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

Chapter 25: Our Demons from Before

In the darkest hour of the night during the annual ball at the Kingsbury Royal Palace, heavy rainstorms tore through nearly every part of Ingary. The black sky was home to dusky, gloomy clouds booming with thunder and quick flashes of light slicing through the sky. Safety could only be found inside the Palace, but not for everyone.

The light from the crystal chandeliers in the ballroom dazzled and distracted the guests from noticing the true chaos outside. Most were seen dancing in pairs to the melody of the grand symphony. Others stood gawking at one another, complimenting the attire and appearance of their fellow aristocrats. Only a select few noticed the absence of their newest cohort.

"Justin, dear." A woman in a shimmering gold gown sang as she approached the Prince. Her hours of applying makeup hid her real age in a magical, yet unappealing manner. "I've just noticed your leading lady has yet to make an appearance tonight."

Prince Justin, in his elegant yellow suit and typical flashy smile, held a glass of champagne to his lips. He took a calming sip before replying, "She had a previous engagement tonight. It was very urgent that she be there."

The lady pursed her lips and pouted. "Well, tell her she'll be missed. We just adore that little girl and can't wait for the day when you finally pop the question."

Just wrapped his arms around his back. "She will most definitely be missed."

The sound of thunder rang louder as the glass doors to the Palace Gardens sprang open. The room filled with gasps and then silence as a rattled woman rushed through the crowd of dancers with a soaking wet dress weighing her down. Her darkened blonde hair moved side to side and the guests stepped back to avoid ruining their own attire.

"Justin!" She rushed into his arms and cried in his embrace, making it difficult to tell what had been drops of rain or tears.

The aristocratic woman smiled and clapped. "Oh, how romantic of you, Lettie! Leaving your other plans because you just had to see your beau. I love it!"

Lettie paid no mind to her. "Justin, I can't stay here."

He wrinkled his eyebrows. "But you've just arrived."

Lettie removed herself from the embrace. Her makeup bled down her cheeks and blackened her blue eyes. "Yeah, and I would have been here a half hour ago if that terrifying witch with the crazy pigtails didn't try to kill me!"

Lettie had begun drawing the attention of the guests, their curiosity running amuck. Most didn't appear to understand what she meant by her words - given that Kingsbury was such a peaceful city to live, her accusations seemed nearly impossible.

Justin held her arm just below her shoulder and directed her out of the ballroom. "Darling, why don't we get you out of those wet clothes, yes? Maybe a cup of hot tea will help calm your nerves."

Lettie persisted on her claims as he forced their exit from the ballroom. The hallways were dimly lit. "You need to press charges against her. I swear, Justin, Noe was out to kill me. She chased me through the gardens and I thought I was done for."

Justin nodded, but he showed very little emotion to her words. He continued their walk as a ghastly thought pressed her mind. "I think... I think Madame Suliman has something to do with this."

Justin casually halted. "Suliman?" Lettie nodded. "Why would she want to harm you?"

Lettie licked her lips. "I think it has something to do with my sister, Sophie. You remember that she was supposed to marry Owen, but since that didn't happen, I think she's trying to hurt Sophie through me."

"What makes you think that?"

"She's been seeing someone lately." Lettie sighed. "A wizard, I think, because she's too scared for me to meet him. I think Suliman wants to get back at her in some way for never even wanting to marry her son."