Hey again!
So, again i know it's been awhile, so so so sorry! I know that I said right after my other story, but life got in the way! I apologize! But I promise I'll try to update more now that I'm on summer vacation! Are you guys ready for serious Jace deprivation? :P (I'm evil, I know)
Ya'll Ready?
LEGGO.
My tired eyes blink open, slowly registering the blinding white light filling my room. Oh wait, that's the sun.
I groan and stretch my limbs out, yawning so loud for a moment I fear for waking up the entire castle. Flipping onto my stomach, a lazy smile stretches my lips at the feel of being swaddled in thousands of heavy, fluffy sheets and blankets, feeling oh so comfortable. How come the bed seems so large this morning?
Opening my eyes, I find myself staring at sheets instead of Jace's sleeping face. Oh, right. I sit up straight, surveying the silent bedroom. It seems bigger, emptier. With a sigh, I get up and walk slowly over to the bathroom, drowsiness plaguing me. Even after scrubbing my face and donning new clothes, sitting down on the window seat, I feel infinitely bored. What did I do before I lived here?
Looking around the bedroom, I catch sight of the enormous stack of books sitting on my nightstand and waiting to be red. I can already smell the scent of old book pages, stiff from years of unuse, but I feel too wired to sit still long enough to even finish a page. Oh well, exploring it is.
I quickly slip on a pair of cream colored flats and walk out of the bedroom into the main hall, turning right and walking down the corridor. For the first time in a while, I let myself process all of the beautiful components that make up the castle, millions of different hues of different colors seamlessly blending. The stone walls rise up to an arched ceiling, echoing back my own light footsteps against the stone. Tapestries that seem to be as old as Idris itself line the high walls, lit by witchlight torches periodically in between.
I stop at a slightly faded one, the once rich blues and greens now elegantly faded into each other in an antique manner, yet the picture is still discernible. A large, lake sits in the middle, the blue waves broken by the image of a huge gold angel rising from the middle with white foam surrounding his form in the water. It's head is tilted back, wings spread so wide and done in such detail I feel the urge to reach out and stroke the feathers. In one hand a cup of gold is clutched tightly, and in the other a silver sword.
The most well known image in all of Idris, in all the hearts of shadow hunters across the Earth. The image of the angel Raziel, creator of the Shadowhunter race, emerging from Lake Lyn, holding two of the Mortal Instruments. I study the image that every tutor I have ever had used to force me to stare at, to burn into my memory and never dare forget. This was the creation of shadowhunters, the single most important event in our history.
Yet the only thing I can focus on is how the grass should have been done in a different shade of green. I mentally scold my artist eye for criticizing the one image I shouldn't- wonderful, Clary. Tearing my eyes away from the image, I walk down the hallway while skimming over the rest of the tapestries. They show dozens of different images, from ornate bowls of fruit to warriors in battle with glowing blades, facing menacing shadows. What was battle really like? I've trained my entire life, yet never seen a demon. Was it really as terrifying as I'd heard?
Moving away from the images on the walls, I see a staircase immediately to my right and take it, climbing up to another level of the castle. The entire hall is flooded with warm light, opening up the place so much more. a few double doors are evenly spaced, and I walk to the first one, pushing it open. A music room sits before me. I walk in, taking in the muted gray walls and the beautiful instruments. Guitars, banjos, and ukuleles all hung from one wall, the wood polished perfectly. Violins, Violas, Cellos all stood in one corner, drums next to them. Lutes and Flutes hung from their stands on the far right wall. And in the dead center of the room stands a grand piano.
All the music lessons Valentine forced me into comes back to me. I walk over to the piano, sitting down lightly on the bench. He had tried to get me to play so many different instruments, but I was adamant on the piano. He hated it, and I had no idea why for the longest time until one day Jonathan told me. The piano was Jocelyn's favorite instrument to play.
Oh, I haven't played in years. My fingers gingerly skim over the ivory keys, remembering the feel of them and the beautiful music they can produce. I glance nervously at the open door. Surely no one will mind if I try it out?
Slowly, I press down on the C major key. Perfectly in tune. I slowly sit up straight, positioning my fingers over the keys. My fingers lightly press a couple of keys, getting used to the feel of them after so long. All it takes is a couple of notes, and I'm off.
Remembering my favorite piece of all time, carol of the bells, my fingers race over the keys without me looking, already knowing the path to follow. The sheet music had been a gift from one of Valentines advisors after a trip to the North American continent. Apparently, it's a celebratory song for one of their holidays. It's so simple compared to the concertos my teachers made me master, but still my favorite.
