A/N: Dear Readers — Sorry for the delay. I thought this chapter would be the shortest but it turned out to be the longest. It is also very dark, the darkest part of the whole story. This chapter contains violence and rape. The darkness of these sexual scenes exceeds the previous chapters. If you do not care to read graphic non-consent, please skip to the next chapter. While the events of this chapter will be referenced, you do not need to read it to understand the rest of the story. For all those who choose to read this chapter, I will be grateful to hear what you think. Thank you to those readers who come back each month! And, thanks for all the new follows, favorites, and comments.


Warning: Darkest chapter of the story. Read note above before reading.


Galinda could only stand and stare at the open doorway, her hand stinging from the slap, her breath uneven. Elphaba knew. Deep down Galinda always knew she must. Why else would she have kept her bruises a secret? But, since they never discussed that night, Galinda could pretend otherwise, sparing her from the thought that Elphaba pitied her. Her lady's maid's footsteps faded. Galinda could have the guards bring her back. But, how would she explain Elphaba's nakedness? And how could she face her lady's maid now that Elphaba voiced her secret, not the secret of how her father treated her, but something even more private:

Love doesn't work that way.

The word pricked her. Galinda hadn't even understood how she felt herself. How could that creature? It couldn't be love that made her inspect Elphaba? Touch her? Force her to orgasm? She meant to torment her! Nothing more. So when had she started to crave her? She had kissed Elphaba, kissed her neck, and tonight her lips, but not as a taunt. No...not as a taunt. She kissed her to best Fiyero. Galinda had left the creature frustrated several nights to ensure she would reciprocate. But the monster hadn't. Elphaba's refusal felt like a kick to the stomach. How coyly she smiled for Fiyero when he lingered on her cheek. She had tilted her head ever so slightly, bending into his mouth.

The image seemed burned onto her eyelids. Galinda seated herself at her large oval vanity mirror, scowling. Everything was crumbling. Before her life had been simple. Before Miss Clutch. She knew the path she must walk. If it wasn't for that tickle that crept up her belly, that afternoon Miss Clutch's thigh brushed against hers. The more-than-tickles that came when Miss Clutch opened their first book. The more-than-tickles that swelled into gnarled longings, mushrooming in her stomach, like sprouts stretching toward the light. Longings that intruded into her dreams, bathing her in lavender and cinnamon. From which, she would awake, shallow of breath and hot with fever.

She had thought nothing that strong would go unanswered. But as suddenly as Miss Clutch entered her world, she left. Galinda's longings and tickles faded into an acheful tenderness. A tenderness she thought was permanent. Nothing could have braced her for the fiery return of her desire, this time for a deformed Munchkinlander! It wasn't fair! The creature was nothing like Miss Clutch. She wasn't beautiful, she wasn't kind, she wasn't even Gillikinese! So why? Why must she feel these vexing whatever-things for her? As if in answer, she remembered. Elphaba's small sensitive breasts. Her smooth penetrating voice. Her sharp enticing smell. Her unapologetic intelligence. Her indefatigable strength. Galinda shook her head. Stop! Stop! Stop! She had to stop thinking this way or that troll would be the end of her!

Why couldn't she feel inspired by her betrothed? Why couldn't she get caught in his rotation, like she had as a young girl? He was still handsome, still well-spoken, still respected, wasn't he?! But try as she might, his talents no longer symbolized the happy future she once imagined. Instead Galinda's desire for Elphaba, clung to her, like a pimple scar that refused to vanish.

Knick. Knock.

Galinda's heart thumped at the thought of Elphaba standing in the open doorway, full of contrition.

Instead—

She turned to see Sir Chuffrey in his red uniform. Her heart flipple-floppled. They had barely spoken since their altercation in the garden. What could he want at this hour? As she rose, Sir Chuffrey crossed the threshold and shut the door behind him. Galinda jumped. Visiting her unchaperoned in her bedroom was brazen, but closing her door was all together indecent.

"Sir Chuffrey, please, I don't think it proper to be speaking alone in my bedroom at such an hour," Galinda said.

"I think it improper for a naked lady's maid to be running from her mistress' bedroom at any hour," he parried.

Galinda coughed into her hand. He saw! Elphaba. Running. Naked. Galinda assumed the creature had flown down a hallway of closed doors and slipped her clothes on in the stairwell. Never had she imagined someone might still be up to see her mad dash. If Sir Chuffrey found out what Galinda had been doing with Elphaba, he would certainly call off the engagement. If the news became public, Galinda could only imagine her father's response. Permanent banishment to one of those ghastly dormitories for unruly ladies would be a leniency.

"I can explain," Galinda started, blood pumping in her ears.

"I except no less," said Sir Chuffrey, crossing his arms behind his back.

Galinda's stomach knotted as his feet came closer, transversing her finely-knitted red and gold rug.

"You see, sometimes my lady's maid can be defiant," she started.

"Like at the dinner table last week," Sir Chuffrey offered.

"Yes! Exactly like at the dinner table."

"Go on."

"So...well...you see...when she gets rebellious...sometimes I must punish her, not because I want to, but because she would only get worse if I didn't."

"You made her undress?" Sir Chuffrey asked, eyebrows raising.

Galinda needed air. Her dress suddenly felt heavy and sticky against her flushed skin. Sir Chuffrey's beady blue eyes bored into her, refusing to be satisfied.

"Yes, but, but only to embarrass her, so she would mind her manners."

Sir Chuffrey stared at her for a while. Galinda bowed her head under his hot gaze.

"I'm impressed," he finally said.

Galinda looked up to see a smile forming underneath his mustache.

"Impressed?" she gulped.

"Yes, after our talk in the gardens, I was afraid you might be too naive to rule a kingdom, but now I see I was wrong. You're not derelict in your obligations, just kind-hearted, as all good ladies are," he said with a proud smile, his long teeth showing.

How would Sir Chuffrey know what it takes to rule a kingdom?! The presumption! She wanted to throw Sir Chuffrey out, but instead she batted her eyelashes and flashed a smile. The high constable took another step closer and clutched Galinda's hand. She startled at the contact, his wet warm palm wrapping around her ungloved fingers. She wanted to sink into the floor.

Sir Chuffrey grinned at Galinda's flushed cheeks. She had to be handled delicately. Galinda was still a child in many respects and like a child, she must be taught how to act appropriately. He had been foolish to think it could be any different. She was a lady, a would-be mother, not one of his soldiers. She was not meant to think deeply about the darker ways of the world. Such thinking required a level of criticality, for which women clearly had no aptitude. This was due to their motherly nature. Galinda clearly was not unaffected by it. In trying to contain Elphaba, she didn't understand the degree to which Munchkinlanders needed to be taught their place, especially the arrogant ones. She had yet to see the suffering Munchkinlanders were capable of inflicting. If he were a good husband, he could teach her the ways of the world. His wife would be strong and not give into the Munchkinlanders' deceits like his mother had. This time it would be different. With his help, Galinda could blossom into the obedient noble queen she should be.

Galinda couldn't tell what Sir Chuffrey was thinking, nor why he insisted on prolonging this conversation. If she had impressed him, shouldn't that have settled the matter? Why was he still here, in her bedroom?

"I know my visit this time has been difficult for us both," he started. "We don't yet know each other. But, you must know that even when we disagree, I have only the best intentions for you. Will you forgive me for raising my voice to you before in the gardens?"

"Yes, it is all forgotten," Galinda said, wanting to withdraw her hand, now moist with his sweat.

"And, you do trust your father?" he asked.

"Why, of course!," Galinda said, surprised at the turn of conversation.

"Then you must believe he wouldn't marry you to me if he thought I would wouldn't be good for you."

Galinda held back a sigh,

"Most certainly," she said, knowing full well her father would have married her to a goat if it meant maintaining his kingdom. She had thought herself lucky that her husband was to be Sir Chuffrey. What a childish thought that had been!

