Valentine Morgestern

Valentine Morgenstern Part 4

As night fell on the day after we were engaged my mother brought all our friends and family together pretending we had decided to host an impromptu party but the real reason was so we could tell them the wonderful news. As we stood before them my sweaty palm found Valentine's and to my surprise his palm was equally as sweaty. We clasped hands tightly as everyone looked towards us expectantly.

"Jocelyn and I are engaged," Valentine announced as a wide grin spread across his face.

Lucian rushed to his feet and was the first to congratulate us.

"Congratulations Jocelyn!" He said as he hooked me into a hug. I smiled and hugged him tightly. A weight fell off my shoulders as I thanked my lucky stars that he was not jealous. I had feared he would feel left out and I did not want my best friend from childhood to be feel forgotten.

"Thank you Lucian," I murmured.

A small party started in our parlour as couples danced and Robert Lightwood began to work his charm on his fiancé Maryse Trueblood, they were due to be married in a few weeks and they were crazy about each other and so well matched. Lucian was chattering with Madeline on the balcony. I made my way over to them, hoping that this was perhaps a sign that my two friends would get together.

"Hello," Madeline said stiffly.

Stunned at her hostility I managed to utter a very low, "Hi."

"Are you actually going to marry that evil man?" She demanded. Her voice rose a fraction on the word evil emphasising her opinion of my fiancé.

Evil man? I dismissed the thought quickly. "He's not evil, he's wonderful!"

"Open your eyes Jocelyn! Perhaps I would be better to tell you to open your ears! He talks calmly about destroying Downworld because they have capabilities that surpass ours. He wants to keep the bloodline of Raziel pure. I do not like to be the person to tell you this but when people start to fall in such a fanatical and purist way it does not end well. Perhaps you have not been listening in the lectures we get about mundane history but I have and we have been told talk of purging or making things pure never ends well. If he's not careful he'll overreach himself and start a war, turning shadowhunter against shadowhunter!" Madeline's voice rose a few octaves, making her sound somewhat insane but at the same time my gut was telling me there was an odd clarity to what she was saying. Unfortunately this was not what I wanted to hear at my engagement party but then again was there ever a good time to tell someone her fiancé would start a war? Madeline probably thought it best to warn me before I got in too deep but because I didn't want to hear it I ignored it.

"You're just jealous," I retorted.

"Jealous?" She repeated disbelievingly, "Jealous! Jealous of what? Him? Do you know what I don't want to lose my friend over him but mark my words he is not who he says he is. Jocelyn be careful and when you realise what he is you can send me a fire message."

It was my turn to look at her in disbelief. "Madeline, wait I didn't mean it like that!" I called after her as she strolled back towards the parlour. She turned and smiled sadly at me.

"I know you didn't but I cannot stand that man. When you realise what he is I will be there for you but I cannot be around him. I will be sorry not to see you Jocelyn," she said gently and for a moment her sharp features softened and her hazel eyes lightened.

I rushed to her and hugged her. As I hugged her tightly I felt disgusted at myself I was choosing Valentine over one of my best friends but at the same time I felt irritated she knew I loved Valentine and she was forcing me to choose between them. After we parted, she squeezed my hand then slipped into the parlour, her long gown trailing behind her. I felt tears fill my eyes as I watched her slip out the parlour door, her silvery hair making her easily traceable. I followed her until she disappeared through the parlour door which led her out into the hall. My throat tightened as I realised I'd probably never see one of my best friends again. I fought my tears and swallowed hard as I hoped to ease the tightness in my throat.

Lucian patted my shoulder gently and I smiled at him sadly. He took me by the arm and led me into the parlour. Valentine immediately made his way towards us and he took me by the hand and led me to the makeshift dance floor. A space cleared in the centre of the floor. He kissed me softly and I felt myself melt, I loved him, I wanted him more than anything in this world and I'd do anything to keep him in my life.

At midnight everyone began to leave and I thanked people for coming, kissed family on the cheek and received many fond congratulations. Valentine left last. He kissed me lightly and I sunk into it, only to be disturbed by my Father clearing his throat. I blushed and stepped back.

"See you tomorrow?" I asked.

"See you tomorrow sweetheart," he agreed.

"Okay. Bye!" I grinned at him.

"Bye!" He smiled back.