Those had at been announced first where scientists, doctors, inventors, professors, artists, or writers. They may not be of noble rank, but King Scarecrow was known for his brains and he felt a kinship with those that used theirs in turn. He was eager to speak with them on their work, and they in turn were also eager to share. They saw Scarecrow as one of them, an intellectual, and knew he of all the gathered rulers would understand and appreciate their work.
And so the first few hours in the throne room were more relaxed and nearly friendly. Talk was blunt and laughter was heard often.
But that was in the past now. Now with the arrival of the minor nobility and royalty, everyone stood a little more on edge, trying to look more refined and respectful.
However, everyone's attention also wavered. It was the king who had to be at his best, to be cordial to all he met, no matter his personal feelings for them.
Therefore Lily was free to fret on her own. Right now a certain prince from a different country whose name she had forgotten was presenting his sister to the king. She was a pretty thing, but the fair-haired maiden was unremarkable in that regard. Were they not all pretty and fair? The king was polite but did not spare her a second glance, to the girl's disappointment. But this all meant that everyone's eyes were front and center. The vixen kept darting her eyes towards the back, where the great double doors were currently closed. Two members of the imperial palace guard stood ready to open them at a moment's notice. A notice dictated by the two crows on the iron stands.
The prince and his sister did not linger with the king and departed to stand at the side. There was a brief second of silence, and in that second Lily looked in the king's direction and caught Cleo's eyes. The lioness, standing at the place of honor with her mate, gave the princess a look of sympathy, she knew what was coming.
"Our lord, our ladies, and our most gracious Emperor King Scarecrow," Muninn loudly from his stand near the doors, as if he had not been repeating that same line all morning. "It is an honor to present an ally and friend of Oz."
Huginn then picked up his part, a timing long well practiced. "Presenting King Dox of Foxville and Crown Prince Jonquil!"
"No..." Lily breathed, but her words were drowned about a roar of clapping as the king and prince were revealed.
King Dox marched smartly down the center. He was a middle aged fox, a little grey and a little round. But he wore his crown proudly. His clothing was a little more traditional than what was typically seen on the modern kings. But his red king cloak, complete with white and black collar, was made completely out of bird feathers. It was an impressive sight and King Dox knew it. His ring covered figures twitched in delight of the attention he was receiving.
If his image came across as a little vain but harmless enough, then one only had to look at his son to read a different story. Poor Jonquil, a dove grey tod, was dressed more in the style of King Scarecrow, though his suit was white and in a simpler style. On his chest was a pin made from the eye of a peacock feather. But instead of sharing his father's pride, he seemed as fearful and flighty. Strangers might have thought him nervous from being the center of attention, but those familiar with this royal family knew Jonquil was afraid of his father.
The prince stayed a few paces behind King Dox, as if carefully calculating how not to be too close without being too far. He caught his sister's eye. Something passed between them, a sense of shared uncertainty and apprehension.
"Ah! Emperor King Scarecrow, my old friend!" The old fox king said with open arms as he approached the throne.
Gracchus was moving to intercept and high above in the rafters the King's Guard moved like shadows, taking aim with arrows.
Scarecrow saw all these things. A subtle hand movement was enough to stay their hand. "King Dox!" He replied friendly, getting out of his throne for the first time. The two kings met and shook hands.
Scarecrow could hear a murmur around the throne room. New comers questioned veterans. Who was this minor king that caused the great ruler of Oz to get up from his throne?
In reality Scarecrow had gotten up in order to placate those that defended him, as King Dox was mindlessly blundering through protocol, thinking he was more important than he actually was. Scarecrow did not want a bloodshed over what was admittedly a mistake. Dox was not a threat nor could harm Scarecrow, which were the reasons for such rules in the first place, a first line of defense. The prince had enough presence of mind to stop at that invisible marker that his father did not think applied to him.
"King Dox and Foxville has always been great friends with Oz." He spoke more to those gathered than to the fox king. "Does not your daughter Princess Lily live with us here in the palace as an ambassador?"
This seemed to satisfy the gossipers. Of course, it was only natural that they would be so familiar. Those that knew of the royal comings and goings were already familiar with this knowledge and looked down at those who had questioned in the first place. Though there was another segment who glared jealous daggers at the vixen princess. Lily felt those glares as keenly as if they were made of steel, but she was a princess and so kept her poise.
"My daughter? Oh yes." King Dox spoke as if he had momentarily forgotten about his youngest child. "Of course, I should go see her."
Scarecrow let the old fox go, relieved that nothing had happened. A quick glance up at the rafters let him see forms scurrying in the shadows. One of those forms was Terryck. Scarecrow wondered what could be going on through his head.
King Dox passed the Tin Man and gave him a courteous nod. But when he passed Lionel and Cleo, his expression turned contemptuous. Here were two mere talking animals. The foxes of Foxville were of a different race, and not related to talking animals. Many of the Foxville foxes believed themselves to be more cultured and intelligent than talking animals who often lived in the wilderness. King Dox therefore saw himself as superior to the noble lions. The archduke and archduchess pretended to not noticed, but inside they were furious.
Prince Jonquil was much more polite. Like his sister, he did not believe talking animals were inherently inferior. He bowed before them and muttered an apology for the offense for his father's sake.
"Lily, my daughter!" King Dox exclaimed as he went through the crowd which was already focused on another arrival. He reached out his arms and gave her a hug that she awkwardly returned.
"Yes, it is good to see you well father." She said as she straightened out her black feather collar after she was released. She hoped it was not too crushed. "And brother, I am always glad to see you."
Her brother's hug was not as crushing and did not damager her collar. "I have missed you very much sister."
"Yes well, I have been rather busy. Getting ready for the ball, and before that I had some meetings and paperwork-"
"Oh are you still playing ambassador sweetie?" King Dox grinned patronizingly. "I suppose you must keep yourself busy somehow."
Lily gapped in disbelieve. She knew she should have expected something like this, but still. "Playing? I spent weeks on that report I just sent! Did you even look at it?"
Jonquil placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her level headed. "Those that should have seen it saw it." His said diplomatically. In a lower voice closer to her ear he added, "I read it and sent if off to the appropriate people before it was delivered to father, you know he would have just ignored it."
Lily nodded. "Thank you." At least her hard work had not been for nothing.
"But my dear," King Dox spoke as if he had not been interrupted. "I would have expected you to make more progress. I know you are the type to take things slowly, but you aren't getting any younger."