"Will you now trust me, as the man your father chose to protect you?"

"I...will," Galinda said.

"Excellent!" he snapped. "Then I will punish Elphaba for you."

"Excuse me?" Galinda squeaked.

"You said yourself she's shown herself defiant, to say nothing of what I witnessed myself. Your punishments while well-intentioned do not appear to be stemming her ill bent," he said.

"I wouldn't quite say that," Galinda hemmed.

"I would. And, this way, we shall halve the burden of the servants."

"But—"

"Galinda, please!" Sir Chuffrey said raising his hand "Either let me punish Elphaba for her offenses or I must mention her behavior to the King. It isn't proper for a lady's maid to continue to act this way toward the future Queen of Gillikin."

"No! You mustn't worry my father about this, please!" Galinda pleaded.

If her father heard that Elphaba had coming running naked from her bedroom, he would suspect Galinda of indecency. She could still remember how angry he was when she walked in on him with Miss Clutch. He ran after her, his pants up but not properly tied. He pinned her against a wall in the corridor, smelling of ale. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she shouted, 'How could you?'How could you hurt her?!' Her father's lips tensed, his hand pressing into her stomach. 'Contain yourself! I am the king of this castle—all the servants are mine to do with it as I see fit,' he yelled. But, Galinda couldn't contain herself, or her feelings for Miss Clutch. 'She was mine! My dearest friend! And you hurt her. You defiled her in OUR library!" The King's pupils narrowed, his lips shaking. With a flash, his hand raised and he slapped Galinda with a blistering force. The Princess' head flipped right, a stinging shooting through her nostrils, her eyes watering. 'Your library? Your library, Galinda?! What reason does a woman have to be in a library with a servant at all?' Galinda shook her head, wiping her bloodied nose with her sleeve before she whispered, 'It was only a couple of stories.' The King grabbed Galinda's throat and hissed, 'The Princess of Gillikin will not disgrace herself by shouting of a friendship with a servant! Nor will she shame herself by disobeying the laws of this land." His meaty hand roamed upward, combing over her breast, Galinda's eyes widened in shame. A shiver coursed through her as his warm hand lingered there. Finally, he reached up for her shoulder. Grabbing it, he flung her down the corridor. She stumbled, trying to hobble up as he shouted at her, "Get to your room now and never enter that library again or I shall really punish you for it!"

"Galinda?" Sir Chuffrey asked pulling her from her memory, "Will you let me punish Elphaba?"

"Do as you see fit Sir Chuffrey," Galinda mumbled. Surely, whatever Sir Chuffrey decided to do to Elphaba couldn't be worse than what her father would do to her.

The High Constable smiled, his eyes turning into slivers. He brought Galinda's hand to his lips. How could his pale eyes be so dark? He patted her limp hand before dropping it. "I shall let you know what I decide," he said and slipped from her room.

Seeing the door close behind Sir Chuffrey, Galinda looked up at the ceiling coffering and sighed. She should feel relieved she kept her relationship with Elphaba a secret from Sir Chuffrey. But, questions crowded out any sort of alleviation. Just how would he handle Elphaba? Would he beat her? Would he do it publicly? Galinda couldn't guess.

There were times she found Sir Chuffrey hideous, like at the dinner table or in the garden. But, there were times he surprised her, like his apology for raising his voice. She did appreciate a man who was big enough to admit wrong. And, Sir Chuffery's anger toward the gardener was because he didn't want her disrespected. While Galinda disagreed with his methods, she appreciated that he cared. She couldn't deny her feelings for her lady's maid weren't healthy. Not to mention her inspections of Elphaba had failed in getting the creature to resign. Instead, Galinda was the one who had fallen, fallen for a troll. Her lady's maid remained immune. Now, probably fast asleep in her room, or if still awake, mourning Fiyero's departure. Galinda sighed; walking to the corner of her room, she rang a cord for Nanny to undress her.

The next morning, Galinda was more than a little stunned to see her lady's maid with her chin in the air, at her door in her usual yellow dress and white apron. Her brown eyes looked away, but nothing else about her demeanor communicated submission, let alone repentance. The audacity! Did the creature think she could just say whatever she wanted to the Princess of Gillikin and get away with it? Galinda had half a mind to make her strip and bend over, but she stopped. Her future husband would handle her lady's maid. And, for once since his arrival, Galinda looked forward to their next conversation.

When her lady's maid started to dress her, Galinda felt it. A tremble in Elphaba's hands. So the monster was a bit nervous after all? Good! After her performance last night, she was lucky Galinda hadn't cut her wages for a month! After dressing and pinning up her hair, Elphaba waited in front of Galinda to be dismissed, her eyes on the far wall. No matter how brave and unfeeling the monster looked, her stiffness communicated a nervous anticipation. It would only take a second for Galinda to make good on the monster's fears. To peel back the top of Elphaba's dress and see her lady's maid's tiny melons. Watch Elphaba's jaw tighten with displeasure and her cheeks darken with embarrassment as she touched them, twisting her nipples like dough. She could make her scream her name as she came for her. But afterward, Elphaba would hate her more. Nothing would change. There was no amusement in that. From now on, Sir Chuffrey could see to her lady's maid.

"You're dismissed," Galinda said.

Elphaba startled, hesitating, surveying Galinda's face for a hint of a trick. Galinda placed her hands on her hips and Elphaba nodded and ducked out. Galinda rolled her eyes.

She succeeded in not thinking about Elphaba until half past noon. She was in the tea cabinet, sitting across from Milla at a petite round wooden table, dressed with a a plate of oysters, a bowl of buttered bread rolls, and two cups of tea. Galinda raised a shell to her lips, sucking the meat into her mouth as her cousin blurted,

"Has Sir Chuffrey told you about his encounter with Elphaba?"

Galinda pursed her lips to keep from coughing the oyster muscle all over Milla.

"Mm," she swallowed, before wiping her lips with a white cloth napkin. "An encounter?" Had Sir Chuffrey shared his late-night vision with Milla?!

"After the tournament, when Elphaba came to hang your new clothes. Didn't he tell you?" Milla clarified.

Galinda's eyebrows rose. But that was before Elphaba's naked dash? Sir Chuffrey hadn't said anything about this. Galinda could only shake her head, afraid her voice would betray her.

"I see," Milla said, looking down.

Galinda waited several seconds but Milla said nothing and looked as if she was finished with the topic. Galinda cleared her throat and said,

"I'm afraid I don't?"

Milla kept her eyes on the table, trailing her fork through her bowl of shells.

"Milla?" Galinda said, scooting to the edge of her seat.

"It's most likely nothing."

"The sooner you tell me, the sooner I can assure you."

"I didn't want to upset you," her cousin said.

"Well, now you really must tell me after all this mystery," Galinda said, extending her hand across the table.

"I-I heard raised voices in the hallway yesternoon," Milla started. "So I left my room to see the commotion..."

"And?" Galinda gently prodded.

"When I entered the hallway, I saw Sir Chuffrey...he-he had Elphaba against the wall while his hand was pulling up her dress. Your lady's maid was trying to get away," Milla said, red blotches spreading across her cheeks.

Galinda felt herself pale as she retracted her hand. She was too mortified to speak. How could Sir Chuffrey embarrass her like this, in front of Milla?! She sat back, trying to take a deep breath. What type of behavior was this? While his hand was pulling up her dress. What reason would he ever have to—

"I'm sure there's an explanation for it, but the sight rather shocked me," Milla said.

"Of course—an explanation— yes—that's right—there must be an explanation," Galinda babbled, her mind racing. Perhaps Elphaba had said something offensive, yet again? Or...or...

"Could he have been trying to catch her? Perhaps she fell ill?" Galinda suggested, remembering Elphaba's fall with Fiyero.

"No, Sir Chuffrey was angry with her," Milla insisted, "but I'm sure it must have been minor. Otherwise he would have told you."

