-Whoa, it's a pleasure! I'm Clary, well Clarissa, but call me Clary, please. - she introduced herself to Magnus. He took her hand and gave her a kiss, Simon was petrified.

-What an honor to meet the future Queen of personally, may I ask who's your statue friend? - he asked looking a little worried at Simon.

-He's Simon, my best friend since our mothers knew they were going to have us. You can trust him, I thought he would help us a little to choose what fits me better- she answered, Magnus nodded and he snapped his finger in front of Simon's eyes, he reacted.

-A pleasure, young man. Well, if we're done with the presentations I would like to begin, we have an awful lot of work to do! - Magnus advised, Clary agreed and Simon just looked at Clary's new stylist from head to toe.

-Close your mouth, Simon. This may be the palace but the flies are not aware of that…- Clary giggled and Magnus did the same as he guided her to the golden comber.

-You … are in charge of Clary's image? - Simon asked feeling shocked.

-I believe that is what personal stylist means, doesn't it? - Magnus said sarcastically as he examined Clary's mop of red and bulky curls.

-Well… fuck- Simon whispered, Clary hid a smile.

-Yes, yes. You have much potential, my lady, You're beautiful! All we have to do is add some color and styling cream and you'll look like an angel itself!- Magnus assured her, Clary felt a little twinge of pain at the word "angel" she would have liked to have her brother there for her.

-Thank you, I leave myself in your hands- said Clary happily, she was starting to like Magnus.

-Thanks for the confidence vow. Believe me! After I finish not even Prince Jonathan will resist you! - Magnus commented; Clary stopped breathing for a moment.

-You really think so? - she asked suddenly bitten by the curiosity.

-Of course! I'm the best of the best! Prince Jonathan may look as a Greek god but he's still a man, men can't resist an insanely pretty girl like you, but things get quite complicated if you like both boys and girls…- he confessed while looking for something inside the drawers, Simon's jaw fell to the floor again, Clary opened her eyes more than she would have liked.

-Oh, I understand… Do you have a secret crush, Mr. Bane? - she asked with a devilish smile.

-My lady, please! We're not supposed to talk about our personal lives… - she detected some interest in the tone of his voice, Magnus finally sighed and replied –But as we're going to spend a lot of time together, it's good to get to meet each other. As I said Prince Jonathan is a cupcake covered in white chocolate, but… his cousin… whoa, he's a three story birthday cake!- he said, Clary giggled with him.

-You like Prince Alexander? - she said.

-He's a lovely gentleman. He has all I love in a young man…- he answered passing some cream over Clary's curls while she smiled hysterically.

-And what's that? - she asked playful.

-Black hair and blue eyes, of course! That boy gives me heartache every time I see him! - Clary giggled again.

-We'll get along very well Mr. Bane. You can bet that! It'll so nice to have someone that acts normal around here… it'll be good to have a friend- Clary said with a small smile, Magnus smiled too.

-Anything you want from me, my lady. You just ask it and I'll do it! - he replied. Simon suddenly stood from the couch with an angry snort.

-Sorry, I… have a rehearsal, I'll call you later…- he said and walked out the door.

-The guy's a bit moody, isn't he? - he plugged the curling machine.

-He's worried about me, that's all- Clary said feeling a little bit hurt.

-Worried or jealous? I perfectly understood the way he was looking at you- Magnus said, she froze for a while.

-What? Jealous of whom? No way! - Clary assured him, he shrugged.

-If you say so…-

-I do! Maybe he's just behaving so uneasy because he thinks that no one could love me that way… Simon's always been like that…-

Simon got to Helen and Maia's apartment wet because of the rain and burning with angriness. "It'll be good to have a friend" she said, wasn't he is Best Friend? Didn't she know that she had him in all the possible ways? The whole marriage matter was destroying Simon, Prince Jonathan wasn´t just stealing his best friend he was stealing the only girl he had ever loved! This wasn't fair at all, not for Clary, not for him, not for anybody! And he had to stand hearing Clary say things like that, she sounded like a princess so much that it made him sick.

-You're a bit early; the guys won't be here until 5- Maia said when he walked through the door.

-I don't care, I couldn't stand that palace! - he sat in the couch, Helen grasped.

-By Raziel, Simon! I just cleaned it and now it's all wet! - she complaint.

-Not in the mood, Helen- he answered.

-What did the man do to you, uh? You mad because he treated you as a plebeian or what? - Maia asked sarcastically, she wasn't expecting him to actually answer that.

-No, he treated Clary as if she was the queen already; making her believe that everyone loved her and making her think that all she needs is only at the palace! I wanted to get out of there so bad…- he said, the girls looked at him concerned.

-I thought you were over her…- said Maia annoyed, Helen sighed.

-What now? - Simon asked angrily.

