Hi!
So this has been sitting in Document Manager for a couple of weeks, just collecting days. I really hope you like it! It's a little different and definitely AU, but I'm keeping the personalities as close as I can in AU.
Disclaimer: I just love Fiyero and Elphaba.
Nessa and I stared across the table at the babbling bimbos as they tried talking over each other -in the most ladylike way they possibly could- to get the youngest prince's attention. They chirped like the birds outside my window in the morning. Truth be told, though, I would much rather hear those damn birds at the crack of dawn than these stupid debutantes drool over him like he was a piece of meat. Well, I suppose he was nothing more than that. But it was still irritating listening to them go on and on as if their empty heads and empty statements were winning his affections. Nessa giggled silently at something one of them said. I nudged her to shush her up. How many more times would we be subjected to this torture? Meals were hard enough listening to the youngest prince talk himself, but these bird brains somehow managed to make all of his meaningless rambles seem like verbal gold. Call me crazy but dancing through life became much more of an idea than whatever brilliant words they had.
"The red head?" Takoda, the second born, mumbled from my other side.
I took in the prince and the red-head before barely shaking my head and muttering, "I'll be surprised if she stays until dinner."
For the past month the royal court had been hauling in ditz after ditz in hopes of matching the youngest prince up with a suitable lady of class to 'strengthen the ties of the kingdom to the outside world'. More commonly known as shackle the prince to a bimbo in hopes that a serious relationship would force him to grow up and face reality. Of course, all these attempts were fruitless. He had no more intention of playing by their rules than they did giving up. Some of the dolls they brought by were truly and sincerely good hearted ladies. They would make excellent princesses someday; but unfortunately their prince was not residing under this roof. Honestly, I was just surprised they hadn't forced an arranged marriage on him yet. It was out-of-date, sure, but not unheard of. Eventually they would. Right now I think they were all having fun with the anticipation of the other caving in first.
A wide grin broke out over Takoda's face when one of the snobs blushed furiously at something and excused herself before fleeing the room. I bit my cheek to keep from cursing under my breath. I had put my wager on that one being the last one standing. Baako, the crowned prince, raised his glass to his lips to hide his own smile from his father and the rest of the table. He had put a wager on the small blonde seated two away from him. Takoda's girl was the first to leave, about ten minutes into breakfast. It was between Nessa and Baako now. Nessa normally didn't wager with us. She always said she was strongly against gambling. I don't know what was so different about now, but she had put a wager on the girl with long brown hair to the prince's left. All of it was silly, really. We only bet things like 'losers have to do the winner's homework' or 'winner gets one free favor out of each loser'.
"Do you think he'll choose one of them?" Nessa asked quietly.
"No." Takoda and I answered in unison, a little louder than either of us intended. Fiyero and his fluffy flock of frills looked over at us. Takoda grinned, playing it off, but I blushed and hurried to spoon some porridge in my mouth. Smooth, Thropp.
"Why, Miss Elphaba, I do believe your cheeks are as dark as your dress." Fiyero smirked.
"Honestly, Fiyero, you needn't make a spectacle of her just because you're bored with your lackluster company." Takoda snapped.
"Well, we can't all be phosperescent." The red head chirped, causing the other bimbos to cackle like a bunch of hyenas.
"Such a big word for such a small mind." I took a sip of water.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" She bit.
"She's the King's ward." Baako said, the hint of a threat laced in his words.
I stood at the top of the Western Tower with my hands on my hips, watching as two servants walked the red head out to the carriage awaiting her. I should have bet Takoda something that the baboon would be gone before dinner. Call it a hunch that I knew she'd be the next to leave. Back off to the Gillikin for her. Neanderthal. I rolled my eyes. Even if she hadn't gotten onto someone's bad side, she would have been the next to leave. She was getting the least amount of attention from Fiyero. A few more hours and she would have left on her own account. I did feel a tad bit of pride knowing that I got to play a part in her departure, even if it was from being a point of her insults. Nothing I hadn't heard before.
Nessa and I had lived a fairly comfortable life so far. We each had a closet full of clothes, daily meals, and a bed to sleep in; but we were still different. We still weren't part of the family. Our parents died not long after Nessa was born. Nessa was our mother's last effort. She died in childbirth, leaving my father alone to care after a green girl and a crippled girl. The nannies who had come and gone throughout our raising always told us that he died because he couldn't bare the idea of living without his one true love. It seemed pretty cowardly to me. Obviously my mother's death was a tragedy, but for my father to take his own life when he had two daughters who needed him? Cowardly.
