Chapter 55: The Ball. Clary's starting to catch on. Jace! Remember the rating is MA.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: violence, NON-CON elements
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.
Thank you for the follows, likes, and reviews! It really means a lot!
Previously: "She turned to kiss his lips, smiling. "I'm thinking… that– I love you, Jonathan and I belong to you." He smiled triumphantly and returned her kisses as she giggled. "And I love you, Clarissa. We belong to each other."
Clary sighed and looked longingly over to her easel and work area. She had several sketches and a painting that she had wanted to work on today, but The Team had arrived a few hours ago to get her ready for the Welcome Home Ball or whatever it's called. She had chided Jonathan when he told her to expect them to arrive at her studio, her old room, to pamper her before the ball. It had irritated her, but she didn't seem able to argue with her husband. He knows what's best, I guess. Wait, what? He had told her that being the "Lady of Morgenstern Manor" meant that she was to be treated like a queen. And she had been. Just as with her wedding, they massaged her with lavender oil, which Clary had decided she did not like for some reason. The smell made her strangely anxious, as if something bad was about to happen. Jonathan seemed to love it though. They waxed her, manicured her nails, glamourized her face, and styled her hair in long silken waves down her back. As Jonathan prefers. She slid a long gold lamé sleeve over her cast and fastened her Fairchild Emeralds to her earlobes. A Team girl clasped the matching necklace around her neck and zipped up the back of her gown. The set matched her wedding ring perfectly. Clary smiled graciously and thanked her. The team took their leave and told her they would tell Mr. Morgenstern that he was allowed to see her now.
Clary stepped into her gold strappy heels and looked at her reflection. Izzy would freak at how glamorous The Team had made her. Izzy. Clary missed her ex best friend. Jonathan had reminded her that Izzy and Simon had abandoned her after she broke up with Jace. Jon told her that they hadn't understood why she was afraid of Jace and didn't believe her about the stalking, violence, sexual assault… I just wish I could remember all of that happening. I don't remember fighting with them– or much of anything before… It's in my head and dreams, but it's as if it was a story she'd been told. Like it didn't– Clary shook her head, hummed a little tune, and smiled at her reflection, her thoughts swept away and refocused on Jonathan. I'm so happy with him and love him so much. Clary frowned and looked in the mirror. Am I?
Jonathan had proudly told her that he had the gown designed specifically for her, that it was a one of a kind. Clary turned around in front of the mirror, allowing the emerald green silk gown's A-line skirt to flutter around her legs. The strapless sweetheart bodice fit like a glove, with ruching gathered at her left hip, atop a dramatic slit that exposed her entire leg when she walked. It was stunning and she loved it. It matched the green of her emeralds perfectly… and her eyes. Too perfect. I can't shake the feeling that something's wrong. Why does he have to oversee everything I do? And wear? Every time Clary tried to clear her head and remember whatever was nagging at the back of her mind, she would think about Jonathan and how much she loved him. After their bath last night, they had made love over and over. Jonathan was such an excellent lover. She had never had better… although I can't remember much about my previous sexual encounters. That's so weird. I must have hit my head harder than I thought. No matter. I have Jonathan now… I belong to him. He had been so lustful that Clary was afraid he'd never be satisfied, then they finally collapsed into an exhausted sleep well after midnight.
Clary awoke very early in the morning shaken and tearful. She had dreamt of Jace again last night… except it wasn't a nightmare this time. They were laughing with their friends and dancing at Pandemonium. Jace didn't dance, he just watched her and smiled. She smiled back at him and blew him a kiss as she and Izzy held hands and danced, while Simon jumped around them. It felt like a good memory, not a dream. Real. The longing she felt in her chest after she awoke had confused her. She tried to go back to sleep and dream some more, but could not. She had felt compelled to tell Jonathan about the dream when he woke up. He had frowned and seemed frustrated. Then, he had told her to ignore it and they made love again. Clary hadn't really been in the mood, but just went with it. He's fucking insatiable.
The house phone rang and Clary jumped and picked it up, thinking it was probably Jonathan. "Yes?" A familiar female voice started speaking quickly on the other end. "Clarissa! It's Ruth… erm, your nurse. Do you remember me?" Clary frowned. What an odd question. "Yes Ruth, of course I do–" She was cut off when Ruth started again. "Listen to me very carefully Clarissa. They are here tonight to rescue you and take you home. You cannot trust Jonathan. He has lied to you- hurt you. He's a monster. He and Dr. Pontmercy did something to you yesterday with drugs and your brain... messed with your memories. Like Amatis. I don't know what–" Who's they? Monster? Clary scoffed. "What are you talking about, Ruth? This sounds— I think I should go."
