Howl's Moving Castle Fan Fiction ❯ The Battles of Peacetime ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

AN: Welcome back to chapter 2! Thank you so much to my reviewers! I really appreciated all the wonderful comments.

 

This AN is going to be a tad longer because we have come to the point in the story where I need to explain exactly how the book and movie rattled around in my head and eventually became one.

 

Here's the deal, the events in the movie all happened. The minor changes taken from the book are as follows:

 

Sophie has two sisters as well as her stepmother Fanny. Sisters are Lettie and Martha. Martha was the one we saw in the movie working at Cesari's. Lettie was the other sister apprenticed to a witch near Kingsbury.

 

I am replacing the female Suliman in the movie with the female she was actually based on from the book, Howl's teacher Mrs. Pentstemmon. Basically, in my story it was Mrs. Pentstemmon who did the things to Howl that Madame Suliman did in the movie. Does that make sense?

 

So … who is Suliman you ask? Well, in the book, Suliman was another of Mrs. Pentstemmon's apprentices. Course, Suliman is a MAN in the book. Thus he is a man in my story.

 

I hope this makes sense to all my readers out there. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in a review or something similar and I will try to answer them all in next weeks upload of the new chapter.

 

DISCLAIMER: Once again, don't own Howl or Sophie. Not even Calcifer … although a fire demon would probably be extremely useful on occasion … Howl's Moving Castle is the property of Diana Wynne Jones for the novel and Miyazaki for the movie. I do not own them, and am making nothing from the publishing of this story on the internet.

 

 

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The Battles of Peacetime

Chapter 2

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Justin leaned back in his chair, watching the interplay between his old companions. Luncheon had been surprisingly delightful thus far. He had found himself enjoying sparring with Howl for Sophie's attention, and of course, he had enjoyed watching Sophie. She was so considerate of the others, seeing to their needs first, ensuring the conversation flowed … the perfect hostess … the perfect bride for a prince. She was his true love after all. Unfortunately, that didn't mean he was hers. His attention was so focused on her, there was no way he could have missed her glimpses, however brief, at Howl.

 

He smiled into his tea as he took a sip, that didn't mean he had to make it easy for the wizard.

 

Sophie stood again, this time to help Granny back to her comfortable chair in the corner, and he noted her lunch was hardly touched and her tea was cold. He lifted the kettle and shook his head noting it was empty, then smoothly stood and plucked Granny from Sophie's arms, helping her himself.

 

“Oh! Thank you, Justin, but really I can do …” Sophie began, but Granny cut her off.

 

“Oh, what a handsome man!” Granny chuckled as she leaned against Justin more than necessary.

 

Justin almost fell over, but the thought of himself sprawled ignominiously on the floor with Granny on top of him was enough to help him catch his balance, “I can help Granny to her chair. You sit and eat, you've hardly touched your meal. As soon as I'm finished with this, I'll make you some more tea, now sit.”

 

Sophie blinked at him, then sat back down, and stared at her plate, realizing how little she'd actually eaten.

 

Howl smirked watching Justin attempt to jostle Granny into her chair, and had to cover his laugh when she almost succeeded in pulling the prince down into her lap. Perhaps now the upstart understood why Sophie was the one who always helped Granny around.

 

He glanced at Sophie at the same moment she glanced at him and both almost lost their composure. He grinned wider as he noticed her bite her lips together, desperately trying to contain herself, as Granny grabbed at Justin's coat wrinkling it horribly and almost succeeding in pulling it off of him.

 

Markel was not as successful. He began to laugh. Hard. Sophie kicked him under the table and that succeeded in quieting him a bit, but snorts kept coming from behind the hand he clamped over his mouth.

 

Justin, red from embarrassment and the exertions of his struggles, finally escaped from Granny's clutches, and ran a hand through his hair to straighten it. He cleared his throat to help cover his embarrassment as he straightened his coat and shirt sighing at the wrinkles that would not brush out, “Now …” he grabbed the tea kettle from the table and went to fill it with water.

