Dear Most Wonderful Readers,

My apologies! Holiday travels and catching up with work delayed this chapter. Your comments, feelings, and questions were such a pleasure to receive in the meantime! While the last chapter seemed to produce a various array of emotions across readers, the consistent refrain was to keep going, so here goes!

As to whether Galinda and Elphaba will get through this and/or if Galinda will change, I definitely see the two women entering into a romantic relationship. Not to worry! However, it is going to be quite a slow road for the two women to move past passionate hatred to anything in the vicinity of love. For those of you who like the whole spectrum of romance, from dark to vanilla, I hope you enjoy their journey!

Caution/Warning/Stop/

*A Note On This Dark Gelphie*

This story is going to get darker and stay dark for a while.

If dark gelphie is not your preference, that's okay. But, for those readers who already find this dark Galinda impossible to stomach or don't enjoy dark sexual themes, including non-consent, it's probably best to curl up with a lighter gelphie story. You're in good company on this site, as there are so many good gelphie stories to choose from! I'll miss all of you who need to cut out here, but I hope to hear from you again soon!

I will post some lighter gelphie shorts in the near future for those who wanted some more.

For those who don't mind being challenged by dark romances as long as there is eventually romance and not just sex, please know romance is indeed coming...it's just going to take a while.

I will continue to post warnings so readers will have a heads up on what chapters they may want to avoid.

*This chapter contains a very strong scene of non-consent and violence.*

I know this is a wordy caution. I just want to make sure everyone knows what they are reading, so they can read according to their preferences and comfort levels.

Happy Reading!

Cheers,

Lola


Whatever came over her? Galinda wondered as she walked to her room, towel-drying her hair, dressed in a draping white robe. She had only meant to punish that ugly vegetable for her ridiculous lie, to humiliate her a bit, perhaps hasten her inevitable resignation, and if she was being honest, get back at her for being such a blatant reminder of what she'd lost with Miss Clutch. When had disgust become something more? When had watching turned to touching? When did she start to feel that something? That rush, that flame, that tickering in her chest. If she hadn't known better, she would have called it desire.

Desire?

A Gillikinese Princess desire a Munchkinland servant? A fetid one at that?! It was beyond preposterous. It was...it was...dishonorable! And, it only made Galinda want to punish Elphaba more. Shivering, she opened her bedroom door and collided with memories of Miss Clutch. Clutch had been a voluptuous brunette just over thirty, who glided about the castle with a smile that could melt the coldest winter frost. Galinda cherished every moment they were close. Every time Miss Clutch read to her from the red book. Every secret they shared. Every dream she had of the woman, dreams where Miss Clutch ventured well past friendly to physically intimate. In Galinda's waking life, Miss Clutch was nothing but proper and prim, but the Miss Clutch of Galinda's dreams was ever more—tender— to her.

As Galinda reminisced in front of her bedroom mirror, Nanny entered to dress her. The old woman expelled tight huffs and puffs as she bustled.

"Are you quite well, Nanny?" Galinda asked, cueing the woman to restrain her outbursts as she longed to return to her memories in quiet.

Nanny ignored Galinda's signal.

"Well, since Your Royal Highness asked, Your Royal Highness is too hard on her," the old woman said, lacing Galinda in her corset.

"Her? Are you referring to that abomination of a lady's maid?" Galinda asked and Nanny pulled the laces tight.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness. I don't know what happened, but she was horribly pale when she came out of the bath, sweating profusely, and she could barely say a coherent word. Your Royal Highness should know she's trying earnestly to please you. I know Miss Thropp is not Miss Clutch, but—"

"Don't you dare speak her name!" Galinda shouted and spun around, glaring at the old woman. Nanny's eyes widened and her palms rose in submission. Galinda trembled with anger. The pain from Miss Clutch's departure was too fresh. When Nanny put Miss Clutch's name alongside Elphaba's, it felt like the old woman, who never liked Miss Clutch anyway, was pissing on the memory of her.

"My apologies, Your Royal Highness. I meant no offense. I just wished to beg another chance for Elphaba," Nanny said.

"I've given her several chances!" Galinda said and turned back around. "I even gave her the chance to dress me this morning but she was too flustered after my bath to be of any use at all. I don't understand how you can bear to speak up for her; it's you who keeps suffering from her incompetence, having to finish her duties as well as your own!"

"She isn't used to this kind of work, Your Royal Highness. But, she is doing her best," Nanny said.

"For some Ozians one's best is far from adequate. If Munchkinland had purged themselves of their deformed like Gillikin, none of us would have to suffer with her at all. She's simply unfit. I don't know why she doesn't resign."

"Most likely because there are no other posts. As Your Royal Highness knows, when the Gillikinese armies invaded Munchkinland, they beheaded many and they also scorched Munchkinland crops and scattered hemlock seeds and other poisons throughout the soils, causing a great many Munchkinlanders to migrate—"

"Does this tired tale have a point?" Galinda interrupted, as Nanny fastened her petticoat.

"I just mean to say, Your Royal Highness, since so much land was made untenable, most Munchkinlanders fled to Gillikin for food, but of course there aren't enough positions here to employ them all. So—"

Galinda sighed.