Ruth's voice got very low and serious. And Clary stopped talking. "You listen to me Clarissa Adele Fairchild. Think! You have been having memory issues and vivid dreams, right? That's why. I swear it. Try to remember what you've learned about your mother… her secrets. The Morgensterns are no friends to the Fairchilds. Remember Valentine– what he did to you? Get your gun from the back of your closet, in your boots, your phone, and protect yourself. You have to escape. Go with them. With Jace. You– ." Go with Jace? Is she crazy? Valentine? Although, something nagged at the back of her mind at the mention of her mother and ex boyfriend.
Clary heard a commotion on the other end and could hear a gruff male voice and Ruth arguing and then the call disconnected. Clary tried to call her back, but no one answered. She stood dumbfounded and shaking, hanging the phone in the cradle. Is she okay? She walked to her closet and opened the doors. Gun? In my boots? What is she talking about? All of Clary's shoes had been cleared from this wardrobe as well. She thought it was strange, of course, but Jonathan… he said he hadn't wanted her to run away and he would return them, but he hadn't yet. The Team had brought the heels she now wore. "You cannot trust Jonathan" Did he do something to me? Something is definitely off, I feel it. But why would he do that? I love him and I belong to him. Clary put her hand to her temple. She was getting a headache. She had just taken a few ibuprofen, so hopefully it wouldn't get worse.
Clary jumped when she heard a low whistle behind her. She squealed and whirled around, slapping her hand to her chest. Jonathan. "I'm sorry to startle you, love, but can you twirl around for me one more time. That was rather sexy." Clary laughed nervously. Jonathan looked hot, as usual, in a black velvet tuxedo, over a black silk shirt and tie. He sauntered over to her, smirking. Clary knew she should keep the call a secret, but she had a strange compulsion to tell Jonathan everything. I don't want to tell him. I think he would punish Ruth for some reason. She took a deep breath and spoke, against her will, carefully choosing her words. "I'm sorry, Jon… I just got the oddest phone call from Ruth. Can we go and check on her? I'm afraid she sounded upset. I don't think she's well." Jonathan narrowed his eyes, hummed in concern, and put his phone to his ear. "Yes. Pangborn… please check on Nurse Ruth, she called Clarissa and worried her. Find out why and–" He flicked his eyes at Clary and winked at her. "Oh, I see… Well, make sure she gets back to her quarters safely tonight, please. Perhaps have someone else escort her. I need you close tonight. I'm sure they are coming and I am ready for this to end. Have our team on high alert, get them all and put them in my basement." Jonathan ended the call and leaned in and kissed her lips. Put who in the basement?
Clary felt a stab of nervousness coil in her chest. Something in Jonathan's tone when he talked to Pangborn worried her. Who is coming? Fucking swiss cheese brain. She turned to Jonathan to ask him a question about Ruth, then forgot what it was. She had been nervous, now she was just… happy to be with him. Jonathan stepped to her and ran his eyes up and down her body appreciatively. He slid his hands up her back, lacing them in her thick silken hair. "You look absolutely stunning, my love." Clary looked up into his black eyes and smiled. He leaned forward to kiss her but she turned her head. The painting hanging above her fireplace caught her attention. "Her Eyes", painted by her mother, seemed to be calling to her. Jonathan cleared his throat. "Clarissa?"
Clary pulled away from him and walked closer to look at the painting, humming her tune again. She heard Jonathan call after her, but ignored him. The eyes of the girl in the pool's reflection stared at her, as if trying to tell her something. Mom. She remembered discussing the painting with Jonathan, months before. "She wanted to capture a young woman on the cusp of her future, me, looking at an image of what is inside of her…or who...my mom. The reflection represents a mother's love and her influence on who the girl may become." Clary gasped and closed her eyes. My mother's secrets. Clary suddenly remembered trembling on a couch, listening to a voicemail from her mother. She saw her mother's journal in her hands. She saw a syringe in Jonathan's hands in the stables, felt his hand around her throat… savaging her in the bathtub, that reeked of lavender. What? I have to get the fuck away from him. He raped me… beat me. Not Jace. Clary put her hand over her eyes as her head started to pound. A sharp pain pulsed behind her eyes.
