Chapter 10
Clary was on cloud nine when Isabelle had finally come to get them. The lovers knew the moment couldn't last forever and reluctantly split up. Jace gave her one last kiss before departing to the guest chambers. Isabelle smiled and whispered the plan to Clary once they were in her room. Clary was not surprised that her brother lied, well twisted the truth. He did tell her that Jace was alive and safe when he released him. To him, that must have meant at the castle before the lake. Clary was angry at first but then released that anger. She didn't know why she ever expected anything different, after all, it was such a Jonathan thing to do. Isabelle continued and Clary was surprised to hear that Simon, Price Jace's head guard, was a genie. "He is quite handsome and like nothing, I would have imagined a genie to be." Isabelle continued off dreamily. Clary could tell the lady was quite taken with the genie. It seemed that she wasn't the only one in a difficult romance, still it wasn't without hope. "Ask Jace, maybe he will use his third wish to release him?" Clary suggested. Isabelle shook her head. "I could never ask him that. The people's happiness matters more to me than my own." She replied.
The knot in Clary's stomach grew at this statement. Lady Isabelle was as kind as she was beautiful. If she were the princess would she be selfishly running away? Shouldn't her people's happiness come before her own? What kind of princess was she being? She was failing in her most important duty, her people. Isabelle lifted herself from the bed. "It is late and I must go." The beautiful women said making her way to the door. Clary frowned and eyed the door suspiciously It was quiet, too quiet. "Don't worry princess. Magnus put a sleeping drug in your brother's wine. He will be sound asleep until the morning; he won't bother you tonight." She explained. Clary sighed. Well, that was one evil man dictating her life out of the way.
Once Isabelle left Clary remained at her door. Her thoughts were heavy as she tried to push away the doubt. She longed to go to Jace's room and spend the night wrapped in his arms again. She knew that wasn't possible, though. Her father clearly suspected something was amiss and placed a guard at Prince Jace's door. He explained that it was for protection but Clary felt it had more to do with suspicion. She cursed herself for letting Jace's name slip with her father in her room that morning. She hoped he didn't remember it, Jace wasn't a very common name after all. If he ever placed, it to the leader of the resistance he would kill him. Then he would beat her black and blue or kill her too, just like her mother. She knew she wasn't getting the entire truth from Luke and it seemed her father still wasn't willing to be completely honest with her. Her ring began glowing towards the end of his explanation which worried her yet made her happy. At least, he was telling the truth when he spoke about how much he loved her mother.
Clary took in a deep breath and made her way down the hall. She knew that if she wanted to keep Jace alive she would have to appease her brother. She slowly made her way down the stairs and to the hallway where his room lay. Hoping that what Isabelle said was true, Clary slowly took a deep breath and opened up her brother's door. She was relieved to find her brother passed out on his bed, still fully clothed. She began breathing normally and took a step in closing the door quietly behind her. She tiptoed across the room to the bed. She needed her brother to calm down and not kill Jace. Jace couldn't help but be charming and he didn't deserve to die for nothing more than falling in love with her. She would be married in two days. Then she would decide if she should escape or stay and take on her royal responsibilities.
Clary looked down at her brother who looked relaxed and peaceful in sleep. It had been years since she had seen him truly relaxed. It helped ease the anger she felt against him during her conversation in her room with Isabelle. Running her hand affectionately through her brother's hair she couldn't help but long for the sweet kind brother that she had grown up with. The one who taught her how to climb trees or how to hold a sword. He had even insisted she learn how to fight when her father forbid it. She missed that boy but it was not to be. Her father killed that boy and poisoned him with hatred and darkness. She was rather amazed that Jonathan handled the demon urges the way he did. If it had been her their father poisoned she might have gone crazy and killed innocent people in the street.
Clary shook her head attempting to dislodge the painful trail her memories were taking. She sighed and removed her hand bracing herself for what she was about to do. Taking a deep breath, she lifted herself into his bed and nestled in beside him. Her father expected them all up early to dine with Prince Jason for breakfast. She just had to survive a few more hours in this room, then it would be over. Hopefully waking up beside her would be enough to calm his ego and stop seeing the golden prince as a threat, at least until the wedding. She would try to keep her interaction with Jace at a minimum and seem less taken in when he was around. She could do it; she'd do it at least long enough for her to get him out of here or marry him at the last minute. Her heart raced at the later thought. She cuddled into her brother's chest as a refuge from the guilt of betraying her people. Jonathan, at least, was warm. Well more than warm; is skin always seemed to be on fire. This was why he never dressed in the proper clothing for winter something she took advantage of as she shivered.