 

Howl chuckled, “Good luck getting Cal to heat that for you. These days even I have a hard time getting him to cook. Sophie's the only one he seems to listen to.”

 

Justin strode over to Calcifer, frustration from his encounter with Granny adding a certain heat to his tone, “Oh, I don't know … after all, the tea is for Sophie, so it's not me he's denying tea. I'm merely trying to make sure Sophie has enough. I can't help but worry she isn't being looked after just as well as she looks after all of you. Now, Calcifer, if you don't mind, some tea for the lovely lady who cares so much for you all.”

 

Calcifer turned varying shades of red and orange sputtering indignantly.

 

Sophie, smothering her laugh with a smile spoke softly from the table, “Please Calcifer, I would like some more tea.”

 

Calcifer spared a glower for the prince and grumbled, “Only because Sophie asked and because it's for her.” At that Calcifer bent his head and allowed the kettle to be placed on him.

 

Sophie took a bite of her sandwich and sighed, watching the Prince's stiff back knowing his pride was definitely smarting. She knew he was merely trying to be nice and gain her favour. But, if he thought insinuating she was not being well taken care of was how to go about it, he was mistaken.

 

Justin waited for the kettle to begin whistling, then plucked it up and walked over to the table. He added the leaves and once it had steeped to his satisfaction, he poured Sophie a fresh cup. “There you are my dear, do you require anything else?”

 

Sophie shook her head and decided to wade in and say something before a certain smirking wizard did and things got out of hand, “No … thank you Justin. Please understand though, I like taking care of everything, really I do.”

 

Justin smiled and shook his head at her, “Of course you do, I know that about you perfectly well, doesn't mean someone shouldn't take care of you once in a while.”

 

Sophie blushed at that suggestion, thinking about Howl's behaviour just that morning. Howl apparently had the same thought, because he gave Sophie a wicked glance that made her blush even harder, before he raised an eyebrow at Justin, “And who's to say we don't? I daresay we do watch out for her, just in different ways. Besides, I think our Sophie is outspoken enough to say something if she's feeling neglected.”

 

Sophie noticed the spark of battle enter Justin's eyes and, knowing Howl would probably love to spar with the prince, cut off Justin's come-back by pouring him more tea, relying on his manners to help with a change of subject.

 

He blinked at her for a moment, set a tad off course by her action, “Oh, thank you Sophie.”

 

She smiled, “Of course, so tell me, are you adjusting to life as a prince again?”

 

Justin recovered quickly at the change of topic and grinned charmingly at her, “Ah Sophie, if only you knew how I longed for the days of being a mere scarecrow … able to come and go as I please, do as I wished, go where I desired. My only worry was some peasant chasing after me with a torch.”

 

Sophie shook her head, smiling affectionately at him. He preened and noticed Howl wilt once more. “Surely it can't be all that bad.”

 

Justin slanted a smug look at Howl before answering, “Well, why don't you come and visit me sometime soon and find out?”

 

Excitement lit her eyes, “Oh, that sounds lovely!” Justin grinned at her response, then the grin on his face froze as she turned to Howl and continued, “Howl, do you suppose we could?”

 

Justin could smell the triumph coming off Howl as he responded, “Of course, my dear,” and turned to Justin, the triumph glowing in his blue eyes, “Does a week from today for dinner suit you?”

 

Justin sighed and accepted the inevitable as he stood, “Yes, that should work, I'll send you an official invite to confirm, but for now, I'm afraid I really must be going, I've stayed too long as it is.”

 

Sophie stood as well, “It's been lovely to see you again, and I shall look forward to visiting you soon.”

 

Howl and Markel stood politely, “I'll show you out then,” Howl spoke, gesturing for Justin to precede him.

 

Justin nodded, then, flashing Howl a defiant glance, clasped Sophie's hand in his and bowed over it, kissing her knuckles gently. “Until then, dearest Sophie,” then, he straightened holding her hand a moment more than necessary and smiled into her eyes, noting the blush on her cheeks. He tipped his hat to Granny and Markel and said, “Good day,” to Calcifer, before following Howl to the door. He paused a moment and smirked at Howl, “I shall see you before long then.”

