A/N: A shout out to James Birdsong for his review. So glad you liked it.

Chapter 20

Later that week, the news spread that the trial had begun but that seemed secondary as the news spread rumors of Prince Fiyero's engagement to the former Wicked Witch. The Vinkuns had rejoiced at the news for they truly believed that the Wizard had lied to them. They had been proven right and now free from suspicion, the woman who helped not only save them, but also the rest of Oz, was now going to be their future.

"I feel like everyone is staring at me," Elphaba admitted.

"How is that any different than usual?" Glinda teased.

"Yes you would think I was used to it by now," the green woman gave her best friend a look. The blonde had come down to the infirmary to see how her friend was holding up. Fiyero had to be in court and Glinda gladly took over visiting duty. Elphaba's condition had greatly improved but she was still not one hundred percent.

"You're about to become a Princess, I think that's why," Glinda winked at her.

"I never pictured this. I have to admit. I always figured I'd end up a hermit. I mean had the Wizard never come to power, my father would have bypassed me as the next Governor of Munchkinland and the job would have gone to Nessa. I suppose I would have taken care of her for the rest of her life or after Shiz, my father would have kicked me out," Elphaba heaved a sigh.

"Well I guess it's time for you to change your outlook. You're going to marry Oz's most eligible bachelor," the blonde smiled.

"You seem incredibly happy about this," the green woman raised an eyebrow.

"You're finally getting the chance to have a normal life. There isn't anything more I could have ever wanted for you. I mean you think I didn't notice your scars. I know that Fiyero noticed them. You think that, like those scars, you have to carry everything. Well whether you like to admit it or not, you're stronger than anyone here, but you have to remember that we're here to help shoulder your burdens," Glinda said.

"Ok, who are you and what did you do with Glinda?" Elphaba's eyebrows were at their highest.

"Lady Glinda, there you are. You are up to testify after lunch," it was Lieutenant Balfour. He'd come in search of the blonde after having Queen Ayla asked where she was.

"Is it my turn already? Oh my," Glinda heaved a sigh. Elphaba looked back and forth between the two and that's when she noticed it.

"Lieutenant, is that lipstick on your collar? It's a wonderful shade of pink," she looked between the two of them, narrowing her eyes.

"Pink? Where would I get that on me?" He tried to play dumb, as he looked down at his collar, trying to find what Elphaba had spotted.

"Well the biggest source of pink in all of Oz is sitting right next to me, so I wonder how," the green woman frowned.

"Give it up Balfy," Glinda used his new nickname, which made both Elphaba and the Lieutenant cringe a little.

"If I must," he smiled.

"All right, you two crazy kids. You had best get to the courtroom on time and you had best not be married when you get back," the green woman chuckled at her own little joke.

"Elphie!" The blonde gave her look before the Lieutenant helped her from her chair and they said their goodbyes. Elphaba couldn't help but smile. It only grew when she saw Khalil coming with his son and his wife.

"Look at him. Such an adorable little one," she said.

"We figured you were up for a visit," Khalil smiled, showing off his son.

"Plus I wanted to see the woman whom caused my husband to risk everything," Aytac told her.

"Trust me, I still find the fact that anyone even wants to listen to me, never mind follow me, completely crazy. Plus, I feel like Queen Ayla has more to say about the following part. Your husband is a good man and he proved that when he chose to save his men over backing Morrible. I had no say in that," Elphaba smiled.

"He's a stinker isn't he?" Aytac chuckled.

"That he is. I'm glad that he was safe during this whole ordeal," the green woman said.

"You're not the only one," Khalil shook his head, knowing that he was very lucky. That's when Adem decided he was unhappy. The baby cried and something inside Elphaba snapped. Tears started to flow down her cheeks. Khalil whisked his son away to check him out while Aytac looked at the green woman. She was confused but she knew that could wait as she pulled Elphaba into a hug.

To Be Continued…