Thank you for the encouragement!


July 21, 2008

Seraphina sat in the small coffee shop sipping a cup of espresso casually. Any other passerby may not be concerned with her hand in her lap, a napkin discreetly draped over it. She held a small handgun. She placed her cup down and gave a fake smile as she saw Imogen enter the café and weave through the chairs and tables until she took a seat across from her.

"Imogen, it's so good to see you." Seraphina said with an insincere sweetness as a waitress approached the table; Imogen ordered a simple cup of black tea. Both women were quiet as the waitress walked away. Imogen's smile may have looked more sincere than Seraphina's, but it didn't make it any less of a façade as she glanced knowingly towards Seraphina's lap.

"I thought we agreed to come unarmed." Imogen said tightly under her breath as she glanced around the room again seemingly nonchalantly.

"We also agreed to come alone." Seraphina countered under her breath as she too glanced seemingly nonchalantly around the room. Had Seraphina not arrived an hour earlier she may not have recognized Will as he blended in at a table in the far corner of the café. He sat sipping on a cup of cappuccino, his nose in a book, a head full of ridiculous light brown hair, his younger sister Cecily looking just a hair out of place across from him. She may have overlooked Will's father Edmund and his wife Linette sitting in another far corner of the room also with absurd wigs, some face makeup to boot, both with newspapers in hand. She may not have noticed Imogen's other children, James, Lucie, or Owen also dispersed throughout the room with preposterous disguises, some with their own spouses or grown children as well. Though, Seraphina had been there for some time, and she did notice the room filled with Herondales. Imogen laughed slightly, though it was a humorless laugh.

"Says the woman with her guards standing at nearly every corner outside?" Imogen retorted. Seraphina too let out with a fake laugh. The waitress brought Imogen's tea and left the two. There was a brief silence as Imogen added a cube of sugar to her cup and both women glanced almost casually around the room yet again.

"I just want my grandson Imogen." Seraphina stated quietly as she brought her espresso to her lips, the same phony smile glued to her face.

"I'll give you Jonathan when you give me back Ella." Imogen countered, a mock smile glued to her face as well.

"I have no more information than that which I told you on the phone. I give you my word Imogen, she fell overboard, she drowned, it was a terrible accident, but it was an accident I assure you, there was no foul play." Both women finally met each other's gaze. Imogen nodded, her lips tightly pursed.

"I regret that your word doesn't mean all that much to me Seraphina." She said tightly as she took another sip from her cup.

"Don't force my hand, if you harm Jonathan." Seraphina let her quiet words trail off as she glanced around the room again.

"You're far from an understanding woman Seraphina. I highly doubt you'd hesitate to retaliate if the situation were reversed. You wish me to believe my granddaughter is dead, that she fell off of Jonathan's yacht, and furthermore that it was purely an accident. I don't even have a body to return to her parents. At least I'd give you the courtesy of a body to morn over." She whispered sharply, the fake smile never leaving her face. With years of experience both women's calm pretense was unfaltering.

"Now Imogen, if you kill Jonathan it will be in cold blood, Ella's death was a tragic accident." She countered. Imogen took a deep breath.

"I wish not to start World War III Seraphina, but you're giving me little choice. I can't overlook this. We had agreed the families were to have no contact whatsoever. Ella knew better than to go out on Jonathan's yacht. I find it terribly hard to believe she went willingly if she went at all." Seraphina nodded.

"I give you my word that this was a catastrophic accident for which both our families will learn from. I convey my sympathy at the loss of your granddaughter, but I assure you Jonathan will be punished for his terribly poor judgment in allowing her to be on his yacht in the first place. Should you return Jonathan and accept that this was a horrific tragedy and not a malicious act, I should consider your gesture a great kindness which I will repay." There was a long pause as both women sipped their drinks silently.

"Consider yourself indebted to me Seraphina. Should I so much as hear whispers that you've lied to me, I'll bring this fight to your front doorstep." Imogen stood from her chair abruptly and left the café without waiting for an acknowledgement.


Jace's POV

I stood in the middle of the cell, my arms crossed over my chest, a scowl on my face. Seraphina paced back and forth letting the blade of the dagger drag along the bars. The noise was getting intolerably annoying.

"You know Jonathan, Valentine had hoped to test your obedience and loyalty and I have considered that may not be such a bad idea…I think I might have found a use for you after all…I won't mince words with you, it's not my style, so you might find this little chat a bit more abrasive than you're accustomed to…The day Celine died I was the one that made the choice to let you live; the irony in it all-"

"You killed my mother?" I shouted.

"I never said she was murdered, she died during childbirth, it's a very common occurrence, look it up-"

"I don't believe you." I growled.

"Don't dwell on her death Jonathan, it's rather useless, you didn't even know the woman…And do be quiet, you're getting on my nerves…Should you be unable to keep your tongue still, I'll assist you…" She twirled the dagger in her hand and gave me a menacing look.

"…Where was I?… Now I didn't let you live for the reasons you might think however, I held no personal affection for you, and I barely knew Celine. I had rather thought you might be raised in this family and ultimately be used to help infiltrate and destroy the Herondales. I do admit I could have paid better attention to the Herondales affairs for I was taken completely by surprise when I learned all too late that Imogen's husband Marcus was rather close acquaintances with Benedict Lightwood, Robert's cousin…Needless to say once Robert took custody of you I had little chance of getting you back. Had you been merely a Wayland I wouldn't hesitate to stab this blade deep into your chest and wait for your heart to cease beating and your last breath of air to leave your body. My memories of our encounters during your childhood are still exasperating…Unfortunately I cannot. Though, you did walk onto my property on your own accord and I won't be letting you leave all that easily. I am indebted to Imogen and I would much rather be alleviated of that burden. I so rarely find myself indebted to anybody. I do expect she'll call in this favor to request your release, and I'll be obligated to comply, but in the meantime there's something I require from you…" She stopped pacing and gazed in at me. I just glared at her without a word.

"…Clarissa's been informed you've left the estate on your own accord. She'll be told you were paid a large sum of money and you took it and left. Unfortunately, I highly doubt she'll believe that story alone. You should attend the ball tomorrow night, briefly, not the entire event mind you, that would be absurd, no, just long enough to convince Clarissa that you've changed your mind and you no longer wish to marry her. After a plausible dialog you shall leave with your companions; the Lightwoods I understand have been invited. I'm quite certain that arrangement will appease the Herondales…You will be very closely watched. I'll provide an escort for you, a young woman, but make no mistake she's a very highly trained assassin, not a mere damsel you could easily overtake. Should you deviate from the plan and profess your undying love to Clarissa for example, I assure you any chance of seeing her in the future will be quickly obliterated…" I just glowered at her.

"…Now, don't scowl at me such as that Jonathan…I have yet to finish my proposition…I did comment I've found a use for you after all…I'm giving you the opportunity to get her back…Of course I'm a businesswoman, not a philanthropist, so I shall be requesting something from you in exchange…Should you assist me in ever so discreetly eliminating one pesky Herondale and one elusive Wayland, I'll let you come back to the estate immediately thereafter and remain with my granddaughter and under the protection of the Morgenstern family…If you so choose, I'll even let you live in the privacy of that little cottage you grew up in…Doesn't that sound terribly gracious of me?" I glowered at her.

"No." I growled.

"I had rather thought you'd do anything to be with Clarissa."

"I won't help you kill my family." I snarled.