 

Howl nodded, then reached out a hand, “Until then.”

 

Justin knew a challenge when he heard one. He took the offered hand and shook it, “Until then.” With that, he turned and stepped back into the bustling streets of Kingsbury knowing a new war was now fully engaged.

 

********

 

Howl closed the door and leaned back against it. He ran a distracted hand through his hair and plucked the slightly wilted bluebells out from behind his ear, gazing at them. He twirled them in his hand watching as they spun gently back and forth, letting the movement focus him and allowing him to get his emotions back under control. He listened absently to the sounds of Sophie cleaning up luncheon and the others as they moved about, helping her.

 

“Howl?” Sophie's voice called down the stairs.

 

He glanced up at her, smiling, “I have something I need to take care of, I'll be back soon.” With that he turned the knob black down and disappeared out the door.

 

Sophie sighed as Howl slipped out, shaking her head. She brought the last of the dishes to where Markel was washing them and brushed off her hands on her apron. As she turned to check all the dishes were gathered, something caught her eye, “Oh! Where did the roses come from?”

 

Markel answered from the sink, “Prince Justin brought them, I wasn't sure where you'd want them, so I just put them in a vase and set them over there.”

 

Sophie crossed over to the small table next to the comfortable chair Granny was starting to doze in and gently brushed a finger over the soft red petals, “What a lovely gift. I shall have to be sure to thank him. I'll send him a note.” With that she bustled over to her work area and retrieved a pen and paper. She brought it over to the hearth and began to scribble a note. She paused for a moment, then shook her head, “I don't know how to address him … Ah well, I suppose simplicity is best.”

 

“Sophie?” Calcifer spoke from the hearth watching her as she finished her note and slipped it into an envelope.

 

“Yes Cal?” Sophie responded absently, writing the Prince's name on the envelope. “Markel, when you're finished there, would you please deliver this to the castle for me?”

 

Markel set down the last of the dishes and dashed over to take the letter from her, “I'm ready to do it now, I'll be back soon!” And with that he dashed out the Kingsbury door.

 

“Do you love Howl?”

 

Sophie froze at the question from Calcifer, then turned and looked at him, a slight blush staining her cheeks, “Well, yes I do love him …”

 

“Then, why are you going to visit Prince Justin?”

 

Sophie smiled, “Justin is a friend, and I'm curious.”

 

“Curious?” Calcifer leaned a little closer, gazing into Sophie's face.

 

“Well, yes … I've only been to the palace once when I visited Mrs. Pentstemmon, Howl's old teacher. At the time, I was more worried about surviving the encounter, than observing my surroundings and I'd really like to see it again, see how royalty lives.” She stood and wandered to her worktable which held the flowers she and Howl had gathered and vases from the flower shop, and began making arrangements absently. “I do wonder how long it will be before the repairs are finished in Market Chipping. I miss our little shop.”

 

Calcifer paused for a moment considering if he should let Sophie get away with such a blatant change of topic, then shrugged, “I'm sure it won't be long Sophie, Howl will make sure of that.”

 

And with that, the conversation turned to war recovery efforts and rebuilding.

 

********

 

Howl wearily stepped through the door and into his home.

 

Home.

 

It was such an abstract concept. Many of his spells made more sense than the concept of home to him … but since Sophie came, that's what it was. He slowly made his way to the chair in front of the hearth, his feathers melting from him. He slumped into the chair, sighing.

 

Calcifer eyed Howl from the hearth cautiously, “You were gone a while … Justin sent his note, it's on the table over there.”

 

“Not enough is being done Calcifer. So many people were hurt by the war, and not enough is being done yet to help them. Even now soldiers pillage innocent people and buildings continue to burn. I do what I can to help some, but so many suffer … and the wizards …”

 

“Howl?”

