Chapter Ten

Clary

There were voices drifting in from the sitting room, two voices really; she recognized Valentine's almost at once, since it had been her only companion for the last two weeks, and the other took her a moment to recognize. Soft and sweet, but with that streak of iron in it, and it was that hardness Clary knew best. How many times had she heard it when she asked to go to clubs, to meet Simon at his band performances, when she got caught spending more time in school drawing than doing her work.

Mom, Clary thought at once, and that one word was enough to knock the wind from her. Mom!

Jace opened the door to the room and Clary had to fight every urge to run in, her arms thrown wide with tears rushing down her face. Faintly, she saw the rest of the room, the pleasant view, the fire, the chairs, the people in the chairs, but none of it mattered because Jocelyn had suddenly jumped to her feet and was staring at Clary like she were some ghost. Jace's grip on Clary tightened when she strained forward, and she didn't care that she couldn't walk, Jace wasn't going fast enough.

It didn't matter. "Clary!" Jocelyn cried, and she shot to her, enveloping her in a warm, lasting embrace. Clary sank against her mom, listening to the sound of her heart beating, smelling the sweet scent of her hair, feeling the familiar curves of her body. "Clary, I've been so worried." Jocelyn kissed her hair and pressed her tighter.

"Mom," Clary croaked, but bit back anymore; she still didn't have her voice back and if her mom asked why it was gone it would lead to very dangerous talk.

"Don't talk," Jocelyn said and tightened her grip on her daughter. "I'm here, I'm here don't worry."

How can I not worry? Clary wanted to ask. Valentine's here, he's right behind you, watching us. I know he's using me just to keep you around. "But, Mom-"

"I love you, Clary," Jocelyn said loudly, cutting her off before Valentine. "I've been scared I was never going to see you again, so scared something bad had happened."

Something bad did happen, something horrible happened, Clary thought, looking at Valentine through the gap in her mother's arms. That something is standing right behind us. Clary cleared her throat to speak and stood a little back from her mother. "I'm fine, Mom, nothing's wrong; I'm just happy to see you."

Jocelyn cupped Clary's face in her hands, smiling through very sad eyes, but she suddenly looked up, grinning at Jace. "And you, Jace, you brought Clary back. You're such a good boy," she said, and then pulled him into their embrace.

Clary shot a look at Jace who was looking stiff and uncomfortable. It must be horrible to have a mother baby you when you've lived your life like an adult since you were a child, Clary observed. Faintly, she brushed her hand against Jace's and he glanced at her, smiling tiredly. Jocelyn looked down at each other them, glancing between her daughter's burning green eyes and Jace's smoldering gold.

"Is this your doing, Valentine?" she asked without looking to him; Clary felt her mother's hand clamp down on her arm. "You brought me my children through fire unscathed."

"I would give your anything, Jocelyn," he said kindly, and Clary watched him approach with big eyes. "I only ever wanted you to be happy in your new home."

Jocelyn lowered her gaze demurely and turned about, keeping Clary and Jace firmly in her grasp. "I should have known you would take care of me. Lucian said as much…"

Valentine raised an eyebrow as if this surprised him. "Did he? I was curious what he had to say to you. Well, I suppose the werewolf had a bit of shadowhunter left in him after all."

You prick! Clary wanted to shout. Luke's worth a hundred shadowhunters, and a thousand of you. "Is Luke here?" she ventured.

Valentine's eyes darted to her and she saw a glimmer of anger at her daring to speak. "Well, not here, no, but he is still in the city. Perhaps next week you can visit him."

"I'd like that," said Clary through her teeth.

"We'll see then," Valentine replied absently. "Where's Jonathan, it hardly seems fair that we're having a reunion and he's not here. Jonathan!"

Almost against her will, Clary shuddered and pressed herself back a little closer to Jocelyn. She heard footsteps coming down stairs, the soft breathing of someone distracted. The door to the room opened and Jonathan stood there, dark eyes glittering at the sight of his sister and his parabatai. For a moment, his face was emotionless, but then it slowly broke into a smile, and he spread wide his arms.

"Sister," he said warmly, drew up to her, taking her hands in his and then reaching in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "I was getting worried."

"I dare say it's safe enough for her now," Valentine said.

"Of course," said Jonathan, agreeing at once. They were in it together, Clary realized. "We should celebrate tonight, don't you think? Jace, you can play the piano, why don't you go and play us something?"

