Chapter 41: A little time jump.
POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNING: violence, non-con and drug use (Rated M).
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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Two weeks later.
Clary paced nervously in the state room, surrounded by her mother's many paintings and drawings. The movers had arrived today to transport the artwork to the large gallery space Valentine had purchased for the show. Everything had been curated and applicable provenance updated, over the last few weeks. There was no work left to do involving the art itself, only the planning of the gallery opening gala in Alicante next week. Amatis was doing much better and had taken up many of her previous responsibilities in planning the opening. She and Clary were never left alone, to talk in private, forced to work in the state room, always under observation. Like Clary, Amatis wasn't permitted to leave the grounds. Clary knew Valentine wanted to keep her close in case she decided to betray him again.
Jonathan had left after breakfast that morning to travel to Alicante for business and errands. He would return that evening before dinner. He had instructed her to wear one of the dresses he gifted her, as well as coordinating lingerie. Fuck. She was thankful for his absence, even if just for the day. He had been progressively smothering her the past two weeks, and she had a feeling it would get even worse the closer they got to the wedding. He mentioned that he wished to set a date soon and that they'd discuss it at dinner. "Discuss." As if I have a say in any of it…
Clary fingered the morningstar pendant that hung around her neck as she sat down in front of the fireplace. Last week, at breakfast, she had been informed that she was expected to wear the gold diamond Morgenstern pendant that had belonged to her mother, since she was to marry a Morgenstern. Both Jonathan and Valentine wore their rings daily. Jonathan almost always wore his silver pendant. She had lost her cool, agreeable facade and refused, angrily telling them both she was not their dog and wouldn't wear a collar. Jonathan, pissed that she had spoken so rudely to him, in front of Valentine, had escorted her from the dining room into the hall, threatening to brand the star onto her, if she refused to comply. She had given in, as she believed he would do just that. She'd gone to her room to put on the pendant and wore it every day since. Choose your battles, Fray.
Clary watched the movers wrap and pack paintings, then walk in and out of the state room, putting the crates in their trucks…outside. The weather in Idris had been pleasant this past week, with the snow starting to melt away. The remnants of blizzard damage had been cleaned up and roads were completely passable. Jonathan hadn't allowed her to leave Morgenstern Manor since she had tried to escape two weeks before… when she had traded herself for Jace's safe release. She had been working on building Jonathan's trust in her, letting him think he had won, and she had truly succumbed to his wishes. She was his fiancé, after all. She looked down hatefully at the glittering jewel on her ring finger. It felt dauntingly heavy on her hand.
He had presented her with a stunning five carat emerald engagement ring during a "romantic" dinner the night before. He told her he had designed it himself, based on the Fairchild emeralds he had given her on New Year's Eve. He hadn't asked her to marry him, of course. He didn't have to, really. He already knew she had agreed, in exchange for Amatis' and Jace's lives. She had no choice and he knew it. It was just another way for him to impress upon her that he owned her. She had gasped excitedly, as expected of her, and allowed him to slide it on her finger, then kiss her passionately. I wonder if it bothers him at all that I wouldn't speak to him, much less marry him if I had a fucking choice?
He had asked her, after his ridiculous non-proposal, if she was ready to allow him back into her bed. Back? As if he was ever fucking welcome there… She knew he couldn't put him off any longer, she had fully healed, physically, with barely a mark remaining from her night of punishments with Jonathan… and Sebastian. She had asked for one more night to prepare, feigning being exhausted from work and needing everything to be perfect. He had smiled tightly at her, but agreed. She allowed his hands to wander more than usual when he kissed her goodnight at her door… then she heard the wall slide close after she had closed her door, locking her in her room for the night… and every night since that night. Clary had been surprised he had given her a full two weeks to recover from that night. It seemed Jonathan was somewhat remorseful about the brutality of the punishments he– Sebastian inflicted upon her after she had traded herself to him. But, he was ready to move on, which meant she had to as well. Jonathan's accommodations would only go so far.
The day after he— Sebastian had raped and beat her, he had run her a bath and joined her in the lavender bubbles. Clary winced and shuddered as he helped her sink into the hot water. She remembered how her most private areas had stung and throbbed, as well as the welts on her backside and thighs. Jonathan, just as he had in their previous bath (after he had savaged her) cooed sweet, loving words of comfort into her ears as he gently washed her hair, kissing her neck. He had reached around her and cupped her breasts, slowly pressing his arousal against her in the tub. She had trembled and tearfully asked him to give her time to heal, that she couldn't possibly think of having sex again so soon. He had apologized for pushing her, and agreed, then lovingly administered to her wounds.
