Happy New Year, shadowhunters!
May 2017 be just like you wish for ^^/
I know I'm hell of a lot late in updating, but I'm moving...slowly.
I will be focusing on RA from now on as I really want to bring this story an end and it's not far from what I can see in my ideas :") and yes, this means WD will be updated much later, sorry about this ^^;
I believe everyone saw the first ep of S02 and boy, who wanted to smack Alec over the back of his head? *show of hands, anyone?* Anyway, we know Magnus is a cupcake of kindness so he easily forgave our young and inexperienced shadowhunter :"D
Anyway, enjoy this chapter and thank you for your patience with ol' little me! (turning 27 next week!)
xoxo
Diana
Chapter twenty six: Heavy is the crown
Alec woke up feeling warm and relaxed, surrounded by the arms of the man who had changed his life and took a claim over his heart. He snuggled against Magnus, pleased to finally wake up next to him and not in some cold part of Magnifia's forest.
"Morning, gorgeous." Magnus' voice was low and still sleepy, but Alec knew he was awake.
"Morning." He said simply, though his greeting carried his shyness and happiness in the same time. He could never use endearing appellatives like Magnus did, but he enjoyed them every time his lover addressed to him.
"How are you feeling?" Magnus asked and Alec looked up at him, feeling his feline gaze settle on him with worry.
A blush crept on Alec's pale skin. "Better." He said, aware that Magnus was asking about his emotional state and not about his...um, physical state. Last night had felt different from various reasons and he had never realized just how much one could love another and express their love.
However, surprisingly, Magnus seemed unaware of Alec's drifting thoughts and simply smiled at him, feeling at ease that his lover wasn't on the edge of sanity because of his broken seal. "I missed you." He confessed as he held Alec closer to him, the tightness of it telling Alec that Magnus might've felt his absence more profoundly than he had. Not because he didn't care as much as Magnus did, but because Magnus had lost more people than he did. People he had loved with his heart completely.
"I am here now." Alec reached up to press a soft kiss to Magnus' lips. "And I've missed you too." He then added, love clear in his blue eyes.
"I got worried when Simon told me you had companions." He said, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "You're still new to Magnifia…"
Alec shook his head. "I'm no child, Magnus. And Chairman was with me." He then added, a curious glint appearing in his eyes. "Did you know he was a…" He paused, searching for the word the griffins have said.
"A catsith." Magnus supplied and Alec nodded immediately. "Yes, I know. The catsith is a rare beast of Magnifia. He will only stand by the King or Queen, respectively their Consorts." He continued, Alec watching him explain with a nostalgic expression.
"But you feel like he belongs to Tessa, no?"
Magnus smiled softly. "Chairman belongs to himself, but you're right. He came along with Tessa, disappearing when d'Quincey was King."
Alec felt a pleasant surprise at this statement. "I think I love cats more now." He sounded prideful and Magnus couldn't help but laugh at his words.
"I'm sure Chairman will expect more treats from you now that you've declared this." He teased the prince who snuggled closer in his arms.
"That's a challenge I'm happy to take upon." He stated from below Magnus' chin, his voice muffled by the man's collarbone, the puffs of hair making Magnus tremble just slightly.
"I take it you're not afraid of the catsith." He said as he let his hands wander softly over Alec's bare back, enjoying the shivers he felt underneath his fingertips.
"He's Chairman and he saved my life." Alec replied, relishing in the feeling of having Magnus' fingers dancing over his skin again.
Magnus could not help but feel once more surprised at the way Alec accepted him and his life so easily. Surely, he had had some difficulties in adapting at first, but there had been determination and stubbornness on Alec's side which had made him prevail in everything he had been dealing with. Magnus had brought him half blinded in a place where magic ruled and with patience and love, Alec was making a place of his own here. He was seeping through every pore of Magnus' life. And he couldn't be more grateful for this.
"You know," he started and waited for Alec to look up at him in question, "hearing you say such things only make me love you more." He continued, enjoying the happy blush that appeared on Alec's cheeks. "I'm happy that you're here with me."
"Same here." Alec said, love obvious in his eyes and tone of voice. "When I'm with you, I feel like I'm finally discovering myself." He decided to confess, a shy expression appearing on his face. "It feels like until now I've been blind and I can finally see. I am happy to have met you, no matter the circumstances." He added, a mischievous smile appearing on his lips as he spoke the last words.
Magnus chuckled slightly embarrassed. "I'm usually not that rushed in when it comes to the people I grow fond of." He tried to defend himself, but Alec's expression told him that he only making a fool of himself. But if it was for the sake of seeing that big bright smile on his lover's face, he'd become even the joker of a court.
"You're a complicated, yet simple man." Alec declared before he cupped Magnus' cheeks and pressed a loud kiss on his lips. "A walking, living paradox and you are mine."
The warlock's eyes shone magically. "I am yours." He agreed, his hands sneaking around Alec's hips and with a strong pull, the other man found himself straddling his lover.
"Oh?" Alec arched an eyebrow in question, sensing the relaxed, romantic atmosphere between them changed into something much deeper, primal as one would say. "I didn't know statements of ownership turned you on." He said with a giddy, playful tone as his hands were splayed over Magnus' smooth chest.
They were still naked from last night's events and he was very much aware of how warm and ready Magnus' body seemed to be.
"I wasn't fully awake earlier." The warlock grinned lazily as his hands travelled from Alec's hips and up his sides with soft touches that made the prince tingle all over.
