Chapter 29: I recommend rereading chapter 5 if you need a Valentine x Jocelyn refresher, per Jonathan's warped mind.
I do not own any of the characters, only the illustrious Cassandra Clare owns them. I do, however, own this particular story, so please don't be lame and copy/paste it elsewhere.
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Previously: "You deserve to be worshiped as the Idrian queen you are, Clarissa… you deserve the chance to become who you should have. Who you deserve to be. I want to help you do that. I want– to be there with you."
Clary opened her eyes and hugged her pillow to her chest and sighed heavily. She was cozy and warm beneath the layers of plush bedding, but not quite content. His strong arms around me… morning kisses. I miss you. Stop it. It's over. Clary shook her head and sat up to look around her room and chuckled. The Morgensterns certainly know how to decorate. The room was huge and decorated with such opulence, she was almost uncomfortable. Her bed was an elaborate king size, with layers of silk sheets and thick, black and purple velvet brocade comforters, pillows, and curtains. The furniture was Victorian, with a huge walk-in closet, which she would hardly be able to fill with her belongings. There were large, empty bookshelves that Jonathan told her she could fill with books from their vast library. This room is almost as big as my apartment.
Clary and Jonathan arrived late the night before and she had been exhausted. Staff had taken all of her luggage up to her room as soon as they had arrived. Jonathan had escorted her to the kitchen for a late night snack before retiring for the night. They had eaten small sandwiches and each had a glass of red wine. He had walked her up to her room, once inside showing her where everything important was; the closet, fully-stocked bathroom, house phone, and extra linens. Jonathan had been sure to tell her that his room was just down the hall and he was at her disposal anytime. Of course "just down the hall" was actually pretty far and Clary felt pretty isolated. Clary texted Simon and Izzy that she had arrived safely, irritated with Izzy's response with questions about what happened with Jace. She had texted her back that they were over and she didn't want to talk about it. She then turned off her phone and fell, exhausted, into bed.
Clary got up, took off her nightie and underwear, pulling a black fluffy robe over herself to take a shower. She had another hour before she was to meet Valentine and Jonathan for breakfast. She walked to the tall windows across the room, where an easel stood, next to a mahogany work table full of paper, canvas, and supplies. This easel wasn't here last night. Someone came in while I was sleeping…that's creepy. Sitting on the desk was a card. She opened it and smiled as she read. "Dearest Clarissa, I hope the beauty of Idris will help spark some inspiration. Yours, Jonathan" Clary set the card back on the desk and ran her hand along the easel, finding her initials, CAF, branded into the frame. He is so sweet. I'll try. Come on itch, you're welcome to return.
Clary pulled open the curtains and gasped as bright white light filled her room. Shit. Outside was a complete whiteout. Apparently, a blizzard descended while she slept. I hope we don't get snowed in. Idris is surrounded by mountains. We could be screwed. Clary had looked forward to going to Alicante's museums with Aunt Amatis later this week.
Clary heard a knock at her door and padded, barefoot in the deep plush carpet, over to answer. She opened the door to see Jonathan leaning casually against her door frame, smirking at her. He was flushed and sweaty, his wild hair pushed back from his forehead, as if he had just finished running. His black t-shirt clung to his toned chest and abs, showcasing his muscled biceps. His black joggers hung low on his hips. Clary blushed. Damn. Hot. He's already starting to flirt.
Clary looked him up and down, smiled and raised her eyebrows. "Good morning, Jon. Looks like you already started your day the right way. I'm impressed." Jonathan laughed and returned her gaze, flicking his eyes down to her chest and back up. "Good morning to you, love. I hope you slept well… I awoke earlier than I thought I would and went down to our gym. You should join me tomorrow morning. You mentioned you needed to work on self-defense. I can help with that." Clary hadn't worked out in over a week, with all of the drama. She did want to hone her self-defense skills, as her experience with Sebastian and recent encounter with Jace had reawakened her fears of feeling vulnerable.