"The Herondales aren't your family Jonathan. They turned their back on Stephen for marrying Celine, and then they ultimately turned their back on you as an infant. You have no allegiance to them. I'm quite surprised if you consider Michael family after the way he was never there when you were a child and then just abandon you altogether. All indications point to that Michael is very much alive, and I think you know that already. What type of father fakes his death for any reason and leaves his defenseless child behind? You really rather take your chances with those people than take the opportunity to be with your beloved Clarissa? Should that be the case I fear you're very much like Michael after all. You offered that girl your hand in marriage, yet at the first true test of admiration, you flee? You may think your feelings for my granddaughter run deep, but perhaps your deepest feelings are those of self preservation…If I were to ask you if you'd die for her, and if you honestly were to answer me no, then do leave and return to the Herondales, for this life is not without risk and consequences. Should you cling to the idea that above all else the most important thing about life isn't your individual choices, but who is by your side when you make those choices, well then, I'm inclined to think we have a deal…You were raised by the Lightwoods and should we reach an agreement, I give you my word I won't harm any of them, or ask you to harm any of them…You may interpret this arrangement as me asking for your assistance, but in all actuality I'm doing you a great kindness. Clarissa is staying here, that's indisputable; I'm giving you an opportunity to fight to stay by her side, to prove that you belong in this family. Like it or not, chosen or not, she was born into this life. You're being offered the extremely rare chance to enter it…Don't make this choice lightly Jonathan, should you decline my offer you won't have another opportunity like this. If you find yourself already scheming up a plan to leave under false pretenses and inform the Herondales of our arrangement with the misled assumption they might help you, I assure you they won't. Clarissa is a Morgenstern, the Herondales won't break the truce between our families for your foolishness. If you don't believe me, look at Stephen and Celine's reception, and your mother was just the sister to a close friend of the Morgenstern family. Stephen went from being the favorite child to being an outcast; your parents were completely shunned by the Herondales. The Herondales may be sympathetic to you and offer you charity assistance, but they won't soon be looking to meddle in Clarissa's affairs. Should you not heed my warning and all too late learn that the Herondales are less than willing to assist you, I advise you not to be so irrational as to attempt on your own accord to return to these grounds after you leave. I can guarantee the Herondales have but one favor to ask me and should you find yourself trespassing on my property again I won't be lenient. I find the only true way to correct a highly undesirable action is to aggressively discipline the party at fault. Should you step foot on my property without unmistakably being summoned, I won't hesitate to kill you myself."

"You threaten to kill me a lot, but I'm still alive." I seethed.

"You're only alive because it's advantageous to me. Don't forget it." She snapped back coldly. She spun around on her heels. She jerked her chin towards Starkweather and he flipped the lights off as they left; the warmth of the heat blowing through the vents ceased a moment later.


Clary's POV

I woke up with a killer throbbing headache and feeling like I was going to throw up. I hated fainting. I felt a damp cool compress against my forehead. I could feel that I was lying on something soft, a couch or a bed, but I really couldn't register anything else. I opened my eyes slowly and blinked a couple times. Jonathan smiled down at me, which was not very reassuring. Where was Jace?

"Hey. Look who is back?" Jonathan said softly. He took the cloth from my forehead. I glanced around. I was in my suite, well I was in the suite Jace and I had stayed in last night anyway. I was lying on the couch and Jonathan was sitting on a chair next to me. Nobody else was in the room. I tried to suppress the memory of this morning; at least he didn't put me in bed.

"Jace?" I said quietly. Jonathan's eyebrows furrowed as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry Clary. He hasn't come back." I felt my breathing start to become shallow again. I had no sense of how much time had passed. How long had it been since Jace left? I felt myself start to panic as I quickly sat up. Another wave of dizziness and I was lying back down again.

"Easy. You're up, but you're still white as a ghost. You ever pass out before?" I draped my bent arm across my face.

"On occasion." I mumbled. I heard the door to the room open, but I couldn't even be hopeful it was Jace. I knew there was something beyond his control detaining him; I could feel it in my heart.

"I came as soon as I heard. I've called for a physician. He'll be here within the hour." I heard Valentine's distinct voice as footsteps clapped across the wood floor of the dining room before he reached the living room carpet. A moment later there was a hand at my wrist, then another at my forehead. I pulled my arm away from my face and looked up at Valentine. His face actually looked somewhat concerned as he looked down at me.

"How are you feeling?" He asked in a quiet voice. I shook my head slightly as I closed my eyes again. I didn't feel like speaking right now, especially to him.

"She's spoken, but very little, and she just tried to sit up, but quickly collapsed again."

"Had you not been there she could very well still be lying in the hallway as we speak. What were you doing in the east wing anyhow?" Valentine's voice sounded stern.

"I came to tell Clary…Jace is gone father…He's left." Jonathan's voice was very low.

"I anticipated this would happen." The hand that had been at my forehead quickly left and a moment later I could hear a number of footsteps across the wood floor in the dining room.

"What have you done?" Jonathan's voice was low, but still clear.

"I gave him an ultimatum. I told him I would give him a generous incentive if he walked out the door today and never stepped foot in my house again, or he could stay and marry my daughter this evening and sign a prenuptial agreement that states in the event of a divorce he gets nothing. I wrote a check in front of him and left a handsome amount of cash in a bag. He knew where the money would be if he so choose to take it. I imagine when I go back downstairs to my office, I'll find the bag missing."

"Father-" Jonathan voice was harsh, but he was quickly cut off as I heard the door to the room open again.

"What?" Jonathan's voice sounded near panicked, I had never heard him sound like that before. My mind rushed to Michael for some reason and my eyes shot open. I still felt so dizzy. I couldn't hope to sit up. I looked towards the door to see a tall, slender woman in a medium blue pencil skirt suit. I heard the tapping of heels against the wooden floor. She held herself with an air of confidence and authority. Her white hair was pinned up tightly to her head, not a single hair out of place. Though she was obviously older her face didn't show her age at all, I absentmindedly figured she had to have had a face lift at some point in her life, or several. She had on a pearl strand necklace and pearl stud earrings. She had dark eyes like Valentine, like Jonathan, they looked black, and she had a very serious look on her face. She held her arms behind her back as she paced into the room towards me. Her face looked severe, not welcoming at all. Behind her walked half a dozen guards, they fanned out three to each side of the door and stood fast.

"You've seen her Valentine; don't you have a schedule to keep." The woman said in a stern voice. Valentine glared venomously at her over his shoulder before he stormed out of the room without another word.

"Jonathan." She said firmly.

"You're here-" Jonathan began in a questioning voice, but she gave him a firm look and he was silenced. He glanced back at me once with a slightly startled look on his face before he looked back at her. She raised her index finger and motioned for him to come. He walked towards her hesitantly. He stopped a couple feet from her.

"I'm not here merely to attend your birthday celebration Jonathan; an outrageously poor allocation of funds in my opinion. Perchance if Valentine wasn't so preoccupied with planning your party he would be able to give you the attention you appear to desperately require…You may be able to deceive him, but not me!" Her voice was stern. Her hand came up and smacked hard against his face. The crack resonated through the room so loud it made me flinch. He put his head down in a submissive gesture, never making a sound.

"Tell the young lady what you've done?" Her voice was dripping with disdain. Jonathan looked up at her with a very uncomfortable look and swallowed hard. There was a very short pause where you could have heard a pin drop in the room it was so quiet.

"I can't believe you're remorseful on any such level Jonathan, so might I assume that you're suddenly speechless due to the false hope that I'm as ill informed as Valentine, or perhaps due to the fact you hold an interest in the girl's opinion of you? Might I remind you that had you intended on any such level of evading responsibility for your actions, it would have been highly advisable you did not utilize my resources or act within the boundaries of my reach!" She sounded stern, but she never raised her voice. Her hand came out from behind her back and it wasn't empty. I couldn't see exactly what she held, but in a quick movement Jonathan dropped his face down again submissively. I could see a red line forming across his cheek, she had cut him. He never made a sound.