Jace flushed a bit at being ordered about like Jonathan's personal servant. "Well, I don't want to be rude, I'm sure Clary and her mother have much to speak of-"

"I think some music is appropriate," Valentine announced. "Go on, Jace, play us some songs."

Clary wasn't fool enough to not recognize an order when she heard it. Jace straightened his spine and jerked out of Jocelyn's grasp with a strange, blank look on his face. "If you want."

"I'll help you pick something," Jonathan said swiftly, smiling for real now. "I dare say that my taste in music is better than yours; I've certainly seen more of the world."

Again, Clary saw Jace's eyes narrow in frustration and he looked ready to lunge at Jonathan, but he nodded faintly and then crossed to sit at the piano; Jonathan followed and stood behind him, picking over music selections. Clary watched Jace lean away, digging against the piano as Jonathan reached around him and plucked a sheet of music up to examine it. He handed to it to Jace without looking at him.

"That'll be very nice, Jace," he said absently and wandered back over to where Jocelyn was seated on the couch with Clary. He sat down across from them, smiling pleasantly. "Look at you, little sister, dressed in that sweet little sundress; you look so congenial."

"Thank you," Clary said, pressing against her mother's side.

Jonathan's eyes didn't leave Clary as he said, "Mother, you look so happy; it must be nice for you to have us all back together. Jace, play!" Jace tried to open his mouth to argue, but Jonathan just snapped his fingers, and he gave up. Soft music began to pervade the room. "So, tell me, Clary, are you happy to be home? Ready to begin proper lessons?"

"Well…I'm looking forward to learning my heritage," she hedged, aware of Valentine's close proximity.

"It will be a long road, Clarissa," said Valentine, handing a glass of wine to both Jocelyn and Jonathan and water to Clary. He sipped his own. "Unfortunately, your previous education is wanting in many ways."

"Which is my fault," said Jocelyn, taking a sip of her wine. "I was the one who wanted a normal life for Clary. I do feel horrible about it."

"There's no shame in not knowing something," Valentine said gently, but then his eyes met Clary's and she saw the hardness there. "Only in refusing to learn."

"Clary's a good student," said Jocelyn, which wasn't necessarily true, but kind all the less. "Besides, rune study is almost a pointless endeavor for her, don't you think?"

"Combat will be where we focus most, I think," said Valentine contemplatively.

"Is she attending the school, Father?" Jonathan asked after a moment.

"No," said Valentine, shaking his head. "No, if Clarissa were enrolled there she would be placed in the lowest class they offer, but her unique abilities require more attentive training. I will be teaching her."

"I thought," said Clary, and she saw Valentine's hands tighten on his glass at the sound of her voice, "you said Jace could teach me?"

"Languages," Valentine corrected. "Jace may teach you languages, but I think he's only proficient in Latin, Greek, French, and Romanian. You might need a different tutor for the more difficult languages."

Jace's fingers slipped over the keys, but he swiftly continued playing, the melody picking back up. "Whatever you think is best, Valentine," Jocelyn said simply, pinching Clary just slightly to stop her complaining. "Her education is the most important thing now that she's safe; it's time Clary claimed her heritage."

"I'm glad you feel that way, Jocelyn," said Valentine, and Clary noticed that he seemed to actually mean it. "I had hoped you might agree, but, of course, I also think it's best to keep up her painting lessons. You might be interested in that yourself?"

"Oh, I'd love to," Jocelyn said in a rush.

Valentine raised his glass to her and sipped a bit. "I do want you to be happy, my dear."

My dear? Clary wanted to spit. Who do you think you are? "Clarissa, that dress is rather flattering," said her father.

"Yes, Clary," said her mother quickly, plucking at the skirt. "Why, you look like a little lady, like a beautiful little lady. Wherever did you find it?"

Clary ground her teeth together but forced her lips into a smile. "Valentine picked it out for me."

Jocelyn kissed her hair. "You look lovely."

Like a lovely little doll for you to play with, Clary thought miserably. That's all me and Jace are. "There's so many nice outfits…I was a little overwhelmed."

Jocelyn saw her eyes drop at the lie. "Your father takes good care of us, Clary, but I'm sure you'll get used to it. I know it's more than I could ever have given you, but now, well our lives are changing. Thank you, Valentine."

Valentine stood and offered Jocelyn his hand. "You don't need to thank me; I'm just doing what any father would do. Would you care to walk with me before dinner?"