She rested her head on her brother's chest and listened to the sound of his heartbeat. She remembered many nights falling asleep like this after a terrible nightmare. Jonathan was always there to comfort her until her sick father thought that demon blood would help strengthen his son. Everything changed after that, even Jonathan's heartbeat was different now. Tears pricked her eyes as and she allowed them to fall. They skimmed down her cheeks before she closed them again, willing them to dry. After a few moments, her mind finally surrendered to sleep. She didn't feel her brother's arm wrap around her, clenching her closer. His dark eyes opening briefly taking in the sight of her before relaxing back into a peaceful sleep beside her.
-Line Break-
Clary's eyes fluttered open. She was exhausted and it took her a moment before she remembered where she was. A light chuckle behind her made her back stiffened. "Good morning little dove," Jonathan whispered kissing her temple. Clary rose her head to see her brother smiling down at her. Guilt launched in her throat at his light and amused grin. He was happy, truly happy and it was because of something so little as his sister falling asleep next to him. He was actually content that she was here next to him and it made her feel guilty. "I was going to let you sleep but father wants us up bright and early for breakfast with your new suitor." He replied trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. Clary looked away. "I know. Sorry for falling asleep here." She lied. Her brother leaned forward placing a light kiss on her lips. As sweet and soft as it was for Jonathan, it did nothing more than make her feel sick and wrong. "You can sleep with me every night my little dove. Just send Jace away and we can get on with the wedding. Then I will be all yours." He purred. Clary was saved from replying by the sudden knock on his door.
"Come in." Jonathan called as she sat up. In came one of the guards whose eyes grew wide upon seeing her. "What is it?" Jonathan asked though not cruelly. "I, I, forgive me, your highness. I came to report the princess was missing but I can see now that she is with you. Please forgive my intrusion." The guard pleading bowing lowly. Jonathan who seemed to be in a good mood smiled and waved him away without a word. Clary stood up from the bed and made her way to the door ready to leave as well. "I must get ready; I will see you at breakfast big brother." She called opening the door quietly. She didn't miss his gaze harden before it relaxed back into his usual mask. "Until then, Clary." He replied. The sound of her nickname falling from his lips drew a shiver down her spine. She closed the door in a rush before dashing down the hall in unladylike fashion.
Once in her room, she discovered Isabelle sitting at her makeup vanity with her arms crossed. "Why were you in Jonathan's room?" she asked pointedly once the door closed. Clary looked around the room and sighed. "I slept there, is there a problem?" Clary asked. Isabelle looked at her calmly. "Yes, there is. Women who are in love with someone else don't willingly sleep in their demented brother's incestual bed with him." Isabelle spat. Clary looked at her wounded. "You think I like sleeping there?" she replied keeping her voice low though the venom of her words was blatant. "I love Jace more than anything in the world and if sleeping in that damn bed makes my psychotic brother less likely to murder him then so be it. I know my brother better than you do and I know what he is capable of. Genie or no genie Jonathan always finds a way to get what he wants. If he thinks Jace is less of a threat, then he won't go after him. Plus, he was knocked out anyway. I wouldn't have gone in there is he wasn't." Clary retorted.
Isabelle's face fell as a light brush warmed the girl's cheeks. I, I guess I didn't think of it that way. I'm sorry princess." She pleaded. Clary took in a deep breath and exhaled. "Isabelle, you are my friend. I don't have many of those and I don't want to lose one over a simple misunderstanding. I love Jace but things are complicated. I-"
"No, Clary." Isabelle stood. "I understand. Things are very complicated and dangerous. Thank you for understanding why you did what you did even though it wasn't my place to ask. Can we still be friends?" she asked. Clary looked at Isabelle with her long hair, dark eyes and beautiful ruby amulet. For as beautiful as Isabelle has Clary realized that the poor girl was just as lonely as she was. She was only doing what Clary would have done in that circumstance, protect her friends. "Of course," Clary smiled. "Now, I am sure you are here to doll me up or something for the day?" Clary asked relaxing into a bright-eyed laugh. Isabelle smiled too. "Yes I am and the first thing to go is that messy hair. I leave you for a night and it is already knotty! You are a princess, let's make you look like one." Isabelle replied grabbing the hairbrush. Clary knew that her hair wasn't that bad. Isabelle was just looking for an excuse to move forward so Clary patiently let her brush her hair as they talked about other things smiling and laughing together.