"Yes, of course," Galinda said, sliding her plate away from her.

They talked no more of Sir Chuffrey that afternoon. Instead, the cousins ended their lunch with a walk in the rose gardens, chatting about the not too distant Lurlinemas ball. They were about to walk back to the castle when Galinda asked if Milla wouldn't mind her staying behind. Her cousin nodded, kissing her cheek warmly before waving and skipping back to the castle.

Galinda meandered back through the gardens, stopping in front of the southern Pink Pavilion. Unlike the White Pavilion, it had an enclosed octagon sitting room, all the walls made of stained glass. Galinda opened the door, which was a portrait of the Kumbric Witch who was rumored to be queen of the spirits who haunted the Great Forest. Galinda entered, grateful for the familiar gray velvet tufted bench. Backless, it sat in the middle of the room. Round and plump, with a gold bulb trim and spindly wooden legs. It had always been the perfect instrument to do her best brooding. Besides the single bench, only a small bronze incense holder, in the shape of a lamp, hung from ceiling, pouring out its rosemary and cedar scent across the room.

Galinda laid down and curled herself over the bench's left scroll arm, gazing at the the other walls which depicted the Kumbric Witch's seven oracles for Gillikin. Her favorite wall portrayed a blonde woman whom Galinda always thought was quite beautiful, kneeling next to a discolored figure. When she was young, Galinda had assumed the scene depicted her grandmother pleading with a witch of the forest. But, now as she gazed at the stain-glassed couple, all she could see was herself and her troll of a lady's maid.

Oh, what did the High Constable do to Elphaba? Her mind returned like an ocean tide to Milla's story of Elphaba and Sir Chuffrey. What had she unwittingly agreed to when she consented to Sir Chuffrey's punishment of Elphaba? What hadn't he told her? Had he lied about wanting to protect Galinda? Could he still be angry with her lady's maid for her answer during supper a week ago? Galinda turned up her nose. A man who held grudges over small slights was a small man indeed.

Surely there had to be a good reason for his behavior. Galinda tried unsuccessfully for an hour to come up with an appropriate answer. Finding none, she laid on her back and closed her eyes.

She was quickly swept up in a dream in which Miss Clutch was pinned against the hallway by her father. He was pawing at her as she screamed for him stop. But, then it was Sir Chuffrey who was pinning her. And then it wasn't Miss Clutch anymore, it was Elphaba, squirming to get a way from Sir Chuffrey's wandering hands, but then they weren't his hands anymore. They were Galinda's. Galinda was fondling her lady's maid in the hallway as the creature was fighting to get away. Screaming for her to stop.

Galinda's eyes shot open as she sat up on the bench gasping for breath.

It couldn't be! It couldn't. She wasn't the same as Sir Chuffrey! Nor was she like her father! Not at all, not even a little. She always gave the monster a choice! And, Elphaba chose to stay. And, and, and—Elphaba enjoyed her touching, always came for her. Except for the last time. Elphaba had ran. So? What did that mean? Was she somehow similar to Sir Chuffrey? To her father? Galinda cringed.

Just then, the door to the Pavilion opened. Shell stood in the doorway, carrying a ladder, accompanied by a younger gardener, a Gillikinese peasant boy who wore a leather satchel from which hung a round silver tin.

"Princess," Shell said surprised and bowed low. The young servant mimicked Shell.

Galinda sighed. How did the gardener always stumble upon her private moments?

"Do you have business here?" she asked.

"We've come to refill the incense lamps," he said. Galinda looked up. The white smoke had all but evaporated. "But, we can return later if Your Royal Highness prefers?" With tight lips, Galinda shook her head. She didn't want to be bothered twice.

Shell and his assistant worked quickly. The Munchkinlander held the ladder as his young assistant crawled up and placed more cedar nibs and a hot ember from his silver box into the holder. The two were about to leave, when Shell had the younger boy go ahead of him, giving him his ladder.

"Your Royal Highness, might I have a word?" he asked by the doorway, when the boy had left.

Galinda hesitated, caught off guard by Shell's boldness. She was about to refuse him, when she remembered Sir Chuffrey's deceit. Two could play at that game.

"Whatever is the matter?" she asked in a sugary sweet voice.

Shell walked closer. Galinda rose and met him in the middle of the room. Her hands coming to feel his muscular biceps. The gardener's mouth parted, his dark eyes devouring her breasts. Those eyes. Their shape and color matched Elphaba's. Galinda imagined her lady's maid looking at her so and felt her cheeks go hot.

"I have a sister," Shell said, placing his eyes higher.

"Yes, we've been introduced," Galinda said in a smoky voice, smirking.

Shell smiled.

"I mean I have another sister, besides Elphaba," he said, staring into her eyes.

"Oh? Does she work in the castle as well?" Galinda asked. Could there be another green woman lurking about?

"No, my sister, Nessarose, stays in a cottage in the Great Gillikin Forest."

"The Great Gillikin Forest? But, it's haunted! How can she stand to live there?" Galinda asked shivering.

"Actually, the castle raids on the forest were what I wanted to talk about."

"Oh? But, I can't tell you anything about the raids or the dark fairies. I know little of them."

"It's not information on the fairies that I'm after. I want to protect my sister. She's lame from birth and—"

Galinda gasped. Shell's story was getting more grotesque with each passing moment. First the haunted forest, now monsters. She stilled her facial features to hide her disgust.

"When we came to Gillikin, Elphaba and I hid Nessarose in the forest. We've heard about Gillikinese superstitions of her condition. We hid her to keep her safe. But, now with the raids, I am afraid Nessarose will be found and harmed."

"I don't know what to say," Galinda said. What did a crippled Munchkin even look like? Were its legs green and twisted? Were its bones all out of joint? Did it have a shrunken head? Galinda thought she would vomit.

"I swear Nessarose is no harm to anyone. If we could bring her here—"

"Here?!" Galinda squealed, imagining the crippled beast, sitting in an iron cage in the corner of her bedroom. She clutched her hands at her chest and recoiled.

"Please. I know Your Royal Highness is compassionate," the gardener said. "If only she could live in the castle as a servant, I know she would be safe."

"But, it is not for me to decide who serves here," Galinda said, regretting that she had welcomed a conversation with Shell at all, "My father and his butler handle these matters."

"But, certainly, you could persuade them," Shell tried.

Galinda's shoulders tensed. What an assumption! To suggest she should convince her father to have a lame in the castle! Who did Shell think he was? She was about to tell him he had no right to ask such morbid things when she heard horses, her father's laughter, followed by Sir Chuffrey's voice just outside the pavillion. Her face whitened.

"We can't be seen together!" Galinda hissed.

"Why not? It was my task to change the incense holder," Shell said.

"With no ladder or incense?" Galinda whispered. "They won't believe us. I'll keep them away, but you must hide here until we're gone. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Shell whispered, looking worried for her.

The Princess exited and closed the door behind her. The two men had stopped their horses, when her father noticed her and said,

"Galinda, my darling, whatever are you doing here?"

"I came for a nap, but I'm feeling awfully unwell. I'm so glad to see you both. I should have laid here for some time until someone should have found me," she said.

"Sir Chuffrey, I'm afraid we'll have to reschedule our discussion of the dark fairies. My dear little Galinda needs to be taken inside," her father said.

"Your Majesty, please let me," Sir Chuffrey said. "I'll have her back in no time."

"Very well," the King said.

"That's very kind of you," Galinda said, as Sir Chuffrey whisked her off her feet and planted her on his horse. As he spurred the horse to go, Galinda was relived to be leaving Shell and his tasteless conversation behind.

As soon as the three made it back to the castle, Sir Chuffrey helped Galinda down and carried her, sweeping up the castle staircases toward her room as the King ran behind. Galinda looked up at her betrothed. A bead of sweat trickled down his brow, his jaw set, his eyes focused. How could someone this handsome who supposedly cared deeply for her, put his hand under her lady's maid's dress? Were all grown men like this? Tender one moment, frightening the next. Galinda huffed.