"Valentine may overlook your rebellious behavior, but I will not!" She wiped the small thin knife like object off with a cloth before she held the object and the cloth out in her upturned hand. A guard walked over to her silently and took the items before resuming his position by the door.

"Nine dead guards…" Jonathan's eyes flashed up to meet hers ever so briefly before he returned his gaze to the floor.

"…because you were having a temper tantrum? Do not look so surprised Jonathan, of course I needed to make an example. No matter how much you'd like to believe you hold any such resemblance of authority, it appeared necessary to remind the guards that you do not!...Need I mention the negative ramifications of attracting such unnecessary attention?" Jonathan was silent his eyes glued to the floor.

"Now, I've been informed your failed objective appears to have been to cause the young lady harm in an effort to retaliate against the young Mr. Wayland, for what I can't begin to comprehend. Next time you feel overconfident in your ability to plan or carry out an operation of any capacity I suggest you look long and hard at how pathetic the outcome was of this fruitless endeavor. Should you attempt to go against Valentine or myself again, you'll be met with a much more impressionable punishment. Do I make myself clear?" He nodded, but was quiet. I was flabbergasted.

"Say it Jonathan! Do you understand?" Her voice was very harsh.

"Yes Ma'am. I understand."

"Good…I've also been given a full recount of your earlier performance so do not insult me by suggesting you're here out of the goodness of your heart. You're as predictable as a scavenger; no sooner does a vulture descend upon fresh meat. Valentine might attempt to control you with deception, but in my experience you retaliate ten fold. As it appears to be the epitome of importance that you should be made aware as to the identity of the girl, she's Valentine's daughter…" Jonathan's eyes snapped up at that.

"…To think of the consequences should your scheme have been accomplished?..." He glanced back at me quickly and back to her, his face was obviously pale.

"…Don't think this revelation in any such way makes the girl any more attainable, on the contrary, I'd tread lightly if I were you Jonathan, it's plausible you may have just become expendable..." He swallowed hard.

"…Abbadon…Elias…Do escort Jonathan back to his chambers where he'll most regrettably be unattainable for the remainder of the evening. You shall both reside outside his doorway to assure full compliance. Should he resist in the slightest, shoot him in the leg. The rest of you may wait for me outside." Jonathan left the room without a word as all the guards followed.

Perhaps it was just seeing the woman again, or maybe it was the sound of her distinct authoritative voice, or possibly the exchange between her and Jonathan, but the memory came to me like a forgotten dream, but I knew it wasn't, it had to be a memory.

May 10, 1995

Two young children played holding hands, arms crossed and outstretched as they twirled around in circles laughing; a little boy in tan shorts and a t-shirt and a little girl in a floral spaghetti strap dress. Neither child wore shoes as they played in the soft lush grass. The little boy's bowl-cut of curls were golden and shined like a halo in the warm sun. The little girl's auburn hair fell to shoulder length in ringlets with the bright sun bouncing off her strawberry blonde highlights. The fragrance of the lilacs was strong in the air; pink, white, and purple flowers adorned the bushes all over the property. I never realized it all the other times the memory fleeted through my thoughts, but now I was sure the two children were Jace and I and we were at the Wayland Manor Home.

The woman looked exactly as she did at this moment, not a day younger, but she was dressed in riding gear, not business attire. As she walked towards Jace and I we stopped playing. She stood just about ten feet or so away from us with a smile, though the woman didn't look kind or affectionate at all. Jace stood in front of me, almost as though he were trying to hide me. I peeked out around his side, our little hands tightly intertwined behind his back, my eyes darting from the woman then back up to Jace's. I remember Jace having a firm look on his face, though at five, he really didn't look all that intimidating. I remember Thomas could be seen some distance away holding the reigns of a horse. I didn't remember the words exchanged, though the woman seemed to be talking to us. The woman seemed to take slow steps towards us and with each step Jace seemed to tense, his hands tightening on mine, but I wasn't sure why. As the woman took another step closer to us, so she was really just a couple feet away, Jace's feet shuffled back a couple inches so his back was pressed up against me. The woman stooped down so she was eye level with us.

"You're a very beautiful little girl." The woman said softly as she reached her hand out towards me. She barely touched my hair, but it felt like she had just yanked out a few strands. I let out with a little yelp and Jace quickly jerked me out of reach, still standing in front of me.

"Don't touch her." He snapped as forcefully as a five year old can. The woman smiled and stood up.

"I wasn't going to hurt her Jonathan…"

"It's Jace." He muttered under his breath while she was still talking.

This woman knew about me. Not only did she know about me, but Thomas knew she knew about me. What did that mean? I wished I could remember more, but I couldn't. My mind was trying to process this all, but the woman's stern voice broke my concentration.

"Clarissa, why are you here?" She looked at me with a very unwelcoming look.

"You know who I am and you know my father-" I could feel how weak my voice sounded. She cut me off.

"Yes. I know your father quite well. I knew your mother as well. I know nearly everything that happens within and outside these walls. Now I must reiterate…Why are you here?"

"Why do you want me to leave?"

"I didn't say I wanted you to leave…I didn't even say I'd allow you to leave if you attempted to do so…I'm just wondering why you're here in the first place. I sense you're up to something."

"What do you mean? I want to be a Morgenstern. I'm proud to be a Morgenstern." The words tasted bitter in my mouth. The only thing going for me right now was that I was pretty sure I couldn't blush and give myself away and my voice was already too weak to falter.

"You're proud?...Hmm…This life may give you a sense of pride, but you will sacrifice your humanity for the pride you will earn. This life may give you power through money and respect; but that money was earned by blood and that respect is maintained through fear. That type of power is always in the balance. Do you feel you're quite ready to sacrifice love, honor, and your soul, to be a Morgenstern?"

"My soul?...Who are you?" She smiled, but it wasn't a very friendly smile.

"I'm Seraphina Morgenstern…Your grandmother."

"I thought you were dead." She furrowed her eyebrows slightly.

"Much to everybody else's dismay, I assure you I very much had a pulse this morning."

"I…You stayed…You…Why?"

"This was once just a gentlemen's game. I didn't know what the Morgenstern family was like when I met your grandfather. He didn't talk about the family business often. As a woman I didn't need to know what the family business was when my husband took over for his father. It was several years after Valentine was born that I started to learn what I had married into. People didn't use to get divorced so often, and I was fearful at first as to what would happen to me. I stayed and adapted. I quickly learned to keep my opinions to myself and I convinced myself that he did what he did to provide for me, for Valentine, to protect us; that the blood that was spilt was to avenge his family. Karma. Lex taliones. An eye for an eye. It's all the same no matter what you call it…I loved my husband. I really did. I would have done anything for him, and I did. I traded my soul for love. Love is the most powerful force in the world, it can conquer most, but love cannot survive in a heart that has no soul. There is no returning from that hell. You were born into this life Clarissa, you belong here. Think carefully before you wish this fate upon your betrothed." I just looked at this old woman, my grandmother, far from frail. The strength and power emanated from her. I couldn't think of a single word to say to her. I just looked at her in disbelief as she turned to walk away.

"Wait. You're just going? Just like that? Nothing else?" She turned back towards me with a raised eyebrow.

