Clary left Jordan's house happier than she had been in months. Not only was she with the only guy she had ever loved, but she was also confident for once. Unfortunately, she faked it when she was around her family. They thought she could rule an empire when she could barely face her own problems. Jace's hand squeezed hers tighter, slipping her from her thoughts.

"Something wrong?" I can't get you out of my head. Clary shook her head and walked closer beside him. "Clar… Sorry, I just noticed your expression had changed."

She could feel heat radiate off him as the breeze cooled the humid street air. "Do you ever wonder why the people around you think are one thing when you are the polar opposite? I just haven't felt truly happy for a long time and started thinking about that." Jace stopped and leaned over her, his gold eyes lighting up the darkness.

"Why would you ever believe that you can't be what they think you can? If they think you could be a ruler, then show them how amazing you could be. Clare-bear, you have the ability to be a great anything but you think you lack the confidence to do so. I've seen that confidence before. When you think no one is watching you smile and it glows. Mentally you may block it out but physically you couldn't hide it if you tried."

"What if I'm only meant to be a mother and not some great person? Those men would do that to me. It's all my father wants. I must be an obedient daughter, wife and mother to be accepted apparently."

"Screw gender roles! I love that you can be tough and wild but so feminine and reserved. A woman shouldn't be obedient to a man, she should be equal. My father taught me that and anyone who doesn't agree can walk away. I mean, look at Izzy for example, if some guy tried to tame her into a proper thing he would end up in the cage himself." Clary laughed and imagined Isabelle with a whip standing beside a man in a cage. "See? I amused you. Now, I better be a gentleman and walk you back or we could get caught. Wouldn't want that would we?" She wrapped her arm around his and re-gripped his hand. When they neared the gate he pulled her back and discretely pointed out a figure in the garden. Jonathon… Her brother stared at the sky and mumbled something along the lines of, "why me? Why is my sister so fucking stubborn?"

Jace mouthed to her from above. "Is he praying or complaining?" She almost laughed, almost. He was doing neither.

"Voicing his frustrations actually," she mouthed back. She heard a stone slide and watched as he took a path to his own room. Strange, they must have put in escape routes. Jace checked again and opened the gate for her.

"Sleep well. I," He choked and blushed.

"I love you too. And I will sleep well thanks to you." He raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Yes, I stole the words from your mouth. I saw the look you gave me." Suddenly, he leaned down and kissed her. He tasted like what she considered the best drink in the world, though she still didn't know what Maia gave them. Jace stopped himself before he let the fog in his head get the best of him and let her go.

"Night my sweet princess." He whispered from the gate. Clary faintly heard it and blushed. He had gave her more than enough to dream about. Before she could respond he was gone, and she could rest happily for once.

Morning

"Clary? Clary! Get up!" Jonathon harshly whispered in her ear. She slowly opened her crusty eyelids and blinked. The sun was barely pouring through the window. He had woken her up early.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" The sarcasm bled from her voice and she could see the outline of stubble on Jon's chin as he grinned.

"Father decided a trip to the work market might lift your spirits about marriage. We are leaving in an hour." Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't even said anything. "Now get out of bed or I will throw the covers off you." She shoved his shoulder and he gave her room to wiggle out. "Clary, what happened to your feet?" He stared at the dust covering her toes, wearing sandals hadn't been a good idea now that she thought about it.

"I must have walked into a spot that hadn't been swept properly when I couldn't sleep last night. Don't tell father though. The lady who cleans my room does a fantastic job otherwise."

"I swear I won't. I'll be waiting in the hall when you are done." He walked out of the room and shut the door behind him.

Suddenly three bird calls echoed in the streets, passing the home as they sounded. They were already starting the plan. Clary grabbed a gold tunic and found a pair of summer shoes that had closed toes on them. When she had finished, Jon opened the door and nodded. They found their parents waiting patiently in the main room, lost in conversation as they entered.

"I see we are all ready. Dear, would you like a pastry?" Her mother, who dressed much like her, greeted them cheerfully. Clary looked at her father with a smile though inside she wondered why she hadn't seen her mother in two days. On Jocelyn's shoulder Clary could see a faint bruise but she ignored it, taking the pastry.

"Let's proceed then. Come dear." Valentine hid his frustration from them well but not well enough. She watched as he tangled his arm around her mother, poking the bruise for some strange reason. Her mom winced and, amazingly, took his hand, tangling their fingers together.

"Jon," she said as they walked out to the horses, "does father hurt mother?" Clary half whispered the last part. Jon couldn't say anything to her, the sound of him swallowing louder than his voice.

"Can we talk later?" She almost didn't hear him. Clary nodded and took his hand as she was raised into the carriage. Jon joined them and she instantly wished she was somewhere else. No one said a word. Jocelyn looked out the window while Valentine looked between her and Clary. They looked alike, she already knew that. Thankfully, before her father could open his mouth, they arrived at their destination. She could see Izzy by a crate near the front. Good, she thought, not too far but not too close. Her father gave them the usual, "No more than three people, meet you in an hour," speech. Then she searched around for ten minutes, asking random people what they came here to possibly do for her family. Finally she landed on her own friends and slowly walked over. Jon was headed that way too, staring at Izzy intently.