*********Line break**********
Isabelle left her room once she was done fixing up the redhead. Clary walked quietly down the hall towards the dining room with butterflies in her stomach. Last night in the gardens was perfect and her heart longed to see her golden lover again. Turning the corner her stomach settled upon seeing her brother waiting for her in the hallway. Seeing as he already spotted her she was forced to continue walking forward. "Why are you out here?" she asked keeping the disappointment from her voice. "I am waiting to walk my beautiful sister into the dining room. Now let's go, we are late." He smiled taking her arm gently but firmly into his. The doors opened wide as Clary saw that Jace was already in the room. He gave her a bright smile as she met his gaze.
"Where is father?" she asked moving to take a seat beside Jace. Jonathan beat her to it though and sat down promptly beside the golden prince. "The king sends his regards but is caught up with matters of the crown. He will be unable to join you three for breakfast." A servant replied taking a low bow. Clary frowned. This breakfast was going to be a disaster if there was no one here to keep her brother in line. Clary took in a deep breath and recovered her composure. At least, Jonathan didn't know Jace's real identity. He would be forced to act politely since it was a prince he was speaking to. It was a small comfort but she would accept anything at this point.
"What shall we do today?" Jonathan asked taking a bite out of his apple. "I thought you had matters to attend to today darling brother?' Clary asked politely passing the plate of bacon to Jace. Jonathan met her gaze as she smiled innocently. She doubted her brother was convinced but it was the best she could offer at the moment. Jonathan had yet to answer her when Jace called his attention. "Would you like some eggs?" the golden prince answered. Jonathan stared at him with disapproval. "I do believe, Prince Jace, that ist is customary to ask ladies first-"
"Clary hates eggs," Jace stated flatly still holding the plate outstretched to him. Jonathan looked at the prince with surprise before turning his head to look at his sister. Clary blushed at the thought that Jace remembered her food preferences. "You don't like eggs?" Jonathan asked. Clary shook her head no in response. "no, not really." She replied. Jonathan's expression hardened at her. He couldn't help feeling embarrassed. "There are lots of things you don't know. You never cared to." She stuttered blushing vigorously. How had he not known this when he had eaten breakfast with her for so many years. He often talked with their father about politics at breakfast paying little attention to Clarrisa. Now he cursed himself realizing there were probably many more things he didn't know about his lovely bride to be.
Clary took a bite of her bacon ignoring her brother and turning her attention back to Jace who thankfully saved her from speaking again. "Would you like to show me your art room princess? The one you told me about last night in the gardens?" Jace asked content in rubbing it in Jonathan's face. The fact that this new prince knew his sister liked to paint in only a few hours he had known her irritated him profusely. "I would love to show you my paintings, Jace." She beamed. Jonathan was relieved when the servant came summoning him to his father's study. He excused himself and left promptly endeavoring to slit the prince's throat in his sleep tonight.
Taking a deep breath Jonathan entered his father's study. The kings eyes lit up and motioned for him to close the door. Doing so Jonathan walked forward and took a seat. "I have sent a fire message to King Verlic asking about prince Jason. Have you found out anything about the boy?" the king asked. Jonathan grunted. "Besides the fact that Clarissa fancies him and that he is a pain in the rear, no," he replied darkly. The King's eyes grew dark. "And why pray tell, do you find him to be a pain? Is it because you were so sure of your success that you failed to court Clarissa and now that there is competition-"
"I am capable of wooing my sister." Jonathan interrupted sharply. King Valentine just smiled. "Then find out who this prince is while he is distracted entertaining your sister. I will call on him during the evening. Take that opportunity to woo her then." Valentine suggested turning back to the many papers on his desk. The dark prince stood and left abruptly not giving his father the satisfaction of responding. He knew that Jace would be with Clary in her art studio by now. It was only fitting that he takes the liberty of going through the prince's possessions. Surely that would give him a clue as to the prince's true identity.
*********Line Break*******
"Come now Simon! I have something wonderful to show you." Isabelle gleamed. The genie looked at her suspiciously. Isabelle took this as a sign of cooperation and grabbed his hand, pulling him down the hallway. Simon looked down at her hand where his skin warmed. It had been thousands of years since he last felt the touch of another. This girl was driving him wild and Simon struggled to keep his emotions in check. There would only be pain if he dwelt on things too much and he had enough pain to last him a genie's lifetime.
