Chapter 43: Brunch with Valentine… always so much fun!
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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Three days later.
Valentine took a drink of his bourbon as he looked down from the dining room window to the courtyard below. The helicopter landed a few minutes ago and he watched his son help Clarissa down the steps. When she was almost down, Jonathan put his hands on her waist and hoisted her up in his arms, spinning her around as she laughed, before putting her down. Valentine took another drink, draining his glass, as Clary hugged Jonathan and kissed his lips. She seems to truly make him happy. He watched the young couple approach the house, flicked his eyes to the large gift box with black bow sitting on the side table, and smiled tightly. He had a little surprise for them both. He knew Jonathan would like it, but was unsure of how Clarissa would react. She was raised in America where women had so many ridiculous freedoms. Well, she's in Idris now and after she marries Jonathan tonight, will be subject to our laws. She'll never be able to leave unless Jonathan allows it… and I shall have my final victory over Granville and Adele Fairchild for helping Jocelyn run from me. Their granddaughter will belong to the Morgensterns, as well as all of her Fairchild holdings. As for Lucian Graymark– Luke Garroway, you stole my Jocelyn from me and got her pregnant. Clarissa… She should have been mine, a Morgenstern… She will be now. Jonathan shall return the favor by siring children with your sexy little daughter. And if he doesn't do it in a timely manner, perhaps I shall take the honor from him. She is so much like her mother, afterall…
Clary pulled her hair back and clipped it into a lazy ponytail, as they walked to brunch. She wore a long sleeved black sweater dress that hugged her curves and black ankle boots. The Morgenstern pendant stood out brightly against the black. Jonathan held the door to the dining room open for Clary and she walked in to see Valentine sitting at the head of the table. His face lit up as he took a sip from his glass. Is he drinking? I thought he quit years ago. She smiled warmly at him and took her usual seat at his right and Jonathan took the one across from her, to his left. "Clarissa, Jonathan. Did you have fun in Alicante? It's good to have you two back. It's been too quiet around here." He reached out and took Clary's hand and kissed the back. She smiled and nodded, fighting the urge to wipe her hand off. "Oh, it's only been three days. I did enjoy our time in Alicante, Valentine. Jonathan took me to a few art museums, wonderful local restaurants and, of course, shopping." Where he hand-picked everything for me… fucking controlling– She picked up her coffee and took a deep drink. Jonathan put a scone on his plate and looked over at his father. "Yes. We had a wonderful time together. I'm sorry it was so quiet around here though, Father. We'll be sure to make a lot of noise tonight to make up for that. Right Clarissa?" He smirked across the table at her, lowering his gaze to her chest, then back up, winking at her. Valentine hummed and chuckled. Clary's eyes widened and she blushed, unable to look at Valentine. Jonathan is shameless.
The servants were bustling around them, placing varying brunch platters around the table. Clary saw someone enter the dining room and turned. She froze, then smiled. Amatis took the seat next to Jonathan, across from her and nodded her head in greeting. "Good morning everyone. Clary, the gala is in two days. Are you excited? I know I am." Amatis looked pointedly at her, poured herself a cup of hot water, and opened a teabag. She knows that we're getting away at the gala. Clary really was excited about being a part of presenting her mother's work, in spite of everything that had happened… I also can't wait for us to escape, Amatis. I wonder how we'll get away?
Clary nodded excitedly. Sell it. Make Valentine see her value. "I certainly am, Aunt Amatis. Thank you so much for all of your help. Working with you has been amazing. Your knowledge of art and design, especially regarding mom's, has been invaluable. I'm so glad you're in my life. I think mom and dad would be happy that I have reconnected with my family– you're my last living relative, Amatis." She also considered Simon, Izzy, Alec, Magnus… and Jace her family. Amatis smiled at Clary, her eyes misting with tears. "You're my last as well, my sweet Clary. I believe your parents would be glad that we are together. Your father would want me to watch over you… and I intend to." Amatis cut her eyes at Valentine.
Valentine hummed and smiled tightly, flicking his eyes between the women. The smile faded from Amatis' face and she quickly looked at Valentine, then down at her plate. Shit. What was that? Jonathan ate a piece of bacon and sipped his coffee, looking at Clary. Time to keep the attention elsewhere. The rest of brunch was more subdued, with light conversation. Clary laughed at Valentine's jokes and flirted with Jonathan, as expected of her. Clary and Amatis barely spoke again, as it was obvious the men were monitoring them.
