I dedicate this chapter to…
bookworm9720 … FanFic Lover36 … sarbear101
Nadouu … CoraPearson … Cheyenne761
EatsRainbow … chibichibi98 … Decken100
AbyssiKonjo … Jacqueline3005
Alicia Vivian Graymark
I returned to my room in the institute to find a letter on my vanity table.
Uh oh. Last time I got a letter, it turned my life upside down…
I decided to ignore it for now and chose to open my jewellery box, letting my lullaby play and destroy the silence of the room. I grabbed several books from my book shelves on the far side of the room, Ceremonies For Shadowhunters, Ceremonies Performed By Royalty and Vows in Shadowhunter Marriages.
They all seemed appropriate so I took them to my bed and started reading them.
I got some decent reading done. I think I know how to conduct the ceremony. I'll just double check with aSilent Brother later…
For now, I have a letter to read.I thought resolutely. I have got to admit though, I thought as I rose from the bed,I couldn't get the letter out of my head when I was reading the books. It was so tempting to read that first but for AlecI admitted to myself softly, I had to ignore it for now and learn about marriage ceremonies so I can't embarrass him. But now that I finished that…
I snatched the letter from the vanity table and jumped back on my bed.
I tore the familiar seal away and pulled the letter out of the envelope, reading it properly instead of hastily like last time.
Dear Princess Alicia,
I regret my actions at the hearing of one, Isabelle Sophia Lightwood.
I am sorry for how I acted but we, the Clavebelieve that it is within the best interest of the whole shadowhunter community that the cup should be far away from Valentine's influence as possible and that includes his daughter's presence.
I am not usually as strict as that. Some may say differently but you would know differently. I was close with your father and therefore your mother before they died. I spent a lot of time with your family when you grew up. I know that you have your memories back. If you think back, you'll remember me.
I also regret to inform you that it was the Clave that ordered Miss Branwell to give you the drugged wine to lower your free will and make you susceptible to other people's orders.
I am truly sorry for what happened.
And to show my sincere apology, I will give you information that I am sorry tohave.
Attached to this letter is a copy of the contract that your parents signed long ago. Unfortunately, it is an incomplete file. Once you see the file, do not think differently of your parents. They only did this for your protection. The Clave had been pressuring your parents for a while and they threatened taking you away if they didn't agree to this scenario.
I am sorry to say that you have an arranged marriage Alicia.
What in the angel is she talking about? Mum and dad would never do that to me. They would always ask for my opinion before doing something like this. Ergo, they would have waited years before making a decision like this, even if they were being pressured. I thought angrily, something is wrong with this whole situation. With that final thought, I continued reading the dreaded letter.
Unfortunately, a law within our world is that we cannot undo any laws that a previous generation royal has made. Only after two decades can the law or contract be undone.
I regret to say that the contract says that you must marry when you are 18.
This document was procured from the Clave's document vault. It is a document that is under heavy security. Only a few people know of it. Your parents had the full copy but I think it was lost along with them.
The contract was based on the Clave's wishes. Your parents couldn't do anything about it. Should they have declined, they would have kicked your uncle Lucian out of our world. By kicked out, I mean terminated. They threatened family and they thought they had more time to fix the situation but they died too soon for that to happen.
The Clave wanted the heir to have a secure future by having their own heir. The contract was made when you were around 5 years old, just after your parents moved to the countryside and you had become close friends with the Wayland boy, at least that is what I was informed along with the rest of the Clave. Your parents made the contract and showed the Clave but didn't tell us who you are to marry. That is the part of the contract that has been wiped clean. I don't know what they did but they gave you time.
This information should have been revealed to you when you were 16 and your training would be half over but you were not part of our world at the time but that is out of our hands now.
Should you ever need my help. Just ask.
Best Regards and I am sorry.
Inquisitor Imogen Herondale
I checked the contract on the back and I almost fainted.
Oh my- it's all true!
Tears started to well up in my eyes.
I have to get married when I'm 18. I have to be tied down to a man I don't even know! I need help. I need to talk to someone. Izzy's busy with the wedding. Simon isn't here. Clary and I still aren't talking. Things are still awkward with Jacewhich just leaves… Alec.
I shut my eyes in frustration and searched for Alec with my magic. As soon as I found him, I ran to his destination.
I found Alec in a room downstairs.
I vaguely heard him talking to someone "I'm always gonna be here for you." I heard someone say and then I heard Alec's deep voice, "Me, too."
"ALEC!" I shouted as I ran down the stairs. I caught sight of him and it made me cry even more. He reminded me that he was having a marriage out of convenience too. With that reminder, I ran into him and hugged him as more tears cascaded down my face.
"Woah! Allie? Why are you crying sweetie?" I heard him coo. It just made me cry more.
He must have started feeling awkward and said to someone behind me, "What do I do?"
"Let's sit her down on the couch and wait for her to calm down." I heard Jace's voice say.