"So—the castle is to become a charity house? Letting any wretched beggar in? Is that what you would have?" Galinda asked, gazing at the ceiling and weaving her hands through her thick locks as the old woman buttoned up her sky blue dress. "I will remind you, Nanny, that Munchkinland could have prevented this war. A war that you seem to forget produced many Gillikinese casualties as well. Had Munchkinland entered into a contract with Gillikin, both countries would have been spared all these inconveniences. But, Munchkinland refused, to its own peril. Runcible Castle should not be forced to suffer the consequences of Munchkinland's misplaced pride, nor should the Princess of Runcible Castle be forced to suffer from miserable service. You best pray that that ugly abomination improves or she won't last here much longer!"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness," Nanny said, exhaling, and finishing her duties in silence.

The top of the morning passed like any other for Galinda. Following afternoon tea, she and her cousin retired to her room to gossip until they received a summons to enter the Red Gallery where King Upland was receiving their guest— Prince Fiyero Tiggular from the Vinkus.

"Oh, Galinda, perhaps you should go by yourself. I wouldn't know what to say or how to act around a Prince," Milla said. Galinda's cousin who spent most of her life in the countryside had never been introduced to foreign royalty.

Galinda grabbed her cousin's hand.

"Oh, my darling. You are perfect the way you. But, I have just the thing to calm your heart," Galinda said and walked to her vanity table and pulled out a diamond necklace. "It was my mother's. She gave it to me for good luck and I want you to have it."

"Galinda, I couldn't!" Milla said.

"Oh, but you can and you will," Galinda said, walking behind Milla and fastening the necklace onto her bashfully smiling cousin.

Galinda pulled Milla off the bed and in front of her vanity mirror. Milla's eyes swelled as she took in her appearance.

"It more than suits you! You look absolutely radiant!" Galinda said.

Milla, whose twin sister had died a few years ago, was not accustomed to receiving compliments from her family, let alone expensive jewelry. Her parents had favored her sister Lilla who had been confident, poised, and quick-witted. Milla was the opposite: shy, clumsy, and prone to long spells of daydreaming. When her parents had sent her away to Runcible Castle, they had told her it was for her own good, but Milla knew the other reason; she was an ever-present reminder that their other daughter—their favorite daughter—had drowned. Lilla had been Milla's favorite person too. After she died, Milla never expected happiness to visit her again. But, since coming to Runcible Castle and spending her days with Galinda, who coddled and cosseted her, Milla found in the farthest corners of her heart a joy for life returning.

"I look like a princess!" she said and Galinda grinned, giving her a tender kiss on the cheek. The Princess, aware of Milla's situation, was grateful that she could carry out the duties of an older sister. Time with Milla made Galinda feel valuable, as if she had something to impart on the world, rather than being just a pretty object. "Don't worry, this supper will be like all the rest, I promise," Galinda said, smoothing out her cousin's hair "I won't leave your side for a second."

Milla nodded and kissed Galinda's cheek. The two made their way to the gallery and Galinda asked,

"Are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be," Milla said, fingering the diamond necklace.

"Here we go!" Galinda said while a servant pushed open the gallery door.

When Galinda caught sight of the Prince, her breath stopped. She had never met a Winkie before. She had heard of their unique appearance but never had she imagined the Prince's skin would be as beautiful as a robin's egg, with long slivers of peacock blues and diamond slices flecked throughout, his voice deep as a gamba and as melodious as a spring brooklet. She overheard the Prince talk to her father and castle officials of his travels, sounding self-possessed and accomplished, while also exhibiting an interest in the questions and opinions of his listeners. She needed his attention and she would have it! She decided this handsome and cultured Winkie should admire her, court and chase her; and eventually when she refused him, confessing her prior betrothal to Sir Chuffrey, this exotic Winkie would mourn her with big beautiful impressive tears.

Without releasing Milla's hand, Galinda crossed the gallery and approached the men.

"I'm glad you could make it to Mount Runcible, Prince Tiggular," Galinda said, announcing herself, and extending a hand. The Prince in the middle of a boisterous laugh, turned from the royal officials. As his eyes fell on Galinda, he stilled, all interest in his prior conversation evaporating.

"Ah! Meet my daughter, Princess Galinda," King Upland said behind the couple, "and her cousin, Lady Milla."

Fiyero took Galinda's hand and lowered his warm lips and kissed her, his glowing brown eyes never leaving Galinda's. The Princess' heart shimmied. What a dashing young Winkie indeed!

"A pleasure to meet you, Princess Galinda," the Prince said and Galinda shivered at the way her named glided off his forked tongue. Fiyero turned to her cousin and repeated the gesture, but with a haste that revealed his desire to return to Galinda.

While the conversation around the Prince and Princess continued, Galinda smiled at the Prince and he sent her winks and simmering glances. They fell into their own silent sensuous conversation. During a long gaze from Fiyero, Galinda felt her temperature rise and imagined the Prince leading her by the fire, ripping off her dress, his fingers unlacing her corset, as he lowered her to the carpets, his weight pressing into her, and his rough face sanding her cheek.

Their amorous signals continued for hours until King Upland led them to the dining table in the north banquet room. He sat at the head, with a leading Gillikinese officer on his right side and Prince Fiyero on his left, who was accompanied by his own advisor. Galinda sat down on the right, between the Gillikinese officer and Milla. A full feast was laid out for the Prince's arrival: lamb, pork belly, duck, poached pears, red potatoes, cider and mead.