Stopping by a large door Isabelle released his hand and smiled. "Are you ready?" she asked pleasantly. Simon nodded feeling his mouth grow dry under her gaze. "Okay, look!" she yelled opening the door. Outside the door sat the royal gardens. Flowers bloomed for miles reaching out towards the cascading purple mountains. Simon had been trapped in a lamp for a long time so beauty like this was a treat. His jaw dropped as he took a few tentative steps outside. Isabelle appraised him silently smiling. After a few moments, he turned around to look at another beauty.
"Thank you, Isabelle, for taking the time to show me this. It was very kind of you." He smiled genuinely. Isabelle blushed lightly not knowing what else to say. Simon grinned and took her hand in his. He could feel her pulse quicken at his touch. "Come, let me take in this beautiful scenery with a beautiful woman. We shall have a picnic amongst the flowers. "But I didn't bring any food." She replied allowing him to lead her down the grass. Simon chuckled and snapped his fingers. Out of nowhere a blanket and a basket appeared out of thin air. Isabelle gasped with surprise.
"Being a genie does have its benefits," Simon replied with a sly grin. He led the raven haired beauty down to the blanket. Lady Lightwood sat down folding her dress down over her legs. It was a warm day with a light cool breeze drifting the scent of lavender through the air. It was the perfect day to be outside. Simon opened the basket and handed her a warm buttered croissant. Isabelle took it and brought it to her nose. "It's fresh." She said. "Only the best for you, my dear," Simon replied taking a bite out of his own croissant.
The two sat on the blanket for a few hours talking about all of the places that Simon had seen and many of his different masters. Isabelle's eyes warmed with compassion and interest with each story he told. Her heart swelled when he admitted how lonely he was living in that lamp. He refused to tell her how he became a genie, stating that information is never to be revealed to any mortal. "Do genies love?" Isabelle finally asked trying to hold the eagerness out of her voice. Simon raised an eyebrow. "Genie's cannot make people fall in love. It is alas beyond our reach to touch human hearts in such a way. We can do many things but when we use our magic for evil it changes. Our magic behaves in a different way. Much like raising the dead, it doesn't work out the way one would hope." He replied. Isabelle bit her lip and shook her head.
"I meant do they themselves fall in love?" she whispered meeting his gaze. Simon's eyes grew wide finally understanding her question as well as the meaning behind it. Isabelle, I, I can't." he stuttered. Isabelle leaned her face towards his as a small frown illustrated her mouth. "Why?" she whispered meekly. Simon could feel his heart flutter before the urge to kiss her became overwhelming. Finally submitting her leaned forward and claimed her lips with his own. She jumped a little startled but responded quickly.
Her body warmed and her breaths came in gasps. He kissed her with such strong emotion that it took her breath away. Simon kissed her like she was air and he was drowning. Her body melted as she sunk back into the blankets with him following. They continued to kiss until reluctantly they finally broke for air. "I," she panted. "I thought you said-"
"I can physically fall in love but I can't allow myself to Isabelle. This, this is a mistake." He said getting up. Isabelle felt her world shatter as if the earth itself had been pulled out from under her feet. "I don't understand. Why?" she pleaded raising to her feet. "Because it is wrong." He yelled with fury not knowing how to explain how their relationship would be doomed before it ever begins. Isabelle looked at him trying to hold back the tears knowing that she was failing. She turned around and did the only thing she could do. She ran.
*******Line Break******
"Unbelievable." Jace breathed. "Your work, these paintings, they're stunning, Mouse. Clary smiled blushing lightly. "I'm glad you like them." She whispered. Jace turned and eyed his little redhead. "You're amazing, I wish your family could see you the way I do. Your light shines so brightly that it is almost overpowering." He whispered bringing his hand forward to tuck a stray hair back behind her ear. Clary's eyes were wide and filled to the brim with emotion. He watched them close as her face leaned into his touch. Jace could tell that despite everything a part of her yearned for her father's love and approval. It was the same look her brother Jonathan held in his. Jace sighed, lost in thought. The king was a monster and his corruption didn't stop at the people, it extended to hurting even his own children.