"What were you expecting? A hug and a kiss on the cheek, perhaps a pat on the back? No, I'm afraid you have the wrong woman. Don't take my intervention as pure grandmotherly adoration or an attempt at finding some sort of salvation. Sophocles is famed for saying the end excuses any evil, but I assure you, he never crossed paths with a Morgenstern. There are certain evils in the world that are well past all redemption. Morgenstern's pay our debts. I owe a hefty debt, and I will see it paid." She turned away.

"Wait." She turned back again with a somewhat annoyed look on her face.

"Who did you owe a debt to? Why?" I asked hesitantly. Her facial expression didn't change at all. She turned back around without a word.

"Wait." She turned again.

"What is it?" She asked sternly. I didn't comment that she just ignored my question all together.

"I have so many questions. Do you know where Jace is? They said he left, but I don't believe that. Who's Jonathan? I know he's not my brother-" She cut me off with a flash of something across her face.

"Asking questions around here is never advantageous, at best it will merely leave one with more questions than answers. What I can tell you is that Jace should be the least of your concerns right now. I suggest you accept that you have all the information you will ever have …." My face fell. She looked at me a moment longer before she spoke again.

"…If you learn nothing else Clarissa, learn that Morgenstern's tend to take our secrets to our graves, for if we don't, we meet our demise much sooner than expected." Without another word she turned on her heels and left; this time I didn't call after her. Though the maids and the doctor came and went, neither Valentine, nor Jonathan, nor Seraphina returned to my suite for the rest of the day. I watched as day faded into night and eventually I found my way back to bed. With the constant soft pelts of rain against the window I stared out into the darkness and prayed that somehow things would be better tomorrow.


Alec's POV

It was getting so late, after midnight I'd guess. The last several hours were a chaotic blur. From the moment my mother and father showed up at the cottage to the odd brief hello before we all headed over to my father's cousin's cottage. Benedict Lightwood, my father's cousin, I had only remembered vaguely meeting him a handful of times. I never realized he had a cottage only a half hour away from ours. I didn't even know he had two sons just around my age.

I sat on the loveseat next to Magnus, my head in my hands, Magnus's hand still rubbing circles on my back. Imogen Herondale spoke evenly, as though she were just conveying a light story. I had never met the woman, but I knew who she was.

"Are there any questions?" Imogen asked. I shook my head distortedly. Questions? I couldn't believe half of what she had just said; of course I had a million questions.

"I'm not leaving. You can't make me." Jordan snapped. I looked up through the slights between my fingers. Izzy sat on a couch across from me, her face was a mask of shock as she stared aimlessly out the window; Simon sat next to her, his head resting back, his hands over his face. Jordan paced the floor with a scowl on his face, his arms crossed over his chest. Maia leaned up against the wall behind him with her arms crossed over her chest, a slow trickle of tears she'd occasionally swat at. My mother and father stood in the middle of the living room, my mother had quite obviously been crying at some point, her eyes red and puffy, but no tears fell at present. My father's arms were crossed over his chest, but he stayed surprisingly quiet. Benedict Lightwood sat at the kitchen table with his two sons, Gabriel and Gideon, a dozen guns laid disassembled across the table and they all sat quietly cleaning them. Between the living room and dining room, where no windows could see, leaning up against the wall, in a pair of ripped jeans and a sweatshirt with the hood pulled over his head, which it was well too hot for, was Michael Wayland. I hadn't remembered what this man looked like, I would have been maybe five or six the last time I saw him, and if it hadn't been for my father and Imogen's reaction to seeing him, I would likely never believe he was who he said he was. We didn't have a single photo of Michael, even though my parents had said years ago that they once had several. Our family albums had empty slots indicating missing pictures throughout them. I had asked once why and was told that shortly after Jace moved in all the photos of Michael seemed to disappear from the albums. Whether Jace kept them or destroyed them nobody ever knew.

"This isn't open to discussion Jordan. This is a family affair, not an official matter. I order you to return to duty." Imogen countered firmly.

"If you order me back to duty, I'm calling in an anonymous tip-" Jordan started, but there were a number of chuckles around the room and he quickly stopped talking.

"Nobody would follow-up with that tip Jordan…You, Maia, Simon, and Magnus are to return back to the city."

"I'm not leaving." Simon stated firmly.

"Me either." Magnus stated just as confidently.

"I want to stay too." Maia whimpered.

"Jordan cannot be here. It's completely unethical for me to allow him to stay. It's entirely inappropriate that half of you even have an inkling of what's going on. I cannot condone any of you children being made aware of any additional information."

"Might I interject?" Benedict spoke for the first time since we had arrived.

"What?" Imogen snapped.

"Valentine invited the children, he expects they'll attend. If they don't, it's likely to raise suspicion." Imogen gave Benedict a calculating look and crossed her arms over her chest.

"No…I just can't guarantee their safety, not once they step foot onto that property. This is much cleaner if I merely call Seraphina and demand she release Jace. She's indebted to me; I can't see her denying me this request." Imogen said as she shook her head.

"She won't give you Clary." Michael muttered.

"Perhaps if somebody were a bit more proactive we wouldn't be in this situation." Imogen snapped back as she turned her gaze to Michael.

"You're blaming me? Are you serious? I was knee deep in a bunch of other shit when those two showed up and fucked everything up." Michael snapped back. Imogen rubbed her hands over her face. There was a knock on the door and everybody froze. Benedict cocked his head towards Gideon and he stood up, one of the guns shoved into the back of his cargo shorts. He walked out of the room and out of sight. Everybody was silent for a long moment, Benedict and Gabriel each had a gun in hand, Imogen and Jordan were both holding firearms as well. A long moment later Gideon returned, several guns pointed his way as a precaution. Will appeared behind him; one eyebrow cocked as he walked into the room and took in the scene.

"Don't shoot the messenger." He said sarcastically with his arms carelessly raised in a surrender gesture. All guns were lowered with several scoffs. No sooner were the guns lowered than that they were quickly raised again as another figured appeared behind them. A girl that had to be close to Izzy's age appeared, she let out with a streak when she walked into the room, though the guns quickly lowered.

"William!" The girl reprimanded. I hadn't noticed Gabriel jump out of his chair, but he met her halfway across the room and quickly wrapped his arm around her waist as he ushered her out of the room. I got the instinct impression they were an item.

"Why on god's green earth have you brought your sister?" Imogen scolded. He opened his mouth to speak and closed it again. He shuffled over by Michael and just leaned against the wall next to him. Imogen cleared her throat and looked at Will expectantly.

"In all fairness, I had no idea so many people were going to be here." He answered evasively. Imogen rolled her eyes and returned her gaze to my father.

"I strongly suggest you bring the children home Robert. I'll be sure to bring Jace back to the city with me." My father shook his head.

"I lost one child Imogen. I won't lose another. Not like this."

"Don't fret Robert, they won't harm Jace, I'm quite certain Seraphina will keep up her end of the bargain."

"It's not physical harm I'm worried about." My father retorted.

"Losing Clary will destroy Jace." Michael spoke in a solemn voice. Imogen shook her head slightly.

"She is a Morgenstern. There's nothing I can do. It's well overstepping for me to ask more of Seraphina than I'm entitled to. My hands are tied." Imogen retorted.

"That's it! That's all you have to say!..." Izzy snapped as she broke out of her trance and shot out of her seat.

"…If you're afraid, fine, run away, but I'm going to do something-" Imogen cut her off.

"Letting that girl anywhere near Seraphina will be disastrous. You know that!" Imogen snapped as she pointed in Izzy's direction.

"They're expecting us! We can help!" Izzy snapped back as she stomped her foot against the ground.

"It's a trap. You'd be leverage to sway Clary or Jace into doing something they wouldn't otherwise do. Trust me." Imogen said rather sternly.