 

Howl sat up abruptly at the soft call of Sophie's voice and turned, his charming smile pasted into place, “Sophie, what are you doing up so late, you should be in bed …” he drank in the sight of her standing there in her white nightdress. Her bare feet peeped from beneath the hem. The soft fabric caressed her figure beneath it as her hair caressed her shoulders. Deep brown eyes gazed at him with a hint of worry beneath. After witnessing so much death and pain, he felt even more drawn to her innocent beauty. He didn't even realize he had stood and was walking toward her.

 

Sophie watched him come, his smile faltering slightly, changing, his blue eyes gazing intently at her. What his intent was, she didn't know, wasn't sure if he even knew, and then he was standing directly in front of her. She had to tilt her head back to look up into his face, “I heard a noise and hoped it was you. I was worried when you were gone so long.”

 

Howl's hand rose to brush some hair from her shoulder, the silken strands slithering through his fingers, “No need to worry Sophie, I just had some things I had to take care of after our royal visitor left.” He couldn't keep the slightly sarcastic tone from his voice.

 

Sophie let the tone pass for a moment and instead focused on what she truly wanted to know, “What `things'?” She watched his face as he stared, almost fascinated, at the play of her hair in his fingers, then watched as those intent blue eyes turned their focus back to her.

 

He slid a hand to her shoulder and turned her to face her room, then his hand slid to the small of her back as he began to move her in the direction of her bed. “'Things' better left for the light of day to discuss...” …or to hope you forget about, Howl added silently in his head as he eased her through her doorway and closed it gently after them. It was then, however, Sophie dug her heels in.

 

“Howl Jenkins, you are not fobbing me off that easily. I will break you of your slither-outer ways, now what `things'?”

 

Howl sighed, then shifted, he hadn't noticed in the darkness of the parlour, but here with the moon behind her, her nightgown was practically see-through. He shifted uncomfortably, “If you get into bed, I will consider telling you.”

 

Sophie dug in harder, “Howl …” he sighed at the warning tone in her voice. “If you must know, I was seeing what exactly your dear Prince was doing to help solve the problems the aftermath of war always brings. That's all.”

 

Sophie paused, trying to read his eyes, but his gaze had moved to the moon through her window. She reached up with a hand and touched his shoulder. It had the desired effect, his eyes moved from the moon to her small hand, white against the blue of his shirt, then up her arm and finally once again blue met brown. “And, what did you see?”

 

Howl sighed and turned from her, sitting on the edge of the bed, “Mrs. Nose, someday that curiosity will get you into trouble.”

 

Sophie smiled as she sat beside him, “But not today.” He glanced at her and she warmed inside as he gave her a small, but genuine smile in return. His fingers reached out to lace in hers, “Ah, Sophie … there is still so much that needs to be done. I know it's only been a couple of weeks, but … so many things are not even started. Wizards were used in the war for destruction, now … so few are doing what they can to repair what they caused.”

 

Sophie squeezed his fingers in hers, “You do more than your share Howl,” she laughed softly at the surprise in his face, “I know you better than you think.”

 

Howl gazed at her, an arrested expression in his eyes, then he leaned down and his lips met hers, his only thought in wanting to capture that laughter and share in it. Sophie's hand tightened in his for a moment, then he felt her lips move beneath his as she began to return his kiss.

 

Inside, Howl cheered, he slid his free hand around to cup the back of her head and tilt it for a better fit. Then, slowly and cautiously, his tongue moved to caress her lower lip.

 

Sophie stiffened at the feel of Howl's warm tongue caressing her, but quickly relaxed again at the gentle soothing movement of his hand on the back of her head. She took in the feel of him and allowed her body to react how it would. She felt herself melt into him and her cheeks heated slightly at the feel of her breasts pressing against his hard chest. Then, she noticed something. She could feel their hearts, beating in time with each other. With that observation, Sophie gave herself over to Howl for the moment and sighed into his mouth.

 

Howl, never one to miss an opportunity, used this one to allow his tongue to explore further. It slipped into Sophie's mouth and began a gentle exploration. He almost spoiled the effect when Sophie's tongue moved to tentatively stroke his and he felt like crowing in triumph. At that tentative touch, he felt his every nerve come alive and start to dance. He slipped his hand from hers and wrapped it around her, pulling her even closer.

