A Heart in Flames #2 (Howl's Moving Castle fanfiction)

Chapter 16: Love is Beautiful

There he was. So calm, so professional even by his lonesome. The way he was immersed in the book, his eyes darting back and forth and quickly turning the next page, was fascinating to her. His hand moved to his creamy hair, casually brushing through the manicured curls, and her eyes followed his every movement. It was hard not to stare and dream.

Eventually, Prince Justin noticed her from the corner of his eye and immediately smiled. "What a nice surprise, Gwenda."

She jostled the laundry basket in her grip, her lips creasing upward in an awkward state. "Oh, um... yes. I was sent to pick up the laundry, Your Highness."

Prince Justin closed his book with one motion, gently laying it on the desk next to a bouquet of white roses. His smile was still firmly intact. She couldn't pin down what it was about that smile, but every time she saw it her spirit lifted with a rare sense of joy.

He waved her to follow him, so she did. A few steps behind him, they entered the massive closet meant for someone of his status. She gawked at the multitude of colors and rows of hanging suits. His shoes lined next to each other at the far end of the closet, shades of brown and grey and black all perfectly coordinated. Everything looked so perfect.

She didn't think he heard her as a 'wow' escaped her lips. He nodded proudly. "It is kind of impressive, isn't it?"

"I barely have enough room for the three maids' dresses they give us." She had said it before her mind comprehended the words. She covered her mouth in an instant, hoping that would reverse the effect. However, Justin had clearly heard her.

He shook his head. "You look beautiful even in those."

Gwenda stole a glance, unaware of the goosebumps running up her arms as he lightly touched her hand. Their touch was electricity that sparked throughout her entire being. His eyes glistened like crystals in the daylight. She tried fighting the impulsive thoughts that rushed through her mind - He belongs with you. Kiss him right now. He loves only you.

"Your Highness." Gwenda jolted around. Beth widened her eyes as she noticed the two from afar, but it wasn't her coworker of whom Gwenda was frightened. Her mind flooded with a stream of new, more terrorizing thoughts.

Lettie is going to kill me.

"Darling!" Lettie rushed over to them with pure excitement and no condemnation for Gwenda almost holding Justin's hand. Her beautiful pink dress floated with each step, like she was walking on the air. Gwenda curled the hairs that fell from her braid; her blue maid's dress was nothing to be proud of compared to Lettie's pristine beauty.

"Gwenda, I've missed you so much dear." Lettie wrapped her arms around her dear friend, needing to stand on tiptoes in order to fully embrace her. Gwenda shakily moved her arms around her, though her eyes focused on Beth, who only stared with disbelief.

Gwenda sighed. "I've missed you, too."

Lettie held her arms, a side smirk planted on her face. "We need to have a girl's day soon. Just you and me."

"Now, I don't know if I would necessarily enjoy that." Justin's hand fell onto Gwenda's shoulder, instantly jerking from the feeling. His touch wasn't electricity anymore - it was more like a knife slicing her repeatedly on the inside.

Lettie touched his nose. "You can give me one day without you to spend time with my friend, can't you darling?"

Justin leaned toward her and winked. "Anything for you, love." His hand fell from Gwenda's shoulder and cupped Lettie's cheeks, the two of them leaning in for a kiss.