Chapter 28
The secret wedding was quick, and everyone promised to try their best to not let the entire kingdom know. Elphaba gave Semir a look telling him that he would have to be extra careful. Zara and Emir would need to keep appearances appropriate so no sharing a room or large displays of affection. They promised to do their best, though Elphaba had a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn't be that hard. With the dragons splitting up, everyone needed to be on their toes, especially given that both Dragon Lords were staying in the Vinkus. Emir's people would be leaving the capital city and that meant Emir would join them until a few weeks before the public wedding.
It was now after dinner and Elphaba was standing on the balcony to her bedroom. Derya was supposed to be swinging by soon. She wondered what more the young woman could be worried about. Regrettably, with all the hullabaloo, she imagined the two hadn't had much time to talk about whatever was going on with Izzy.
"Princess, might I join you?" Kelebek asked. The green woman looked up and saw the young Griffin. She nodded and her friend landed next to her.
"What's up?" Elphaba wanted to know.
"I don't want to go back to Ix," it just came out.
"Any particular reason?" Elphaba was surprised.
"I want a chance for a life of my own. If I go home now, I don't think I'll ever get to leave," Kelebek said.
"Ah the weight of the world. I know it well," the green woman nodded.
"Something like that," the Griffin nodded.
"Well you know that the Vinkus always welcomes you. Come for vacation," Elphaba said.
"That is very nice of you, Princess. I do appreciate it. I just…" Kelebek trailed off.
"You just want what everyone else wants but you can't have. I feel like that might be a Bonescraper question. He would know more about how to handle the loneliness of being in your situation. I can give you an idea of loneliness, but it is not the same as yours," the green woman told her.
"Griffins mate for life. We are built to withstand heartbreak but heartache... not so much. I will never know love like what you and the Prince share," the young Griffin frowned.
"To be honest, I do not think many truly know the love I share with Fiyero. It's deeper than most realize. It is a bond forged by fire and yet I used to question it almost daily. My self-esteem was in the basement, you see. That was forged by years of being told I was ugly; I was not worthy of love. He proved everyone wrong, including me. While I cannot say you will find that, if there are other dragons out there, then perhaps there are other Griffins out there," Elphaba said.
"Perhaps you are right. I thank you for letting me vent and for the advice," Kelebek smiled slightly.
"Anytime my friend. I would love it if you visited," the green woman told her. The young Griffin used her wing and pulled her close. Elphaba hugged her back.
"Hey Kelebek. Everything ok?" Derya interrupted from the doorway.
"It will be young one. You might want to start charging by the hour, Princess," Kelebek teased.
"I'll hang a shingle. Let me know how it goes," Elphaba said.
"Will do," and with that Kelebek took to the skies.
"Long day?" Derya asked.
"Indeed, young lady. Why do I feel like it's about to get longer?" the Princess offered her a seat on the chairs on the patio.
"I wish I had an answer, I do," Derya heaved a sigh.
"Semir wasn't able to crack the nut as your father is fond of saying?" Elphaba wondered.
"If anything, she clamped down more. Not that Shiz is reopening any time soon but Izzy absolutely refuses to open up and tell anyone what is going on inside her head. I've never seen her like this. I thought for sure that she'd be more open now that we almost died but…" Derya shook her head.
"Danger often does cause people to unburden themselves. We must have an intervention. If she's pulled away from you and Semir, then it is something we cannot ignore. Come. We must do this and do it now," Elphaba stood up.
"Aunt Elphie…" Derya was concerned and the green woman pulled her into a hug.
"We'll get this sorted. Come on," Elphaba said.
To Be Continued…