She felt hands wrap around her arms and spin her around and she screamed. Jonathan was frowning and pulled her tightly against his chest. "Clarissa, love. What is wrong?" Clary screamed again and pulled away from him, backing away with her hands up. "My head– What have you done to me, Jonathan? Y-you hurt me. Forced me to– raped me! I want to leave. I don't want to be with you. What the fuck did you do to me? My head!" The frown faded from his face and he pursed his lips at her, shaking his head, he took a step forward. "Clarissa. What do you mean? I've done nothing to you, my love. Now look at me, kitten." He reached out and grabbed her hands, speaking low and smooth. "Look at me, Clarissa." Clary struggled to get away, shook her head, but felt compelled to look into his angry black eyes. She whimpered and relaxed, as he slowly pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned down and kissed her deeply, pushing his tongue into her mouth, dominating her. Clary moaned and returned his kisses, her previous thoughts slipping away. He's going to ruin my lip gloss. Boys. Jonathan broke their kisses and smiled down at her knowingly. "Shall we go to your ball, my love? I cannot wait to show you off to Idris." Clary blushed and smiled at him shyly. "Of course, Jonathan. Whatever you think we should do. I love you so much." Clary picked up her wristlet from her vanity and they headed out.
Jonathan walked towards the ballroom, with his perfect wife on his arm. He nodded to his bodyguards, they knew to stick close tonight. Clarissa looked ravishing and he knew he would be the envy of every man at the ball. The lost Fairchild heiress was his. As it should be. The Morgensterns and Fairchilds had finally become one and he was now the most powerful man in all of Idris. Especially with the acquisition of Clarissa's Fairchild holdings. You finally got your wish, Father. Too bad you tried to take her for your own. Now you'll have to watch our triumph from Hell. All of his Father's machinations had worked, they had won… although Jonathan would have wanted Clarissa regardless of her family name. The first time he saw her, something had clicked inside of him. He had wanted her and would do anything to have her… and he had. He smirked to himself, thinking back to the many ways he had taken her, over the months… how many more ways he planned to. So worth it.
As they approached the doors to make their entrance and start the ball, his phone buzzed in his pocket. "Yes?" Jonathan looked down at Clary, listening to Pangborn's update about the Herondales. "Good, Pangborn. Let them mingle and enjoy my hospitality for a while. Cover all the exits with our tightened security. They'll not find it easy to leave…" Jonathan ended the call and lifted Clary's hand to his mouth, kissing her fingers. He looked down at her, admiring the Fairchild emeralds amidst the sprinkle of freckles across her ample cleavage, before dragging his eyes up to hers. "Are you ready to have fun, kitten?" Clary smiled shyly and blushed, biting her bottom lip. "Yes, Jon." He smirked and nodded to the guards to open the doors. "Now Clarissa, remember what we discussed. The plan. You may dance with other men tonight– get to know our people. Just remember who you belong to, love." Clary looked up at him frowning and nodded. Of course, Clarissa is the plan. The bait, that is…
Jace stood at the bar scanning the crowd, accounting for his team. Jem and Tessa sat at a table on the western perimeter, chatting with a table full of people she had schmoozed with at the gala. Tessa winked at Jace, in acknowledgement. She was well connected in the art world and fit right in. He saw Will and Andrew on the east wall, talking to a few female guests. As usual, his cousin easily found a pretty young thing to occupy himself, while casing for their target. Clary. Andrew leaned down, whispering in the ear of a blonde, wearing a too-tight red gown. Both men looked across at Jace and gave him the nod. Jace returned the greeting and found the remaining faces of their support team in the crowd. They had plenty of backup. So why do I feel something's going to go wrong? Because every single time I think we've beaten him, he turns things around and beats us. Jace had tried calling and texting Clary many times, since they last spoke. No reply at all and calls went straight to voicemail. Someone had to have found her phone and blocked his number. I can't wait to see her tonight. I just need to hold her… get her away from him, out of Idris.
Jace's eyes widened as he heard the announcement that Jonathan and Clarissa Morgenstern had arrived. Jonathan escorted Clary upon a large bandstand of sorts, in front of an orchestra. Jace's heart started pounding and he clenched his fists. She looked stunning in a flowing silk emerald gown, dripping with jewels. She had a shimmering gold sleeve over the cast on her arm. Is she still in pain? My poor love. She smiled nervously out at the crowd. There were hundreds of guests, even more than the gala, a few weeks before. Clary hates being the center of attention. Jonathan spoke into the microphone, welcoming the guests. He looked around the ballroom smiling, handing Clary a champagne glass and raising his own. "Welcome to my honored guests, business associates, fellow Idrians, and of course our London and New York friends." Oh shit. He knows we're here. Jace cut his eyes over at Will, who looked back at him pursing his lips. He looked back at the stage to see Jonathan looking directly at him, smirking smugly. "Please enjoy our hospitality this evening in celebrating a new era in Idris. Now, dance, eat, drink, and rejoice! Salut to you all!" The crowd clapped and cheered and toasted to the couple. Jace slammed his drink on the bar and walked into the crowd. He could hear murmurs about how amazing it was to have young aristocrats in love in Idris again… Just like Harry and Megan… our own celebrities. Can't wait for the Fairchild-Morgenstern babies. Blah blah… Fuck that.