"Are you okay, my dearest?" Sir Chuffrey asked, glancing down and then back up.

"Just tired," Galinda said, closing her eyes.

"What's happened, sir?" Crope asked, coming down the hallway.

"The Princess has taken ill. Get the razors and some towels and bowls!" Sir Chuffrey barked.

Galinda's eyes popped open. Nothing was worse than blood treatments!

"Please! I just need a little rest," Galinda said, gripping Sir Chuffrey's arm.

"Nonsense. You'll do as Sir Chuffrey says," the King said, behind the couple. "If you don't let the illness out, it'll only worsen. Now, hurry Crope!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the servant said and sprinted down the hallway.

Entering Galinda's room, Sir Chuffrey held Galinda in one hand and tore back her sheets with the other. He laid her down and kissed her forehead.

"You'll be better soon, my dearest," he whispered.

Galinda nodded and let her face go loose, feigning tiredness, in hopes that Sir Chuffrey might wait outside. She needed a moment to gather herself, if she was to endure the blood-letting. Her act worked. Alone, Galinda stared at her wooden canopy ceiling and exhaled loudly. She didn't deserve this. She had only wanted to spite Sir Chuffrey a little. She never thought a conversation with Shell would mean being heckled for grotesque favors or being bled! And, Nanny, that cow! She was so heavy-handed. She couldn't tell the difference between a pinprick and an amputation.

How had this normal day turned so horrible! Galinda was rubbing her temples, when the old woman and Crope entered. Nanny came to her right, armed with a long leather belt with holsters filled with razors of every size. Crope, holding a goblet filled with life water, came to her left and set the goblet on Galinda's bedside table.

"What can I do?" he asked Nanny.

"Just tend to the gentlemen outside while I clean the Princess," Nanny said and Crope nodded.

Rap! Rap!

Galinda raised her neck. Perhaps her father had come to check on her? She might still talk him out of this!

But, as Crope opened her door, Elphaba entered. Who invited that creature?! Elphaba's arms were packed with bowls and towels, her expression pinching as she surveyed the room.

Galinda laid down and returned her gaze to the ceiling. Helping with bloodletting was a lady's maid's duty, but it was humiliating to be cut in front of her. How thrilling it must be for the monster to see her in pain. Well, she wouldn't cry. Not this time. Elphaba already found her lazy and stupid, she wouldn't add weak to the list.

Crope left and closed the door behind him, as Elphaba walked over to give her items to Nanny. The woman took them and then stripped Galinda down to her chemise, giving her the fiery life water, before she opened the belt and asked for Galinda's arm.

"Nanny, not too deep," Galinda instructed, feeling woozy from the alcohol.

"Of course, Your Royal Highness," Nanny said, pulling out a long thin razor with a hooked bill, "Now, Miss Thropp get on the other side of Her Royal Highness and hold the Princess down."

Elphaba standing at the foot of her bed, clutched her stomach, and didn't move an inch.

"What is this cutting supposed to do?" her lady's maid asked.

"It clears the humors. Didn't the Thropp family do the same?" Nanny asked. Elphaba shook her head. The Princess rolled her eyes.

"Shall we get on with it?" Galinda asked, not wanting to delay the inescapable.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness," Nanny said and looking at Elphaba, motioned to the bed with the knife.

Elphaba nodded, climbed up, and crawled toward Galinda. She stopped short of the Princess looking at her as if she might bite. Of course. The last time they had both been on this bed had been the night Galinda belted her.

"Miss Thropp!" Nanny commanded. "Hurry and hold the Princess' shoulders!"

Elphaba stayed rigid, her eyes lost in thought.

"You've permission to touch me!" Galinda raised her voice, hoping to speed Elphaba along.

The troll lurched forward, nodding, hands out, eyes worried, hatchet face descending. She clasped Galinda's shoulders in a soft grip, her warm breath brushing her forehead. Galinda expected Elphaba to snicker, not worry. She didn't need concern! She didn't want it, not from Elphaba...she didn't deserve it. Leave it to the creature to make her feel guilty at a time like this! Galinda's blond eyebrows furrowed. Elphaba noticed her frustration and looked more concerned, her thumbs brushing Galinda's shoulders. Galinda blushed at the gesture. Why must her stomach knot with each passing brush? They had been unclothed on this bed, touched in this bed, orgasmed in this bed. But that had all been proximate unintimacies. Galinda shifted her gaze to the corner of her canopy bed, anything to avoid Elphaba's eyes.

"Princess, shall I ready a towel for you to bite?" Nanny asked.

Galinda shook her head and the next second Nanny pressed the knife. Galinda inhaled sharply at the burning in her inner arm. How could her father allow this? She turned her head, trying to hide her pale face in a pillow.

"Hold her!" Nanny commanded, lifting the knife as Galinda rustled.

Elphaba forced Galinda's shoulders straight. Galinda glowered at her. The monster looked pained, her eyes round. It's me who is suffering, not you! Don't look at me like that! Galinda thought and turned her neck.

The old woman pressed the razor to the same place again, but harder. Galinda bit her lip to keep from crying. But, Nanny dug. The pain absorbed Galinda's senses. Suddenly she heard the sound of her own voice, screaming.

"Are you finished?" Elphaba shouted to Nanny.

"Almost there," Nanny said, setting the knife down and pinching Galinda's cut. Galinda winced as Nanny caught her dripping blood in a bowl. "Only thrice more and we're through."

"What possible need is there to cut Her Royal Highness again?!" Elphaba argued. "This can't be doing the Princess any good."

Galinda didn't understand. Why did her suffering matter to Elphaba? The monster hated her.

I will never want you. I will never be yours. I will never love you.

Nanny didn't answer. She raised a thicker razor. Elphaba leaned closer and took Galinda's free hand that was extended by her side and placed it on her yellow dress over her bicep.

"Squeeze, when she cuts," Elphaba whispered.

Galinda felt a blush run up her neck. She wrenched her hand and hissed,

"I don't need your pi—"

"It's not," her lady's maid interrupted and grabbed Galinda's hand and pressed it back down. "It's not pity. It will end faster if Your Royal Highness is not rolling about." Elphaba voice was harsh, but her eyes were tender. She was trying to save Galinda a bit of dignity. The soft look made Galinda's breath stop. She waited for Elphaba's kind veneer to evaporate. But the creature's gaze never changed. Nanny cut again. Galinda squeezed her eyes shut and clutched Elphaba's arm, her fingers sinking into the thin muscle, her mouth opening to a soundless cry. She pulled Elphaba close, very close, until her mouth was right over hers, her bony ribs pressing into her stomach.

"Stop. Please, make it stop," Galinda whimpered. Was that sharp voice hers? She opened her eyes to see Elphaba's worried eyes watching her face. Their lips close to touching. Galinda blushed. Elphaba saw her. Not the strong Princess of Gillikin, but the terrified and needy Arduenna girl. Galinda wanted to hide, but Nanny continued to saw and she could only cling to the creature, grateful for the weight of her body and the strong scent of her oils that covered the smell of Nanny's disinfectant.

Elphaba turned her head and hissed,

"Isn't that enough? Can't you stop?"

"The King won't allow it," Nanny said and pinched Galinda's second wound.

"Ah!" Galinda gasped.

Nanny took out a slightly fatter blade.

Galinda shook her head.

"Do you have the Princess?" Nanny asked.

"Wait," Elphaba said and propped herself up. Galinda released Elphaba, only to wrap her arm around Elphaba's neck. Her lady's maid looked at her nervously. Galinda pulled Elphaba back down and tucked her head into her green neck, breathing hotly against her collar bone. Nanny cut. Tears rolled from Galinda's eyes. Her head going lighter and lighter. Her screams had turned into hoarse moans as blood rivulets poured down her extended arm.