Even without the sheet music, my eyes are fixed on the keys as my fingers race over them, not missing a single note. I feel a wide smile stretch across my face at the feel of making music again, after such a long time. Oh Angel, I've missed this.
I play the final note and sit with my eyes closed, listening to it fade into silence. Only then am I aware of somebody else in the room.
I spin i my seat, only to find Simon paused in the doorway. His eyes go wide when he sees me and he stumbles back, hands up in front of him. "I apologize M'lady! It's just, I heard that music, a-and it was so beautiful and I- I just had to."
"Simon!" I exclaim with a laugh, holding my hands up. "No need for apologies, I'm not angry at all." I assure him. He still bows his head and mutters an apology. Slowly getting up, I ask him shyly, "You really liked it?"
He peeks up at me, brown eyes wide. He reminds me of a lost puppy. "Yes M'lady, your playing was simply beautiful."
I beam in response. "Thank you! Do you play?" I ask in curiosity.
Simon finally raises his head, his cheeks flushed. "No, I never had the luxury of learning M'lady." He says quietly. I bite my lip, mentally beating myself. He's a servant, he didn't exactly have money for piano lessons Clary! That's where I probably got my worst idea of the day.
"Do you want to learn?" I ask, excitement tinging my voice. He looks confused, but nods slowly.
"If one day I'm able to, I'd love the opportunity." He says meekly. I clap my hands and gesture for him to enter the room.
"Let me teach you!" Simon's jaw drops a little bit, and he begins babbling.
"Oh no, it wouldn't be appropriate M'lady, I couldn't-" I laugh and hold up my hands.
"I insist! Please Simon? The King has gone on a trip for ten days, so I'm not exactly in the position to turn down any company." I say meekly, dropping my hands. Simon glances nervously at the door, but I notice his feet inch closer to the piano.
"I would get in trouble for turning my back on my responsibilities.."
Laughing, I give him a look. "I'm the queen, and I'm pretty sure you're superiors will understand why you skipped sweeping if the queen asked something of you." I say with a mischievous grin. At that, Simon finally nods.
"Well, I guess I can't ignore a direct order." Simon sighs in defeat, a small grin on his face. I clap my hands in excitement, motioning for him to sit on the piano bench. He hesitantly seats himself as I sit down on his left.
"Would you like to learn the song I was just playing?" I ask in excitement. He nods quickly, eyes lighting up. I grin and take his right hand, positioning it over the keys. "Alright, so just play these keys over and over." I demonstrate the 4 notes he has to play, and he copies me slowly. I give him a minute to get used to it, and slowly the tune rings clearly and steadily through the music room. Simon's brows are scrunched as he tries hard to keep the beat steady. As soon as he relaxes, I let my fingers play the other half of the song. His eyes widen as he realizes that I've joined him, and together the beautiful melody fills the room. Simon laughs a little breathless laugh, swaying slightly to the sound of the music we make. I grin as I watch him, fingers effortlessly gliding over the keys like they've done a million times before. I switch Simon's hands to the octave above as the music rises, spiraling upwards into a crescendo and falling back to the Earth. He lets go of a gasp and drops his hand, eyes wide and chest heaving with excitement.
"Did- did I just do that?" He asks breathlessly. I laugh and nod, heart warming at the sight of his huge smile. He grins shyly, dark spots rising in his cheeks. "Thank you so much for that." He says earnestly, and I smile at one of the very few real thanks I've heard in this castle.
"You're very welcome Simon. Now, would you like to learn how to play that by yourself?"
~o.O.o~
An hour later, I walk to my rooms by myself with a satisfied smile on my face. In our short lesson, I managed to get Simon playing a slightly bumpy rendition of Carol Of the Bells, one I intended to perfect in our next meeting. Tomorrow after lunch is the agreed time, and I find myself unreasonably excited to spend time without somebody outside Jace and Isabelle.
"Clary!"
I turn to see Magnus half jogging down the corridor to catch up with me. He's dressed as flamboyant as always, wearing emerald green gypsy- esque pants with a vest of what suspiciously reminds me alligator skin. If aligator skin is that shiny.
He stops in front of me, so tall I have to crane my neck to properly look into his cat like eyes, lined in so much black liquid there is more cosmetic than iris. "I-uh..." For once, Magnus seems at a loss for words. I wait patiently, already having a feeling what this is about.
Magnus takes a deep breath, finally forcing the words out. "I just wanted to assure you won't say anything about what you saw. Alec is terrified of people learning he's gay and it would crush him if his family-"
"Magnus!" I say loudly, holding up my hands to get him to stop blabbering long enough for me to speak. He stops short, mouth still open. I laugh softly at his expression, shaking my head a little. "Alec already told me he'd prefer if I didn't speak about it, so don't stress Magnus. I probably wouldn't have said anything anyways." I say with a shrug. Magnus lets out a breath, his entire body seeming to crumple in on himself. Looking closely at him, I notice the slight sadness set into his face, the stress to the set of his jaw.
