Chapter 66: Idris! Everyone's getting ready to go to Alicante for the hearing with The Clave.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions imprisonment, trauma, non-con
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: "He knew she hadn't told him everything that happened to her at the hands of Jonathan Morgenstern. She may never tell me everything. He knew enough and would kill that pig if he got the chance. Laws be damned."
Clary squeezed a dollop of honey into her cup of tea and stirred it. Lifting the cup to her nose, she inhaled deeply, letting the spicy citrus aroma envelop her senses. Her mother had been quite a tea connoisseur. She and Clary had enjoyed many cups together on early mornings, such as this. Clary sighed sadly and looked out at the rising sun, over the trees surrounding the safehouse. I miss you so much, Mama. She pulled the thick cream throw tighter around her and tucked her bare feet under her legs. It was still hard to believe that her mother and father had been dead for over a year. Some days it felt as if it happened yesterday…sometimes an eternity ago. Clary placed a hand on her belly, her eyes filling with tears. Her baby girl had been quite active this morning. She imagined letting them place their hands on her belly to feel their granddaughter move. I wish you and dad were here. Clary sniffled and allowed her tears to fall. I can't believe I'm going to have your grandchild… without you.
She sat alone in the living room, on the large couch in front of the fireplace. It was a cold morning and Clary had turned up the fire, warming the room. Everyone was still asleep in the house. She had kissed Jace's cheek and snuck out in her nightgown for some alone time. She just couldn't sleep. Too nervous. She and Jace, Maia, Nate, Alec, and Aaron were all staying at the large eight bedroom house together. They had arrived yesterday afternoon, met with Will's team to plan security for her trip to Alicante, to plead her annulment case. Will had warned them, just as Nate had previously, about an extremist group called The Circle, threatening to show today. They had shown up at several of the women's rights protest rallies to cause problems. Those problems often ended in violence. I don't want anyone hurt because of me. Clary watched the fire flicker, alone with her thoughts, her eyes growing heavy, she fell asleep.
Clary jumped when she heard a male clear his throat behind her. Turning she saw Nate smiling behind her, holding the tea kettle. He walked around the couch and sat next to her. "I'm sorry to wake you, Clary. Would you like a warmup?" Clary smiled and nodded, watching as he poured the hot water into her empty cup. His light blonde hair was messy from sleeping and he wore a large, loose gray sweatshirt with red and black flannel pajama pants. He turned towards her, resting his arm on the back of the couch, watching her carefully as she leaned forward and dropped in a new tea sachet. Clary cleared her throat. She hated being stared at. "Thank you, Nate. You're up early…" He hummed and ran his eyes over her belly and then back up to her face. "Yes. I'm an early riser… plus I just couldn't sleep. Too much nervous energy, I suppose. I also heard you get up and wanted to be able to chat with you before we go to Alicante this afternoon. So… how do you feel about today?" Clary raised her eyebrows and looked at him. His blue eyes were fixed on her intensely.
Clary pursed her lips and looked down at her cup of tea. "Well, I'm nervous. The last time I saw Jonathan he… well he put his hands on me and tried to persuade me to come back to him. He is convinced that he has a right to me… that he owns me. It's sickening. You know all of this, though– we've been over this many times. I– I was wondering, if you could tell me more about The Circle. Do you think we should be worried? I don't want innocent people to get hurt because of me… because of my case and the audio leak." Nate nodded and cleared his throat, sipping his cup of tea. "The Circle is a large underground radical group in Idris. A militia. It goes back quite a few generations, started primarily when travel restrictions in and out of the country were lifted a few hundred years ago. They don't really support change or progressive politics… especially those involving women's rights. They consider our women treasures of Idris. Something to be protected, kept safe– I guess. The Circle was originally formed by High Idrian Oligarchs to prevent the extinction of true blooded citizens in Idris. Basically, its goal is to not allow outsiders, non-Idrains, to mate and have children with Idrians, for lack of better phrasing. It discourages females from leaving the country. You see, Clary, The Circle believes that you, in particular, are a uh– symbol or prize to be reclaimed. That the methods Jonathan and Valentine used to secure you should be allowed… to maintain and bring back more of the old ways. In essence, they want you back with your husband."
Clary's eyes widened and she scoffed incredulously. "Don't call him that, Nate. I'm no one's prize. I'm a human being, for fuck's sake. That's sick. This is because of my marriage to Jonathan and my pregnancy then?" Nate blushed and rubbed his hand on the back of his neck, nodding. "What you told us about Valentine and why he wanted you and Jonathan together so badly– His revenge, of course AND to make pureblooded High Idrian children. He must have been one of the heads, if not the leader of The Circle, Clary." He licked his lips and looked down at her belly thoughtfully. Clary frowned and pulled the throw across herself. He keeps staring at my stomach. Creepy. He raised his eyes to hers, smiling tightly. "You see, you are a Graymark and Fairchild, both families are High Idrian. Jonathan is a Morgenstern and Verlac. The Morgensterns are the Highest and the Verlacs are more Mid-Idrian, with some ancestry in France. You have the most potent pedigree in all of Idris, just as your mother did… for at least a generation. Don't you get it? You're like a unicorn… and so is your baby." Nate's eyes were wide and he had moved closer to her excitedly, his hand resting behind her head on the couch. She felt him stroke her hair. What the fuck?