"That would be nice," said Jocelyn, rubbing Clary's arm and then standing. "Clary, why don't you stay here and talk to your brother or Ja-"

"Actually, Jace," said Valentine sharply, his eyes gleaming. "Why don't you go finish cooking dinner?"

Jace stopped playing rather harshly and turned about slowly; his eyes were burning brightly and his fists were clenched. "I'm not much of a cook."

"Nonsense," said Valentine, waving a hand. "The fish is cooking on a timer, but you just need to make a salad, keep an eye on the soup, finish the dessert, and set the table. It's nothing much."

Clary felt a wave of sympathy wash over her for Jace. It must have taken quite a lot to unbend his pride and nod his head, and he must have been embarrassed. Jace was a warrior, a man of action, he had been raised since he'd been a small boy to be a fighter; the thought of him being reduced to some housekeeper just made Clary hate her father all the more. She also realized that it must have taken Valentine quite some willpower to force Jace to go through with it.

"But, can't he stay-?" Clary began, but Jace made a sound like a loud cough and she stopped.

"Come, Clary," said Jonathan, smirking over at Jace who slouched off to the kitchen. "This is family time, after all."

"Jace is family," said Clary stoutly.

"That's a matter of opinion," Jonathan said in a low voice and Clary knew if she argued the point anymore Valentine was going to get mad, and if he was mad, he was going to punish Jace.

"You two should get reacquainted," Valentine suggested, and then he and Jocelyn left, whispering softly to one and other. Clary watched them go, wishing her mother could have stayed.

"So, what's it like, being a pawn?" asked Jonathan abruptly.

Clary blinked and turned her gaze on Jonathan; he was slouched comfortably on the couch, twirling his wine glass. "What's it like being as ass?"

Jonathan's grin widened. "I really do like that fire in you, Clary, it makes you so much more interesting than the rest of these idiots. I'm glad Father didn't drive it out of you, especially when I plan to."

She swallowed loudly and placed her glass of water down before she threw it at him. "You're nothing, Jonathan, if not a liar. Valentine wants to keep my mom happy, and she doesn't want to see me hurt; he won't let you touch me."

"You think so?" Jonathan raised his eyebrows. "Aren't you curious as to where Jace got all those nasty bruises and broken bones? I promise, it wasn't because he fell out of tree sneaking out."

"It was you," said Clary angrily. "You did that to him!"

"Father asked me to," Jonathan shrugged, "and then we paraded Jace in front of Jocelyn, battered and all, and guess what he told her? He said it was an accident."

"That's because he doesn't have a choice," Clary growled.

"While that is true, it just goes to show that we can hurt you and get away with it. Jocelyn's love is like a double edged sword; if she doesn't love you, you're nothing, but if she does, you're a target. Either way, though, you're defenseless."

"Or, I when both she and Valentine don't care for you," Clary mused sweetly. "What is that like, Jonathan?"

Jonathan's face turned dark and leaned forward. "That's freedom, little sister, and it's magnificent. However, I will point out that someone here is concerned for my well-being."

"I can't imagine who."

"Lover Boy," Jonathan sniffed and he saw confusion cloud Clary's face. "Didn't Jace tell you about the little oath he took? The one Valentine made him take to save that disgusting Lightwood's life?"

Clary narrowed her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Jonathan gently rolled his sleeve up and revealed the rune on his right arm. "We gave him a choice, you see: either sever his bond with Alec and save the boy's life, or let us sever it by killing him. You can probably guess what that loyal idiot did."

"You broke the bond between him and Alec?"

"And bound him to me instead," Jonathan finished smugly. "Jace is my parabatai now, my little brother, mine to do whatever I want with, and, frankly, there's nothing you can do about it."

Clary's mouth was hanging open. "What about Alec?"

"What about him?" Jonathan looked perplexed. "It's not as if anyone cares for some worthless, little brat, especially one with his abnormalities. As far as Father and I are concerned, he can die."

"Alec is Jace's brother!" Clary leapt to her feet, her eyes glinting. "You can't just tear his brother away from him."

Jonathan chuckled. "You should have seen the look on Lightwood's face when we took the rune off, he looked like he'd been stabbed. And Jace, that pathetic waste of air, he practically fainted. I honestly don't know what Father sees in him…except maybe the work he's doing now."

"Shut up!" Clary snapped. "Just shut up!"