Fiyero breathed deep, smelling all the delicacies, but with his eyes fixed on Galinda, it was clear what he really wanted to eat.

"How do you do it, Galinda? Princes fall for you with a bat of an eyelash," Milla whispered in the Princess' ear. The Princess smiled and whispered back,

"Men love to see themselves reflected in the eyes of a woman, especially when you reflect only their perfections."

"But, I've admired the Prince for hours and he hasn't once glanced at me," Milla said.

"Oh, Milla, my darling, you must have a pinch of restraint. Interest is flattering, but adoration's a millstone. I'm merely practiced in the art of attention. In time you'll be turning the heads of any foreign dignitary you choose."

"Do you think I might?" Milla asked.

"Of course! You are the most kind-hearted Ozian I've ever met. Any man will be lucky to win your hand in marriage," Galinda said and nuzzled her head into Milla's.

When Galinda gazed across the table, Fiyero's eyes were piercing in intensity, his mouth cracked with need. Galinda bowed her head, her face flushing. The Prince grinned sheepishly, stuffing a leg of lamb in his mouth while his cheeks darkened to a deep blue. Would her husband look at her like that? What would it be like for a man to make love to her? Galinda had never witnessed physical love between a man and woman, except for the incident with her father and Miss Clutch. She had overheard stories about it, when her mother was alive and her aunts came to visit. Galinda had even fantasized about it from time to time, but being with a man always seemed frightening. She didn't know how to entrust any man with that much power over her.

Midway through the meal, King Upland called for entertainment. Enjoying a morsel of bacon crumbles and potatoes, Galinda heard that beautiful voice sing behind her and stopped chewing. Goosebumps dotted her limbs as images of her hot naked Munchkinlander bubbled up in her mind. She blushed a deep pink, afraid her memories were written across her forehead, but when she looked up, Fiyero's gaze, for the first time since they met, was focused passionately elsewhere. On her veiled lady's maid.

How dare she?! How dare Elphaba wrest Fiyero's attention away from her! A searing discomfort spread through Galinda's chest. Why should that despicable creature receive any admiration at all, especially from the handsome Prince? Elphaba had intruded on her otherwise lovely evening. But as Elphaba continued to sing and Fiyero continued to stare, Galinda couldn't understand whom she was really upset with: Elphaba for distracting the Winkie Prince, or Fiyero for daring to look at her lady's maid like that?

After Elphaba finished, Fiyero's interest returned to Galinda, but by that time, the glow of her excitement for the Prince had faded, a glow that could peter out for a man as quickly as it sparked. The Princess excused herself, promising the Prince to be around tomorrow for a tour of the gardens, and left with Milla to her cousin's room.

Shenshen, Milla's lady's maid, was waiting. The Princess reclined on her cousin's bed as Shenshen readied Milla for sleep. After discussions of Fiyero, Galinda's attention wandered to her lady's maid, who was likely waiting for her in her own room.

"Do tell, Shenshen. What is my ugly lady's maid like downstairs?" the Princess asked.

Shenshen, brushing Milla's hair, blurted,

"Oh, she's terrible, Your Royal Highness!"

Galinda smirked, pleased that she was not alone in her feelings.

"May I speak freely, Your Royal Highness?" Shenshen asked.

"Tell us your mind, girl," Galinda said.

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness," Shenshen said, clearing her throat, her dark black eyes focusing, her frame straightening as if she was about to deliver an official report, "Miss Thropp is hard to look at, and yet she doesn't care a lick about her burdensome appearance. She never asks to bathe. She refuses to wash her face or hands before morning and evening prayers. She leaves her hair pinned in those unattractive braids and her temperament fares no better. Her face knows no other expression except dour. She refuses to talk to anyone, never laughs, and won't even sit with us. She's quite insufferable, Your Royal Highness."

"As I expected. It does indeed tax the soul to be forced in close proximity to such sour putrescent flesh," Galinda said.

"Never a truer word has been spoken about her, Your Royal Highness," Shenshen noted.

"Perhaps she's lonely," Milla said, "It must be hard to move to a faraway land where you don't know anyone. I imagine she's terribly homesick. Maybe, once she's adjusted to life here in Gillikin, her spirits and demeanor will improve."

Shenshen wrinkled her nose and Galinda said,

"Oh, cousin, you're too good! But, lonely isn't the proper word to describe her. I should say the creature is ungrateful! Why should Gillikin employ any Munchkinlanders at all after the war? And, not only have we taken in that thing, but it appears we took in the whole Thropp family!"

Milla looked as if she had more to say, but instead she closed her mouth, and nodded.

"Miss Morrible told us how she insulted Gillikinese women and your punishment for her. Your Royal Highness was exceedingly merciful. I don't see how Your Royal Highness can bear it," Shenshen said, "Especially after having been attended by someone as beautiful and as smart as Miss Clutch. It's a pity Miss Clutch had to leave us. She was quite kind to us all downstairs."

"Yes, I, too, wish that Miss Clutch could have stayed with us longer," Galinda said, sighed, and rose from the bed, "Well, dear cousin, I must be getting to bed myself, if I am finish my lessons, before having to meet with the Prince again. Fresh dreams!" she said and kissed Milla on the cheek.