Humming, Clary scooted away, putting some distance between them. She scraped her hand through her hair, pushing it behind her shoulders. "Oh, I definitely get it Nate. I remember such groups from my History courses and even modern versions in my home country. Zealots, extremists, terrorists, ethnic cleansers… nasty lots. Never on the right side of the fight. Never the good guys. All I want is my annulment and my rights returned to me in my ancestral country. Hopefully this will help other women get the strength to fight as well." Nate looked at her and took a deep breath. "Listen, Clary–" Nate stopped speaking. He looked up annoyed, then schooled his expression and smiled politely. Clary felt warm hands slip over her shoulders and smiled. Jace.
He leaned down, gently kissing her cheek and wrapping his arms around her from behind. He glared hard at Nate, over her shoulder. "Am I interrupting? You sound upset, baby." Clary stood up and hugged Jace tightly. "I'm okay, Jace. I asked Nate to tell me more about The Circle–" Jace nodded and looked down at her, then flicked his eyes at Nate. He really doesn't like him. "Yeah. I was listening to everything. Sorry, I'm just protective. Will and Jem filled me, Aaron and Alec in last night after you went to bed. They sound like a bunch of little bitches with tiny dicks. Don't worry babe, we'll protect you. You just go in there today, tell them your truth and we'll leave. Whether they grant your annulment or not. You have me and our life in New York. Always." Nate cleared his throat and stood up, excusing himself, and walking from the room, as the doorbell rang. "Uh– I'll get it." Called Nate from the other room.
Jace tensed and pulled her behind him, pulling a gun from the back of his pajama pants. Who could that be this early? Alec appeared holding his gun, stepping behind her. "I've got her back, bro." Clary gripped the back of his shirt in her fists. "It's okay, baby. Just stay behind me." She whispered in agreement against him. She could hear muffled voices from the foyer, then the front door closed. Nate walked in holding a long white rectangular box with a large purple velvet bow. Weird. Nate looked at Clary, peeking out behind Jace. "It was a delivery. He said this was for you, Clary." He set the box on the coffee table, Aaron came in behind him. "The box is clean, Jace. I scanned it and shook down the delivery guy. He's clean too… that is unless he crapped his pants, but that's not really dangerous, I suppose… I tipped him too." Clarry giggled, the tension broken. Aaron winked at her. She stepped out from behind Jace, walked to the table, untied the purple bow, opening the box. Jace stepped beside her and watched suspiciously. She frowned and pulled out a large bouquet of dried lavender, white roses, and forget-me-nots. The strong scent of lavender wafted up from the bouquet. Clary wrinkled her nose and shook her head, dropping it into the box. Lavender baths with Jonathan… pain between her legs, helpless– ravaging her. I hate the smell of lavender.
Clary swallowed nervously and opened the enclosed card. She felt Jace slip his arms around her as she began to tremble. Oh my god. Dropping the card, she slapped the box onto the floor, turned to him and whimpered into his chest. "It's from him. From Jonathan… he knows where we are. He always knows… I fucking hate him." Leave me alone. "It's in Latin. Grata domum. Omnia mea caritas, JCM." She heard Nate's voice behind her, reading the card aloud. "Welcome home. All my love, JCM." She turned around to see Nate staring at her with a calculating look on his face. Alec swiped the card from his hand angrily. "Thanks a lot, dick. She already read it… she fucking knows Latin." He scooped up the flowers and stomped out of the room. He's probably throwing them out. Good. Clary pulled away from Jace and raced to her room, shutting herself in her bathroom, in the dark. Don't lose it. Calm down. Don't freak out. She heard Jace calling her name, then hushed voices. She sunk to the floor, covering her face with her hands, trying not to cry. Stop it.
The door opened and light flooded the bathroom. "Get up, Clary." She uncovered her face and looked up to see Maia in the doorway. Maia had showered and was in full makeup, her hair twisted up in an elegant bun, wearing her robe. "I mean it, girl. It's time to get your shower and make yourself look impeccable for this case meeting with The Clave." She held her hand out to Clary. "You are Clarissa fucking Fairchild… screw those tacky-ass flowers and to hell with Jonathan Morgenstern. He's trying to get in your head, Clary– rattle you into submission. Don't let him." Clary looked up at Maia and took a deep breath, nodding. She took her hand and stood up. "You're right, Maia. I'm tired of being his victim… Thank you." Maia smiled at her. "That's right, time to ovary-up, girl. Fuck the Morgensterns. You got this… first, though. Eat some breakfast, preggo." Clary laughed and hugged Maia, walking with her out of the bathroom, back towards the kitchen.