After brunch the group went to the lounge, per Valentine's request. Jonathan led Clary to a loveseat, pulling her close to him, stroking her hair, as they sat. Can he ever not touch me? Amatis and Valentine sat in large plush chairs across from each other near the fireplace. Amatis looked nervous. Does she know what he's going to say? Valentine, cleared his throat, stood and walked over to the sideboard table, where a large white box, with a black bow, sat. He picked it up and walked over to Clary, handing it to her. He smiled down at her as she took it. He's giving me a present? "There is a reason I wanted everyone here…together. Clary, this is for you, darling. Please open it." Clary smiled politely up at Valentine, then over at Jonathan. He looked stoic and nodded to her. She giggled nervously, set the box on the table in front of her and opened it. Clary gasped as she pulled out the contents. Inside was the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. It was all silk, a gorgeous shade of shimmering gold, with intricate embroidery on the bodice and delicate embroidered off shoulder straps. She stood up and pulled it up to her. "Oh, wow. This is stunning, Valentine. So beautiful– thank you! Is this for the gala–" She stopped when she looked at Valentine. He had an intense look on his face, looking her up and down, as she held the dress against her. He looked predatory… like he wanted her. Shit.
Clary cleared her throat and turned to Jonathan. He stared angrily at his father, then wiped his expression as he turned his attention to Clary. What the fuck is going on? Jonathan stood and reached out to stroke the silk, putting his hand over hers. "No, not to the gala, love. This is a wedding dress… brides wear gold in Idris. This dress, I believe, was Jocelyn's." Clary's heart began to pound and her eyes flew wide. Mom's dress… wedding dress… her wedding to Valentine. She gently lowered the gown back into the box, worried she would muss it. She looked over at Valentine, confused. Careful. He's not right. "It's beautiful, Valentine. Thank you so much. I haven't really decided on a dress for the wedding next month yet… I'm not sure–" Valentine laughed softly. "No need to worry about looking, Clarissa. You will wear this dress for your wedding… tonight. You and Jonathan shall marry tonight." Amatis gasped and slapped a hand to her mouth. The fuck I will…
Clary frowned and scoffed angrily. She looked at Amatis who shook her head at her in warning. She put her hands on her hips and turned to Jonathan and Valentine. "No. I don't think that's a good idea… It's too soon. Jesus, next month is too soon. I don't have time to get in touch with Simon and Izzy… Tessa, Alec and Magnus! I can't get married without my family. Not happening, Valentine." Jonathan hummed and pursed his lips, thoughtfully. Fuck. I can't marry him tonight. It's too fucking much. He'll never let me go, if we're married. Never. He reached for her and pulled Clary to his side, forcing her to sit back down. Clary stiffened indignantly as he ran his hand up her back and gently circled it around the back of her neck. He lightly squeezed it in warning. Clary clenched her fists.
Valentine laughed and looked at her affectionately, as if he thought her cute. "Clarissa, you act as if you have a choice. I'm afraid you don't, darling. As for your faux-family in New York. I'm afraid they are too closely affiliated with the Herondales who attempted to abduct you, not three nights ago. It's time for you to set them aside. For safety's sake. I can't have them trying to whisk you away from us." He smoothed his perfect hair back. "Now. I have invited a few business associates and their families tonight, and of course, you will have your dear Aunt Amatis present. Assuming you both behave…" He cut his eyes to Amatis, coldly smiling at her. Amatis trembled. The threat was more than implied. Do it, or else he would hurt Amatis. "I have an entire team assembled to help you prepare… you know, all the feminine needs, hair, makeup, accessories, trousseau, whatnot. You needn't worry about a thing, Clarissa. It's finally time for you to become a Morgenstern. We shall announce your nuptials officially at the gala on Friday. Now, I do hope you save a dance for me tonight at your reception." He looked pointedly at Jonathan, the two of them having a silent conversation before he left the room. Clary shook her head incredulously, shaking. Fucking medieval. How can I refuse? Amatis.
