the castle has long since landed near the city of kingsbury, some time over night, and howl had awoken with the slight tremor that shook it when it hit the ground. yet, not for long, as he had quickly found himself falling back asleep once more, his chest pressed against the back of his dear sophie as she slumbered the night away.
yet when morning light filters through the windows, glares into his eyelids, he has to wake up (albeit reluctantly). sophie's yet to wake, and he's careful not to jostle her as he sits up. she's so beautiful, even like this, when her starlight hair is messy and a bit of drool is sliding from the corner of her lips. howl thinks himself a lucky man.
her nightgown slides down one shoulder, and he runs a hand down said shoulder ever so gently to pluck the fabric between his forefinger and thumb and draw it back close to her neck. a soft smile etches itself onto charming features, his legs folding beneath him. howl doesn't want to wake her, but he doesn't want her to grow into the habit of sleeping all day, either.
besides, it's almost time for their bath. and he knows how sophie enjoys leaning against his chest while the hot water soaks the both of them, a book in her hands that he would read over her shoulder and not really understand the appeal, but would be glad that sophie is at least happy with its contents. his fingers linger on her shoulder a moment longer, before curling around it to give a gentle shake.
"sophie, it's morning," he whispers, ducking his head down to kiss her ear. "don't tell me you've grown lazy!" a little laugh slips past his lips, his warm breath blowing her white hair across her gentle face.