"That's a very real possibility Imogen, but the fact remains if they don't go it will raise suspicion. Seraphina already has Jace and Clary, she could use them as leverage against each other. My main concern remains how Valentine or Seraphina will react if they feel threatened. I suggest we keep up pretenses for the time being. The children have been invited, let them attend. As long as Seraphina believes she's pulling the strings she'll be more amenable." Benedict stated compellingly. Imogen rubbed her free hand over her face, a gun still held in the other hand.

"If my children wish to help, they understand the risk, they're all adults, I won't dissuade them." Robert trailed off gently.

"Robert they can't possibly understand the risk." Imogen rebuked.

"I'm going with or without your permission!" Izzy snapped, her eyes fixed on Imogen.

"She's not going without me." Simon added as he stood up and put an arm around her waist.

"I'm going too." I said firmly. Magnus nodded next to me.

"As am I."

"Oh hell-" Jordan started, but was quickly cut off by Imogen.

"I cannot in good conscious have a police officer at that event! You should have never stepped foot on those grounds in the first place. You have no legal authority to be there. You'll end up shot just to make a point!" Imogen said firmly.

"That's a risk I'm willing to take. I'm going-" Jordan started fiercely, but was quickly cut off by the sound of a gun resonating through the air. My hands flew to my ears and Jordan let out with a loud yell.

"You shot me!" Jordan spat in an elevated tone as he dropped to the ground, his hands clenching to blood welling out of a wound on his lower leg. Maia rushed to his side. Imogen paced across the room and threw her hand to her chest theatrically.

"Oh my, that was completely accidental." She didn't sound sincere at all. Gabriel returned quickly with Will's sister, their hands intertwined, a gun in his free hand.

"What the hell just happened?" He shouted as they took in the scene.

"You shot me on purpose!" Jordan shouted.

"Oh no. No, no, no. that's just ridiculous. It was completely accidental. So sorry. You need to get to the hospital. Cecily…Take Jordan to the hospital would you?" Jordan was casting Imogen a dagger glare.

"Gabriel." Benedict jutted his chin towards his son. Gabriel was already helping Jordan off the ground and I think the rest of us were just completely too stunned to move. Maia, Cecily, Jordan and Gabriel left with only Jordan putting up mild resistance.

"Nice Gran. You shot him in the leg?" Will said disapprovingly with a slight shake of the head after they left. Imogen shrugged nonchalantly.

"Michael, take note." Imogen stated evenly. Michael rolled his eyes.

"Yeah…I got it…I should have just shot Clary and Jace both in the leg at the beginning of the week." Michael muttered.


Clary's POV

I knelt on the damp ground, tears streaming down my face. I wanted to get up, to run, to help, but somebody held me back, somebody standing behind me, their arms wrapped around me, somebody I couldn't see. The stables were a blur of orange and red as the fire raged on out of control. Thick gray smoke billowed into the night sky and ash rained down like snow. I could hear the horses' cries, they whinnied and neighed loudly; trapped, their fates sealed.

I shot straight up in bed my heart racing, the blankets disheveled and tangled around me. I looked around the room at my surroundings, the pale pink and yellow of the light streaming through the window was just starting to light up the sky as the sun started to rise. I fell back against my pillows and rubbed my hands over my face as I took a deep breath and tried to calm my breathing.I was still at Valentine's estate; Jace was nowhere near me, but the fire, that much was a dream. I was hot, too hot. I was still wearing my jeans and tank top from yesterday and wrapped in the blankets I was just about overheating. I untangled myself and crawled out of bed. It was only 5:00, but I had to do something. I sulked all day yesterday and that didn't get me anywhere.

First things first, I really needed to see Thomas, I still felt like I trusted him more than Valentine or Seraphina. I quickly went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I threw my hair up in a scrunchy and grabbed my flip flops in hand. I didn't even bother changing. I headed out of my room looking both ways down the hall as I went. A few maids called out to me, but I just gave a little wave as I ran by. I held my flip flops, for one so they didn't slow me down or trip me, and for two so they didn't make that loud noise. I hastily scurried down the hallway at a near run, took the stairs two at a time, and bee lined down the hallway on the main level and out the back doors. I passed a number of guards along the way, but nobody stopped me. As I exited the house I could have sworn I heard a guard question if I was allowed to leave the building, but I didn't hesitate. I didn't bother putting my flip flops on as my feet hit the cement steps, or when I stepped on the wet stone path. I slid and nearly fell a number of times as I ran barefoot down the path to the barn.

I flew into the barn and hurried down to the tack room. I flung the tack room door open and let out with a scream when I saw the side profile of Jonathan pulling up his riding pants over his fitted boxer briefs. He wasn't wearing boots or a shirt at all. I backed up abruptly only to trip over a cat and land right on my ass. I had somehow managed to throw my flip flops straight up in the air in the process and I blocked my head with my arms as they both came down and hit me right in the head. Jonathan was laughing hard as I opened my eyes and glared at him. His pants were on completely now, but he still was just wearing socks and no shirt as he sauntered over towards me. I found myself shuffling backwards as he walked up to me and offered me his hand.

"Weren't you just accusing me yesterday of not knocking?" He said with a chuckle, his hand still outreached. I pushed myself off the ground ignoring his hand and dusted off my back side. Jonathan was in exceptional shape. I'd never admit it to Jace, but Jonathan was definitely more muscular than Jace was. Where Jace looked like a very sexy Chippendales Dancer, Jonathan looked a little more like the Incredible Hulk, just not green.

"Why didn't you lock the door if you were changing?" I snapped back. Jonathan shook his head with a smirk as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"The door has a lock?…Hump…Good to know…" I could tell he was just mocking me and I scowled at him.

"…Where's the fire anyway?" My eyes got big; all I really registered was the word fire.

"What?...There was a fire?" I snapped back. He cocked his head to the side.

"I was kidding…You needn't be so concerned." I shook my head looking down in thought.

"I had a dream there was a fire here…At the stable…It was horrible…I could hear the horses trapped inside." I took a deep breath.

"It was just…" He started as he placed his hand on my shoulder, but he quickly stopped as I jerked back.

"What are you doing?" I snapped as I crossed my arms over my chest. He shook his head slightly with a smirk still on his face.

"Trying to be sympathetic…I see it isn't working." He turned back around and just sauntered back into the tack room. I scrunched up my face and eyes in brief thought. I felt a little bad I snapped at him, again. He seemed to sincerely be concerned yesterday when he came to tell me Jace left and when I fainted and the first words out of my mouth this morning were venomous. Everybody always seemed to yell at Jonathan. I heard the way both Seraphina and Valentine talked to him. I couldn't believe what Seraphina said to him yesterday, I'd tread lightly if I were you Jonathan, it's plausible you may have just become expendable. Jonathan was raised by these people. He was raised thinking of Valentine as his father, of Seraphina as his grandmother. What kind of heartless people say things like that? I knew Jonathan did something awful, tried to hurt me to get back at Jace, people died, but based on how he was raised, maybe I couldn't fault him completely. He was raised to be cold-blooded, but maybe he didn't want this life any more than Michael had. Maybe if he had an out, maybe if somebody was actually nice to him, he could learn how to have a normal life.

I broke down after my fleeting internal debate and followed him back in the tack room. I hadn't noticed before, but Jonathan's back was lined with a number of thin light lines, just hairline scars riddled across his back. My curiosity got the best of me as I furrowed my eyebrows still staring at his back and took several steps closer to him, following closer than what was socially acceptable. He stopped abruptly and unexpectedly, and I wasn't paying attention. I found myself throwing out my hands as I ran right into him. I tripped back over my own two feet and landed yet again on my ass. I should have had coffee before I came outside. Jonathan was once again laughing as he turned around.

