Chain of Iron

Chapter Thirty-Six

"Oh, Daisy, it is simply beautiful." Lucie spoke, seeming in awe.

Cordelia beamed happily at Lucie who was looking down at the charm bracelet she had gotten her for her birthday. Cordelia had purchased the gift even before she had moved here to London, knowing that it would be perfect for Lucie's birthday. Cordelia had put a charm of the Eiffel Tower, representing how they had first met in Paris, and a novel, representing Lucie's book The Beautiful Cordelia. She had put many other charms on the bracelet but those two were her favourite.

"I am so pleased that you like it, Luce." Cordelia smiled.

Lucie smiled up at her and then a mischievous grin overtook her face as she looked over at James who was speaking to Gideon Lightwood. "You and Jamie are wearing matching couples costumes, I see."

Cordelia blushed and rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, do not tease me, Lucie. James and I only wished to honour your writing and dress up as characters that you created."

Her best friend giggled. "Whatever you say, Daisy."

Cordelia swatted at her, playfully, and then Lucie left to go greet some of her other guests. She followed Lucie with her eyes to see that she had gone over to Matthew and Cordelia immediately averted her eyes. She had been avoiding Matthew for the whole party, after they had almost kissed the night before, and he seemed to be avoiding her as well. Cordelia wondered if this would be how their new relationship would be; avoiding one another. She found herself walking over to Alastair who was dressed as Niccolò Machiavelli, who had written his favourite book, The Prince.

"Why are you not with your husband?" Her brother asked in an amused tone at the sight of Cordelia.

"I thought I would take a break from him to come speak with my brother." She replied.

Alastair looked amused as his dark eyes darted around the party. "I must say, Layla, that you have outdone yourself with this party. I did not know you had quite the creative streak with deciding the theme."

Cordelia felt surprised. "You seem to be in a very good mood today."

"Do I?" Alastair asked simply.

Cordelia nodded her head. She wondered if his mood had anything to do with the fact that she had seen Alastair speaking with Thomas Lightwood earlier; she had noticed his gaze drifting towards Thomas more and more often in the recent weeks and it made Cordelia happy. She only hoped that Thomas fancied men just as her brother did. She suspected that he did.

"It makes me happy to see you happy, Alastair." Cordelia spoke in a low voice, putting a tender hand on her brother's arm.

Alastair looked down at her, surprise evident on his face. It was not often that Cordelia and Alastair showed affection to one another but she felt herself feel genuine happiness at the sight of his good spirits. He only smiled and then laid his hand on top of hers, affectionately. Alastair then left to go speak to Will Herondale and Cordelia was left alone once again. She smiled at everyone, seeming as if they were enjoying themselves and felt glad that Lucie's party was going smoothly. Lucie definitely deserved it.

"Hello, Miss Cordelia." A voice snapped her out of her trance.

She turned to see Cecily Lightwood standing before her, offering Cordelia a smile. Her long black hair was pinned to the sides, as to not get in her face and blue eyes were filled with warmth. She looked much more like Will than Cordelia had thought and now realized that she had never actually had a conversation with Lucie and James' Aunt before. She was holding a small boy in her arms and Cordelia knew this to be little five year old Alexander.