Chapter 7
"It is my great pleasure to announce that Princess Elphaba gave birth to little Zara Tiggular a few days ago. Both mother and daughter are doing well," Queen Ayla announced from her spot on the balcony, overlooking the Palace grounds. Everyone from the lower town had filtered in and there was much cheering and celebrating.
"In honor of her birth, we will throw a party, like none other! I think we all know that when the Vinkus puts their mind to something, we do it and do it well!" Another round of cheers went up.
"The King is away on business in the Emerald City and upon his return, a grand ball for all foreign dignitaries will be held as is custom. Though that is a few days away, I see no reason that we can't start celebrating now. Lieutenant Ash tells me that the boar hunt was very successful and as such, tomorrow we will have a roast for all of those in the lower town and those here in the Palace, where little Zara will make her debut. Tonight the royal mead cellars have been opened and every family gets their own bottle!" Ayla announced. The crowd went wild at that and the Queen quickly bade them good night.
"You'd think we'd told them that Morrible was dead again," Fiyero chuckled from his chair as she reentered the room from the balcony. The announcements were made from the balcony just off the King's private study.
"Well they love their Princess and I'm sure they are going to love their new Princess too," his mother smiled as she took a seat next to him.
"Only if I can get her to stop crying. I'm half tempted to check my spell books," Elphaba walked into the room, carrying the screaming child. Fiyero stood up, took his daughter into his arms, and she calmed down.
"Ah. So Daddy has the magic touch," he chuckled, before poking the baby's nose gently.
"Your father had the same but I feel like Doctor Magi should have a look at Zara," Ayla frowned.
"I already spoke to Kapoor. He is coming over as soon as he can. Seems that the cook's assistant, Amir, almost chopped off one of his fingers," the green woman frowned as she sat down in one of the overstuffed arm chair.
"That poor boy. Mr. Samuels likes his enthusiasm though," the Queen shook her head.
"Perhaps we should give his family a little more money. He's been to the Doctor more in the last few months than I think Mr. Samuels has been in his entire career," Fiyero suggested.
"I'll see what I can do. You can tell he loves what he does. I can just remember that first meal he made, all by himself, for me and your father. His whole face lit up and it was darn good," Ayla smiled. Fiyero chuckled and looked at his wife. She looked tired and in need of some decent sleep. He knew that with the baby neither one of them was getting much sleep but she seemed really really tired. Before he could say anything however, there was a commotion out in the hallway. Ayla stood up and headed for the door when she heard footsteps just outside the door followed by,
"Stay inside Majesties! The Flying Monkeys are meeting the threat in the skies!"
"Threat in the skies?" Elphaba looked at the Queen and she shrugs. Disobeying the soldier, she poked her head out of the door.
"Elphaba…" the green woman looked at her husband and he shrugged a little so as not to disturb the baby. Carefully, she got up and moved to the Queen and poked her head out of the door as well.
"Is that what I think it is?" Elphaba asked.
"If it isn't we're in trouble," Ayla said.
To Be Continued…