Lily prayed for patience. "I'm sorry father," She tried to not sound as if he had just insulted her when he mentioned her age. "But his majesty is difficult to get that close to." That was the real reason she was in Oz, and that knowledge shamed her. Her ambassador job was just a pretense. She was really supposed to be working towards gaining the queen's throne, like every other girl here. She normally gleefully ignored that charge, she had Terryck, an interesting job, and good friends, why would she obey her father? But with him here, standing before her, brought his plan to the forefront of her mind. Foxville was not very powerful, nor was it very large. While they were already allies, King Dox dreamed that uniting Oz and Foxville would help empower Foxville. Lily was not sure if that was true or, as her brother believed, that union would result in Foxville's end as it would be absorbed by Oz. That did not matter to her. What mattered was that she loved Terryck, that King Scarecrow was like a brother to her, and that she had no desire to become the queen of Oz. But none of this mattered to her father so she never voiced it.
King Dox sighed. "A shame really. At least you normally don't have to deal with rivals. Stay on your toes this time."
Lily had to bite the inside of her lip. It was true enough that she technically did not have rivals here in the palace. Other kingdoms clamored to send their daughters to the Emerald Palace after they heard of what Foxville had done. But Scarecrow would have none of that. In fact, Lily had the feeling that he only allowed her to come in the first place was out of sympathy for Terryck, who was already under his employ. But it was the last part of what he said that really enraged her. 'Stay on my toes! That is all he can say after what happened last year? Does he not care?'
King Dox never noticed his daughter's frustration as he had his attention on some new arrival. He cheered and clapped along with everyone else. That left the brother and sister a moment to talk.
"Have you received any word...from her?" Jonquil asked out the side of his mouth as he clapped.
Lily nodded. "A letter, it arrived not long ago." She paused. "I have not written a response yet."
"And?"
"And our sister and her lover are doing well. She seems happy, more happy than in Foxville at least."
Jonquil nodded. "Not what father had intended I'm sure. Telling him would be worth his anger."
"Don't." Lily reprimanded. "Just be happy that Magnolia is living well. I'll let you see the letter later, if you can get away from father."
"I would like that, maybe I'll write her something myself. You would make sure it got sent right?"
"Of course. Have you..." She stopped, she had not meant to start on this topic, being more painful than their exiled sister.
"Mother?" Jonquil guessed correctly. "I have not found anything. It is very hard to investigate when father is around."
Lily could only nod as King Dox was now giving them his attention. "This is why I like gatherings like this. Isn't it great having the whole family back together again?" He laughed good naturedly.
The siblings forced themselves to stay silent.
There was a blaze of light on the horizon, signaling that the day was nearly over. It was not quite sunset, but close enough to make Dorothy realize that she had spent nearly all day up on that balcony.
It was hard to believe since time had seemed to fly. The whole day once the processions started as like a festival, only much more glamorous and majestic than anything Dorothy had seen in Kansas. But she did spend the whole day there with Nimmie, Tigris, and the cubs. Lunch had been brought up to them, binoculars were provided once asked for, and at one point there had been a race down the stairs to see King Azaz and The Mathemagician up close.
But everything must eventually come to an end. The fanfare for the two kings and two queens of Narnia, the last and therefore the most important to arrive, had been nearly deafening. Now silence settled firmly, as if it had been inconvenienced by the celebration and now could finally have some peace.
"Did you have fun Miss Dorothy?" Amani asked as she trotted at her heels. The Kansas woman had really made quite an impression on the young cubs.
"I certainly did Amani." Dorothy said. "It was the first time I have ever seen anything like it before. It was exciting." She held back a smile when she caught Amani yawning. "Though I think it was a little too much excitement for you."
"I'm not tired, honest."
But the Hungry Tiger was not fooled. "I think she's right kiddo. Come on, say good night then we can get you two in bed."
The cubs, trying to hide their exhaustion, hugged Dorothy and Nimmie good night.
"We still need to get dinner in you two. Good night girls!" He waved as he ushered the cubs towards their quarters.
"That reminds me," Dorothy said after the felines had left. "Scarecrow invited to that dinner tonight."
"Oh did he now?" Nimmie said with a grin and a hand on her hip.
"I don't think he meant it like that!" Dorothy said too quickly, face a touch pink.
"I'm just teasing you, it's too easy. But really, have you ever seen to a state dinner?"
"I never even been to a town dinner. I imagine you have to be polite and very formal, but what else?"
"That's about it Dorothy." Nimmie said. "They make it sound a lot more complex than it really is."
"I suppose." Dorothy remembered back to the other day and Lily's offer, she really wanted to talk to the white vixen now. She just did not think that Nimmie would be a good resource for this. Not that she would tell the red head that. "Will there be dancing?"
Nimmie shook her head. "Not tonight, that will only be for the ball. You do know how to dance right?"
"Well, I can dance in general, I've been to a few barn raising parties and such in my time. Nothing that is good for a grand royal ball." This was the first time she thought of that little fact. 'There has to be a dance instructor here in the palace. I bet Lily could help me.' "What about you Nimmie? Do you dance?" She wondered if Nick could even dance being all made out of metal.
The blacksmith shook her head. "I may do one or two times around, but it's not really my thing. And I know Nick isn't too comfortable with it. He's rather private, doesn't like to show our relationship off in public." Nimmie sounded perfectly okay with that.
Dorothy nodded, wondering about dancing now. She wanted to ask if Scarecrow was any good at dancing. She figured that he might, having become a king in all other respects he'd also have to be graceful on the dance floor. 'I hope I get to dance with him.' The very idea of dancing with the king made her feel giddy. 'I better learn all the fashionable dance steps then, if I want him to dance with me.' Nimmie noticed that Dorothy was starting to space out and smiled, she knew who she was thinking of.
By this point the girls had reached the hall on the side of the throne room. "Hey, come back to earth princess." Nimmie said as she plucked at Dorothy's arm. "We need to stand back by the wall, we really don't want to get in anyone's way." She knew that it was almost time for everyone to get ready for the dinner, and being underfoot was the surest way to upset a noble.
Someone was speaking in the throne room but Dorothy could not understand what was being said. She felt that it was Scarecrow giving some sort of final speech. Now that she decided not to fight it, she let herself daydream. She could see him in her mind's eye, handsome and charismatic, with every one hanging on his every word. She imagined that he was standing before the gathered crowd, welcoming them to his kingdom, saying that they were all important to Oz or hoping that they would have an enjoyable time here in the palace. She found it ridiculously easy to conjure up a daydream about Scarecrow.
An explosion of clapping startled Dorothy back to reality. "Wha-"
"They're done in there, you better stay back here with me." Nimmie said, gently pulling Dorothy closer to a corner were they would not be in the way.
Servants who Dorothy swore were not there before pulled open all the side doors, allowing for a rush of brightly dressed nobles to pour out. They were the same people she had seen from the balcony, but they looked so different now that she was much closer. They reminded of forest of colorful jungle birds, the kind she saw in a book once.