Jace made his way to Will. "We're going to have to be careful. He knows, we're here… He looked right at me, Will." His cousin nodded at him. "Yes… we're going to have to move faster than we thought. I assume they're closing in… tightening ranks, as we speak. Just get her as soon as you can and to the van. I'll cause a diversion… wait for it." Jace nodded and the cousins parted, each melting into the crowd. Jace stood next to one of the curtained alcoves and watched as Jonathan helped Clary down the stairs of the bandstand. He quickly whisked her to the dancefloor for the first dance. Soft piano music played as Jonathan pulled Clary against him. Jace clenched his jaw, watching his greatest enemy holding the woman he loved. Jonathan tipped his head down, kissing Clary's shoulder and whispering into her ear. Clary blushed and laughed and leaned up to kiss his lips. Jonathan pressed his forehead against hers and stared into her eyes. What the fuck? If I didn't know better, I'd think she was in love with him. Jace kept moving through the ball room, always keeping his eye on Clary, waiting for his chance.
After too many dances with Clary and multiple toasts with his ridiculous admirers, Jonathan stood near a large table, mingling with their guests, his arm wrapped around Clary possessively. Does he ever take his goddamn hands off of her? A young dark haired man bowed politely to Jonathan and Clary. He and Jonathan spoke for a few minutes and shook hands, then the man offered Clary his arm. The orchestra started playing and Clary took the man's hand as Jonathan continued speaking to his growing crowd of asskissers, vying for his attention. The man twirled Clary into the crowded dance floor. Now we're cooking. He followed them through the crowd, approaching the dancing couple when they neared the rear doors of the ball room. They danced and Clary politely laughed at whatever inane shit the guy said to her. He better watch his hands. Jace looked around, locked eyes with Andrew and a few other team members and nodded.
He looked towards Jonathan's table to see he was still chatting with his minions. Behind him, he saw Jem and another man start fake-arguing, swinging punches. Then out of nowhere Will tackled one of their team members and crashed them into the table. Jonathan stood up with a few of his men to break it up and things got heated. Jace saw the man dancing with Clary quickly excuse himself to help Jonathan. That's right go get those brownie points, asshole. Jem flung himself back, crashing into a waiter, spilling champagne and drinks down the front of Jonathan. He shoved the fighters out of the way and looked furious, wiping his jacket off. He pointed to one of his bodyguards, obviously telling him to watch Clary and left the ballroom to clean up. The fighters dispersed and Jem turned to Jace and winked. Nice. But we still have to get out of here. Jace heard a gasp behind him and whirled to see Clary's fearful eyes locked on him. Is she scared of me? Jace didn't wait to find out. He quickly moved towards her and took her hand, pulling her through the doors into the dark hallway.
Jace held her hand tightly, pulling her behind him, as they clumsily ran down the hallway, which would soon open to the main hall. She's not running very fast– shit, her ankle. Clary jerked her hand out of his and stopped running. Jace turned around with a confused look on his face. She was trembling and tearful, backing away from him slowly. "Clary, what's wrong? We have to run. I'm getting you out of here… back to New York, baby! Come on." He moved towards her and she took a defensive stance. "I'm not going anywhere with you! You drugged me, beat me, raped me! You leave and never come back! You don't own me anymore. I'm free from you, Sebastian." Jace's eyes shot wide open and he shook his head at her, holding his hands up. Sebastian? Rape? He fucking did something to her. She's not acting right. Her memory is fucked up. I'll kill him.
Clary clutched her head, as if in pain, and whispered. "I don't belong to you– you can't hurt me any more… I'm married. I love my husband. I love you, Jonathan and I belong to you… He's going to destroy you. His plan…" Her last words were almost silent, as if she didn't want to say them… as if she didn't believe them. Jace took another step towards her, reaching a hand out. I love my husband? What the fuck is happening? "Baby, I don't know what's going on… what you're saying doesn't make sense, Clary. I could never hurt you, you know that. You're everything to me, sweetheart. Come on. I want to take you back to Simon and Izzy. We all miss you so much. I love you, Clary Fray. I love you." Please baby, remember…
Clary started to cry and shake her head, but stepped towards him. I'm so confused. Why do I want to run with him? He's a monster. Jonathan said– Jace. Her headache hit her again as memories flooded her head and she staggered backwards, gasping. Jace hurried up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her down the hallway. "Clary? Talk to me baby– what did he do to you, Clary?" She stopped again and turned towards him, grabbing his face in her hands. She stared hard into his golden eyes. They were gentle, worried, loving… real. He loves me.