Alec held back a sound of pleasure as he wanted to play this game longer. He found out that he enjoyed foreplay with Magnus as the man always knew how to press against him, how to make his body respond to the slightest touch or whisper. "And now you are?" He teased, but immediately let out a surprised, yet pleased gasp as Magnus bucked his hips gently against his bottom, very exposed to him. Alec felt Magnus' hands slip once more to his hips and slowly, his body was pushed downwards, a current of pleasure passing through him as their crotches met in a sizzling skin-on-skin closeness.
"What do you say?" Magnus asked huskily, Alec lifting his eyes to meet the magical ones. He hadn't realized that this whole time he had been staring downwards at the way their bodies brushed and touched so intimately.
Alec licked his lips quickly. "I say…" He started, pausing momentarily as he moved his hips ever slightly, creating a delicious friction between their lower, naked parts. Magnus exhaled a needy breath and his fingers dug into Alec's soft skin. "…you're still half sleep." He finished his sentence, taunting the other one with a perverted smile.
"You're playing with fire, Alexander." Magnus grinned impishly, gripping his man's hips as he guided him to move up and down against his body. "And I don't always play nice." He whispered low and dangerously exciting, making Alec look at him defiantly. A soft, yet promising chuckle left Magnus lips and before Alec could say anything, he found himself enveloped in magic's warmth, feeling its energy feeling him all over, touching every erogenous part on his body and making him throw his head backwards, a silent cry leaving his parted lips.
He felt his every cell on fire, thrumming with the remains of magic. He was still so acutely aware of Magnus' body, of how stiff and ready he was right at his bottom. The thought made him giggle as he looked at Magnus, lips moist and cheeks flushed. He had never known magic could fill one like this or could make experience the sensations of an orgasm without the actual release.
"That was cheating." He plied his body over Magnus' one, brushing against him invitingly. "I didn't know you can use magic like this." He then added in a whisper above Magnus' lips.
"Oh, it can be used in many more ways, Alexander." The warlock replied with a promising tone, one of his hands finding its way into Alec's soft dark hair, gripping it gently as Magnus pulled Alec's head backwards just a little to be able to properly look at his lover. "And I will show you each and every one of them." He added with a smirk before he crushed their mouths together in a needy, breathtaking kiss.
Alec got lost in their kiss, in their touches afterwards until all he knew was the name of the one who was engraving himself on his soul and flesh – Magnus. The name he had whispered and moaned over and over again until his lips only knew this word.
When Alec finally got out of the room where Magnus had shown him just how magic could be used in terms of the bed, it was well past noon and he felt his legs like jelly. Despite yesterday's events and revelations, Alec felt oddly at peace with himself and his current life. He had been half a man when he had met Magnus, memories sealed away, but now… now he could fully love him, he could fully face everything with newfound confidence, with a steadfast love.
He trusted Magnus when he said to him that Max was alright and that Lydia was going to take good care of his brother. He had seen her throw coveted looks to his brother and Isabelle had assured him that there was a wedding soon to happen. And if anything would have happened to Max, then surely Isabelle would have contacted him by now. Bad news always travelled fast. However, he had established with Magnus to contact Isabelle later to check on Max just to make sure everything was alright.
With an off-key whistling, he went downstairs and just as he landed, he felt a brush against his legs and he noticed Chairman to which he bent and picked him up, the cat happily purring in his arms.
"There you are. I'm sorry I disappeared like that." He nuzzled his nose in Chairman's fur and it seemed like the cat's purr only got louder. "Thank you for saving my life." He then added, gratefulness clear in his voice.
"Alec!" He looked up to see Lily and Maia staring at him with a mix of relief and care.
"Hey, girls." He smiled at them as he approached them, noticing that they were alone in the room, neither Simon, Ragnor or Catarina in sight. "Are you two alone?" He asked and Maia nodded while Lily looked at him with slightly narrowed eyes.
"Catarina said she had some healing business in the gremlin village and Simon went off somewhere with Ragnor." Maia supplied as Alec petted Chairman's fur absently.
"I see." He said, his mind slipping to how he and Magnus had been enjoying a late morning in bed. His cheeks suddenly felt warm as images of their moments together began playing vividly. "How do you feel? Where are your rooms?" He shook those thoughts away, focusing on his friends.
"Forget about." Lily interfered and looked at him with a frowning expression. "How do you feel?" She stressed out the question that had been bugging both of the girls.
Alec felt startled by the question, but then he realized that after the seal had been broken he hadn't exactly had the time to discuss with them properly and ease their worries. "I am doing okay. Magnus," He started and then paused, allowing a slight embarrassment cross over his features, "he took care of me."
Lily and Maia exchanged a knowing look before both exhaled long and relieved. "You got us really worried." Maia said with a hint of reproach in her tone as all three of them took a seat in the armchairs of the living room, all huddled around a coffee table.
"I'm sorry, it was not my intention." Alec apologized, sincerity clear in his voice. "I had to talk with Clary and afterwards with Magnus."
Maia leaned forwards to put a reassuring hand over Alec's knee. "Is everything alright with you and your brother?" She asked and Alec assumed Simon filled them in on what was the seal about.
He nodded slightly hesitantly. "Yes, at least that's how I feel."
"But?" Lily prompted, arching an eyebrow in question and making him chuckle. Trust her not to miss a thing on his words or face.
"But I need to make sure Max is safe. I trust Magnus when he says he had taken all the measures on protecting my brother in the eventuality that my seal broke, but…"
"You want to talk with him." Lily completed understandingly as Alec nodded.
"Yes." Alec sounded miserably and both girls had a suspicion they knew why.
"That's perfectly understandable." Maia started, looking at him with soft eyes. "You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to make sure that your brother is safe."
Alec looked away in shame. If they had noticed his guilt, then Magnus surely had too, but he, same as them, had understood his need and hadn't said anything. "I just don't want him to think that I doubt his word."
