Clary's POV
When I wake up the next day, I remember that I only have a couple of hours to work then it's off to meet Jace, with Brooklyn. I gently shake Brooklyn to wake her up. "Good morning Momma," Brooklyn says, yawning.
"Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?" I ask my daughter.
"Yes. How long do I have to work today?" She asks me while rubbing her eyes and stretching.
"Well… not for long. You are going to meet Prince Jace," I tell her hoping she'll like the idea.
"Really?" Brooklyn asks star struck.
"Yes, Now go get changed. We have an easy day today!" I tell her. She jumps out of bed and quickly changes into her work clothes. After I change and French braid her hair it's 6:00 in the morning.
...
After breakfast it's 6:45. I drop Brooklyn off at the stables where all the other children are, and head to the wash room.
Aline pulls me aside. "So I heard the prince likes you," She says accusingly, like it's my fault.
"I- I don't think so. He just wants be to draw for the palace." I stutter. She's probably jealous because she wants the Prince's attention.
"You better watch yourself, Clarissa," She hisses. "Now get to work."
I walk away and grab a huge basket of wash to fold. Ugh, I hate her, but I have to be nice to her. I do not want to be fired or worse, and leave Brooklyn. I don't think I could bare to lose her, she is the only one I have! Especially with Simon gone… I start to tear up at the thought of Simon. No. I will not cry. Not here anyway. I quickly wipe my tears away before anyone can see them.
An hour later I have half of the basket done and am a little tired. I feel someone tap my shoulder. I turn around and it's Jordan. He's Aline's boss.
He pulls out a cup of something that smells really good. "Compliments of the prince. It's coffee," Jordan says smiling. I take the cup and taste it. It tastes amazing. I drink a little more and it perks me up.
"Thank you! I'll tell the prince when I see him this afternoon," I tell Jordan. He nods and walks away. The coffee is warming my hand, and I smile.
...
When one o'clock finally rolls around I have two baskets of wash folded. I walk over to Aline and she nods her head, silently telling me to go meet the prince. I walk away and climb the cobblestone steps. It's time to see the prince, with Brooklyn.
I walk into the stables and call out, "Brooklyn? Honey it's time to go," I call out. She runs out of Angel's stall. "Ready?"
"Yes momma," She says and waves goodbye to her best friend, Rose.
When we get to the gardens, Jace is sitting on a bench there. He sees us and stands. "Hello Clarissa. This is your daughter?" He asks.
"Yes," I say to him. I turn to Brooklyn, "Brooklyn say hello to the prince."
"Hello you're Highness. It's nice to meet you," Brooklyn says politely, and curtsies.
"Hello Miss Brooklyn. It is nice to meet you, too," Jace says, and bows to her. "How old are you?"
"I am six, turning seven in two months," She says, still smiling.
"Clarissa… I am going to call you Clary. Clarissa is such a mouthful." states Jace.
"Clary would you mind having Brooklyn sitting on Angel?" I nod.
"Brooklyn come with me. You are getting your picture drawn. And you get to sit one Angel," I tell Brooklyn. She nods and starts to walk towards the stables. I trail along beside Jace.
"Your daughter is so sweet. She has your beautiful green eyes," He says. I blush. "But I must ask. Who was Brooklyn's father?"
I tense. This is still a touchy subject for me. "His name was Simon Lewis. He… passed away about two years ago," I say.
"Oh. I am so sorry," He says, sympathy and something like understanding in his tawny eyes.
"It's fine. Anyway… thank you for the coffee this morning," I say, changing the subject.
"You're welcome. I had some hot chocolate sent over to Brooklyn too," By that time, we have arrived at the stables. Brooklyn already has Angel tied to the pasture gate.
Jace walks over and picks up Brooklyn sitting her side saddle on Angels back. I sit on the grass and begin drawing.
...
Two hours later I have the drawing done. I smile at my work. Perfect, I think. I hand the drawing to Jace. He looks at it and smiles.
"It is wonderful. Thank you for drawing it for me," Jace says. "Meet me in my room at noon tomorrow. I would like to have lunch with you and Brooklyn."
I grin and nod. He kisses my cheek, stands up, and walks away.
