When Jace ended fighting with his father once again, he went out to the entrance of the palace, he was mad but most of all he was sad, it looked like the whole world was against him, not even his grandmother who he had always loved could help him, or what he would call "save his life". Why? That was all that he could think about, why did he have to marry her? Why did he have to please everyone? Why did he have to be the crown prince? Why couldn't it be someone else? Why couldn't he have a life on his own?
It was raining, but he didn't care, he liked to be out. He distinguished a tuft of long and red hair, it was her, and she was the reason of his misery.
He began to approach her, but then he stopped. Looking at her so worried and feeling out of place, like she didn't belong there and she never would, shaking nervously and cold, staring at everyone with that scared green eyes and tearful expression, it somehow broke his heart. It was understandable, it wasn't her fault either, none of them had chosen their fate and he couldn't blame her for being part of it. He took out his engagement ring of his pocket, looking at the engraved "F" and running his finger through the seal of the family of his fiancée, a couple of wings. It made sense anyway, as a Fairchild she had flown to his life so quickly and unexpected and bumping into his plans, mind and heart, confusing everything, making him feel guilty but still he didn't want to give importance to it, like any other silly butterfly would do against a window. She was the butterfly and he was the window.
He didn't want to accept it though, he needed someone to blame so he wouldn't open his heart to anyone, and he needed to keep closed at the rest of people. But still, he needed someone…
Clary gently said goodbye to the Queens and her new maids, though she knew it wouldn't be forever, in fact, she would spend more time with the people at the palace tan with her own family.
When she got home, she sighed wearily and she got in, as she thought her parents were waiting for her with big and expecting smiles.
-So…?-Jocelyn began, Clary showed a little smile.
-I think they liked me- Luke and her mom ran to hug and kiss her, she would miss that too, feeling loved by someone when she barely got home. How could she ever see that enormous palace as a home?
-You see, it really doesn't matter if they like you or not, you're going to marry the prince anyway, but it's good to have some points of your own- Luke said, she laughed.
-And, what about you? What do you think of them? - Her mother asked while they sat in the living room.
-Well, Queen Imogen is very nice and polite; she made me feel a little less nervous. But Queen Celine can be very… frightening- she confessed; Jocelyn looked at her worried.
-She was rude to you or something? She threatened you? - Clary held her mother's shoulders so she could calm down, she was about to explode. Then she thought that maybe her mother and the queen had things is common, they both would do anything for their children.
-No, not at all. I mean, she was a bit of mysterious and she was really concerned about every single of my thought about Jace- she commented. Luke looked at her accusingly, and then he showed a devilish smile.
-Jace? You guys already nicknamed each other? - He laughed, Clary flushed and looked down.
-No way! That's how his grandma and mother call him… I spent too much with them, it got stuck in my head- she defended herself, and her mother stroked her cheek.
-What you have to understand about Queen Celine, honey, is that she has all the right to be a little over protective with her son. She has reasons to try to defend the prince from everyone, it's a tough world that they live in, and you'll have to handle that pressure too…- she began, Clary started to shake, she didn't want to admit it so she wouldn't hurt her mother, but she was terribly scared and she felt lonely in that situation though all of her friends and family supported her, they would never know how it felt.
-Being the ruler of a country doesn't mean to only have power over everyone and having a lot of pretty stuff and nice clothes, it means to take your people to one or other direction and you always have to make sure it's the best for them so they can follow you. This means that you'll have to take care of, not just you or your family in law, but everyone who lives in Idris. I know it'll be hard, but I know you can do it… and you won't be alone, dear- of course that was what Jocelyn thought, she had never been in the same room with the prince and his family, she couldn't know how they were. But still, it was nice to have someone who was cheerful in all that mess.
-Do you really think I can do it? - She asked, that s the only question no one had answered.
-Of course, Clary. You're brave, you're smart, you're fair…- Luke assured her.
-But most of all, you know who you are and you know what you have to do. No one would be a better princess than you- Clary ended her words with a tight hug, like thanking Jocelyn for all her support.
-I just hope I don't mess this up like I do with everything else…- she cried. Luke rubbed her arm.
-What do you mean?-.
