Chapter 33
Elphaba had returned to the study to continue sifting through the spell books after it was discovered that Bart and Nori's arrival had been due to Bonescraper explaining the situation with Izzy. The next ruler of Oz had been upset that his sister was in trouble and had brought Nori with him. Now the blonde stood outside Izzy's room with Derya, Zara, Semir, and Chistery.
"I am sorry we had to meet this way your Highnesses," Nori bowed.
"There is no need to bow. A friend of Bart's is a friend of the Vinkus. You are here as an equal," Zara smiled.
"You are much too kind. I now understand what Bart loved about you," Nori smiled.
"I always thought of it as more of an infatuation," Semir smirked and Chistery's chuckle couldn't be ignored.
"Oh he had it bad, there is little doubt, but he also wants the future Princess to be happy. I'm still trying to figure out what makes him happy," the blonde admitted.
"Had it bad?" Zara gave her a look.
"When we first met, you were a main topic of discussion, aside from bringing Gillikin back to its former glory," Nori explained. Zara started to blush, her green skin turning a shade of purple.
"Tell me he's moved on," Derya finally spoke up, perhaps glad to have something to take her mind off Izzy.
"I think so. He's been weird though, as of late. Suddenly he's much quieter than before. Lord Arduenna seems to be the only one to break him from his thoughts," Nori frowned.
"They inherited that from their father," Fiyero spoke up as he moved toward the group.
"Have you heard from Lady Glinda and Lord Balfour, your Highness?" Nori asked and bowed. While she may be able to get away with not calling Semir and Zara, Highness, she doubted that the future King of the Vinkus would be as relaxed.
"We have not and that is one of the things bothering my wife. Zara, your mother could use your help. She thinks she has found something to explain Izzy's internalization but she wants to discuss it with you," Fiyero said. Zara nodded and quickly headed off down the hall toward the study.
"You don't think something is wrong do you?" Semir wanted to know.
"I'm not sure I have not heard from Adem or Khalil either. Usually, if Glinda or Balfour cannot respond, I hear from those two," his father frowned.
"Maybe their response will be to show up in the morning. They do not have a dragon to travel with after all," Chistery said.
"Very true," Fiyero nodded. Just then the door opened to the bedroom and Bart scooted out into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
"How is she?" Derya asked.
"She passed out. She was glad to see me but she's very tired," Bart said.
"It's been a long day. Do you and Nori need something to eat? The servants have a couple of rooms made up for you so you can spend the night," Fiyero told them.
"Thank you very much Uncle Fiyero. We were in the middle of a snack when Bonescraper showed up," Bart admitted.
"Come on then. I'm sure that Amir will have something lying around," Fiyero winked. The two headed off behind the Prince and Semir noticed that Bart took Nori's hand in his. He chuckled before he noticed Derya heading into Izzy's room. She wasn't about to leave her girlfriend alone. Semir didn't say anything but went to find his mother and sister.
To Be Continued…