 

Sophie was surprised to find herself enwrapped in Howl's arms, and was even more surprised to find her arms had slithered around his neck and were clutching him to her as though she were a starving woman and he was her first meal in months. She felt a blush creep up her neck at that thought, but was still startled when Howl broke the kiss, and pulled away the merest bit to gaze into her eyes. The look in his eyes shook Sophie to her core.

 

His blue eyes were bright and full of fire. She could see a hunger shining out at her, blazing strong, but underneath it was a tenderness she could feel in his hand as it began to once again stroke through her hair. Her hand reached up, fingers tentatively stroking his jaw.

 

“Ah, Sophie, how is it the smallest touch of your hand can drive every thought from my head except one.”

 

“Which one is that?” Sophie whispered, terrified and at the same time, eager for the answer. She felt a thrill rush through her as the heat in Howl's eyes intensified and his hand moved, his thumb caressing beneath her jaw and tilting her head up.

 

“This.”

 

Sophie gasped as he claimed her mouth, and it was a claiming this time. His lips and tongue moved over hers possessively as his hands began to move over her back and hips caressing and massaging, moulding her curves in his hands. She shuddered against his hard chest, her hands clutching the fabric of his shirt over his shoulders. Her head was swimming. All she could do was trust her body's response to these new sensations. She could feel some sort of heat begin to pool in her body. She heard a soft muffled moan and was surprised to realize it was hers.

 

Howl must have heard it too, because he gently began to try to untangle himself from her. She looked up at him, her eyes dazed, her fingers still clutching him, not wanting to let him go. What she saw in his face made her clutch at him a little tighter. His eyes rushed to hers. Both of them were breathing in small pants, “Sophie, I … I don't want to …”

 

Sophie shuddered at the breathless tone in his voice as he spoke, “Why?”

 

Howl froze in her arms, his hand rose to unsteadily caress her cheek with the back of his knuckles, “I don't want to rush you … or me.”

 

Sophie gazed up at him, searching his face, “Do you think we are?” One hand released its death grip on his shirt to trace his lips with a finger, a fascinated look on her face.

 

Howl couldn't help himself, his tongue darted out to taste her skin. He drew her digit into his mouth and nibbled on it lightly, watching her face.

 

Her eyes watched his mouth as he nibbled on her finger, playing with it. She drew in an uneven breath, then her eyes rose to gaze into Howl's. He felt his entire body tense as he gazed into eyes that had darkened to molten chocolate, and he knew he was lost. His hand traced up her arm to her hand and eased her finger from his mouth lacing his fingers with hers as he spoke, the words ripped from him helplessly, “I hope not …” and with that he pushed her back onto the soft bedspread and took her mouth again.

 

Sophie gasped into his mouth startled at the sensation of the bed beneath her and the man above her. The abruptness of it awakened her from her daze and she withdrew, her hands sliding from his shirt to press gently on his shoulders.

 

Howl allowed her to push him away a little, then gazed down at her. His hands clenched in the blanket on either side of her at the picture she presented. Her eyes were now a warm, velvety brown, lips swollen from his attentions. Her hair was spread across her pillow in a silver fan. The soft cotton of her gown accented every curve, he wrenched his eyes back to hers as he felt his control slip ever so slightly.

 

Sophie took a deep shaky breath and released it, she gave Howl a small smile. “Perhaps your first observation was right. Let's not rush into something we may regret …” Sophie's eyes pleaded with him to understand, even as one of her hands slid up to toy with a lock of his hair.

 

Howl's eyes slid shut and he wrestled with himself for control, when they opened again, they were bright blue, the desperate hunger from a moment ago a mere memory, “Of course.” He pushed himself off Sophie and stood in one smooth motion. “I leave you to your rest then.” He turned and slipped out the door, forcing himself not to look back at her, knowing it was taking all his willpower not to turn and join her back on her small bed.

 

Sophie watched him go still unsure if she had made the right decision. When she had seen his mask slip back into place, she had wanted to kick herself, but she also wanted it to be right … what exactly it was she wasn't quite sure, she just knew she had some thinking to do.

