Author's Note:

Thank you so much everyone for reading and reviewing my story. You guys have no idea how much I appreciate your reviews.

To all those who didn't review, please do leave a review even if you hate the story.

I wasn't able to update sooner 'cause I had to study for my Finals.

This chapter is dedicated to whoever is reading it. Enjoy!

Chapter Seven:

Floating in the air, Howl watched the sleeping figure of Sophie through her window from afar. She looked so peaceful and serene, as if she had no worries in the world. Howl had hated himself for making her nervous by baldly stating her insecurity, she had looked so horrified then, and he never wanted her to show that kind of expression ever again. I'm sorry for making you uneasy, Sophie, he thought.

Howl had met and gone out with many ladies, from the ones roaming about in the alleys to the elite class, all of those ladies had been astounding beauties with striking features and vibrant skin, but oddly none of them had caught Howl's eye. Sophie was not counted as one of the 'spectacular' beauties but she was none the less a beauty in her own simple way, and Howl liked that the most about her. The only thing about Sophie that bothered Howl was her cold and detached nature, she didn't seem to care what others thought about her and didn't like to depend on others, she was happy in her own little world and wanted nobody to trespass it, Howl wanted to change that because he badly wanted to step over her boundaries and find a place in her heart. He knew that was nearly impossible but he was not going to give up.

Howl put his hands in his trousers' pockets and gazed at Sophie's smiling face while she slept, she looks lovely when she smiles, he thought as a light grin touched his lips, believe me or not but I'll do anything to protect your smile, Sophie, he sighed, all I wish is for you to see me as something more than just a friend. He looked up at the starry sky and ran his hand through his hair, the stars were twinkling brightly in the sky, Howl looked at Sophie's face for the last time and raised his slender fingers to cast a protection spell around Sophie's house, soon an evanescent mist surrounded the house, then he turned in the air and glided smoothly towards his castle.

… … … … … … …

It was around two in the morning when Howl entered his castle, it was really quite inside, both Markl and Calcifer were asleep. The wooden steps creaked as Howl stepped on them, when he reached the middle, he heard Calcifer grunt. He turned his head and saw two big groggy eyes staring at him lazily. Calcifer yawned and covered his mouth with his hand, he blinked his eyes a few times to clear his vision, "pass me some logs, will you?", his tone was full of lethargy as he asked Howl. "Sure", said Howl as he descended the steps and picked up some chopped logs from the storage, he gave them to Calcifer and sat on his usual comfy chair beside the hearth. As Calcifer swallowed the logs hungrily, the fire-place came to life, bright red flames grazed the roof of the furnace and the room lit up dimly, making the shadow of every figure in the room dance with the flickering flame.

"Where were you at this time of the night?", Calcifer yawned again and picked up another log to chew on, Howl took a moment to reply, "visiting a friend", he said the last part eerily as if he wasn't happy calling that certain someone a 'friend'. Calcifer snorted and looked at Howl curiously, "a friend? Really? Why would you visit a 'friend' so late at night?" Calcifer was enjoying this, "mind telling me who that friend was?" he was grinning now, Howl looked at him speculatively and narrowed his eyes, "what's so funny?", he asked ominously, Calcifer's grin widened, "nothing, I was just wondering about that friend of yours". Howl sighed and ran his hand through his hair for the umpteenth time, "It was Sophie, Okay? And stop looking at me like that", Calcifer laughed at Howl's distressed state.

"Let me guess, you have a thing for her, right?", Calcifer asked with a devilish grin, his eyes were unnaturally sparkly, Howl shook his head, "its not just a 'thing', Calcifer, I like her but not in a usual way, I mean when I'm with her everything seems so perfect and special, I'm my true self with her and I so wish to be able to stay with her forever", he was trying too hard to make Calcifer understand his feelings, he didn't know why but he wanted someone to know how he felt. Calcifer scrutinized him for a moment, "Howl, you're falling for her", he stated plainly. Howl went still and tried to take in slowly what Calcifer had told him, "I don't know Calcifer, I-I've never been in love before, this emotion seems so foreign to me", he said uncertainly, "but you're experiencing it now", Calcifer told him calmly.

