Here is the next chapter to Our New Life. I haven't updated this in a while and I apologize, I was just watching my favorite Disney Movie, Tarzan, over and over again. Please review.
Disclaimer: I do not own Howl's Moving Castle or any of its characters.
Howl walked through the city, wondering what all the fuss was about. He stopped and stepped up to a man who was talking animatedly to a few folks. "Excuse me, sir? May I ask what everyone is excited about?" Howl asked politely, cutting into the man's conversation. The man eyed him suspiciously and responded, "How could you not know? Prince Justin is having a grand birthday ball. Anyone who's anyone is invited."
Howl wrinkled his nose in distaste at the mention of Justin. "Ah, thank you for the information," Howl smirked, walking off, deciding he didn't care about whatever Justin was planning.
He walked into the house and wasn't surprized to see it was spotless. Howl removed his jacket and heard someone coming down the stairs. It was Sophie, wearing a lime green formal dress with skinny straps, some white heels, and the dress stopped a little past her knees. She wore diamond jewelry and her hair was in a curly updo and light makeup that made her look absolutely stunning.
Howl raised an eyebrow, "Darling, you look gorgeous. What's the occasion? I don't remember us having anything planned for today." Sophie blushed at the compliment and spoke absently, walking towards the coat rack, "Justin-er Prince Justin invited me to his birthday ball and he personally sent this stuff. I felt it would be rude not to wear it after he went through the trouble."
Howl felt a little irritated and replied, "And you're going?" Sophie gave him a lingering stare and scoffed, "Well, of course, I already told him I would. Why?" Howl frowned and shrugged, "No reason in particular. Just that I do not want you to attend."
Sophie nodded, then her eyes got wide. "Excuse me? I am going because I told him I would and besides, it might be fun. And you're NOT going to stop me," Sophie told him, giving him a warning look. Howl pouted, "Can't you see that he fancies you, Sophie? You're just leading him on." Sophie shook her head, "You're being paranoid, Howl." She gave him a short, but passionate kiss on his lips.
"I'll be back later on tonight. You may pick me up if you'd like," Sophie called back as she walked out of the door, not giving him a chance to protest any further.
Howl was very bothered, and decided that he wasn't going to leave his Sophie in the hands of another man. After all, Howl was sure Justin had room for one more guest.
Sophie rode in a buggy that Justin had personally got for her. She tried to tell the driver that she was well capable to walk on her own, but the driver insisted that he would get fired if she did not ride in the elegant vehicle. She sighed as she stared out of the small window. [I wonder if this was the right choice. I mean, Howl did look a bit upset.] Sophie thought back to the pleading look he had given her and decided to give him lots of affection and attention when she came back to their home. [He'd like that.]
Her thoughts came to close as her transportation stopped. She had arrived at the castle. She groaned softly when she spotted the many stairs she had climbed previously, during her curse. Although she was her normal weight again, the stairs still were bothersome. Sensing her distress, her driver offered to carry her.
Remembering how heavy the dog had seemed when she was an old woman made her feel bad about wanting to be carried. After all, she was a lot heavier than a mere puppy. "No thank you," she declined politely. The driver nodded and took off, leaving her to climb the many steps. She hitched up her dress slightly, as not to trip, took a deep breath and ventured up to the castle.
As she reached the final step, she was only a bit out of breath. "That wasn't so bad," she acknowledged aloud, her hands on her hips. She quickly made her way inside, the guards opening the door for her. She nodded briefly, going in.
Having been to the castle, she went to the ballroom, bad memories invading her mind. She shook her head, as if to get rid of the negative thoughts and entered the ballroom.
It was very lively, men and women of all sizes and wearing expensive looking tuxes and dresses. Sophie felt a bit out of place, not knowing anyone and all. Not a minute after arriving, Justin approached her, taking her hand and kissing it. She didn't notice his lips lingering, as she was already blushing at the contact.
"My lovely Sophie, you came," he smiled gratefully, taking in her appearence. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it, Justin," Sophie smiled back, withdrawing her hand. She was mildly aware of the stares she was beginning to recieve. "And you look absolutely mesmorizing," he complimented, gazing at her adoringly.
"Doesn't she?" a familiar voice commented, breaking Justin out of his trance.
It was Howl.
"I see you brought...our dear friend Howl along, have you? Funny, I don't believe I invited you, sir Howl." Justin gritted his teeth, greatly annoyed. "Ah, but she didn't bring me along, I just decided that since we were such good friends, you wouldn't mind. Right?" Howl grinned, daring him to deny his statement. "Right," Justin faked a smile, glancing at Sophie, who was frowning slightly and her attention directed at a group of women.
A few women giggled, staring at the two men, moreso towards Howl. "The Prince is cute, but Mr. Pendragon is extremely handsome, am I correct?" one of the women whispered. "Breathtaking," another agreed wholeheartedly.
"Though the Prince IS very wealthy, so that ups his appearence," the first tittered, earning a chorus of giggles. "And who is that girl standing with them? One of the peasants?" a third one chirped. "Prince Justin has an kind heart, inviting the help," the second one commented.
Sophie reddened, clenching her fists to her sides. Howl and Justin, having heard the whole converation, reacted in two different ways. Howl gave an amused smile as he tried to calm his lover down and Justin approached the women, asking them to leave. "Now, now, sweetheart, don't get reckless," Howl sighed, pulling her into his arms, kissing her forehead.
"Those...those hags. The help?" Sophie fussed, glaring angrily at the retreating females. "You have me, darling. We're in love, they're just jealous. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes on." Howl grinned, kissing her lips. Sophie calmed slightly, her cheeks pufing out in irritation. Justin approached the two, an apologetic frown on his features. "I am so sorry, Sophie. You're gorgeous and this little incident won't happen again, I promise," he blabbered, his brows furrowed.
"It's alright, Prince Justin. I'm fine," Sophie said hesitantly.
Justin didn't seemed convinced, but let it go. "Well, I'm going to show you the best party of the millenium, to make up for my rude guests," Justin promised. He went to the top of his throne, calling attention to himself. "Let the festivites begin!"
Okay, I have a lot of stories to work on, so I'm stopping here. I'll make the next chapter longer, I promise. Please remember to review.