"I can't! No more!" Galinda rasped, her vision blurring. "I shall faint."

"Only once more, Your Royal Highness," Nanny said.

The Princess felt the blade tear into her and she pressed her face into Elphaba's shoulder, her eyes squeezing tighter as she tried to hide from the throbbing. A beautiful melody sounded. She tried to focus on the silky notes while her arm whistled with pain. The melody was so beautiful it must be a celestial spirit, no, the heavenly Lurline herself! Nanny, the old bat, managed to kill her! Galinda was leaving Oz behind for a greater glory.

"It's finished Your Royal Highness," Nanny said, breaking Galinda's fantasy. "I'll dress the cuts."

Galinda eyes fluttered open. Elphaba was humming. It wasn't a celestial voice after all; it was a troll's. Their bodies were still pressed together. Elphaba's eyes cinched shut. The monster must hate being this close. On this bed, of all places.

I will never be yours.

The creature was humming to calm herself, not Galinda. Embarrassed, Galinda quickly released her grip and turned her head. She felt Elphaba rise and missed the warmth of her lady's maid's body immediately, but she wouldn't look up. She didn't want to see Elphaba's tender gaze return to its usual contempt. She didn't want to see the warm emotion that looked so much like sincere concern be revealed to be nothing more than hollow duty.

"Elphaba, open the door," Nanny commanded. When the door opened, the old woman announced loudly to the men outside, "It's finished." Nanny and Elphaba exited, carrying her bowls of blood and Sir Chuffrey and her father rushed in, flanking Galinda's bed.

"My darling, dearest, the worst is over," her betrothed said, kneeling. If Galinda had any strength in her, she would have rolled her eyes—it was his fault she had to endure this at all—but since she could barely stay awake she merely nodded.

"Do you need anything, my little Galinda?" the King asked. Galinda shook her head ever so slightly and closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, the men were gone and Nanny was shaking her awake for supper, a cup of water to her lips. Galinda took a sip and without thinking asked,

"Where's the creature?"

"Downstairs preparing new sheets to dress Your Royal Highness' bed. Sir Chuffrey didn't think you should see her face right after your treatment. He was worried the sight of Miss Thropp might make your illness return."

Galinda could tell by Nanny's tone that the old woman thought Sir Chuffrey an idiot. Just a few days ago, Galinda would have been cross at the woman's attitude. Today Galinda could only sympathize.

Nanny pulled back the covers and Galinda stood up. The room swung like a pendulum. She reached out and leaned on Nanny, as the old woman dressed and jeweled her, throwing her about. An hour later and Galinda was eating supper with Sir Chuffrey and her father in the banquet hall. The two peppered her with questions, asking if she rested enough, if she needed a bath, if she should skip supper. After several minutes of convincing them she would be fine, the men left her alone and entered an extremely boring conversation about a new Wizard who was gaining notoriety all over Oz.

The men debated if the Wizard ran more than a carnival, if he was a threat to Gillikin, if they should try and end his carnival career. With the insipid table conversation, and Milla taking dinner in her room, Galinda was more than eager to finish supper early. By dessert, she asked to be excused. Her father agreed, kissing her forehead, and telling her to take some rest.

Galinda nodded, but instead of heading to her room, she walked toward the castle entrance that let out to the gardens. She needed to clear her mind about her lady's maid.

As she made her way down the halls, she kept thinking of her dream from earlier. The dream where her actions with the creature were comparable to her father's. Elphaba's troubled face flashed in her mind. That scared expression she had when Galinda played with her breast when they first met. Galinda never gave her lady's maid a chance. She hated her before she arrived. She hated her because she replaced the person whom she had loved dearly. And, then she hated the creature even more when she learned she was a Munchkinlander— a deformed one. Anyone would have despised her, wouldn't they have? But, Milla hadn't. Milla actually liked the Munchkinlanders. And, Fiyero hadn't hated her either. He had confessed feelings for her lady's maid. Oh, why couldn't Galinda just feel nothing! Wanting her made Galinda feel weak and stupid. But, now hating her had become painful too.

Galinda was halfway down the grand white stone steps lit by billowing oil lanterns when she spotted Elphaba and Shell at the bottom of the stairs. They appeared to be arguing about something. Her lady's maid had her back to her. She seemed different. With her voice raised, hands in the air, she reminded Galinda of the night she had refused her. How can you be so selfish, so remorseless? The memory made Galinda's stomach twist.

"You don't even know her! You have no idea what you've done! How could you tell her! How could you!" Elphaba shrilled. Galinda took another step toward them and Shell who faced her direction, glanced up and noticed the Princess. He fell to his knee.

"Good evening, Princess," he said loudly. Elphaba whipped around. Her eyes going wide before she bowed her head and closed her mouth. Seeing the siblings together, Galinda realized despite her initial impression there was a resemblance— their thick black hair, dark eyes, strong jaw line, high cheekbones. Without that distracting green skin, Elphaba might have been handsome, perhaps even more handsome than her brother. Galinda curled her lip at her thoughts.

"Princess, good evening. My sister and I wanted to talk with you about our conversation we had earlier in the garden?" Shell said, still on his knee.

"We want no such thing, Your Royal Highness!" Elphaba shrieked, her face darkening.

Galinda would not visit that morbid conversation—ever. One Thropp woman wreaking havoc in her life was more than enough. There was no need for a second monster in the castle. Thank Oz Elphaba felt the same! Shell misinterpreted Galinda's silence for confusion.

"Our conversation about Nessarose, Princess," he added.

"Shell! Stop! You don't know what you're doing!" Elphaba yelled.

"Stop speaking for me Elphaba!" he said. "The Princess and I know one another. We're friends."

Galinda felt the blood leave her face. Friends?! Her and the gardener? Had he lost his mind?!

Horrified, Elphaba looked back and forth between a stubborn Shell and a shocked Princess.

"Shell," Galinda choked. "I think its best if you listened to your sister."

His bushy eyebrows rose.

"But, I thought—" he started.

"Bother me no further and go back to your quarters for tonight!" Galinda commanded, annoyed that the servant thought to argue.

Shell didn't move. He searched her face, wanting another answer. Before Galinda could repeat herself. A voice sounded behind her.

"I told you to stay away! How dare you bother the Princess again!" Sir Chuffrey yelled. Galinda turned to see the High Constable flying down the stairs. He glided past her, heading right toward Shell.

"Sir Chuffrey!" Galinda said, running after him. But, the High Constable ignored her and moved for the gardener who had stood up.

With an agile side-step, Elphaba moved in front of her brother.

"Get out of my way, monster!" Sir Chuffrey hissed, breathing hard, his skin red, stopping a pace in front of her, with Galinda behind him.

"She's not a monster!" Shell yelled.

Elphaba didn't budge. She stood there, still as stone, lips pursed, eyes hard. Anyone would have thought she was unafraid of Sir Chuffrey. Anyone except for Galinda who saw her squeeze her dress in her hands.

"Don't think I won't hit you, foul creature. Move!"

When Elphaba didn't, Sir Chuffrey raised his fist and Galinda did it. She swung herself between the two.

POUND!

With a yelp, Galinda fell, clutching her cheek.

"Princess!" Shell yelled behind Elphaba.

"Galinda!" Sir Chuffrey said and dashed to her side, but Galinda raised her hand.

"Just don't!" Galinda said.

Galinda looked over at a shocked-silent Elphaba. The creature gaped at her, eyes blinking, mouth open. With annoyance, Galinda gestured with her eyes for her lady's maid to help. Elphaba whooshed down and came by Galinda's side, placing Galinda's arm around her neck so she could stand. The gardener looked as if he wanted to help but Galinda was grateful he kept his distance in front of Sir Chuffrey.