Howl tousled his hair distressingly, "you might be right, Calcifer, but the problem is she only sees me as a friend!" his tone was getting heavier, "so?', said Calcifer nonchalantly, "so? so that makes my love unrequited, doesn't it?", Howl was on the verge of shouting. "Calm down Howl, have you confessed to her?"

"I-I was planning to but, Calcifer, she isn't like any other lady out there, she'll plainly refuse me, she hardly wants to be my friend"

"O-kay, so this Sophie seems like a tough match, tell you what, leave the things as they are, just be patient and eventually she'll come to you"

"That's what I'm trying to do right now"

Calcifer was surprised to find Howl in such a state, he hadn't expected a mere woman to bring such a change in him. To him, Howl was just a womanizing, egocentric, narcissistic and a conceited fool, Calcifer had always seen women swooning and fighting over him, Howl had always faced his adversary with confidence and courage, he always got what he wanted, he never lost to anybody, but he was no match for Sophie, whoever that maiden was, she had left Howl defenseless and made him so vulnerable. Calcifer was suddenly very curious to meet this Sophie and see what she looked like.

"Calcifer, I'm going upstairs, you take some rest too, good night"

"Okay, see you tomorrow then"

Calcifer watched as Howl went upstairs, he grinned as he thought about the entertainment that was awaiting him.

… … … … … … … …

The next day…

The sun was shining brightly in the sky and Howl was walking down the busy street, there was noise and clatter everywhere, everyone was busy in their own business, Howl was walking past a stall when a shiny ornament caught his attention, he turned his eyes to look at that particular ornament. It was a beautiful pendent made of silver, carved in the shape of a delicate feather, eye-catching white colored gems decorated it, it would look splendid around Sophie's neck. Howl quickly went near the stall, "How much for this?", he asked curtly as he pointed towards the silver pendent.

"That's an exquisite piece you chose, Sir, I shipped it specially from Persia, this pendent is known to bring luck to its wearer, although its a priceless pendent but I'll take only 200 $ from you", said the vendor in his mellow accent.

"Here", Howl gave the money to the vendor and took the pendent, although this pendent was supposed to bring luck to its wearer, but in the current circumstances Howl was in need of improved luck more, As he took the turn around the street, he bumped into a soldier, "watch it", said Howl as he frowned at him, "I'm sorry to bother you, Sir, but I was ordered to deliver this scroll to you by Madam Suleiman, here", the soldier bowed as he presented the gilded scroll to Howl. Howl studied the bowed soldier, "take it back, I don't need it", he said as he turned around and started to walk, "but Sir, wait!", he ran after Howl and blocked his way, "I'm really sorry, Sir, but if you don't take this scroll, Madam Suleiman will throw me out of the royal palace, and I don't want to lose my position, please Si-"

"All right fine! Give me the damned scroll and stop your whining", Howl was annoyed at him, the soldier quickly gave him the scroll and Howl took it. The soldier bowed and thanked him a hundred times before going back to the palace. Howl unfolded the scroll and read the contents:

Howl,

Meet me at the Royal Academy this evening, I have something to discuss with you. Its better if you come yourself, otherwise I'll send more annoying soldiers after you.

-Suleiman

Howl sighed, I hate annoying soldiers the most, he thought. He knew that Madam Suleiman was capable of doing what she said, besides he had rejected her so many times that she might try doing something eccentric, he couldn't think of any other way to escape, so today he had to meet that snobbish lady. Howl looked at the sky to judge the time, it seemed around twelve 'o' clock, he still had time at his hand before he went to meet madam Suleiman. So Howl went straight ahead and strode towards Sophie's shop.