But Nimmie was not paying attention to any of what Dorothy saw. She only had eyes for one person. She did not yell above the crowd as she would never be heard. But it would have been unnecessary anyways as they were quickly found.
Nick politely declined an invitation to talk by some noble with a mustache and made a beeline for Nimmie. Cleo and Lionel lingered a little in the crowd but were ultimately following his example.
"Nimmie!" He nearly scooped her up, but it was clear that he was holding back. "How was it? Waiting around in the throne room does not offer as good a view as you would think."
Nimmie chuckled. "We had a wonderful time, didn't we Dorothy?"
The Tin Man seemed to noticed Dorothy for the first time. "So you did manage to see it. We were wondering where you were. So you stayed for the entire thing?"
"I wouldn't miss a second of it for the world." Dorothy said excitedly. "It was all so grand and we had a lot of fun."
"I hope the kids didn't drive you two up a wall." Lionel spoke up as he and Cleo made their way to them.
"They were very well behaved Lionel." Dorothy said. "They're sweet kids."
Cleo looked around. "Where are they now?"
"Tigris took them back to your rooms." Nimmie said. "All that excitement took a lot out of them."
Cleo nodded and put an arm on Lionel. "Then we should hurry and see them before dinner. They'll be asleep by the time it's over."
Lionel nodded in agreement. "We will see you at the dinner." He said as he waved, heading into the flow of people.
"We should hurry too, you need to get ready for dinner." Nick said to Nimmie.
"Actually," The red head started to explain. "I was thinking of running and helping Dorothy get ready first-"
"Oh no!" A new voice spoke up. "No you don't!"
"Lily?"
"Forget it Nimmie." The white vixen said storming into the middle. To say that Lily was agitated would be putting it lightly. "I need to get away from my family for a bit, breath some air that's not feeding my father's ego. Therefore," She linked arms with Dorothy. "I will go help her. Powers know I'm not going to be using the time for myself."
The red head backed off. "I understand, we'll see you at the dinner then." The couple quickly left.
"Wait!" Dorothy called out after them, she was not sure how she felt being attached to a volatile fox.
Lily did not seem to noticed Dorothy's reluctance. "Come on, my father is still in there, we need to go before he notices I'm gone."
Dorothy was forcibly led away. She saw that Lily was clearly having some problem and would not forsake her friend. And yet she still felt a twinge of disappointment in her heart. She had hoped to see Scarecrow again. She knew she probably would not get a chance to talk to him, but she just wanted to see him. She looked back over her shoulder, but there was no sign of him. "Right..." She said under her breath, cutting her losses.
Lily took Dorothy through the crowd, weaving so as not to bump into anyone. One person they passed by was a blonde woman with long crimped hair in conversation with some other girl. Dorothy accidentally met her eyes. It lasted only for a second, but something venomous passed between them instantly. Dorothy did not even know who this girl was, but she still made her blood boil.
But Lily was still moving like a brisk wind and Dorothy was soon away from the blonde. "Lily, will you slow down." She begged as she tried to keep up on the stairs.
The fox princess did not respond with words, but she did slow down.
Now able to catch her breath Dorothy could now question her friend. "What is going on Lily?"
"It's nothing."
"No, I would say it's definitely something. You mentioned your father." Dorothy did not want to push it but having been nearly dragged through the palace she felt she deserved some answer.
Lily glanced around as if making sure she could not be overheard. Unfortunately there were still to many people around. "I'll tell you back in your room."
Dorothy was satisfied with that answer and once they were safe back in Dorothy's room Lily started talking while going through the closet.
"Not sure how to start this." Lily admitted.
"Just start from the beginning." Dorothy said, sitting on her bed and stroking Toto.
Lily eyed some dresses while her mind was far away in Foxville. "My father has been king of Foxville for a very long time. We aren't a large or prosperous country, but we can hold our own. We lived in a palace and dressed in feathers. But my father never had a firm grasp on reality and so believes that Foxville, and himself, are more important than they really are." She worked through another rack of clothes. "I don't know if you know what it is like to live with someone like that, I'm not talking a little vain or putting on airs, I'm talking full on narcissism. It's unbearable. To my father, he was always right in everything, he could never error. It was you that was wrong, you who made the mistake. And..."
Dorothy had gotten up to follow Lily into the closet, holding Toto. "And?"
Lily felt like she should be crying but instead she was cold and numb inside. "My father saw other people as disposable. Even his own family."
Dorothy's hand flew up to cover her mouth, she had a feeling that this was going in a bad direction. "Oh Lily honey, you don't have to, you don't have to say more if it's painful."
The princess shook her head. "No, once I start I can never seem to stop." She shook her head, her ears drooping in depression. "I don't remember my mother very well. I know she was kind and pretty and then one day not there anymore. I was just a kit when she disappeared. I didn't find out till I was older that she had spoken against my father on some manner of state, and he was so offended that he had her sent into exile like a common criminal. After that it was like he had forgotten she had ever existed. No one was allowed to talk about it. I got slapped just for asking where she was on her first day into exile." She sighed, it was like ice was gripping her heart. "And so my brother and I were practically raised by our older sister Magnolia. She was also a white fox like myself but she was always the better princess than me. Prettier, smarter, more graceful, more eloquent, everyone loved her. I was never jealous as some other sisters might have been. I have to say, I originally was interested in becoming your friend because you remind me of her."
"Me?" Dorothy was flabbergasted. Dorothy was not anything like this Magnolia, at least not as she saw it.
Lily nodded. "You have the same hair. Magnolia had black hair just like yours. If I grew mine out it would be white like the rest of me. Your black hair caught my attention and I figured that if you were like my sister in that regards, maybe that meant you were also a good person like her."
Dorothy smiled. "Well I try to be a good person at least. But what happened to your sister?"
The vixen sighed. "It happened a few years ago. My sister met someone and fell in love. My father had no objections to the relationship and Celia eventually moved into the palace."
Dorothy was confused. "Celia? That sounds like a girl's name."
"Of course it does. My sister's lover was another woman." Now it was Lily's turn to be confused. "Does...does that sort of thing not happen in Kansas?"
"Not that I ever heard of." Dorothy said but could not think of a reason why it wouldn't. It just never came up. But if it happened in this world then Dorothy had nothing against it.
"What a strange place." Lily said mystified. "But yes, Celia lived with us. She was very nice, I liked her a lot. She was a baker by trade and often made us small treats. Life was okay for awhile, or at least as well as it can be with a narcissistic father."
"Then something happened right?"