"Truth hurts, little sister?" Jonathan stood up as well, and he towered over Clary just like Valentine; his hand snapped out and he caught her mess of hair. "Or, is it this grip I've got on your hair?"

Clary rasped and tried to break free of Jonathan's hold. "Let me go!"

"I don't take orders from worthless, brats," Jonathan gave her hair another shake. "The only reason you're alive is because Father doesn't like losing his things. You just remember that." Jonathan's eyes were dark as night and cold as ice, and Clary tried to pull away.

"I'll scream," Clary said angrily. "I'll scream for my mom."

"Crying to mommy, are we?" Jonathan smirked but his voice held a note concern and she felt his grip loosen. "You sound just like Jace."

"Let me go," Clary hissed and she tugged one last time and Jonathan let her go.

"You just remember, Clary, that it doesn't matter where you run to now, there is no escape." Jonathan's eyes burned and Clary got the horrible feeling he was trying to see past her skin and flesh down to her heart; like he was looking for her fears.

Clary rubbed her arms and took a few steps back. "I'm not afraid of you."

"Not yet," he amended.

You can't scare me, you're just a bitter loser because Valentine let Jace live. Clary turned her back on Jonathan and walked to the window to wait out the rest of the time before dinner. She looked down and saw that the sitting room looked out on the back garden and she longed to open the windows and feel the fresh air on her face after so many days in the dark. She knew better though; Valentine wouldn't let her out except under close supervision.

Eventually, the sound of Jocelyn and Valentine's soft voices returned to them, and Clary stood at attention. As soon as they entered Jocelyn's eyes found Clary's again and she smiled broadly; it was all she could do really, with Valentine so close at hand, and she didn't know how much comfort Clary took from it.

"I think dinner is ready," Valentine said. "Shall we eat?"

Clary's stomach rumbled in response, but dropped when Jonathan arrived before her, offering her his arm like a gentlemen. "Take my arm," he hissed between his teeth, "or he'll send you to your room for bad manners."

Though she hated the thought, Clary allowed Jonathan to take her hand and lead her through to the dining room. Jace was standing alone at the side table, picking over the salad with sharp, annoyed motions. When he heard them come in, he spun about, and Clary saw a moment of desperate longing enter his eyes.

What must it be like to see our family so happy, and know that yours is torn apart? To not even be able to mourn the loss of the people you love? Clary met his eyes and she tried to convey all this to him, but he just dropped his gaze and stared at the table.

Valentine helped Jocelyn into her seat, and Jonathan pulled out a chair for Clary opposite his. "Jace," said Valentine without taking his eyes away from Jocelyn, "do you mind serving the family?"

"I'll help," Clary offered at once.

"Now, now," said Valentine, "you've enough chores of your own to worry about, Clarissa, let Jace do this."

He's not a servant. "Yes, Father."

Jace prepared plates for everyone and served them each; when Valentine motioned him to a seat beside Jonathan, he jerked into a bow. "Well, why don't we eat? I'm sure some of us are famished."

Jocelyn

Evening found the family back into the sitting room, Clary tucked against her mother's side and Jace seated on the floor before them while Jonathan and Valentine sat opposite them in high-backed chairs. Jocelyn was absently rubbing Clary's hair and listening to Valentine discuss the Clave ordering with Jonathan, who happened to be the second most senior ranking member, but every now and then, she'd meet Clary's eyes and the two would share a secret.

She knew she couldn't complain too much about the given situation since she had Clary back, but there was still a shadow of doubt in her mind. She knew Clary wasn't safe. You can't be here all the time, and Valentine knows it. She'll be defenseless…well, not entirely. Jocelyn's gaze had landed on Jace, and she knew without a doubt that he would go to any ends to protect Clary, but it only made her sadder. Poor recompense I can give him for loving and protecting my daughter; I can't even get him back his brother and sister, I can't even protect him from my husband. Unable to help herself, Jocelyn reached down and rustled the loose curls on his head; Jace jumped.

"Something wrong?" Valentine's eyes were on him at once.

"I just-"

"It was me," said Jocelyn swiftly, and then she pulled Jace closer so his head was level with her knees. "It' been so long since I've had a boy to look after…I guess sometimes it's just a marvel for me, though I'm sure Jace is tired of me poking and patting him." She laughed, but her grip on him remained firm.

"I'm sure Jace doesn't mind," Valentine answered smoothly. "Maryse was a good woman, a good soldier, but she wasn't much for a mother. Jace probably never got that kind of love from her. A pity, too, but at least now he can get what he deserves."

