A couple of days later, Dr. Niddik announced that the Wizard wanted us to learn about the history of his world and that we would begin by studying royalty of the different nations in his world.

"We'll start with the Romanov line of czarist Russia," he said firmly. "During our consideration of this royal family, we also be going to Russia and study how they lived in their palace. We also go and meet the grandmother in Paris."

I put my notebook away, muttering, "And I'll be meeting the rest of you in Paris as Elphaba Maria Tatiana Nikolaevna Feodorovna Romanov," and everyone stared at me.

"Miss Elphaba, I did not say you could put your notebook away," he said.

"Oh, I know," I said, agreeably.

"Take it back out," he ordered.

I shook my head and said, "Dr. Niddik I know just about everything when it comes to the Romanov line. Most of the line died off in 1917 at the beginning of the Russian Revolution. Only Anastasia and her grandmother escaped. They are currently living in Paris. Anastasia eloped with one of her travel companions—she fell and hit her head at the train station in St. Petersburg, getting amnesia and was aided in reaching Paris by two men—Dimitri and Vlad—Dimitri—and they returned to Russia and adopted a daughter. When the trio returned to Paris, Anastasia, the child, and Dimitri attended the wedding of Vlad and Sophie and Anastasia and Dimitri and their daughter moved into the palace with Anastasia's grandmother."

He scowled and ordered, "Go to the office, Miss Elphaba."

Everyone stared as I sauntered out of the room.

Galinda, who had been taken to the office for skipping class, gasped in shock when she saw me. "Elphie, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I wouldn't listen to Dr. Niddik," I admitted.

"Elphie," she gasped in shock.

"Lin, in history, we've begun studying the Romanov line—I don't need to pay attention—I already know everything," I said calmly. "I grew up learning the Romanov line history my whole life."

Galinda nodded and said, "I see you're learning well, my friend."

I laughed and said, "Galinda, I didn't want to listen to Dr. Niddik messing up my family's history. I learned it when I was six—I had no choice. Mom and Dad had to explain why Rasputin was so obsessed with my death."

Galinda stared at me and said, "Do you think we'll go on that field trip?"

I nodded and said, "Remember our agreement—just follow my lead, OK?"

She nodded and Madame Morrible said, "Miss Elphaba, I'll see you now."

I gulped and Galinda whispered, "Good luck, Elphie."

I nodded and hurried into the office.

"Miss Elphaba, what has gotten into you?" Madame Morrible demanded. "Just because you're meeting the Wizard in a few weeks, it doesn't mean you can goof off in class."

"Madame," I began. "I learned the Romanov history at an early age—I lived with the survivors in Paris until I finally returned to Oz on my 'journey to the past.' That's why I saw—see—no need for me to take notes."

She nodded and said, "You are dismissed."

I stood up and then paused. "Madame," I began. "I was wondering could I meet everyone in Paris? My parents will ground me—and I mean in the ground—if I ever go to the old Romanov palace. I can't tell you why, though. It's a family secret."

She nodded and I added, "Perhaps, I could help get rooming arranged for everyone in the palace in Paris—my great-grandmother hates seeing people without somewhere to stay. So does my Aunt Sophie."

Madame Morrible looked at me and said, "I told you that you were dismissed."

I nodded and raced out of the office, whispering, "Galinda, come on. Let's get back to the room."

She nodded and we escaped to the safety of our room.