Lily scoffed. "If he had, then he wouldn't have bothered with you, would he?" She said in her cutting manner, making Maia roll her eyes at her lover's bluntness.
"What do you mean?" Alec asked, a frown creasing his forehead.
"Look, Magnus is the one who gets to wield this whole land's magic, yet last night he looked like any other one of us." Lily crossed her arms defiantly, a spark of respect visible in her eyes. "He is in the deep with you and understands you. No one gets to live that long not to get a thing or two about humankind." She paused, huffed out some air and continued. "Bottom line is he knows you're worried about your family and understands your need about making sure they're alright."
"Yeah," Maia interfered as well, a small smile dancing on her lips, "Simon told us that Magnus was like he had pins in his soles even after he reassured him you were alright. So, he truly gets it."
Alec smiled gratefully to both of them, feeling his heart oddly relieved. It wasn't like he didn't trust Magnus to understand him, but sometimes overthinking never let you fully see the truth or how it truly was. Therefore he was glad his friends were here to make him see clearer.
"Thank you." He said, his chest full of emotions towards the girls who have saved his live during his second trial. "Now tell me, where is your room?" He then asked, looking curiously at them.
Maia and Lily exchanged another glance, a twin enthusiasm appearing on their faces. "You won't believe it."
And they started telling him how their room together was and what kind of view it offered to them. Listening to their excitement, Alec could tell that these two were always meant to be here, next to him. Together with everyone else in this house, they will shape Magnifia to another world, one which will try to be fair to everyone.
Later in the afternoon, Alec decided that he needed some time alone to clear his mind and reassure himself that the soul sealing hadn't scarred him in a way he hadn't been ready to see or accept in the company of others.
Magnus had gone to see the griffins while the girls decided to enjoy some time alone together in their room. Simon and Ragnor were still gone and Catarina was probably still in the gremlin village, doing her duties as a healer. So in the end, he was alone, but being inside the tree villa, he felt like he couldn't think it all through, being too aware that anyone could come and seek him out.
That's why he was now on the beach, staring at the far horizon over a calm sea. He could still see the tree villa, but he wasn't as close as he had been before in his beach expeditions. He liked there – near the sea, on the soft, golden beach. He felt like all there was to this moment was him and the sea.
His thoughts flew over to his brother and the seals. With a sigh, he lowered himself on the sand, his head resting on his knees. He still couldn't believe that Max had died when he had been eleven years old. Or that it was a Greater's God magic which brought him back. Everything he had known about life and death had been destroyed in just one moment and even if he had been helped to get through this whole process, he had to accept the fact that he had been scarred in a way that would never actually heal.
He lifted his head, wearing a lost expression. There was a dull ache in his chest, one that didn't let him forget that there had been a trauma inflicted to both his body and soul. He wondered how his parents have lived with this knowledge. A whole new respect rose in Alec for his parents – they might've been flawed, but they loved them willing to do anything, even dabble with magic they knew nothing about, even making promises to someone they knew nothing of.
A groan left his lips as he thought that his parents have been indebted to someone as Camille. Thankfully, Magnus had taken the debt away and even if Alec wasn't pleased about this outcome, he trusted Magnus to handle Camille much better than his non-magical parents. He just hoped that Camille wouldn't try to undermine Magnus' rule with this magical debt. He knew from Ragnor that a magic debt was not to be broken and once you accepted it, you took full responsibility, otherwise the punishment would be tenfold.
Alec tried not to think of what sort of punishment one could get for breaking a magical debt.
Suddenly, the back hairs raised on his nape in awareness as the feeling of magic rushed by and took the physical form of Tessa, just a few steps away in front of him. She was wearing a dress made of white feathers, with straps and hem of black feathers. She also wore a plaited leather headband, giving her a casual yet unusual aspect – something out of a fairytale, yet from this world.
"Alec." She greeted him, the feathers rustling as she moved closer to him.
Alec stood on the ground, staring at her with steely eyes. In their previous meetings, he had felt afraid, however he couldn't bring himself to feel this emotion now. Yes, she was all powerful, she was energy itself, but he knew now that she needed him.
"Magnifia." He greeted her in return, calling her on her true name and ignoring the displeased expression which appeared on her beautiful, young face.
"I do not wish to start on the wrong foot, Alec." She said calmly, approaching him even more. Alec said nothing as he kept watching her moves, wondering briefly why he felt this animosity towards her. It wasn't like he had ever taken a like to her, but he had never outright felt annoyance at her presence.
Much to his surprise, Tessa took a seat next to him, on the sand, the feathers rearranging themselves around her and gently tickling his bare feet. "I want to discuss with you." She said and leaned her head on her bent knees, watching him sideways.
"About?" He inquired with a cool voice, not wanting to back down in front of her just because she seemed to be human for once.
Tessa fell quiet as she kept watching him with her ancient grey eyes. Soon, Alec started to feel restless and uncomfortable with her staring and silence. Just as he was about to tell her to speak, she beat him to it by saying – "How do you feel?"
Shock registered on Alec's features before he schooled it into an expression of confusion. "What's with this question?"
A small smile bloomed on Tessa's lips and it looked different than the ones she had been offering him before. "Am I not allowed to ask it?"
"You're not one to be concerned with such trivial stuff." Alec said before he could stop himself, but once the words were out there, he didn't regret them.
Tessa sighed and turned her head towards the sea, the gentle breeze blowing through her chestnut hair. She looked young and vulnerable different from the woman Alec had been used to see.
"You're changing the magic, Alec." She finally spoke, but her voice was barely a whisper and yet Alec heard it so clear, like it was being whispered right in his ear. Then he realized that she hadn't truly spoken, but it had been the wind itself.
