Chain of Thorns

Chapter 2:

Cordelia woke to find herself in James' arms. She had no idea how she had gotten here. Perhaps Matthew had moved her? She didn't care, she could here crowds spilling into the Institute as she moved. She hadn't noticed, but James was smiling at her. She gasped, flushing bright red.

"Oh, I didn't mean to disturb your sleep, you looked so peaceful-"

"No, It's fine. I felt better anyway and woke up with you somehow in my arms."

"Again, I don't know how I got here-"

He waved her away with a simple flick of the hand and got up, putting his hand to his head.

"Where's Grace?" Cordelia asked.

"She walked in and saw you in my arms, then left without a word."

"Well, we should both change into better clothes. You are in pajamas, and my hair is dreadfully tousled."

She went out of their room and into the bathroom. She was halfway changed when he walked into the bathroom. She shrieked, he looked up and kind of half smiled, trying to shake the feeling that he was in a room with his half naked wife.

"Ah, maybe I should go-"

"Yes, maybe you should," Cordelia said firmly and pushed him out with a pleasant smile. By the time she had fully changed and decorated her hair with berries, James was waiting for her at the door. He looked absolutely beautiful in evening wear that she had to force herself to stop moaning.

"You look lovely, Daisy," James said with a smile.

She did look lovely; wearing a champagne gown with white mistletoe berries in her hair. She had a blanket draped over her shoulders for warmth. He offered his hand to her, she took it gratefully. They went down the stairs and Matthew was greeting a beautiful lady with black hair and a pastel lilac gown.

"Who's that?" She whispered to James.

"No idea," James said. "Probably one of Matthew's friends."

Matthew, taking the lady's hand, darted over at the sight of them and introduced the lady to James and Cordelia.

"Ah, Jasmine, dear, this is James and Cordelia. Two of my closest friends, who are gladly married as well. James, Daisy, this is Jasmine Penhallow, of the York Institute. She lives there now. Who is also my fiancé."

Cordelia gasped; James held his hitch in breath with a smile.

"Well, congratulations, Matthew, and you too Jasmine. Matthew! Is this why you planned the party? Your engagement party?"

"Uh, well, yes. Maybe."

"Matthew!"

Jasmine took her fiancé's hand and kissed his cheek.

"Yes, I am very happy to be engaged to this wonderful man, who happens to be your parabatai. Come on Math, let's dance," Jasmine said.

Cordelia, stunned, took James and led him into a corner. She spotted Lucie, she had been looking around frantically for her since she came down the stairs.

"I am glad for Matthew , truly, but they are engaged?" Cordelia asked.

"Matthew never said anything about a girl who was from New York. Who, is pretty."

"James!"

"Okay, I was kidding, there could be nobody more beautiful than you."

"Haha- what?"

James went red. He clearly had not meant those words to escape him. She put her hands on her hips.

"James, what's wrong? Tell me."

"There has been a problem, for a month at least." He exhaled. "I love you, Daisy. I bloody love you. Ever since the bracelet fell off, I have found myself falling for you. I love you, god, I love you."

"I had not expected that."

"It's alright, you can push me away in disgust now."

"No, James-"

She came up to him and laid a gloved hand on his cheek.

"I love you too."

They were only 4 simple words, but each of them made a new spark in James' chest. Sparks of amusement and happiness. He opened his mouth, nd closed it, then slowly drew her against him. He crushed his lips on hers and she gave a little gasp before closing her eyes. His hands went to his waist and her hands grasped a fistful of black hair and pulled him towards her, trying to get closer. He drew back, flushing furiously.

"We shouldn't have done that at Matthew's engagement party," he began, his voice hoarse.

"Yes," Cordelia agreed. "We have much more time at night."

Lucie, who was staring, raced over and hugged Cordelia.

"Oh, how I have missed you," Lucie gasped.

Cordelia stood frozen.

"Lucie! Where have you been this entire time?"

Her eyes flew away from her gaze, telling Cordelia that she would lie.

"Helping Aunt Charlotte study the ruins of Chiswick House," she said. James started whistling and gave Cordelia a sign that he was going to go to talk to Thomas and Christopher. She nodded.

"Oh, well, it's getting late," Lucie said to try and get herself out of the situation. "We should go to our rooms."

"Yes," Cordelia agreed. She went to get James, who nodded and led them up the stairs. The moment Cordelia fell into bed, she closed her eyes and dreamed. She had James who confessed his love for her. Lucie, to be her parabatai and a new life in London. She couldn't wait for tomorrow.

I know this is a boring chapter, and long one too. Still, I hope you enjoy. 

- Daisy