Clary smiled and nodded as he continued. "I was about to hit the shower and thought I'd see if you were up and getting ready for our breakfast meeting with father. I can escort you to the dining room, if you like. Say, forty-five minutes?" Jonathan stood up straight and ran his hand through his hair, flexing his bicep, before pushing his hands into his pockets. Laying it on a little thick… Clary pulled her robe a bit tighter around herself, suddenly very aware that she was nude underneath. Jonathan smirked as he watched her clutch the fabric closed across her chest. He looks at me like he's aware too. "That sounds great Jon. I'll see you then."
Valentine Morgenstern walked to his chair in the dining hall. He took a drink of his black coffee and smiled. She was finally here. All of his plans were falling into place. His ultimate revenge against Lucian, finally closer to fruition… Clarissa will become a Morgenstern. She and Jonathan will create perfection, when they have children… our grandchildren, Jocelyn. He had worked hard to mentor Jonathan on how to woo Clarissa properly. Now that she was single again, it would be easier.
Jonathan had done well, excising Detective Herondale from Clarissa's life without killing him. Quite a feat for his bloodthirsty son. And much less messy and expensive. Jonathan had been sending him regular updates on his progress with Clarissa. It seemed she had a lot of affection for his handsome son. Hopefully Jonathan would be able to woo her quickly, before her three month contract was up. He couldn't imagine the project would take much longer than that, so he may have to get creative, if Jonathan doesn't solidify something by then. Valentine planned to chat with her at breakfast, then take her to the mansion's state room, a great room where he had all of Jocelyn's paintings and sketches displayed for her to peruse. He couldn't wait to see her face when she first laid eyes on the pieces.
A melodic laugh echoed down the hall outside of the dining room, making Valentine's heart clench. Jocelyn... No. Clarissa. The beautiful sounds brought back a barrage of bittersweet memories… tickling and kissing Jocelyn, running hand in hand through Brocelind Forest, dancing at their wedding… making love… the day she told him he would be a father. He closed his eyes and sighed. Clarissa's beautiful laugh was so much like Jocelyn's. She is such a gift.
Valentine shook himself from the torturous memories, and stood. He smoothed his suit jacket, awaiting the arrival of his son and Clarissa. Jonathan walked in with Clarissa on his arm, murmuring something in her ear. Valentine's eyes widened and he ran his eyes over her petite body. So much like Jocelyn. It's uncanny.
She looked stunning in a flowing emerald green silk blouse, loosely tucked into slim black jeans. On her tiny feet were a pair of black suede high heels that did little to help her gain any height next to his very tall son. Her crimson curls cascaded around her shoulders as she laughed, her bright green eyes and lightly freckled nose crinkled adorably, as she looked up at Jonathan. He felt a stab of jealousy unfurl in his gut at seeing them so close... holding Jonathan's arm. Surprising. She's young enough to be my daughter. But so sexy and– He caught Jonathan's gaze, noting his son's suspicious glare, flicking his black eyes between Clarissa and Valentine. Interesting. Stand down, boy.
Valentine quickly schooled his expression, smiled warmly and walked up to them, extending his arms in greeting. "Clarissa. We are so happy you have finally joined us in Idris. Welcome home, dear." Clary smiled broadly and allowed him to embrace her, politely closing her arms around him. He inhaled deeply, smelling her hair. Vanilla and lavender. He had made sure the staff stocked her bathroom with the same scents Jocelyn had liked.
Clary pulled back and smiled sweetly up at him. "Valentine, it's good to see you again and I'm glad to be here. Thank you so much for hosting me. Your estate is simply stunning. I just hope I don't get lost…" She giggled. Adorable. Valentine stepped back as Jonathan pulled her chair out for her, staring keenly at his father, his lips tight. So territorial. Such a Morgenstern.
Jonathan leaned over her, as she sat and quipped. "You know, Clarissa, if you do get lost and I find you, I get to keep you forever…finders keepers, and all that." He winked at Clary as she laughed lightly and blushed. My son definitely has her interest. He needs to continue cultivating that.