In the castle, I didn't suffer much remarks on my skin. When we were younger, Fiyero teased me mercilessly. I would cry all the time for the first few weeks, but eventually his words meant nothing to me. I was green, and he was brainless. It was when we left the Vinkus for political or personal trips with the King, though, when I got the most insults. People would treat me like I was a walking disease. They would go out of their way to avoid me at all costs, drag out conversations with the others, or request that the King leave his wards behind on his trips. Nessa was resentful when we didn't get to attend some of the big galas in the Emerald City; but given the choice between the emerald walls of the palace or the stone ones in the castle...well, I see more green than I care to on a daily basis, why suffocate me?
"One less girl you'll befriend, I assume?"
I turned around and curtsied at the sound of the King's old voice. "Your Majesty." I greeted.
The King was dying. He'd been diagnosed with some malady that was slowly stealing his vitality. I thought that he'd be gone before I turned of age, he just never seemed to look as good as the day before. The last few weeks he had been in meetings day in and day out. Most days he would call Baako in with him, preparing him for when he would take over. Seeing the King walk around the castle was not a usual sight anymore. So seeing him on the top of the Western Tower, clutching his cloak tight around him, was quite the sight.
"You should be inside, sire," I helped him the remaining distance to the edge.
"A little fresh air will do me some good." He patted my hand.
"It's the climb I worry about."
He ignored me and sighed as he watched the red head climb into her awaiting carriage. "I feel as if we have gone through every young lady in Oz, searching for the one who will calm that boy down."
"You'll have to explore Quox soon." I replied, only half joking.
The King laughed, "I would rather he marry a Quadling girl."
"A marriage?"
"Well, eventually." He nodded. "Lurline knows he won't chose a bride willingly." The King huffed before motioning for me to leave with him. "I may be able to handle Fiyero's wild ways, but Baako will be a new king, he'll have no clue what to do with Fiyero. And if you think Fiyero will obide by his brother just because he's king, you are sorely mistaken." I held the door open for the King. "I'm going to have to clip his wings before he can take flight."
I nodded slowly. I'm not one to correct the King, but I couldn't help but tell him that Fiyero took flight a long time ago. He only replied with a chuckle, his attention on making it down the stairwell. I wondered if Fiyero would make a dash for it at the prospect of marriage. He didn't even like the idea of being with a girl more than once. Marriage is kind of the definition of more than once. I brushed my thoughts on the matter aside. Fiyero's brainless. He'd probably make a scandal out of a marriage anyway. No laws, vows, or threats could keep him from doing what he pleased. Maybe clipping his wings wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
Nessa always thought that Fiyero turned out to be such a dud because he lacked a mother's love. We were told that she had been ill for most of her pregnancy, and that she had lived long enough to meet Fiyero, name him, and assure her people that she and the baby were perfectly healthy. Then she died a week later.
"Your Majesty." Baako's bimbo chirped as she came into sight after we reached the ground floor. She curtsied in a way that kept the fabric of her dress from ruining and kept her curls just right. I don't think they'd been out of place since she arrived. "Miss Elphaba." Don't let her goodly tone fool you. She's only after the title.
"Miss Galinda." The King smiled at her. She beamed back. "Your family is well?" He added as they both stilled. I bit back a groan. I know it wasn't true, but the longer I was in close proximity with these ditzes, the more I was sure that stupidity could be caught.
"Oh, most certainly." Miss Galinda Upland, of the Upper Uplands, said with a nod. "Momsie and Popsicle are beyond thillified for next month's festival. My sister just had a baby girl, so they're visiting her for the week."
Miss Galinda's eyes flickered to me for a second before she answered a few more of the King's questions. I didn't know how it was possible for someone to be so perky and so pink so much. Can you even imagine her as princess? Well, I mean, I'm sure you could. If you're four. What four year old doesn't think being a princess is all about the frills and thrills? If she and Fiyero married, though...there would be pink everywhere. I'm sure of it. Even though she'd be last in line in authority, she'd charm people to get her way. I was confident that the library would remain untouched. Or maybe it would be turned out and redone with books about fashion and whatever girls like Miss Galinda drooled over.
"And Popsicle is the best businessman." Miss Galinda smiled in response to the King saying something about marriage being nothing but a business contract.
Nessa and the boys were already in the room we'd been tutored in since we were young when I made it away from the King and Miss Galinda. I cast Fiyero a long look, thinking back on his father's words. Would it really be for the best for Fiyero to be married through a business arrangement? Wouldn't that just encourage him to lash out even more? Push the limit to see how far he could get before he was merely hanging on the edge by a finger? Would they set him up with one of the bimbos that they've brought through already? The possibility that he's already met his future wife was very high. After all, he honestly probably has seen or partied with most of Oz's eligible bachelorettes. Honestly, if it came to that, I would almost rather him be set up with Miss Galinda. Fiyero sneered at me when he caught my stare. I rolled my eyes and sat down in my normal seat between Takoda and the object of my loathing.