Lily nodded sadly. "My father can never see further than his own snout. Some prince asked for Magnolia's hand in marriage. No one else had ever asked before since her orientation was well known, but this prince was from a far away kingdom and so did not know. My father saw this as a great political alliance and a chance at gaining wealth and so did not take my sister's feelings into consideration."
"Oh no." Dorothy breathed, could see where this was going.
"Magnolia refused the marriage proposal. Father was furious. I have never seem him so angry. He tore off Magnolia's feather collar, claiming that she was no longer his daughter. He ordered the guards to chase Magnolia and Celia out of Foxville. They didn't want to, Terryck out rightly refused to raise arms against her. But most of the others eventually did as they were ordered. They were chased out with nothing but the clothes on their back. And just like with my mother, father never allowed them to be spoken of and he eventually forgot he had another daughter."
Dorothy put Toto on the ground and took Lily's hands in hers. "Oh Lily, I am so sorry."
"They are living well in another country right now. But at the time anything could have happened to them." The vixen squeezed her friend's hands but was not finished with her story. "After they were exiled, Terryck was afraid. Father did not know we were in a relationship first of all and second of all he had openly defied his king. He knew his time would be up once my father remembered. I would have stood by him and he knew that. Instead of having me be in the same position as my sister and mother, he ran from Foxville. He was accused of abandoning his post, and sure enough, my father remembered how he had refused a direct order and had Terryck branded as a traitor. It was only luck, and my father's ignorance, that brought me to Oz."
"I am glad you got set up as an ambassador."
Lily shook her head. "I have to be honest with you, the ambassador gig was only a pretense, my father does not take it seriously. He wanted me to marry Scarecrow so I could become queen."
Dorothy stiffened at that admittance, but immediately relaxed when she remembered that this was Lily, she was not about to follow that plan. "That sure is lucky of you though, to come to Oz where Terryck is."
Lily nodded. "That was the reason I agreed to come here. I think he put in a good word with his majesty too, otherwise I doubt I would have been let in the palace."
They were both silent in thought for a moment. "Oh no! Look at the time!" Lily exclaimed when she happened to see the clock near Dorothy's bed. She scrambled through the clothing she was supposed to be helping Dorothy with. "We need to get you put together right now or we'll be late!"
Dorothy found herself in a sudden whirlwind. Lily seemed glad to use opportunity as a distraction from the memories that had been stirred up. "Now listen to me carefully Dorothy," She said as she simultaneously ordered her to put on the dress she picked. "You are going to have a lot of really powerful people watching you, waiting to see if you make any mistakes. If you do as I say you won't give them the satisfaction."
Dorothy listened carefully as she was made ready for the dinner and she learned of the secrets known only to a princess.
The dining hall was filled with low murmurs of conversation as visiting nobles and other guests found there way in, led by hosts and hostess to their table. The dining hall was a room set aside for specifically this purpose and was filled with small round tables, each with white table cloth, fine china and crystal, and a small vase of tasteful flowers. At the front of the room was a long table set above the others. This was reserved for the king himself. The rest of the room was decorated in more of a minimalist style, allowing the elegant guests and the black starry night to complement each other. That was the official story, the real story was that King Scarecrow never approved the use of extravagance just for this. He was hardly a fan of the ball and so saw no need to over due the welcoming dinner. The decorators had to make due with what they had and succeeded marvelously.
A string quartet was warming up in a corner and a dull roar of chattering nobles settled over the room. Scarecrow hung back in the chamber behind his table. Unseen through the door crack he could still observe everything that was going on. Normally gatherings like this would be fun and looked forward to by the king. But not now. Certainly not now. Rosette was already busy, he could see her talking down to some girls, causing them to slink away. How different Dorothy was to Rosette. Dorothy would never bully or frighten others just to get what she wanted.
"Where is Dorothy anyway?" He asked as he looked behind him. Waiting with him was Nick, Nimmie, Lionel, and Cleo. As the archdukes and archduchess, they ate at the king's table and so came out with him.
The four looked at each other questionably.
"Last I saw of her she was with Lily." Nimmie said, now dressed in a gown of autumnal brown with her red hair falling softly on her shoulders. On her wrists, neck, and ears she wore beaded glass jewelry the color and shine of fire. Her eyes were decorated with a bit of fiery orange and her nails were painted red. She looked like a lovely fire goddess, a stark contrast to the rough blacksmith she usually was. The Tin Man was definitely enchanted.
At that moment there came a swift knocking on the door at the far side of the chamber. Scarecrow called for who ever it was to be admitted at once.
"I hope we're not late." Lily said, panting slightly.
Behind her was Dorothy who was not breathing heavily even though they must have run the whole way. Lily did a wonder with her. Inspired by the emerald tennis bracelet and blue crystal headpiece, the princess coordinated an outfit of rich light green and blue. The dress itself was a long evening gown that clung to her body just right. It was light blue like the headpiece, but it was decorated with a spray of light green crystals, starting thick at the hip and disbursing as they went down to the opposite sided hem. Dorothy had found a pair of drop earrings with both blue and green crystals and her bracelet was on her wrist, even though the emeralds were much darker but Lily insisted that they did not clash and in fact were necessary for the ensemble. Her long wavy hair was let loose and Lily had applied eye shadow that was half blue and half green. Her shoes also had both blue and green straps, which incidentally were borrowed. She had said no to the colored lipstick and instead stayed with a normal pink shade.
"How do I look?" She asked, feeling a tad self conscious. She never ever in her life had dressed so elegantly. She originally thought she would look ridiculous, what business did a Kansas girl like her have in dressing up like a movie star? But once Lily pulled the mirror over her doubts faded. Dorothy was not familiar with the particular style Lily dressed her in, but she saw that it worked for her. She often thought she was pretty enough, good enough for a farm girl, but now she saw herself as beautiful, as much as a princess like Lily or an archduchess like Cleo.
"Oh you look great Dorothy!" Nimmie nearly squealed. "And look at that, we compliment each other!" She was referring to the fact that she was wearing warm colors while Dorothy was dressed in cool.
"Lily did a fantastic job." Cleo complimented.
Lionel and Nick gave their agreements, joking that this could not be the same Dorothy who walked with them on the Yellow Brick Road.
Dorothy thanks them all, and Lily especially for her help. But the one person she wanted to hear from the most had not spoken up. "S-Scarecrow?" She now felt a little nervous, feeling a ball of cold in her stomach. What if he didn't like it? "What do you think?"
Scarecrow had just stared since Dorothy walked in. He had often thought that she was beautiful before, but it was different now. Now in that dress and those jewels and that bright happy smile, she was absolutely gorgeous. So much more so than anyone who had stepped foot in his throne room that day. He almost felt bad for them, those women tried so hard to doll up and catch his eye, but Dorothy outshone them without even trying. If he did not think favorably of Dorothy already he certainly would have now.
