Chapter Twenty-Four

Elphaba almost froze in the open doorway as all eyes turned to her, but then she held her head up defiantly and began to walk forward towards where Fiyero was sitting on his throne.

She could tell even from a distance how surprised he was at her entrance, he'd already half-risen from his seat before she'd gone more than a few steps.

Some of the court officials in the room looked confused, some horrified, but all flickered their gaze between the King and the Queen, wondering if the King would lower his sceptre and allow the Queen to approach him unsummoned. Many of the court officials had served for Fiyero's father for many years before Fiyero taking the throne, and not even the oldest, most experienced court member could recall anyone approaching the King unsummoned and not losing their head.

The walk between the door and the throne felt like an eternity to Elphaba. It took all her effort to keep putting one foot before the other and not fall over or throw up, and she was aware she was shaking, but she kept her eyes fixed on the King as she walked.

Finally, she came to the bottom of the stairs leading up to the throne where her husband sat, except not her husband at that moment, but her King. Hesitating for the first time, she met his gaze.

He was still, so still for a long moment. His brow was still furrowed in a confused and bewildered frown, wondering what could possibly have brought her to him. There was no doubt in Fiyero's mind that it must be important for her to have risked her life to come before him, he knew she knew the laws. But there was something in her eyes, no fear, no pleading for mercy; only determination and strength.

The entire throne room watched with bated breath as Fiyero lowered the royal sceptre, giving the Queen silent permission to approach.

Elphaba internally sagged with relief, and she let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding.

Fiyero sank back into his seat and relaxed his brow, looking questioningly at his wife.

"What business brings you here today, my Queen?" he asked casually, as though they were talking over dinner.

Elphaba couldn't help but smile softly, knowing he was not as nonchalant as he sounded. And she didn't bother pretending it was a casual visit.

"I wish to ask a favour of you, Your Majesty," she said and Fiyero raised an eyebrow.

"Indeed? Well, ask and it shall be yours, my Queen. Even if it is half the kingdom."

Elphaba chuckled. "It is nothing of that measure, I assure you."

Then, as Fiyero looked at her expectantly, Elphaba glanced around her and swallowed hard. Although she had no doubt of Fiyero's love for her, she wasn't sure how the court would react to learning that their Queen was a native Munchkinlander, the very kind they had been demonizing for months now and who they firmly believed was a sympathetic ally to the cause of their enemy.

And she also noticed that Avaric wasn't there, and she wanted him to be there, she wanted to hear his explanation for why all Munchkins must be exterminated.

"I wanted to invite you and Master Avaric to a banquet this evening," she said finally, and Fiyero's confused frown reappeared.

She would risk her life to invite him to dinner? Fiyero's gut told him there was more to this than dinner, so he didn't question her, only nodded.

"Very well. What time?"

Elphaba sighed in relief. "Seven."

He nodded again and smiled. "So be it. Romulo," he said, turning to a nearby eunuch. "Send for Master Avaric at once so he shall be informed of Queen Fae's request."

The eunuch hurried off to do as bidden and Elphaba curtseyed politely.

"I thank you, Your Majesty. I shall see you both at seven. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have much to prepare."

And with that, Elphaba turned and left the room.

Boq was still waiting outside the throne room, his face white and anxious. He looked relieved to see Elphaba enter.

"Elphie! Did you tell him? What happened?"

Elphaba shook her head. "I couldn't tell him. Not in front of the whole court. Come with me, quickly. I'll explain everything and then you must take word to Shell."

Naturally, the castle cooks were taken aback at the short notice given to them to provide a private banquet for three, but they more than rose to the challenge. When Fiyero and Avaric arrived in the dining room, they were greeted with overwhelming smells of delicious food.

Elphaba had decided not to spring the news on him right at the beginning of dinner, she was too happy just to spend time with her husband, even if Avaric was there too. It had become such a rarity, and if tonight were to go unfortunately, at least she would have one last meal with him.

Unfortunately for Elphaba, her plan worked best when all parties involved were sober. Avaric was thoroughly enjoying himself, to be (as he saw it), a guest of honour at a private banquet hosted by the Vinkun Queen, and part of enjoying himself involved indulging in the best wine the castle had to offer.

By the second course, he was close to being drunk beyond comprehension, and although Fiyero wasn't drinking nearly as much, he'd had a glass or two that was more than Elphaba was comfortable with for the sort of revelation she had planned to spill.

As dessert was being served, Fiyero turned to Elphaba with a warm smile.

"So, my darling Fae, what is the reason behind this wonderful meal? Whatever is your desire, I will give it to you, my Queen, even if it is half of my kingdom."

Elphaba smiled sadly, wishing Avaric was absent so she could just be with her husband, and a small part of her wondering if he would be willing to give her half of his kingdom, why hadn't he called her to him in weeks?

"I admit, I am too enjoying the pleasure of your company to give up my request just yet," she said.

"Come to dinner again tomorrow night, with Avaric, and I promise I'll tell you everything," she promised and Fiyero regarded her for a moment before agreeing.

"Very well. Tomorrow night."

Then he smiled and lowered his voice. "I hope Avaric doesn't stay too long after dessert. I am quite looking forward to going to bed. You'll join me?"

Elphaba's heart lifted and she beamed, giving Fiyero all the answer he needed.

Before leaving that night, Avaric bowed deeply to Fiyero and kissed Elphaba's hand, who forced herself not to flinch or pull her hand away.

"I thank you for the most generous invitation you have bestowed upon me, Your Highness," he said greasily and she nodded.

"I trust you will join us for dinner again tomorrow night?"

"I would consider it an honour, Queen Fae. Your Majesties, I shall take my leave. Good evening."

"Good evening, Avaric," Fiyero replied.

As Avaric headed towards the front gate, he hummed to himself happily. He was sure that he must about to be honoured greatly for his service to the King and Queen. Life, for Avaric, could hardly get better.

As he passed through the gate, his good mood briefly diminished as he recognised Shell standing at the gate.

He glared furiously at him, and spat at his feet.

"Filth," he glowered.

Shell's jaw twitched, but other than that, he gave no sign of even noticing Avaric's presence, which infuriated him even more. Not even the thought that in a few days, Shell Thropp and his kind would no longer be a problem could comfort him, and when he finally reached home, he complained to his wife all about it.

"All Munchkins are of the lowest vermin, but Shell Thropp is complete scum, an example of all that is wrong with Oz," he growled.

"So, make an example of him," his wife suggested. "When the day of the purge comes, deal with him yourself and do it in a way so that all Munchkins and lowlifes know what to expect if they dare disrespect you."

Avaric quite liked that idea. "Yes!" he got up and began to pace as he thought about how best to go about that.

"We'll build a twelve foot pole and impale him on it, label him as a traitor to the crown," he said enthusiastically. "A pole of that height, all in the Greater Kells will be able to see it and will know how those who are disrespectful are dealt with."

His wife nodded eagerly. "Yes, that will be satisfactory."

"Fetch some of the men," he ordered her. "We'll start tonight."

His wife hurried to obey, and Avaric smiled, his good mood returning. Tomorrow Shell Thropp would be dealt with and he would be honoured by the Queen. It would be good day.