Closing her cousin's door, Galinda walked down the hall and her heartbeat thripple-throppled in her chest. She hadn't seen her lady's maid since that morning. The thought of being close to her, smelling her scent, feeling her hands undress her, made Galinda's breath shallow.

The Princess approached her bedroom door, placed her palm on it, taped her fingers quietly, before she took a breath and opened it. Her room had been readied: her combs cleaned and in order, her sheets pulled down, a sprig of lavender placed on her pillows, a fresh chemise laid out for her, the drapes pulled to a close, a silver pitcher of water and a goblet placed on her bedside table. And, there, by her bed, stood Elphaba motionless, a stiffening in her shoulders the only sign that she was aware of Galinda's entry.

The princess's eyes raked over her. What a rush of relief seeing Elphaba— alone, submissive, and away from the prying eyes of the supper table. Galinda waited for her lady's maid to look up, but the Munchkinlander didn't. Well, how long was the stupid green creature going to stand there awkwardly? It bothered Galinda that Elphaba didn't give her any attention and it bothered her more when she realized she wanted it. Galinda waltzed toward her vanity and said,

"I'm glad you've collected yourself after this morning. The burden you put on Nanny with all your incompetence is beyond selfish."

Elphaba said nothing, nor moved. She inhaled and exhaled in steady beats.

"I addressed you, creature!"

Looking up, Elphaba glared at Galinda with such fury, the Princess flinched.

"My apologies," Elphaba said in a low voice, her black-brown eyes molten, "I wasn't aware a reply was necessary, Your Royal Highness."

Galinda' cheeks warmed at the brazen response.

"Whenever I speak to you, you will respond with at least a 'Yes, Your Royal Highness.' Is that clear, you ugly green bean?"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness," Elphaba mimicked.

If that's the attitude Elphaba was going to take this evening, Galinda would just have to show that stupid vegetable that she would not deny her anything—neither in word nor in flesh. Galinda walked up to Elphaba so that their bodies were inches apart. She envisioned her lady's maid naked: smooth and green, hard angles and wet folds, crackly hair and swollen skin. Elphaba held her breath. Galinda smiled at the Munchkinlander's unease, letting a minute pass before she looked at herself in her vanity mirror and noticed a smudge of sauce by her chin.

"Oh! How foul!" she said and wiped it.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness, how foul," Elphaba said. Galinda's eyes whipped back to her. A restrained smile formed at the corners of Elphaba's mouth. So the stupid creature thought she could mock her, did she?

"Did you happen to see the way the Prince looked at me at supper?" Galinda asked "Oh! That's right, I'm sure you can't see a thing behind your veil!"

"I cannot see well, but I'm sure the Prince's disgust wasn't meant for Your Royal Highness. It was likely an upset stomach. It's rumored that cook's duck was underdone," Elphaba said.

Galinda winced, the whites of her eyes growing.

"How dare you suggest he looked at me with disgust! An unloved troll like you wouldn't know the difference between attraction and indigestion! The only emotion anyone feels when they look at you is revulsion!"

Elphaba's body froze and Galinda sneered. No Munchkinlander maid would ever best Princess Galinda Upland!

"In all your years, no man has ever loved you. Isn't that right?" Galinda asked. Elphaba's jaw spasmed. Galinda stepped closer and rose to her tip-toes. "Isn't that right, my dirty little monster?" she purred in Elphaba's ear, wedging a pink finger between the Munchkinlander's apron and dress and sliding it along her waist. Elphaba jerked back as if she'd been burned. Galinda grinned. She grabbed Elphaba's apron and pulled. Elphaba stumbled forward, her lips brushing the Princess' brow, before she leaned back, and Galinda hissed,

"Answer me, before you force me to punish you again!"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness," Elphaba breathed.

"Yes, what?" Galinda asked.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness is right...no man has ever loved me."

"Just as I thought," Galinda said, "Now, show me your hands."

Elphaba raised an eyebrow, but Galinda just smiled. The Munchkinlander presented her gloved appendages and Galinda pulled off the gloves, tossing them to the floor. Elphaba's long, shapely fingers stiffened between them.

"After this morning, I don't think you need those. As we've seen, your predicament doesn't spread."

Elphaba's eyes fell to her feet, her shoulders straightening.

"Have you managed to stay clean since your little bath?" Galinda asked.

The Munchkinlander's eyes grew, her hands sliding behind her. She took a step back.

"You left, very, very wet. Are there oils that can clean that?" Galinda asked and Elphaba's nostrils flared, "Shenshen says you don't even clean yourself before prayers."

"Your Royal Highness knows I clean myself. I just don't use water like the rest. I use my oils," Elphaba said.

"Again, with the water nonsense! After this morning, I thought you would have learned!" Galinda said and stepped closer.

"Please, Your Royal Highness...," Elphaba whispered, stepping backwards and bumping into the bedpost.

Her lady's maid wasn't so haughty now. Galinda had won their little battle of the wills. She had shown the troll her proper place. She could stop here and let the matter drop, but the memory of Fiyero gawking at Elphaba over supper pushed Galinda further. "If you refuse to properly bath then you will have to demonstrate that you've kept yourself clean," Galinda said and moved to her bedside table to fill her goblet. She strolled back in front of Elphaba, who had shut her eyes. Galinda took a sip of water and said, "Well, are you going to undress or shall I help?"