… … … … … … …

"Sophie, I had a great time with you", said Julia amiably. Julia Turner was Sophie's apprentice, a beauty with shiny blonde curls that reached her shoulders, mesmerizing green eyes, a fair complexion, rosy cheeks and delicate pink lips. She joined the shop a year ago when her mother had thrown her out of her house for being useless, she didn't have any brother and her father had left them because her mother wasn't able to bring forth a son, Julia had four younger sisters and her mother never actually loved any of them, including her. As Julia had crossed eighteen so her mother threw her out of the house, thinking that she was a burden on the household. Sophie had found Julia crying alone in an alley and had taken her to her shop. Luckily, Sophie was able to contact her aunt, and her aunt happily took Julia in, but Julia wanted to prove herself to her mother so she had requested Sophie to let her be her apprentice, and Sophie had agreed. Together Sophie and Julia had worked, laughed and learned many new things and eventually became very good friends. And Now Julia was about to get married to the most amazing gentleman in Ingary, Sophie was overjoyed to hear this news.

"I'm really happy for you Julia, Mister Jake Fielding is a very refined young man, he'll make an excellent husband", Sophie was very happy for her friend. "Sophie, Jake is the most amazing thing that ever happened to me, and I love him so very much", Julia had a dreamy look on her face that made Sophie wonder about this emotion called 'love', and suddenly Howl's face popped in her mind, she quickly shook her head, why am I thinking about him?, she thought. Sophie wasn't familiar with such emotions and she was curious to know how it felt to be in love, "Julia, how does it feel to be in love", asked Sophie inquiringly, Julia looked at her incredulously. "Sophie, are you feeling alright?", she laughed a bit, "I mean you never ask these kind of questions", Sophie blushed at being embarrassed, "I-I was just asking".

"No need to be embarrassed, Sophie, I was just surprised by your sudden interest in romance, that's all", Julia smiled at Sophie, "well, being in love makes you feel very special, you get this cozy feeling in your heart that someone has been created solely for you, and their existence means everything to you", Sophie was listening so attentively that it brought a smile to Julia's lips, "whenever you see that 'certain someone', you get butterflies in your stomach and you want them to look only at you, and when they hold you or kiss you-", Julia sighed, "-you just want to melt in their arms".

Sophie was trying to comprehend what Julia was saying, but whatever Julia was explaining, was leading Sophie towards Howl, she was getting the flashbacks of the kiss they had shared and the feelings she had at that time. Sophie was turning red due to the direction her thoughts were taking, Julia looked bemusedly at Sophie's reddened face, "Sophie, you're acting strange, I mean you're asking questions about love out of the blue and now you're turning red for some unknown reason, something's fishy here", Julia had a teasing grin plastered on her delicate face, "nothing's wrong, Julia, you're imagining things", Sophie said quickly to hide her bashfulness.

Before Julia could dig out any information from Sophie, they heard a knock at the door, Julia looked out from the window, it was almost afternoon, Julia gasped, "Oh my god! Look at the time, my aunt will be very angry at me for being so late, I'd better get going, Sophie, It was a great pleasure meeting you, do attend my wedding", she said hastily as she hugged Sophie and went for the door, "I'll definitely attend your wedding, Julia", Sophie was right behind her. Julia took her hat from the hanger and opened the door, she halted as she looked ahead, what she saw before her left her awestruck, Howl was standing there with a handsome smile on his face, dressed in dark blue trousers, white buttoned shirt, a knee-length dark blue coat, and chocolate brown boots. A beautiful white crystal earring hung down from his ear lobe, which shone to produce a spectrum of colors. Julia looked at Sophie questioningly and then at Howl, Howl looked devilishly handsome and Julia was taken aback by the robust male standing at Sophie's doorstep. "Hello miss, I'm Howl, Sophie's friend, and you are?", Howl asked to break the awkward silence between them, Julia raised her brows and looked at Howl apprehensively, "Uh, I'm Julia Turner, I'm also Sophie's friend, and its a pleasure to meet you Mister Howl", Julia eyed Sophie suspiciously and Sophie averted her gaze. Julia sighed, "umm ,Sophie, take care, I should take leave now, good bye", the way Julia looked at Sophie told her that she wasn't going to let this 'Howl thing' slip. Sophie nodded and said good bye to her, "See you around, Mister Howl", Julia said awkwardly as she turned to face Howl, Howl nodded his head to acknowledge her departure and moved away to make way for her to leave. Sophie turned towards Howl after Julia boarded a carriage and left.