"Marry me Mouse." He asked suddenly. Clary's eyes opened and looked at him bewildered. "Jace, I, I don't think that would be a good idea." She stuttered. Jace smiled his perfect smile moving the hair from his eyes. "Why not? Your birthday is in a fortnight. Your father would want you married tomorrow. I'll play the part. We'll get married and then once their backs are turned we will run away. I'll take you somewhere where I can keep you safe and we'll disappear." He asked quietly. Clary's heart raced at the idea. Could she do it? Could she really follow her own happiness and abandon her people for him? Thought's rushed through her head as her golden knight waited patiently. After a few minutes, Jace's smile frowned.
"Do you not want me to love?" he asked sweetly though she could detect the pain and sudden uncertainty behind his words. Clary looked up into his golden eyes. "I will love you till the day I die, Jace." She whispered reaching on her tiptoes and kissing him. The golden man returned the kiss slowly bringing her body tightly against his. They kissed quietly losing themselves in the soft embrace when a light knock came to the door. Clary took a dizzying step away and said, "Enter." A small maid came into the room and curtsied. "My Prince and princess please excuse the disturbance. The king is requesting to speak to Prince Jason immediately." The maid spoke.
A knot formed in Clary's stomach but Jace seemed delighted with the idea. "But of course, will you please guide me to him?" he asked the maid. She nodded quietly and waited out into the hall. "Don't worry Mouse, I'll be alright. This is the perfect time to ask for his blessing for tomorrow," he smiled kissing her on the cheek. Clary looked at him cautiously but before she could utter a syllable he was gone. Truth be told she didn't know what her father would say.
********Line Break*****
The dark prince entered the room quietly not making a sound. He wasn't sure what he was looking for but he was determined to find it or anything that would incriminate the idiotic golden prince who was trying to steal his sister. No, Jonathan would have none of that. He searched the bed and drawers are not finding anything uncommon what so ever. After ten minutes he was about to give up when a set of footsteps sounded down the hall. Cursing his luck Jonathan rushed behind a tapestry and hid into a corner.
"Isabelle, please!" a voice begged. "No, Simon!" a familiar voice replied stepping into the room. "Listen, I don't care if you're a genie. I, I want to be with you." The woman pleaded. Jonathan's ears rose up at the sound of the word genie. Could it really be true" "It's impossible Isabelle?" The man replied. Jonathan grinned recognizing the voice now. Lady Isabelle Lightwood was very beautiful and quite the catch. If he hadn't had his sister to attend with or the wrath of his father he would have the lady in his bed the moment, he met her. Sure, he couldn't advance by marrying her but that didn't mean she wouldn't make a delightful mistress. "Why? Why is it impossible? Jace could use his last wish to free you. Then we could- "
"Do you know how many times a master has made that same promise to me my beautiful Isabelle?" Simon snapped. Isabelle looked at him sternly. "He is different! Jace is honorable." She argued. Simon smiled sweetly bringing his hand to cup her cheek. "How? How is your friend different than all of the hundreds of masters I had before? Some were richer than he and some even great men of honor. In the end, you will see my lady that Jace Herondale will be just like the others." He whispered sadly. Isabelle shook her head as tears streamed down her eyes. Not being able to control her emotions the dark haired beautiful opened the door and left. Simon watched her go with a still breath. She would learn the hard way that this was how things were. He couldn't control it any more than she could.
Taking a deep sigh, he turned into smoke and went to find his master. Jonathan who had waited patiently stuck his head out of the tapestry after all of the commotions. The dark man smiled. Clearly the lamp was not kept in the room but probably remained on the body of the genie's master. Oh, how could he have been so blind? The stupid prince and his familiarity with his sister. Prince Jason was none other than Jonathan Herondale. Oh, what joy it would bring him once his father found out. Jonathan Herondale, or rather Jace Herondale, the leader of the resistance. His death would surely be slow and painful indeed. Jonathan smiled wickedly making his way to his father's study.
*I am so sorry for the wait! I have been soo bogged down with stuff to do. Alas…I was cursed with the lack of ability to say no. So guess who is painting the sets to the Aladdin play…yep, this girl. That and master's classes have kept me extremely busy. Please know that I never abandon my stories and this will be finished. I should be able to update regularly now. Thank you so much for your patience! I hope it was worth the wait. I did a quick run through before posting but there is still probably many errors. I'll go through it again at a less chaotic date. I figured at this point you all rather have the update at this point. ^^;