"Shell, go to your quarters!'" Galinda ordered.

The gardener frowned, but he didn't argue. He bowed and ran for the servant's quarters.

"Galinda, my dearest, I never wanted to hit you," Sir Chuffrey tried again.

"Please, Sir Chuffrey, leave me tonight. My lady's maid will help me to my room."

"But—"

"I'm fine!" Galinda said, and left the man standing there, glaring furiously at Elphaba as she helped Galinda up the stairs.

When the women got to Galinda's room, Elphaba closed the door. Galinda touched the reddish lump on her cheek, examining it in her vanity mirror. Its sharp zinging ran through her cheekbone, down her jaw, and wrapped around her teeth. It felt like Sir Chuffrey cracked her face. Why had she protected her lady's maid? The creature should have took the beating. Sir Chuffrey warned her. He had given her time to move. So why did she interfere? Galinda sighed. Somehow it didn't seem right. The two Munchkinlanders hadn't bothered her; she had interrupted them. And, the troll was only trying to protect her brother. An action Galinda would do for Milla in a heartbeat. Oh! Was she honestly comparing the creature's motivations with her own?!

Elphaba came behind her, eyeing her in the mirror. This was a new expression. Her lady's maid's eyes glimmered with what seemed like appreciation. An appreciation that felt too embarrassing to receive. It would mean Galinda intended to protect the troll, an intention that signaled more than mere lust.

"I slipped!" Galinda said, "I wasn't trying to defend you. I just slipped on the stairs."

Elphaba stared at the Princess askance. Her lips pursing briefly before they resigned into a straight line.

Swallowing, the creature said, "Of course, Your Royal Highness."

Galinda couldn't tell if Elphaba was relieved or disappointed. But, it didn't matter. She didn't care. She didn't care one nit about Elphaba, not at all. Galinda repeated the thought like a chant, as her lady's maid readied her for bed. Her hands carefully removing Galinda's wounded arm from her dress and smock. The Princess was grateful for the gentleness. Before supper Nanny had whipped her around, claiming the faster they finished, the faster the pain would be over. More than once Galinda had yelped for Nanny to be careful.

When Galinda was in nothing more than her chemise, Elphaba pointed to her cheek and said,

"Your Royal Highness should ice it or it shall swell."

"You mean swell worse than it already has," Galinda muttered tiredly, staring at her hands, "I'm afraid I'll have to stay unsightly for a bit. I can't bear Nanny tonight. She's sure to be full of questions, not to mention that hand of hers. I suppose I was lucky that only my darling Sir Chuffrey punched me and not old iron fist."

Elphaba snorted a laugh. Galinda glanced up through her eyelashes. Elphaba was grinning at her.

She had joked with the creature! Joked like she would with Milla. What was wrong with her? Galinda covered her mouth and whirled around.

"I could apply the ice," her lady's maid in a low voice that gave Galinda goosebumps.

"Ha!" Galinda said, "You and ice? I think we know how that would end."

Galinda returned to goading, but her voice sounded too pathetic to be mean. Instead, her words had a tone of casual intimacy. Could the creature sense her nervousness? Galinda bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. "You're dismissed!" she said.

It took a moment before Elphaba shuffled toward the door. Once it closed shut, Galinda fell at her vanity, her forehead on her arms as she tried to breathe. Her feelings were silly, stupid things, and now they were ruining her. What had she done? Sir Chuffrey was sure to be annoyed with her tomorrow, when the shock of hitting her wore away.

A knock sounded at her bedroom door.

Had he come to talk tonight? Galinda's heart raced. She couldn't face the man at this hour. She would just have to pretend to be asleep. She crept over to her bed, slid in silently, and hid beneath the covers.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Galinda held her breath. This was ridiculous! She was hiding in her own castle.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

How dogged that man was! She sat up and shouted,

"Come in!"

When Elphaba walked through the door, holding a pail, Galinda's eyes grew. "Why did you come back?" she blurted.

Closing the door, Elphaba held up her pail and said,

"I brought ice."

Galinda felt a warmth spread through her. She was not used to kindness, not after Miss Clutch left, and especially not from servants who hated her.

"I'm sure I told you I didn't want any ice from you!"

From her apron pocket, Elphaba took out a kitchen towel and a pair of wool gloves, the gloves Galinda used to make her wear.

"These should help," her lady's maid said. "May I try?"

Galinda was speechless. Clearing her throat, she said,

"I-I suppose since you insisted on waking me up."

Elphaba nodded and made her way to Galinda's bed. She set the pail on Galinda's bedside table and slipped on the gloves and toweled the ice shard. Holding it, she turned toward Galinda and waited, her posture tentative, her narrow black-brown eyes unsure. Galinda knew she shouldn't. She shouldn't give in to this, not when she was trying to rid herself of her feelings for the creature. But she was tired. Oh, so tired.

"You may," she conceded and Elphaba leaned closer.

The next afternoon in Galinda's room, Sir Chuffrey's mouth was like shears, cutting up her sentences. "You have feelings for him!" he accused.

"Don't be ridiculous! I just don't care for the sight of blood! It doesn't mean—"

"Yet, you were willing to be bloodied yourself!"

"I didn't know how to stop you from—"

"Prove it to me! Prove you don't have any feelings for him!"

"How can—"

"Let me punish them both!"

"What makes them deserving—"

"For not doing as they were told! For making me wound you!"

"Fine. I can withhold their pay for a week," Galinda gave in.

"No! They need something more severe, something that will make sure they'll never bother you again."

"Like what?"

Sir Chuffrey leaned closer and whispered in her ear. Galinda gasped, her cheeks going bright red. How could he even imagine something so abhorrent! As he continued, Galinda felt her stomach sour.

A couple hours later, she sat alone in the Green Gallery, curled up on bench next to a tall tracery window after her evening prayers. What kind of man was Sir Chuffrey to suggest such a thing? She refused, but he threatened to call off the engagement. He accused her, saying if she didn't go through with the punishment, then she must be in love with Shell. Thankfully Sir Chuffrey hadn't accused her of feelings for Elphaba. Her denials wouldn't have been nearly so convincing. But, she was still in trouble. She had until late evening. Either she would help with the punishment or she would end their engagement.

The punishment seemed wretched and yet maybe it wasn't so different from the inspections she performed on Elphaba herself? Maybe Elphaba would survive it? Maybe it wasn't as bad as she first thought? Galinda wished it so, staring at the stars above the Great Gilliken Forest in the distance.

That evening Elphaba came to undress her and brought another ice shard. Galinda sat in her chemise on her bed, the covers pulled over her breasts. Her lady's maid applied the cold towel gently to Galinda's bruised face. How could Galinda return this kindness with cruelty? She stared at her lady's maid slender face across from her until Elphaba raised an eyebrow. Galinda looked away, afraid Elphaba could see through her.

"Princess?"

"Yes?" Galinda said

"I wonder if I might ask a favor," Elphaba said.

"A favor?" Galinda asked, looking up.

"My brother told you a story about my younger sister," Elphaba said and Galinda's stomach flopped. Not the lame monster again!

"I want to ask if Your Royal Highness could forget it. Forget he mentioned anything and please don't mention her to Sir Chuffrey."

It was as if Elphaba punched her. Now Galinda understood. All of Elphaba's sweetness, her gentleness, her kindness was a ruse to get her to agree to this. The creature didn't have any real compassion for her. How could she? Galinda had been more than unkind to her.

"I don't see any reason to ever talk about the subject again," she said honestly.

Elphaba smiled, bowed her head and said,

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness."

When Sir Chuffrey came by an hour later, Galinda had no choice. She couldn't risk her future, because of some silly feelings for a servant. She told Sir Chuffrey she would do it.

"We shall prepare your lady's maid here and then go to the gardens," he told Galinda, grinning. She nodded, not saying another word.