Clary remembered herself cuddling against Jace in bed after making love. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and pulled her back against him. He took a deep breath, then another, then he whispered softly into her ear. "I love you, Clary Fray. I love you." Clary smiled, turned her head back as he leaned in to kiss her gently. "I love you too, Jace." I really do.
She lightly brushed her lips across his and smiled, tears welling in her eyes. Her voice shook. "I remember, Jace… I remember us. Ruth said– he did something to me… my head. I- I love you too." Jace hummed and nodded angrily. "I think you're right, baby. We have to go now, though. I'll get you help. We'll get him later." She nodded and hid her face against his chest, as he scooped her up into his arms and started to run towards the main hall. Jace suddenly stopped as they entered the main hall. He gently put her down and Clary cried out in horror at what stood between them and the exit. On her knees, wild eyed, with her hands covering her mouth was her Aunt Amatis. Beside her, lined up on their knees, with their hands cuffed behind them were Jem, Andrew, and Will, with two other men. Will's lip was bleeding and Jem had a black eye. Jonathan and several of his bodyguards surrounded the prisoners. His goons had guns drawn on them. Jonathan tilted his head and raised his eyebrows at Clary, extending his hand to her. Jace growled and pushed her behind him and rolled his shoulders back, raising his hands. She clutched the back of his tuxedo jacket and hid her face against Jace's back, trembling. Don't look at him. He'll get you again… he'll mindfuck you.
Jonathan started pacing around his prisoners. He laughed darkly and glared at Jace. "Give her back to me, Herondale. Do we really have to do this?" He walked behind Will and stared at Jace. Jace shook his head, then stiffened when Jonathan reached into his pocket and pulled out a taser, placing his hand on Will's shoulder. Will leveled his eyes at Jace. "Young cousin, he'd be a damned fool to kill MI6 agents on a supported mission. The wrath of the British government would rain down on his house." Jonathan chuckled, as if he and Will were old friends sharing a joke. "I'm afraid he's right on that, Jace. I can't kill them, true. But, I can make sure they leave Idris. Good luck coming back in, with your covers blown." Will clenched his jaw then smirked at Jace. "It looks like you'll have to finish this one alone, mate. You've got this. You're a Herondale for Christ's sake. Clary, I hope to see you again, love–" Will hissed in pain as Jonathan pressed the taser to his neck, and collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. Jonathan growled and kicked him. "Do not speak to my wife." Jonathan nodded at his guards who gleefully tasered and gathered up the unconscious men. "Take them to the helicopter and drop them off across the border… Germany or Switzerland, no matter. They'll not be allowed back in Idris."
After the prisoners had been cleared, Jonathan wiped his face with his hand and sighed dramatically, as Trent, Brian, and Pangborn closed ranks around Jace and Clary. Jace kept his hands up and stared defiantly at Jonathan. "What the fuck did you do to her, Morgenstern? You sick fuck. She's not herself." Clary slipped her hands under Jace's jacket to hold him when she felt a gun resting in his shoulder holster. Jace stiffened and shook his head. Don't do it, Clary. Jonathan walked closer to Jace. "You'll have to be more specific, detective. I've done so very many things to my Clarissa. I mean, we are newlyweds afterall, isn't that right, kitten?" Clary shuddered behind him, as Jonathan snapped his fingers. Trent and Brad grabbed Jace's arms, tearing him away from Clary. She screamed and jumped back, just out of Jonathan's reach. Jace grunted and growled as they subdued him, cuffing his hands behind his back, and forcing him to his knees. Jace's eyes widened in shock as he heard swearing, watching Pangborn and Jonathan put their hands up and slowly back away from Clary. There standing as tall as she could was the love of his life, pointing his service revolver straight at Jonathan fucking Morgenstern's chest.
Jace stared in awe at the woman he loves. Beside him he heard Jonathan hum appreciatively. Clary shook her long crimson hair back over her shoulders, her shapely left leg peeked from the slit in her dress, she sniffed and blinked her tears away, and her arms shook as she took the safety off and cocked the gun in her left hand. "Nobody fucking move." Oh shit. I fucking love her so much.