-We'll talk about that later…- Helen told him and gave him a towel –Now, I need you to help me with the lyrics, I don't exactly sound as Amy Lee anymore- The guys often played songs from the groups they liked, Helen and Simon's favorite was Evanescence on the other hand Eric and Kirk liked Paramore, but they sometimes got out of the routine and played some Grouplove songs just for Clary and Maia.

-Ok, let me hear you! - Simon helped Helen with her voice until Kirk and Eric came into the house.

-Which songs did you pick for today's playlist, uh?- Eric asked as they went to the studio, it was small but useful, they even had a little cabin so Maia could her them all and tell them when something didn't sound good. Simon remembered their first days as a band, they had another member: Matt, but a couple of weeks later his family was transferred to England and he left, then they met Helen and Maia, now Helen was sometimes the lead vocalist and sometimes Simon's accompaniment, it depended on the song they were playing, she was very talented so it sounded good anyway. Maia was like their agent, producer, director and others; she was very helpful and was always the most sincere and kind to them.

-I want to do "Colours"- Simon said and his friends looked at him a little worried, except for Maia, Maia gladly squealed.

-You sure? You said it was too difficult for you… - Helen reminded him.

-I don't care, I have to try…- he replied. In the bottom Helen knew that he only wanted to play Grouplove because it was Clary's favorite band, he had a terrible crush on her, that song reminded him about her and the lyrics matched his feelings so it was perfect!

-As you say, master- they all took their places and began to play. Maia told them what to do as she listened to them; she had to admit that Simon's feelings helped him to sing better, he sounded so focused and tuned, it was hard to create that kind of harmony and this time they did it perfectly. When the songs finished the four of them looked at Maia expecting her opinion.

-How was it? - Kirk finally asked. Maia smiled.

-You guys were amazing! - she answered; Helen yelled excited and gave a hug to her friends.

-We have to celebrate this! I'll open the Vodka bottle! - she said and went to the kitchen. After a few toasts and drinks, Maia and Helen talked to Simon.

-So… about Clary- Maia began.

-What about her? - Simon drank the last drop of vodka he had.

-It's obvious, Simon! It's jealousy who's ringing your bell, you can't stand the fact that's she's marrying someone else, and we're worried about that…- Helen continued.

-I mean that if jealousy makes you play that good you would have my permission to keep it as long as you wish! But I'm your friend and I don't want that for you, you don't have to feel shattered all the time-Maia stoked his back knowing that he felt sad about everything that was going on.

-I'm not shattered! I'm just…- but Helen didn't let him finish.

-Heartbroken, we know, we've known how you feel about Clary for so long, don't try to hide it from us. Because we already now!-.

-Okay, I understood! You know! and what the hell? - he poured a little more of the liquid to his glass.

-It's not healthy for you to swallow all your feelings and make your life miserable for the rest of your days! - Maia said, he sighed.

-And what do you suggest? - Simon knew that there was nothing that they could tell him that they didn't have told him before.

-Let her go- Maia sounded so serious and cruel.

-What?-.

-Get over it! You have to face it, we're not telling you this because we want to hurt you, we're telling this because you're hurting yourself for no good reason. What you have with Clary is fine! You're best friends, you share everything, and that's great! Why would you want to ruin it for something that might not ever happen? And since the news of the wedding it has become even more impossible, give yourself a chance to be happy, stop feeling as your life is over only because she doesn't feel the same…- Simon couldn't understand how Helen knew exactly what Maia was thinking.

-You'll find someone else, that's for sure! But that won't happen until you understand that Clary and you weren't made to be together, if you had been… she would already know, but she doesn't and now she has other things to take care of, so the best that you can do is to stop confusing her- he didn't want to cry, though he felt a wound deep inside him, Maia's words hurt.

-What do you mean?-

-Stop this game of "Just do it" and "Don't you dare to do it". It seems that you're on her side sometimes and the other times you're just on your side, she needs you, for the Lord's sake! Not just because she isn't your soul mate you're going to push her aside and leave her on her own…- Helen continued.

-Clary might be feeling so lost right now… If it's hard for you, imagine how hard it's for her! Changing her whole life style, trying to get along well with people she has never seen, becoming someone she never wanted or even knew she had to be. She wants you to be part of it not because she wants you to suffer but because she feels complete with you, ok? She doesn't need you to make her feel even worse, she needs your support, so if you actually love her… you're going to get through this and help her. And I'm sorry we had to break the last pieces of your hurtful heart, but this was the only way- Helen kissed his cheek and Maia hugged him, but not even those displays of affection could comfort him.

After a long day of chatter and choosing outfits and thinking about new hairstyles with her new personal stylist, the limo took Clary home. Her mother was a bit shocked about her appearance when she went through the door.