Clary was startled out of her thoughts when she heard voices coming down the hall. She smiled and stood up, clasping her hands together nervously, as Valentine walked in with Tessa Gray. She and Amatis had been working with Tessa to finalize details of the gala via Zoom meetings… of course all meetings were monitored by Valentine's people, so Clary hadn't dared say anything that could endanger them. This was the first time she had seen Tessa in person since her parent's funerals. Tessa had been living in London for the past few months, but Clary didn't know why. She had arrived in Alicante to help with final preparations for the gala, the following week.
Clary's eyes misted with tears as she looked her mother's dear friend over. Tessa had her thick brown hair pulled back in a tight bun and wore a cream colored pantsuit. She carried a large cream leather tote on her shoulder Her steely blue-gray eyes locked on Clary and filled with tears as she rushed over and hugged her tightly, slipping a small, tightly folded paper into her hand. "Oh Clary, my sweet girl. I have missed you so much. I'm so glad to finally be here in person to help with this project for Jocelyn. What a beautiful homage to your dear mother." She turned to Valentine. "Thank you so much, Mr. Morgenstern. Working with Clary to bring Jocelyn's works to the world is an immense honor." Valentine smiled politely at Tessa and nodded. "It's my pleasure Ms. Gray. Anything you ladies need, please let my men know. You shall have it. Now, please excuse me. I have a meeting to attend in Alicante. I shall be bringing Jonathan back with me this evening, Clarissa. I have also ordered Cook to prepare a lunch for you and Ms. Gray. Amatis shall be joining you both as well." Clary fake-smiled and nodded. Valentine smiled and his eyes lingered longingly on Clary before he turned to leave the room. He looked pointedly at Emil and another large bodyguard, Trent, Axel's replacement. The two men subtly nodded at their boss, flicking their eyes to Clary. As usual, she was to be watched, in case she decided to escape again. Clary was not ignorant to Valentine's affection towards her and she used it to her advantage when possible. I have to be careful not to encourage him too much. Jonathan is so possessive of me, I wouldn't put it past him to get rid of his own father.
Tessa reached into her bag and pulled out a thick black leather journal and handed it to Clary. "This is a sketchbook that your mother left at my office. She would have wanted you to have it, Clary." Clary took it, her heart racing. More sketches? Why had she not heard of this sooner. She looked up at Tessa and noticed her eyes were very serious and she raised her eyebrows, slightly shaking her head at Clary. She doesn't want me to open it. Later. Clary nodded at Tessa as Amatis walked in, her arm still in a cast and sling. She wore a navy blue wrap dress with tall black boots, her short light brown hair brushed back elegantly. She smiled tightly and gave Tessa a strange look. The other woman returned the look, each of them having some sort of unspoken conversation. Clary, cleared her throat and led them out of the state room to the dining room for lunch. As she turned away from Emil and Trent, she deftly slid the folded note Tessa had slipped into her hand, when she handed her the book, into her pants pocket. I wonder why Tessa is being so secretive. Perhaps she knows more about my situation than she lets on.
Jonathan tucked Clarissa's gift into his leather messenger bag and entered the code for the elevator. He'd had a successful meeting with his Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York distributors. Faerie Nectar would be released in the U.S. college and nightclub scene within the month, just in time for Spring Break season. Father would be pleased. The elevators opened and he stepped in, the doors closing behind him. He was excited to get back to see his Clarissa. She had accepted his engagement ring last night and indicated she would be willing to rekindle their bedroom activities this evening, albeit hesitantly. These past two weeks had been utter torture for him. He missed her smiles… her real smiles. He missed her unsolicited touches. Her kisses. He wanted her so very badly. He missed her, even though he saw her every day. She was sad, tired, in pain... She had asked him to give her space… time to recover from that night. The night he had been forced to discipline Clarissa for a myriad of transgressions. I shouldn't have been so harsh.
Among the transgressions were kissing Herondale and telling that shithead she loved him, slapping Jonathan twice after he had injected her with Faerie Nectar, and the worst, trying to run away from him again. Afterwards, she had bruises, marks, bites all over her body, especially on her breasts and feminine areas. He had been unforgiving and brutal with her body, allowing his dark switch to flip… allowing Sebastian to have his way. She had fought him nearly every step of the way… and he had enjoyed it. Then she stopped fighting, finally submitting, and he had done everything he wanted to her, until they both had collapsed into his bed, exhausted. She had flinched or trembled from his touch more than a few times, since then. He could tell she was trying not to provoke him and didn't like the way it made him feel. He hated it and needed to make her feel better. He needed his Clarissa back. He needed her forgiveness. Perhaps making love tonight would be a good start. I need to be close to her... inside of her.
The elevator doors opened and he walked through the doors and up the stairs to the landing pad on top of the building. Father was waiting for him in the helicopter, with a large, long flat box with a black bow on it. Obviously for Clarissa. His father smiled smugly at Jonathan's curious gaze. This game he thinks he's playing cannot be allowed to continue. I need to marry Clarissa and get a place of our own or just get rid of him and take over. Jonathan sat back into his seat and stared back at his father, returning the smug smile. Your days are numbered, old man. They took off, flying back to Morgenstern Manor.