"What do you mean?" He asked, his heart thundering. During his trial, he had realized something about Magnifia magic, but given the other revelations he hadn't given it much thought. Yet, Tessa was here to remind him.
"I think you know." She said and there was a gentleness to her words he hadn't noticed before – it hadn't been before.
"So you've come to tell me this?"
Tessa looked at him and smiled. "I've come to make sure you're okay. You are the bravest of the Consorts, Alec." She praised him, shocking the prince for a second time. "Sure, Will had been a wonderful Consort too, but he had shared his duties with another, his best friend, Jem."
Alec felt confused for a moment before he realized that she was talking about Queen Tessa's Consorts. "But didn't this make the Queen more powerful? Having two Consorts who loved her deeply and also shared a strong connection between them?" He asked, recalling Ragnor's lessons about Magnifia's history.
Tessa inclined her head in wondering. "Yes and no. There is a certain truth that in numbers there's power, but also in divide and conquer. Queen Tessa was more vulnerable with two Consorts than with one and that was also her downfall."
Alec nodded in understanding as he knew that Tessa's Consorts have been used against her in a crime orchestrated by d'Quincey – Jem had been killed by his fairies and Will has been imprisoned in the Glass City where his connection to Tessa had been severed by the prison's walls. She had never known that one of her Consorts had been alive and had died unaware of this cruel truth.
"However, so far, you are the strongest we had in many, many years." Tessa sounded slightly dreamy, her grey eyes carrying a bit of emotion.
"Enough with the pleasantries. What do you want?" Alec cut through her compliments, feeling his cheeks aflame with embarrassment and a perverted pleasure. It was not a daily occurrence that one got praised by the magic itself.
"I want you to stay." Tessa stated her wish, clear and wishful.
"I'm not going anywhere." Alec replied confused, not understanding what was this all about.
"You're thinking of your brother."
"Of course I am! I just learned he died when he was eleven and was brought back through magic." Alec felt slightly offended by her offhandedly way of putting in question his integrity.
"Max wasn't entirely dead when magic brought him back. His soul was on the way to the other world, but he was still alive. Gravely wounded, but alive." Tessa clarified and Alec nodded numbly as he recalled Camille saying something similar in the memory he had been reunited with. "I understand your concerns towards Max, but we need you to stay."
"We?" Alec looked at her with a frown.
A dry smile appeared on her lips. "All of Magnifia."
Alec lifted a hand to his head as he shook it slightly. "Tessa, you're confusing me." He said with a sigh. "I don't see why you'd think I will leave Magnus. He told me that Max is safe and I believe him."
Tessa pursed her lips and Alec had the impression that she knew more than she was letting on. "Very well. I am happy to hear this."
Alec couldn't help but chuckle sadly. "When was the last time you truly felt happiness?" He asked, blue eyes meeting grey ones.
"Last night and this morning." She said sweetly, but with a euphoric expression. Alec blushed immediately as he realized what she was referring to.
"I didn't… I thought… we… you…" Alec stuttered into embarrassment, making her laugh amusedly, the sound of bells filling the air.
"Your emotions run highest when you're with Magnus. And his as well when he's with you." She put a comforting hand over his shoulder. "Your magic together is bringing us joy."
"What?" He asked in a small voice, aware that he wasn't magical and yet Tessa was speaking of a magic together. However, she did not reply and simply smiled at him before she made a move to rise. "Wait!" Alec clutched at one of her dress' feathers and Tessa looked at him with an amused expression.
"Yes, Alec?"
"How can we free Clary from Glass City?"
Tessa's easy demeanor disappeared behind a blank expression. "You can't free her, Alec."
"There must be a way." He insisted, thinking that he owed it to his best friend, Jace and he owed it to Clary, who had taken the fall for all of them, for parents who hadn't thought of her.
The hesitation from Tessa's side was enough for Alec to know that there was a way to save her from that place. "I am your Consort and yet you deny me such information which would bring me the same joy and happiness you've witnessed…recently." He pressed, feeling a bit heated in the cheeks, but he needed Tessa's advice and why not, help.
She quirked an eyebrow in amusement. "Do I sense a blackmail?" She asked, but Alec got the impression she wasn't bothered by this tactic. However –
"No. I'm just stating something you can benefit of." He clarified, although there was a voice in the back of his mind saying that he was using any means to get what he wanted.
Tessa chuckled momentarily. "If that's what you want to call it." She conceded and continued immediately before Alec could say anything else – "Information must be gained, Alec. And I do agree that what you've sustained is nothing short of heroic and what is needed for this place to thrive."
Again, he had the sensation that Tessa was talking about something more than he was allowed to know, something she knew and it was connected to him. "But?" He asked, the word clearly hovering in the air between them.
"But I cannot give willingly what you seek." Tessa's grey eyes seemed to darken slightly. "As you've probably heard already, magic comes with a price." She said and Alec fought back the need to roll his eyes. He was asking for information, not magic! "However, I can give you a piece of advice."
Alec raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I'm listening." He couldn't help but say, drawing yet another chuckle from Tessa. She always seemed to find him amusing.
"The ring Magnus gave you. It's more than a ring for Consort. It symbolizes love." She paused expectantly, but almost sighed when she saw Alec's confusing expression. "Think about what Clary told you and you might find your answers."
Alec's frown deepened as he thought over Tessa's words. If his ring and Clary were connected, then it meant that this had to do something with the Greater Gods since Clary's mother was one of them. What did she say about Greater Gods and what they represented? Alec asked himself and immediately a gasp left his lips as he looked at Tessa with round, blue eyes.