Jocelyn nodded faintly and rubbed his back gently. "You know, Jace, when I was out before dinner, I saw the moon rising and it was beautiful. Perhaps you'd take my daughter out to see it?" When Clary looked up at her, Jocelyn shrugged. "I'd like you to get ideas for painting and Idris is so scenic compared to New York. Go now, go out!"

She pushed Clary up to her feet and Jace stared at her with wide eyes. "Are you sure?"

Just stay out of this house, will you? Please, just keep her out of Valentine's way. "Oh, yes, yes, I think you'll like it. Besides, I'd like to have some private words with Valentine." Yes, that's right, Valentine, I'd love to speak with you, I'd love to have all your attention. "You won't mind do you?" she shot at him.

Valentine's grey eyes flicked down to Jace and Jocelyn knew he was giving the boy an order, but that hardly mattered, as long as they were gone. "I can't see the problem with that, though," and here, he smiled congenially, "Jace, she is my daughter, I'll remind you. No…funny business."

Jace jumped to his feet, smiling easily. "Most fathers would be ecstatic to have me squire their daughters about, I'll let you know."

"I'm not most fathers," he said, but his gaze was on Jocelyn who was smiling coyly back. "Be back before eleven; Clarissa has to get up early to start training."

Jocelyn gave Clary a small shove toward Jace and nodded toward the door. "Go on, you two. I saw you making eyes at each other all night." Not necessarily, since Jace didn't lift his eyes through all of dinner, but that hardly matters.

Jace took Clary's arm and pulled gently toward the hall. "You saw that, did you? Well, Clary, if your mother insists on this, I'm not going to argue."

Yes, yes go! Jocelyn thought as Jace led Clary away from the room and into the dark hall. Jocelyn was still watching the door when she said, "I'm very happy you brought them here, together, Valentine. Clary is quite taken with the boy."

Valentine smirked into his glass. "Yes, well, there's much Clarissa must do before we let her think about such things as marriage."

"Marriage?" Jocelyn looked back, surprised. "Oh, that's ridiculous, but there's nothing wrong with a handsome boy who takes you places. As I recall, Valentine, you were quite insistent on going to dances with me."

A change came over Valentine and his eyes simmered. "You remember those nights?"

"I wouldn't forget," she said shyly, and stood up, stretching luxuriously. "Maybe it's just been the excitement of the day, but I'm tired. Would you care to join me?"

"Of course," said Valentine, and he shot a quick look over to Jonathan. "I suppose you're staying up to deal with a few of the last placements of the Clave?"

"I was going to review them," Jonathan agreed.

"Excellent," he said. "Tomorrow morning I'll evaluate the final decisions and then you can let the people know."

Jonathan tipped his head graciously. "I'd like that."

"Very well then, Jocelyn?" He looked back to her and she inclined her head to the hall and the stairs that would lead them to their room.

They went quietly at first, and Jocelyn knew Valentine was wondering what she wanted. I want you dead and gone, and I want to be back in New York with Luke and Clary. Carefully, as if she didn't know she was doing it, Jocelyn let her hand brush his. But, I'm here and you have my daughter, so I'll play this stupid game. I'll be happy for you, I'll tell you I love you.

When they reached their room, Jocelyn watched him close the bedroom door and the moment he turned back to her, she stepped into the circle of his arms. "Jocelyn-"

Jocelyn cut Valentine off with a firm kiss-she didn't think she could bear it if he spoke because even the sound of his voice sickened her. Pleasantly surprised, Valentine wrapped his arms about her waist and pulled her into a tight embrace. The kiss lengthened and Jocelyn dipped her head, kissing the tender spot at his throat, and she felt Valentine stiffen, more than a little surprised. She tugged him gently toward her and the two fell back one step, two steps, three and then they were seated on their bed. Jocelyn paused just a moment, assailed by too many happy memories of her time in her apartment, raising Clary, talking with Luke.

Luke…Her resolution wavered painfully. Whatever happens, whatever you must do, do it, and don't think of me, that's what he said. Okay, Luke, I'll do it and not think.

"Jocelyn, are you alright?" It was Valentine and his voice was concerned, open, searching.

In response, Jocelyn reached out and pulled Valentine against her so the two fell back on the bed, entangled in each other's arms and kisses. "I love you, Valentine."

I'll tell him I love him, I'd tell the devil himself I loved him if I get to keep my daughter.