Elphaba shook her head, mumbling, "Please, not again, Your Royal Highness...please... I can't do those things—"

"Remove your clothes now, before I have you tied down, and remove them myself!" Galinda said, taking another sip. That stupid creature would think twice before she tried to defy her again. Elphaba shook her head. Her pleadings coming out in long jumbled sentences.

Such an ugly, stupid monster. Galinda's hand rose to the top of Elphaba's collar, but before she could unbutton it, Elphaba clenched the Princess' wrist in a clammy hand.

"How dare you. How dare you try to stop me!" Galinda shouted and instinctually threw her water in Elphaba's face. Elphaba gasped, her back hunching, her pupils dilating, her arms stiffening and rounding out before her. Galinda took a step back, dropping her empty goblet. Elphaba fell to her knees, trickles of sweat ran down her neck, her thighs squinched, her hands delved into her hair and disheveled her braids. Her hips bucked back and forth.

"No, not here! It can't happen here. Not in front of—" Elphaba's words were cut off by a deep throaty moan.

Listening to Elphaba's growl, Galinda realized Elphaba wasn't allergic to water, so much as water was an overpowering aphrodisiac for Elphaba. Her lady's maid, gripping her dress, gritting her teeth, clenching her eyes shut, was trying to prevent herself from orgasming. What a delicious surprise! With another splash, she could make Elphaba completely submit. The Princess grinned and grabbed the whole pitcher of water from her bedside table.

Standing before the panting green woman, she ordered,

"Take off your clothes now or I'll douse you again!"

Elphaba's glanced up from the floor, her chest heaving.

"You heard me. Take off that dress and stand!" Galinda said, tilting the pitcher.

Elphaba's eyes widened and her fingers sprang to her sweat-soaked dress. Wheezing while she unbuttoned, she pulled it off and stood naked. Trembling, she hid her breasts behind her arms and placed her palms over her womanhood.

Galinda's felt her own nipples tighten. She could keep her lady's maid bare before her as long as she wanted.

Galinda circled behind the Munchkinlander and Elphaba tensed. Galinda stopped. Sapphire eyes gazed at green buttocks that were firm and perfectly round. Galinda couldn't help herself. She reached down and cupped one cheek in her hand, squeezing it in her palm.

Elphaba flinched as she gasped.

"Stand still, creature! I'm not finished with my inspection," Galinda said and Elphaba squeezed her nether cheeks together. Galinda smirked. It didn't matter what Elphaba closed. She could force Elphaba open. She could make her open her legs, her buttocks, her womanhood. The Princess walked back around. Elphaba's cheeks were dark with shame and her lips pursed tight.

Galinda took a finger and glided it across Elphaba's sweaty collarbone. The Munchkinlander trembled, goosebumps appearing on her arms.

"You're quite sensitive to my touch, aren't you, my dirty little monster?" Galinda asked and Elphaba's eyes hardened. "If you want to keep your position as my lady's maid, don't make me wait for your answers," Galinda said and the Munchkinlander's shoulders drooped.

"I am...Your Royal Highness," Elphaba whispered.

Galinda smiled.

"Stretch your arms out at your sides," she commanded. Elphaba glared at Galinda and asked,

"Why must Your Royal Highness do this? If I am so ugly to you, wouldn't it be better if I stay dressed?"

"If you weren't so stubborn and cleaned yourself, I wouldn't have to check you at all. Now hurry, before I wet you again," Galinda said and cocked back her arm.

Elphaba sighed through her nose. Her hands released her sex. With her thighs still tight, she raised her arms to shoulder height. Her hands pointed east and west and her dark teats pointed at the Princess.

"My, my! It doesn't seem like I'm punishing you at all. You're rather enjoying this," Galinda said and plunked one of Elphaba's hardened nipples. The Munchkinlander quivered, her cheeks charcoaling, her jaw rigid. Galinda's hot palm fell between Elphaba's bare breasts. She slid her fingers downward. Her nails scratching Elphaba's stomach, stopping right before her mound.

"I can't see if you're clean, if you don't spread your legs," Galinda said.

"Your Royal Highness has already seen me bath this morning," Elphaba said, raising her chin, arms still stretched.

"And I will check you again, now, and whenever I want. As long as you are in this castle, you will do whatever I want you to do. Do you understand?" Galinda asked. Elphaba shut her eyes, her body stiffening.

Surely, the stupid troll would quit rather than subject herself to further humiliation. Galinda lowered her hand. This would be the night that her father's punishment would end. Galinda had finally broke the Munchkinlander, but why wasn't she more excited?

Galinda didn't have time to think about it, because Elphaba spread her feet a foot apart. Galinda's eyebrows rose. Would the troll still insist on being her lady's maid? Was there nothing Galinda could subject the creature to that would make her leave? Would she be stuck with her for all eternity? The Princess clenched her hands.

"Am I to lean over and check you, you stupid vegetable? Put your right foot on my bed," Galinda instructed.

Elphaba's eyes grew. If she raised her foot to Galinda's bed, she would more than expose herself, she would display her every nook and cranny.

"Now!" Galinda yelled.

After a long pause, Elphba exhaled, her chin falling as she raised her leg and placed her foot on Galinda's bed.