Being so overwhelmed he did not realize that he had not said anything. Her uncertain voice and the unease on her face made him realize that she cared about his opinion, that she cared about what he thought of her. Regaining control of his brain, he was determined to not disappoint her.
"I think..." He said as sauntered confidently to her. "I think that stained glass is pale before you." He said in a low voice.
The others looked at each other in confusion, not certain what he had meant. But Dorothy did, Dorothy knew exactly what he meant. She remembered those stained glass windows and their light. 'He really thinks I look better than even those windows?' Her face warmed up, but it was not the harsh red glow of embarrassment, instead it was the soft blushing pink of happiness. Happiness over his attention. "Thank you." She breathed as she felt her heart jump. "It's nothing really, it all came together rather quickly." She admitted.
Scarecrow caught her eyes with his. "That is something that separates those with true beauty from the pretenders." He was speaking of the woman who were waiting for him just on the other side of the wall.
Dorothy glanced away for a only second with a coyish grin and a playful look in her eyes. Scarecrow just smiled even more.
The others were trying to avert their eyes from this exchange with mixed emotions. It was good in some ways, bad in others, and most certainly not the time for it.
Nick gave Lionel an 'I told you so' look and Nimmie appeared gleeful enough to attract Cleo's attention. But none of them were sure of what to actually do now. They felt like they were intruding where they should not be and honestly a little confused. The idea seemed okay on paper, but actually watching the two flirt was in fact a bit strange, they were just friends the other day after all. But it also seemed right and natural at the same time too.
But Lily had places to be, she was not the king who could just make people wait. She cleared her throat. "Well, I need to be leaving. My father will be wondering where I am."
That got both Dorothy and Scarecrow's attention, they had briefly forgotten they where not alone. They both felt a little annoyed by that fact, but managed to hide it well. "Thank you so much for your help again Lily." Dorothy said, giving the vixen a hug.
"Anytime, it felt good to do it." She said, referring not just her altruism but also her being able to get some things off her chest.
Scarecrow walked her to the back door, she would have to walk around to reaching dining hall. "I really appreciate what you did for Dorothy." He said once they got to the door.
Lily stood in the doorway and made a slight bow. "It was the least I could do your majesty." She said simply. "I noticed that you were also pleased with my handiwork." If she did not know the king as well as she did, she never would have been so cheeky.
Scarecrow just made a hum noise. 'Was I so obvious?' "That's not the only thing I wanted to say to you." He said lowering his voice so they could not be overheard.
Lily looked up at him in puzzlement.
"I wanted to apologize for what happened in the throne room. I put the spotlight on you and I know you probably didn't like that."
Lily shook her head. "Thank you, but I understand why you did it. Things could have been a lot worse if you did not calm down the situation."
Scarecrow nodded. "I'm glad you understand at least."
With that Lily left, picking up her skirt to run as by now the dinner was already scheduled to start.
If any one of the guests was put off by the king's lateness, they never showed it. He was the host and could arrive whenever he wanted. Everyone else would just have to put up with it.
Rosette currently had a table to herself, her father and his assistants had taken the extra time to wander off to converse with some people, leaving her alone.
Rosette wasn't bored though, she had a lot to think about. While there was easily a couple hundred or more guests, there was only about twenty five eligible women vying for the throne this year, an all time low. Looking around she could see some of her competitors from recent years sitting with their new families, having given up in aiming so high. Those that remained were mostly forgettable.
Except that one girl she saw with Lily. She stood out and that worried Rosette. She knew as well as anyone that it did not matter how fair haired a noble maiden was, when you get a lot of them in one place they stop being unique and start being ordinary. This girl was not like them, she was not blonde haired and pale, but black haired with some color to her skin, as if she spent a lot of time outdoors. Normally Rosette would have scoffed, such things were a sign of the lower classes. But was not that working girl Nimmie Amee girl betrothed to an archduke? And the king himself was from a farm field. She had long guessed that Scarecrow was not interested in delicate blonde haired girls but he never had any other choice which helped Rosette. This new girl's differences now gave him another option which was a threat to her and the other girls. She wrung a linen napkin between her hands, nearly ripping it in two.
"Oh my, Rosette, is that you? That green just does not suit you, makes your skin look sickly." A sticky sweet voice said from near her chair.
Rosette glared up at the girl who had come up to her, not in the mood. "Hello Margot." She seethed.
Margot was not easily cowed. "You are just trying to hard to win favors eh?" She said, still referring to the green dress.
Rosette held her tongue. Margot was a princess, a middle child to a queen of an island nation, and the only one Rosette would consider a true rival. Margot was also blonde and fair skinned, just like everyone else. Her hair was kept short, cut to just below her ears and she wore silver wired rectangle framed glasses. Rosette learned the unfortunate lesson one year that the princess was most certainly not blind without them. "Is there something you would like Margot?"
Margot did not answer right away. Instead she picked up a cutting knife from it's place on the table. She put the point to a finger and spun it in a bored manner, Rosette though kept her eyes riveted to the piece of cutlery, she knew that this princess was no stranger to daggers. "Oh, I was just thinking about something I overheard from the servants earlier. You might be interested."
Rosette made a noise of disinterest and took a sip of her ice water. She could not stand that Margot would stoop so low as to pay attention to servants, she would never make a good queen doing that. These two were complete opposites: Margot was like a snake, sneaky and conniving where as Rosette was just a bully, upfront and direct...usually.
"It was about a guest here in the palace." The princess said, continuing on. "The servants clammed up when I pressed for more information, but from what I had heard there is a dark haired girl that the king seems to favor." She was gloating now, reveling in knowing something that Rosette did not.
Rosette though knew more than the princess realized. The noblewoman now knew that the black haired girl she saw and the one the servants spoke about where one in the same. And what was it that Crombec had said? 'She must be Dorothy, she has to be.' But Rosette did not reveal any of this, she kept her face stoic. "Is that so? I don't think she will be much of a problem."
Margot studied Rosette carefully but could not find out anything. "No, she won't." She made the movement to replace the knife on the table, but instead got closer to Rosette, her hands still on the knife handle. "And neither will you." She hissed threateningly. "I know what you did last year, what you did to Lily. You jumped the gun when she was no real threat. You won't want me to say anything will you?"
Rosette stiffened. "You can't prove anything." She growled.
"A hidden compartment in your luggage just might." Margot said. "I can have you out of my way you little alchemist whenever I feel like."
"Then you had better watch yourself." Rosette responded darkly.
