Chapter 7

Aytac, Khalil, Derya, Adem, and Bartholomew had arrived a couple of days after the rain had finally stopped. The three days of rain had amounted in massive rainfall totals and had caused flooding in not only the Vinkus but also in Munchkinland. The Quadlings had not reported any troubles but that did not surprise many as the rivers there had been low for the last year. King Tahir had dispatched troops to help clean up and had planned to survey the damage himself the next day. Glinda had received a letter from Vice Ruler Ozma stating that she'd ordered the Gale Force to assist in Munchkinland and would keep the blonde apprised of the situation.

When the group arrived, Derya had practically run out of the carriage and up the steps of the Palace only briefly stopping to hug Elphaba, Fiyero, and his parents. Everyone noted that she skipped Glinda and Balfour before heading inside.

"You've managed to not kill each other so that's a good sign," Khalil said as he approached the group. Adem and Bartholomew had walked behind the former's parents but the older of the two looked quite displeased. Elphaba could guess why.

"I threatened to feed anyone who got on my nerves to Bonescraper and that seemed to calm everyone down," the green woman spoke up.

"We noticed him on the way in. He seemed to be enjoying the sunlight, much like everyone else around here," Aytac smiled and hugged her cousin.

"We are all glad you could come. I want us to present a united front and the last week has proven that we are not there yet," Ayla squeezed her cousin.

"I think that is what we all want but first this soldier is in need of some sustenance," Khalil said.

"A man after my own heart. Amir has whipped up a little lunch for us. He has become the wonderful chef that Mr. Samuels always knew he could," Fiyero smiled and shook the Captain's hand.

"Mr. Samuels was a good man. I was sorry to hear of his passing last year," Khalil told him.

"His family appreciated the gifts you sent believe me," the Prince said as he led everyone up and into the Palace. Zara, Isabelle, Semir, and Derya were nowhere in sight and Elphaba promised to fetch them while everyone else sat down to lunch. As the green woman walked down the hall, she spied Chistery outside her daughter's bedroom door. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The crafty Flying Monkey signed to her,

Derya is comforting Izzy and perhaps Izzy is comforting Derya. Neither is thrilled with the current arrangement as it is. Elphaba nodded. That information wasn't exactly new but there was a look on Chistery's face that made her stop before knocking on the door. She didn't need any explanation when she heard the characteristic sound of vomiting. Not bothering to ask, Elphaba rushed in to find that Zara and Izzy had managed to get Derya into the bathroom before anything hit the floor.

"What happened?" Elphaba asked.

"Derya is very upset and I can't say as I blame her. She's very worked up and all the crying just let to her needing to get rid of it," Semir explained. It was times like these she was glad that her son had been blessed with her brain and his father's good looks. Right now, he seemed to be the cooler head though she could tell that just below the surface he was ready to explode. Isabelle was his best friend and he would protect her like he would his sister so everything that was going on was making him angry.

"I think she just needs a few minutes and she'll be ok. Apparently things at home have been awkward since the announcement and it all came tumbling out. Adem is pissed, her parents are not as thrilled as they mentioned in their note, and Derya has been miserable," Zara explained.

"Why don't I have Chistery fetch her something to settle her stomach and then we leave the two of them alone for a little bit? I think they could use some time to themselves," Elphaba suggested.

"Good idea," Zara smiled and gave her mother a hug before leading her brother out of the room. Elphaba quickly told Chistery they needed some mint tea and some crackers and he took off. The Princess quickly headed into the bathroom to check on the two teenagers.

"How are you two?" She asked.

"Oh Aunt Elphaba, I'm so sorry," Derya started apologizing.

"For what? Everyone has had a lot of emotional stuff going on. There is nothing to apologize for. We will get this sorted, I promise. Just know that both of you are welcome to stay here with us, if you so choose. Now since I can't get a straight answer out of anyone, I just have one question for you. What triggered this sudden turn of events? I know that you two have been you since you were born but I'm guessing Lady Glinda didn't just try to marry Bart off just because," the green woman said.

"It's my fault. I wasn't careful and I kissed Izzy in public," Derya heaved a sigh.

"We were celebrating her getting into Shiz," Izzy explained. While both girls were only fourteen, early acceptance for Shiz was sixteen for special students. Derya was very smart and had magical talent which had made her eligible. While Elphaba had wished that Zara had applied to Shiz, her daughter had not wanted to go there. She'd been coy about attending college and it was something that they had been meaning to discuss.

"That is a big accomplishment. You think someone saw you?" Elphaba wondered.

"They must have otherwise I'm not sure how our parents would have found out," Derya admitted.

"I appreciate the ammunition girls. Chistery is bringing tea, you two just relax here and I'll have lunch sent up. Then I will deal with your parents," the Princess smirked before hugging them both. She was about to head out of the room when the unmistakable sound of Bonescraper's voice boomed through the Palace walls.

"Princess! Troops approaching from the direction of Gillikin!" He announced.

To Be Continued…