Clary bit her bottom lip, fighting back tears as Jonathan nudged her to stand. He tried to take her arm and she brushed his hands off. Turning, she stormed from the lounge, headed towards her room. She paused in the hallway, as Jonathan spoke up behind her. "I'll be up to… discuss things in a while, Clarissa. Be ready." She turned back to him. "I'm sure you will… we can discuss whatever else daddy dictates you to do. I can't wait. I mean, you've already seen my dress, why not jinx the hell out of this marriage by seeing me before the wedding too." Remind him that Valentine is the boss. He hates that. He glowered and started to stalk towards her. Shit.
She spun around and began to storm up the stairs when she felt him grab her wrist and jerk her back to him. He looked at her sternly, then his expression softened. "You're right. On second thought, I'll see you at our wedding tonight. Be sure to cooperate with the team… I'd hate to have to punish you. We've made such progress lately." He quickly grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her. Clary growled and tried to pull away as he deepened the kiss. Be careful. She fake moaned and relaxed into him, clutching his shirt, responding to his kiss, as expected of her. Make him think he's got the upper hand..he kind of does, Fray. "Tonight we become one, my love. Make sure you wear the Fairchild emeralds tonight, Clarissa… and wear your hair down in waves. You know how I like it." He slowly released his hands from her face, running them down her neck and over her breasts, gently squeezing them. Clary swallowed and nodded, turning to go to her room. Fuck, I don't know how much more I can take.
Jonathan walked into his father's den. Valentine sat in his favorite chair near the fireplace, sipping another bourbon. His fucking throne. Jonathan poured himself a glass and flopped into the chair across from him. "A little heads-up would have been nice, Father. Clary doesn't like surprises, and frankly, neither do I. I've been working on cultivating a certain level of trust with her. I feel my progress may have taken a hit." Old bastard may have unraveled everything. "She thinks I was in on the impromptu wedding… she's angry with me." He stared impassively at his father while he drank the bourbon.
Valentine took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Jonathan. Do you think Clarissa would have fought her detective to stay with you, if I didn't have Amatis? Do you think Detective Herondale was truly kidnapping her a few nights ago? She would have run anywhere with him, if Amatis was safe. The truth is, son, you fucked everything up with her from the get go." He opened his eyes and drained his glass. Jonathan's eyes glittered angrily. Be careful old man.
Valentine continued, sounding bored. "You set the fire that her parents died in. You drugged, attempted to rape and kidnap her before even officially meeting her, dressed up as some perverted fairytale character. Thankfully, she forgot your face… for a while. Afterwards, you continued to drug her to periodically cop a fucking feel or get in her panties… then, and this is my favorite part. When she found out what you did and tried to flee, you drugged her again, menaced her, beat and raped her… all using the excuse of your other name…Sebastian. Pathetic."
Jonathan shot out of the chair, growled, and threw his glass against the wall, past his father's head. Valentine didn't flinch. "Be careful Father. I tire of your meddling intrusions into my relationship with Clarissa. I can only be pushed so far… The wedding could have waited until next month, if just to draw her further into our fold. This isn't just about your warped revenge plots against the dead… She is mine. I want her. I love her. I'll have her, with or without you." Perhaps Father would like to meet Sebastian.
Valentine brushed glass shards off of his shoulder onto the floor and sighed. "Yes, yes son. I know. But use your fucking brain. If Herondale had been successful in taking her and she made it to the airport, unmarried… an American citizen, she could have just flown away, back to New York with her brave detective. If you marry her tonight, she will be yours– your property… all rights revoked by our laws... Everything she owns will be yours, especially her holdings in Idris. Will she like that? Of course not. Does it matter? Of course not." Jonathan sighed. Clarissa certainly will not like that. But, it is simply a necessary evil to keep her with me. "I get it, Father. I do. But there is one other thing, though." He walked over to his father, stood tall, glowering down at him. "Remember who Clarissa belongs to. She will have the Morgenstern name, yes. But she will be my wife. Mine. Don't think I haven't noticed your lingering stares, your wandering hands… no more of that. Consider this your warning."
Valentine smirked up at him and saluted him with his glass. Jonathan smirked back and nodded. "Now. I have a wedding to prepare for. Tonight I shall take a wife. I look forward to our wedding night… you may want to invest in some earplugs Father. It's going to be a noisy night." Jonathan turned and sauntered out of the den. Valentine downed the rest of his drink, gnashed his teeth together, and threw his glass at the wall, where Jonathan's had recently shattered. My boy is getting a little big for his britches, as they say… perhaps Father needs to discipline him soon.