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

Chapter 22: Speaking of the Middle

The Palace was her home away from home. The grandeur physique, the elegant decor - she adored every bit of it. Something about such exquisiteness set her heart jumping for joy. It was hard not to wrap herself up in the idea that one day this might all be hers.

One day, Lettie Hatter might be Queen.

Princess was a much closer title, what with Justin only being the Prince. Even still, it was disheartening not to dream just a little. Prince Justin and Princess Lettie, living happily ever after in Kingsbury.

Lettie walked through the grand entrance as she had done dozens of times prior. She probably spent more time there than her actual apartment, but then again there wasn't much to go home to, anyway. After Gwenda moved out and started working at the Royal Palace, it had become a simple, empty space.

Lettie smiled as she strolled through the long, decorated halls. She was happy for Gwenda, no question about it. The Palace was in need of more employees, and Lettie could see that the bakery was not fulfilling enough to her dear friend. She always seemed like she was in search of something, or someone for all Lettie knew. Whatever it was Gwenda looked for, she couldn't find at the bakery. As saddened as she was to see her go, Lettie was all the more joyful to see Gwenda moving forward with her life.

Her new job became better for both of them. Not too long after Lettie began visiting did she and Prince Justin start dating. There was something about him that was so alluring, and it wasn't his bright attire. She remembered him when they were younger at the first ball she'd ever attended, and things jump started from there. Justin had the most upbeat and sensitive personality - nothing could break his spirit or optimism.

A Prince - how her mother gleamed with jewels in her eyes thinking of the future they had together. After one daughter's failed attempt at an arranged marriage, she was probably glad that this was a natural relationship that was headed somewhere.

Lettie stopped by a large window, opening her view all the way to the Wastes. Market Chipping was closer and clearer to see, though her sister's flower shop was a blur inside the bustling market town. She didn't visit her sister enough; with all the time she had been spending at the Palace, she barely made it to work on time. A part of her felt guilty, remembering all the times Sophie would visit after she started working at the bakery. Lettie also remembered when all of those visits suddenly stopped.

She seethed at the sight of Howl's castle, walking proudly across the Wastes. He was a wretched man, worse than Sophie's former betrothed, Owen. Owen was simply too full of himself; Howl was a monster, preying on the hearts of young women like Sophie. She would never forgive him for taking her away.

While Sophie was safe now in their old family home running her own business, she seemed untouched by her brief captivity. She didn't talk about it much - when Lettie had the time to see her and actually converse with her - almost like it had never happened. Almost immediately she started dating someone, even took in his kid, Markl. While Lettie loved being an aunt to him, she couldn't help but wonder why Sophie continually evaded introducing her to Markl's father. She didn't even know his name.

Lettie laughed. How ironic would it have been if Sophie's new love was that wizard Howl. The thought had crossed her mind before, but it was so far-fetched that she immediately disregarded the idea.

Soft, clicking heels walked along the red carpeted hallway, Lettie darting her eyes to the culprit. As much as her blood boiled in rage from Madame Suliman's presence, she couldn't control the shaking fear and terror that spread throughout her entire body knowing that such a powerful sorceress was nearing her.

"Good morning, Lettie." Madame Suliman said, a poised smile on her face. Every time she visited Justin, Madame Suliman was always wearing something different. Her wardrobe was an endless pit of expensive and exquisite attire - her personality was the bane of her existence. "I'm surprised to see you here this early."