-Where you at the palace or competing at the "Future Miss Idris" contest? - Luke said laughing, Clary scowled.

-Magnus is the cutest thing ever! He has such a good taste and he even let me chose the style for the wedding dress! - She sat on the couch feeling exhausted, her mother sat next to her.

-I'm glad you liked him; I thought you would think that he's weird or something…- her mother answered, Clary smiled.

-Of course not! In fact, I think he is the most normal person in all the palace- Clary was very pleased with her new friend, she knew that nothing would be so bad if she had the support of all her loved ones, but it was good to have some company inside her new house too.

-That's very good to hear, dear. Because tomorrow you're going back- Jocelyn announced.

-What? Can't I stay home a bit longer? I mean I'm going to spend the rest of my days in there! - She protested, Jocelyn sighed.

-I wish you could, but there's much preparation to do and you need to be ready for the duties of a princess- her mother reminded her.

-Well, I took Simon, right? Maybe you should come with me! - Clary wanted to spend some more time with her mother until she had to leave her.

-I can't, darling. Amatis called today and she says that your classes begin tomorrow, you can't get distracted…- Clary was disappointed, but still a question got into her mind.

-How do you know Lady Amatis? - She asked confused, did her mother have contacts with the palace people?

-She's my sister- Luke answered. Clary turned around to see him face to face.

-No… freaking way- Clary grabbed a pillow and started hitting him.

-Ouch, Clary! What the heck?-.

-Your sister works at the palace and you didn't tell me? Everything would have been so much easier if you had told me! - Her mother took the pillow to stop her hurting her husband.

-I thought she would tell it to you…- Luke answered.

-Ah, great! All this time I was treating someone that's kind of my aunt as a lame teacher! Well, it's good to know…- Maybe that would make things even easier, having her stepfather's sister around would help her not to feel so lonely and far from home, maybe they could get closer.

-Maybe she didn't tell you because she has a big pride, Amatis isn't a much open person, Clary, you should go easy on her- Jocelyn advised her daughter.

-Nobody in the palace is an open person, mom… But you know what people says, a big place hides big secrets- she answered sadly.

Alec was inside his limo outside the palace. His grandmother assured him that Jace didn't know a thing about him; she had stopped him from watching the TV or reading the latest newspapers.

-Are you excited to go back to the palace, my prince? - asked his mother, Maryse, tenderly stroking his cheek, causing Alec to show a shy smile.

-I'm dying to see Jace again- after almost three years of not catching up with his cousin, Alec couldn't wait a second to see the expression of Jace's face. –I just wish that Izzy could be here too…- .

-I know, dear. She said that she would come in a couple of months, then the three of you can play as you used too-.

-Mom! We´re not kids anymore- Alec said with a giggle.

-Well, you still behave as little kids… that makes us look bad at the eyes of our people- his father said from the front seat.

-How can you say that about your own children? The Queen Mother said that she was more than pleased with the kid's attitude- his mother answered. Robert was acting so distant and hateful lately.

-It's ok, mom. He says that because never knew what being a kid meant- he said, his father turned to look him eye to eye.

-Listen to me, Alexander. Listen very well! This is no vacation you're in! You came here to claim what is rightfully yours, thing that I couldn't do… If you fail, I'll make sure that you never see the palace gates again! Ever again, understood? - His father threatened him.

-Robert! - Maryse yelled troubled by her husband's words. Alec looked through the foggy window and saw his cousin approaching the limo slowly being followed by five guards. He cleaned it a little and when he made sure that Jace could see him, he waved. Jace's look changed immediately and he started walking faster with a huge smile on his face.

-Enough with the informal already. We're in the palace now, there are no displays of affection and you must be called by your distinctions- Robert reminded them.

-At least I can be a kid when you're not around- he said to Robert and got out of the limo to meet him.

-Alec, for Raziel! Is this who you call a visitor? This is no visitor! This is my favorite fool in the entire world! - said Jace patting his cousin's back.

-It's good to see you too, highness. - Jace scowled and guided him to the palace.

-Stop it! You're my cousin, you can call me as you want to- Jace assured him.

-I know, I was just mocking you! - said Alec rubbing his head.

-Well, mock the person not the hair! - He complaint happily.

-Right, sorry. Happy birthday, Jace! - He said hugging him strongly, his best birthday present had officially arrived.

-Thank you- he answered, Alec gave him a box. –What's this? - He asked.

-Something that you wanted since we were like 8 years old… - he announced.

-No way! It can't be…- he opened it revealing a copy of the original "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. –Mother of the angel! This is awesome! How did you get it? - the first time that Jace read that book was when his grandfather gave it to him, but then he lost the book and for years they were looking for a new one, but none seemed to be as special as his grandpa's.

