Chapter 3: Asronish
Glinda
I am crying, my head hurts dreadfully, and I feel like the walls are spinning. I cannot faint in here, knowing the green abomination can find me, so I urge myself to walk farther. But my useless limbs don't seem to follow as I fall wearily on the polished floor in a heap of clothes. Suddenly, I feel I am being lifted from the floor, strong arms around me and hoarse voices calling me, then everything went dark.
I don't know how long I was unconscious, all I know is that I am safely tucked in my bed, in the comfort of my room. I see my Ama fussing after me and asking me what happened, I sob uncontrollably again. How can this be my fate? How am I supposed to marry a monster? She is vile and cruel! She only exists to torment me!
"Hush, my little duckie" Ama gently stroking my hair as a way of comfort. Her hands warm yet had done little to calm me.
"She's a monster" I said bitterly, but my voice broke making it more like a strangled sob, which made me cry harder. I am not a weakling and accepting my circumstance is becoming more difficult than I expected
"Oh dearest"
"Why do I have to marry her?" I asked pleading for lucidity. To somehow make my predicament more bearable.
"It is your duty as well as hers, my duckie" Ama placated, the hard truth hitting me once more
"But I don't want to" I sniffed, and more tears fall down my eyes "I asked Momsie and Popsicle to withdraw the engagement" merely earning an amused smile from Ama, does she think me as self-con-conceit whatever too?
"I am afraid, the King and Queen will not indulge you on this one, duckie" she said sadly, and I cried even harder. I knew that for I received their reply just this morning. And to distract myself, I went around the palace to explore and that is when I saw the abomination. I could not believe my parents have agreed to this, but deep inside I knew they will not agree with my absurd suggestion. My parents sent me here and this engagement has already been set since I was seven. There is nothing I can do but accept this unfortunate fact. Isn't it that a few days ago I was thrilled to be here and call this palace as my home? To call this place mine and be happy with it? Oh, how far have I come! I loathe the person I am to be married, and everything in this damn room reminds me of her!
The following days seem to pass by. I break my fast with Ama in my quarters then read some sorcery books which I long to study but never really had the chance. Before coming here, I thought maybe I could, with the Empress being here but that seems as possible as a crow turning white. After lunch, it's either going around the palace or staying in my room, drawing some sketches of random buildings and towers. This I do to avoid seeing the Empress. One day, while I was walking down the hallway, Master Boq happens to find me. He was blushing and shy as usual as he approached me and bid his greetings. He was polite, but I don't need the attention he is giving me nor is it welcome.
"I apologize for the Empress, Princess Galinda" my attention suddenly on him, his hands fidgeting as he continued "She's not the easiest, but can you please give her time?"
Time? For what? To torment me as much as she wants? "Master Boq" I started calmly "I won't allow myself to be treated like she does."
"She was worried" his eyes fell on the floor "When she heard you fainted"
That surprised me. I wasn't certain the artichoke has feelings, but I know this is just a trick, Master Boq only says this to appease me and I will not be fooled easily!
"Then why didn't she check up on me?"
He stopped for a while, mulling "Her Majesty's been preoccupied with the ongoing events in the city."
And what do I care about that? My eyebrows raise as I see his answer having no relevance to our discussion.
"But she will visit you" Master Boq immediately supplied, noting my reaction "Soon."
"Very well," I answered, unconvinced but willing for the subject to be dropped.
"Have you been to the city, Princess?" the change of subject was more than welcome.
"I believe I haven't" I smiled at the prospect.
"Do you want to?"
"Yes, I think I wan to" I answered quickly.
"Oh of course! Princess, it is just a matter of security. But the gale force can escort you and your Ama, if that will please your highness?"
"Thank you, Master Boq" finally something to look forward to
"I shall tell Her Majesty and arrange whatever you need"
"Ahem!" a voice behind makes its presence known, I turn myself to its direction and find a man behind me standing confidently and smiling handsomely. He wears the same colors and uniform as Master Boq but he made it look more dashing.
"Master Avaric" Master Boq said acknowledging the man who urged the tall blond man to walk nearer
"Your highness, Master Boq" the blond man bowed
"I believe we haven't officially met, Princess Galinda" as he stepped closer, intruding my personal space.
"This is Master Avaric Teanmeadows" Master Boq introduced "a new member of the court"
"It is my pleasure, Master Avaric" I bowed after creating some distance from the man. I regarded him for a while, handsome yet arrogant.
"How are you doing, your highness?" his voice filled with concern.
"I am well, thank you for your concern"
"Not when I saw you faint on the hall the other day"
I blushed, how embarrassing! But I immediately composed myself. Clearly this man just wants the acknowledgement as all men do. "Thank you Master Avaric" I bowed, and I apologize for the inconvenience."