Elphaba's green nether leaves hung in front of her, a thin trail of moisture dangling. Galinda's heart flip-flopped. Elphaba's jumble of green folds were pulled back to reveal her protruding clit and hidden cleft. Elphaba's cheeks were darker than Galinda thought possible, her eyes looking off in the distance.

Galinda couldn't take her eyes from Elphaba. She wanted to touch her, to make her sing. I don't desire her, Galinda thought. It wasn't desire for Elphaba that made Galinda take a step closer. It wasn't desire for her that made her wonder what Elphaba's mouth tasted like. It wasn't desire that made Galinda want to ride Elphaba's sweaty body unconscious. It was simply unadulterated loathing. Loathing made her want to crush her enemy under her heel. Galinda cupped Elphaba's warm soft leaves in her hand. Elphaba's eyes bulged before she clenched them shut.

"You're mine, my dirty little monster," Galinda said and joggled Elphaba's vagina below. Elphaba released a whimper. Galinda slid her fingers between lady's maid's wet crevices. "My very very wet little monster," Galinda whispered in Elphaba's ear and the Munchkinlander swallowed.

Her dirty little monster was humiliated and trembling, but Galinda wanted more. And, why shouldn't a Princess have what a Princess wanted?

Galinda took a step back and flung the pitcher of water at Elphaba's chest. Her lady's maid gasped, her eyes shooting open.

"Why?"Elphaba moaned, her knees quaking. "I did what you asked. Whyyy," Elphaba moaned.

"You showed me yourself. But you weren't clean," Galinda said and shoved Elphaba's weakened body backwards onto her bed. Galinda hoisted her dress up and climbed on top of Elphaba. Sitting on the thrashing Munckinlander's abdomen, Galinda put her knees on Elphaba's arms, pinning her maid. Galinda slid her hand underneath her own womanhood to touch Elphaba's below, rubbing all around the Munchkinlander's soaked sex.

"Please, don't—!" Elphaba cried out as her pulsating sex dribbled against Galinda's hand. As Galinda looked in Elphaba's scared black eyes, she imagined Miss Clutch beneath her, humping and moaning. Galinda's pelvis jerked hard against her hand that cupped Elphaba's sex. She could hear Miss Clutch calling her name. Galinda shut her eyes and rode her bucking lady's maid until Elphaba released a scream, her chest rising, her eyes squeezed shut, her thighs tightening. Elphaba's body surrendered, but Galinda wasn't finished.

If only Galinda had more time with Miss Clutch, if only her father hadn't taken her away. She could have made Miss Clutch feel things, good things. Galinda would have loved Miss Clutch so much more tenderly than her father had. Galinda stroked in and out of her lady's maid's folds.

Elphaba writhed, tossing her head back and forth wildly.

"I can't bear it! No more, please Your Royal Highness!"

Galinda tightened her legs around Elphaba, her thumb strumming Elphaba's long knot as her fingers felt downward. They stopped at a tight wet opening. Elphaba's eyes widened in shock. Terrified, she bucked her hips hard to throw Galinda off but the Princess wouldn't be moved.

"Your Royal Highness has no permission to—" Elphaba shouted.

"I don't need a maid's permission, you fool!" Galinda said and slid two fingers slowly past the entrance of Elphaba's sopping cleft.

"You can't!" Elphaba sobbed, her thighs squeezing Galinda's wrist. But, Galinda slid in further. Elphaba's tight opening hugged and sucked her fingers. What exquisite wetness! Elphaba's mouth opened in the shape of a scream, but no sound came. Her brown eyes wide, her face trembling. Galinda's womanhood ached as she gazed at Elphaba's taut frame.

"Noooo!" Elphaba finally shouted but Galinda's fingers pushed deeper. In spite of her lady's maid's shrieks, Elphaba's sex accommodated her.

"Is this what's it's like inside a dirty little monster?" Galinda said as she slid her thickly glazed fingers, ever so slowly, in and out of Elphaba while her thumb brushed against Elphaba's swollen nub. In and out. Up and down. In and out. No matter how Elphaba objected, her sex squeezed down on Galinda's fingers again and again.

Galinda shut her eyes and recalled dreams of Miss Clutch. Elphaba's protests morphed into groans and whimpering, her hips thrusting feverishly. Galinda's palm slapped against Elphaba's wet vaginal leaves until Galinda's sex clenched so hard, she almost teetered off her twisting lady's maid. Instead she ground her womanhood downward, and groaned.

Elphaba's bucking stilled as she passed out beneath Galinda.

Galinda opened her eyes. Seeing Elphaba's green limp body, soaked in sweat, her firm breasts, long plump nipples, the soft concave of her stomach, her perfectly shaped hip bones, her black hair spread about her, Galinda was stunned. Her lady's maid was beautiful. Galinda sucked her tooth. Impossible. The monster, beautiful? She must still be giddy from her fantasies of Miss Clutch.

Galinda removed her fingers from Elphaba. A thick opaque coating of Elphaba's excitement covered them. What was she doing with the troll? She couldn't deny that she had gone way past tormenting her. Her own body had reacted as well. Except it was Miss Clutch Galinda wanted, right? Confused, Galinda scooted off the bed.