The princess opened her mouth but never got a chance to get the last word in as in that moment Lily came rushing in towards her table. Her manner seemed to suggest that the dinner was supposed to start momentarily.
Margot left the knife with a clatter and went back to her own table. Rosette was left brimming with anger. She switched the knife with another on the table.
Her father and his attendants returned just as the string quartet started to pick up the music. Finally, things were getting underway.
Archduke Lionel and Archduchess Cleo appeared first. Rosette was not overly fond of the archduchess. She had attempted to make Cleo an ally some years ago, but that backfired and now the lioness left a bitter taste in her mouth.
After them came Nick and that working girl Nimmie Amee. Rosette never stooped so low as to pay attention to her. She was a blacksmith for heaven's sakes. That would change at some point in the future, but Rosette was living in the present and offered no favors to the future archduchess.
The two pairs received a round of applause and stepped aside to stand at their place at the table, each pair to one side of the king's place. It was noted that the Tin Man and Nimmie were one space down than usual, which caused a murmur amongst the guests. Rosette narrowed her eyes, she had a feeling of why they moved and who that extra space was for.
And then, to fanfare, he appeared. Rosette leaned forward excitedly when she saw the king. Oh he was handsome, and powerful. And she wanted all of it for herself.
"Gathered friends," He said, his voice carrying. "Oz is pleased at this assembly of peace."
He went on for a little, about how Oz had pulled itself out of darkness and how it could now support it's allies who were now before him. It was a typical speech but Rosette listened anyways, he had such a good voice.
"But none of this could have been possible if it were not for one person, one who unknowingly changed Oz for all time."
Rosette sat up, this was not part of the normal speech, this was an introduction. There could only be one person he was speaking of, and the thought caused her to dig her nails into the tablecloth in agitation.
"One person who without I would have never gained the throne." His voice was almost tender and heartfelt. "Friends, I am most privileged to present, the Savior of Oz herself, Miss Dorothy Gale of Kansas."
And there she was, appearing when the king stepped aside. She received a standing applause from the surprised and delighted nobles. Who could have guessed the Dorothy would be here? Emperor King Scarecrow certainly knows how to astonish doesn't he? My, isn't she lovely?
But Rosette stayed sitting, seething. Her previous glimpse of Dorothy had not been long enough. She had noticed that Dorothy was a beauty of course, but someone had seen to her to make her shine. 'Lily!' She thought. 'That damn fox, that explains why she was with her and why she was late. She was helping Dorothy.' So, that is where Lily has thrown her allegiance. Maybe she did not act so rashly last year.
The woman watched Dorothy's actions carefully. 'A farm girl, she must be overwhelmed, poor thing.' She thought haughtily. But the black haired woman gave the appropriate curtsy to the crowd and kept her eyes downcast demurely. She radiated confidence but also modesty. Lily's handiwork again, that had to be the only way Dorothy knew how to act.
But more alarming than Dorothy's perfect poise was Scarecrow's reaction to her. He was keeping his eyes on her like he could not help himself. She had never seem him look so happy and relaxed. 'He fancies her.' She glanced towards Margot and saw that the princess had come to the same conclusion and was agitatedly handling her knife.
The others at the high table were giving Dorothy a favorable eye. 'She has powerful allies.' Rosette thought, leaning back in her chair and sipping her water to cool her temper. 'Fine. I can deal with that. Margot is not the only one who can be subtle.' She watched as the king helped Dorothy into the prized seat next to him. 'She will be out of my hair, but she will go on her own. I'll make sure of that!'
The food served was exquisite. Dorothy had never seen anything ever carried in on crystal serving platters the size of a car tire or glasses that created melodies when drinks were poured in them. All the other times she was served food, it was always rather normal standard fare. Now she was seeing some truly fantastical Ozian dishes. There was roasted owl, bear paw soup, caramel walnuts with apples, honey roasted boar, a salad of vegetables she did not recognize garnished with blueberries, something called drakeberry pudding with a dash of cinnamon, and so much more. She wanted to try a little of everything, but she remembered Lily's earlier lessons, and kept her enthusiasm curbed.
But the best part was that she got to sit next to Scarecrow. While having no need to, he still ate to be sociable. He often spoke to Dorothy in a hushed voice, suggesting this dish or another for her to try.
For her part Dorothy was curious as to the guests and would discreetly ask questions about them. "Who are those wearing the turbans over that that table?" She whispered.
"Those are Calormenes, from the country of Calormen. I have to keep them separate from the Narians since they are not terrible fond of each other."
"You shouldn't have invited them in the first place." Lionel glowered quietly from Scarecrow's other side.
Scarecrow just gave him a warning look which made Dorothy curious. "Why does he say that?"
"Because Oz and Calormen share a boarder through the Deadly Desert in the northwest." Nick answered for him. "And Calormen has often made it clear that they are interested in Ozian land since theirs doesn't have as much fertile soil as we do."
"But doesn't the Deadly Desert surround Oz and keep it safe?"
Scarecrow shook his head. "Not all that surrounds Oz is strictly desert, most of it is actually dry shrub land or savannah plains. The part that is desert, well, it's stops being a safe barrier and starts being a liability if your neighbors thrive in sand. Calormen is a desert country and they know the Deadly Desert better than anyone in Oz. I have often suspected that they do freely cross our boarder for their own purposes, trying to stretch their reach into our green country. I invite them in order to remind them that Oz is strong and does watch what they are doing. It hasn't come to war yet but..." He let his thought trail off.
Dorothy thought on that. 'Scarecrow shouldn't have to give up any part of Oz to anybody, even if it is just part of the desert.' "What does Glinda do about it? Does she help to keep invaders out? Was she invited to the ball? I haven't spotted her yet." That was one person Dorothy had hoped to see. Glinda was so kind to her, she wanted to have a chance to talk with her.
A hush came over the high table.
"Glinda...she isn't here." The king finally said.
"Oh. Does she not care for these sort of functions-"
"No. I mean she is no longer in Oz anymore."
Dorothy laid down her utensils even though she was about to eat. "What do you mean? How could she not be in Oz anymore?" That did not make any sense to her.
Scarecrow sighed. "Well you see." He thought on how to explain this. "You managed to kill both of the Wicked Witches, of the East and West. That left only the Good Witches of the North and South."
Dorothy had a feeling that this was not a good thing. "I don't see how that is a problem. That is less evil in the world right?"
"Yes, but it left an imbalance." He explained. "I know it's hard to understand, but Glinda understood, she knew that there was nothing to balance out her and sister's power. It might have been fine for the short term, but it could be a disaster in the long term. Too much good can be just as harmful as too much bad."
