It had been a week that Elphaba had spent time at Kiamo Ko and everyday was painful for her to see his family adore him, his wife not appreciates him for what he is and all the while she was jealous of her for having him. How could she destroy the hearts of his children, little Nor who she had grown so fond of during the past week. She was stopping them all from living a happy life as the perfect family; after all they were living in a fairytale. Fiyero the prince in shining armour, finding a beautiful woman and marrying her and both have children together. How could it be any more perfect?

''I have something for you.'' Fiyero stated on the one of few occasions when they were left alone.

''If it's what I think it is then the time is inappropriate.'' Elphaba gestured to the boys playing next door. Fiyero rolled his eyes.

''It's not what you think although that may be considered next time.'' He replied playfully and placed a dark green book on the table between them. Enchanted by it instantly, she reached out for it and stroked it's cover with her fingertips.

''What is it?'' She couldn't keep her eyes off it.

''It's called The Grimmerie. I happened to come across by chance. I was travelling years ago and met a beggar on the street, the old woman was asking for food and water and that if I supplied enough for the children in the village she would give me a gift in thanks. Of course as soon as I saw the children I sent for some food and water to be sent for them all just as she requested and in exchange I was given this. Apparently it can only be read by those who have the skill to decipher it. You can tell just by looking at it, it's powerful.''

''May I?'' Elphaba gestured for her to open the book. He nodded and watched as she opened it.

''Where did she get it?''

'I'm not sure she lived near Kellswater, it was only a small village I haven't seen it since.''

''It's hard to understand.''

''All I see is a blank page here. I thought if I gave it to you it would be in good hands.''

Elphaba closed the book gently and pulled it to her chest.

''Thank you.''

Fiyero leant in to kiss her but she pulled away.

''Fiyero! Don't.''

''Why won't you let me touch you?''

''Because you mustn't.'' For a moment Fiyero looked away. He wanted her so bad, but he couldn't he was aware of that. His relationship with Elphaba was already something he vowed not to do whilst married. But his feelings for her were too strong. He just didn't know if she felt the same at times like these.

''Fae?''

''Please don't call me that.'' Elphaba lowered her head.

''Elphaba…'' The pause after the sound of her name caused Elphaba to look up, considering whether he had actually lost the ability to speak for a moment.

''Do you love me?'' The question she knew was coming sooner or later stung her eyes and she had to stand from her seat to hide from him. Gazing out the window to distract herself from the answer she longed to tell him. Yes she loved Fiyero, she had never loved anything before, she realised that from their first kiss. It had never been an easy relationship they had, yet that never stopped them. But obstacles came and then they would conquer it together, but in the pit of her stomach, Elphaba felt their was something coming their way, something they may not be able to face, no matter how strong their love for each other is. She felt his hand rest in her shoulder and she took it in her hand, not daring to turn to him though. If she saw those eyes of his, she would melt and tell him how she felt. But she couldn't, if she did she would not be able to leave him.

''Elphaba?'' No response.

''Fae?'' He whispered behind her. She closed her eyes and felt his lips meet the back of her neck.

''Why won't you say it?'' Elphaba let go of his hand and headed for the door. Sighing, Fiyero felt as though his heart had just broken in half.

''Because it's too difficult.'' What that meant left him feeling as confused as he felt before. Their love was too difficult? Or it was too difficult for her to say the words?