They sat a low table while the Queen conversed with her handmaids.
"I thought you said she was ancient? She hasn't even hit puberty," Clary said as they gathered.
"She is ancient," Jace replied.
"Seelie magic can make her appear as any age she so desires," Serena explained.
"Genius. She tries to seem all innocent and cute, but really she's -"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Serena cut him off with a glare as the Queen approached.
"Hungry?" she asked before she sat, but no one made a move for the food.
"That's very kind, but we really should discuss business," Jace said politely.
"Business is boring. That's why I sent a proxy to the cabinet meeting as per usual," the Queen replied. "I'd like to know more about Valentine's child. As well as what he's done to Sweet Little Serena and her darling twin. Because while you may not be related, the same blood runs through your veins. The blood of the angel. Please, show me what it can do."
"My brother and Clary are still figuring out how it works, but I'd be glad to offer a demonstration, but I require aid," Serena offered, knowing that the Queen wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted.
"Very well, use me," she insisted, knowing Serena would never dare hurt her.
"As you wish."
Serena began to sing scale tones, willing the Queen to calm and as she expected a white wave of energy travelled with her voice and washed over the Queen who took a deep relaxing breath.
"Most impressive. I imagine it works better in anger-filled situations," she praised, and Serena nodded her head in confirmation.
"And you vampire? Are you still learning to walk in the sun?" the Queen asked.
"Wow. Word travels fast down here," Simon said with a nervous smile, trying to avoid the question.
"It does. I hear whispers from the birds, the bees and the bugs. They're all in my service," the Queen explained.
"So was Kaelie. Were you surprised to hear that one of your knights were killing Shadowhunters" Jace piped up, and his sister reach for his hand under the table, a silent warning to tread lightly.
The queen answered the question with a question.
"Were you? Kaelie was your lover."
"Book club, huh?" Clary smirked.
"I was surprised," Jace answered, ignoring Clary's comment. "Kaelie didn't seem capable of such brutality."
"Precisely why she made an effective killer. The sweeter the honey, the deadlier the trap," the Queen responded.
"Did Kaelie kill on her own? Or was she working with someone else?" Clary asked.
The Queen was aided as she stood before picking up an apple from the table and tossing it in the air.
"Another knight helped. But I took care of him."
"By took care of, you mean...." Simon began.
"Dead, dead, dead," The Queen finished, her fangs growing as she bit into the apple before tossing it onto the table.
"I'd like a moment alone with the Daylighter," the Queen ordered.
"My Queen, if you wouldn't mind, perhaps you could discuss here. We'd prefer to not be separated," Serena asked kindly when she saw the nervous looks on both Simon and Clary's faces.
The Queen merely placed a hand on her cheek as she gazed into Serena's blue eyes.
"Don't worry, Lady Herondale, I'll return Simon with all his limbs attached. You have my word."
The two departed, Simon sending words of comfort and a small glance to Clary before disappearing into the trees.