Dorothy could see what he had meant, she was not a small child after all. "No, I understand. It was like when I was younger, I did not appreciate home, the good, until I went through some bad things here in Oz. You need to have both in balance or we never grow or," She glanced over at the Calormenes. "Learn to defend ourselves."
Scarecrow was impressed that she could think of it like that. 'She is wise, if she had better resources in Kansas she could have matched by brains by now.' "Yes, and Glinda saw that. So her and her sister left Oz in self-appointed exile. I do not think they will return for a very very long time. I'm sorry."
Dorothy was disappointed but there was nothing she could do. "No, there is nothing that can be done about it. I'm sure she knows I'm here anyways, somehow. But I am certain she would not have left if Oz was not already in capable hands."
"I am sure she wouldn't have either." Scarecrow smiled at the compliment, causing Dorothy to blush shyly.
"What I want to know," Nimmie interrupted, she had apparently been holding back for awhile now, waiting to get a word in. "Is who this that girl sitting three table back from the Calormenes. The one in all that pink. I never seen her before." She sounded suspicious.
Dorothy had a hard time finding who it was that Nimmie was talking about. But she eventually found her. The woman in question was yet another blonde. Pretty like the others, but her attitude was different. While the other women carried an air of caution about them and were constantly keeping an eye on their neighbors, this woman seemed oblivious to the intrigue around her. In fact, she was gazing around in wide eyed wonderment, like an innocent child. And like Nimmie said, she was wearing a very pink dress.
"That would be Comtesse Anne de Breuil." Scarecrow said confidently. "This is her first year at the Emerald Palace."
"I was not aware that Breuil even had a comtesse, let alone any nobility at all." Nimmie responded.
"Things in that area have been confused and in turmoil for a number of years." Scarecrow said, but he too sounded a little suspicious. "How she came into power or who she is related too I am not sure of."
"Oh come on," Dorothy scoffed. "Look at her, she's so naive. What are you worried for?"
Scarecrow looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "You realize that she is here for the same reason as the other girls right?"
"I-" Dorothy stiffened. She had not thought of that. She felt a burning anger inside. 'She wants Scarecrow for herself.' She looked at the comtesse with new eyes. Now Dorothy did not find her innocence endearing. "Well, I don't think she is anything too special." She said, trying not to sound too petty.
Scarecrow hid his amused grin behind his wine glass. "No, I don't think she is either." He had not meant to upset Dorothy but her reaction was interesting enough. She was not cruel or consumed with jealousy like Rosette but at the same time she did not let the comment pass her over. He had a feeling that meant something.
After dessert there was time to mingle, for the nobles to get up and talk lightly before heading to bed.
Dorothy took this opportunity to see how Lily was doing, she had noticed that the fox had only picked at her food all night.
Reaching the Foxville table was easier said that done. She was beset on every side by nobles who wanted to speak with her. This queen or that earl or that one baron wanted just a moment with the famous Dorothy of Kansas.
Those at the high table were watching the crowd forming around Dorothy with interest.
Nick threw down his napkin. "I can't stand this." He said as he made to get up and go rescue her.
"No." Scarecrow said, not taking his eyes off of Dorothy. "She is a grown woman, she can take care of herself."
"But-"
Scarecrow did not respond and Nick reluctantly returned to his seat. The king continued to watch her. He had to let Dorothy do this, let her be herself. He could not go gallivanting off to her rescue at the slightest hint of an obstacle, it was not fair for her or him. And he also needed to see how she reacted to such strong attention since she would be getting a lot of it now.
The king was right, she could handle herself. She never seemed overwhelmed or frustrated, even when attention was coming all at once from all sides. She responded to each with grace, courtesy, and patience and yet still managed to politely disengage herself from the conversation and finally reached Lily.
King Dox was ecstatic by Dorothy's visit and Lily introduced her to her father and brother.
"I have to admit," Lily said after the round of introductions. "I am impressed how you got through that ramble to get here." She sounded a little amused.
"That? That was not anything. I have had similar experiences just walking through the schoolhouse in the morning." She thought a moment. "I did handle it properly right? I didn't offend anyone?"
Lily chuckled, of course Dorothy would pull experience from her teaching days. "No my dear, you were perfectly polite and proper and no one is going to go to war over that." Dorothy sure was a fast learner. Maybe Cleo was right, she could make a good queen. Certainly better than any of the other women here, bunch of spoiled brats they were.
"Lily my dear! You never said you were friends with Dorothy." Speaking of spoiled brats...
"Hello Rosette." Lily glowered.
Dorothy recognized the women, the one she had seen before earlier that day, the one she immediately disliked. But that was not very fair of her to think that of someone she never actually met. "How do you do." She said by way of greeting.
"How do you do." She returned. "I am Marchioness Rosette of Laynevale. It is an honor to meet you."
Something about the way Rosette spoke put Dorothy on edge. She reminded her of some girls she used the teach, the ones that acted like perfect angels to the adults while being cruel to the other children. Dorothy never fell for that act and now she thought of Rosette with the same suspicion, but she was careful to disguise it. That's was Lily had told her, you have to hide any negativity. "The pleasure is mine Marchioness Rosette." She said with a pleasant smile.
"Oh please my dear, just Rosette will do." She said. "Now tell me, have you been in Oz long?"
"Only a few days, not long at all."
"I see. I suppose Emperor King Scarecrow was pleased to see you?"
Dorothy did not feel comfortable with that question, first of all it was not any of Rosette's business, but it also sounded like the marchioness was fishing for information. "Oh I don't know," Dorothy lied. "We have not had much time to see each other, he is always so busy being king."
"Indeed." Rosette sounded a little too pleased. "Well it is a good thing I am here then. With so many new people at the palace and his majesty being so busy, you must be lonely, poor thing."
"Not really." She said flatly.
Rosette continued as if she did not hear her. "So I think tomorrow you and I should have tea together. It will be the perfect way for us to get to know each other."
Dorothy was about to refuse, she doubted tea with Rosette would be anything like tea with Lily. But then a thought came to her. "I think I would like that, thank you."
"I look forward to it." And with that Rosette gave a bow to King Dox and then left.
Lily waited until the marchioness was out of earshot. "Are you insane Dorothy! Rosette has the worst kind of reputation, she's a cutthroat. I told you that you should not associate yourself with these woman. Why did you agree to tea?"
"I know Lily, I know." Dorothy said, trying to calm down the fox. "I know you warned me but people like her and not unique to this world. I think I would rather be able to keep an eye on her rather than not knowing what she was up to."
"But tea! Dorothy, listen to me." She Dorothy by the wrists to pull her down so she could talk to her without being overheard. "I could never prove anything, but I am certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was Rosette who nearly killed me last year."
Dorothy paled. "What?"