Jonathan smoothed out the sleeves of his blazer and ran his hand through his wild white curls, looking in the mirror. He wore a black button down dress shirt with a charcoal suit. He knew Clarissa liked this suit and wanted to look his best for their reunion. He unfastened another shirt button to showcase his Morgenstern pendant and slid his family ring on. He walked out to their bedroom and up to her vanity table. Opening one of the jewelry boxes, he picked up the dazzling emerald ring. Her wedding ring. I can't wait to slip it back on her finger. He knew she'd received the lavender bouquet and his card this morning. His spies reported the delivery and subsequent disposal of his gift by Detective Lightwood. Smirking, he put the emerald ring in the interior pocket of his blazer. Picking up the house phone, he looked around the room. "Yes. Please make sure the bathroom is restocked with Mrs. Morgenstern's favorite bath oils and soaps… and remove all of her shoes and boots from the closets. She shan't be leaving the manor for a long time. Thank you." Hanging up, Jonathan sighed and walked through a new door beside the wardrobe, leading to a beautiful sage and lilac nursery filled with comfortable cream colored furniture and pastel throws and pillows. So cozy. He could almost picture Clarissa lounging in the cushioned rocking chair, breastfeeding their newborn. Smiling, he walked to an ornate antique crib, running his hand along the intricate carvings. Soon Clarissa and I will be here with our daughter, together, as a family. Soon, Clarissa.
Clary brushed her long hair back over her shoulders and looked into the mirror. She had straightened her curls and it hung in a thick crimson curtain to her waist. She checked her makeup and smiled tightly. She wore the same purple cashmere dress, a gift from her Mother, that she wore the first time she met Jonathan Morgenstern. That I let Jace peel off of me that night. Being cashmere, it had a lot of give in it, accentuating her pregnant body beautifully. The scoop neck showcased her cleavage tastefully. He won't be able to keep his eyes off of me. Clary and Maia had decided she should wear the dress to get in Jonathan's head, take him off of his game. She slipped her favorite aubergine and black silk scarf around her neck, letting it hang free down her front and slid her tall black suede boots over her knees. Her gold necklace glittered on her chest, just above her cleavage. On it hung a shiny gold pendant, an intricate circle made of faerie wings, that Tessa had given her. It was the Fairchild family symbol and had been her mother's. The last time she wore this ensemble, she had unknowingly worn the Morgenstern pendant, which had practically made Valentine drool on her chest. Now she would wear her own family emblem. Fairchild. Suck it Morgenstern. She picked up her purse and walked out to the main house.
Jace tightened his shoulder holster beneath his leather jacket, snapping his gun in place, then leaned down, sliding his knife into his boot. Nate and Maia sat on the couch, going over notes together and Aaron, always prepared, leaned against the wall waiting. Jace smiled and looked over at his partner to see Alec was also packing his weapons. He loved Alec Lightwood like a brother. Like blood. "Hey man. Thanks again for coming with me. I need someone I can trust all the way, you know. It really means a lot." Alec smiled at him and shrugged. "Where else would I be, bro? Also, you saved me from a perfectly awful trip to Paris with mom and Izzy. I sent Magnus instead… She's touring honeymoon resorts or something. Puke. Simon stayed in New York because of his new job. I'd much rather be in Idris, protecting the rest of my family from Morgenstern. He can't have her, man. We won't let him. Love you, bro." He put his hand on Jace's shoulder and squeezed. Jace smiled at him and squeezed his shoulder in return, then his eyes widened and his mouth went dry. He saw Nate and Aaron's eyes widen too as they fell on his stunning fiance. Maia smiled and nodded at her knowingly.
Clary walked into the living room and smiled lovingly across the room at Jace. She wore that dress… the purp– no aubergine cashmere dress that he had peeled off of her. Inch by inch, so many months ago. It skimmed her curves, showcasing her beautiful, round pregnant belly. Her hair hung thick and straight around her and she wore her mother's Fairchild pendant. Those boots. She looked so beautiful. Gorgeous, sexy… Regal. Jace rushed over to her and pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. She cupped his face in her hands and returned his kisses. Pulling away she looked up at him. "I love you so much, baby. I don't know what I'd do without you. I guess I'm ready." Jace kissed her temple and pulled her long black wool coat from the closet, helping her slip it on. "Okay everyone. Let's go. We will rendezvous with Will's team at the Gard in Alicante." He wrapped an arm around Clary and walked with her to the awaiting black SUV.