"What brings you here, Howl?", asked Sophie, Howl looked absolutely charming in his attire and Sophie was having a hard time concentrating. Howl grinned, exposing his perfect white teeth, "I was just passing by, I saw your shop on my way so I thought to pay you a visit", Howl was beaming and Sophie was curious to know why, "aren't you going to let me in?", Howl asked expectantly, Sophie stepped away quickly, "oh, I-I'm sorry, come on in", she gestured for him to step in. Howl stepped in and walked through the small gallery towards her shop, as usual her shop was squeaky clean, threads, needles, cloth, and decorative ornaments were scattered on her walnut wood carved table and beautifully crafted hats were displayed in the glass cabinets, Howl went and sat on a chair placed in a secluded alcove. Sophie was standing close to him, she was wearing a maroon gown, its hem decorated with golden lace, her hair were tied up in a neat bun and a few lose strands framed her face. "So Julia's your friend", stated howl, Sophie nodded, "she was one of my apprentices, she's getting married soon so she came to invite me to her wedding", she informed him.

"That's wonderful", he exclaimed, after a pause he said, "umm, Sophie, I brought something for you"

Sophie was surprised, "for me? what did you bring?"

Howl rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a beautiful pendent. Sophie's eyes widened, "oh, Howl, its beautiful, but I can't take it", although she liked the pendent but she was not going to take it, she never took anything from anyone. Howl stood up and walked towards Sophie, "no buts, Sophie, I bought it for you and you're going to take it", he held her by her shoulders and guided her towards the large mirror in her gallery. Sophie protested but Howl was very insistent, "look in the mirror, Sophie", he ordered her, "what are you doing?", Sophie was very confused at what Howl was doing. Howl sighed, "will you stop asking questions and look?", Howl asked, Sophie thought for a moment and then looked in the mirror, Howl took the pendent and slipped it around her slender neck. Sophie looked at her reflection and awed at the beauty of the pendent hung around her neck, it looked perfect on her, as if it was carved to be worn by her, she touched it to feel the cool silver brush underneath her finger tips, it was very finely detailed, decorated with dazzling gems to add to its appeal, Sophie had never seen such an alluring piece of jewelry before. Her momentary trance was broken when she saw the smiling face of Howl in the mirror. She quickly started to unhook the chain but Howl caught her hands, "don't take it off, Sophie, please, I specially bought it for you", Sophie looked at his reflection in the mirror, he had a pleading look in his eyes, her mind was telling her to take the pendent off but her heart was telling her to accept the gift. At last, her heart won the little battle and she decided to accept Howl's gift, she turned around, "thank you, its really pretty", she raised her eyes to meet his.

"Its pretty but not as pretty as you", Howl said in a husky tone and gazed into her eyes, Sophie looked nervous but she did her best not to avert her gaze, Howl's eyes dropped to her lips, Sophie licked them and her heart begin to thump loudly. Howl was only inches away from her, he begin to tilt his head and go for her lips, but before their lips made contact, Sophie averted her head, she could feel his hot breath on her cheek. "I-I'll get the coat you left here last night", saying that she quickly fled her shop and almost ran upstairs. Howl watched himself in the mirror and closed his eyes, what were you thinking?, he scolded himself, she's scared of you now.

