[Part 1]

Chapter 5: Dinner plans

-Emerald City-

*~Evanora~*

The moment the ache made its way into her body she knew her time was limited.

If anyone was distressed by the sight of the royal advisor running down the halls then she can always claim a breakthrough, but dealing with witnesses will have to wait. The most important thing is to reach seclusion before someone – especially her sister – attempts to find her.

She shut her chamber door behind her and sank down against it, breaths short and heavy. Her body ached with the explosion of pain in her chest and all she could do was close her eyes and pray for it to pass. Nausea pushed its way up her throat and then the voices returned with their deafening clash for dominance, driving a bolt through her thoughts.

This was the second attack in as many days and she feared what that may mean.

It did not help that each one left her breathless and on the verge of unconsciousness.

If someone were to take advantage of her weakened state, would she be able to defend herself?

When the pain dimmed at last, she drew in a shuddering breath and gradually crawled over to her bedpost, still too weak to stand. Her hands shook as she pulled herself up, but her body was unwilling and her legs too unsteady. Before she could fall, Evanora managed to twist herself to land on her bed, tangling her limbs in the process.

She heaved with discomfort and tenderness, wanting nothing more than to merely descend into darkness where she would find peace from this torment. Of course, that was not a mercy she would be afforded.

As the royal advisor she had duties to see to, half of them patterning to serving the king (whether it be a fraud or not) which meant that she needs to compose herself and prepare to give their guest a tour of what could (though she doubted it) become his palace.

But first, a reprieve.

She was lightheaded and that was no state to be rushing about in.

Having tidied up and redone her hair, Evanora felt that a semblance of control had been returned, lifting her confidence for the evening ahead. Before leaving her chambers, she had given herself a final once-over in the mirror to truly ensure that nothing would betray her earlier ailment (it wouldn't do to give her enemies ammunition).

It has been a few hours since her departure from the throne room and her sister had not sought her out which was concerning.

Theodora had always chased after her shadow, eager to imitate and spend time with her and though she was relieved that in recent years her sister had not been as insistent for her attention, it was also perplexing.

Theodora was an isolated child with very few friendships (so few in fact that Evanora could count them on one hand and still have fingers to spare), but moving to Emerald City had been good for her.

It had been good for both of them.

She cleared her mind of her wandering thoughts and turned down the hall leading to the king's courters, determined not to be distracted from her goal.

She will see once and for all what this wizard is made of.

"My lady," a guard cut off her path, bowing. "The herald wished to inform you that the head housekeeper has put the Wizard in the prince's old rooms."

She stood incredibly still, attempting to convince herself that she had misheard yet acutely aware that she had not.

It took all her self-restraint to remain impassive.

"Who made this decision?"

"I assumed it was the housekeeper, but inquiry seems to lean to a consensus that it had been a command from the court."

"On what ground?"

"The continued presence of the Wicked Witch, my lady."

And they did it without consulting her. Do they suspect?

"Which members?"

"I do not know, but if my lady wishes, I will find out."

"Be discrete. I do not want word of the court's diversion reaching the ears of the masses."

"Of course. On your leave, milady."

She waved him away and took a moment to centre herself though her anxiety made it difficult.

What to do now? She had already framed Glinda, exposing 'the prophesised king' as a fraud may lead people to think that she's eliminating contenders of the crown. However if someone else (someone unconnected) were to unveil his true nature than she would not be kept under as vigilant an eye. Most importantly, it would give her time.

She cannot send him to the Dark Forest now. If Glinda sways 'the Wizard' towards her, Evanora's disclosure will be imminent and undisputed. The people will rally against her, Theodora will detest her and she'll be forced to abandon not only her sister, but everything. She would be a fugitive and her efforts would be for nought.

A new quest is in order; one that steers him well away from the south.

When she swooped into the private dining hall, Theodora and the wizard were already seated and served, chatting idly. She examined them as she approached, noting her sister's cheerfulness and wardrobe change as well as Oz's (she wondered after his true name) awkwardness.