The next morning, Elphaba dressed her, taking the greatest care to never jerk her weak arm. Each soft touch only made Galinda feel worse. She couldn't bear for Elphaba to continue with her jewels. She walked over to her vanity, staring at her shaking hands and said,

"You're dismissed!"

That evening Sir Chuffrey came to her room carrying a reclining purple velvet bench-chair with large wooden armrests from his room. It's wide seat could snugly fit two. Its back sat a 145 degree angle, making the chair perfect for reading or napping. He placed it the middle of her room. After he left, Galinda laid four maroon silk cords on her bed and prepared two large pitchers of water. When Elphaba came in that evening to undress her, her brown eyes immediately went to the chair. She walked toward it and asked,

"Can I help Your Royal Highness with something?"

Galinda who stood behind it, holding one of the pitchers secretly behind the chair back, looked at the floor and said flatly, "Undress and lay on the chair."

"What?" Elphaba whispered, hesitating before she stuttered, "B-but, I thought that was over. Your Royal Highness was different. I—"

"Just do as I say and undress!" Galinda said still looking down.

"No, I can't. I won't," she said.

Galinda looked up to see Elphaba, her chin raised, her eyebrows flexed, looking both distressed and defiant.

"Please. Don't make this more difficult," Galinda whispered.

Elphaba cocked her head. "Your Royal Highness doesn't want this? But, then, why? Why would you ask me to..."

Galinda longed to say it, to confess Sir Chuffrey's dirty little plan, admit how much she loathed him, apologize for how she treated Elphaba, beg her to start their relationship over. But she was the Princess of Gillikin, she was supposed to live happily ever after! She couldn't throw her life away for a monster who would never love her in return.

"Silence!" Galinda shouted. "A servant does not say what she will or won't do. Now undress before I make you really suffer!"

Elphaba jumped at the change of tone, but straightened and said,

"No, Your Royal Highness! I will not!"

"My, my, you really think you can defy me," Galinda said and with a flash she tossed the pitcher of water at her lady's maid who gasped and raised her arms. It drenched her and she shriveled to the floor as Galinda expected. The Princess' heart hammered in her chest as she hurried to her door and knocked three times. Sir Chuffrey who waited on the other side entered. Eyeing her lady's maid, he said,

"Who knew that the beast of Munchkinland became such a dirty little whore when bathed?"

Elphaba looked up. Her eyes going wide as she saw the High Constable in his red military uniform, her head shaking back and forth, as she wrapped her arms around her chest.

"Did you get the rope?" Sir Chuffrey asked Galinda who closed the door.

"It's on the bed," Galinda muttered, not moving from the spot by the door. Elphaba's face went a pale moss-green.

"Come here, you little slut," he called to Elphaba and Galinda cringed. Her lady's maid tried to slither away from the High Constable, but he rushed and sat on her. Galinda couldn't look as she heard him rip Elphaba's clothes. Her buttons flying across the floor. Her lady's maid screamed for him to stop, but he didn't. He didn't stop until she wore nothing at all. Then he used pieces of Elphaba's own garment to gag her, forcing them into her mouth, and tying a silk rope over the fabric, between her lips, and around her head. He flung her naked body on the chair, smacking her head against the tall back. Galinda turned to see a weak naked Elphaba laying on the chair, struggling as Sir Chuffrey twisted and tied her green arms behind the chair back. He came around front and grabbed her ankles, pushing them up toward her buttocks, tying her ankles and knees to the arm rests. Last he squeezed her tiny breasts pulling them upward as she groaned into her gag. He kept them up with one arm, while he slid a silk rope underneath and scooted around to fasten the rope around the chair. He stood up behind Elphaba and said.

"Now that was easy, wasn't it?"

Galinda's mouth was ajar. Sir Chuffrey was worse than her father. He had smiled as he fought Elphaba, tittered as he tied her. Torturing her gave him a thrill. All Galinda could do was stare at her lady's maid, who looked down at her naked self. She lay there bare, gagged, bound, arms behind her back, knees up, thighs spread wide, her womanhood opened like a flower, exposed for anyone to see.

"I bet you're wet already, aren't you?" the High Constable asked Elphaba.

Elphaba's eyes seethed, her body still quivering from the water. He grabbed her chin and wrenched it upward.

"I asked you a question," he hissed.

Gagged, Elphaba could only glare.

"I can't hear you?" he said smiling.

Her lady's maid's eyes hardened. He chuckled, and walked around and leaned over and laughed at her, before he slapped her, his palm clapping against Elphaba's face so loud Galinda flinched.

"That's for for making me hit Galinda last night," he said. Elphaba face fell to the side.

"Now, my dearest," he said turning to Galinda, "it's time to get the gardener."

Elphaba's head snapped up, Sir Chuffrey's handprint on her cheek. She shook her head. A horrified look in her eyes as she stared at Galinda. She groaned loudly, a plea to leave her brother out of this. Sir Chuffrey turned back and said,

"If you moan one word when he comes in, I shall cut his throat in front of you," he said and tapped the knife sheathed on his military uniform.

Aghast, Galinda's horror of Sir Chuffrey wound her tight like a doll. All she could do was follow behind him out the door, leaving a tied and terrified Elphaba to lay and wait.

When the two Gillikinese arrived at the outside servant's quarters, Galinda did as Sir Chuffrey advised. Carrying a valet's uniform in a velvet bag on her shoulder, she asked a young servant boy who was standing by the outside fire pit to fetch Shell. The Munchkinlander come out from a nearby shack, grinning.

"Princess! I have been worried about Your Royal Highness since last night."

Clutching her trembling hands behind her back, she said,

"I wanted to apologize to you."

"Apologize? But, it is I who troubled Your Royal Highness."

"I wasn't able to properly receive you like I wanted to last night. I was afraid that Sir Chuffrey would find out how I feel about you," she said, aware of the High Constable hiding in a nearby bush.

"Feel about me? What do you mean?" he asked.

"Do you think we might go somewhere more private?" she asked.

Shell didn't hesitate to take her to a more secluded bench in the gardens. When they reached it, Galinda said in a nervous tone,

"You see I've been thinking on you, Shell."

"You have?" he asked.

"Too much to be proper," she said and the gardener swallowed hard. "But, you know I am to marry Sir Chuffrey."

Shell nodded, his grin falling like mud down a pig's snout.

"But, I can't marry him without knowing what it might have been like to be loved by you," she said. "Do you want to love me?"

He licked his lips.

"Yes, Princess, I do," he confessed.

"Would you love me tonight?" she asked.

Shell looked so nervous he might faint.

"Tonight?" he repeated in a high-pitch.

Galinda nodded.

"I can. If you want me to," he said.

"I've brought some clothes for you, so you can enter the castle and come to my room. Here," she said handing him the velvet bag. "It's a valet's uniform for you to change into."

Shell changed behind a bush and followed Galinda as she ushered him toward a rarely used entrance into the castle. Galinda saw Sir Chuffrey run ahead of her as planned, but Shell hadn't seen a thing. He was so trusting as he followed her down the bedroom hallway upstairs. Galinda entered the dark guest room Fiyero had used and pulled Shell inside. Sir Chuffrey was already hidden behind the drapes.

"Before we enter my bedroom, I need you to do some things for me," Galinda said.

"Anything, just tell me and I shall do it."

"You see I've never been with a man before and I'm afraid to give myself to you." Galinda said.

"I won't hurt you, Princess" Shell said. "I promise to be gentle."

"All the same, I would prefer if you covered your eyes," Galinda said and raised a padded leather eye mask.

"Of course," Shell said and kneeled so Galinda could tie it on him.

"And, I'll need to fix your hands behind your back."

"You mean bind my hands?" Shell asked blindfolded, standing up.

"So I can feel safe with you. I've never been in a bedroom with a man alone."