Valentine sat at the head of the table with Clary to his left and Jonathan took the seat across from her as the servants entered, swathing the table in an assortment of fruit, baked goods, eggs, meats, and beverages. He looked at his son, who gazed across the table at Clarissa and smiled. I've never seen Jonathan so taken with a young woman. She will be good for him… I need to capitalize on that. Control them both and maintain my power.
Jonathan had enjoyed watching Clarissa eat breakfast. It was so refreshing to see a woman with a hearty appetite. He noted she preferred berries to melon, muffins to bagels, bacon to sausage. She drank her coffee black and avoided eggs. Clarissa and his father chatted back and forth as Jonathan imagined hand feeding her strawberries, sucking the juice from her plump, rosy lips… so similar to the hot, silken lips of her sex that he had devoured on New Year's Eve. Stop it. Jonathan took a long drink of his ice water, to quell his growing arousal and noticed his father watching him, a knowing glint in his eyes. He returned his father's gaze, with a small smile and arched eyebrow. I hate how he always seems to know what I'm thinking.
Valentine rose from the table and extended a hand to Clarissa. "So, tell me, Clarissa. Are you ready to finally see my collection?" Clary stood, beaming, and took his hand. "I certainly am, Valentine. Please lead the way." Valentine pulled her closer and tucked her hand over his arm and turned them away from Jonathan, leading her out to the hallway. Jonathan glared after them. Not cute, father. She is mine. Clarissa quickly looked back at Jonathan and smiled, as if to say, "Are you coming?". Jonathan smiled back, encouragingly and began to follow them. His eyes dropped to her curvaceous ass, watching it as she walked, her heels making her hips sway with each step. Valentine said something in her ear and she laughed politely and tossed her hair over her shoulder. Jonathan watched the curls bounce down her back and longed to reach out and grasp them, wind them around his fist, jerk her away from his father and crush his mouth against hers. He felt his jeans tighten with his arousal. I have to have her soon. One way or another.
Valentine led Clary into the State Room, a great, elaborately decorated room with over a hundred paintings and drawings displayed on multiple tables throughout. He turned to her and smiled. "I'm afraid Amatis is stuck in Alicante and cannot join us for a while. The blizzard is really making travel difficult, unfortunately. We don't have very good cell reception, as a result. It's really fortuitous that you decided to leave a day early." Jonathan rolled his eyes. In all actuality, Valentine had ordered Amatis to stay in Alicante, banking on this happening. He wanted to immerse Clarissa into their home, without distractions. As for cell service, it was indeed spotty, but Jonathan had been sure to place cell jammers in proximity to Clarissa's room. She wouldn't be hearing from her friends unless she was out of their range or he paused them. Which he would do periodically to not raise her suspicions. He didn't want Herondale weaseling his way back into her good graces. Mine.
Clary looked disappointed but nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to get to know her, Valentine. I'm just glad everyone is safe. I haven't checked my phone yet, though." Valentine nodded, releasing her arm and stepping away from her. "I talked to my rangers this morning. They told me the storm may last a few days, with a few more afterwards to clear roadways. We may not have reception or travel capabilities for a week. I'm sorry, my dear. But, please. I want you to feel as though Morgenstern Manor is your home. Now, go forth and explore the art you have waited so long to see."
Jonathan walked up to stand next to Clary, while Valentine walked deeper into the room. It contained many leather couches and chairs and a grand fireplace. He saw Clary put her hand to her chest and slowly take the room in, her eyes wide, roving over the works of her beloved mother. Jonathan felt a small pang of guilt, knowing that he was the cause of her obvious emotional pain. She had indicated many times how much she missed her parents. He regretted causing Clarissa's suffering, but certainly didn't regret killing them. The better to isolate you, my dear.
Jonathan was startled to feel a soft hand slip into his and squeeze gently. He turned to look down at Clarissa to see her staring up at something, her brows furrowed and lips pursed. He followed her eyes to the fireplace, where a very particular painting had hung nearly his entire life. Now I know why Father wanted the paintings presented here instead of the more spacious ballroom. He wanted her to see…us. The family Jocelyn left.
