A/N: two chapters in one day! Yay! I really have to say I am loving writing this story so far. I am so happy with this chapter. I hope it isn't too short. I had to stop myself from writing because I wanted every chapter to have somewhat of a cliffhanger! Anyway, please review,like, favorite! Thank you!

10 months earlier~

"Today's the day…"

Lettie, Sophie's younger sister whispered as she squeezed her sister's hands, tears in her done up eyes, her nose wrinkled as she sniffled loudly.

"Oh Sophie…I am so happy for you. That you've found true love. Father would be so proud."

Sophie smiled at the thought of her father, she'd hoped he was watching over her today. Sophie, turned to the full length mirror, that was located in the basement of the shop, Howl had insisted in creating her dress, but she denied, wanting him to be surprised when he saw her.

Her dress was magical, without all the magic included; there were crystal like beads that weaved the gown, that hugged her small curvature, the material trailed behind her, lace at the bottom, the hem of the dress halted at her collar bone, the lacy material itching her skin there. The arms of the dress were made of lace, which escalated that itching feeling. But Sophie, for the first time, felt beautiful.

"You look…breathtaking. He is so lucky to have you."

Lettie brushed Sophie's silver hair into a lovely low bun, placing a red rose in the center. Beaming at the finished product.

"Thank you, Lettie."

/

As Sophie arrived to the ceremony, she was stunned at the beauty, The wedding took place in a beautiful field, much like the one he grew up in.

There was a white arch, with vines of green and purple flowers, pews of chairs and waiting for her was the love of her life. Her heart was heavy with excitement and fear.

He wore a white and gold tunic, with matching pants, even his boots were a striking white. He was always so handsome, so perfect, He was waiting for her.

Markel wore something similar to Howl, But in blue, he was busy keeping Hein on his lap and away from the cake. The old witch was aggressively hitting on the prince who Sophie once called 'Turnip Head'.

Sophie was happy to see her mother, who she hadn't spoken too since she found out she'd given Howl's location to Madame Suliman; who Sophie was shocked to see attend the wedding. Shocked that Howl even invited her. She even tagged along some of her henchmen along with her Husband.

Sophie took a deep breath gripping her bouquet of hibiscuses, before her was a curtain of purple violets wrapped around another archway draping over it, behind that curtain was her future; with the man she loved. A violin began to play, signaling her to walk the 'aisle' which was a stone path.

The young bride slowly emerged from the flowery drapery, a shy smile broke onto her face seeing Howl's reaction.

His glorious blue eyes widened, gasping slightly, his newly found heart began to thump heavily, he couldn't keep the smile from breaking his stern expression, he watched the guests stand and gaze at her beauty. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her, she was…perfect. As she inched closer, he could hardly wait to kiss her lovely face.

The minister stood, clearing his throat as Sophie halted in front of the awestruck man, Sophie felt the anxiety wash away, as the minister went on, she gazed at him, as he did her. Ever so often she'd turn her attention to the guests, her mother was sobbing into a cloth along with her sister. How typical.

As the vows were brought up, Sophie was moved by Howl's promise to her.

"My Dear Sophie, you are the fire in my body, the wake of my soul, you gave me my heart, for which I am forever grateful, I promise to protect you, love you endlessly and never leave your side. You're the love of my life, you're what I fight for. So, I am honored to have you as mine, forever."

He spoke with ease, emotion, it silenced everyone. He reached forward to grab Sophie's left hand, placing the sparkling red diamond ring onto her left finger. Sophie took his hand and before placing the ring on his finger she vowed to him.

"I promise to love you, enduring the good and bad, I promise myself to you forever. I love you."

She slipped the ring on. Howl squeezed her hand.

As the couple said their 'I do's.' The minister pronounced them husband and wife.

Howl pulled Sophie into a swift kiss, as everyone clapped and cried in joy.

After the celebration, Sophie was sucked into conversations with her mother. In the midst of her mother's rambling, she noticed Howl and Madame Suliman speaking far off, away from the crowd.

By the looks of Howl's face, the conversion was unpleasant. Sophie watched them, Howl bowed to her as she called her henchmen.

Sophie felt a tap on her shoulder, turning she pleasantly surprised to see 'Turnip Head'.

The prince blushed slightly as he spoke to her, as he was still infatuated with the young girl.

"I wish you the best in your marriage. He is very lucky."

"Yes, I am."

A strong hand gripped Sophie's shoulder tightly, looking up she saw Howl, who had a very strong expression on his face. His eyes narrowed at the prince as he continued his sentence.

"Well, Young Sophie, I hope our paths will cross again." The prince took her small hand, placing a kiss against her skin. Her face flushed.

"Thank you for coming." She nodded, she could feel Howl's jealousy radiating off of him. The prince returned to the carriage that waited for him, he waved once more before leaving.

The newly wed couple were alone now.

"Howl?"

"Hmm?" He looked down at her, her brown eyes were full of curiosity. "What were you and Madame Suliman talking about? You looked nervous."

Howl hid the fear by chuckling softly, placing a nervous kiss on her lips, he pulled her into a hug.

"We were just catching up, she wants me to visit her sometime soon, don't worry my love."

Howl used his charm to steer Sophie away from the secret he was hiding. He couldn't let her know what that conversation consisted of. If Sophie knew, she may have never taken his hand in marriage.

/

"You lied to me, about possibly being pregnant!"