"I was going to jest about your inability to walk, but I've just realized you're barefoot…Why is that?" He asked as he held out his hand to me again, I took a deep breath and this time I reached up and a slight smile touched his lips as he helped me up off the ground. I brushed my hands together and brushed off my back side again.

"Thanks…And I had flip flops." I muttered as I glanced out of the tack room and noticed them lying carelessly on the ground.

"So you did." He said back as he seemed to see them lying in the hallway. He walked over to one of the closets and grabbed a dark gray polo short sleeved shirt out and pulled it on.

"What was Seraphina talking about? What did you do?" He glanced at me with one eyebrow raised.

"You were there Clary, don't you remember?" I furrowed my eyebrows and shook my head slightly.

"I'm not sure. Was she talking about the attack? Out by the cottage?" He nodded as he sat down and started to pull on a riding boot.

"Yes…I should apologize for my behavior I'm quite certain. I admit it might have been an imprudent display of esteem and jealously. I truly didn't mean you serious harm. I am not accustomed to interacting with a girl that doesn't swoon at my very name. Had my intentions been to merely create a pretense of attraction, I would have been well equipped to deal with the situation. A confidant of mine has explained my actions similar to how a young boy teases a girl because he likes her. Perhaps I would have accomplished the same objective if I just jogged up to you and pulled on your ponytail. I appear to have a lot to learn about how best to express my feelings." He shook his head as he laced up his boot and reached for the other one.

"You think? People died." I said crossly.

"Guards died…You'll learn soon enough that guards die everyday." I furrowed my eyebrows at his nonchalant demeanor.

"A friend of mine was one of those guards that died." He glanced up at me.

"My condolences…I suggest you refrain from making friends with the guards in the future." He looked back down and finished lacing up his boot.

"That's it?…You're completely unfazed." I snapped. He stood up.

"Desensitized is probably a more accurate term." He tucked in his shirt and pulled a belt out of the closet. It was quiet for a long moment.

"What happened to your back?" I blurted out. He looked taken aback for a moment before he quickly composed himself.

"I haven't had anybody ask in such a long time I had nearly thought it was no longer noticeable." He walked over and took a saddle off one of the saddle horns without saying anything else.

"Did Valentine do that?" I bit at my bottom lip nervously as I crossed my arms over my chest. He gave me a measured look before he walked over and grabbed a set of reigns off a hook on the wall.

"I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have asked." I said hesitantly. He nodded.

"No you probably shouldn't have." He grabbed a helmet and headed out of the tack room. I was so used to him just shy of smothering me, it nearly seemed like he was upset with me.

"I…Thank you." I called after him and he hesitated and turned back to me.

"For what?" I gave a slight smile.

"For yesterday…When I fainted." He nodded.

"Don't mention it." He turned back around and continued walking down the barn. Halfway down he stopped in front of a stall and put the reigns and saddle down before going inside. I nearly walked after him, but I heard movement behind me and I turned to see Cyril carrying a large bale of hay into the barn.

"Hey!" I called out as I headed his way.

"Hey there Miss. Clary. What are you doing up this early?" I jogged down the barn towards him.

"I had a bad dream. Thought I'd come down here to clear my head." Cyril gave me a little smile before his eyes seemed to glance to my feet. He raised one eyebrow at me.

"Why are you running around barefoot in the stables? This isn't really the place to be without shoes on." I grimaced slightly.

"I…ah…I don't have a good reason." I shrugged and he just chuckled.

"Go on in the tack room now and put on some appropriate footwear. Will you be riding today Miss?" I went to open my mouth to speak just as I heard a stable door open. I looked over my shoulder to see Jonathan leading a massive ink black horse with a long crimped flowing mane and a tail that nearly touched the ground. The horse was impressive. He tossed his head and grunted as he pranced energetically. I just seemed to star unable to speak for a moment as Jonathan led the horse down the stable in our direction.

"He's a Friesian." Cyril said softly. I didn't turn to look at him when I responded.

"What?"

"The horse Miss…He's a Friesian. With his lineage he's quite possibly the most valuable horse on this property." As Jonathan approached us we parted; I ended up on the side of the stables Jonathan was leading the horse from, he inclined his head politely as he walked by. Once they were outside Jonathan mounted the horse and the horse let out with a loud whinny as he reared and then bucked. I looked on with wide eyes, if a horse did that to me I would fall right off.

"He's only two, still a little green." Cyril commented lightly. Jonathan gave the horse a kick and they took off.

"Clary." I turned around to see Thomas about halfway down the barn.

"Thomas!" I nearly shrieked as I took off towards him. He chuckled as I approached.

"I've never had anybody seem so happy to see me. I'm really quite flattered." I rolled my eyes.

"I…ah…" I cleared my throat unsure how to proceed.

"…I wanted to see if the Boarder Collie had her puppies yet." I said rather lamely. I thought it was an alright excuse. He smiled.

"Sadie?...I think the low pressure system yesterday did the trick. She went into labor last night. No puppies last I checked at the end of my shift, but I have yet to check this morning. Would you like to come with me?" I nodded. I gave Cyril a little wave and followed Thomas to the tack room. After I changed into a pair of socks and muck boots I followed Thomas down to the smaller lower barn where the sheep and goats were.

"Why's she down here?" I asked as we walked into the small barn.

"She picked where she wanted to have her puppies. It's quieter down here. She wants to feel her puppies are safe and if there is a lot of noise and excitement she won't feel safe. Cyril and I are usually the only ones that come down to this barn, but the horse barn is fairly busy. Jonathan was riding this morning; I expect Mr. Morgenstern to come down shortly as well." He trailed off. I nodded.

"Did you hear Seraphina's here?" He gave a slight encouraging smile.

"I did. I also heard Jace has left. My sympathies. I should hope you're not dwelling on his absence; it's really no use to do so. I think it wise to focus on yourself, on all the changes happening around you. Tonight will be very significant for the Morgenstern family and there are so many reasons to have an optimistic outlook. I expect a young lady such as yourself will find happiness soon enough." Thomas's words were heavily laden with a double meaning. I assumed he was just being tactful about the whole thing; I never knew when somebody might be listening to us. I wanted him to come right out and say, don't worry about Jace, we've got him covered, focus on the plan, act the part, you two will be happy soon. I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, I'll try to think happy thoughts." I muttered. The barn wasn't set up like a horse barn; it was divided into eight sections, four on each side of the middle walkway. The sheep and goats weren't each given their own stall, they were put in groups. The wooden fencing was low, only about three feet high, with three rather wide rails, so once you walked in you could see everything above 3 feet, and a good amount of the area under three foot. I wasn't really sure where I expected to find Sadie, but she was in one of the stalls all the way down on the end. She was up against the fencing, so we didn't see her until we got really close. We approached quietly and I was pretty excited when I saw a number of puppies sleeping next to her. She raised her head when we walked over, but otherwise didn't get up.

"I'm sure she's tired…It might be better if we don't go in with her right now." I nodded.

