Glinda came back and led me out into the hall toward the great ballroom. I was a nervous wreck. We entered the room and were announced, by our full titles. "Sir Elphaba Thropp of Trebond and Conté, the princess of the Realm of Tortall, and the sister of the Eminent Thropp of Munchkinland. Lady Glinda Upland of the Upper Uplands the Good." I smiled nervously, and muttered, "Note to self—visit Nessa after getting Glinda past Trebond and away from the Scanra raiders." I hugged Glinda gently and she sat in her seat, a few chairs down from me. When I took my seat, I noticed that Alex was right next to me. I raised my eyebrows and glanced at Glinda, confused.
While everyone else was dancing, Alex asked me to dance, and I said yes. He looked at me and said, "Elphaba, listen. What I said about Glinda—I didn't mean a word of it—I didn't know how important her friendship was to you—I thought you'd had more friends in Oz, but I guess she's the only friend you've got and I'm really sorry, and..." I pinched his mouth shut and said, "Alex, shut up." He grinned sheepishly and I said, "Of course, I forgive you." "Thanks," he said. I grinned back at him and said, "But if you ever insult Glinda again..." Alex shook his head and said, "I won't. I've learned my lesson—do not mess with Glinda unless I want to die." I laughed and said, "You know, Alex, you're probably right—I probably would kill someone if they insulted Glinda." He nodded in silent agreement and I said, "What I told you earlier, I meant every word. The thing is, I do have feelings for you, but I can't put you in danger and so we can't be together." Alex hugged me and said, "Actually, I've taken quite a liking to some of the other women here—remember all the princesses and ladies who came to meet Jon?" I nodded and he said, "I've grown to like some of them, but none of them would even consider marrying me—even if we were of equal social status." I nodded again and said, "I'm glad you understand me."