Howl sat up, so quickly it startled Sophie, his dark hair swaying like waves as he professed his anger. Sophie stood, furrowing her brows as she yelled back.

"You shouldn't be going through my things!"

"Don't you get mad at me. You kept this from me, why? Why did you lie?"

Howl's voice was deep with anger, he gritted his teeth as he waited for an answer.

"Because, I was afraid, You never want to speak about children…" Sophie hushed her voice, watching Howl roll his eyes as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He sighed before looking at her weakly.

"Sophie, you can't be pregnant. You just…can't."

Sophie stared blankly at the man before her, her eyes welled with tears as her lips began to tremble.

"How…how dare you…"

She began to cry, pulling away from his touch.

"You don't understand what this means for me…for us."

He explained, he knew what he was saying was…horrendous. But he knew it was the sad, awful, truth that he carried with him.

"Why? Why is it so wrong that I'm pregnant? We're married aren't we?"

"That is not the issue. You weren't supposed to get pregnant in the first place."

With a blink of an eye, Sophie reached forward smacking Howl in the face, her palm stung with the force of the slap. Tears streaming down her face.

"You guys! Stop fighting!"

Markel jumped onto the bed, the two had forgotten he was in the room. "It's bad for the baby…"

Markel stared at them, Howl was silent, again avoiding Sophie's angry gaze.

"You know, you may have a heart, but what you've said to me, was the most heartless thing I've heard come from you. I can't believe you."

Sophie whimpered, before rushing out of the room, slamming it behind her.

Howl sat in bed, his right cheek was red, he buried his face into his hands. Markel was silent, as he climbed off the bed, Howl could feel his judging glare.

Without lifting his head, Howl began to speak.

"What I'm about to tell you, has to stay between us. I cannot tell Sophie yet. She'd leave me."

Markel stared at his master, he pulled a lone chair over to the bed, climbing onto it. Howl leaned his head back falling back into the pillows, his gaze focused on the ceiling as he explained something he'd hoped he would never have to come to terms with.

/

"You remember our agreement. Correct?"

Madame Suliman pulled Howl to the side, the young man nodded quickly, his chest was tight with guilt.

"If she bears a child, it belongs to me and my kingdom. If I cant have you, Howl. I'll have the next best thing."

She caressed his left cheek, his expression never faltering, he nodded again, staring into her manipulating eyes. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Does she know?"

She lowered her eyes, a sly smirk stretching her old lips.

"N-no. She does not. I don't plan on telling her."

A heart wrenching laugh emitted from the powerful woman, she covered her mouth as controlled her laughter.

"Oh, that isn't good. She won't be too happy with me…or you."

Howl winced at the ending of her statement, that pulled his heartstrings. Howl, glanced over at Sophie, who was enjoying time with her mother, he lowered his gaze shamefully.

"Well, I should leave. Next time. Invite me, I hate showing up uninvited." She grinned as Howl bowed.

Howl watched her leave with her henchmen, he sighed heavily, he couldn't let Sophie know about this horrible deal that he'd agreed to years ago.

/

"You promised the life of your firstborn child to Madame Suliman! Because you didn't want to replace her! What's wrong with you?"

Markel exclaimed, his face was red and hot with anger, staring at the visibly distraught wizard.

"I was a child. I had no heart. I didn't think I'd ever marry. Not until I met her…"

He trailed on, shutting is eyes tightly as another pang of guilt ran over him. He sat up lazily, tossing the blanket to his side as he stood up.

"Howl, you need to tell Sophie. She won't leave you, she loves you. You don't have a choice." Markel tried to speak some reason into Howl's upset mind.

"I know." Howl turned to look at Markel over his shoulder, who hopped off the chair to exit the room as well.

With the lift of a finger, Howl brought the glass pieces that flooded the home back together, embarrassed by his temper. He walked through the hall and down the stairs.

"Where is Sophie?"

Howl questioned the old witch and Calcifer who answered him eagerly.

"She went to the backyard. What did you do? She was sobbing. And what happened earlier? Are you listening!"

Howl ignored Calcifer as he rushed to the front door, twisting the dial and flinging the door open, slamming it behind him.

It was dark out, Sophie was at the balcony, staring at the clouds above her, the stars called to her, tears ran down her cheeks, her chest jolting as she hiccuped. She was so overwhelmed with the news that she is in fact, pregnant, and that her worse fear was true; her husband wasn't happy about life inside of her. Little did she know.

"Sophie…"

Howl called to her, a gush of wind blew through the sky, as if the universe was pulling him closer to her form. She was ignoring him, she fought the urge to turn in his direction, she kept her focus on the sky instead.

He inched toward her, keeping his distance.

"Sophie, I need to tell you something important. But I need you to promise me, that you won't leave after what I have to say."

Sophie went against her angry rule and turned to him, her hair flowing against her, the moonlight casting over her milky skin.

"What…do you mean?"

Howl fluttered his eyes shut as he spoke, he took a deep breath before opening them, tears in his eyes he spoke again.

"Please. I need to know you won't leave."

Howl raised his shaky hand, he'd never been so afraid of something, or someone, before.

Sophie stepped toward him, she could tell he was serious and that he was not overreacting. She grabbed his left hand, staring into his eyes.

"I promised you, I'd never leave."

She watched him fall apart as he told her why he reacted the way he did. Sophie felt a mix of fear, anger, sadness all at once.