She grabbed a handkerchief and wiped off her hand, but the scent of her lady's maid was still strong. Galinda expected a wave of nausea to overtake her but instead her stomach's rolling remained pleasant. Pleasant in a way she didn't want to think about. She didn't desire Elphaba. Galinda was still in control. She didn't need Elphaba. Her lady's maid could leave. No, the creature should leave! The sooner the better. The Princess would just have to try harder. She gazed back at Elphaba sleeping on her bed. She had half a mind to throw another pitcher of water on her, but she didn't. Instead Galinda climbed back on the bed and rolled the naked Munchkinlander off.

CLUNK!

Elphaba hit the stone floor and moaned. She rubbed her head as she stood.

"Hurry!" Galinda said, sliding off the bed and standing in the middle of the room. "After you remove my clothes, you may get dressed. Just remember, for every night you refuse to wash before evening prayers, you will undress for me to inspect you. Do you understand?" Galinda asked. Elphaba, bare before her, with her head bowed, said in a voice hoarse from screaming,

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

The next morning, Galinda half expected Nanny to come dress her and tell her Elphaba left the castle. But, her green lady's maid appeared at her doorway. Galinda, standing by her vanity, raised an eyebrow at her, but Elphaba kept her gaze down and went to the Princess' wardrobe.

"What shall I dress you in, Your Royal Highness?" Elphaba asked, her voice hollow.

"My pink dress from Frottica with the white sash," the Princess said.

Elphaba nodded and in moments she was attempting to fasten Galinda's corset. The leather sagged against Galinda's skin.

"Pull the laces tighter, green bean," Galinda yelled and turned around and cupped Elphaba's loose breasts behind her yellow dress. "These need to come up. They would be here if you gave any evidence of having developed into a full woman."

Galinda could feel Elphaba's nipples harden and poke at her behind the cloth. Elphaba grit her teeth but didn't budge. With flushed cheeks and her eyes looking down, all she said was,

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

Galinda rolled her eyes and turned around. Was this some new tactic that the Munchkinlander was trying — pretending not to feel? Well, she would make sure Elphaba properly responded to her that evening. For now, she had to get ready for the Prince.

After her morning lessons, Galinda took Prince Fiyero on a walk through the rose gardens where the couple engaged in light flirting, interspersed with Galinda's questions about the architecture and food of the Vinkus. When the couple finished their walk, they sat for tea in the Green Gallery of the West Wing before supper. It was smaller than the Red Gallery but Galinda loved the oil paintings of the royal women that had lived in Runcible Castle.

"And, who is she?" Fiyero asked, standing next to a large portrait of a young woman sitting by a table that overlooked moors, on a chair that had been covered in white tiger furs, dressed in a flowing mauve dress with large billowy sleeves, her brunette hair pinned back with pearls, her eyes both sure and surprised.

"She's my father's mother," Galinda said smiling, sitting on a bench near the window, "At the time she was called Princess Hananaiuh, later— Queen Hananaiuh."

"She had no brothers?" Fiyero asked.

"One. He died of black fever when he was young, so my grandmother Hananaiuh took the position of Queen of Runcible Castle."

"But, I didn't think Gillikin allowed female ruling heads, like in Munchkinland, where it seems preferred," Fiyero said.

Galinda's eyebrow rose. She was struck by the impertinent question.

"You mean Munchkinland, before the war," Galinda said, "The only ruling head of Munchkinland, now, is my father."

Fiyero sniggered.

"Are you laughing at me?" Galinda asked, rising.

"Not at you. I swear I didn't mean to offend King Upland, much less the most beautiful princess in all of Oz. Please don't be cross with me," Fiyero said and bowed his head for a moment of contrition. Galinda inhaled and nodded. "You see," he continued, "King Upland's victory over Munchkinland is very recent and I have grown up my whole life hoping to visit Munchkinland."

"But, why would you ever want to visit it?"

"For the same reasons King Upland wanted to conquer it, I suppose," Fiyero said honestly.

Galinda's eyes grew. The Prince had been so charming in the rose gardens, why did he insist on upsetting her now.

"And what would those be?" she asked, raising her chin and crossing her arms.

"Munchkinlanders are famous for their cloths and spinners, their jewel mines of diamonds and emeralds, and of course their art. Speaking of which, the voice we heard yesternight over supper was quite breathtaking. She was a Munchkinlander, was she not?"

Galinda felt her heartbeat quicken.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Why was her face veiled? I should think we could hear her better if she sang unveiled."

"She's green, that's why!" Galinda said. Surely this tiding would end Fiyero's accolades of Munchkinland.

"Green? You mean to say it was Elphaba Thropp who sang to us? Elphaba Thropp, third descending of the royal family from Munchkinland—before the war, of course."

Galinda's stomach dropped.

"You know her?" she asked.

"I have yet to be formally introduced, but everyone in the Vinkus knows that the next Eminent Thropp was a green woman. I don't think there are any other green Munchkinlanders, or Ozians, for that matter. Stories about Elphaba Thropp were quite popular and circulated among both Winkie royalty and commoners."

Galinda swallowed and said,

"Her skin's hideous, not at all beautiful like yours."

Fiyero laughed.

"Not all Ozians think Winkies are beautiful," he said. "I am quite glad you found me so, or I suppose I would be wearing a sack over my head too."

Galinda gasped, her arms stiffening.

"Of course not! Why are you being so disagreeable? Everyone knows a handsome Winkie Prince is not the same as a castle servant!"

