"I'm going to check if the other portal is open," Alec said. "Right back." He moved quickly toward the door. Stepping outside Alec noticed the position of the sun. He had been gone far longer than he'd thought. Alec followed the winding path back to where he'd come from. Considering the time he was suddenly sure the portal was gone. Alec could picture, Jace or his parents, walking through the portal room, noticing it was active and turning it off out of habit since no one was meant to be out of the Palace at the moment.
Alec didn't linger once he saw his suspicions confirmed. He could feel a pull to return to Magnus. It was the strangest feeling, but at this point Alec was beyond understanding any of his feelings. He had embraced them without a second thought and he had no regrets.
Alec knew what his future held -marriage, children, the throne- and he'd accepted this, but he wasn't going to pass up an opportunity like the one that had just been handed to him. Knowing who you are and experiencing it are two different things and Alec had never felt so physically attracted to another person before he'd met Magnus. Alec had made a promise to himself the day he realized he could never have what he wanted out of life. Alec had promised himself that if he ever met someone who could inspire in him what he saw in others, like Clary and Jace or Simon and Izzy, he wouldn't let it pass him by. The most surprising part of all this to Alec was that Magnus had wanted him the same way.
When Alec re-entered to the house he saw that Magnus hadn't moved. Alec stood for a moment and studied the beautiful form of the man he'd just- Alec didn't have a word for what they'd done. All he had was a feeling for it. He felt alive like never before, glowing with joy.
"You came back?" Magnus spoke softly. His tone was casual and Alec couldn't understand why the warlock needed to ask.
"I said I would," Alec replied. "The portal's gone."
"Ah well, in that case," Magnus said, as he waved a hand and sent bright blue light against the wall. The portal that appeared there was different than the one Alec was used to seeing. The only portal he'd ever seen was purple, and permanent with a smooth crisp border. As Alec studied the orange portal with broken edges he realized the difference.
"Does every warlock create a different coloured portal?" Alec asked.
"Most do," Magnus said, casually. "Though I have one friend whose magic is also blue so her portal is about the same colour as mine."
"Our portal has clean sides," Alec said. "But this one…" Alec took a step toward it, hand outstretched as he wondered what those jagged edges would feel like.
"Is rough around the edges?" Magnus replied smiling. Alec nodded. "This is a one time use portal. They are easy. Those permanent ones are quite a pain. I never bother with them."
"Wow," Alec said as he walked toward the alien light.
"You better go, prince," Magnus said softly. "Or people will wonder where you went."
"Right," Alec said snapping out of his revery, but before he walked through the shimmering orange portal he turned to Magnus.
"I'll be back," he said firmly. Alec took a step forward and was just inches away from vanishing, when Magnus called out to him.
"We shall see," Alec just caught Magnus's voice before he was pulled through the orange light.
Alec now stood on the Palace grounds, toward the edge of them. It was quite a walk back, but Alec knew all the side paths and quiet routes to make his way unseen. As Alec reached the Palace, he sighed in relief. It seemed luck was with him today, no one was on guard. He slipped through the front door and quietly headed up to his room.
Alec almost asked his sister for romantic advice about a dozen times over the next few days. He, Izzy and Simon were often in the practice room with him training. Izzy with her whip, Alec his bow and arrows and Simon favoured his mace.
After dinner one night, Alec and Izzy were on guard duty. He spent hours alone with her and yet he didn't tell her. Alec usually told his sister everything, little, big, she was his confident, so why did he want to keep this to himself? It almost felt like by not speaking of it, he could keep what they'd shared his own. Keep it safe. Which made no sense and Alec knew it.
Just as Alec had suspected, Valentine's investigation was proving fruitless or at least Valentine still didn't have any proof to bring to the mission room. Alec didn't want to believe his near death experience was the result of a spy or traitor. He'd rather believe it was an outside source.
Alec's mind was far more often on Magnus than politics, but he didn't want to return too soon or it would look suspicious. Alec knew it had been dumb luck he hadn't gotten caught the first time.
When Alec was finally ready to chance it, he went alone to the portal. This time though he searched through the setting for a one way trip so he wouldn't have to leave the portal running. Alec was hoping this would mean he didn't get caught when he came back.
Stepping through the purple shimmering surface Alec emerged near the woods on the same road as before. He followed the now familiar path to Magnus's house and soon found himself standing at the warlock's front door.