"Ok." I turned to walk away and Thomas grabbed at my arm. I glanced up at him. He jerked his chin for me to follow and dropped my arm as we walked around into the small stall that was next to Sadie's. I actually just stood in the hallway area at first, the stall was kind of nasty, it needed to be cleaned out. Thomas walked right in there though, he had tall muck boots like mine, but I still thought it was gross. Thomas glanced around before he crouched down. He pulled out a pair of gloves that had been shoved into one of his back pants' pockets and put them on. He dug through an area of woodchips in a far corner, it still looked pretty gross, I wouldn't want to dig around in there even with gloves on. He waved me over and I glanced around before I cringed and walked into the messy stall. I walked over to him and crouched down as well. There was a small wooden box, and when he opened it there were a number of weapons in it. I was not very happy when I ended up having to sit on the ground in the nasty stall, even though I managed to find a spot that didn't look all that disgusting. With very little help from me, Thomas quickly and discretely took off my muck boots one at a time and pulled up my jeans. He didn't say anything, but I could tell he was relieved I had jeans on, and even more relieved I had jeans on that were boot cut and a little on the baggy side. It probably took only five minutes for Thomas to strap the weapons to my ankles. He didn't go over what he was doing, but Michael's words floated into my mind.

You'll have two guns in ankle holsters…You'll have a sheath around each of your calves with small throwing knives…You'll have the little .357 Magnum revolver in a thigh holster…You'll also have a thigh sheath with a small dagger on your other leg…

Luckily the muck boots weren't fitted, because they slipped right on over my pants and over the weapons. I was even less thrilled when I had to discretely pull my pants down without standing, and I ultimately had to sit on that nasty ground with my bare ass. Thomas was pretty sure we couldn't be seen on camera as long as we stayed down low. Also, if anybody were to walk into the stables, they wouldn't see us right away, though we wouldn't see them right away either. I was able to get the thigh sheath on and put the small dagger on my leg, but Thomas told me not even to bother trying to put the .357 Magnum on my other thigh, the pants were a little loose, but not that loose. He said we'd have to figure out how to get me the gun later. Maybe I could get down to go riding later or something. I told him I'd figure something out and he quickly hid the gun again and I put myself together. No sooner were we both ready then we heard the sound of a door creaking open. Thomas jumped up and offered me his hand. I let him help me up too. We both looked towards the noise to see Valentine with his noise poked into the tack room. Thomas walked towards the stall doorway and I followed.

"Good morning Sir." Thomas called politely. Valentine looked over at us and slammed the tack room door closed. He furrowed his eyebrows at us.

"What were you just doing? Why weren't you standing when I came in? Why are you down here?" He asked skeptically. I didn't hesitate to answer cutting off whatever Thomas was starting to say.

"Sadie had her puppies! Come see!..." I said excitedly as I turned back around. I didn't entirely have to fake excitement; I was still pretty excited about the puppies. I took two steps towards the fence and quickly plopped down; I was completely over the fact the ground was nasty. I just was careful not to sink down into a big pile of manure or anything; though I tried to make it look like a fluid movement, I felt like I had weights around my ankles. From this point I was really quite close to where Sadie was, but still on the other side of the fence, so she didn't seem very alarmed. I put my hand on the middle rail and looked through the top and middle rail into the next stall, I could easily count she had seven puppies. They looked so small.

"…Now we don't want to get too close and frighten her, so this is a good spot…And she wants to feel like her puppies are safe so we don't want to cause too much noise and upset her." I said just above a whisper, though I figured he'd probably hear me. Valentine hadn't said anything and though Thomas had taken a couple steps closer to me, he didn't crouch down or anything. I looked over my shoulder to see Valentine still standing in the hallway area giving me a disapproving look, his arms crossed over his chest.

"What?" I snapped indignantly.

"I'm not even certain where to begin…I find myself at a loss for words…Get up off that ground and attempt to act as a lady." He scolded. Thomas offered me his hand again and I quickly stood up and brushed my hands off and my jeans a bit.

"You didn't want to see the puppies?" I asked hesitantly as I gestured towards the other stall. He shook his head.

"No…Now come along, we have a full day today." I glanced back at Thomas.

"Let me know if she has anymore?…I'll come by later to ride…" Valentine quickly cut me off.

"Unless you plan on riding this very moment, you won't have time. You have appointments all day." I furrowed my eyebrows at Valentine as I walked towards him.

"Appointments?" I questioned. He nodded and scrunched up his nose slightly as I approached him.

"You can start with a shower…" He said disgustedly and I rolled my eyes. He started to walk and I followed; though the weapons didn't seem that awkward at first, they did get heavier as I walked.

"…You'll have initial instruction on table manners at breakfast, which will be in the formal dinning room from 7:00 to 9:00. You'll have ballroom dancing lessons in the ballroom this morning from 9:00 to 12:00, followed by instruction on formal dining etiquette during lunch back in the dinning room from 12:00 to 2:00. You'll have instruction on general good social behavior and basic rules of etiquette in the library from 2:00 to 4:00. I've arranged for you to have stylists do your hair and makeup and assist you with dressing. They will arrive and be in your quarters at 4:30. So you'll have from 4:00 until 4:30 to clean up. Though the guests won't be arriving until 7:00, I'll request that you be downstairs and in place at 6:00, that will give Seraphina and I time to go over any last minute items with both you and Jonathan." We were just walking in the estate at this point and no sooner were we inside than Starkweather and Seraphina approached Valentine. Seraphina gave me a god awful look when she got closer.

"Whatever have you been up to child?" She reprimanded.

"Sadie had her puppies. It looks like-" I started and she waved me off as she interrupted.

"I don't care…Go make yourself presentable. Sophie has already laid out a dress and shoes for you to wear this morning. Are you quite aware of your schedule?" I nodded.

"Yep I was-" She furrowed her eyebrows at me as she cut me off.

"Make an effort to say the word yes." I took a deep breath.

"Yes." I said with a fake sweetness. She gave me a questioning look.

"You're quite positive you know your agenda for the day? I don't want you missing any appointments." I nodded.

"Yes. Yes. Yes…Valen-" She furrowed her eyebrows further as she gave a little throat clearing.

"Um…Mr. Morge-" She just kept furrowing her eyebrows at me and gave another little throat clearing.

"Ah…my father…" She smiled a fake smile. I just sort of shook my head.

"…filled me in. I'm good." I gave her a thumbs up. She shook her head.

"Um? Ah? I'm good? Honestly child, perhaps I should have scheduled more time for instruction on general good social behavior." I gave her a fake smile.

"My apologies."

"Yes well…Correcting some nineteen years of poor instruction will be a task in and of itself I'm sure…I can't expect to make a lady out of you in just a single day…You may retire to your room to make yourself presentable…Based on your current appearance that may take some time." She waved me away. I turned around and just rolled my eyes when I knew she couldn't see my anymore.

"Later father." I called sarcastically over my shoulder as I took off at an awkward jog. Valentine made an irritated noise.

"Well at least she called you father…" I heard Seraphina say before her voice trailed off and I heard their retreating footsteps.

"Clarissa stop right there!" I heard a sharp scolding female shout behind me just as I was about to enter the stairwell. I spun around to see some woman I didn't even know.

"You are not to wear stable muck boots in this house!" The woman reprimanded harshly. I glanced down at my boots and the tracks of dirt that led nearly from the back door to where I was standing now.

"Oops." I muttered. I carefully took the boots off and carried them back towards the back door, but the woman met me halfway.

