This chapter is quite important for the rest of the plot. I hope you like it and it doesn't seem OOC (I always get worried about that haha)

"Where is she?"

The voice was loud, insistent. A scuffling sound echoed down the hallway as a number of prison guards hurried about, presumably in order to point the newcomer in the direction of the person they were seeking.

"Bring her to me," the visitor demanded. "I must speak to her at once." It was clear from the tone that whoever this was had a considerable amount of power, and subsequent control, over the guards in the room. And apparently no patience either, for heavy footsteps immediately sounded, fading out into the distance.

This commotion drifted hazily through the bars of Elphaba's cell; she could hear, but she did not listen. It was obvious they were talking about her: Southstairs had been filled with hushed murmurs and whispers ever since word had got out that the Wicked Witch had been caught, but she did not care enough at the moment to pay them any mind. However, despite her lack of attention, it was not at all surprising to Elphaba when she heard a guard approach her cell and unlock it. What they wanted to do with her, she couldn't say. Probably some form of torture.

She decided against struggling: it would waste precious strength and energy, and she couldn't afford to be caught off guard in whatever perilous situation she was about to end up in. Not to mention that her hand was still throbbing from the bullet wound. So, with a scowl, she obeyed the orders to stand up and follow the soldiers.

They led her up a staircase into the palace, and through multiple identical looking corridors, until they eventually reached a door with a very familiar golden knocker, that just made her heart sink further. The door was opened, and Elphaba was hurriedly pushed in before it slammed shut again behind her.

"Well, well..." A voice began slowly. "Miss Elphaba. It seems the inevitable has finally occurred." The conceited tone was infuriating. Rage built up more and more with each syllable, flooding her thoughts until she wanted nothing more than to scream, but she knew that would do her no good. And so the Wizard's voice continued.

"You knew you were too weak to hold your own against the rest of Oz..." Her anger had clearly shown in her face, though she was still determinedly keeping her gaze fixed down, for the Wizard's tone suddenly changed.

"But I didn't call you here to fault you for that. In fact, I see the present circumstances as an opportunity." Elphaba could barely restrain herself from scoffing at these words - they were so mockingly condescending that her mind instinctively filled with sarcastic retorts, which she had difficulty keeping under control. But this wasn't the time to start an argument.

The Wizard had halted his speech, as if in anticipation of a response, but Elphaba could not bring herself to grant him this satisfaction. She decided that, even though she could not resist verbally, she would by no means cooperate with whatever sickening plot had been devised.

After a few moments passed, and it became clear that she was not going to speak, the Wizard sighed and continued.

"You remember, I am sure, the last time we saw each other. In this very room," he gestured absentmindedly at the walls. "I made you an offer. One which, at the time, you refused." He paused slightly, before continuing. "I think that now would be a suitable time to reopen that offer, and I would appreciate it if you took the time to carefully consider your other options before making a decision."

Elphaba didn't miss the dark inflection that he put on the word "other." It made her feel sick, because she knew, deep down, that he was right. There were so few possibilities left for her now. Of course, she could attempt to break out, or get Glinda to convince the Wizard to let her go, but the chances of these plans ever actually coming to fruition were almost laughable. And she didn't want to endanger Glinda any more than she already had.

After all, she thought with a tinge of humour, this was what her friend had wanted all along: Elphaba to join forces with the Wizard, in appearances at least. And so once again she was faced with the same dilemma. It was just impossible to outrun. She could use this position to do good, yes, but was it worth the risk?

Was it a betrayal to her cause? What would the Resistance think of her when they found out? And could she tolerate having to spend so much time in this sickening propaganda landfill?

Eventually she brought herself to speak. "What would you have me do, if I so choose to accept?" She took deliberate care in keeping her voice steady and nonchalant.

"Nothing you do not agree to." Elphaba could tell that this was not a complete truth, but even so, she nodded in agreement.

"Right." She felt trapped. It was by no means a welcome feeling, but she knew that if she agreed to this offer, it was one she would have to get used to. Living in the constraints of the system she aimed to overthrow. It was almost ironic.

Unless, it suddenly hit her, she worked this out on her own terms. Elphaba Thropp would not succumb to the temptations of luxury; she would not live under constant supervision. This was a means to an end. A glorious end, that would see the removal of the Wizard and the liberation of the Animals. Her choice now didn't make much difference in the long run, it became clear to her; whether she put up a front or not, she would always work against this tyranny in whatever ways she could. And the hopes of following through with these plans from a prison cell were much more limited.

And so she finally saw the way out of the trap she had been caught in just a mere few hours before.

"Fine," she agreed. "But don't make me stay in the palace."

What did you think? Do you think it was the right decision or not? There should be around 5 or 6 more chapters after this one, so we're slowly nearing the end, but there is definitely still more to come!

Thanks so much for reading, I hope you're enjoying the story so far!