"It's her mother's ring!" He exclaimed and Tessa smiled almost gently. His mind kept going over this new piece of information and everything he had heard about the Greater Gods. He recalled the story about the Whistle of Terror and he got the definite impression that he had the answer right in front of him – the answer to save Clary from there.
"Don't focus too much on the ring." Tessa cut through his thoughts and he looked at her with a rather lost expression.
"Do the Greater Gods have specific items in this world?" He found himself asking and while Tessa remained quiet, but observant of him with her ancient eyes, he knew he was right. "Clary said one of them came for his whistle. Could it be there are more?" Again his question remained unanswered, but he kept going on – "If we could gather all of their items, could we use them to save Clary? To get her out of there?"
"It can be possible." Alec felt hope spread in his soul with the intensity of a fire. "But neither you nor Magnus can go looking for them." Tessa said, faint sorrow appearing on her features.
"Why not?" He asked, but then realized just how dumb the question sounded. "Because we're both rulers of this land." He answered his own inquiry, making Tessa smile indulgently. He couldn't believe he had the solution but couldn't make use of it. Before he could wallow in his uselessness, he was struck by another idea – "Can we send someone else instead?" He addressed to Tessa who looked at him surprised.
"They would have to know what to look for and where specifically. Magnus has a better affinity for this search due to his status as King of Magnifia."
"But they are both beings of magic." Alec said stubbornly. "Surely they can do the same as Magnus."
Tessa's lips quirked upwards. "You're referring to the warlock and enchanter couple, the strays you brought to Magnus."
"They're not strays!" Alec's outrage drew out more chuckles from Tessa.
"So fierce in your friendships, even if they are as new and fragile as a baby." She commented with amusement and Alec did roll his eyes at her.
"Babies are not fragile." He said stubbornly, but Tessa's curious expression made him continue. "They are more resilient than an adult. Well cared for, they will thrive even if they fall sick. It's the environment that changes them, it's the people that help them develop the strength they already have."
"Such a peculiar insight." Tessa seemed to ponder on his words, watching him with an odd gleam in her grey eyes. "And because of this, you are willing to trust on your newfound friends and send them on an adventure that might or might not serve their own interests?"
Alec frowned momentarily. "You think they would use the items for selfish purposes?" He asked even if it was clear that this was what Tessa implied.
"It is in everyone's nature to think of their well-being first."
"They protected me. They helped me even when they had nothing to gain." He said, recalling their moments together, that budding friendship which had helped Alec understand better what it meant to be here in Magnifia. "I trust them." He concluded, determination written all over his face as he looked at Tessa.
"As long as you're certain." She nodded to his decision, her eyes appraising of him.
"Will you help us? Help us find the items?" He hurried to ask and finally stood up to his full height.
Tessa watched his rise with her head tilted sideways, her gaze heavy and scrutinizing on the prince. The silence between them stretched as Alec watched her ponder, wondering if there was another solution should Tessa refuse to help him.
"I will." She shook him away from his thoughts, surprising him entirely. "Prepare your friends for this journey and I shall give them my magic upon their leave."
"How?"
Tessa smiled. "You'll see."
And before he could say thank you, she vanished on sight, leaving only a handful of feathers floating on the breeze. Alec found himself rushing towards the villa, his heart pounding with hope.
Magnus stood outside the Grey Castle, his posture tall and defensive. He had received a fire message from Camille, asking for his presence in regards to the Lightwoods. Having expected the summoning, Magnus had left immediately after discussing with the griffins matters of Consort and Magnifia. Not many knew, but Magnus appreciated their wisdom and often sought it out in exchange of simple companionship and respect. It was something Tessa had offered to them during her queenship and was something that Magnus was happy to continue to offer.
But now he was waiting on someone he was not happy to entertain, but he was obliged to do. He knew why Camille was asking for him, but admittedly, he had believed she would wait a while longer before cashing in.
The doors to the Grey Castle opened and Magnus looked at the entrance, the open mouth of a deformed skull. In between stood Camille, a beautiful poison as always. She was wearing a bright green tight dress with a generous cleavage. Her golden hair had deep red hairpins, a vivid contrast with her overall aspect.
"You know that mauve is not your color." Magnus said with a dry tone, referring to her choice of lipstick on the lips which peeled back into a radiant, but cold smile.
"I always love a man who is not afraid to dabble in his feminine side." She purred and beckoned Magnus to her.
He declined with a short shake of the head. "I'd rather do this outside."
Camille chuckled, but nonetheless conceded to this request, climbing the stairs with elegance. A swift move of her slender hand and a swing seat appeared dangling from a nearby tree. "There's no reason why we shouldn't be comfortable while discussing." She answered to Magnus' raised eyebrow.
"Didn't take you one for swing seats." He commented to which Camille simply smiled and made her way towards the seat and onto it.
"Come, sit." She invited him with a light purr to her voice. "Promise I won't bite much." She then chuckled making Magnus roll his eyes in exasperation.
He accepted her invitation, but only after he magically crafted a chair out of wood and moss. "Start talking." He said curtly, his eyes boring into hers.
Camille let a small frown crease her forehead as if displeased with his manners before she shrugged elegantly. "Fine, we can do it your way." She agreed and settled more comfortably in her swing seat. "I believe I have a debt to collect." She announced gracefully as if she was doing Magnus a favor.
"Oh?" He pretended to flick away invisible dust off his velvety coat.
Camille's green eyes flashed angrily for a moment before she schooled herself into a pretense of calmness. "Yes. You have taken away the debt of the Lightwoods as you have informed me a while ago. I decided I want to benefit of it now."
"That debt." Magnus looked as if he remembered suddenly before nodding solemnly. "Of course. Name your price."
Camille's mauve lips parted for a smile. "You."