Above the fireplace hung Jonathan's least favorite painting of all…and it wasn't even painted by Jocelyn Fairchild Morgenstern Fray Garroway. The painting was a family portrait his father had commissioned when Jonathan was a toddler. Valentine stood behind a seated Jocelyn, who held a pudgy, white-haired boy, Jonathan. Valentine had a triumphant, proud smile on his face, while Jocelyn, Jonathan always thought, had a cold fake smile. He had never told his father this, as the bastard would have beaten him for daring to imply that his precious Jocelyn was anything but happy with him. He stared hard at the painting, feeling his resentment and anger at both Valentine and Jocelyn fester in his gut.
He heard a small sniffle as Clary wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly, her face buried in his chest. "Oh Jonathan. You were so precious, just a baby really. I just don't understand how she could have left you behind…an innocent child. I– I'm so sorry. She was such a good mother to me…you deserved that too–" Jonathan's heart clenched at her sweet words. He was not used to such kindness. It warmed him and he wanted more… to feel cared for by someone that was his. His alone. I want her love. He caught his father's eye across the room, where he was watching them, with his usual calculating gaze. He was tired of Valentine and he wouldn't allow him to be in charge of his plans for Clarissa much longer.
Jonathan looked down, catching Clary's chin with his fingers, he lifted her face. "Clarissa, you have nothing to apologize for. Ever. I forgave Jocelyn long ago–" Liar. "She did what she thought was right at the time. It's all in the past." Yeah. Because I killed her. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, running his hands up and down her silk-laden back, feeling her bra clasp beneath the thin fabric. She nodded and settled her cheek against his chest. Clarissa has such a kind, nurturing heart. She will make an excellent mother to my children. He looked up at the painting and smirked, then flicked his eyes over to Valentine. Thank you, Father.
Jace opened his eyes and groaned as the morning light stabbed into his brain. How much did he have to drink last night? Too much. He looked over at his nightstand clock. 12:30 pm… 5:00 in Idris. She's already been up all day, with the time difference. Come back to me, Clary. Alec had taken him to a bar last night and had him drink it out. His best friend told him that he would allow him only one night of pity-drinking before they had to get back on the drugging case and find that bitch Carrie. Magnus had come out with them and drove both him and Alec home. He got out of bed and walked to the kitchen where Alec sat, looking rough and drinking a coffee. My ride or die.
Alec took a long drink and groaned. "Fuck, Jace…I am not equipped to drink like that. My liver… Coffee's fresh. Drink up, we have to talk." Jace nodded, although it hurt his head, and filled a large mug with steaming black java. He plopped down into the chair across from Alec at the kitchen table. "Okay, A. What is it?"
Alec pushed a bottle of ibuprofen across the table to Jace and looked at him with his bloodshot blue eyes. "There's something off about the whole Carrie thing. I don't know, it just seems like a lot of trouble to go through on her part. Drugging a police detective for sex, just because his girl stole a boy from you over the summer?"
Alec swiped his hand through his messy black hair. "It just seems there's more going on, you know? Izzy's the one that brought it up. She said that Clary told her that Carrie and Jordan never even dated or anything in Rome…that there wasn't any emotional investment. That got me thinking. Like maybe someone else is involved for another reason. Someone put her up to it or paid her or something. I think we should go to Pandemonium today and go over all of the video footage again from that night. Not just the stuff with you and Carrie. Everything. I feel like we missed something. Izzy and Simon are there hanging out. You can ask her more about what Clary said to her before she left. It's just, I smell bullshit, man."
Jace smashed a donut into his mouth, with two painkillers, and chewed thoughtfully. Swallowing, he nodded. "I think you may be right. It's too easy…and why has she disappeared? She's a busy college student. Where is she?" Jace stood up. "Let's do it. I'm going to shower, then we can go." Jace walked back to his bedroom. Why do I feel that when we do locate Carrie, that we won't like what we find? Jace had a bad feeling.