"As you wish, Princess," Shell said and crossed his hands behind his back. Galinda walked around and as she did Sir Chuffrey crept out next to her. She was not allowed to touch Shell. Per Sir Chuffrey's orders, she could only watch as the High Constable tied Shell's hands tight.

"There," Galinda said, coming round to face Shell while Sir Chuffrey snuck out into the hallway to make sure it was clear.

"But how shall I be able to—," Shell stopped, blushing.

"Don't worry. I shall undo your trousers once I take you to my room," Galinda said and Shell's cheeks grew even darker. "When I get to my room, I shall undress until I am only in silk nightgown and lay on a bench for you. I'm afraid I'm very shy. I don't think I shall be able to talk to you once we enter the bedroom. I shall probably only be able to murmur to you. And you must promise me one thing."

"Whatever it is, I promise you."

"You must never kiss me. Not even once!"

"I won't," Shell said. "If you don't want me to."

"Now, then, will you follow the sound of my voice and lay yourself on top of me?"

"Won't I hurt you, if I must lean on you and not use my arms?"

Galinda hesitated. Run, Shell, run! Get away from me. Take Elphaba. Leave the castle. Run away.

"Princess?" he repeated, unable to see her.

"No," she murmured to Shell, "No matter how I cry out or move underneath you. I want to feel all of you. Just as you are. Will you do this for me?"

Shell gulped.

"Whatever you wish, Your Royal Highness."

Sir Chuffrey entered Galinda's room first. He was to go in and throw a silk scarf soaked in Galinda's perfume over Elphaba's naked body and brandish his military knife to keep her silent. When Galinda brought Shell in the dark room, Sir Chuffrey was standing next to her Elphaba, knife in hand. Her lady's maid's eyes widened when she saw her brother, she shook her head wildly, but didn't make a sound. There was no turning back. Galinda walked behind Elphaba, and called for Shell to come near. Blind, with his hands behind his back, he walked slowly, one foot in front of the other, until his knees hit the bench. Galinda wet a towel in the second pitcher. She raised Elphaba's head and set the wet cloth around her neck. Her lady's maid froze then quivered, her nipples tightening under the see-through silk.

"I will untie you now," Galinda said to Shell, but stayed where she was. Sir Chuffrey walked to Shell and untied his pants, pulling them down, so his thick manhood popped out. Galinda had never seen a man beside her father before. She was surprised at Shell's rising length and girth and the curly black hair around his heavy sack.

"Come closer," she said and Elphaba began to writhe and struggle. Galinda couldn't tell if it was the water or her fear. Sir Chuffrey raised a knife behind her brother's head and Elphaba went still as Shell kneeled on the chair-bench. He walked on his knees toward his sister.

"Lean forward," Galinda whispered.

Shell leaned until his manhood poked the edge of the silk scarf on Elphaba's stomach. Shell mouth opened, as as he felt his sister's body squirm against his hardness.

"Lower," Galinda said.

Shell moved his knees farther apart, arched his hips as he pulled his manhood past his sister's navel, across her straight black hair and toward her wet opening

"Enter me," Galinda said and Shell pushed the tip of himself in.

"I want all of you," Galinda said.

Shell smiled and leaned until he fell on his sister. His manhood filled her. Her hips rose sharply. His chin brushed the side of her sister's forehead. He bucked, moving his hips back and forth.

Galinda trembled at the sight. It couldn't be bad as it looked. The troll would never be loved by anyone. No one would ever touch her like this. So what did it matter if Shell did? They weren't having sex. Monsters couldn't have sex. Her lady's maid couldn't feel, not like a real woman could. If no man would ever get any use out of her, perhaps this was a favor.

What a pitiful lie. A man had wanted to love her. Fiyero had wanted Elphaba and Galinda had squashed any chance of it.

Shell pumped in and out as Elphaba struggled. Galinda felt her supper rise back up. Watching them, didn't feel at all like her inspections. Forcing Elphaba to enjoy pleasure against her will had been intoxicating for a while, but forcing Elphaba to endure something painful felt horrible. Galinda wanted to stop the pain. So she wet another towel, and squatted down and rubbed Elphaba's arms with the wet cloth. Elphaba's hands clenched, her hips thrusting upward as Shell moaned. The siblings gyrated back and forth against each other. Galinda stood and could no longer tell if Elphaba was thrashing to get free or to rub against her brother. After what seemed close to half an hour, her lady's maid went limp. She no longer protested. In a few more minutes, Shell gave a deep groan and lay flat. Sweat dripping down his back.

"Princess," Shell whispered and pulled his chest off of his sister, using all his strength to prop himself on his knees, "Are you all right? I didn't hurt you, did I? Will you let me see you now?"

Sir Chuffrey ripped off Shell's blindfold and roared with laughter. The blood left Shell's face. He leaned back and fell off the chair, he rolled on the floor trying to get up, his manhood shrinking. Sir Chuffrey laughed louder. He pulled Shell to his feet. The gardener's mouth opened and closed in shock. Elphaba kept her face turned away, her eyes on the floor.

"Elphaba?! But, how...how..." he whispered confused. His eyes found Galinda in the dark behind the chair. She held his frightened gaze for a moment, before she looked down. Her cheeks heating with shame.

"Princess!" he said.

"Don't you dare call for her!" Sir Chuffrey yelled, "Let this be a lesson. This is what happens to uppity Munchkinlanders in Gillikin."

Shell shook his head, his hands still tied behind his back, his wet cock hanging out of his pants.

"Shall we have your sister clean you with her mouth. Or would you like to leave?" Sir Chuffrey asked, opening the bedroom door.

Shell's eyes darted to Elphaba with her hands tied behind her, mouth gagged, legs parted, her green womanhood leaking with his excitement. She was bared for the whole room to see. That jostling, that whimpering, that wetness. It had been his older sister. His manhood started to harden against his will.

"Look at him. He seems to love his sister quite a bit. Did she make a man out of you?" Sir Chuffrey said, laughing. Shell shook his head, and turned, his prick flopping as he ran from the room. Sir Chuffrey closed the door behind him and walked toward Elphaba, Galinda assumed to untie her. But he stopped a few feet in front of her lady's maid, and loosened the strings around his trousers, and said,

"Now, shall I show you what a real man feels like between your legs?"

Galinda lunged in front of her lady's maid.

"What are you doing?!" she asked.

"Move!" Sir Chuffrey said coming close.

"No! You mentioned Shell, not this!" Galinda said, "Leave right now or I'll scream for all the castle to hear." Sir Chuffrey's stance had Galinda caterpillaring backward, her hands pressed against his chest.

"Are you jealous of me jollying your servant? She's an animal, Galinda, and I'm going to show her that. Trust me, I'll make sure she doesn't enjoy it and it doesn't change how I feel about you," he said.

He had no idea how Galinda felt.

"Leave!" Galinda said. "Now!"

Chuffrey snorted

"Fine. I will allow you this outburst before our marriage," he said, tying his pants, "but don't think I'll accept your tantrums afterward." He grabbed his jacket and left the room, slamming the door behind him.

Galinda turned to Elphaba. The Munchkinlander's eyes were glazed as if her soul left her body. Her cheeks were wet with tears. Galinda had never seen Elphaba cry, not when she made her strip, not when she inspected her, not even when she belted her. She bent down and worked the ropes, untying Elphaba and finally pulling the gag from her mouth. She expected Elphaba to scream, curse, or hit her—anything but close her mouth and lay there. But the Munchkinlander didn't budge, didn't even blink.

"Elphaba," Galinda said, the name sounding foreign in her mouth, "Elphaba, you're dismissed. You're free to go," she said, shaking her lightly. "Elphaba," she said again and shook her harder. The Munchkinlander rose and Galinda backed away. She waited for her to react. Needed the Munchkinlander to react, to punish her, to relieve her of this unbearableness, but her lady's maid floated out the door, like an apparition. Leaving Galinda to drown in her sins.


A/N: Still with me?