"The night before the ball she poisoned one of my drinks. I could have died. I was only saved because she did not know that there are differences between humans and foxes like me, the poison was metabolized differently, there was enough time to save me. And by my grandfather, she is gunning to poison you too."
"But why me?" The answer came to her just as soon and the words left her mouth.
"She tried to get me out of the way when I already had a lover. You really think she would let you, a friend of the king, just slide by? Mark my words, she will want to see you gone."
"All the more reason I should meet her." Dorothy said determined. Now she knew that she could not turn her back on Rosette. "Stop looking at me like that, I know what I am doing."
Lily sighed. "For your sake I hope you do."
It was much later, long after the dinner had concluded and everyone had gone to bed. Now Scarecrow could take some time to relax after such a stressful day.
"En garde!"
"You're too slow Lionel!"
There was another clash of steel.
The Tin Man might play games with his friend, but Lionel was fond of much for active fare. Right now he and Scarecrow were practicing their swordplay in one of the gyms.
Lionel was a good fighter, strong, athletic, and with feline quick reflexes. He was one of the strongest fighters in the whole empire of Oz. Scarecrow in his old body would have never stood a chance. But now the king was also strong and agile, enough to be firm challenger for the lion.
Epees crossed and clash with force that would have been arm numbing for anyone else. They were alert to parry and dodge each other's attack as neither were wearing any protective gear.
They circled the floor, becoming more inventive with their footwork.
"So," Lionel said while leaping onto some equipment, gaining the high ground. "I think Dorothy enjoyed herself tonight."
Scarecrow held his own well against his friend's new advantage. "I think so too. I have to admit that I am surprised that she handled the attention well, it's not something she's used too."
"She's a school teacher, she is used to all kinds of attention and being in front of people."
Scarecrow made a sweep with his sword for Lionel's feet, the lion jumped backward to avoid it. He misjudged the distance to the ground and ended up falling on his back, but he quickly rolled onto his feet. Scarecrow now occupied the high ground. "Are you saying that she sees all these nobles and important rulers as children? Smart girl."
Lionel chuckled and ran off, causing Scarecrow to chase after him and abandon his post. "I think she fits in rather well." He said when he turned around to clash his epee again. "Better than Nimmie at least. Don't tell Nick I said that."
"Wouldn't dream of it friend."
The two fenced enthusiastically for a few more minutes.
"So, Dorothy," Lionel started. "You like her right?"
Scarecrow faltered. "Wha-hey!" He saw the blade coming at the last second and managed to dodge. "Are you trying to distract me?"
"If it works." Lionel said. "But it is a real question."
Scarecrow almost was not going to answer. "I think I do. I think I like her a lot."
Lionel nodded sagely. "More than a friend?"
"Yes." Scarecrow finally admitted out loud. It was a strange thing to finally bring out into the world, as if now things were going to change.
Lionel grinned mischievously, he had an idea. "Well, that is good, I was getting a little worried."
"What could you possibly be worried about?"
Lionel got into position. "I was worried that you were going to use Dorothy as an easy way out."
"Meaning?" Scarecrow raised an eyebrow at the same time he raised his sword for a block.
"That you would marry Dorothy just to get out of having those women on your back."
Scarecrow could not believe what he was hearing. "I would never-ow!"
Lionel had taken advantage of his friend's lowered defenses and got a hit in, right in Scarecrow's upper arm. He now danced out of reach, hoping that Anundriel, still on the king's hip, would not come into play.
Scarecrow glared at Lionel while rubbing his arm. "Flora is going to kill you. I can't believe you would say something like that just to distract me." He check the wound, it wasn't too bad, it would just need a slight stitch. But he was still mad at Lionel. "Taking advantage of Dorothy like that, how could you even think it?"
"Sorry sorry," Lionel said quickly. "I wasn't going to get a hit in otherwise. But seriously. You do like her though."
"Yes, and I certainly respect her enough to not do what you suggested." He said rushing forward for a thrust.
"Yikes! I didn't mean to upset you so much." Lionel said nervously as he parried. "But I suppose that does prove it then."
"Yes, again yes." His irritation with Lionel evaporated by now. "I do like her. Not sure how much, but certainly more than before."
"And you heard what Nick had to say?" The lion said during a high sweep.
"And from Terryck too. I understand their concern but..."
"But you can't shield Dorothy, you have to let her stand on her own. Like earlier tonight."
"I'm glad you understand at least."
Lionel nodded as he skipped away from a low thrust. "Nick can be too much of a gentleman. I'm a lion, our women regularly head into danger when hunting, I would never dream of trying to coddle Cleo."
Scarecrow knew what Lionel was trying to say. "Still, Dorothy isn't a lioness. I can't just turn a blind eye to the likes of Rosette or Margot." He was feeling at a loss for the first time in years, that he did not have all the answers. He lowered his sword, signaling he was not ready to continue dueling. "You three have been trying to tell me that I need to be careful, that Dorothy can be in danger. But those aren't answers, you aren't helping me in figuring out a solution. It sounds like you want me to just ignore her, but I could never do that, even if I didn't care for as I do now, as her friend I can't just ignore her." His frustration was building into a physical pain in his chest and his mind was a jumbled mess.
Lionel backed off, holding his sword over his shoulder. He was not a firm supporter of the Tin Man's idea in the first place. What good would it be to just talk like this to the smartest man in all of Oz? You would be telling him nothing he did not know already, and now he could see just how pointless it was if they did not offer any help towards a method as well. Now the lion just felt bad.
"Well, what do you think you should do Scarecrow? Forget what we said, you're the one with the brains." Lionel offered. That had to be part of the problem, too many people were talking to him and worrying him to the point of not being able to think clearly on the issue.
Scarecrow looked at his friend in surprise, he had not expected this. "What I think?" He closed his eyes to clear his mind and let his brain work. He was silent for a few minutes before opening them up again. "I think I should just trust Dorothy. Like I did earlier. Just trust her to handle herself but be ready to jump in if she needs the help."
Lionel beamed. "Well, now that's the kind of wise talk I expect from our Emperor King!"
"You think that sounds like the right course of action?"
Lionel laughed, a deep bellowing laugh. "Of course. Trust me, I'm a married man and the best thing a man can do for a woman is to trust her." He moved to the attack position. "Now, are we going to duel or what?"
"Most certainly." Scarecrow responded gleefully as their weapons clashed again.
I admit I do feel kinda guilty in making King Dox such a jerk, but it's still rather in character considering how he acted in the book he was in. But poor Lily. She really hates those princesses who don't want to be a princess cause its "boring" or something, she'll give them something to really complain about. And I conveniently got rid of Glinda for a reason, I don't want any easy ways out for...well, you'll see.