"Sorry." I mumbled to the tutor when she reminded me that tardiness is frowned upon at all ages in all corners of Oz.
"You know what they use to do my father when he was late to his lessons?" Fiyero asked the tutor. She frowned at him. "Switches. One switch for every minute. So what? Like five?"
"Please, Fiyero, save your kinky fantasies of Fabala for someone else." Baako smirked.
"Or don't fantasize." Takoda threw out.
"Baako, you clearly have me confused with Takoda."
I blushed furiously, and Takoda reached behind me to shove Fiyero's face into the table in front of us. Before Fiyero had the chance to retaliate, the tutor slammed her cane on her desk, calling attention immediately. Baako and Fiyero loved to tease Takoda, and they never passed up the chance to when the opportunity presented itself. I really felt horrible that Takoda had to put up with it all the time.
Takoda snatched his things up and moved to the spot next to Nessa on the other side of the room. I did nothing to hid my groan. Fiyero snickered lightly, and we both watched as Takoda scribbled furiously along with the lesson.
"Poor Takoda."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You should really put him out of his misery." Fiyero muttter as the lesson went on.
"If he hasn't caught the hint by now, then he's just as dense as you are." I shot back.
One of the corner's of Fiyero's mouth pulled up into a half smile, "Are you telling me you've been sending me hints, Miss Elphaba?"
I scoffed.
"It would make sense." He added. "I bet the whole idea of taming a wild spirit is exhilarating for you."
"Don't flatter youself."
"Don't deny it."
"Miss Elphaba and Master Fiyero," The tutor slammed her cane on the desk again. "Would you two care to teach this lesson?" I could probably do it better than she, but Fiyero declined before I could answer. "Then refrain from speaking unless spoken to."
"...then I just 'toss, toss'."
I sat on the couch closest to the fireplace as Miss Galinda explained to us all how to toss your hair. Apparently it's pertinent in looking good. I had considered giving myself over to the flickering flames multiple times. Takoda grinned widely at the tiny blonde, looking up from Baako's literature homework from last week. She was quite talkative and quite set on making our lives...easier with these tips. I think I was the only one not amused by her. Even Nessa seemed enchanted by the simple act of hair tossing. And, oh, how I wish I was joking. Sitting in the parlor, watching as Miss Galinda taught the art of hair tossing to three princes and a ward.
"Like this?" Nessa tried it.
"Exactly!" Miss Galinda clapped her hands excitedly, and a broad smile played on Nessa's face. "And look! You already look more beautiful." I rolled my eyes.
"Don't be such a sour puss, Elphaba." Baako teased. "You never know when this could come in handy."
"I wouldn't want to strain myself." I replied, looking back down at my book.
"If Fiyero can do it, you can do it." Takoda smirked. I glanced up at him and then to Fiyero. He had been cool all day since lesson; and his comment still held that rude, biting tone.
"No."
"Pay no attention to Elphaba, Miss Galinda." Baako said after Fiyero shot Takoda a glare. "The frivolities of fashion are of no interest to her." And, of course, the words sounded so pretty to the empty-headed blonde that she waved them off. She truly was perfect for Fiyero.
"You'll pick up on things during my stay." The pink marshmallow smiled.
"Your stay?" I frowned.
"Miss Galinda is staying with us until her parents return home from their travels." Baako told us with a smug look on his face. Nessa had to do his literature homework, Takoda his history, and I his science. Cheap bastard.
I don't know if anyone in the room, and probably the entire country, remained whole when Miss Galinda let out this ungodly squeal. Fiyero had dropped the glass he had been drinking liquor out of, and the book Takoda had been reading from fell to the floor. Miss Galinda was a rare breed, I'd give her that. The ball of blonde and pink plopped onto the couch next to me, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Elphie-do you mind if I call you Elphie?" She asked and the princes broke into a fit of cackles. I shot them all the darkest glare I could muster under a state of shock and anxiety.
"It's a little perky." I mumbled, staring at her warily.
"Elphie," She ignored my trepidation. "I've decided to make you my new project."
"You really don't have to do that." I shook my head. No. Absolutely not.
"I know, that's what makes me so nice."
"Oh, Miss Galinda, how good of you." Nessa cooed like a puppy dog begging for attention. I scowled at my sister.
"Yes, quite good." Fiyero downed the liquid in his new glass. "She'll need to be Galinda-fied," He grinned at his own word. "If she's going to be princess one day." He added with a pointed look at Takoda.
