Howl's Twisted Castle

39: Blue by moonlight

Moonlight filtered through the curtains of the carriage, illuminating the royal blue silk of my gown. It shimmered like water from a deep flowing current, the weight of it cascading over my body, collecting in a pool at my feet. There was little in the way of fabric to cover my chest and I found myself crossing my arms to cover the plunging neckline that stopped just about my navel. As bold as my decision was, I regretted not keeping the scarf. 

Alex crossed his legs and stared intently out the window, politely ignoring my outfit. But it seemed like my gown wasn't the only outfit that stood out; with his clean-cut silver hair and his sharp black tuxedo, Alex was making heads turn. He was too modest to admit it, but Alex was classically handsome. I had a feeling he was going to make a lot of people notice him tonight, whether he wanted the attention or not.

I gathered my hair and draped it over my shoulder, letting the loose curls fall like a curtain. The beads woven into the strands of my hair glimmered in the moonlight, highlighting the delicate waves the tailor's wife had carefully constructed for me earlier that day. I don't know when it was that my opinion had changed, but I loved my silver hair.

I rubbed my cold, numb arms reflexively, distracting myself from the coming events.

"Are you sure about this?" Alex asked, noticing my unease.

"It's a little too late for that, don't you think?" I laughed, intent on looking out the window.

He reached over and squeezed my hand. "We don't have to do this if you don't want to. You must understand that armed with Howls magic, Calcifer is a dangerous man. He could do untold things with that heart if he wanted to and you know I don't like the idea of putting you in harm's way.

I pulled my hand away. "I've already been put into harm's way, or have you forgotten about what Solana did to me?"

"I have not forgotten. I just wish there was more I could do to help you in this situation."

"We've been through this already. You have a role, tonight," I reminded him softly.

Alex nodded, but his expression was tight. "It leaves you exposed and vulnerable."

I smoothed my gown and looked out of the carriage window. If I could avoid Alex's statement, then I could convince myself everything would turn out alright.

"It's going to work. It has to work."

Alex wasn't convinced by my mantra. "What happens if you get into trouble? Sophie, Howl's heart is a weapon in his hands, do not forget that."

"It just means I need to work quickly, take it away from him before he can use it." 

He cocked an eyebrow, "and if you do not take it away before he realizes your plan?" 

I sighed at the window, fogging the glass. "You're just going to have to trust me, Alex."

He would not agree with me, but instead, indicated to the little stone pendant I wore around my neck.  

"Promise me you will use that if you get into trouble."

I clutched the hearthstone and nodded. The little pebble gave off an iridescent glow in the darkness of the cabin. I hoped that I wouldn't need to use it, but it comforted me to know he would be there if I called to him.

The carriage stopped abruptly, signalling our arrival. Alex was quick to hop out, but as for me, not so much. The unfortunate truth about silk was that there was no stretch where I needed it the most. Sensing my distress, Alex held me by the waist and lifted me out of the carriage like I was a feather.