Alec knocked. He was nervous, but that only served to make him smile. It was a good kind of nervous, the one that seemed more like eagerness, like anticipation. When Magnus opened the door he looked rather more surprised than Alec had expected.
"I said I'd come back," Alec told him. "Unless this is a bad time."
"Now is fine," Magnus replied as he took a step back and allowed Alec through the door. Alec found himself staring at Magnus, his eyes were as stunning as ever, but Magnus's lips caught Alec's attention as well. Gently taking Magnus by the elbow, Alec pulled him close to kiss the warlock hello. Magnus responded, placing a hand at Alec's waist and pulling him closer.
"Hmm," Alec sighed. "I missed doing that."
"Did you?" Magnus replied.
"Yeah," Alec smiled. He was gazing a Magnus again, trying to memorize the man's face. He wanted to explain how he'd thought of Magnus every day since they'd met, but Alec didn't know how to form the words. Instead he let his eyes move to rest on the warlock's lips.
"Why did you come back?" Magnus asked.
"You said I could see you again," Alec whispered, worried for a moment that he'd done something wrong.
"Yes," Magnus smiled. "But why did you return?"
"I missed you," Alec admitted.
"You don't know me," Magnus replied. Alec thought about this and realized Magnus was right.
"Then I want to get to know you," Alec said, as a smile broke out over his face.
"And I you," Magnus whispered as if the very concept baffled him and maybe it did. Alec throw his arms around Magnus, but instead of kissing him just held the warlock tight. He was so glad Magnus wanted to know him too. It all seemed like a dream.
As they broke apart Magnus kissed his forehead, then took Alec's hand in his. Alec let himself be lead to the couch where they both sat down. Magnus snapped his fingers and a drink appeared in each of their hands.
Alec made a startled noise that Magnus only laughed at before he took a sip. It tasted good like honey and roses, but Alec wasn't sure what it was. Some kind of nectar?
Then they talked, and talked. Alec learned the names of Magnus's friends, most of whom were warlocks. Magnus in turn listened to Alec talk about his sister and how he spends all his time surrounded by happy couples.
"It can be annoying at times," Alec sighed. "Being the only one alone."
"When you marry," Magnus reminded Alec. "I'm sure that will change."
"No, it won't," Alec sighed. "I've tried to feel something, anything for a girl but- I know I will still be alone even then."
"You are so young," Magnus whispered as he stroked Alec's face. "It's quite a concept to me."
"How old are you, Magnus?" Alec asked. It didn't matter that much to him in this moment, but he couldn't say he wasn't curious. "I found your name in the library… as far back as I could go."
"I'm not surprised your library is so incomplete," Magnus said. "I do vaguely remember the war that destroyed all your records, though I was very young at the time."
"Doesn't that make you four hundred years old?" Alec asked.
"About that," Magnus shrugged. "Give or take a few decades." Alec didn't speak for a while as he let those words sink in. Despite the time between them Alec decided it didn't matter. This wasn't enough for him to give up on how Magnus made him feel.
"I wish we had more time," Alec exclaimed. "I want to stay here and talk to you." But he could see the sun through the window. "Why does everything else have to get in the way."
"Because you have responsibilities," Magnus said gently. "People depending on you."
"I bet they could do very well without me if they wanted to," Alec scoffed. "Sometimes I wish they would. I wish someone else could be king after my father."
"And why can't they?" Magnus asked.
"Max," Alec whispered. "If he hadn't died… then, maybe."
"I will never understand your politics," Magnus sighed.
"I'm not so fond of them myself," Alec laughed, but then he noticed the light through the window again, and added sadly, "I should go home."
"Do you need a portal?" Magnus asked and Alec nodded. With a casual wave of his hand Magnus created a shimmering orange mark on the wall. Alec turned to see it, admiring the beauty that could be found there, before he turned back to the beauty who had created it.
"Can I come back?" Alec asked again.
"To what purpose?" Magnus replied. "What is this Alexander?"
"It's- I- Well, I'm not sure," Alec stammered, running his hands through his hair, nervously. "I enjoy spending time with you."
"Alright," Magnus smiled. Alec moved forward and kissed Magnus again, deeply, his hands tangling in the warlock's hair. A soft moan escaped Magnus's throat and Alec's stomach did backflips as he leaned into the kiss. He felt Magnus's hands on his waist.
