting perch. They covered his shoulders and arms. One of them got too close to his nose and he accidently sneezed, making them all fly off. All of a sudden, out of nowhere something very cold hit him in the face. Jace cracked one golden eye open, glancing in the direction from where it came from, before noticing Clary standing behind a tree grinning. It appeared she had overcome her fear of being uncomfortable around him, and now was playing with him. He quickly brushed it off.
Jace gave her a perfectly innocent smile, before scooping some of the snow into his paws. His hands formed it into one very large snowball and he raised it above his head to throw it at her, but was once again hit in the face by another small one causing it to drop on his head causing Alec, Magnus, Izzy, Simon, Selene, and Max to laugh. He burst into laughter, and it was the very first time he'd laughed in ages and it was all because of the beautiful girl in front of him.
Pretty soon a snowball fight ensued between them all. Alec and Magnus hid behind the stone wall and chucked snowballs at Jace and Clary who'd taken refuge behind the tree's, as they threw them back. Izzy and Simon claimed the stairs to the castle, while Selene and Max hid behind the fence post throwing them back as well. Jace and Clary used their cloaks to launch them back and forth. Alec found a shovel which he used as a weapon to fling them across the yard, Izzy used her whip, Magnus used his magic to make them appear in front of his target's head, Selene and Max used some sling shots.
The groups laughter echoed throughout the courtyard, as they all just kicked back and had some fun for the first time in ages. It was the perfect way to end an amazing day. A few hours later, as the sun began to set and they headed back inside to get warm. Clary turned to Jace as they headed up the stone staircase.
"Did you plan to have that snowball fight today?" she asked.
He smiled and shook his head, "No not all. But to be honest it was a lot of fun."
She nodded, "It was. That was actually the first time I saw you laugh."
"I laughed because of you, Clary. You're starting to bring out things in me that I never thought I'd feel again."
Clary smiled, "I'm really happy to hear that, because you're doing the same to me as well," before leaning over and kissing him on the cheek, and walking off towards her bedroom. She gave him a warm smile before heading upstairs to change for dinner. Jace's fingers gently touched the spot where she'd kissed him. The feeling of her lips against his cheek sent shivers down his spine, and made his inside's melt as well.
There was hope for him after all. He was determined now more than ever to break the echantress's spell once and for all.