Miss Galinda frowned deeply for a second before that beautiful blonde brain of hers put two and two together. She let out another excited squeal, but I slammed my book shut and took leave before she could even think about voicing her opinion. I had half a mind to kick Fiyero on the way out. I thought better, though. Nessa would give me the cold shoulder for having such poor manners, and I really didn't think Fiyero was worth the effort. So I let the door shut roughly behind me, giving them all some indication to leave me be.
There was no way I was going to make it a month with Miss Galinda. I would have to see her everyday at breakfast. Can you even imagine what she must be like first thing in the morning? I bet she's all powdery fresh and smiling at the sun. Oz. And this could be my future princess? Oz. I would much rather be kicked out of the castle. Elphie. It even sounds pink. I shook my head and climbed the staircase that lead to the library. Nessa was already in love with her as a princess, I could tell. She drooled over Miss Galinda the way a puppy drools over a treat.
"Morons." I muttered to myself as I settled into my normal place with a book someone had left on the desk for me to read. About politics. I don't know who did it, but there was always a new book there for me to read about politics or theory or, sometimes, drama.
Twilight came and went with out disruption. It was just as dusk came when someone outside caught my eye. I watched from my spot in the library window sill as Takoda and Fiyero trekked across the courtyard, stopping in the middle by the fountain. Fiyero plopped down on the edge and ran a finger through the water. Takoda was saying something to him that had Fiyero shaking his head over and over again. I figured he was telling his youngest brother something along the lines of grow up. You know, the usual. As fun as betting against each other was, Takoda knew that Fiyero settling down a lot was important to the King. And with the King's days dwindling, the responsibility to shape Fiyero up would ultimately rest on Baako and Takoda's shoulders. Whatever Takoda said had Fiyero on his feet, waving an arm wildly in my general direction. I pressed back into the wall, slightly paranoid that I was being singled out. Neither of them looked up, though, so I leant forward again and continued watching them.
"Lurline, Elphaba." I jumped at the sound of Baako's voice. "What would the King say if he knew his favorite ward was eavesdropping on his sons?" He winked at me lightheartedly.
"It's only eavesdropping if you know what they're talking about." I said, glancing back down at the courtyard.
"Probably Fiyero's inability to take anything seriously." I nodded in agreement. "Regardless, you're just the lady I was looking for."
I eyed him warily. "It worries me that you came looking for me yourself."
Baako laughed, "Consider yourself special, I don't do this for just anyone." He leaned against the wall next to me, watching me seriously now. "How about a wager, just between the two of us." I tore my attention away from his younger brothers. Baako nodded.
"What will I get out of it?"
"A spot in my cabinet. Grand Vizier."
I perked up and gave Baako my full attention. Grand Vizier? The King's cabinet had been fretting for months over who would eventually become Baako's Grand Vizier once he took the throne. They'd completely ruled out his brothers for obvious reasons, but Baako always insisted he had someone in mind. Was that me? Was I the one who had been on his mind for the position? My head started reeling at the possibility. I can remember watching meetings up in the balcony with Nessa and the princes, dreaming of one day I'd be there. And now I could? All I had to do was win some silly bet for Baako? Surely it was a piece of cake. I paused. Maybe. No. Not with Baako. There'd yet to be a bet he hadn't won. Ever since he, Takoda, and I started making wagers for the dumbest things years ago. You never bet against the house. And in each case, Baako was the house.
"What's the wager?" I asked slowly, unsure how much I'd want the position after hearing the price.
"My father is dying, soon all of his responsibilities will be mine. Including my brothers. Namely-"
"Fiyero." I mumbled, glancing out the window. He and Takoda were shoving each other between shouts.
Baako nodded. "Do you know how much money we spend on keeping Fiyero's name out of gossip rags?" I shook my head. "Enough money to reboot some programs that were shut down after my mother died." Not one? Some? Wow.
"Do you want me to convince him to fall for one of these floozies?" I frowned. I was hardly the one to influence Fiyero to do anything.
"No." Baako said, staring at me. "I was thinking of someone closer to home."
"A villager?" I shook my head.
Baako didn't answer, he just eyed me intently.
"Me? Baako, I don't..." I stopped. "You want me to woo Fiyero?" I shot a look down at the boys. "Baako...Fiyero and I can barely have a conversation without one of us wanting to kill the other. And Takoda-" I stopped again and stared down at Takoda and Fiyero as Fiyero started doing some silly dance. He was in the middle of a turn when Takoda threw his arms up in the air and then shoved Fiyero into the fountain. "I couldn't do that to Takoda." I finished.
"Look, I'm not forcing you to do anything. I'm just saying that no one is spoken for, and the position of my Grand Vizier has yet to be chosen. If you take the bet and get Fiyero to do a one eighty, then I want you in my cabinet. If you take it and fail, though, well, you know what happens when you turn of age." I watched Baako shrug nonchalantly. "Take a night to think, I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast."
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