 

Her hand reached up to touch her swollen lips and she smiled, then she did something she had never done before, she giggled. The sound startled her. What on earth had come over her? Giggling? Howl would be utterly shocked. At the thought of Howl, she once again remembered how it had felt to be in his arms and suddenly an image of her step-mother Fanny popped into her head.

 

About a week after the curse had lifted, Howl had taken her to visit Fanny and make sure she was alright. She and her husband had fled to a neighbouring town before the bombs had started and were staying with some of her new husband's family until they could return to Market Chipping.

 

Fanny had hugged her and fussed over her and insisted she stay for tea. Howl had retreated, saying he'd return for her soon.

 

Then, Fanny had taken the opportunity to have a mother/daughter chat with Sophie about men.

 

Sophie had taken it all in with a grain of salt, until her mother had blushed and started speaking about intimacy. Sophie had been blushing as red as the roses Justin had given her by the time her mother was through. Fanny had been concerned Howl would try to take advantage of Sophie, and of the fact that she was living under his roof and they were not married. She had begged her eldest daughter to come and live with her. After all, it wasn't proper for a single young lady to live with a single man. Before tonight, Sophie would have laughed at her mother's implications that the child-like Howl would do such a thing.

 

Now …

 

Now it was really upon her. She sighed and slid under the blankets and couldn't help the smile that slipped over her features as a bit of Howl's remaining scent drifted to her from the comforter.

 

Did she love him? Yes. That was not in question. Was she ready for such an enormous step without the commitment of a wedding? Was he?

 

She considered that. Would Howl marry her? Did she need him to? She loved him with all her being, she could still feel the desire singing through her veins, urging her to go up to Howl's room and let him finish what he started. She shook her head at herself. She knew allowing Howl to continue without thinking about the consequences for both of them would have been a mistake. She had to look at the facts.

 

She was unmarried, living in an extremely attractive wizard's castle, caring for him, his apprentice, a dog, an old witch, and a cranky fire daemon. She was totally and completely head over heels in love with aforementioned wizard.

 

So … how did the wizard feel about her?

 

She knew he felt some kind of affection for her. And desire, she definitely knew about the desire. She smiled again as she remembered the fire burning in his eyes tonight and found her body shuddering under the blankets. Oh yes, that was definitely there. Would he wed her? Did it matter? Did he love her?

 

Sophie sighed. It was all so confusing. Then again, relationships, she knew, were rarely simple. She knew what her mother wanted. Fanny wanted the ring on Sophie's finger. Although, she would prefer it not be Howl's ring, for some reason Fanny disliked the wizard. Oh, if only her mother knew about Prince Justin … Sophie winced. It was better Fanny not know about Prince Justin. Sophie could only imagine the fuss she would make.

 

Sophie shook her head and put that disturbing thought out of her head.

 

If what happened tonight, happened again, and she had no doubt it would … what would she do?

 

Sophie traced a finger over her lips as she considered. Perhaps she would wait for a sign. Something she would be able to see and know how Howl felt about her. She never for one moment believed he would come out and tell her how he felt. It was not in his nature, at least, not yet.

 

Sophie nodded to the moon. Yes, she would wait and see what happened over the next few days and make her decision then.

 

Feeling at peace with her resolution, she snuggled under her blankets and drifted off with a smile on her face.

 

**********

 

Howl laid in the lukewarm bath and shifted again. He'd hoped the cooler water would help cool his blood. It wasn't helping. He could still picture her sprawled on her coverlet, her hair a halo for her beautiful face, and those eyes …

 

Howl groaned as certain parts of him came alive yet again. He stood and stepped out of the tub, tugging on a silk dressing gown before stepping out of the bathroom. The girl would be the death of him.