If Magnus had not known her for crazy, he would have choked on his spit. "I think we are far from well suited, Camille." He said dryly, looking at her with a bored expression.
"Not as far as I recall." She chuckled amusedly, evoking memories Magnus wanted buried them away.
"I was young and you were…" He paused as if looking for a certain word. "...willing."
Camille didn't flinch at his insult. "One had to show another what to do, no? A teacher is still a teacher."
Magnus waved his hand in dismissal of this subject. He didn't want to discuss a one-time error. "Regardless, what you are requesting is impossible."
"I don't see how. Magnifia has never thrived magically because a human is selected as a Consort. Should two magical beings share the leadership, magic would be stronger and this land would bloom in emotions!" She said, the warlock sensing her dark enthusiasm at this idea. It seemed like she had given it quite some thinking time.
Magnus regarded her coolly. "You forget that magical beings are not as emotionally complex as a human."
Camille snorted derisively. "We are part human. I think you have lived enough to realize that the only reason a human Consort is needed is because they can serve for breeding purpose to our Greater Gods."
Magnus grimaced at the choice of her words. "You know nothing of what humans' presence mean to Magnifia, so do please refrain from further opinions."
She laughed and the sound of it made Magnus feel like he had spiders crawling up his skin. "I think you are afraid to accept the truth."
"Your version of the truth, you mean." Magnus tried hard not to roll his eyes. Camille waved a hand dismissively. "I've wasted too much time. What you are asking cannot be given for the sake of a magical debt. So choose something realistic or I will choose for you."
Camille gritted her teeth. "You forget how magical debts work, dear Magnus. Not that easy to choose for me."
"Then state your request."
"I did and I stand by it. You and your kingdomship is what I require in order to clear this debt. Should you choose not to honour it, I will break the seals on the remaining two siblings and you will still have a debt to me." She paused, her green eyes sparkling triumphantly. "Unless you want to break it of course."
And pay the price? Magnus' eyes flashed dangerously as he listened to her words. He had been expecting this moment to come, her to ask for the debt, though not something of this magnitude. It would have been nearly impossible for the caster of such powerful seals not to know the moment one was broken. "You cannot do that without angering the Greater God who asked you to save that boy."
Camille laughed mirthlessly. "The seals are my doing and I could simply feign ignorance that I had something to do with it considering that it was Magnifia itself which broke the seal."
Magnus stood up. "You will not harm them." He spoke menacingly, the sparkling blue of his magic turning dark blue-grey.
She tipped her head backwards to watch him with a mocking smile dancing on her mauve lips. "And will you kill me to stop me?" His hesitation made her leer happily. "I know you, Magnus." She purred the words, her green eyes twinkling evilly. "You will not end me without considering the consequences first. I am second strongest in this land and my death will create imbalance to our already fragile system. No, you will not kill me impulsively. You need to be king first."
And with that Magnus knew she had him.
When Magnus returned home, he felt like an old man returning from war. Camille had him cornered and he knew no way out of this magical debt. He had known it had been dangerous to take over such a debt, knowing the power it could hold over him and yet, he had done it in the name of the budding emotion he had felt for Alec. And now he was in a situation where magic forced him to fulfill the debt and Camille wanted nothing but this land's ruination.
With a sigh, he entered inside and was barely a few steps closer to the tree's trunk before he heard hurried steps and was suddenly engulfed in a pair of strong arms, the scent of Alec swirling around him. Despite the dark thoughts, the dangers lurking outside his villa and the drained magic, Magnus felt safe, whole and ready to face everything just as long as he had Alec next to him or in his arms, holding each other tight. Also, his magic seemed to spark back to life in the closeness of his Consort.
"Whoa, I could get used to this." He said as he returned Alec's warm and enthusiastic embrace.
The prince smiled slyly as he looked at his lover, pressing a short kiss on his lips. "I could get used to welcoming you like this." He said playfully, making Magnus laugh. It was rare to see Alec be this joyful, especially in a public space as Magnus was sure there were more than one pair of ears listening in on their reunion.
"Something's got you in a good mood." Magnus noticed and Alec's cheeks reddened slightly. "Want to tell me about it?" He then asked, thinking that the tiredness he felt earlier had evaporated at the sight of Alec's smiling and bubbling enthusiasm he could feel thrumming into his magic.
He hadn't told Alec yet, but his magic has become even more sensitive to Alec's emotions, picking up on them easily, drinking them hungrily. He could read Alec much easier than before and something told him that Alec could sense his own emotions as well which only showed that their relationship was starting to be stronger as Consort and King.
"Come and join us and I'll tell you everything." Alec pulled slightly, just enough to twist his body around and drag Magnus in the living room where everyone seemed have gathered. Magnus couldn't help but wonder what his little lover had come up with.
He was happy to see him getting accustomed with Magnifia, seeing him get involved; it only showed him just how well suited Alec was for him and for this land. The griffins have praised Alec and his way of handling situations, they have agreed to give their support to the Consort should he require it and Magnus couldn't have been prouder of his lover. Alec was making a home here and Magnus felt his heart tighten in pain as Camille's words came back to him.
If she went through with her threats, then Alec's family would be in danger. He couldn't protect Max from an emotional and mental breakdown – it wasn't easy to cope with your own death or even to accept that it happened. Alec would be hurt and Isabelle's soul and mind might break without emotional or magical support such as Alec had when his seal broke. He couldn't prevent any of this from happening unless he gave into Camille's requests. And now he looked at Alec and at the gathering of people brought in his home, every one of them watching Alec with a mixture of endearing emotions.
This man was everything he had hoped for and so much more. And he needed to protect him – one way or another. Should he kill Camille?