-I've never been the best at anything. And now, being the best is all that I have to do- sobbed a scared and worried Clary, someone anyone but Simon had seen. Showing her most vulnerable part, feeling like a little girl that has done something wrong and no one wants to comfort her.
-Oh, darling. You don't have to be perfect for no one but yourself, nobody has the right to judge you, especially them who know nothing about you. - Jocelyn answered, Clary nodded.
-I guess you're right, mom. - She decided to lessen the sadness and drama, make it easier for everyone. Pretending she was happy and calm, as always.
-Now, don't you worry about nothing. All will be fine- that was all that Luke could say.
-And how do you call the king?-the next morning. Jocelyn was helping Clary improve her manners and way of talking, so she could sound more elegant and polite.
-Jerk- Luke whispered, Clary giggled a bit.
-Lucian!- her mother scolded him, Luke shrugged.
-No, honey. That's my name!-They both laughed.
-His majesty, or in case I'm talking to him directly: Your majesty- Clary answered, her mother smiled pleased.
-Very good. Remember you have to call that to the Lightwoods too. Ok?- Jocelyn reminded her.
-That, if I ever get to meet them- she answered.
-Of course you will!- Luke told her. –They're going to be at the wedding- he assured her. Clary looked at him, feeling funny.
-All of them?- she asked.
-I guess so…- and he took his cup of coffee again, Clary laughed.
-And speaking about the wedding. You have a date with your very professional and personal stylist today- her mother commented giving Clary her breakfast. She ate a bit of the waffle.
-Do I even have one?- she asked while chewing.
-No speaking while you're eating, Clarissa- her mother said, Clary nodded obediently and when she finished she replied.
-As I was saying. Since when do I have a personal stylist and what am I supposed to do with her?- she asked.
-Well, practically since you became the royal bride, it's not a she it's a he and he is in charge of creating and fixing your own wardrobe, make up, jewelry and hairdos.- Jocelyn kissed Clary's forehead.
-But I'm not the princess yet…-
-Not yet but you'll be very soon and they have to get everything prepared. The Queen says they have to take your measures and start making your wedding dress today.- Of course, all the stress was blocking Clary's thoughts, she felt a bit of a fool.
-That word makes me shiver- Luke said helping Jocelyn with the dishes.
-What? Dress?- Clary giggled.
-No, wedding, marriage… that kind of things.-Luke confessed, Jocelyn hit him softly. Clary laughed even harder.
-Princesses do not laugh out loud, Clary- Luke said to please Jocelyn.
-Yeah, right- Clary left the remaining plates at the dishwasher and gave a kiss to her mother.
-It's just weird. You, Clarissa Adele Fairchild Morgenstern, at seventeen years old and when you just got a scholarship at Alicante Academy is getting married to the crown prince, It sounds insane!- Clary had never thought it that way, maybe she was actually lucky after all, she had gotten all she wanted and more.
-I know, ok, it's a little creepy- Luke winked at her.
-So, the limo will pick you up at 3:15, be on time- her mother said, suddenly a thought came to Clary's mind, maybe her friends wouldn't have to be so out of that deal.
-Sure, and someone who knows what fits me best should help us, right?-
-What are you insinuating?- Jocelyn asked. Clary smiled innocently.
-Can I take someone? Just to help me, I promise!- she begged.
-I guess it'll be easier for her stylist…-Luke commented.
-Ok, fine! But the King, the Queen and especially the Prince must not know about this- Jocelyn agreed.
-Thank you!- Clary exclaimed with a blown kiss and walked out the door. Simon had class early that day so she would go alone to the academy, she took out her cell phone and sent him a message.
"Make sure you look good, you lucky bastard. You're coming to the palace with me today".
-Higher, higher!- Aline was trying so hard to do well her dance routine, but on reaching the jump, she fell again.
-I'm sorry- she apologized getting up from the floor.
-It's the fifth time we repeat this, Aline! Are you paying attention?- her teacher, Madame Dorothea, asked looking angry.
-Yes, but I…- she began, the teacher sighed.
-Look, Aline. This isn't just another silly presentation at the theater, this is the International Ballet Contest. If you fail even one move, you're out. You know that!- Dorothea reminded her.