"Talk about running amuck." She chided as she took the boots from me. She was grumbling to herself under her breath as she walked away. I just shrugged as I took off towards my room. I knew I was going to be stuck in a dress all day, so I took the time to shave, and about forty-five minutes later I was ready. I had showered, put my hair up in a messy knot, but I didn't waste time doing my makeup. The dress that had been left out for me was a gown, probably so I could simulate what I would be wearing later, but I put it on anyway; even though I knew I planned on running down to the stables. The gown was a stretchy material, spandex I think, and it was light aqua green and strapless. It had a full length skirt that just touched the ground when I was barefoot. The dress had an empire waist and then flared out, so it draped against my body loosely. I threw on a pair of stud earrings routinely, and put on my necklace with the Morgenstern ring, figuring that would pacify Valentine. I put on a watch too so I could keep track of time, though I figured I'd probably get several reminders throughout the day. The shoes I was supposed to wear tonight were left out for me. I couldn't imagine why in the world anyone would want to break in shoes by wearing them all day; I wouldn't be able to walk by the time tonight rolled around. I passed on the heels for now and just put on socks and a pair of sneakers. It was almost 6:30 when I raced back out of my room, so I didn't have a lot of extra time. Several maids tried to get my attention, and a number of guards almost hesitated to stop me, but I just ignored them all. I made it all the way back down to the barn where Sadie was and luckily was quick to spot Thomas. He seemed to follow me right into the stable.

"Clary, I can't believe you came down here to check on Sadie with that dress on." I laughed.

"I only have like ten minutes; I just wanted to see her quick." He hastily came over to me. I was already heading into the little stall, my dress way hiked up. If I got manure on this thing I was sure to catch hell. After a surprisingly good game of very vague charades between Thomas and me, it ended up that I stood looking over the fence into Sadie's area and he quickly dug out the last gun and affixed it to my thigh. I could already imagine telling Jace this story, Thomas and I are a lot closer now I'd tease. I chuckled a little before I fixated on the fact Jace wasn't here and a wave of melancholy came over me. I tried to quickly pull myself together as Thomas was just putting the box away. I heard a stern voice at the end of the barn and I jumped.

"Clarissa Adele Morgenstern, this is unacceptable!" Valentine was standing with his hands on his hips. I grimaced melodramatically.

"I'm not going to be late…It was just a peek." I said defensively as I hurried out of the stall and back down the barn without even acknowledging Thomas. Valentine put his hand on my forearm as he led me back up the path and into the house, reprimanding me the entire time about going to the stables in a ball gown. He had me take off my shoes before I could walk into the house, which I just kicked them off. He shook his head disapprovingly at me as he led me down the hallway, his hand still on my arm. He brought me right to the bathroom on the main level to wash my hands, which was good, because I had to use the bathroom anyway. I went to the bathroom and washed my hands. Much to my disappointment Starkweather was waiting for me when I opened the bathroom door, though Valentine was gone, so that was good. Starkweather ushered me towards the dining room adamantly arguing we didn't have time for me to go back up stairs, no matter how many times I tried to argue I needed to go up to my room quick. I had nearly resorted to telling him I just got my period and needed to get some sanitary things, but I suddenly remembered I was supposed to be pretending I was pregnant, though I had no idea way. I just shook off the thought. I tried to tell him I needed my shoes at one point, but that was quickly dismissed with a rebuttal that a maid had already been sent to fetch my shoes. A moment later I was standing at the entrance to the dinning hall. I stood while a maid was taking off my socks and putting on my heels, which was ticklish so I kept laughing, and Starkweather kept looking at me with this less than pleased look on his face. I kept absentmindedly thinking how easy it was to wear the gun on my thigh. I really wished I could have hid it in my room with the others though. This was going to be a serious test if I could keep it hidden all day.

"Excusez moi belle?" The masculine voice was just above a whisper in my ear, his breath against my face, but the French accent confused me and I glanced over my shoulder perplexed. My eyes registered Jonathan at the same time his hands came down on my hips and I let out with a scream.

"You were blocking the whole doorway." Jonathan said somewhat defensively as I jerked away from him, one shoe on, the other not yet strapped, which caused me to stumble. I threw out my arms to try to catch myself on the door frame, but I stepped on my dress, my arms flew to my strapless top petrified I'd pull the damn thing down and flash everybody in the room, including Jonathan. I quickly tried to correct my footing, but with one shoe on and one off and already stepping on my dress hem, I just nearly fell on my face, but Jonathan was quick to catch me with both his arms wrapped around my body in almost a hug as he kept me righted.

"What are you doing? Don't touch me!" I snapped as I pulled away from his grasp, my arms crossed over my chest. He chuckled as he dropped his arms.

"Keeping you from falling, a failed attempt at chivalry I see, but no worries, now that I know the gesture was unappreciated, next time I'll let you fall on your stubborn derriere." He said as his eyes blazed back at mine. I hated the way he looked at me, with desire, with lust. He broke his gaze and walked around me and into the room. It was only at this moment that I realized he was dressed in a black suit. The maid mumbled something under her breath about me staying still as she put on my shoe and fastened the strap. Jonathan walked around the table and to the far end. He was wearing the pants and jacket to a suit, but no tie, and the first couple buttons of the white dress shirt were unbuttoned, the suit jacket unbuttoned as well.

"Wait…Why are you dressed like that?...Why are you here?" He chuckled and shook his head slightly, but before he spoke I heard a voice behind me.

"Clarissa, do find your seat, we haven't got all day and this is most certainly going to be painstakingly arduous…" I cringed at the sound of Seraphina's voice. I swallowed hard as I glanced at Jonathan and he just smirked at me.

"…Wipe that smirk off your face Jonathan…Where in heaven's name is your tie?" Jonathan's smirk fell fast.

"In my room Ma'am…I hadn't thought-" She cut him off.

"Yes just leave it at that…You hadn't thought…Somebody get a tie!" She snapped and several of the women that had been standing nearly unnoticeable up against the back wall seemed to scramble. I hesitantly walked across the room and towards the table.

"I'll make sure they spend some time on walking in ballroom class." I cringed again and I could tell Jonathan was suppressing a smirk. I went over to the table and picked a random seat far down the table from where Jonathan was and on the other side of the table as well. It's a rather large table, it probably seats at least 30, so I was about halfway down the table. I pulled out the chair and Seraphina was already behind me with a hand on the back of the chair. I looked over my shoulder at her.

"Do you see a place card there with your name?" She snapped. I shrugged and glanced back at the place setting.

"Go stand to the right of Jonathan." She gestured with her hand. I furrowed my eyebrows at her.

"Can't I just-" She cut me off.

"Now!" She snapped firmly as she walked away from me and down towards the head of the table.

"In the ballroom this evening we'll be at round tables, but the general concept will still be observed." She started as I followed her down to the end of the table. There was a name card for me at the head of the table.

"Why do I-" I started as I reached for the back of the chair, but she cut me off as she threw a hand on the back of my chair holding it still.

"Stop interrupting! Think of yourself as a sponge…Just absorb. No questions. Do not do anything unless explicitly told and that includes sitting!" I dropped my arm and just gestured like I was zipping my lips, locking it, and throwing away the key, but she didn't look amused at all.

"Now…Clarissa you will approach your seat from your right…The gentleman to your left, in this case Jonathan, will be pulling out your chair to help seat you…" I rolled my eyes and Seraphina shot me a venomous look.

"That is your last eye roll child…I want a ruler and where is that tie!" No sooner did she say the word tie than a woman scurried over to Jonathan and was buttoning up his shirt and tying his tie for him. I just stood there, to the right of my chair, and waited; a moment later Jonathan's jacket was buttoned as well.

"Now Jonathan, pull out her chair." He gave me a slight smile and a nod as he walked over to me and pulled out my chair. I went to sit and earned a slap on the knuckles, I pulled back my hand with a little yelp. I guess she got that ruler she wanted.

"Did I tell you to sit?...Again!" She snapped. Oh this was going to be a long ass day.


Sophocles,Electra "The end excuses any evil."

Thank you as always for reading my story!