"Magnus, are you hearing me?" Alec's worried voice cut through his thoughts and he realized that he had been spacing out while Alec had been explaining why everyone was here and why he was so excited. "Did something happen with the griffins? Did I do something wrong?" He asked, making Magnus' chest grow heavier with each word, with each emotion Alec seemed to experience – concern, fear, love.
"No," he started and looked longingly at Alec, "you've done nothing wrong. They have praised your mannerism, they have high hopes for you as a Consort to Magnifia." He continued, enjoying the sudden emotion of happiness that cut through Alec's fear and concern.
"Well, they should have. No one dangles him in the sky for fifteen minutes and then decides to have a discussion." Lily spoke with indignation, looking defiantly as if she expected anyone to contradict her.
"They have apologized for their treatment as well." Magnus gave a nod in Lily's direction. "Any of you three are welcomed in their land for visits should you need anything." He added, surprising Lily and Maia with his words.
"Even us?" Maia asked on a mild voice, her brown eyes shinning.
A smile appeared on Magnus' lips. "Yes. They have praised your loyalty and morals as well. For as this land goes, you have stood your ground next to a man you knew little to nothing. I, as well, am grateful for your companionship and aid you have offered to Alexander."
Maia was speechless at Magnus' words while Lily stood taller next to her, her chin raised proudly. Such an enchanter like behavior, Magnus thought with fondness recalling Simon's attitude from his beginning with him. Not that it had changed much.
"He is our friend and he had been kind to us when no one had." Maia finally said and Magnus noticed Lily's hands tightening on her lover's shoulders. "If he is our Consort, then maybe this land still stands a chance."
Magnus felt Alec's embarrassment grow as he was never used with compliments. He gave his lover's waist a slight squeeze in understanding as he nodded at the other couple. "Thank you."
Alec cleared his throat and everyone's attention focused on him. "Likewise, thank you for your support and friendship. And," Magnus felt Alec's enthusiasm return with bubbling energy, "as I was saying to you earlier, I have found a way to free Clary from the Glass City."
Simon was first to react. "You did? When and how?" He asked, looking at Alec with surprise. The prince had recovered from his seal shattering only in one day and he had already found a solution to freeing Clary? Either he was a lucky bastard or he had a Greater God on his shoulder.
Alec smiled mysteriously before he continued – "The Greater Gods have each an item and we could make use of them."
"Yes, the aliqvi." Ragnor spoke from his armchair, a frown creasing between his two protruding horns. "But their whereabouts are unknown." He then added, looking confused at Alec.
"They can be tracked with magic. We know the Whistle of Terror is inside the Glass City with Clary after it had been stolen by Valentine from Teika." Alec announced confidently and Magnus wondered briefly where was Alec heading with this. As Clary told them, one of the Greater Gods came to Idris and took the whistle himself which is to suppose that the same would happen should they find and remove the items from their places.
"And why do you think tracking the aliqvi would get Clary out of there?" Simon asked, crossing his arms at his chest, his disbelieving nature showing.
"Because the aliqvi mean something for the Greater Gods." Catarina spoke ahead of Alec, her blue eyes twinkling with admiration for the prince. "And Alec knows this."
Simon looked at Ragnor for reconfirmation and Magnus felt another painful thought pass through his mind – Camille had taken so much from Simon already. "Cat's right. The aliqvi are believed to be the only connection to the Greater Gods left on the Seven Realms. Getting a hold of one should bring you fortune."
"Except in the case of Valentine, it brought him death and Idris stripped of magic." Simon commented dryly.
Ragnor nodded in agreement, but Magnus was the one who said – "Valentine had been a bit too rash. He hadn't considered every possibility and definitely hadn't thought of protecting the Whistle with magic when he had found it. He could have used it to enslave a Greater God, but he had been reckless and greedy."
Alec threw him a sideways look. "How could he have protected the Whistle from being reclaimed by its owner?"
"Blood magic." Catarina answered instead of Magnus drawing Alec's attention. "Even a god cannot overrule this type of magic."
Magnus could practically see Alec's wheels turning inside his mind. "What are you thinking, Alexander?"
"If we find the aligvi," Alec started, pausing only momentarily to look at Ragnor for reconfirmation of the correct term for these items and the warlock nodded encouragingly, "we can bargain them for Clary's freedom." He continued, his enthusiasm showing again. "Clary told us that the Whistle of Terror had been his and I assume she referred to the Greater God who brought fire from the sky on Valentine. If such a small item created such a reaction from a Greater God, what would they do if all their items would be in our possession?" He looked at everyone as he allowed a tiny grin make its appearance on his lips.
"And what is to stop them from killing us once we hand over the aliqvi?" Simon asked, arching an eyebrow in curiosity as he saw Alec's expression falter slightly in its enthusiasm.
"We tie the items to us using blood magic." He proposed, surprising everyone in the room. Clary had told them just how powerful this magic could be when Valentine had used Jocelyn's blood to retrieve the Whistle and also find a portal to Magnifia.
"That's a big suggestion you're giving there, little prince." Ragnor spoke grumbly, his dark eyes boring into Alec's blue eyes. "Blood magic is not something we can easily dabble in. Besides if everyone gets tied to such powerful items, then it will offer to each of us the opportunity to use it for their own purpose."
"I trust all of you to do the right thing." Alec declared loud and clear, his gaze solemn and trusting of them all.
Magnus tried to hold back a smile as he took note of everyone's surprise; clearly they have not met a person so trustful, headstrong as Alexander. In his long life, Magnus had learned that people had the tendency to follow rules set by others, by books and yet they stumbled when they had to create their own rules and follow them. It was disconcerting to one to be told do the right thing when they weren't even sure which the right thing was.