-I know, I'll do it better this time- Everything would have been fine if Jace wouldn't have proposed her that way or if she wouldn't have found out who would be marrying her ex boyfriend that way. She had been so distracted and jealous for some reason, but she couldn't let those two get in her life and ruin it completely, she had a dream and goal. She had to forget about that stupid prince and his tiny girlfriend and focus on winning the competition.
-No you won't, take five. Drink water, sit down and tell me what the heck is going on…- Dorothea wasn't used to see Aline so not sure about herself, she was a girl with a strong character and personality, she had all that it took to win and now she was just failing everything.
-Have you ever… felt that you're losing something that you didn't know you wanted?- she began.
-Yes, much times. Its part of being an artist, dear- she sat next to her.
-No, this isn't about ballet. This is kind of a heart issue…- Dorothea thought it a bit.
-Okay, continue.-
-I know I didn't love him, Madame! And I don't know if I do now, but… I can't lose him against someone like her. And I'm not sure about what I feel.- Dorothea smiled understanding.
-Look, darling. You don't have to have all the answers in that moment, when it comes to love it's hard to be sure about anything, what you have to do is focus in what you do care about now and then it'll be obvious to you, you have to clear your mind, that's how you'll get to comprehend all. You can use all those feeling to make a good routine or you can let them ruin your mind and heart.- Dorothea advised her, Aline got it clear now.
-I'm ready- she finally said. She would get them both, the first place at the contest and Jace's heart.
-A dress try -out, really?- Simon complaint, they were eating lunch at the cafeteria.
-Yes, you're my best friend! This is what friends do when their friends are getting married!- Clary hit his head.
-Ok. In first place: this is what friends do when their friends are getting married at 28 not at 17! In second place: we don't even have permission to do it, in third place: I'm a man, I don't wear dresses!- Simon answered. He was trying to feel happy for her but he just couldn't, his heart was broken and now Clary wanted him to participate in that stupid matter.
-The dress is not for you, fool! It's for me! And I need someone who gives me he's truth opinion and no one is more honest than you are- Simon smiled.
-Call Becky, then- he got up from the table.
-She's in Switzerland. C'mon Simon, please! I really want you to be there!-.
-Why would you want that? You'll have a big and nice new family and new handsome and rich friends when you get married!- he got out of the cafeteria and Clary followed him.
-Because you're important to me! And I'll lose you all after the wedding…- with the last word, Clary's voice broke, she was going to cry.
-what? No, pumpkin, you won't.- Simon hugged her.
-Yes, I will! I'll be locked in that stupid palace like a doll on a counter and I will not see you anymore. I want to be with you as much as I can but you're so pissed that you don't want to see me now!- she cried, Simon felt guilty.
-No, Clary, it's not that. It's just that it's hard to process all this and you know I don't like the guy anyway, he doesn't deserve you- Clary held his hand.
-I know, but this is what I have to do. I thought you understood…-
-That's hard for me too. You're supposed to live your life for yourself not for the entire population of Idris- he reminded her.
-It's just a dress try out, would it kill you to support me with this?- she asked wiping her tears.
-Ok, fine. You owe me one, pumpkin- And Clary finally smiled.
-Jocie, you should see this!- Luke called his wife from the living room where he was watching the news.
-What is it?- Jocelyn sat next to him.
-It's about…- but the reporter finished before he did.
"We all have heard about the Herondale family lately, but what about the other royal family? Our reporters have installed today at the Alicante's International Airport where we have spotted Prince Robert and Princess Maryse along with their son Prince Alexander getting off from the plane which came from London where the Prince recently finished his third semester. We talked a bit with the prince and he commented that he was planning to make his return a little more silent because he wanted to surprise his cousin Prince Jonathan, but it's clear that the press wasn't aware of that, he also said that he had called him yesterday to congratulate him for his birthday. Anyways we all welcome the Lightwood family to Idris again and expect that this time they stay a bit longer and we'll happily wait for Princess Isabelle too. And speaking about Prince Jonathan, we also want to wish the crown prince a happy birthday today and inform you all dear citizens of Idris this… we've just talked with Queen Mother Imogen and she has told us that we'll soon be hearing wedding bells. As you hear, dear audience, the Queen has confirmed the rumor of the Prince having a royal wedding. Like a fairy tale thing, Prince Jonathan has been committed with someone practically since he was born, who's the lucky girl? Well no one else but Clarissa Adele Fairchild, a seventeen year old girl whose grandfather was a big friend of Late King Marcus, our sources report that currently she is studying painting at Alicante Academy and that her feelings of patriotism and devotion to her family and friends are what most characterizes her personality. The date of the wedding has been arranged to within four days when the 18th birthday ceremony of the prince has been carried out. Will she be a good princess? We cannot be sure about that, but we can tell you that she is a very sweet, kind an obedient girl, so the fan girls of the Prince have much competition with Clarissa, or as her closest friends affectionately call her: Clary. Our best wishes for the happy couple and we'll later continue with the Royal News…".