"Good evening, Sister." She curtsied to the man by her sister's side, restraining her ill-will. "My lord. I hope you enjoyed your rest." If nothing else, he did seem tidier.

"Indeed. My chambers were very well-selected. I hear I have you to thank for that."

Redirection? What exactly is the court planning?

She slid into her chair – the second to the left of the head (directly across Theodora's) – and took her time forming a response. "Do not become too accustomed, the king's rooms are far better suited to a sovereign of Oz than those of an unmatched heir."

"I don't quite understand."

Before she could comment – or even think to suppress a scathing remark – Theodora turned to her with beseeching eyes. "I'll explain it to him later."

Try as she might, she could not deny her request to leave matters be. "As you wish, Sister."

She would be lying if she claimed an appetite, but she cut the fillet and speared it, prepared to at least put up a pretence of hunger. Unfortunately it seemed that she could not be left in peace to do even that much as not a full ten seconds went by before the wizard's voice grated in her ears.

"I hope I'm not being too forward, but Theodora told me it would be wise to ask you about the laws in place for the king?"

At least it was an intellectual question. Though he may only be asking in order to find a technicality with which to break said laws.

"A king, or an Ozgood, is traditionally a man chosen by the Ancient Fae or the Cardinal Coven to govern the Land of Oz in the honour of Queen Enilrul the First. He is to uphold peace and prosperity and assist the Coven in guarding Oz, whether it be from invaders beyond the deserts or threats from within the protective barrier."

She paused to have a drink; her parched throat carrying a taste of blood.

"Your situation is different. Instead of being chosen directly, a prophecy was passed onto King Pastoria upon his deathbed. The meaning is vague and although you do match the specifications, there are also requirements to be met." She glanced at Theodora upon sensing her growing tension and realised she was overstepping, so she quickly amended, "But that is a matter to discuss with my sister."

She inhaled in an attempt to relieve the ache in her temples. "As a beneficiary of Enilrul's power, it is expected of each and every Ozgood and Ozmara to pay their respects. Over the years there have been varying ways to do this, the most recent being the granting of wishes at the annual Feast of Enilrul."

She took another sip to clear the copper from her tongue.

"The Royal Family hold the main seat of power within Oz, but with that power comes the responsibility of crafting and enforcing laws to benefit and further the four regions while retaining equality and fairness. A ruler must also preserve and maintain alliances with the Cardinal Coven and other ruling parties to ensure stability, security and cooperation."

By the overwhelmed look on the man's face, she doubted he understood half of what she said. She truly hoped he was not the Wizard otherwise Oz will be doomed. She had yet to even name the prominent ten out of the one hundred and seventy one binding laws to which the king was subject.

"Perhaps I should simply allow you observation of the Book of Laws."

"Y-yes, that may be a better approach."

"Evanora also offered to give you a tour of the palace," Theodora interjected looking between them uncertainly, "It would be a good opportunity to meet your subjects and learn about your kingdom."

"That's very generous."

Far too generous.

"It may be best to do so in the morning. It grows darker by the minute."

She had prepared for the tour before she had seen the skies. Though she would rather him view nothing of Emerald City, her attack disorientated her and it would be unwise to stumble about the palace during a Longer Night with a stranger when she isn't at her best.

If he is the Wizard, he could easily overwhelm her. She can't even imagine what he would do to her considering previous Wizards' vast powers. He might be able to kill her without even being present!

Come to think of it, her first attack occurred the day he arrived...

Is he deliberately attempting to throw her off?

"They say certain locations have unique charm at night. Perhaps you can take me on a quick tour now and Theodora can cover the rest tomorrow?"

She was about to dissuade him from the idea when she saw her sister's expression; so hesitantly happy. To anyone who doesn't know her, Theodora might appear cheerful and meek, but Evanora knows well how swiftly her sister's disposition can change. More importantly, she knows how difficult it is to be joyous when your world burns around you.

Oh the trials of being the eldest.

"That can be arranged."

– L.L.