 

He almost turned to go down the stairs and march back into Sophie's room to take what was his, but the thought had the opposite effect and made him pause at the top of the stairs. Was she really his? She had seemed eager enough in the beginning, and she hadn't pushed him away harshly. She expressed thoughts he himself had, had until his brain had ceased to function. With a disgruntled sound he turned and headed into his room, shutting the door firmly behind him. He stared at his empty bed and sighed, sliding down the wood of his door to sit on the floor with his knees up. He buried his face in his hands his mind a whirl.

 

Did she love him? He thought she did … but when that damned Prince had come here today, he'd found himself questioning it. He'd actually wanted to punch the suave Prince in the teeth when he'd kissed Sophie's knuckles and that had really startled him. After all, he normally would have thought of merely cursing him with magic, turning him into a toad or some such. Getting physical should never have crossed his mind … but it had. His hand had actually clenched, especially when Sophie had blushed that way, bringing that sparkle into her eyes that should have been only for him.

 

He loved her so desperately. He supposed now he knew how those suitors felt whose girls he'd stolen. At first, when the curse had been broken, it had still been a childish sort of love. But he'd noticed his heart changing over the past few weeks. His love had changed from childish, to fickle adolescent, to full blown infatuation, to total and complete devotion. The back of his head hit the wood of the door and he laughed at himself. Imagine, Horrible Howl loving a girl to distraction. And he did. But he had no idea what to do about it. How did he make sure she loved him?

 

Howl stared up at his charms and shook his head. His usual ways were useless with this girl. She was much too realistic for that. She didn't want to be charmed and fawned over and flattered. So, the question was, what did she want?

 

Howl stood and began to pace a thoughtful frown on his brow. What did he know of her … well, she had thoroughly enjoyed their walk through the sky the first time they met. And he had been right, she'd been a wonderful pilot. She adored Heen, the Witch of the Waste, Markel, and Calcifer despite one being a former enemy and the other a spy. She loved flowers and had the natural skill to imbue objects with special abilities thanks to her magic. Tonight, she'd pushed him away, but she'd done so gently, using his own original objections to step back. And before that, she'd enjoyed herself, at least, he hoped she had.

 

So, she had a big heart and … Howl froze in his spot, a slow grin growing on his face, his eyes sparking. That was it. That was the secret to catching Sophie and holding onto her. He laughed and spun around, his arms out like an airplane, allowing himself to fall on his bed. With a wicked smile at the charms tinkling innocently above his head, he began to plot.

 

**********

 

The next few days were a bustle of the usual activity. Markel working on spells Howl gave him, Calcifer complaining to anyone who would listen, Granny alternately dozing and petting Heen and, of course, Heen interjecting with a wheeze occasionally.

 

Howl was often out, going who knew where. Sophie was painfully aware when he was gone and even more painfully aware when he wasn't. She was trying to watch for a sign from Howl that would allow her to determine the depth of his feeling for her, but instead, she found herself frustrated. When he was home he always seemed to be busy working on spells or gathering ingredients, or in that damn bath.

 

She blinked at the curse word then nodded, yes that described her feelings about the bathroom exactly. Of course, she wasn't sure if his attention really was all taken up with other things. Occasionally, she would be busy washing dishes and would feel a gaze heating her back, but when she'd turn, Howl would still be sitting with Markel, intently working on a spell, or it would be just in time to see the front door shut as he slipped from the castle.

 

By the fifth day of this, Sophie had, had enough. Yesterday, she hadn't seen him at all, he'd fled the house just before breakfast and hadn't returned until very late. This time, she hadn't even heard him come in, but Calcifer assured her he had come home last night and was still up in his room this morning.

 

Thus, Sophie began her battle plan for the day. She'd gotten a certain recipe from her sister, Martha, back before the bombings. It had been given with a wink and a repeat of the old adage, “The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.” She was already mixing the filling, and the pastries were baking in the wood oven of the hearth. Calcifer was helping with surprising ease, the promise of one of the pastries enough to entice him to cooperation. The first batch of pastries was nearly done and the smell of it was filling the room and beginning to waft up the stairs. Granny had already awakened and was helping by mixing the chocolate icing that would crown the delicate pastries. Sophie was determined that today, she'd have her answer. This evening they were going to the palace for dinner with Justin, so she planned on throwing the wizard into such a state of confusion that by the time they arrived at the palace the state of his heart would be perfectly plain. Then, she'd know what to do about Justin.