"I'm guessing Alec not being open about this isn't too easy for you." I say quietly, gauging his reaction. For the first time, he's just quiet, barely nodding in affirmation.
"I understand it's hard for him,I really do. This kind of lifestyle is basically forbidden, his family would disown him. I- I love him." Magnus blurts, stumbling on the words. I take a step back, surprised by his declaration. He looks surprised by it too. "I love him. I do," He says slowly, testing out the words on his tongue. Despite knowing his real age, I know Magnus is an old soul, but I still wonder if this is the first time he's ever said those words. "And I don't want to ask him to choose between me and being a respected shadowhunter, because I know he'll choose shadowhunter and I know that will kill me and hurt him. It's just hard, feeling like someone has to be ashamed of you." He says, voice so heartbreakingly quiet I have to bite down on my lip.
"Why are you telling me this?" I ask softly, hoping he doesn't take it the wrong way. Magnus just stares at me bleakly, the ghost of a smile on his lips.
"Because you're different, my darling. You seem to know more than you realize, if that makes sense. Just look at Jace- he's different since you got here. He's more alive. I guess I was just hoping you can teach me whatever magic made this place more pleasant to be in." He says. I nod absentmindedly, thoughts racing. Had I really had such an effect on this castle, on Jace? Magnus continues. "Warlocks can sense auras you know. And Clary, you have one of the brightest ones I've ever seen ." He cocks his head, studying me. "You're easy to talk to, did you know that? I think that's what compelled me to come talk to you." He walks backwards slowly, eyes still trained on me. "You have a gift. A gift of humanity- it's not as common in Shadowhunters as you think. Don't ever lose it." He calls, already near the end of the corridor. Then without another word, he turns on the heel of his gold plated slippers and disappears from sight, leaving me stunned and pondering in his wake.
The day I figure out Magnus Bane is the day I have seen everything.
~o.O.o~
"I don't know about the veil." I say, fidgeting with the sheer gossamer. Agatha tsks and moves my hand away, arranging it herself.
"Nonsense milady, you look absolutely radiant." She says with a huge smile stretched onto her thin lips. Her blue eyes are focused and intent, moving pieces of fabric here and there, pinning up certain areas with pearl pins, and most of all attempting to keep me still on the raised platform. I sigh lightly, surveying my reflection in the tall gilded mirror. Okay, so maybe I did look good.
The same dress as before, yet now fit to my size, sets my cream skin aglow. It bells out at my waist perfectly, and I know it will fly the second I twirl. The material is silky to the touch, cool against my bare skin underneath. The veil covers part of my bright, untamed hair, falling all the way to my elbows. Even the veil has runes stitched into it, speaking of promises of love and commitment which make me shudder. The colors blend seamlessly together, turning my body into a shimmering fountain of light that moves at my every motion. My hair looks less wildly colorful, now complimenting the golden hues in the dress that bring out the specks of bronze in my own eyes. I let the smallest of smiles appear on my lips, remembering how in childhood I dreamed about my perfect wedding dress, the one that made me feel like a queen. And now I have it.
"Alright Agatha, you were right. It's beautiful." I admit, grinning at her reflection. She straightens up, pins still in between her lips as she claps in excitement, beautiful eyes lighting up. Se reminds me of a proud grandmother, one you could never disappoint.
"You look absolutely ethereal Milady, King Jace is going to be so stunned we won't be able to say the vows!" She chuckles, going back to work on taking final measurements. My smile fades at the mention of his name.
Five days. Five, achingly long days since he left for his business confrontation. How is it possible for his absence to have such a huge blow on me? I've grown so used to him, so used to his taunting smirk and smoldering eyes to wake up to every morning, to our practically daily training sessions, to knowing his lips are just a mere moments away. I feel myself becoming more on edge, fidgeting more- a habit that was never my problem before. Jace wasn't just a want- he's a need, his mental and physical presence sating for my nerves. Only so long can I go without his insufferable arrogance that I've grown used too. Hm, is this what marriage is like?
Sure, the absence of Jace has been filled with frequent lessons with Simon on the piano (who now can play Carol Of The Bells slowly and is working on reading music) and working on everything wedding with an entire team of planners hired especially for the royal wedding, yet there is still something missing. A sense of wholeness to the place, one I haven't questioned since I've been engaged to Jace. Five more days, you're not that reliant on Jace Clarissa.