Clary smoothed the side of her hair behind her ear and fixed the gold and diamond hair pin in place. She had mostly straightened her curls, leaving subtle waves down her back. Jonathan preferred her hair down and she needed him pleased tonight. I'm going to have to let him– how am I supposed to do this? She stepped back for a last look in the mirror. She wore one of the cocktail dresses Jonathan subtly ordered her to wear. It was a form-fitting strapless, dark purple velvet burnout minidress, with a sweetheart neckline. He liked her in purple best, saying it made her eyes stand out. Beneath it she wore a black and plum lace strapless pushup bustier with matching panties. All of it showcased her cleavage, as well as the Morgenstern pendant, which she knew Jonathan expected. She slipped into black velvet heels, then clasped the matching Morning Star earrings to her lobes. She put the finishing touches on her lip gloss and jumped. He's here.
She quickly looked at the trunk under her desk where she had stashed her mother's journal. Tessa had told her in front of Valentine that it was a sketchbook, but it wasn't. Clary didn't have a lot of time to look at it, when she returned to her room to get ready for her date with Jonathan. She was able to glean that it was a journal her mother had kept before she left Valentine. She would have to read it later. The letter from Tessa had brought her to tears. She had destroyed it and flushed it after reading, but it gave her hope. Apparently Tessa was a young agent, out of London, assigned by Luke to keep a close-eye on her mom when Clarissa was a child. Tessa had been introduced to her family when they had visited London when Clary was ten. She posed as Jocelyn's art agent over the years. Clary had been shocked at first to read that sweet, gentle Tessa was actually British Intelligence. The letter encouraged Clary not to despair, that Will and Jace were actively working to bring down the Morgensterns and free her and Amatis. It basically instructed her to wait until further contact was initiated and to not put herself into unnecessary danger trying to escape. She's telling me to continue to play along. Clary already knew that Jace would be working to free her and take down Valentine and Jonathan permanently, to erase the threat from her… but it helped to have someone actually say it to her. It made her feel not so alone. Supported. I can fucking do this. Fake it. Let him...
Clary heard the wall to her prison slide open, then the code being entered outside her door, unlocking it, followed by an irritating, condescending knock. As if I have a choice on whether or not to answer. She took a deep breath and walked to the door, opening it. There leaned Jonathan against the doorframe, looking sinfully handsome as usual. Clary fake-smiled at him and looked him up and down appreciatively, as expected. He wore a black leather blazer over a skin tight gray and black Ombre t-shirt, black dress pants, and shiny, you guessed it, black combat boots. He smiled lustfully at her, raking his eyes over her body, pausing on her chest, then back to her eyes. Clary blushed and looked down. "Clarissa, you look absolutely breathtaking. May I come in for a few minutes before we leave?" As if I have a fucking choice. Clary turned from him and walked further into her room and back to her mirror, leaving the door open. She heard him sigh and close the door. She looked at her reflection and pretended to fix her hair, watching him come up behind her in the mirror. He locked eyes with her and smiled flirtatiously, wrapping his arms around her waist, stroking the velvet material covering her stomach. Clary shivered and felt a small coil of arousal kindle low in her abdomen, remembering how easy it is for him to pull an orgasm from her. How can he have such a hold over me after everything he's done? I'm going to need serious therapy after all of this shit.
He ran his hands up to her chest and caressed the soft material covering her breasts, then gently squeezed, as he slowly pushed his hardness against her back. "I have missed you, love. Tonight we shall get reacquainted, Clarissa. I'm taking you for dinner, then dancing at Edom. We'll stay a few nights at my penthouse in Alicante, where no one will disturb us. How does that sound?" Leave the Manor? Yes please. Clary turned around in his arms and smiled up at him, embracing his waist. "That sounds wonderful, Jon. Although, I'd rather not have sake or sushi, if that's okay? Um- I wasn't prepared for this, though. I'll need to pack–" His lips crashed down on hers, cutting her off. Fuck. Don't cringe. He slipped his tongue into her mouth as Clary allowed it. He pulled her against him and groaned into her mouth.
They kissed passionately for a few minutes as Jonathan's hands wandered her body, settling on and squeezing her ass. Clary gripped the front of his shirt and returned his hot kisses. He slowly pulled his mouth from hers and Clary gasped for air. "No sushi or sake...no problem. No need to pack, kitten. I have everything you could possibly need at the penthouse. I've been planning this for a while." Of course you have. Clary nodded submissively and blushed, smiling shyly up at him. Jonathan hummed appreciatively and squeezed her ass again. "Now, let's start our romantic getaway, kitten." Clary took one last look at the trunk holding her mother's journal, then turned with him to leave her bedroom. Her journal would have to wait, for now. At least I won't be locked in my room for a few days.