"Hello. I am Clarissa, daughter of Valentine Morgenstern. What have you come possibly do for my family?" Jace started his speech on being an excellent dancer and fighter while Jon crept over. Alec followed, then Izzy spoke up.

"I cannot cook, but I have heard there will be a wedding soon. I would be honored to be your hand maid and help your with whatever you need." Izzy sounded sincere, unlike Alec who obviously wasn't good under pressure. Clary nodded and handed over three tokens.

"Come to the doors by sunset and we will welcome you. I expect great things from you all."

She heard a sigh and turned around, "Just when I wanted the black haired maiden… Good job little sister." Clary rolled her eyes at Jon then realized what he meant when he said he wanted Izzy.

"She's to be my hand maid Jon, not some object that comes when you beckon her. That's just terrible." Jon rolled his eyes at her disapproval. "Have you actually found anyone or are you just being an ass?" Jace tried not to laugh at them; they acted like Izzy and Alec did at home.

"Is the blond one smirking or is that my imagination?" Jace discreetly looked over and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, I mean you. What's so amusing boy?" Clary gave Jace the evil eye. If he answered wrong then their plan may be ruined.

"Excuse me, I was just amused by how close you two are. That's all." He looked away and tried not to enrage Jon. To his surprise Jon laughed and gave Clary a hundred watt grin.

"That's a great answer. I like him." Jon grasped Jace's shoulder and grinned. "I'll be back." He speed through the crowd and disappeared from sight.

"Looks like," Alec began but shut up. His eyes widened and Izzy had to put a hand on his shoulder to steady him.

"What is it?" Clary asked, looking around. Jace gently turned her around and pointed to the back corner. She'd heard of the man she saw. Black hair, bright clothing, and cat-like eyes all marked the famed Magnus Bane. Her father would flip if he knew he was here. Clary cast a glance at Izzy. She knew they would have to come up with something before someone saw him.

"I'm about to faint and until one of you helps me into the carriage, Jace will have to keep me in his arms. Okay?" Alec raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Ready?" She fell forward and landed softly in Jace's strong arms. She heard the crowd around them gasp in horror.

"Is she okay? Clary," she knew Jon was hovering over her, the subtle scent of mint filling her nose. "Take her to the carriage, you all can ride back with us." Worry over took his voice. Maybe she should have thought of something else.

"As you wish." She felt weightless curled up in his chest. He was warm, the beat of his heart lulling her to sleep. As if he knew what she was thinking, he started humming. The last thing she heard was his heart and the rumble of wheels over cobble stones.

-5 Hours later-

"Do you know why she fainted?" Valentine was in her room.

There was a rustling, like leaves in the wind, by her bed. "I have no clue. She was just speaking then, out of nowhere, fell into my companions arms." Isabelle laid a damp towel on her head. "I'm worried it may have been the heat." She sounded truly concerned. Clary heard the door open and her father groan.

"Here, Isabelle. I retrieved some tea from the kitchen. Good evening my lord." Jace added hastily, reaching Izzy as fast as he could. She heard some amusement in his voice also. Why though? Her father must have left because Jace dropped the act and rubbed her shoulder. "Wake up Clary. It's late." Quietly he added, "I love you, you know that?" She grinned and propped herself up on her elbows.

"What happened?" They shook their heads at her.

"You fainted princess. Do you feel okay now?" Jace leaned over her, taking in her scent of roses and painting oil. She wanted to hug him and never let go. They had gotten in her home undetected.

"I feel much better. Would you please help me up?" Clary reached up to wrap an arm around his shoulders. Jace leaned down and slid both arms under her. He was warm and smelt like charcoal and hazelnuts. While she was asleep he must have ventured around the house. "You explored, didn't you?" She mumbled against his shirt. His laughter vibrated through his chest.

"Now, why would I do that? I just stayed here and acted like a ladies maid." He spun her around, barley missing the hot towel Izzy threw at him.

"Not appreciated Jace," Izzy growled under her breath. Angrily, she pushed her cart out of the room, leaving them alone. Jace seized the moment when she left. Clary felt as light as a bird as she flew through the air. She landed on her bed in a flop and grinned. Jace, the clever boy he was, climbed on top of her, balancing his weight on his elbows.

"We have some private time for once. And I, if I'm being honest, feel like doing something so forbidden its criminal. May I kiss the loony princess? Or does she require more attention?" Clary bit her lip, trying not to blush. She nodded curtly and wrapped her pale arms around his neck. His hair brushed her forehead as he tried to kiss her. Hands wrapped around her face in an effort to stop her from wiggling away from him. "You are adorable."

"I thought I was fiery, not some helpless animal. I'm not adorable."