"Alright Milady, you're done." Agatha calls me back to reality, and I let my body sag in relief, no fear of her scolding me for it. She laughs a little at my relief. "Be careful, there are still pins in here for the final adjustment. Come, let me help you take it off." I raise my arms obediently as she finds the hidden bustier straps, loosening it and gently grasping it to pull it off my frame. I step out of the circle of golden fabric, and Helen and Maia descend on me with a dress in hand. I have been seeing more of them ever since Jace's departure- they obviously still have an inherent nervousness of the King. They come every morning to dress me now, and I don't turn away the company.
"You looked so beautiful in that dress Milady." Helen says in a bright voice, busily drawing the sleeves onto my shoulder. I see Maia nod enthusiastically in the reflection of the mirror, fastening the buttons of my rose dress. I haven't even had the patience or motivation to wear a proper corset. Oh, those things are practically antique by now anyways. Maybe I should consider pants?
"Thanks again for your amazing work Agatha, I feel like people are going to be looking at my dress more than me at my wedding." I tease, my voice playful. She clucks at me, smiling through her pearl pins.
"Nonsense dear, you're what makes the dress so radiant! I am sure the wedding will be spectacular.
I pause in the midst of gathering my hair to twist into a clip. "You're coming to the wedding right?" I ask, a little doubt of this assured fact creeping into my mind. She smiles, slightly wistful.
"With all due respect, I am a handmaiden. My place isn't in a royal wedding, it's working it." She says simply, and though the words are spoken with carelessness, I feel a shard of ice go through my veins. Often I forget the hierarchy, never really caring much for it in my own castle, let alone here where they are my only company.
So that's why I don't hesitate before saying, "Well you are now. How else am I supposed to thank you for all this beautiful work?" Amatis opens her mouth, probably to protest, but I don't give her the chance. I round on Helen and Maia. "You two also! I refuse to walk down the aisle if you all aren't there."
I'm met with a chorus of wide eyes and spluttering noises. Helen is the first to speak actual words. "Milady, we simply couldn't! Even if we wanted to, we don't have any dresses nearly formal enough for your wedding!"
Spinning, I face a blushing Agatha. "Oh Agatha!" I grasp her arm lightly, eyes wide and imploring. "Can I ask one more favor of you? Make these girls dresses for the ceremony! Please, I understand how this isn't normal of you, but I need some friendly faces in that crowd. This is my wedding, I can't have my favorite people in this castle not be there." I puff out my lip, making my eyes wide and imploring. And luckily, it works.
"I don't know about how much material I have leftover to craft.." Agatha begins uneasily, eyes surveying the racks of gossamer, silky fabric lining the pastel rose walls of the huge sewing room. It's the size of a hall, dedicated to the entire royal staffs clothing. I know Agatha practically lives here, yet is restricted to the amount of fabric she could use each month, only awarded extra for special occasion or an ordered outfit. I stand up straight, eyes lighting up.
"Use pure admas if you must, I'll make sure all expenses are covered. Just please, make sure you all look beautiful? I'll handle extra seating and invitations for you all- and you can all bring plus ones!" I say, my voice rising so high I actually sound like a 17 year old for once. Maia and Helen cast each other excited glances, and something gives me the feeling they've never been to a proper wedding before. That just excites me more.
Agatha finally smiles brightly. "Alright Milady, if you insist. If you have the time, in four days I'll have them ready and you can come see them to make sure they're to your liking?" She offers, finally getting into the spirit.
I nod, bouncing on the balls of my feet. "I'm sure whatever you create will be a masterpiece, but if you insist, this time in four days?" After the nods of affirmation, I say my goodbyes and practically run out the door to go tell Simon he's invited to the wedding.
Oh my god that took forever.
I'd like to apologize about saying I would update right after Love Isn't Optional, and then waiting like two weeks. Oops?
I've just been horribly buys with Ramadan, packing (guess who's moving across the country again?) and writing on my joint account with SyFyGirl1998 (also my wife forever- love you dipshit), our account is QueensofBullshit and we post TMI fanfic, even though both stories are in very early stages we would love LOVE it for you to view and review! It would mean so, SO much to both of us! Also, Jace will only be gone for this chapter and the next, and I plan to focus on the background details of Clary's life in this time because this story has been a little Jace- centric and I would like for you guys to get a stronger grip on Clary as an individual and her surroundings.
Also, we're going to get into the plot in a couple of chapters! All yall ready for a whirlwind of crazy? Eh, whatever, I'll give it to ya'll anyways.
Again so so sorry for all the waiting, let's hope I can update soon again! Also so sorry this chapter is only 4k! I know it's a little shorter!
Keep reading…*MUAH!*- Love Madeline