"Never you mind, your highness" he flashed a crooked grin, making him more dashing "I saw you leave through the Empress' personal library and as far as I am informed, nobody gets out of that room unscathed"
For the first time, I find myself smiling sincerely and I think I might have gained a friend.
Master Boq released a chuckle, hearing the exchange. "Master Avaric, you silly man"
Master Avaric and I laughed along with the munchkin. The tension out and the atmosphere more relaxed.
"I heard you were planning for a trip to the Emerald City?" Avaric asked, bursting our little happy bubble
"We still have to tell the Empress" Master Boq quicky replied, giving me no chance to make my own statement on the matter
"It will be my pleasure to accompany you, Princess" Avaric winked at me making me blush
"We should go" Master Boq replied instead and both men bowed and said their goodbyes, Avaric's eyes lingering longer at me.
"I will see you soon, Your Highness" and then they left.
The idea of visiting the city made me giddy for the rest of the day. I can imagine the shopping that I would do, the cafes and the salons I would be visiting. Oh, how wonderful it would be to get out of the palace even for a day. I was smiling to myself that night as I was sitting in my vanity and Ama noticed, of course. Nothing can get away from the old bat.
"You're happy," she stated, not a question but just stating a fact.
"Master Boq said we can go to the city" I supplied happily; excitement clear in my eyes
"And the Empress knows?"
"He said he would let her know and Master Avaric will accompany us!"
"Oh, you be careful with that man, duckie" she warned, and I realized she already knew the man as he carried me to my room once.
"He was just being kind."
"Nothing kind about that"
"What do you mean?" anger starting to build inside of me "Would you rather I spent the day with the green monster?"
"Duckie"
"No!" my eyes squeezed shut angry at this old hag who I thought is on my side "if you don't want to come then just don't! But don't tell me otherwise!"
She smiled that sad smile again and approached me "Of course I want to come, duckie" and reached for my hands, her skin wrinkled and darker against mine. "Come, you better rest and save that energy for the trip."
A knock came through the door at that moment, startling the both of us since it is already too late for any visitors. Ama crossed the bedroom and through to the parlour to see who our mystery guest is. I overheard voices and it didn't take long for my Ama to come back to me and help me cover myself with a thick robe. "Who is it? I asked but instead of answering she beckon me to follow her to the parlour and I was surprised to say the least. There stands the green horrible woman I so despise.
"Princess" her back towards me, facing the windows. Her hands clutching behind her. "I apologize for bothering you in such an hour, but I'd rather this bout between us be laid to rest" then she turned towards me, her eyes almost pleading "I heard you fainted, and I want to apologize for that too."
I sighed, I am still mad with my earlier discussion with Ama and it didn't help that the green girl decided to show up and apologize. But hearing the sincerity in her voice and seeing her imploring brown eyes, made me surrender. I guess, I am also tired with the hostility and would rather be civil, after all, I must live with this girl all my life. "Apology accepted, I suppose" I answered not looking at her because her eyes make something stir within me and I'd rather not acknowledge that.
She huffed, releasing her breath that I didn't know she was holding. Is the green monster nervous? "That went easily than I expected," she said in relief, more to herself than to me and for a few clock ticks we were just silent. Both of us bewildered by our sudden surrender.
"If I may ask, how are you feeling now?" finally breaking the silence and I can see concern in her gentle eyes
"Very well" I answered quickly, my throat getting dryer yet I still manage to say "Master Avaric found me and Ama made sure I am cared for" Why am I telling her this?
"Good, very good" she suddenly replied finding the floor more interesting.
"I also heard from Boq that you wanted to go the city"
"Yes, and I really don't need your permission, but Master Boq told me I would need proper escorts"
"Yes you don't but I cannot allow it. Not yet"
"What?" and there goes the truce we just made, out of the proverbial window as soon as it is made.
"I can't allow you to visit the city with little security."
"Ama and Master Avaric would accompany me"
"Still"
"I am not your prisoner!" my fingers digging deeper at my palms. How easily can this girl made me surrender and fight in a matter of a clock tick is so beyond me!
"You're not! But believe me when I say it is not safe!"
"And I am safe with you?" I taunted, my hands on my hips
That made her stop for a clock tick and after a while she smiled and yet again, I could not decipher whatever the hell is in her mind. She makes me so furious and to think we just make amends a few moments ago.
"then I will come with you," she finally said.
"If you are just trying to tease me, I afraid I am already at my limit Miss Elphaba"
Her eyes widen at the name, yet a grin crept up on her lips "You called me, Elphaba"
"Well that is your name isn't it? Or would you rather I call you Your Majesty, as all your subjects do?
"You continue to astonish me, Princess Galinda"