Jocelyn and Luke were more than shocked that they could know some much about Clary, in less than a minute the plans of the monarchy had been discovered by the audience with warning or preparation. So they shook when the front door opened.
-Hey everyone!- Clary said entering the house, her mother and Luke searched the TV remote like crazy people and turned it off.
-Wow, were you watching porn or something?- Simon joked.
-No, not at all. How was school, dear?- Jocelyn fixed her hair and tried to look more calm.
-Tiring as always but fun anyway. I drew you today- Clary said walking to the kitchen and pouring a glass of water for her and Simon.
-Really? Why?- her mother asked, Luke made a sign so she wouldn't tell her daughter what they just had seen.
-Well, professor Malik told us to draw something that inspired us, and I did- she confessed.
-Oh, that's so cute, dear. Thank you!- her mother got up from the couch and walked to her.
-Yeah, she was going to draw me but the teacher said that it would be difficult to draw something so beautiful- Simon said smiling.
-Stop it!- Jocelyn laughed.
-What were you watching anyway?- Clary asked, her mother got pale.
-Nothing very important…- and suddenly everyone's cell phones rang crazily.
-What the…?- Clary was shocked but she decided to answer anyway.
-You little bitch, you're famous!-
-Maia? What the heck is going on?-
-Oh, don't pretend that you don't know! We saw it!-When she said we, she meant Helen and her, they shared a department, small but cute.
-Saw what?-
-The report that was shown like 5 minutes ago! You didn't see it?-
-No, I just got home…- Clary gave her mother a death glare, but she was too busy talking to someone too.
-Well, now everyone in Idris knows that you're the royal bride!-
-Why does the entire world call me that today?-
-Because there was a rumor running around your school…-
-What kind of rumor?-
-Well, someone said that Jonathan was getting married soon with a girl that studied with him, but nobody knew who she was, so they called her: the royal bride, and now they know it's you-
-So embarrassing-Clary flushed. Well, they would have known anyways.
-Don't worry, you'll be fine! Oh, Helen says that the band has a rehearsal today at 5, tell Simon to come. Love you, bye!- and the call finished. Her mother was talking to her paternal grandmother, Luke was talking to his own mother and Simon was talking with Kirk and Eric, all at the same time. Then they heard the horn of a car.
-Oh, hell- she just wanted to get out of there, she dragged Simon to the door and waved to her parents who were still talking.
-Miss Fairchild. Is he coming to your try out too?- the driver said, Clary nodded and they both went to the limo.
-Whoa, this is insane, pumpkin! Everyone's talking about you right now! And look at this wonder! It all looks like that Marie Antoinette movie!- Simon said excited. He had been talking to her friends all the way to the palace, Clary couldn't say a thing. She would surely hate all that attention.
-Please, don't mention it. I'm getting sick of this all…-she began but a guest came into the dressing room, as Lady Amatis called it.
-Well, it looks like what you need is to clear your mind, my lady- said the strange man. He looked like those people who were judges at modeling competitions. His hair was covered in glitter and wore a long fur coat, his shirt was mostly unbuttoned and wore leather pants, apart from many rings and a metallic blue nail polish. He took out his glasses and threw them away, looking like a movie star ,revealing his deep catlike eyes.
-Excuse me, who exactly are you?- Simon asked looking nervous. Clary was pale white once more.
-I, my handsome friend, am Magnus Bane. And I'll gladly be serving her highness as her personal stylist-.
To be continued…
Dreamer.