Disclaimer; I don't own anything apart from the plot.

Chapter 2

The majestic view of the luxurious palace left Clarissa astounded. In front of this decadence, all her worries were immediately forgotten. She could not believe her eyes. She knew that the palace was awesome, but she had not, until now, realized that it was that awesome. She could not wait to go back to the House and tell Madame Imogen and the girls about it.

If she went back, she thought halfheartedly.

Her misfortune was unfathomed. Despite, all the horrid things she had gone through, still there were many more awaiting her. Why, she had done nothing after all.

Then, the moment she was ready to get into the palace, a group of frivolous girls rushed towards the palace's gate and she suddenly found herself on the ground. Clarissa did not gasped from surprise or pain, did not cry or squalled; she just got up again, despite her bloodied hands and knees or her torn dress. Worse things were done to her everyday and she never reacted. Why start now?

Breath Clary, she told herself and got into the palace.

Chapter 3

Isabelle Lightwood, the closest thing the king had to a sister, was walking maniacally in the palace corridors, searching for his majesty. Twenty minutes, before the official opening of the royal dance, which was especially organized for the selection of the new queen, his queen, and he was disappeared, doing who knew what.

Daughter of the Queen's lady in waiting, Isabelle was raised in the palace, along with the king, since he happened to be just a couple of months older than her. Her brother Alec and Jonathan, the consultant's son may indeed be Jace's best friends, but Isabelle held a special place in the king's heart.

In opposition to her brother and Jonathan, who never objected to the craziness of their king, being no better than him, Isabelle was always the mind of reason in their little company. Despite being a girl, she never hesitated to scold him when he crossed the limits, which was quite often and today was no exception.

Sincerely speaking, the king had not really disappeared; everyone that worked or lived in the palace knew where he was. The problem was that none dared go find him and tell him that it was about time to make his appearance to the royal ball, which was especially organized for his majesty. Well, none apart from Isabelle. For her, his instructions of not being disturbed when his was in his private quarters working, was of trivial importance.

Here we are, Isabelle thought when turning around the east corridor and coming face to face with his majesty and his work, that had just exit one of his numerous chambers. His work was a beautiful blonde courtesan with rich bust and long legs. Seeing her, Jace whispered something in his mistress's ear and then waving her hair she disappeared towards the other end of the corridor.

"Isabelle" Jace said embracing her from her waist and urging her to start walking again. "I was starting to wonder where you are. Why so late this time?" he asked her smiling sardonically.

"Oh, I hadn't realize, my king, that I was the one being late. "Isabelle sweetly said.

"Better not happen again, then miss." The king had not finished saying when his companion smacked the back of his head.

"Ouch, why did you do this Izzy?" the king said rubbing his head. "It really hurt."

"Well, it should. When will stop being so immature Jace?" she told him disappointed.

"Isabelle, I was just making a joke. Why did you get so angry with it? It is not like the first time." He said wounded.

"I am not angry about your ridiculous unfunny joke Jace. I am angry about all this." She said showing him the space around her.

"What? Don't you like the palace's decoration for the ball?" Sorry Iz, I can do nothing about it right now. The ball starts in any moment."

"No, Jace. Do not pretend that you do not understand. We both know you do. You are very clever."

"Thank you"

"Jace" she said sighting "Why are you doing this, the ball, I mean?" she specified her question, not living him room for more prevarications.

"You already know why. I am holding this ball in order to find a girl suitable to be my wife and queen." He said decisively.

"And what about this other girl, my king" Isabelle said smiling sweetly. If he were to play with her, she would too.

"This girl is completely irrelevant with my future wife." He stubbornly retorted her.

"Jace, I hope you understand the absurdity of your words."

"I might" he guiltily accepted. He hated lying to Isabelle.

"So, please tell me what is really going on. Because, honestly, did you think that I wound not react in your sudden decision to get married? And what about all these secret meetings with Valentine and the boys?" Isabelle asked seriously.

"Well, I will tell you, since you want to know so badly." The king sarcastically said. The main reason she had not told Isabelle, was because he was ashamed of what he was about to do and she knew that Isabelle would be downright against it. He didn't want to see the disgust in her eyes when he told him.

But it was actually worst than he thought. When he finished narrating Valentine's plan, Isabelle didn't look him with disgust but with disappointment and that was far worst.

"Isabelle, please" Jace said to her, pleading her to let him explain himself. "I know that what I am about to do is awful, but please you have to understand that I do not really have another choice. I do it for my people".

"I understand Jace why are you are marrying and I know you well enough to actually believe you when saying that this is the only way you can do this marriage. But, my king, this is not the only way. I candidly believe that you are a far better person, a person able to do honest and great things."

"Isabelle…"the king looked his sisterly friend with sadness in his eyes. This was the first time she had talked to him like this. He talked to him with respect, like he was really her king. Jace suddenly felt shame. He didn't deserve all that faith." I hope I will make you true." he said avoiding eye contact.

"Excuse me, now." Isabelle said giving him a quick kiss on the cheek."I have a ball to attend." She said smiling and went to leave.

"Isabelle" Jace yelled her name, while she was just getting down the stairs.

"Will you take care of her?"

"Of course, Jace" she said smiling. "I knew that you were not such a jackass after all."

Thank you for your amazing response to the first chapter. Your reviews really made my day. Each one of them made me smile. Really.

So… more characters are starting to make their appearance slowly slowly. What did you think of Isabelle, and most of all Clarissa?

Xoxo,

edwartforever.