"Ah, but Elphaba wasn't always a servant. Munchkinland royal women were educated and allowed to read, not like a typical Gillikinese servant, or for that matter a Gillikinese royal lady."

Galinda's cheeks prickled with heat. How dare the Prince insult her! How dare he suggest a Munchkinlander servant was in any way superior to a Gillikinese princess!

"If you find me so dull and stupid, I shall have my father entertain you until dinner, instead of me," Galinda said and started to walk away from the Winkie Prince toward the door when Fiyero grabbed Galinda's wrist.

"My apologies! I spoke without thinking."

Galinda turned back toward Fiyero.

"Any Ozian can see you are gorgeous, overflowing with life and wit," the Winkie Prince said, "When I spoke of Munchkinland educating their women, I did not mean to say that you weren't smart. You have a gifted mind and your nature is lovely. If you were allowed to read, I could only imagine how the ideas would blossom to even greater beauty within your mind."

Galinda eyes widened and Fiyero dropped her wrist.

"Do you really think so?" Galinda asked.

"Why, of course, why shouldn't they? Don't you ever wonder what it would be like to read?"

Galinda flushed. Of course she had. Every since Miss Clutch read to her in their library she had wondered what it would be like to read lessons and stories whenever she desired, about anything she desired. But, admitting she cared about reading would be tantamount to admitting she was presently deficient, or at least inferior to her Munchkinlander servant.

"Not at all. My days are filled with lessons in dancing, painting, and prayers. Why would I ever want to waste time with a male activity like reading?" she asked.

"Your lessons have bestowed on you a grace and beauty that no woman in Oz can match. But, reading doesn't have to replace that; it could accentuate your beauty. And, what about other ladies in Gillikin who are not endowed with the same natural wit? Surely, it's clear that your cousin Milla, while kind, could sharpen her intellect with some books."

Galinda's eyes widened and she huffed.

"I'm sure you meant that as a compliment to me, but I don't think that's clear about my cousin at all. If you spent more time with Milla, you would find she's already very bright and talented, a most lovely young woman," Galinda said, looking away.

"Alas, I had meant to ask for your pardon and it seems I continue to vex you. Please accept my deepest apologies," Fiyero said and bowed low.

"I will accept them, on one condition."

"Tell me. I'll do whatever you want."

"Let us talk no more about Munchkinland while you are here."

"Agreed," Fiyero said, smiling.

"Now, let me show you what Gillikin has to offer," Galinda said and took Fiyero's hand.

Fiyero eyes fell to Galinda's hand and then came up to Galinda's ample chest. He flushed. Reddening, Galinda dropped his hand and corrected herself,

"Paintings. Let me show you all the paintings and art that Gillikin has to offer."

"I'd be delighted," Fiyero said. Galinda smiled and proceeded to give him a tour of the galleries until they were called for supper.

After their meal ended, Galinda's excused herself before the after-supper drinks came, and wandered to the library by herself with a candle. She hadn't come back to the library since Miss Clutch's departure. But, all this talk of reading with Fiyero made her want to see it again. Once inside, she closed the door behind her. Her eyes scanned the room and stopped at the sofa where she and Miss Clutch had often sat— and, where her father had violated her. Galinda's heart stung. She closed her eyes and whispered a short blessing for Miss Clutch. The scent of lavender and cinnamon perfume wafted toward Galinda. She opened her eyes expecting to see Miss Clutch before her, but she was alone in the dark room; her heart beat fast. She moved to light several oil lamps on desks and tables.

After the room was properly lit, Galinda saw the book that Miss Clutch would often read to her about the Kumbric Witch. She walked over and touched the pale red binding with the gold lettering she couldn't understand. Miss Clutch told her it read, "The Good Witch of the Great Gillikin Forest."

Galinda pulled the book off the shelf and opened it. Her fingers tracing the lines. They were such pretty markings. As she turned the thick pages, she inhaled that wonderful book scent and heard Miss Clutch's voice reading.

As she turned another page, the library door opened. Galinda whipped around and saw her drunk father staring bewildered at her.

"What are you doing in here, Galinda?" he shouted.

"Father, I'm sorry. I just wanted to see the books once more," she said and quickly put the red book back.

"I told you, you weren't allowed in here! You willfully disobeyed me!" he said, walking toward her.

Galinda skirted around the sofas and scurried toward the library door. She just entered the hall, when her father clutched her arm, and threw her up against the wall. Galinda felt a sharp pain in her back and lost her breath. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. Galinda's heartbeat rattled in her ears. She hated her father when he was drunk. He never touched her, except when he had been drinking and got angry with her.

"Why didn't you listen?" he shouted, placing a hand at the base of her neck and pushing her against the wall, while his other meaty hand held her waist.

"I didn't mean to disobey you," Galinda choked. "I promise I wasn't trying to read. I just wanted to look at the markings."

SMACK!

Galinda's cheek stung. Her father grabbed her hair.

"Don't talk back to me, girl!" he said, while his other hand slid up her ribcage.

"Father, please!" Galinda screamed.

"I had to let her go because of you! If only you had listened to me and stayed in your room that night!"

"Father, don't!" Galinda said and King Upland's hands stopped. She twisted away from him and rushed down the hallway, unaware of the green figure hiding behind a hallway column.