 

She grumbled and mixed the filling with renewed vigour. The Prince had sent her flowers every day this past week. Howl hadn't even seemed to notice the beautiful blooms sprouting all over the room. She'd even taken one particularly beautiful bouquet into her room on the chance he happened in there. Now, not only did she still wonder what Howl wanted from her, but she was going to have to deal with a Prince who had decided to ignore the fact she had thrown herself at another man in front of him and thus was probably not interested. If he couldn't take the obvious as an answer, Sophie wondered if he would accept a simple “no”.

 

There was a loud banging upstairs and Markel tumbled his way down the steps summoned by the delicious smells of the pastries. His eyes were wide with delight.

 

“I smell Cesari's cream cakes!” It had been a while since any of them had been able to have such a treat. Howl had blocked off the Market Chipping door after the bombings, much to Sophie's dismay. He had promised to reopen it as soon as it was safe, but that hadn't happened quite yet.

 

Markel looked around for the delicate pink and white striped box that all the pastries always came in, then looked curiously at Sophie for the answer when he couldn't spot it.

 

Sophie smiled at him, “I'm just finishing them up, would you please take the first batch out of the oven and set them on that rack on the table so I can slice and fill them please?”

 

Markel scrambled to do as he was bid, eager for the treat.

 

Just as he placed the delicate pastries on the table, Howl came down the stairs in a rush, peering around the corner. Sophie had heard him bustling about in the bathroom and was surprised he'd limited his time within to 15 minutes.

 

“Do I smell cream cakes?”

 

Sophie hid her triumphant smile, “I'm making a special breakfast since it's a special day.”

 

Howl cocked his head to the side looking at her curiously.

 

Sophie smiled brilliantly at him, blinding him for a moment, “It's the day we go to the palace for dinner with Justin.”

 

Howl blinked for a moment, then inwardly winced as her words hit him. She was obviously very excited about this evening, whether it was because of the dinner, or the Prince himself, Howl wasn't sure. He stepped out into the parlour and wandered over to where Sophie was now filling the still warm pastries.

 

“Ah, yes, how could I have forgotten something so very important?” He slowly crossed to where she was mixing the filling, then slyly stuck a finger in the bowl and quickly stuck it in his mouth before Sophie could bat at his hand. He then proceeded to suck on his finger and had to hide his smug expression as a slight flush coloured her cheeks. He smiled disarmingly at her, “Here allow me to assist you, my dove.”

 

Sophie blinked, then shook her head, “Flattery will get you no where.” Howl merely winked at her and began to assist her with the filling.

 

When they were finished, Sophie stepped aside, allowing Markel and Granny to ice the pastries as she cleaned up. To her surprise Howl began to set the table, even if he was using magic to move the dishes around.

 

Sophie moved to the tray of finished pastries as everyone took their seat. She took one from the tray and placed it within Calcifer's reach, then returned to take her seat.

 

The conversation at the table was light and cheerful. And Sophie's heart was glad to have them all there. It felt right in so many ways and her heart was hopeful it would always be like this … well maybe with an added dimension here or there. She glanced at Howl who was thoroughly enjoying his pastries and laughing as Markel got more filling around his mouth than in it.

 

Sophie neatly finished her pastry, then stood. They all glanced up at her and she smiled. “If you would all clean up, I have some errands to run before this evening.” She fought to keep the smugness out of her eyes as Howl blinked and also stood.

 

“Certainly Sophie, but what is it that is so important you must do it now, after you prepared such a delightful treat? Please, stay and enjoy it with us.”

 

Sophie fought the urge to give in and instead smiled serenely, “I just have a few things I need to get ready for this evening. Don't you worry. Enjoy your pastries and I will see you all later,” and with that, she turned and swept out into Kingsbury.

 

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End Chapter 2

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Again, please R&R and many thanks to my wonderful husband once again for being so willing to beta for me. Xoxo