"I don't want to go," Alec whispered into their heated kiss.
"I don't want you to go," Magnus breathed against the skin of Alec's neck. He felt Magnus's lips latch onto him, sucking at the sensitive skin above Alec's collar bone. Alec titled his head back, enjoying the feeling.
"The portal will fade if left unused," whispered the warlock as he kissed Alec's jaw line. It took all of Alec's willpower to tear himself away from Magnus and move towards the portal.
With one last look back at the wonder he was leaving behind, Alec forced himself to step through the shimmering orange veil.
He emerged on the Palace grounds again but this time just a few meters left of where he'd ended up before. It seemed temporary portals weren't quite as precise as permanent ones. There was so much about warlock's that Alec didn't know. Why did everyone hate them so much? Why were warlock's not allowed in the Palace when it was clearly warlock magic that protected it?
Alec was lost in his thoughts as he walked back up to the Palace. Lost in the slight tingling feelings left on his lips from Magnus's touch. Looking down he saw a hickey starting to develop along his collarbone and shifted his shirt to cover it.
Alec opened the Palace doors and then stood perfectly still, his eyes wide.
"Where have you been?" Robert snapped. Both his parents had been standing in the doorway as he they knew he had been about to open the door.
"Umm," Alec mumbled. He had always been a terrible liar.
"The portal wasn't active. We searched high and low," Robert continued. "There was a last minute meeting and no one could find you!"
"I had to run an errand," Alec said, trying to think fast.
"An errand so secret you didn't even tell your sister?" Maryse asked, from where she stood at Robert's side.
"You guys have been worried Magnus will ask for more than you can give, right?" Alec said, deciding half a truth would be an easier sell. His parents nodded. "Well, I went to talk to him."
"What on earth made you think that was a good idea!" Robert yelled. "It's more likely to drive up the price."
"I went to tell him thank you," Alec said firmly. "For saving me." Both his parents looked at him like he was speaking another language.
"I thought he'd be more lenient with payment if he was thanked," Alec stated, definitely.
"We shall see," Robert remarked, then with a sigh he added, "You may have made things worse. Either way it's too late now. Come. Meeting."
Alec resisted the urge to mutter insults under his breath as he followed his father through the Palace. He supposed his parents must think he'd gotten back so late because he'd walked home, and that's why they hadn't asked. Or maybe they just hadn't put two and two together and realized Magnus must have made a portal for him. Either way it hardly mattered.
The next few hours were the most boring of Alec's life. It turned out the meeting was more like Valentine disagreeing with everyone, except for his son. Alec was glad at least Clary hadn't gotten her father's stupid gene. Jonathan, it seemed, hadn't been so lucky. Alec tried to listen, but the politics made no sense to him and it wasn't just that they were confusing. Sure, he could understand the different frustrations of the parties involved, but what did it matter? Why wasn't anyone talking about what was really important? They hadn't found a spy or a traitor, so why were they still looking? They were still not secure in their trade relations with their neighbours so why weren't they focusing on giving them what they wanted and repairing the relationship? Why did no one understand and use magic if it existed so readily in the world? Surely, having warlocks working with nephilim would make everything just that much easier, so why were they so shunned?
Alec fought the urge to bang his head against the table as the meeting went on and on. Everyone talking, and talking but not saying anything. Alec hadn't known it was possible for that many words to be said aloud without even the tiniest hint of communication.
When the torture finally ended Alec went to the training room to shoot arrows into things until he hated the world a little less.
Now that he'd been caught sneaking out, he wasn't sure how long it would be before he could see Magnus again. His arrow flies straight and true, and hit the bullseye.
Picturing Valentine's face repeating the same judgement bullshit over and over again, Alec sent his next arrow flying and split his first arrow down the middle.
As long as his father was around things wouldn't change, but as soon as Robert was gone Alec would be king and trapped in a loveless marriage. His next arrow just grazed the broken one as it hit the mark.
Arrow after arrow flow, as Alec tried to appease his anger.
The next day continued in much the same way. Alec did his duty to his family and ended the day in the practice room, venting his frustration on innocent targets. The followed day he took up a sword just to feel its weight in his hands.
Days turned to weeks and Alec couldn't get away. He missed Magnus, like an ache in his chest and didn't know what to do about it. Did Magnus miss him or did the warlock think Alec's feelings had changed and that's why he hadn't come back?
