Clary looked around. The forest they were in was different from normal forests, that much was obvious. There were flowers and trees that glowed in the strange light. The air tasted sweet and everything seemed to have a greenish glow to it. Her fingers itched for her paint brush. Maybe if she tried hard enough she could capture both the feeling of danger and wonder. "This way." Lanaia said leading the off the path and towards a large archway of ivy.
Clutching her brother's arm, he slightly nudged her towards one of the many pillars. "Stay here." He ordered and she nodded.
Strange people, that only looked a few years older than her, danced around Jonathan and when the came up to him she looked down to see her brother's gear was gone.
As he reached the center of the room a women in a flowing rose gold silk dressed smiled down at them, a mischievous glimmer in her eye. Her dark red hair was tied up with vines and flowers as she sat majestically on her throne. 'This must been the Seelie Queen.' she thought to herself.
"Your highness." Jonathan greeted. She didn't say anything. She only smiled as her eyes looked her brother up and down in a way that Clary felt nearly disgusted by. "Is this anyway to treat a guest?" He continued.
"Jonathan Morgenstern." The said, her voice had a strong english accent, making her sound even more royal and empowered than she looked. "I would say it is a pleasure to meet you but alas. We Seelies cannot lie." Her expression darkened ever so slightly.
"I am not your enemy." Clary could see Jonathan's hand tighten by his side. "Whatever quarrel you had with Lilith, that has nothing to do with me." The queen didn't look convinced. "I'm only here searching for-"
"The Morning Star sword." The queen interrupted as one of her servant offered their hand. She took it as he helped her up, she let go and walked towards Jonathan smiling. "I know all about your little quest." Her tone was playful.
"Then perhaps you could help me by handing it over." Jonathan said.
There was silence before the queen continued. "I'm afraid you have more pressing concerns." She began to walk around him. "You see, your mother came into my court and slaughter dozens of my subjects." Jonathan turned his head slightly as she moved around him, lightly tracing her finger around his neck as she went. "Delivering you head to her on a silver platter will be a fitting revenge."
Clary held her breath in fear. "That demon... is not my mother." Jonathan continued. "And I assure you, I have no loyalty to Lilith. It's why I left her to rot in Edom after she was banished." Clary listened. Her brother had told her many things but had ever really gotten to his time with Lilith in Edom.
The queen just seemed to shrug. "How noble." He voice was layered with sarcasm. "Nevertheless, there's a debt to be paid." She moved in front of him, her gaze suddenly full of hate. "Blood for blood." At that moment a Seelie guard pointed his spear at Jonathan.
"Jonathan." Clary said, a little louder than she wanted to and ran forward standing in front of her brother. She looked up but her brother remained ridged.
"What is this?" The queen asked her eyes looking over Clary devilishly. The queen moved forward, bending down to Clary's eye level. "What's your name?" She asked.
The Seelie smelt of sweet perfume, dirt and vegetation that almost overwhelmed the little girl's senses. "C-clary." She mumbled.
"Speak up!" The queen snapped.
"Clary. Clary Morgenstern." She spoke louder. She felt her brother's hand on her shoulder, gripping painfully tight and she held back from complaining. "Well Clary," she looked at the small girl with a sudden kindness that made her spine shiver. "you can watch your brother die."
Her face went pale. "No!"
"What if I can offer you a better deal?" Jonathan said quickly just before the Seelie could attack him. The queen held up her hand and the guard stopped mid-strike, just before Jonathan's neck.
"I'm listening." She smirked, interested.
"Your realm will never be safe as long as the Queen of Edom draws breath." His tone was dead serious, almost emotionless. "But, if you offer me the sword as payment... that silver platter of yours, will soon bear Lilith's head." Clary's gut twisted at his words.
The Seelie queen began to smile a sickeningly sweet smile. "Alright then." She stalked back to her throne. "I'm sure Lanaia can escort you back out."
Clary followed her brother and his Seelie servant out of the court. She looked up at him but he didn't meet her eyes. What had just happened? Was her brother actually gonna kill the woman who raised him?