Sophie practically ran into her bedroom and closed the door, she was breathing heavily and her pulse was very high, she placed a hand on her heart and tried to calm herself down, she slapped her burning cheeks lightly and shook her head, pull yourself together, Sophie, nothing happened!, she told herself. She took in deep breaths and finally her heartbeat came back to normal. Be confident and face him like you usually do, she instructed herself and went to retrieve Howl's coat from her closet and went downstairs. Howl was sitting on the chair in the alcove, deep in thoughts, he jerked his head up when Sophie approached him, "here's your coat, thank you for lending it to me", she said with a smile. Howl inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her smile, "no problem, after all I'm a gentleman and its my duty to look after a lady", Sophie smiled at him and thanked him again for the pendent. "No need to thank me, Sophie, I'll do anything for you", Sophie averted her gaze but smiled secretively. Howl got up and went for the entrance door, "I have to leave now, Sophie, unfortunately I have a meeting with someone", he said in a playful manner. "Its fine, take care", Sophie was glad and sad at the same time to know that Howl was about to leave, and she was very confused at the conflicting state of her mind, "you take good care of yourself too", Howl took his leave and went outside, Sophie watched him as he blended into the sea of people in the streets.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Howl walked through the gates of the Royal Defense Academy and there in the lush lawns stood the great Madam Suleiman, she was a woman who seemed to have crossed the seventies, with grey hair and unusual grey eyes. She was clad in a red velvet gown with gilded collar, sleeves and hem, a beautiful ornamented necklace hung loosely around her neck, her hair tied up in a pinkish-red silken snood, while she held a magic wand in her hand. She emitted an unfriendly aura but when she saw Howl approaching her, her lips curved into a smile. She admired Howl for almost everything, he was an ideal student and also an exceptional wizard, Howl was the only one who was safely roaming about Ingary after declining her, not once but many times. Howl knitted his brows together when he saw the satisfaction on Madam Suleiman's face, "why did you call me here?", Howl wanted to get this over with as soon as possible, "you're not going to say hello or ask me about my daily business?", she asked with a challenging look in her eyes. Howl wrinkled his nose and rubbed his temples, "let's cut to the chase, whatever you're trying to sell me, I'm not gonna buy it", Howl was dead serious. Madam Suleiman laughed bitterly, "my dear boy, you were always the hasty one, but remember haste makes waste", she said provokingly. "Why don't you stop fooling around, and just get to the point", Howl stated acrimoniously.

Madam Suleiman scrutinized him for a moment, "join the Royal Army", she said in a commanding tone, her gaze never leaving his. "No", Howl said in an uninterested fashion.

Madam Suleiman sighed and shook her head, "why not?"

"Because I detest wars, and if you called me here just to ask me about something so absurd then I'm leaving", Howl turned as he started to walk towards the exit.

"Wait! I have something more to say", Madam Suleiman's voice was quivering, probably because of her old age. Howl turned back and waited for her to speak up, "Prince Justin wants to meet you, actually he's the one who wanted you in the Royal Army, but you've rejected so many times that he's taken an interest in you-", she wasn't able to finish because Howl cut in, " I'm not interested in meeting anyone", he turned away and started to walk again.

"The Prince ordered me to capture you and publicly shun you from Ingary if you rejected him this time, and you know I have the power to do that", she dared Howl to defy the Prince, Howl knew that Madam Suleiman would happily do exactly as the Prince had ordered her to do, being shunned from Ingary meant being unable to meet Sophie, Howl couldn't let that happen, he tightly shut his eyes and gritted his teeth, "when is the meeting with the prince".

Madam Suleiman grinned at his defeat, "The Prince is holding a ball after three days at the palace to search for an eligible marriage partner, you may meet him then"

Howl contemplated her, "fine, tell your Prince that I'll be there", Howl said in a monotonous tone and without saying anything else he walked towards the exit.

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AN:

Hope you liked it. Please review!