-Get it? I found it, thank you very much! - Alec confessed.

-Where? - Jace wanted to know.

-That's doesn't matter, but if you don't believe me, open it- Alec said and Jace did, written on the back cover were some of the last words of his grandfather.

"I figured you'd stay with it someday, so ...To my dear grandson, Jonathan. Read it until you have nightmares about a huge green corpse and remember every word of Mary's story. Love, your grandfather Marcus. "

-Whoa, thanks, Alec. This is great… I guess I have a new bedtime story- Jace said with a smile and told the guards to give them some privacy.

-So how have you been? - Alec asked, Jace snored.

-You mean besides turning 18, discovering you're engaged to someone you've never seen and being yelled by your father almost all the time? Fine, I guess- he answered.

-C'mon, Goldilocks! It'll all be fine, you just have to see it from the bright side- Jace hated the nickname that the press had given to him when he was born, now everyone in Idris called him that.

-There's no bright side for now, Alec, you can bet that-.

-I've always admired your positivity, Oh, Izzy sent you something too! - He said getting a post card out of his pocket. Jace took it and looked at Izzy posing next to the ruins of Marmel's Castle.

"For my cousin, Jace.

You're getting old, man! Where's our sweet Jace that asked for a spaghetti bath on his fifth birthday? I hope you enjoy this day as much as you deserve and I also hope that my brother gives you this on time! I'll catch up with you soon, I promise! I miss you, I wish you the best and we'll meet as quickly as possible.

Give grandma, aunt Celine and Uncle Stephen a kiss from me.

Love you, crown prince!

Izzy."

-Well, as soon as I read Izzy's words the bright side of things seems to appear faster-Jace said leaving the postcard inside his grandpa's book.

-Let's try to focus on the girl, ok? You'll feel better if you see her as a friend!- Alec suggested.

-A friend? The little carrot hates me!- Jace commented.

-That's because you haven´t been friendly with her, you have to show the best of yourself. It'll be easier it you team up in this- he said, Jace appreciated Alec's advices, but he had no idea of what to do in that situation.

-How the hell do I do that?-.

The next day, Clary was sitting on the desk inside the palace's enormous studio. She felt more than uncomfortable and bored, she had to wear a puffy dress even for studying the Herondale's family tree, Lady Amatis said that As the Royal Bride she had to learn and know the names of every single member of the royal family, she didn't get to have a conversation with her about Luke, the whole situation was ridiculous! She repeated the story inside her mind once again: "King Edmund married Queen Linette and they had three children: Princess Ella, Princess Cecily and Prince William, then Prince William became the king and married Queen Theresa, they had two children: Princess Lucy and Prince James… " Suddenly a knock on the door distracted her.

-Enter- she said and when the door opened and Prince Jonathan came in. –What are you doing in here?-

-What a way to greet your future husband and king. Well, I just thought it would be nice to hold a more calm conversation with my fiancée, is that so bad?- he sat next to her, he was holding a little green box.

-When it comes to you it is. What's that?- she asked closing the book.

-Some kind of a peace offer- he gave it to her. She opened it looking suspiciously at him. It was a book, "The best drawing and painting techniques".

-Wow, now this is a detail! Thank you- she was surprised that someone like him could even think about being kind. –How did you know?- she asked. Maybe he wasn't so bad.

-Well, I talked about you with my cousin and he thought it would be a good idea- and he seemed the smug and obnoxious prince again, crushing Clary's hopes.

-It's good to know, Jace. I guess I'll have to thank Prince Alexander then… - she sighed.

-How did you call me?-.

-Jace. Doesn't your whole family call you that?-.

-Yes, only them. Why are you calling me that?-

-Fine! You're such a cry baby, your highness!-

-Hey, I'm trying to be understandable with you, ok? You think this is easy for me? Hell no! I had expectations and plans… - Clary forced her not to laugh, he had spent his entire life locked inside the palace, what kind of plans could he have? – Then they tell me I have to marry you! So let's make this a little less awful, alright?-

-What kind of things do you find awful?-.

-Well, to start with… You're not going to cry about your mom and beg to go home, right? That's pitiful!- Clary felt a little hurt by his words, she would miss her mother of course, but she wasn't going to make a scene in front of the kings as a three year old!

-No…- she answered.

-Good, now… You don't have to be affectionate with me or even friendly, just smile and hold my hand when I tell you, everyone will be pleased if we just pretend we like each other, understood?- Clary was speechless because of the anger so she just nodded.

-Anything else?-.

-Well, I cannot promise you that this will be easy and joyful. There's just one thing I can promise you: divorce. If you feel like you can't stand the palace and it's responsibilities anymore, you just tell me and I'll set you free, no conditions or tricks, you'll never have to see me again.-

To be continued…

Dreamer.