Alec sat in yet another pointless meeting, trying to remember how Magnus's lips felt against his when something jolted him from his stupor.
"Pardon me, but there is a warlock at the front door." Everyone turned to see the woman standing tentatively by the mission room door. "He says his name is Magnus Bane."
Alec's heart jumped in his chest as a knot formed in the pit of his stomach. Why was Magnus here? Was he upset with Alec for being away for so long? Alec watched his parents whisper among themselves, nervous.
"It seems your visit did nothing to convince him," Robert said to Alec, standing up. "He is likely here to demand payment for saving your life."
Alec relaxed, at least a little. If that's why Magnus was here then it would be fine. Alec had faith, that his parents clearly didn't, that Magnus wouldn't ask for too much. Besides, no matter what Magnus wanted, he had earned it. Alec was very grateful to be alive.
Robert and Maryse left the mission room together, and Alec followed just far enough behind so they didn't notice him.
Alec was surprised to see Magnus standing helplessly on the other side of the shield. With all his magical skills Alec would have expected the warlock to walk through the shield easily but instead he was waiting outside it. Robert and Maryse moved through the shield to greet Magnus. Alec had to fight the urge to run and join them. It was so wonderful to even just see Magnus again with his own eyes, but he knew he had no reason to be there. At least no reason anyone knew about.
Alec held his breath as he watched them, agonizing over every small change in expression on both Magnus and his parents faces. Magnus was talking calmly, but the more he spoke the less calm Alec's parents became.
"That's an outrage!" Robert roared and Alec's feet darted forward, unable to remain out of sight anymore.
"What's going on?" Alec asked as he escaped the shield and joined them outside it.
"This warlock is demanding impossible things," Robert snapped.
"It's a magical contract," Magnus replied, calmly. "You can't just refuse me and be done with it. You signed on a dotted line not knowing what the price would be."
"But this makes no sense," Maryse said, clearly trying to reason with Magnus. "It benefits neither parties."
"Why I have chosen this is my business," Magnus replied coolly. "Do you want to go back on our deal?" Both Alec's parents looked from Magnus to Alec, clearly conflicted.
"What is he asking for?" Alec asked in the silence that followed Magnus's words.
"You," Robert replied and suddenly all Alec's energy was required to suppress his smile. "He wants you to live with him for a week, though I no idea why!"
"Alec is the heir to your throne," Magnus said calmly.
"So you want to poison his mind with lies and make him a warlock sympathizer, do you?"
"Maybe," Magnus smirked, but Alec could see the twinkle in his eyes.
"I'll go," Alec said quickly. He wanted nothing more than to leave this place with Magnus.
"You can't!" Maryse exclaimed.
"It's only a week," Alec shrugged, trying not to look excited. A week seemed like an eternity to him at the moment. "Nothing to worry about, mom."
"It isn't safe," Robert said. "I can't allow it."
"He saved my life," Alec told his father gently, putting a hand on Robert's shoulder. "This is a small thing to ask."
"Great!" Magnus said cheerily. "Go pack."
"Can't you just magic my stuff here?" Alec asked, surprised. He'd expected Magnus to wave his hands and suddenly be holding a packed truck.
"Can't get through the shield," Magnus explained. Alec made a mental note to ask Magnus about this later, but for the moment he turned around and went to his room to pack.
This chapter would have gone up last night when my beta returned it but my wifi is down... I have walked to a starbucks to update.
And to the guest reviewer who literally asked for an update while I was typing this. You are welcome. And yes I have updated Elevator to Home nine times... since I last updated this. ^_^ hehe. Klaine took over my brain. But I have basically written all 20,000 words or more of that story now so back to my other ones. Elevator to Home will continue to get updated everyday until its done, but I have been working on my others again as well. In fact I have been outlining chapters ahead for this one and I just updated Roommates and Soulmates as well.
Sneak Peek chapter 6
Emerging on the other side, Magnus wasted no time, but pulled Alec into his arms, kissing the shadowhunter desperately. Alec's trunk thudded to the ground as Magnus felt Alec's arms around him. How had these last weeks seemed to take so long? Months, years even, used to fly by in the flash. Magnus would blink and decades passed so why had he been unable to wait another second to hold Alec in his arms?
When they broke apart Alec turned his head from side to side taking in their surroundings. They were back at Magnus's house, just a few meters from the front door.