He sighed, placing his forehead against hers. "If you were helpless, I wouldn't be here. I don't like soft girls. I love you, the girl that is mad." He saw her brows scrunch together. "Being mad is a great thing you know. The best kind of people are mad." She grinned again, playing with the soft underlay of his hair. Finally, after what felt like forever, he kissed her. It was soft like satin, his lips sliding against hers. Clary nipped at his lower lip in an effort to take control, but it back fired. Jace took the chance to slide his knee between her legs, giving him access to her mouth when she gasped. They tangled together even closer than before, not leaving an inch between them. His skin was hot against her bare arms, and she lost herself. A small, quiet moan came from her that only Jace could hear.

"We should stop. My hormones can only be ignored for so long. I am seventeen you know." Clary nodded in reply, her hormones also ragging. Jace slowly slid off of her, grabbing the slightly warm towel on her bedside table. "Get under the covers and let me do this. No one needs to know about us, especially your father." She obeyed him and let him take care of her. She couldn't help but smile when she had to correct him on how to place the towel and when to heat it.

"Jace…"

"What?"

"You have to get the cloth wet before putting it on the stones. But wring it out first," Clary corrected him yet again.

"I got this! Geez, woman." She laughed at his defensive response. "Hey, when this is over I want something brown. Do you people even have coffee here? I need it." He was about to say something else when they heard footsteps outside the door. Jon stepped in, white as a sheet.

"Clary! Oh, thank goodness." Jon turned to Jace, momentarily stunning her. "Jonathon, thank you for taking care of her while Isabelle is in the kitchen. Thank you."

"Jon, what did you just say?" Clary half-yelled, interrupting him.

"What do you mean?"

"Prince Jon…"

"Call me Jon." That was rare.

"Jon… Izzy doesn't cook. She poisons. Neither Alec, nor I, will eat any of her food. She killed her pet snake by accident because of it." Jon froze. Jace almost had to shake him to bring him back to life.

"I'll be back." Her brother sprinted out. For thirty minutes they heard yelling, but a frightened scream broke the noise. Jace raced out of the room, not telling her what was going on. Sprinting after him, the dress rolled at her heels. She pushed through the crowd until she saw where the scream came from. Izzy lay on the floor, hand bleeding from a large cut. She cowered away from Valentine, who tried to cope her despite his angry expression.

"Get away from her!" Valentine watched her with surprise as she walked between them. "Let me help her. You are scaring her." He didn't step back but she didn't care, she knew he had done something. With a push to his chest, she lengthened the distance between them and crouched down to help Isabelle. "Come on, it's okay." Izzy slowly got up and wobbled with Clary's arm around her to her room. Sitting on the humble bed, Izzy watched as Clary ushered Alec and Jace in, closing the door behind them and locking it with a click.

"Sis, what happened?" Alec grasped her free hand with worry. She looked like she would cry.

"Jonathon came in and told me to leave the kitchen. I did what he asked of course, I had to. Next thing I know he is yelling at the staff for assuming I could cook. But suddenly, out of nowhere, your father comes around the corner and asks me if this is my fault. I looked down because I couldn't say I wasn't sure. He mistook it for a yes and took out a blade. I didn't know what to do! I screamed as loud as I could for Jonathon, or anyone to help me. Your brother ran out but he was too late. Your dad had seized me by the hand as I fell and slashed it. He would have killed me if Jon hadn't stopped him. As soon as he saw you guys he acted like he was trying to help me though. I'm just glad Clary came between us, I've never been happier in my life." Izzy shook like a frozen dog as she spoke. Clary could barely hold the tears back.

"I can't believe he did that!" Clary roared, tears rolling down her cheeks. "You should have just cooked something and killed him then and there." They all stared at her, shocked by her mood swing. Alec gaped while Izzy grinned and Jace tried to hold her.

"We need to wait a while and her wound needs to heal. Please calm down." She shook him off and grabbed a warm, damp towel from the tray Alec had brought. As soon as she got to Izzy she sunk to her knees and cleaned the dried blood from her wound. Alec stood behind her with Jace, watching in fascination.

"I'm sorry, okay? I am not a very civil person when angry. My family generally avoids ticking me off." Izzy smiled at Clary, taking the cloth from her hands.

"I appreciate your help Clary. But I think I can handle this. Jace," He looked at Izzy at the sound of his name. "Take her to her room and make sure she goes to sleep. We've all had a rough day. Besides, no princess should have to kneel on a tile floor. I know that has to hurt."

Surprised by Isabelle's resilience, Clary let Jace lift her up and lace his arm around her back. Alec unlocked the door and let them out, only to lock it back the moment they left. Jace led her down the halls until they reached her room. Opening the door, he picked Clary up and tossed her onto her bed. After tucking her in, he kissed her temple.

"Sleep well, princess." Clary didn't hear him leave because she fell asleep right after.

(I do not own the Mortal Instruments. Cassandra Clare does.)

Hi! It's been awhile, sorry. Here's the new chapter. It's a very serious topic because abuse and hurting people intentionally is not right. Anyway, I made a Facebook page so you all can find out when updates will be coming out. It's on my page bio on here so check it out if you want to be more aware of updates and want to give me feedback. Love you all.

Questions:

What will Valentine do to Clary?

Is Jon on Izzy's side or was he just doing that to help himself?

Favorite Character so far?

-A