"The right thing is never the same for everyone, Alec." Simon broke the silence, looking at the prince with a piercing gaze which Alec returned equally.
"Indeed, perception is different for everyone. And if our friendship is of any value to any of you, then the right thing shouldn't be that different."
Magnus couldn't feel prouder of his lover despite the dire situation their whole lives were. "Alexander is right and the right magic spell would ensure no one is to sidestep the right thing." He said, looking on turns at everyone. "I'll make the preparations for the spell once the items are gathered."
Ragnor looked at him with a slight skeptical gleam. "And how should one retrieve the aliqvi? Neither you or Alec can leave Magnifia to go on a relic hunting."
"I'm aware." Alec replied instead of Magnus and his gaze moved to Lily and Maia who had been watching the exchange with curiosity and a feel of not belonging – they were talking of bigger things that they have been used to. "Would you help us search for the items and bring them safely to us?"
Lily's lips parted slightly as Maia's eyes went round with surprise. The rest didn't seem far behind either given Simon's sudden stiffness, Ragnor's gasp and Catarina's chuckle. Only Magnus looked unsurprised by Alec's request as if somehow he had suspected his lover to do this.
"Alec," Maia started and she looked nervous, "I'm not sure we are suitable for this task." She admitted, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and her statement made Alec go to their side, trust and pleading clear in his eyes.
"Don't underestimate yourselves." He said and took their hands into his. "I trust you are more than suitable for this. And I would be honoured if you agreed to go on this journey which will not be easy in the least. The aliqvi will surely be protected one way or another so only a Greater God can access them –"
"And how do you expect we can access?" Lily asked him, her gaze brave, but Alec had spent time enough with her to notice the subtle fear behind it.
"Magnifia will lend you her magic upon departure. I will not ask you to go on this journey unprotected."
Magnus listened to Alec and realized that Tessa must've met with him again, giving him all of this information he now seemed to be aware of. It also came as a surprise that she had agreed to bestow her magic over Alec's friends in this search. Could it be that Tessa was accepting Alec as his Consort? If this was the truth, then fates were cruel for Camille was looking to rip apart everything that he and Alec were.
And unless he killed her, he was powerless to stop her.
"Alright," Lily said and drew Magnus' attention, "we will go on this journey under one condition." She continued, her gaze focused on Alec who nodded at her to keep on going. "I will not do the blood magic binding."
Maia looked at her, a tiny gasp leaving her lips as she knew why Lily accepted and asked for such a thing. Her hand reached out to grip hers in understanding, though she wanted to tell her that she had nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. Enchanters were not all bad or selfish as they were portrayed.
Alec seemed confused at Lily's request, but it was Simon who understood without being privy to Maia and Lily's long ago discussions. "Give yourself a little more credit, enchanter." He growled the last word to show everyone why she was refusing the blood magic binding.
"Lily, you can't possibly believe –" Alec started but Lily shook her head immediately.
"I am what I am and I don't have the same faith as you, Alec. Not in what I am." She said the words quietly, but each were a razor sharp knife that sliced into her and the people caring about her. "Why risk handing such important items to someone who doesn't know if she would be loyal to you tomorrow?" She looked at him with a sad expression and Alec wished he could do something to change it.
"Maia trusts you, I trust you. If you feel your faith in yourself is not enough, let us add to it. Don't pull away because you feel unworthy." Alec paused momentarily before he took a breath and continued. "I was heir to Idris and privileged unlike my siblings, our father always showing a different treatment towards me. Because of this, I believed I was unworthy to be happy, to fall in love or marry someone I loved. I had resigned that I was to be content with I was given, never looking out to be or feel more, especially since my siblings have always been led to believe they aren't suitable to be heirs."
Lily listened to him with an open and surprised curiosity and Magnus realized that so were the rest of the people in the room. It was a huge reveal from Alec's side and even if Magnus had known of his previous thoughts, it still made him feel sad for Alec. No one should live believing that they should be satisfied with the confining of a status or race. And he knew that this was what Alec was trying to say to Lily.
"But I met Magnus and he had made me realize that my life shouldn't be just heir to Idris." Alec looked for a moment in Magnus' direction, the warlock smiling at him adoringly. "And yet I hesitated. It is difficult to shake your shackles free when you've learned to live with them for so long. But my siblings and friends helped me open them. They believed in my happiness, in me even when I didn't." He continued, his expression soft and kind. "Thanks to them, I got to meet you all, I got to see life through my own decisions."
Alec paused and smiled shyly at Lily. "What I'm saying, Lily, is that you are more than an enchanter. You are a lover, a friend and most of all, you are you. Believe in you just as we do."
She looked at him with bright and moist eyes, speechless. It seemed as if the moment stretched on and on forever before she hung down her head, nodding a few times. Maia stood up from her armchair and put her arm around her waist in support. "When will you want us to start this journey?" She asked Alec who felt a bit unsure of what just happened – was Lily crying?
"I know it's a hurry, but if it's alright with you, tomorrow." He said, concern for Lily written all over his face.
Maia nodded. "We'll be ready. Now, if you'll excuse us." She said and threw Alec an apologizing smile as she pulled Lily away, giving her the privacy she needed to unload herself. Alec might not know this, but he was the first one to address Lily's problems with her origins the way he did – kind and relatable.
Alec watched them go towards the stairs and if he hadn't, he would have missed both of them stopping and Lily turning slightly to look at him, tears streaming down her face freely. "Thank you." She mouthed the words before she and Maia climbed the stairs hurriedly.
Magnus' hands came to rest lightly on Alec's shoulders, the prince leaning backwards against his chest. "You are wonderful." He whispered to Alec's ears only, pressing a kiss to his temple.
With an inward sigh, Magnus finally made his decision.