Oh. He and Alec must have made up now. That's good, at least one relationship has been brought back.
The two of them sat me down on the couch and I just sobbed into my hands as they waited patiently for me to calm down. When I did calm down Jace asked, "What's wrong Lissa?"
The whole 5 meter distance thing hasn't been active in a while. I was too busy on the wedding or comforting either of the two people I banned from my sight. Maybe I should lift the ban, it's pretty pointless anyway…
I decided not to answer and instead offered them the letter. Alec snatched it first. He read it impassively as I fiddled with my ring. When he finished reading it, he gave the letter to Jace. Unlike Alec, Jace seemed to get more and more furious as he read the letter. Once he had finished, he gave me the letter and started pacing.
"I agree with the Inquisitor, which is surprising after what she almost did to Izzy but this isn't your parents fault." Alec said to me as he stopped me from fiddling with my ring. "Have you read the contract?"
I shook my head and turned the letter over and asked, "Do you want me to read it out loud?" The two of the nodded so I started reading…
The Contract Between…
Alicia Vivian RénetaGraymark and ******** *********** ********** *********
From henceforth, October 31st 2004, this contract is active by the order of Vivienne Sophia RénetaGraymark and Christopher Matthew CleophasGraymark, Royal Visionary, Descendant of Two Angels, Queen of Idris and Protector of the Shadow World and Consul of The Clave, King of Idrisand Protector of the Shadow World.
The contract pertains details on the future marriage of the couple stated above.
The parents of the couple must agree to the following conditions:
1. The arrangement will be made known to the above couple on the sixteenthbirthday of the youngest participant of this contract.
2. The couple will marry soon after the eighteenth birthday of the youngest child.
3. Any and all properties will be shared equally between the couple.
4. The Princess cannot become queen until she has married.
5. No dowry shall be exchanged.
Any and other stipulations shall be discussed with the participants once they have reached their sixteenth birthday of the youngest of the pair.
I give my consent as mother of the bride, Vivienne Sophia RénetaGraymark.
I give my consent as father of the bride, Christopher Matthew CleophasGraymark.
I give my consent as mother of the groom, -
I give my consent as father of the groom, -
I agree to this contract, with right mind and soul, Alicia Vivian RénetaGraymark.
I agree to this contract, with right mind and soul, ******** *********** ********** *********.
I trailed off once I had finished reading the contract out loud.
"So you don't know who you are marrying?" Jace asked incredulously.
I nodded and said, "It's weird, sometimes the name is covered up by asterisks but sometimes the asterisks disappear and the only thing left are blanks. Oh my- what do I do?" I said as was breathing started to speed up.
"Okay, Allie, you need to calm down. We'll think of something soon. I promise. I'll help you with this." Alec vowed.
"I promise too." Jace piped up. I hid a smile with my hair at the knowledge that he'd still defend me despite the fact that we were currently quarrelling with each other. "I know things haven't been the same between us two but I really do want to fix things between us. I will help you out of this, or at least help you find this guy…"
I looked up at him in surprise and I gently said to him, "I really missed you…" and got up to hug him.
"I missed you too Lissa." He said as he hugged me tightly towards him.
"I think it's time for you two to talk…" Alec said as he got up from the couch and started heading for the exit.
"Wait Alec!" I stopped him and smiled at the two of them "From henceforth, the ban I made from keeping Jace Wayland and Clary Fairchild away from me has been lifted. With my witness Alec Lightwood, the order is active as of now."
Jace's smile grew and he hugged me again as Alec walked away. I enthusiastically returned his hug and megawatt smile. This is a long overdue hug. We should have never argued in the first place. We're parabatai. We shouldn't ever be apart.
"So how are you?" he asked as we sat back down on the couch we were previously sat on.
"I'm okay despite the situation. I'm just glad we are fixing what happened between us." I said softly, smiling at him.
"Promise me that we are never gonna fight like that ever again. We are never gonna get to the point where our bond is almost broken and where we never talk…" he said seriously.
"Jace we can't just promise to not fight." I argued.
"Promise me Lissa. I can't live a life where you aren't in it…" he said earnestly.
That makes the two of us.
"I promise Jace…" and hugged him. I felt our bond start to repair itself.
"I know this is last minute and I know you're conducting the ceremony but afterwards when it's the reception would you like to be my date?"
I looked at him in shock. I've been waiting for thismoment ever since I admitted to myself that I like him. Or maybe even love him. I shook myself lightly at those thoughts, I'm too young to know what love is. Then I remembered that he still cared for Clary… I'll accept his offer but won't let it get to me. It's a platonic date. Just friends. Parabatai.
"I'd like that Jace." I said with a small smile.
I had gotten dressed in a red lace dress. If you don't know by now, I wear lots of outfits with this exact colour all the time. My mother's family colours was red, gold and white. If I hadn't of loved the colour so much, I'd probably hate the fact I had to wear it so much.
I was standing behind Izzy and in front of Lydia when I heard Brother Jeremiah say in my head, "Attention. The ceremony is about to commence."
Okay. Deep breaths. You can do this. It's not like you are the one getting married.
I steadied my breathing and turned to Lydia as Izzy walked out, "You look beautiful Lydia."
She took a deep breath before smiling, "Thank you my lady" she hesitated before saying, "Should I go through with this?" I looked at her confused before she said, "I know about Alec and Magnus. I can see it."
"I love how you are considering his feelings Lydia but it's Alec that has to realise that." I knew that my turn was coming so I said one last thing, "Call me Alicia, Lydia, you are my friend now. You needn't use formalities." I winked at her one last time before walking out.
I kept looking straight ahead.
Head held high. One foot before the other. Smile lightly. Not too much. Walk confidently. Like the princess you are. Don't trip…
From the corner of my eyes, I could see the shadowhunters in the congregation bow as I walked pass them. This is so daunting… I eventually reached the end of the aisle and reached the steps. Jace came down from the altar and held his hand out. I gripped it tightly and he helped me up the stairs.
This feels too much like I'm getting married…
He helped me walk and settle behind the gem on the altar and once he let go, I smiled at him in thanks. I looked at the audience to see Clary glaring at me slightly and giving Jace a kicked-puppy-look.
Lydia then walked down the aisle soon after, causing her to look away as Jace got back into position. I looked to my left to see Brother Jeremiah. He nodded at me and I turned away and saw that Lydia had reached the altar.
Izzy offered her cushion to Lydia and she retrieved a bracelet that she then gave to Alec. Jace then offered his to Alec and he retrieved a necklace that he placed around Lydia's neck.
They turned to me as they held hands. I then said, "It is time for Alexander Lightwood and Lydia Branwell to mark each other with the Wedded Union rune." I put my hands on the white gem and gold mist started to form on my fingertips, it then entered the gem, causing it to glow white. "A rune on the hand, a rune on the heart, a union is born." I completed.
Good work gurl. You haven't messed up yet.
Izzy offered her cushion to Lydia and she took her stele. Lydia touched the glowing gem and gold mist followed after her. Alec offered her his arm and they smiled tentatively to each other. Lydia went to draw the rune but we heard a crash and everyone looked up to see Magnus enter the room.
"Izzy… did Alec invite Magnus?" I heard Jace whisper.
I doubt it, I wanted to snort out in reply but I knew people were watching me so I kept the stoic smiling façade on my face.
"I did." Izzy said.
Course you did. But I have to admit…
"I didn't actually think he'd show." I whispered to the two of them.
Maryse stood up and Hodge stood up quickly after for some reason. Maybe he's going to attempt to tame the dragon… "Magnus, leave this wedding now." she shouted.
Oh dear lord, please don't cause a scene…
He murmured something back to her but I was too far away to hear. Alec hadn't moved an inch and just kept staring at Magnus in shock.
"Are you gonna be okay, buddy?" Jace murmured to Alec.
Alec sighed so Lydia got his attention, "Alec?" He looked at her and she said, "Hey."
"It's just uh- I… I can't breathe." he stuttered out.
I'd laugh if I didn't feel sorry for him. Who knew shadowhunter weddings could be so interesting.
"I know. It's okay." she reassured.
"I can't do this." he said firmly. At those words, I waved my hand on the gem and the golden mist left the gem, causing it to stop glowing. Looks like Alec isn't getting married after all.
Lydia's smile slowly diminished as a look of understanding crossed over her face. "I thought we were doing the right thing, but… this isn't it."
"You don't have to explain." Lydia once again reassured. I stepped away from the gem and Jace helped me walk around the altar. This dress is such a pain. It doesn't even let you move. Jace held me to his side as Alec said, "Lydia, I'm sorry."
"Hey… you deserve to be happy. Okay? I'll be fine." she whispered back to him as she held him in a hug.
And you deserve happiness for everything you did for Alec today Lydia. I promise you. By the time you meet the Angel, you will be happy. Even if I have to guarantee it done myself.
Alec turned away from Lydia and looked at the trouble at the aisle. He looked at everyone gathered here for him and squared his shoulders. He sighed deeply before stepping down the stairs and heading back down the aisle.
I've heard of the bride making a run for it at the altar but I've never heard of the guy doing it.
I saw Maryse heading up the aisle to stop her son. Jace went to step forward to help his brother but I grabbed his hand and pulled him back. I put my hand on his chest and he looked down at me, "This is something Alec has to do Jace. Have faith in him…" He smiled at me and we looked back up to hear Maryse say, "Alec, what are you doing?"
We watched in anticipation as Alec walk past her and dissmissively ordering, "Enough."
Alec walked straight up to Magnus and grabbed his suit. He yanked Magnus to him and…
A/N:
The next chapter is the final chapter so don't miss out.
I will be writing a sequel when the next season comes out so I hope you guys read that too when it's released…